Features – Page 25 – Brown Paper Doll

Totally Clutch

August 22, 2016

It really surprises me how many young women don’t have a staple clutch or small crossbody in their closet. Listen here ladies, small bags are fantastic! Firstly, as I’m getting older I’m finding that I have more dressy social events on my calendar. My friends are getting married, I have charity events to attend, and yes, I still like to party. For these types of events, I don’t want to be carrying a large bag. And in some cases, a large bag is just not appropriate. Enter my best friend the clutch.

I have a couple that are my go-to’s, but I’m starting quite the collection of colors and textures. My navy Saint Laurent crossbody is obviously my favorite, but I have a neutral gold, a hot pink velvet, a classic black, and I love my leopard calf-hair folder clutch!

And here’s the thing… clutches just aren’t for formal events. They’re chic and playful for any time you just want to carry the essentials. I say go for it and give that tote or shoulder bag a rest. Check out some of my favorite small bags on the market right now!

1. Givenchy Envelope Clutch.

2. Rebecca Minkoff Leo Clutch.

3. Saint Laurent Crossbody.

4. BP Foldover Clutch.

5. Clare V. Velvet Foldover Clutch.

6. Stella McCartney Crossbody.

7. Chelsea28 Faux Leather Clutch.

by brownpaperdoll

twitterfacebookgplustumblrmail

Features

Shoes I Overwear

August 18, 2016

So I definitely have my fair share of shoes. Heels in particular. But no matter how many beautiful pairs I buy, I find myself in the same situation as so many other women. I tend to wear the same favorites over and over. Let me just say, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It just means that some shoes get more love (and abuse) than others in my closet.

So how does it happen? Since I wear heels pretty much every day, I tend to gravitate towards my more comfortable pairs. I have my favorite pumps, statement pumps, go-to boots, and rotate amongst those categories. But I still have my special occasion pairs that only come out to play once in a blue moon. I’m talking about you, suede Gucci sandals!

What I do to try and spread the love? Display my shoes evenly, so I can easily see my collection and the variety at my fingertips.

The actual shoes I overwear:
Anything Stuart Weitzman: gladiators (Sparta), heeled sandals (Nudist), thigh-high boots (Highland, AllLegs). For me, all of these options are a great fit that’s comfortable AND sexy.

Other brands: Vince booties, Manolo Blahnik pumps, J.Crew everything!

The takeaway here is – No matter if you wear the same shoes over and over, it’s important that you feel comfortable, confident, and appropriate for the situation. Yes, I have my sky-high YSL sandals I love, but they’re not necessarily the best option for me to go to work, personally. That’s why some of my shoes get more action than others – but I always try to protect my shoes and help them last longer. More on that topic later! In the meantime, you can spot me in one of my favorite pairs, strutting around the office or down 5th Avenue.

Do you have favorite shoes that you think you overwear? Sound off in the comments below!

by brownpaperdoll

twitterfacebookgplustumblrmail

Features

My Golden Rule

July 31, 2016

Ok, so I’ll be honest. I shop more than the average person. I’ve always liked nice things, and fashion is definitely my passion. While I do have a continuous list of things I’m lusting after, I’m definitely not one to buy every single item I like or see myself in. Of course, there are budgetary restraints that keep my shopping addiction at bay, but I think there are also other factors at play.

Everyone has items in their closet that makes them think, “What in the world was I thinking?” I really try to keep those situations to a minimum, even though they are definitely there! So how does a shopaholic decide what’s worth pulling the AMEX trigger on? Enter my golden rule.

Before I buy any fashion item, I must be able to see myself wearing the item with three different things, to create three distinct looks. With this golden rule, I exercise creativity on the spot to see how this item would play along with the other items in my closet. This way, I can ensure this item is versatile, and not just a one-wear-wonder! Recently, I fell in love with a bright blazer that was absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, when I thought of how I would wear it – the outfits weren’t different enough. It was some variation of a pair of jeans and a white or black top. Bye, bye blazer.

The golden rule might sound silly, but it’s helped me weed out a lot of impulse buys that wouldn’t stand the test of time in my wardrobe. Now, the majority of clothes I own are classic pieces I’ve had for a while, and the new things are items I can see myself wearing for a while. Next time you make a purchase, do you think you’ll use the golden rule of 3?

by brownpaperdoll

twitterfacebookgplustumblrmail

Previous posts Next posts