A chambray shirt is an extremely versatile piece of clothing that every woman should have in her wardrobe. My chambray shirt is in heavy rotation in my closet because it’s so easy to dress up or down (I’ve been known to wear it multiple times a week). Whether you’re a chambray veteran or just trying it out, here’s three different and fresh ways to style yours!
I hope these fresh styling tips help you get more wear out of your chambray shirt!
XO, J
P.S. I want to know how you style your chambray! Let me know in the comments section.
Some of you may be confused by the title of this post. After all, isn’t this a blog for women? Yes, it is (although I don’t discourage male readers!). However, this post is for the men in your life. It’s for your boyfriend, husband, fiancé, brother, dad, uncle, and friend. After all, our men should look and feel just as good as we do, right? While they may not read this blog, you can certainly drop them a helpful hint by, say, leaving this page open on your computer screen or casually forwarding them the link….
Guys, listen up: Tom Ford is pretty smart and he knows what he’s talking about! It’s always a good idea to take advice from someone who knows how to give it. Just think of this list as your new manifesto (and go throw away your old undies).
Have you ever met a girl who didn’t like shoe shopping? I don’t think I have. But sometimes us girls succumb to the aesthetic appeal of a pair of shoes without thinking about how badly our feet will be throbbing at the end of the night. Am I right? The good news is that there are shoes out there that can be cute and functional (and not make us wish we were walking barefoot instead)! Keep reading for my ultimate shoe shopping tips below!
1. Never, ever buy a pair of shoes without trying them on. I figure this is a no-brainer for most, but I just had to say it.
2. Never buy shoes that don’t fit, no matter how cute they are!
3. For flats: you may need to go up 1/2 or even one full size. For example, I usually wear an 8-8 1/2 in heels but I always wear at least a 9 in flats. This is because your foot is spread out more in a flat shoe.
4. For heels: always try on heels at the end of the day when you feet are the most swollen. This will give you an idea of what they will feel like after a long day (hint: they shouldn’t be tight or rub in any spots). A peep-toe heel will make your foot slide forward more, so try sizing down 1/2 size for a better fit. A slingback heel will give your foot more room in the back, which may cause the heel to slide off. Again, try sizing down 1/2 size for a better fit. In heels, your feet should never feel sausaged-in (not a word) nor should the heel be sliding off the back of your foot.
5. Synthetic materials tend to be extremely unforgiving and can tear up your feet. Suede and leather shoes will stretch after a few wears and will be infinitely more comfortable.
6. Arch support is very important in both flats and heels. If the arch in a heeled shoe is in the wrong place for your foot, it will cause foot pain due to pressure placed on the wrong spots.
7. Heels with some sort of platform are easier on the balls of your feet and are usually more comfortable. If you’re not into looking like you’re wearing platforms, try searching for a pump with a hidden platform (like these).
8. Sometimes, the shoe just doesn’t fit. If you’ve tried it on in multiple sizes and it still isn’t feeling comfortable, don’t buy it.
9. With both heels and flats, having enough room in the toe box is very important. Long-term wear of ill-fitting shoes that pinch your toes can cause foot problems such as bunions, ingrown toenails, and corns.
10. When trying shoes on, make sure to walk on both the carpeting and the tile in the store. Many shoe departments are carpeted because it is softer on your feet, but this may be misleading.
11. Never underestimate the power of a good cobbler. I got a pair of knee high leather boots last fall that were slightly tight in the calf area. For $12, my local cobbler gently stretched the leather out (without ruining them) and now they fit perfectly! Cobblers can also resole your favorite pair of shoes or add a rubber sole to slippery heels. Don’t forget to utilize them!
12. Finally, don’t be afraid to splurge on a quality pair of shoes. I sometimes tend to cheap-out on clothing, but I take my footwear very seriously and only buy truly quality shoes that will last a long time and are comfortable from the moment I try them on.
The 5 essential pairs of shoes every woman should have:
If you’re squeezing in one last getaway for the summer this weekend, here are some ideas of what to pack! I’ll be heading up to Moosehead Lake for a relaxing time with my family. Whether you’re going to the beach, spending a weekend in the city, or hanging out at a cabin by the lake (like me!), here’s a fool-proof packing list to make sure you’re lounging in style!
For most of college, I was schlepping around with a glorified sack hanging from my arm. Granted, hobo-style bags were in at the time… (excuses). Anyway, as a graduation gift to myself this spring, I finally stepped up and bought a beautiful, ladylike structured bag that I’m proud to carry around. There’s just something special about a fabulous structured bag that makes every outfit feel classy. I firmly believe that every woman at every budget should carry a beautiful handbag.
Here’s a round up of my favorite structured bags at every price point.
One of the best things about summer in New England is all the awesome outdoor concerts. This past weekend, my girlfriends and I went to see Train, The Script, and Gavin DeGraw perform at the Comcast Center. The weather was perfect and we had an amazing time taking in the music and relaxing. If you’re on your way to an outdoor concert or event, here’s a few outfit ideas to keep you looking cute and feeling comfortable!
