Finding "The Shoe" that does it all

—Ashley, Lori's staff and creator of Stiletto Chic

Most women come into Lori's looking for the infamous "all-purpose" shoe.  The shoe that dresses it up or down. This is no small feat, but it can be done!

The key is to think outside of the box. Try not to let your current items restrict you. The right shoe can transform your look. Know your wardrobe. What items do you have in your closet? What items do you wear regularly? Are you a skinny jean and oversized top kind of girl or a cardy and wideleg jean woman? What is your idea of dressing "up" or "down" anyway?

When transitioning from day to play, most women are concerned with comfort. This is where platforms shine. They are easy on the feet and always at the top of my list. If you don’t want to go sky-high for daily wear, a chunky heel is perfect for transitioning. If you are not into heels, flats can be a dressy alternative.

And what about the boot? I have never met a Lori's woman who doesn't love boots. They are a necessity. Find the right one and seamless A.M. to P.M. transitioning is a breeze!

I had a woman say "If I had a different life I'd so own that shoe." Who says you can't? Some buys don't always make sense at the moment, but I've never regretted a shoe purchase—they all serve a purpose! Be daring! Here are a few of my fave day to play pairs:

Classic Day to Night look with Le Pepe 147 - Black Napa (Italian Exclusive - only at Lori's)

Glamor Girl Day and Night look with Pour la Victorie - Irina

Industry Chic Day and Night look with Caparros Ole

Boho styling Day and Night look with Lamica Calis (Italian Exclusive - only at Lori's)

Spot On!

—Carrie of Barestyle

The second I spotted the Jeffrey Campbell Pixie Tie Leopard booties at Lori’s, I knew they would fit flawlessly into my closet. They look so simple and basic from the front, but the back gives way to a much more interesting look that can spice up even a simple pair of black skinnies. I can’t wait to pair them with black vinyl leggings and a sheer black tunic or an over-sized grey sweater dress with tights. The cool weather options are endless!

I’m wearing a thrifted, DIY studded denim vest, asymmetrical tank dress from Express and Seventh Door jewelry.

It’s definitely safe to say that the leopard print trend is holding steady. It made a subtle debut several years ago, but now it’s back with a vengeance. From shoes and bags to coats and tops, it’s an acceptable print to rock in any area of your wardrobe. And the best part? It’s completely neutral! With its mixture of black, chocolate, cream and camel, leopard print is ideal to pair with nearly any shade. However, there are a few simple guidelines to assure that an outfit bearing the leopard’s spots is a success. 

A little leopard goes a long way. Pick one leopard print item and stop there. You don’t want to actually look like a woman in the wild.

Say no to additional prints. Unless you’re a fearless fashion maven, it’s best to stick to only one print and not add any additional prints to your ensemble. For example, pairing floral print and leopard print is typically not a smart combination. Keep it subtle.

Keep it tasteful. Your goal is to keep the look on-trend, not tacky. Avoid tight, skin-bearing leopard print pieces that give way to leopard print's formerly tawdry reputation.

Here are some additional animal print pieces I’m loving right now at Lori’s:

1) La Regale 25467 Leopard Clutch
2) Jeffrey Campbell Foxy-WD-F - Cheetah
3) Franco Sarto Luxe - Tan/Black Leopard
4) 7CHI Leo - Leopard Clutch

A Few Favorite Looks

In case you haven't noticed, Lori's has started to carry apparel, much to our delight. Here are a couple looks that include a few of our favorite new apparel pieces matched with new shoes and accessories.

This dressed-up look can be worn out to a party, on a date or anytime you're going for sexy but tasteful. With a contemporary little black dress from BB Dakota, standout bronze and emerald green leather pumps from Poetic Licence, and a luxurious leather clutch from Jesslyn Blake, this look is simple, yet exciting. Accessorize with a beaded wrap bracelet from Nakamol for added sparkle.

Little Black Dress by Lori's 


Both casual and sophisticated, riding-chic style remains a timeless classic for Fall. We like to layer basics like this long-sleeved black T-shirt from BB Dakota with a soft plaid Echo Design scarf and match with a pair of jodhpurs and buckled Miz Mooz boots. The khaki crocco-embossed High Fashion satchel, Rebel Design leather and crystal cuff, and M Gold earrings are just enough to accessorize the look without going over the top.

Riding Chic by Lori's 

Lori At-Large: Milan Fall Trends

Twice a year Lori heads off to the land of culture, art, architecture, cuisine and world-renowned fashion to bring back the hottest shoe styles this side of the ocean. At least that is what she tells us whilst sipping Prosecco and eating authentic homemade pasta al fresco ... we are sure she is working hard. Here is what she reports from the city of fabulosity – Milan, Italy.

Currently in Milan, and I think in Italy there is, generally, an emphasis on comfort. Similar to the trend in the States, "toning" shoes seem to be a trend. (Sketchers are even here ... yikes!!!!!) The Italian women still wear Hogans and Tods—a look not truly understood by American women. The autumn fashion trends here are very similar to the stores in the U.S., such as over-the-knees, lace-ups and pumps. Mens tailoring, especially at Prada, seems strong as well. There is a lot of fur in all the stores here and lots of camel clothing! Max Mara has beautiful things right now. Seriously, and I am not just saying this, I think we are dead on with all our trends at Lori's.

 

As far as Spring trends go, I think it is all over the board. Sandals with ornaments, neutral colors, military and wedges are still important and also pretty, along with ladylike pumps in colors. Honestly, I did not see anything super fresh, super interesting—it updates Spring/Summer 2010. To confirm my staff's mention last week to the longevity of booties, here's a sneak peak at an ornately designed wedge bootie from Jeffrey Campbell's Spring/Summer 2011 line:

On another note, I am happy to report that the stores in Milan seem to be doing a lot of business. The show was well-attended and generally speaking the sentiment is positive. I am happy about that.

—Lori Andre reporting from Milan

Accessorize This: Exotic Prints, OTK Socks and Fur.

Our Interview with Lori's Accessories Buyer.

We are so excited to take a small step away from our shoe addiction to feed our other craving: handbags and accessories. I am chatting with Nicole, accessories buyer for Lori's Shoes. If you love Lori's selection of handbags, jewelry, legwear, and scarves, Nicole is the woman that makes it happen. Here is what she had to say about our fall line-up in handbags and accessories.

Lori's: What's coming this fall?
Nicole:  There are a lot of trends happening this fall, but the exotic look – snake, crocodile, fur, leopard – is one of my favorite trends for the fall. Guess it's the animal deep down in me, screaming for release through Lori's accessory buys. [laughing]

La Regale 2546

Lori's:  What are great wardrobe pieces to pair with the exotic look?
Nicole:  Well, if we speak about the leopard, it is important to use it sparingly. If you have a leopard purse, for instance, like the new Sandra Roberts clutch – a calf hair with a leopard print – you could pair it with a basic, tight-fitting, black dress and pumps.
 
Lori's:  So your exotic accessory should be your key piece. Downplay everything else and let that piece be your 'Wow' factor.
Nicole:  If we are speaking specifically about the exotic prints, yes.

Lori's:  Besides exotic prints, what is another favorite trend?
Nicole:  Fur is probably the strongest trend for fall. We will see it on handbags, shoes, clothing and accessories. Lori's is going to have several different fur handbags from Sondra Roberts and some amazing ones from High Fashion. They have that Marc Jacobs and Chanel look and feel. I just love it.

This cross-body from High Fashion (below) has  Mongolian lamb in ivory, brown trim and a boho feel. Also, I can't forget snake and crocodile. They hearken back to the structured looks we presented earlier in our Accessories fall report.

High Fashion Fur handbag

Lori's: That sounds lovely.
Nicole:  In accessories we are excited to carry fur ear muffs, hats, scarves and even fur mittens. It is going to be a furry year (laughing).

Lori's: I heard, although it is not a handbag, that we have fur boot covers. What are they exactly?
Nicole:  Basically, they are fur leg warmers. You put them over the shaft of your boot to make a totally different look. You can also wear them as leg warmers with a high heel pump, covering the heel of the shoe and create a very high fashion '80s look.

Lori's:  Very Madonna.
Nicole:  Exactly. They are a fantastic way to take a great pair of boots to another level.

Lori's:  So, as we transition into a new season, what can people continue from their summer wardrobe and transition into fall?
Nicole:  Well, obviously fur won't work [laughing]. I would say gray tones and taupe tones. They are already in and work well year-round.

Lori's:  Like the Christopher Kon Croc satchel I love.
Nicole:  Yes. A handbag like that has that classic look, in a neutral tone such as gray and is just a great everyday bag.  It hits everything – structure, color  and transitions into Fall nicely. We're going to see the bags get smaller this coming season. For the last couple of years you had to have a big bag; there were no other options. But this year you will see smaller options coming available. We are getting some nice snake clutches soon.

Lori's:  So, what is your least favorite summer trend?  You know the one where you said, "Hated it."
Nicole:  Patent! I am very much over it already. [both laughing]

Lori's:  What other amazing trends should we look for this fall?
Nicole:  The legwear is amazing this fall. Leggings, tights, over-the-knee socks with color blocking. So many different looks to create using the same shoes and clothes. Just by adding a piece of legwear you can give your outfit a totally different look. We are still going to see chunky, open-toe shoes this fall, but the outfit will transition with socks and tights.

Interview conducted by Shazza with Lori's Shoes.




 

Jeffrey Campbell + Lori's Shoes: The Exclusive Twitter Interview!

Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Campbell lookbook

We had a busy day yesterday. We entered the realm of short film production and conducted a Twitter interview with Jeffrey Campbell's brand strategist, Ty McBride. Lori's Shoes is taking it to the next level and we are loving every minute of it.

If you missed the interview and the JC shoes giveaway, shame on you. But here it is in its entirety. Ripped straight from the Twitters, mind the tweet talk (@, hash-tags and 140 characters or less). We wanted you to feel as if you were tweeting right along with us. We are sure you had good reasons for not joining in yesterday. All is forgiven. 


The interview begins!

@jcshoes.  Hey there! So glad to chat with you.
@lorisshoes.  This is my first twitter interview! I feel like im in the future! Let's get famous!

@jcshoes.  I know. Exciting!
@jcshoes.  This is our first too. Glad to be doing it with you. :)
@lorisshoes.  Fire away!

@jcshoes.  So let's do this. Dear JC, (Ty) if you were to look all so fab today, what would be your go to shoe?
@lorisshoes.  U might have noticed our current obsesh with platforms! Bigger the Better. We love how women are wearing them with everything!
@lorisshoes.  Of course the LITA is a big one!! Shown here on NYC stylist @LalaLopez. http://www.lalanyc.com/2010/07/la-lita.html

@jcshoes.  What inspired your On the run lookbook and video?
@lorisshoes.  The lookbook is supposed to be disjointed, edgy, and pieced together. We used two photographers. Its a nod to the concept
@lorisshoes.  That they are no real trends anymore! Everything is trend. You can work so many looks---if you are confident! We love this!
@lorisshoes.  Video based on famous model spies who have become entangled in minor espionage! day to day stuff! http://vimeo.com/13479402
@jcshoes.  Your video launched today right. It is awesome.

@jcshoes.  Ok, what are the inspirations for designing the hottest looks this millenium?
@lorisshoes.  Well, flattery will get you everywhere! we <3 Vintage, London, Brooklyn, Paris, 1970's, club kids, western and of course GOTH.
@lorisshoes.  We draw inspiration from the runway, history, the street and from bloggers. We are always looking at what's going on.

@jcshoes.  So you mention bloggers. Who are some of your favs? Can you give a shout out?
@lorisshoes.  We love so many bloggers: wheredidugetthat, fashionlikeheroin, bleack black, shiny plastic hag, oaknyc.com, a perfect guide,
@lorisshoes.  We also love corridor40, knight cat, remodelista, fashionchalet, fashiontoast, pink kitten, and of course we love the JC blog!

@jcshoes.  We love the JC blog too. So addicting-like a tech-shoe drug (if there were such a thing).
@lorisshoes.  We write the blog daily. Most fans love it. The vibe of the blog is stream of consciousness. If we are thinking it, we blog it

@jcshoes.  So what are you thinking now? And are you gonna write about it? haha
@lorisshoes.  Today we are thinking about @pooltradeshow. We are also thinking about this: http://dancingalonetopony.tumblr.com/

@jcshoes. So I was gonna ask "What is trending this fall? In your opinion. But earlier you said EVERYTHING?" Is that good or bad?
@lorisshoes.  For fall we love WOOD. Fashion LIVES. bobby socks, 1970s, spies, barbarella, distressed leathers, and menswear! HAHAHA!

@jcshoes.  LOL to spies.
@lorisshoes.  Spy inspired! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natasha_Fatale we love her style!

@jcshoes.  So with complete honesty what fall trend do you want to go away?
@lorisshoes.  The three buckle fake suede rouched flat boot! Do you know the one? LIKE OVER IT ALREADY! Let it go! Especially in purple!
@lorisshoes.  LIKE THIS! DIE TREND DIE! FRUMPY IS OUT! http://www.cheaponlinesale.com/suede-buckle-boot.html
@JCshoes.  Yes we do. Enough said :). BTW, lol to the dancing pony videos. hilarious.
@lorisshoes.  Obsessed with tumblr pages! Like wasting my life on that!
@jcshoes.  Totally understand. My life is wasted away on bloglovinit. You just say to self 'ok I'll read one more'. That turns into 3 hrs.
  
@jcshoes.  Okay, flash back! Best spr/summer trend you hope sticks around in 2011.
@lorisshoes.  In no specific order: JC shoes, Zac Efron, Lady Gaga, Hendricks and tonic, facebook and half day fridays. ALL TRENDS WE LOVE
@jcshoes.  All awesome especially half day fridays.
@lorisshoes.  I'll email Lori about that for you! I am sure Chicago has lots of spots that are great around friday at 3pm!
@jcshoes.  Hopefully she is out there tweet listening. Hey Lori.:)

@jcshoes.  So, you say 'Hated it' to what Spring/Summer 2010 look?
@lorisshoes.  Summer trend I am over? "shoes that make you fit" Oh America, really? That's all Ill say! Buy the JC TICK it weighs like 4 lbs!
@jcshoes.  The tick is heavy but is a show stopper. And in my personal wardrobe. :)

@jcshoes.  Okay a couple of more questions before we wrap up, are you ready?
@lorisshoes.  Hit me with your best shot!

@jcshoes.  Who is a JC girl? Is she naturally born or trained in the JC way?
@lorisshoes.  A JC girl is a born show stopper! We just cover it in studs for her! Honestly, we have the most loyal and amazing fans.
@lorisshoes.  I mean check out all the new JC girls we just posted! http://www.jeffreycampbellshoes.com/girls/ we are lucky to have them!

@jcshoes.  Was Lori's Shoes one of the first retailers to carry your haute shoes?
@lorisshoes.  You guys have been with us for a long time. Continually growing. This is the JC Ten year anniversary.
@jcshoes.  Exciting. Any big plans? #jcshoes10yr
@lorisshoes.  We are just wanting to take it up a notch during the next ten! MORE AMAZING SHOES!

@lorisshoes.  http://blog.nickienoel.com/?p=691 so many denmark fans--Thanks for the vid by the way!

@jcshoes.  Okay last question before we go to the trivia questions for free shoes.

@jcshoes.  Let's get personal. What is on your music playlist today? and who inspires you?
@lorisshoes.  National, Built to Spill, Nivana, Lady Gaga, Willie Nelson, Sharon Jones, the Gossip, Le Tigre, ELO, all on play now in office!
@lorisshoes.  Inspiration is all around! My google reader is full of it! my asistant turned me onto this blog! http://www.shinyplastichag.com/

@lorisshoes.  I cannot believe I just had my first twitter interview! I feel like I was on the View, or better Ellen. THANKS LORIS!
@jcshoes.  No thank you for your time. BTW, what are we giving away to the 2 lucky ladies before I start the trivia? 

@jcshoes.  Alright I think those who stuck it out with us are ready for free shoes. What are you giving away to 2 lucky ladies?
@lorisshoes.  Sweet! Keep me posted on Free shoe winners! Thanks for your support and thank you for following @JCshoes
@lorisshoes.  2 winners! rewarded with a pair of JC each. Let me know the winners emails! Ill see what we got around here! LOVE SHOES!

The interview concludes with an announcement to Jeffrey Campbell shoe lovers:

Lori's:  Okay ladies. It's trivia time. Answer these 3 questions in one DM to @lorisshoes. Winners announced tomorrow. Good luck! #jcshoesgiveaway

Well, the contestants came rolling in with their answers, so we couldn't wait and announced our winners within minutes:

Lori's:  The 1st two ladies to answer all three correctly are @breakfast@Saks and @style_obsession. Congrats.

Ooops, but as things sometimes happen when you press the bar to new adventures and pioneering techniques; we had some issues with the ladies getting their answers to us (Twitter is still a force to be reckoned with), so felt compelled to do the following:

Lori's:  And because we are generous and sorry for the DM issue we picked a third winner-up @kristenjoerger. Congrats all!

Interview conducted by Shazza from Lori's Shoes.