You’ve likely heard that perfectly matching your shoes to your handbag (or to any other element of your outfit) is passe — old-fashioned and too…too. But sometimes you find a shoe that pairs just about perfectly with another item in your closet, and you can’t contain your excitement — as in the cases below. And let’s face it: sometimes breaking a fashion rule or two ain’t a bad thing! Why do you think heels are now a staple in daywear (much to my delight — and to the delight of other 5’1 chic peas around the world)? At one point not so long ago, sporting stilettos in the workplace meant that you moonlighted in a somewhat risque industry, if you catch my drift. Consider, for example, these uh.may.zing (and shockingly affordable) glittery pumps I bought for my bachelorette party last year ($79, Nordstrom):
(Have a Tiffany complex? Snag these comparable — and more expensive — Giuseppe Zanottis for $595). Sigh. Love. Must admit this look has been heavily inspired by this shot from CherryBlossomGirl’s blog:
Looks like the puppies featured above were made.to.go with this Anya Hindmarch clutch ($395, Diani Boutique), these drusy studs ($198, Scoop), and this stud ring ($80, Noir Jewelry), n’est-ce pas?
This silky Stella McCartney playsuit would be a lovely, elegant base for your evening wear ($195, Net-A-Porter) — or even while primping, slipped beneath this little silky robe ($358, Journelle):
More into the gold, less into platinum/silver? Test-drive these Steve Madden puppies ($89, Nordstrom) — they’re almost too over the top to be acceptable, but for NYE or a trip to Vegas? Why not?!
Ideal for this necklace ($135, Nordstrom), this clutch (do you not love the Lady GaGa-esque bow clasp?! — $58, eBags), and this beyond watch ($150, Swell):
Cinch the waist of your LBD with this sparkling belt ($24, J. Crew) and offset your look with this glittery eye-shadow quad by Bobbi Brown ($40, Neiman Marcus) and a spritz of Coco Mademoiselle ($61 and up, Sephora):
Finish by adding a little shimmer with this Nars body oil (I have this — and it smells de.lic.ious — $59, Sephora):
Finally, noir glitter is tres of-the-moment, and these puppies are all kinds of hot ($200, Zappos):
Made for this clutch ($60, J. Crew), a spritz of Fracas ($95, Sephora), and some falsies (I used these for a recent evening event and LOVED them — $18, Sephora):
If you’re less into the glitzy, frou-frou side of things, test drive these naughty-meets-nice Chinese Laundry booties ($84, Lori’s Shoes) — lately I’ve been more and more interested in the bootie:
Perfect with this chiffon floral clutch ($98, Lori’s Shoes) or this fabric statement necklace (on sale for $98, Farfetch):
Meshes perfectly with this chiffon tank ($49, Madewell) — and some lacy unmentionables beneath ($62 for top, $36 for bottom — Cosabella):
Switching gears entirely, I’ve been seriously sweating tassel accents this season, and these Tory Burch flats ($225, Net-A-Porter) have made it all the way to my “winter lust list,” as I’ve been looking to invest in classic flats with a twist:
Seriously made for this Anya Hindmarch tassel tote ($950, Scoop) and this Lanvin layered chain necklace ($1,190, Farfetch):
Tuck your personals in this little Comme des Garcons pouch ($98, ShopBird) — and consider layering this tassel-print cami/boyshort combo beneath your get-up ($105 for set, Net-A-Porter):
Now, I’ve been blabbing left and right about these amazing Nine West finds — l.o.v.e. them and insist on wearing them with my cropped black minnies to work at least once a week — but I’m gonna go ahead and feature these puppies again ($88, Zappos):
Pretty much made for this minaudiere ($350, Rebecca Minkoff), especially with this patterned tube of mascara (Helena Rubenstein, $48, Amazon) and this Guerlain eyeliner for your smokey cats eye ($35, Nordstrom):
This necklace ($115, LesNouvelles) would be the perfect accoutrement…and even though I think that adding more a leopard would be total overkill and would send you to Cruella De Ville territory, I have to admit that I’ve been hunting high and low for an affordable leopard swing coat lately, and have to share my dream pick (on a dream budget…$1,450, Tory Burch):
Underneath it all, this grown up Mimi by Demaris set is beyond precious ($80 for top, $60 for bottom — Net-A-Porter):
Speaking of swooning, how un.be.liev.a.ble are these Brian Atwoods ($720, FootCandyShoes)?
Perfect with this grosgrain, bow-accented, and Lanvin-esque bag ($55, TopShop — for the real deal, check out this $1,760 Lanvin lovely) — and by the way, I’m completely unbothered by the clash of navy and black, as long as you keep the remainder of the outfit simple: skinny black or dark denim jeans and a silky white blouse.
