The Dialogue: Jane Aldridge

Vintage beauty, Jane Aldridge of uber popular blog, Sea of Shoes, might have made a name for herself modeling her enviable shoe collection (which includes everything from Dries Van Noten to Alaia) but it's her keen eye for detail, intricate styling techniques and unique aesthetic among a sea of bloggers that has held everyone's attention over the years. She was one of the first fashion blogs I came across that I still have bookmarked to this day. Maybe it's the porcelain skin. Maybe it's the magazine worthy photography. Maybe it's the expert cat eye. However, I do know that it is definitely her vintage clad Texan style rivaling the looks seen at fashion week that has me coming back for more. 

This week, I was fortunate enough to ask Jane some of the questions I have always wanted to ask. So what, im a bit of a fangirl. You should be, too. 

- Name and Occupation:   Jane Aldridge, Blogger

- Where are you based and why do you love it?   Dallas, Texas. My family has deep roots in Texas and I have a great affinity for the character of people here. I'm an avid thrifter/junker, and Texas is a haven for that. Going out to West Texas to see the plains is a yearly pilgrimage for me. Texas is a very special place for me.

- How can fashion newbies start to incorporate bolder pieces into their wardrobes in a way that's not overwhelming for them?  I guess you have to find something you really love! If you feel uncomfortable in it, it will show. When it doubt, dress it down with jeans.

-  When did you realize that you were in love with fashion? I always loved to dress up as a kid. That's what people knew me for in grade school. I always looked at magazines, but by the time I was 11 I was memorizing the runway collections. I started learning more about vintage and my mom and I would spend every weekend at thrift stores scouring for crazy pieces and great labels. We also started sewing and dying our own clothes around that time. It's just always been my life!

- Your blog, Sea of Shoes, is one of the first blogs that gained notoriety. What made you want to start a blog in the first place?  I lived in a small town, went to a small charter school, and didn't really have anyone to talk about fashion with, except for my mom who loves and has a deep knowledge of fashion. I was 15 and honestly just was hoping to connect with a few people who loved it the way I did. It was such a small close-knit community then. I miss that. It made me so happy that even one person read it!

- If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be? Haha, Thom Browne! He's incredible. I want to help him design his runway sets. That's my dream!

- Neutrals or brights? Brights, every time!

- What's your signature drink?  A cup of Yorkshire tea with lots of cream.

- It's Saturday morning. Where can we find you?  Up at 6 AM, because the dogs never let us sleep in. Then we start to cook! My boyfriend Jeff and I have a food blog (Thyme & Temp) that we love doing together and it's a huge source of joy for us to spend time on that! It's funny, even on weekends I am still blogging non-stop. Do what you love!

- What are your favorite Instagram accounts?  I love Douglas A Hart and Camille B Waddington's accounts for inspiration. Laura Kitty has an amazing eye for vintage cataloguing. I'm also so inspired by the_corner_store's take on vintage.

- How would you describe your personal style? I prefer to wear mostly vintage! I have pet relationships with all the clothes I own. My personal style is based on whatever I've found lately.

- Heels or flats?  Heels! 

- Favorite classic brand? Favorite emerging brand?  My favorite classic brand is Giorgio Armani. He designs with such a singular eye and runs his company with such integrity. More than ever his clothes look fresh to me. I love his color palettes, always. My favorite emerging brand....Faustine Steinmetz.

- Which luxury item will you always splurge on? Shoes of course!! 

- Before bed beauty routine? I use all Korean products I buy from Memebox.com! I start with a lemony cleanser, pat a toner on, mist on an essence, massage few different serums in for a few minutes, then finish with a rich oil or heavy night cream. 

- What's the best piece of advice you've ever received? Always trust your instinct, and don't worry if other people don't get it yet!

- You travel a lot. Which place have you traveled to that inspired you the most? Tucson, Arizona is this amazing hub of young creatives, artists, and history. I am obsessed, I could totally move there! The beauty of the desert landscape was breathtaking. I am so glad I got to see it and I can't wait to go back.

-  What's your favorite novel? Publication? Website? Let's say Dog of the South by Charles Portis, it's a great dark comedy and I just love everything he's written. My favorite publication is CR Book! And my favorite website..is eBay.

Follow Jane on Twitter & Instagram 

Check out her blog seaofshoes (as if you hadn't already!) 

The It Bag Cemetery.

When I arrived at a new and snootier middle school in the upscale town of Wellington West Palm Beach, I instantly earned favor with a group of girls who's parents lived in mansions on lakes and took quick weekend vacations to Disney World within an hours notice. Oh, and had maids. After a few weeks of relaxing poolside in crochet bikinis and gossiping about gangly thirteen-year-old boys, I realized for the first time in my life that I wanted to keep up. My three best friends (We will just call them A, C and J) owned BMW golf carts and wood paneled refrigerators. But that wasn't what I cared about. 

I became convinced that if I had a Dooney and Burke purse like my friends, my problems would disappear. Mind you, these were middle school problems. The heart saturated bag would finally bring me my period so I would be a grown up, give me a less bloated belly and make my color coordinated braces disappear. I was sure of it. I was fixated. 

A few months later, I received the bag as a gift. When I first opened it, I was ecstatic. When I strutted into school swinging it on my arm, I was disappointed. No one seemed to notice or even care. I was two months too late. I looked around and noticed everyone wearing Coach messenger bags and nylon Nike drawstring backpacks. I vowed to myself then that I would abstain from getting a bag just because everyone else has it. 

It bags are fantastic. Well-made. Accepted as a valuable item and sought after by those who have not yet purchased it. It makes you feel important for a moment in time-- when that bag is still loved and advertised but once the trend is over, you feel almost ashamed to wear something not "in" anymore. Why? Because we all want to feel respected and accepted. 

What goes up must come down. I still use my Alexander Wang Rocco bag not because it's currently in style but because it's my favorite black bag. And it looks great with a fur poof attached. What is an It Bag eventually becomes just another bag and the only thing worse than feeling lame for wearing an item is feeling lame for wearing an item you paid a ton of money for, only to wear it for the season. 

My old bags were handed down to younger cousins and sent to consignment shops. But I always wonder, what happens to those bags we once adored? Where do It Bags go to die? I hope they're at peace. 

Have you ever bought a bag just because it was on trend? Which was it?

Style Icon: Solange Knowles

 Beyonce may have the voice but her sister Solange has all the style. Making waves with her quirky, covetable looks, the actress/DJ/mother/aunt is not one to shy away from making major fashion statements. Eye-catching colors, big hair and bold prints are all blended together to create an effortless combination of cool girl and traveler. 

As I researched her more and more these past few weeks, I couldn't believe what I had been missing. Her personal style is the physical manifestation of the basic idea I created my blog to portray and advocate. Wearing whatever the hell you want. She's pushed prints to work with one another (and they do, surprisingly and gladly) and although the audience snapping shots of her may not always pick up what she's putting down, she doesn't seem to mind. She dresses for herself and that requires an immense amount of bravery among keyboard clad bullies and Best Dressed competitions in our favorite publications. 

So how can we emulate such an icon? 
I'm SO glad you asked!

1. Don't be afraid of color: Brights with neutrals, white on white or monochrome pink. Try to pair colors that you haven't before -- purple with yellow, hot pink with orange. 
2. Wear a ton of patterns. And mix them: What fun is a print when not meshed with another? None at all. Make sure to keep one color cohesive within the scheme. Plaids & florals are a yes.
3. Pants are optional: Shorts, skirts, and dresses are not. 
4. Vary heels and flats: Gone are the days of sky-high heels every time you leave the house. Have fun with strappy sandals, striped ballet flats, chunky wedges and pointed kitten heels. 
5. Choose statement jewelry & Accessories: standout clutches in varying shapes, scarf tied wrists and large sunglasses will suffice. 

Bold & Bright 

"Shoes! I’m all about the shoes! I order a ton of them online and play with my entire wardrobe until I find the right shoe."

• Wear Your natural hair: What you were given probably looks better than what youre forcing it to have. Im personally about to take up the no straightening lifestyle. 
• Play with shapes: Oversized sweaters, billowing sleeves and sculptual blouses. 
• When in doubt, try menswear: You know what that means. Blazers and trousers. 

Patterns, patterns, patterns

Shape & Structure 

Killer, right? You can follow Solange on Twitter & Instagram. 
You can follow me on bloglovin, too. 

What's The Biggest Style Risk You've Taken?

On the heels of New York Fashion Week and in the wake of London Fashion Week, we are being flooded by streetstyle images, trend reports and runway reviews that have been overwhelming our social media accounts, brains, and wallets. There is an important question to ask that has been prompted by images similar to the one above, which features streetstyle favorite Susie Bubble wearing multiple patterns all in a primary color range. 

That question is: What is the biggest style risk you've taken?

The biggest relationship risk I've ever taken was two years ago, when I exchanged 'I love you's' with my then and now boyfriend on date number two. (Hey, it worked out. Don't judge.) My biggest beauty risk was in 9th grade when I decided I could shave my own eyebrows. (I ended up getting bangs to cover the shredded bits of hair left on my lower forehead.) As far as style liability goes, the dumbest risk I've ever taken was in Middle School when I wore a striped baggy Gap shirt in hideous shades of salmon paired with light pink corduroy pants and chunky white Sketchers. In my older age, I've experimented with clothing more and I can say that my biggest fashion risk as an adult was probably just deciding to wear what I want without thought of anyone else thus resulting in an oversized denim jumpsuit. 

So, I lied. There are two questions you must answer. 

 What’s the biggest fashion risk you've taken and what’s the biggest regret you have regarding your style? I need to know. I really do. I encourage you to share below! 

Less Words, More Streetstyle

Let's celebrate the rule breakers, the cold bearers, the animal print lovers, the risk takers. Let's celebrate those who have abandoned rules in order to accept personal flare. Let's hear it for those wearing seven different colors unflinchingly, those mixing patterns and textures, let's hear it for those unafraid to be stared at, unafraid to be different and unafraid to make mistakes for the sake of fashion. 

Oh, and don't forget to shop the trends at the very end. 

So far, so great. 

   

Shop the trends

Animal Print coats 

Candy Colors 

Neutrals 

Shearling 

Cherry Red

New York has redefined personal and this time, its a good thing. 

Who do you look forward to seeing on the streets

 during fashion week? 

Quick NYFW Takeaways from Day Three & Four

Day Three 

- Lacoste: With a very weather appropriate collection, the snow-clogged seventies vibe continued with color block sweaters, long shearling overcoats, thigh-high patent boots, track pants and a knit poncho dress complete with an image of a figure skiing down its front. 

-  Alexander Wang: The show was held at Saint Bartholomew’s Church but the clothes were nothing short of unholy. Meant to, "deliberately oppose standard definitions of beauty and taste," pieces included prison garb, pole dancers, marijuana leaves, not lame tweed suits, mohair tank tops and parkas (hello coats of our childhoods, we missed you) Studded boots and lace up combat shoes had me yearning for a trip to Hot Topic. 

- Baja East: Sticking to the brands rebellious nature, Baja Babes were sent out in sporty, retro hip hop inspired fits. There was a heady mix here; draped satins, printed chiffons, a glossy black shearling-lined fox trimmed jacket and weed plants, again, were featured. Rihanna, Miley, are you buying? 

- Altuzarra: We all know that the Altuzarra woman is a woman that gets dressed. And she gets dressed in patterns, unconventional color combos and an abundant mix of textures. Tailoring is always key for JA; double-breasted blazers and fluid skirts emphasized the waist. Favorites included jogging pants outlined in velvet, a floral printed parka and handkerchief dresses. 

Day Four 

- Tome: Real world themes ( The election, climate change, political & social issues) were combined with art and commerce for a light meets darkness kind of harmony to be shown through the clothing. Shirts were striped, manipulated and puffy sleeved. Denim was patchy, skirts were fluted and turtlenecks were latex, thus creating a collection that was not only wearable in a fun way but conceptual as well.

- Rachel Zoe: On a personal note, THIS COLLECTION KILLED ME in a good way. Every ensemble was intricately made and put together with an abundance of metallic fringe, lace, velvets, pearl embroideries and brocades. My favorite part about all of this was the clear juxtaposition of masculine (tailored blazers, flared trousers) and feminine (slip dresses, flirty skirts) Glamorous would be the best word to describe this collection. Actually, bananas. That works better.

- Diane Von Furstenberg: There was no panic at this disco. Worn by the world's top models, DVF opted for her 14th street headquarters and had ensembles shown off in a house party fashion. Looks flowed from extra glam (gold sequin wrap dress, sparkling jumpsuit) to daytime (tweed mini skirt, bow-front blouses and printed silk pants) Even with the innovative presentation, the clothing was not at all overlooked.

Valentines Day: A Collection of Romantic Vogue Editorials

Valentines Day is all about romance whether that be the love your have for your best girl friend's, the adoration you've acquired for your parents or the relationship you've discovered with yourself. Whatever you have planned for the rest of the day, I encourage you to take a look at some of the most inspiring and hauntingly beautiful photos in fashion. Scroll through Vogue Editorials and find images that capture the almost annoyingly amorous spirit of a made up Holiday. Fashion's love with never be unrequited. It appreciates you, too.

...

Shop The Post

NYFW Day Two: Cushnie, Nicole Miller, Katie Ermilio & Zimmermann

What's so memorable about Katie Ermilio's designs, is that they aren't meant for casual occasions. She is easily becoming known as a go-to designer for evening wear, effortlessly abandoning the concept of poofy princess ballroom gowns in favor of more elegant and contoured pieces. With that idea in mind, there were several fail proof numbers, like a silk chiffon dress with an open back, a scoop neck cream A-line dress and LBD with graceful bow straps. The overall look: a woman who knows what she wants and what she enjoys wearing. No questions asked. 

Image found via Katie Ermilio on twitter. 

Setting the ambience of her fall collection, Nicky Zimmermann aptly named it, "Mirror Mirror," as models moved down the runway dowsed in reflective effects and shimmering details. Maxi dresses and jumpsuits were relaxed in construction while radiating a cool girl factor. On the opposite end, the designer showed uber feminine metallic lace dresses and printed frocks while offsetting the looks with punk-ish accessories. The overall look: Pretty and playful. 

The Roaring Twenties (gone modern) was an obvious inspiration at Cushnie Et Ochs. Tuxedo suiting, stripes, ruffles and velvet were all there in abundance. Their lineup, of course, included their signature viscose gowns but also added in cut out gowns in deep navy, red and velvet. The overall look: Rebellious but in an 'I can still meet your parents for dinner' Kind of way. 

Whimsy and texture were key at Nicole Miller, who wanted to warm up the dreary winter weather. Almost folklore territory but never quite going over the edge, she used colorful beading, tassel prints and loads of ruffles. Coats were made of tweed, metallic jacquard and fox fur, all together channeling an eclectic, youthful vibe. The overall look: Scandi babe with a flirty attitude. 

Which collection has you willing to give up rent for a shoe, so far? 

Images via Vogue Runway, Twitter, Instagram & Sonnyphotos

Collage create by me. 

Keep up with bloglovin and Insta. 

NYFW Day One: The Rundown

- There were plenty of glimmering accents in the clothes today at BCBG Max Azria--all of which gave a nod to the late David Bowie. With performers as the main muse, Lurex, cropped bombers and slashed leggings were abundant. Furry sandals over shimmering tights? We'll take it! 

- Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent, pushed ahead of the game and showed Part 1 of his womenswear collection last night in Los Angeles, which featured golden boots, velvet capes and printed dresses. Every celebrity present (which was almost all of them) were wooed with high voltage glamour. 

- Twenty thousand New Yorkers rushed into Madison Square Garden on an icy afternoon to see the premiere of Yeezy Season 3 AND a stream of his new album, The Life of Pablo. (Who is Pablo? Do you know Pablo?) It was definitely the event of the day if not the entire week. Also, Naomi Campbell. 

- There are a few new designers you need to know about: Claudia Li, Gogo Graham, and Christa Bösch and Cosima Gadient of Ottolinger. 

- Winter and Spring met at the epicenter of layering when Marissa Webb put faux fur coats over fluttery floral dresses. 

- Long Island native Mathieu Mirano was inspired by his multiple trips to Egypt and the sandstorms that occurred there. Hence, the models that were Louboutin-clad in a massive sandbox. Pieces were produced in the lightest fabrics -- liquid silk, metallics, and fringe all in rainbow hues.

- R13 made everyone just a bit more denim crazy. 

- While Nicholas Kirkwood's velvet ensembles were a hit, the hair wrapped under the models chins in a beard-like fashion, were not. 

- Last but definitely not least (actually this is the most important) The entire concept may be changing. Where it is held, the timing, the business cycle and the growing movement to give consumers what they want, when they want. Designer and chairwoman of the CFDA, Diane von Furstenberg, said in response, "Fashion shows were originally created for trade, long lead press, newspapers and buyers. With technology’s ever-pervasive role and the huge power of social media, the contents of these shows now goes directly to consumers, frustrating them as they cannot immediately shop what they see on the runway.”

Tell me in the comments what your favorite part of NYFW has been so far. Also, what are you looking forward to? 

A Ladylike Ensemble

I've been not so silently obsessing over this shirt for a few weeks. I saw it and thought, "I have too many things from H&M." But then it appeared as an ad alongside my facebook wall. Then, again, it appeared on twitter as I scrolled through on a sleepless night. It called to me. It whispered sweet nothings in my ear, filling me with promises to make me look like a lady. Telling me how wonderfully it would mesh with this wine colored pleated skirt. I had no choice, really. 

The present season is quietly demanding pleats and I am willing to oblige. Also, for once people didn't assume I was a mere eighteen years old. (I don't need to be carded for that Pinot, sir! I am an adult, successfully adulting in a woman's worthy skirt) 

Shop the post:

How To Pretend You'll Be At Fashion Week

As I type this, it's 2:12 pm on a lackluster Thursday (Scratch that-- My mom just pulled into the driveway with food. Afternoon is no longer lackluster) and my Twitter and Instagram accounts have been flooded with photos of #tbt posts, featuring last year's Fashion Week highlights. It is all overflowing with Showroom Pulls (aka hashtag FWpulls) travel beauty essentials, plane tickets, and various other hints that all the people I follow are getting ready for the style capital: New York. 

Unless you live under a boulder, you already know that next week is New York Fashion Week. The streetstyle is exquisite, the collections are gorgeous, bragging about so-and-so invites becomes acceptable and everyone makes sure that every single moment is documented on social media--large wine glass in hand and after party outfits included. 

Guess what? I'm not going.

And you shouldn't feel left out if you aren't either although you probably will. Why? Well, because as your friend I've come up with some ways you can stay in the know during NYFW. Because you are kind. You are smart and you ARE important. 

1. Follow the Fashion Week schedule so you know which day which designer is showing. My favorite to follow is fashionweekonline.com. 

2. Type the hashtag into Twitter and turn on your notifications. Expect your phone to vibrate every few seconds with updates. Let these vibrations fuel your confidence. 

3. Despite your current location, dress up in what you would wear if attending. Street sweeping cream trousers in white linen that never seem to get dirty, check! Have a friend that owes you a favor to take some snaps of you preferably in front of a brick wall or in the middle of the street. 

4. Follow the big bloggers on Instagram (and me too, obviously) like @Man Repeller, @KristinaBazan, @Songofstyle etc. And the big magazines & publications like @Voguemagazine, @whowhatwear, @Refinery29, @Harpersbazaarus for behind the scenes shots and streetstyle photos. 

5. Drop phrases such as, "Oh, I can't wait to attend Cushnie this year." and, "I just hate having to hail cabs in between shows! I might miss the photographers." 

6. Live vicariously through the show's live streams. Who's the real winner here: the girl trudging through the crowds in the snow or you crying watching from the comfort of your own cozy bed with a hot latte?

7. Grab a glass bottle of red wine, sit at your laptop, watch the live stream, write your review articles while simultaneously sipping said wine, explain your favorite collections to your dog. She will listen. 

Finally, here is a list of things to tweet and/or text your friends. 

• - Is it just me, or do all these blouses resemble vaginas?
• - SO glad I did a two week cleanse before going to these fittings.
• - I just loved that Sarah Seven dress. You know which one! With the white, and the ruffles, on that blonde girl? Such craftsmanship. 
• - Ohmygod. I just totally got lost searching for the bathroom before Lacoste!
• - Did you hear that normcore is dead? You can definitely tell. 
• - Two words: Baja East. Right? Right. 

Now it's your turn. How do you keep up with FW from the comfort of your bed?