SHOES/ACCESSORIES

Fact: Flowers are always in vogue.
Myth: You can get away with cheapo imitation flower accessories and they’ll last and look as good.
Sorry gals, but a Weitzman by any other name is a knock-off. Prada is not Prado! Invest in good floral accessories as staples for any wardrobe occasion. You can rock a tiny pair of floral earrings to a book club meeting just as easily as you can wear a pair of sandals with silk flowers to a wedding. They can get you anywhere. Maybe even past the velvet ropes.

No doubt you’ve seen the picture of Carrie Bradshaw (SJP) wearing a white dress with a giant white flower blooming on her shoulder. We love Carrie, we love Sarah Jessica Parker, but we don’t love something perched on our shoulder that is bigger than our face. (Unless you’re trying to distract people from your face because you’ve had a bad chemical peel or something.) So, with flowers in mind, I went on search of accessories that would leave the right impression.

1. New! Betsey Johnson Women’s Pink Resin-Flower Bracelet Watch at Macy’s
($150.00). Fun and fantastic. Just the right pop of color for any weekend outfit.

2. Sterling Silver Diamond Flower Drop Earrings at Macy’s ($450.00). Oh, la la. Time to sweep your hair into a stunning updo.
3. Stuart Weitzman Dalia Flower Hobo at bloomingdale’s ($578.00). Oh, such prettiness.
4. French Sole Serenity Flower Sandal at bloomingdale’s ($198.00). Hint: This is what women over 40 want, it’s elegant and sexy at the same time, no heel required!

5. Juicy Couture Viola Flower Stud Earrings at Neiman Marcus ($48.00). I want these in both colors. Am I selfish? Tell me I’m not! Don’t punish good taste.
Stylishly yours,

Jessica Rae

When I was a young teenage girl who dutifully attended church every Sunday, I had one pair of failsafe shoes that more than almost any other in my life, always made me feel good. They were the perfect mix of trendy meets classic, and they were black – so they matched everything. Now, this was back in the day when I relied on my parents to buy me shoes, so that meant I couldn’t have as many as I wanted, and there was a budget on what I could have. But if there’s one perk to being an adult that I enjoy, it’s that I’m in charge of my own check book. I, Jessica, now have the luxury of having more than a few pairs of ‘perfect, anytime, love them’ shoes. For summer, one of them will be a platform wedge.

There’s something fun about giving yourself an extra boost in height (whether you’re height-challenged, or already at Nicole Kidman height) with a platform wedge, and being able to glide past onlookers wherever you may be. If they’re jealous, you can’t blame them. You can only try not to smirk. Or, maybe you’d rather gloat. Which, just between you and me, is perfectly acceptable with the right shoe. Here are some platform wedges that I think would be a great addition to your summer wardrobe.

1. Forest Floral Wedge Shoe by Betsey Johnson at Bloomingdale’s ($200.00). Freakin’ cute! They kinda make me want to frolic. Let’s keep that our little secret, kay?
2. Anna Platform Wedge by Kate Spade at Bloomingdale’s ($195.00). Subtle yet shiny for what I’d call a masterful and deadly combination (nude colors elongate your legs).

3. Sand Platform Wedge Sandal by Calvin Klein at Macy’s (SALE – $77.00). I can picture Gwyneth Paltrow wearing these.

4. Zelda Animal Print Platform Wedge in Giraffe at Banana Republic (SALE – $68.60). There is also a zebra option, but trust my judgment – these are more chic.
5. Air Ricki Peep Toe Platform Wedge by Cole Haan at Nordstrom ($185.00). Preppy and cute, available in three colors – and they’re made with help by Nike Air to be super comfortable? I want all three. Is that greedy or savvy?

I also found these platform wedges at ShoeBlog with a Japanese leaf print on them, which are no longer available, but oh-so pretty to just look at.

Stylishly yours,

Jessica Rae

The price of gold is going up, or so I heard. Which means that now isn’t the best time to buy gold jewelry. But you can still be washed in gold with golden-hued sandals. Pretty nifty, huh? It’s fun to cheat!

1. Tapeet Metallic Four-Strap Metallic Slide at Neiman Marcus ($395.00). A simple idea with a huge effect make these power players on your feet.
2. Sam Edelman Gillian Sandal at Macy’s (SALE $51.75). So simple, these will go with anything you’ve got. Unless you have a clown suit. Then we have some real problems to discuss.
3. MICHAEL Michael Kors Palm Beach Sandal at Macy’s ($98.00). I’m surprised this isn’t more expensive!
3.Diane von Furstenberg Molto Love Knot Wedge at Bloomingdale’s ($265.00). These look comfy. Not to mention very cute.
Here’s to living in sublime style,

Jessica Rae

Metallic, fashion tote bags should be worn with a consideration for your overall outfit. You don’t want to look like a disco ball. But when used properly, they are a powerful accent to your wardrobe choice. I went to Bloomingdale’s website and saw what they had in store for us. When I found my lust was not cured, I hopped over (my, I seem so athletic, don’t I?) to the websites for Neiman Marcus and Macy’s. In the bliss of these sites, I found all that I wanted. And honestly, how often does that happen?

1. Kate Spade Metallic Rudy Tote at Bloomingdale’s ($395.00). I think I love everything Kate does. She’s one classy (but fun) lady. From what I hear, she throws wonderful parties. I haven’t been invited to any, but I’m sure that’s an oversight!
2.Gustto Estiva Metallic Shopper Bag in silver at Bloomingdale’s ($465.00). Also available in gold. Add some Rock n’ Roll fun to a simple outfit of a T-shirt and jeans.
3. Prada Brown Metallic Tote at Neiman Marcus ($1,995.00). I absolutley am head-over-heels for this casual-yet-luxe tote. I recently bought a pair of Prada glasses, but this isn’t brand favoritism at work – this is just natural instinct.
4. Red By Marc Ecko Hot-to-Trot Tote at Macy’s (SALE $48.00). Structured accents make this bag seem a little more ladylike.

Here’s to living in sublime style,

Jessica Rae