DRESS BLUES

Dress blues is a term that refers to the dress uniform of U.S. service men and women. You might also have dress blues of another kind if you are down about not having enough dresses you like in your wardrobe. But today, it means I’m sharing my favorite blue dresses presently available for purchase. Because while most women know they need the LBD (“Little Black Dress”) in their closet, I feel strongly that you need a blue one, as well. Why? Because blue speaks “business” more than black does. Blue is formal, as is black, but sometimes black can be read as sexy or somber (not at the same time!) Blue is crisp and polished.

This dress I’m wearing in the cover photo is from The Fold London and is sold out. But I had to show it because its fit is absolutely amazing! And there’s nothing better than a great fitting silhouette. It’s feminine, flattering, and sharp, and conservative enough to wear to a business event. Take some time to check out their current collection—this blue dress is one of my new favorites. And lucky for you, I’ve curated the collection below if you have the dress blues—meaning, you don’t have a favorite blue dress hanging in your closet. Every woman needs one. I’m always here to help. Simply click on the images below to shop.

SHOP BLUE DRESSES

WALK LIKE A WOMAN WITH SARAH FLINT

Use Promo Code BAJENNIFER50 at checkout for $50off your order of Sarah Flint shoes!

I’ve loved shoes for a very long time. A few blog posts ago, I recalled helping my grandmother during her seasonal shoe migration where the current season’s shoes would be moved from the hallway closet to that of her bedroom, and the outgoing season’s went the opposite direction. But regardless of the season, I always opened up the boxes and tried two pair: army green crocodile block pumps and her gold feathery kitten heel mule slippers. What I wouldn’t give to have those shoes today, even though she was a Size 8 and I’m a 7. 

Whenever anyone asks about my love for shoes, sometimes very expensive shoes, I am reminded of a phone call I once received from my mother while away at college. Keep in mind this was 1994. I’d purchased a pair of shoes from Nordstrom and left the box in my closet at home. They were $98, which seems like a real bargain today (at least for a shoe lover!) But for an unemployed sophomore in college whose mother was working two jobs so I could focus on studying, it didn’t go over very well. “98 dollars for a pair of shoes?!?!?” she sternly asked over the phone. “You are sooooo lucky you aren’t home right now.” Fair point. At my age, I really didn’t need a pair of $100 shoes when most of my friends were wearing much less expensive options, mainly because most shoes inevitably got destroyed at one of the many bars in College Park. We eventually wised up and reserved one pair of shoes as bar shoes. Thankfully I outgrew those types of establishments upon graduating.

Fast forward many years to when I earned my first big promotion and finally had a little bit of cash. Single and sans kids. I spared no expense on shoes. The higher the heel the better. Comfort often didn’t matter as long as they looked good. And until recently, sexiness and/or high style in a shoe often meant sacrificing comfort.

Enter Sarah Flint. Before I get into why I’m having a love affair with Sarah Flint shoes, I need to share everything else I love about this company, this brand, and the woman behind both, Sarah Flint herself. Let’s start with her slogan, “Walk like a woman.” Without considering the background behind her choice of this tagline, it took on its own meaning for me. I’ve always been a girly girl. I’ve always loved fashion and makeup and all things pretty and feminine. And at times in my life, I’ve often felt a need to hide that passion because some believe that attractive women and/or women who take pride in their physical appearance lack substance. Some think attractive women are getting by on their looks and that if a woman was really that intelligent, she wouldn’t feel the need to get all dolled up. Thankfully, times have changed, and more and more women are comfortable expressing their femininity and passion for looking as beautiful on the outside as they feel on the inside. So to me, the phrase, “Walk like a woman” empowers a woman to take that big job, go for that big promotion, and do it while dressing in a beautiful and feminine way and exercising the freedom to express her personal style.

Now onto the shoes. Sarah Flint shoes are designed by a woman, inspired by women, and carefully and expertly crafted to deliver style and comfort. And because they are sold directly to you, the consumer, they’re more affordable because they don’t have the traditional retailer markup.

I don’t think I need to write much about the look and style of these shoes. A picture is worth a thousand words, and they really do speak for themselves. But there is one feature I must point out on her pumps, and that’s the V-shaped Vamp which, in my opinion, shows the perfect amount of toe cleavage for an uber-sexy look. 

Let’s keep it real, though. There are lots of sexy shoes on the market. I could list 10 brands in under 10 seconds. But Sarah takes her interest and love for a shoe one step further (pun intended!) The difference between a comfortable shoe and a painful shoe has everything to do with craftsmanship. And if there is one thing that most people know for certain, it’s that Italians know how to make a shoe! Made in Italy, every shoe is touched by no less than 12 pairs of hands. Not just any hands—the most experienced and knowledgable artisans in the industry. Each of them owns and is an expert in, after years of training, a specific step of the shoe-making process. And they’re made in the same factories as two of my favorite brands, Manolo Blahnik (Carrie Bradshaw fans, rejoice!) and Christian Louboutin. These shoes aren’t coming off a massive and automated assembly line. The artisans are hand-stitching outsoles and hand-placing the smallest of details because shoes are a serious business. Ever been sold a mattress by a mattress salesman? They tell you that you spend half of your life on a mattress so it’s worth investing in a good one. Well the same is true for shoes. Think about how often your feet are in them and how much walking in a good shoe versus a low quality shoe can affect the rest of your body. 

Let’s begin with one of the biggest complaints women have about many shoes, especially those with pointy toes. The feeling of our toes being smooshed together like sardines in a can. Long term, that leads to corns, bunions, toes crossing over onto their neighbor, and eventually surgery for some. Argh! And does anyone remember the Eddie Murphy movie “Boomerang” where his character couldn’t date a woman with “hammertime feet?” Thankfully, Sarah Flint shoes have a wider toe box, easing foot crowding. 

Ever been standing in a pair of heels and feeling like the balls of your feet were on fire? The Sarah Flint Perfect Pump has an additional 6mm of memory foam at the footbed for extra comfort.

When I take my heels off at night, I often immediately massage the arch of my foot. But after a day in Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps, you can save your strength, because her heels have an extra pad to support the natural arch of the foot. It’s amazing to feel it once you slide your foot into the shoe.

For those of you who put safety first, you’ll be happy to know each shoe has a rubber outsole with a no-slip grip, and stilettos are constructed with a steel rod to improve durability and longevity of the heel. No old Mentos commercials going on here. (I’m really dating myself!)

I live in New York City, and we are fortunate enough to have the very first Sarah Flint pop-up shop! So that means I was able to try on lots of Sarah Flint styles and see their beauty in person. So what are my top picks? That’s kind of like asking a mother which one of her children she loves the most. It’s impossible to choose! But I’ll list a few. Fortunately, Sarah Flint shoes ship for free and returns are free, as well. So if you don’t live in NYC, it’s a no-risk purchase. And when your shoes arrive, from the moment you open the box, it’s abundantly clear just how much TLC went into crafting and packaging your very own Sarah Flint shoes.

So what are my favorites? The short answer is all of them, but I’m going to narrow it down to five for purposes of this post. So here goes…

The Natalie

When Meghan Markle made her public debut with Prince Harry, the world watched…as she held his hand and walked beside him in her Sarah Flint Natalie flats/loafers. And then the shoes sold out in two minutes (I’m not sure that’s the actual time period, but it was quick), and the waitlist was a mile long and several months out. So I gave up. Temporarily. The good news is that these are classic flats that are the epitome of versatility. You can seriously wear them with almost anything. The Natalie comes in several colors, but my favorite is obvious.

The Lana
I’ve also tried the Lana flat in Navy blue. I actually feel these may be even more comfortable for my feet than the Natalie, so they likely will be one of my next acquisitions from this brand.

Perfect Pump 85mm Black Suede
I’m wearing the Perfect Pump 85mm in Black Suede in all of the skirt photos in this post. And I couldn’t love them more. They go with everything from skirts to dresses to trousers to denim. I opted for the medium height so I could wear them more frequently and because I have a pair of higher black patent pumps that I wear when I want a bit more of a lift. But quite frankly, I think the 85mm is a perfectly sexy height that many people who “normally don’t like high heels” would love. This shoe will be an investment that lasts for years. I promise it will never go out of style.

Perfect Pump 100mm Cabernet Suede
What kind of woman and royal family groupie would I be if I didn’t covet the latest shoe worn by Meghan Markle in her perfect leather pencil skirt outfit? My next shoe acquisition will be the Perfect Pump 100mm in Cabernet Suede. This color is perfect when you need a kick (pun intended) to your outfit. I’m not a red pump kind of gal, so this is my cup of tea (there’s the royal wanna-be in me coming out again!) These shoes are on pre-order right now and are scheduled to ship in December. I assure you they’ll sell out because anything that royalty wears always does.

Marina Boot
Nothing says “hip and as sexy” like a knee-high boot. The Marina in Olive is full of style and of course, comfort. I envision wearing them with skirts, dresses, and denim in multiple colors. The perfect new addition to your boot collection.

Visit Sarah Flint to browse their entire selection of amazing shoes, boots, and even handbags. I have found they run true to size. And there are exciting new product launches to come, as Sarah and her team are in Italy as you read. Use PROMO CODE BAJENNIFER50 at checkout at Sarah Flint for $50 off your first order. You’re completely welcome! For those of you wish to shop the entire look, click here to be directed to the “Shop My Looks” page of this website.

xoxo,
Jennifer

BLAZER WEATHER ROUND 2

This is “Round 2” because I blogged about the same subject last year. Why? Because I loooooovvvvve a good blazer. If you were to ask me if there was one piece of clothing that made me feel most like myself, it would be a wonderfully tailored blazer. With a crisp button down or a beautiful cami underneath. And in colder temps, a cozy turtleneck sweater. But truth be told, I could wear a blazer any way, even with nothing underneath…but let’s not get carried away.

I love the menswear look on a woman, but it has to be done right. A blazer is the answer. This is one wardrobe staple that I think is worth the investment because if you buy right, you will wear it for years. I always love a great fitting tailored suit on a man. And I love when they mix patterns in their shirt, tie, and suit. The patterns need to be subtle and all come together with some common thread, but if done well, it’s very sexy (IMHO). I suppose that is what inspired my outfit featured in this post. The blazer I’m wearing fits so much better than I thought it would. It runs true to size (TTS). It’s not as tailored as the blazers I typically wear, but it still has a great shape. I paired it with one of my new favorite button downs that has a subtle pattern, and I happen to love the mix. There are a few sizes remaining in this exact style, but I’ve listed a few that are very similar.

Aside from the plaid blazer, I’m sharing a few additional favorites. Personally, I feel H&M has been killing it lately with their blazers. I have this style in two colors, white and a blue/gray tweed, and the cut is amazing! It feels so feminine, and the gathered sleeves add the perfect unexpectedness to keep it from being anything but boring. As for brands with a great fit, I love L’Agence and Veronica Beard. L’Agence’s Kenzie (I own this style in a shade of blue, and no, it’s not just because of the name) is a wonderful knock-off of a favorite Balmain blazer. Actually, last year’s blog post feature photo was of Jennifer Aniston wearing a navy Balmain number. Veronica Beard blazers are cut very similarly…still not a bargain but not the crazy splurge of Balmain. And finally, I purchased this Theory blazer this season, so you’ll be seeing that in future posts. One tip for buying Theory: If you take any old Theory item into a store (one that someone could still wear), they’ll donate it and give you 25% off of your purchase. Score! And you’re welcome!

To shop my favorite blazers of the season, simply click on the photos below. And if you’re wondering if you can still wear white, yes. Yes you can!

SHOP TODAY’S LOOK

SHOP FAVORITE BLAZERS

Fall is perfect blazer weather. I hope this post helped you find one that’s perfect for you!

xoxo,
Jennifer

WHEN LEOPARD PRINT HITS THE SPOT

A girlfriend and I were texting last week about how her husband makes fun of all of the leopard print she owns. And we both agreed that neither of us can get enough of it. Especially after I had just purchased the featured dress in this post. I think it’s perfectly acceptable to own lots of leopard or any other animal print. BUT it’s not recommended to don it all at once. Some might feel it’s acceptable to wear two pieces of leopard print simultaneously, but I disagree. One at a time is plenty. Because one is enough to add that unexpected splash of sass and sexiness to your outfit. Plus, it’s highly unlikely that both animal prints will be exactly the same, so if you’re wearing two or more pieces, you then have a cat fight on your hands! ;-)

If you look for clothing and accessories a lot, or if you read fashion magazines and articles, you may be overwhelmed by all of the choices for leopard print. It’s REALLY in right now so almost every brand and retailer carries some version of the pattern. You also may wonder when it’s going to go out. I’ll say this: If it goes out for a season or even a few years, it will come back. It always does. It’s classic. But if you’re skeptical about its longevity, I’d recommend purchasing it in an accessory that won’t break the bank.

Personally, I choose to own (as evidenced by this post) many different pieces. Why? Because sometimes I’m feeling really feisty and want to have my leopard print make a big statement, and on other occasions, I use an accessory to add just enough pizzazz to an otherwise boring outfit. So to help you do the same, I’m rounding up some of my favorite leopard print pieces that are presently available to shop, and MANY of them are at very affordable prices. Today’s dress is absolutely amazing! The fabric is light and forgiving, and the dress flows beautifully. The proportions are perfect. The 3/4 length sleeves and the midi dress length are perfect for fall, winter, or spring. I love the slightly flared bottom that gives it a sexy sway as you walk. The belt around the waist gives it shape. It’s perfect for work or play and very well priced. My accessories (except the shoes) are all affordable, especially my earrings at $8 and the handbag at $45 (I’m salivating over both of them!) You can shop below for today’s dress and the entire look. But don’t stop there. Keep scrolling to see some of my more recent looks and to shop the leopard print pieces featured in each.

SHOP TODAY’S LOOK

LEOPARD SWEATERS

LEOPARD ON YOUR FEET

LEOPARD BAG & BELT

And finally, just for a little added humor…I’ve heard a few men say that you can predict the craziness/level of insanity of a woman by the number of cats she owns. I’m not sure if there is any truth to that. I don’t have cats. Instead, I have severe allergies. But I’m hoping that this theory doesn’t stretch to cat-like accessories. If so, I guess I’m completely nuts. ;-)

xoxo,
Jennifer