must have flats

I am a flat connoisseur — really, I am. My shoe collection is about two thirds flats one third heels and a few pairs of boots too! My boyfriend is only one and a half inches taller than me (that half inch is important!) and I feel awkward walking next to him in a pair of four-inchers so mostly I just gravitate towards a pair of flats and plus, they're more comfortable for long days at work!

clockwise: black strap // blue & rose gold // hearts // tan // pink // black & white

I am not one to choose a pair of typical shoes. I do not own a pair of nude flats or plain black, it needs some character since you're compromising on the height. Choose a pair with a little versatility, like my very favorite pair of flats ever, the Frye Regina Studded flats in brown. They are neutral and can be an edgy touch to a feminine outfit. 

Even though a pair of shoes only goes with one or two outfits in your closet, if you love them — buy them! It will inspire new ideas or your next shopping trip you'll revolve outfits around the new shoes. Like the Alice and Olivia heart flats, wear them with a plain grey sweater (save or splurge) or a solid-color lace dress (here) — just a little whimsical touch! 

Music Festival Fashion

Joie Moccasins / Alex & Ani Spikes / Alex & Ani Live Music / Lauren Moffatt Dress

As a music festival junkie, I am always looking for unique items that will

last the full day. Since I am not too keen on the crop tops and frayed shorts, I

stay on the look  out for comfortable and flowy dresses that I will be content

wearing for an entire day outdoors. Cream  tops or dresses are never a bad

find--they go with absolutely everything  and can be dressed up with a black

blazer for days you are not rocking out to your favorite band.

Festival Fashion Criteria:

never black or navy

no flip-flops or heels

no large bags

no heavy jewelry

nothing tight and clingy

sunglasses are a must

and always bring a beach towel. 

I wish someone told me each of those things before venturing out on a hot day 

in the middle of a Chicago park at Lollapalooza--you will thank me later. 

With occasional muddy conditions and lots of walking, a 

pair of short Frye boots or these adorable Joie Moccasins (remember, no heels) are 

ideal choices and certainly comfy . A lightweight crossbody bag that fits the essentials 

is all you need. Lugging around a suitcase is the last thing you want to be doing in the 

scorching summer heat and the same goes with jewelry. 

A couple of Alex & Ani bangles stacked with your festival wristband is just 

right and not enough to drive you crazy. 

I found this fantastically feminine Lauren Moffatt Dress at a local boutique for 

a steal ($75 originally $420) and meets each of my music festival specifications--and 

then some! If you are in love with the dress as much as I am, it is unfortunately sold 

out, however I have seen it on eBay a few times, so keep an eye out. 

Anthropologie has a similar dress here. 

Pedal Pusher

May is national bike month and with this custom made bike, you are guaranteed to turn heads.  

Villy Custom personalizes each cruiser and can even add a leopard padded seat for the fashionably inclined. 

Pair this whimsical sweater (Allison Williams spotted here on the set of Girls) with leopard loafers and a comfortable stretchy headband for a casual spin in the city.

villycustoms.comBicycle / Bike Sweater / Leopard Loafers / Headband