Bay Area Fashion Eye

A fashion blog that aims to capture the good of Bay Area fashion. I'll post opinions, things that inspire me, and the things I absolutely LOVE, NEED, and WANT. Enjoy!

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Casual Friday- My Way  I love Friday’s! Who doesn’t?! That’s rhetorical. The real question is: Does Friday mean anything to your wardrobe? To me, not really. I often have a meeting or two that day and try to always look my best out of respect. However, maybe it’s the fact that I’m a Bay Area girl or maybe because I’ve seen Fridays go from super polished to way too casual. I like having a balanced approach to my Fridays.  These are just a few of my favorite Friday looks. If I do wear jeans, it’s mainly when I don’t have a meeting, but will always wear a pair of heels and a blazer or a cardigan. But, let’s face it- I wear cardigans with everything. I also dress business-y during week, but nothing too formal. I don’t wear a suit, so my Friday look doesn’t differ too much. I might wear some nice sandals (like the ones pictured), but never flip-flops and ONLY when I’ve done my toe nails.  There’s also a difference in what I wear during the seasons- a bit more color during the Spring/Summer and more Fall colors during the other two months. I personally don’t wear color, but love seeing women who do. I may not be bold enough to wear that yellow dress, but will incorporate “pops” in my accessories. The best way to transition outfits throughout the year. The point is- when dressing for Friday, remember two things: a) follow your colleagues/boss b) how do you want to be perceived? We take so much time during the week deciding on what to wear- do we really want to undo that with taking out the relaxed jeans and throwing on a t-shirt? Does anyone really wear that to work? No. We, in the Bay Area, or in California really- are super lucky. We have amazing weather, let’s take advantage of it. Dress up!

Casual Friday- My Way 

I love Friday’s! Who doesn’t?! That’s rhetorical. The real question is: Does Friday mean anything to your wardrobe?
 
To me, not really. I often have a meeting or two that day and try to always look my best out of respect.
 
However, maybe it’s the fact that I’m a Bay Area girl or maybe because I’ve seen Fridays go from super polished to way too casual. I like having a balanced approach to my Fridays.
 
These are just a few of my favorite Friday looks. If I do wear jeans, it’s mainly when I don’t have a meeting, but will always wear a pair of heels and a blazer or a cardigan. But, let’s face it- I wear cardigans with everything.
 
I also dress business-y during week, but nothing too formal. I don’t wear a suit, so my Friday look doesn’t differ too much. I might wear some nice sandals (like the ones pictured), but never flip-flops and ONLY when I’ve done my toe nails.
 
There’s also a difference in what I wear during the seasons- a bit more color during the Spring/Summer and more Fall colors during the other two months. I personally don’t wear color, but love seeing women who do. I may not be bold enough to wear that yellow dress, but will incorporate “pops” in my accessories. The best way to transition outfits throughout the year.
 
The point is- when dressing for Friday, remember two things: a) follow your colleagues/boss b) how do you want to be perceived?
 
We take so much time during the week deciding on what to wear- do we really want to undo that with taking out the relaxed jeans and throwing on a t-shirt? Does anyone really wear that to work? No.
 
We, in the Bay Area, or in California really- are super lucky. We have amazing weather, let’s take advantage of it. Dress up!

A TV Show Review

For the past 4 years I was obsessed with watching “The Rachel Zoe Project” on Bravo TV, this year though two things: 1) I disconnected my cable and only watch on-line (trying to save a little money) and 2) my schedule for some reason just got busier! (how? I still don’t know). So, I haven’t been able to religiously watch the show as I used to. I had heard that this season wasn’t as “fun” or as “entertaining” as the previous seasons; after all- no Brad, Taylor, Jeremiah, etc.  

Yesterday was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon and a day where I had nothing planned (yay!), so I took the opportunity to watch the 3 available episodes on Bravotv.com. I was bummed that there were only THREE episodes available, but better than nothing I guess. 

I have actually enjoyed the season so far! Yes, it’s less hijinks and “fun” employees, but it’s actually interesting to see Rachel and Roger be a long married couple who are handling working together pretty well….unlike some other celebrity married couples who can’t work/live together.  They bicker, but you know they’re in for the long haul. It’s awesome to see someone like Rachel juggling all her roles in an effort to have it all. Many women do, many other other want to. 

She has insecurities, has stress, and of course- LOVES fashion. I can totally relate! Of course, I don’t travel with 7 suitcases, but hey- if you can, why not?! I also don’t have a hubby freaking about the luggage overage….but I do that on my own. :)

So, as soon as the other episodes are available on-line, I will continue catching up.  Because, after all these seasons seeing the progression of her career from stylist to designer, I kind of feel like I’ve been along for the ride too. She’s serious. As she and Roger have said, this is their livelihood. They have a lot of employees who rely on their success. This is the real Rachel Zoe Project and I’m loving it. It’s a great example, that if you work hard, you can accomplish your goals, but even then- it takes a lot more energy to keep it from crashing.

HAPPY Easter!!!

HAPPY Easter!!!

The stiletto is a feminine weapon that men just don’t have

—Christian Louboutin

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!!! Erin Go Bragh!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!!! Erin Go Bragh!

“God Save My Shoes” I recently (FINALLY!) saw the documentary, “God Save My Shoes” on HuluPlus and loved it. The film highlights the obsession and love affair that women have with shoes.  But not just the fact that stilettos are sexy- the film shows the evolution of shoes and even how shoes help define a personality, a mood, an emotion that we want to convey….just with the items on our feet. The film interviews women and designers and talks about the heels, the height, how can women walk in these?, what is the limit? is there a limit? and also- the artwork that some of the shoes display. Have you ever noticed the form of the stiletto: to die for. The film discusses how women in the U.S. buy 7-8 pairs a year, making us #1 in shoe buying, with the French hot on our heels. Even during the recession- shoes were still the big seller. Perhaps women went from buying 5 pairs, to 3, but they continued buying. The reason being simple: shoes can instantly transform an item. You may not be able to buy the whole outfit, but shoes……instant gratification. The debate about the height limit was interesting…especially the men who don’t understand the passion for heels. The fact that women own shoes that we can’t actually walk in is humorous to many. But, still- many women own the S&M (stand and model). I have shoes that are only made for me to stand, lean against a wall, or sit down: not walking. Crazy? Yes. Yes it is. LOL Healthy? No. Our bodies do have adjust how we walk…..not always graceful. A crack in the sidewalk…ummm not ideal. I have the scars to prove their danger. But, we continue buying them and continue to wear them. The designers, like Blahnik, Louboutin, Kors-  will tell you they love women and they love shoes and they design these items of affection that we revere and we love them for it. I personally loved the argument that women feel a sense of empowerment in these shoes. I know that I see it daily- women in positions of power rockin’ their heels- a woman has the ability to be feminine and powerful. Some disagree. One person in the film said that it might be a bit delusional, that she’ll believe heels are a sign of power when men wear heels. I personally disagree.  Shoes can be a status symbol, they are art, they are functional, and evoke so many feelings. There was a comment in the film about how some feminists think stilettos are a form of foot binding, of modern day torture….the counter to that (as was mentioned in the film)- we can actually take them off. Ha ha! Women have many choices in footwear and no matter what is chosen: we feel good in them. I live in my heels- I love my heels. I love being taller, of feeling pretty, of having people comment on them. I take pride in what I wear, but the real kick is no matter what I weigh- my shoes are something I never feel bad in trying on. It’s great. I loved the documentary: great interviews, images, humor, and information about the shoe evolution (although I am not a fan of the foot fetish stuff)- it was all very interesting!  The argument of who actually created the stiletto…was it Vivier, Ferragamo, Perugia? will apparently never be resolved.  I love my shoes. I love the shoes that I don’t even own yet (like the one pictured here)! God Save My Shoes indeed and God Save Your Shoes. :) P.S. I MUST buy a pair of Pierre Hardy shoes….AMAZING!

“God Save My Shoes”

I recently (FINALLY!) saw the documentary, “God Save My Shoes” on HuluPlus and loved it. The film highlights the obsession and love affair that women have with shoes.  But not just the fact that stilettos are sexy- the film shows the evolution of shoes and even how shoes help define a personality, a mood, an emotion that we want to convey….just with the items on our feet.

The film interviews women and designers and talks about the heels, the height, how can women walk in these?, what is the limit? is there a limit? and also- the artwork that some of the shoes display. Have you ever noticed the form of the stiletto: to die for.

The film discusses how women in the U.S. buy 7-8 pairs a year, making us #1 in shoe buying, with the French hot on our heels. Even during the recession- shoes were still the big seller. Perhaps women went from buying 5 pairs, to 3, but they continued buying. The reason being simple: shoes can instantly transform an item. You may not be able to buy the whole outfit, but shoes……instant gratification.

The debate about the height limit was interesting…especially the men who don’t understand the passion for heels. The fact that women own shoes that we can’t actually walk in is humorous to many. But, still- many women own the S&M (stand and model). I have shoes that are only made for me to stand, lean against a wall, or sit down: not walking. Crazy? Yes. Yes it is. LOL Healthy? No. Our bodies do have adjust how we walk…..not always graceful. A crack in the sidewalk…ummm not ideal. I have the scars to prove their danger. But, we continue buying them and continue to wear them. The designers, like Blahnik, Louboutin, Kors-  will tell you they love women and they love shoes and they design these items of affection that we revere and we love them for it.

I personally loved the argument that women feel a sense of empowerment in these shoes. I know that I see it daily- women in positions of power rockin’ their heels- a woman has the ability to be feminine and powerful. Some disagree. One person in the film said that it might be a bit delusional, that she’ll believe heels are a sign of power when men wear heels. I personally disagree. 

Shoes can be a status symbol, they are art, they are functional, and evoke so many feelings. There was a comment in the film about how some feminists think stilettos are a form of foot binding, of modern day torture….the counter to that (as was mentioned in the film)- we can actually take them off. Ha ha!

Women have many choices in footwear and no matter what is chosen: we feel good in them. I live in my heels- I love my heels. I love being taller, of feeling pretty, of having people comment on them. I take pride in what I wear, but the real kick is no matter what I weigh- my shoes are something I never feel bad in trying on. It’s great.

I loved the documentary: great interviews, images, humor, and information about the shoe evolution (although I am not a fan of the foot fetish stuff)- it was all very interesting!  The argument of who actually created the stiletto…was it Vivier, Ferragamo, Perugia? will apparently never be resolved. 

I love my shoes. I love the shoes that I don’t even own yet (like the one pictured here)! God Save My Shoes indeed and God Save Your Shoes. :)

P.S. I MUST buy a pair of Pierre Hardy shoes….AMAZING!

To know me is to know that I rarely wear color. But, these Prabal Gurung for Target shoes are SO amazing.  I’m still not sure if I’m going to keep these- mainly because it’s so out of my comfort zone in regards to shoe color(s). But, they’re really fun too. Decisions!!

To know me is to know that I rarely wear color. But, these Prabal Gurung for Target shoes are SO amazing. 

I’m still not sure if I’m going to keep these- mainly because it’s so out of my comfort zone in regards to shoe color(s). But, they’re really fun too. Decisions!!

Basics 101  I went shopping with my younger sister today because she’s been having the eternal question “what do I wear?” a lot lately and in reviewing some of the items in her closet, it was discovered that she didn’t really have the basics. Those key pieces that often are either the foundation to what you wear or final addition to your wardrobe.  So, we hit the mall. This got me thinking- how many women don’t at least own basic fitted t-shirts or who only buy things on trend? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with buying the trendy items- I do it too. But, I’m a firm believer in classic staple pieces that no matter what time of year or where you may be going, there are some items that NEVER go out of style. And so, I list some here for you. Of course, we know the little black dress and the black stiletto. I add: a chambray shirt (you can wear open or close), fitted jeans, a black blazer (roll up the sleeves for a more casual chic look), a round collar sweater (wool or knit- imagine it with jeans that have a rolled up cuff at the ankle- cute!), a NUDE shoe, a basic watch, fitted t-shirts (in all colors), a NUDE bra (it’s amazing how many people wear white under white. No), cami’s in black, white, and nude (no one wants to see your bra under that sheer shirt), a structured hand bag, a clutch, and a classic fitted coat. The best part of these basics is that they found in various price points- from the uber affordable to the most pricey. Price doesn’t matter: fit matters. It’s all about the basics.

Basics 101 

I went shopping with my younger sister today because she’s been having the eternal question “what do I wear?” a lot lately and in reviewing some of the items in her closet, it was discovered that she didn’t really have the basics. Those key pieces that often are either the foundation to what you wear or final addition to your wardrobe.  So, we hit the mall.

This got me thinking- how many women don’t at least own basic fitted t-shirts or who only buy things on trend? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with buying the trendy items- I do it too. But, I’m a firm believer in classic staple pieces that no matter what time of year or where you may be going, there are some items that NEVER go out of style.

And so, I list some here for you. Of course, we know the little black dress and the black stiletto. I add: a chambray shirt (you can wear open or close), fitted jeans, a black blazer (roll up the sleeves for a more casual chic look), a round collar sweater (wool or knit- imagine it with jeans that have a rolled up cuff at the ankle- cute!), a NUDE shoe, a basic watch, fitted t-shirts (in all colors), a NUDE bra (it’s amazing how many people wear white under white. No), cami’s in black, white, and nude (no one wants to see your bra under that sheer shirt), a structured hand bag, a clutch, and a classic fitted coat.

The best part of these basics is that they found in various price points- from the uber affordable to the most pricey. Price doesn’t matter: fit matters.

It’s all about the basics.