I miss wearing peep-toe shoes and the cycle of getting pedicures on a regular basis.  I miss the blossoming flowers and  the grass turning green instead of the dirty, brown slush that used to be snow.   For me, the Easter holiday always marks the return of Spring and as a little girl,  my biggest treat was buying an Easter Sunday dress.

Now, I am older and no longer go through the bells and whistles for Easter celebration, but a colorful dress always signifies spring weather to me.

I am feeling a sense of this when looking at pieces from Chicago-based designer, Jess Audey, and her Audey line.  Jess is also part of  the Chicago Fashion Incubator program (a yearlong mentor ship  that assists up-and-coming designers) and is a graduate of Columbia University Chicago.   Her “About” page describes the look and feel of her cocktail  dresses perfectly:

Dresses that are at once whimsical and romantic while maintaining the highest level of quality.

Looking at her S/S 2010 Preview pictures makes me wish spring would hurry up and arrive so I can wear my cocktail dress and peep-toe shoes.

These Corso Cormo sandals are not exactly gladiator, which is a continuing trend this season, but they are well within the spirit.   I’m thinking these would be perfect for shopping and/or brunch with a friend/significant other.  Selling for $129 on Piperlime, they are a bit steep, but I’ve found Corso Como to be of good quality, so plan on these being a keeper for a few seasons.

These braided sandals by Wanted are adorable and the braiding displays intricate detail.  For $50 at Piperlime, they are a steal.

Generally, I don’t like wooden platforms and no, they are not showing any toe.  However, these Seychelles platforms have caught my attention. They are adorable and come in black and purple.  For $100 on Piperlime, someone might think I’m sporting a pair of Chloe wedges instead.

Leave it to J. Crew to to provide comfy and stylish flats for multiple occasions.  Wear it on a casual day to work or dress them up with a cute dress.  A little boring?  Maybe.  If I wanted to revert to my usual safe route, I’d snatch them up in a minute.

I once said that if Dolce Vita was the last moderately-priced maker of shoes, then I’d be content for the rest of my life.   Loving these black platforms and I could see wearing these shoes whenever I get ready to make a statement.  Not too bad for $162.

And I found these Dolce Vita shoes on the Urban Outfitters website.  Cheaper than the aforementioned Dolce Vita shoes for $128, but I’m still a bit unsure.  Maybe it’s the 5″ heel.   Still, I can envision so many outfits that these shoes would be perfectly paired with.

Overall, I haven’t done much shopping for Spring clothes, let alone shoes.  I did relent and bought two pairs of comfortable and moderately chic everyday shoes from Payless.  Yup, you got it, Payless.  They are the shoes that I wear everyday to work and  since my $195 Tory Burch Reva flats need to be replaced for the 2nd time,  I refuse to another pricey pair right now.  Feast your eyes on these:

Both pairs were $11.99 each.  Not bad at all.  And no, I am not showing any toe yet.

Spring is in the air]]> http://www.clandestinechic.com/2009/03/24/spring-is-in-the-air/feed/ 9 http://www.clandestinechic.com/2009/02/02/spring-2009-list/ http://www.clandestinechic.com/2009/02/02/spring-2009-list/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:27:54 +0000 clandestinechic http://clandestinechic.wordpress.com/?p=182 Although it’s all of 30 crisp degrees outside right now, Spring is still right around the corner.  In Chicago, we really don’t have a natural progression into Spring.  Rather, it just goes from dead cold to seasonably warm in a matter of a few days.  So, I’ve been thinking of what I’m going to be wearing this Spring.  More of the same?  Leggings?  Cardigans and my long trench coat?  Or will I be changing it up a bit and wearing more skirts, dresses and dress slacks?   I’ve promised myself that I’m cutting down big time on shopping–like everyone else in the U.S. right now, and I’m going to begin instituting a uniform.   Here are some things I’ll probably pick up for Spring:

Calvin Klein Satin Skinny Pants--Calvin Klein Website

Not looking at satin pants,necessarily, but I’ll probably be buying pants at this length for Spring–and in black.  I can dress them down with flats or I can always dress them up with a nice heel like this Calvin Klein model.

BDG Long Cardigan--Urban Outfitters.com

I wore long cardigans throughout Fall and Winter, and I’m definitely carrying them into Spring.  Great for cozying up and getting comfortable on the couch, running errands or even dressing up for a nice dinner with friends,  I just feel like I can’t go wrong.   And even as it gets warm, I’d rather be safe than sorry in case it does get a little cool outside.

And yes, the forever chic white blouse.  I think I seriously underrated the white blouse in my formative years, but I’m just now picking up how much more distinguished and dressy it can make your outfit without you really trying.   Anne Fontaine is the unspoken queen of a white blouse with flair and sophistication.

Ann Demeulemeester Riding Boots--The Fashion Spot

Although I don’t actually ride, I’ve been in love with riding boots for awhile now.   I’ve coveted the above Ann Demeulemeester riding boots for a few years now, but they are not in my  budget, and when I went on a half-hearted search in Chicago, I came up empty.  Instead, I found a pair of  Corso Como boots that have had to suffice.

Other than that?  I’m looking at lots of light cardigans and tees.   Wearing lots of gray and black and occasionally some white.   I usually bust out the color every Spring as a sort of declaration, but I think this Spring, I want to gradually slip into the warmer weather and appreciate wearing the muted tones in warmer seasons.

Spring 2009 List]]> http://www.clandestinechic.com/2009/02/02/spring-2009-list/feed/ 2