Good morning, friends and fam. It was a fun weekend of friends and good food and a couple of old fashioneds. I couldn't ask for more. I thought it would be fun this week to take a question from said friend or family and answer it with some style smarts. Before I do that, I wanted to say one thing- the whole Lena Dunham Vogue magazine controversy is ludicrous. As someone who has worked on many a photoshoot, the notion that someone would not be retouched, particularly a celebrity, is ridiculous. I know she's real, and she's got a normal body. That's wonderful and should be celebrated. But this is Vogue, and she is indeed, a famous woman. Would people examine within an inch of its pixels a photo of Heidi Klum on the cover? I think not, and there's really the problem right there. There is no way you can be on the cover of Vogue (and in the feature story) and remain unretouched. Would you want to be on the cover of the biggest fashion magazine in the world and not be retouched? I wouldn't. Fashion is fashion and that's that. If you want unretouched, do as Lena herself has said, and watch her imperfections on TV, each week on "Girls". PS- I am never for outrageous retouching that looks unreal so hats off to Vogue for doing an excellent job- if I was Lena I'd be quite pleased with those photos. She looks great- like a slightly better version of herself- what on Earth is wrong with that? Anyway...on with the advice and such.
In what can only be described as a fashion coincidence, a question came in from a lovely and stylish friend of mine on the subject of sneakers as I was feverishly searching for a black and white pair of New Balance 410s I had seen on Refinery 29. (Still looking for them in my size, in a sweat over them- must have, must HAVE). Said friend lives in Los Angeles and works in entertainment. She has a lovely and adorable son and she's in that zone of life where fashion is still quite important, as is dressing a bit more age appropriate (whatever that means to you). Here's the question in its entirety:
"As a 40 something “cool mom” (did I actually just write that?) who works in the entertainment biz as a writer/producer, I am considering buying a pair of high tops. But, a) am I too old?? and b) what pair to get so I don’t look tragically delusional? I will not pay full price for ASH—although super comfy and cute. I love the line it cuts with a pair of legging jeans. I really like the wedge, but, also like the flat ones too. So, to high-top, or not to hightop? And, to wedge, or not to wedge? That is the question!"
Good question, right? Well, I've got a few answers. As someone who lives in Brooklyn, I happen to see a lot of cool moms running around all day, and though their shoe uniform skews heavily towards a Rag and Bone bootie, I can easily imagine any of these simple glam types rocking a sneaker, and many do (Isabel Marant changed the game with her platform sneaker and many of us went full tilt with those). As for sneakers, I'm not great in Converse (they are clown like on me in a big, unfortunate way but I love them), but French women swear by them, the low top variety usually. I, however am a huge fan of high tops- my all time favorite pair are Nikes and they are the all black Blazer, with a perforated body that allows for some supreme comfort, while looking really cool with all of my skinnier pants, and are shown below- I got them at Barneys back in the day and can't find them online anywhere in black, but you'll see more of the Blazer style further down in this post.
In terms of to wedge vs. non wedge, many say the wedge is on deathwatch, but I disagree as they are still everywhere and Isabel Marant is still making them, and making me crazy because I really want the green ones for Spring. Is there a better color ever? Love.
But down to earth girls need more fiscally responsible ways to rock the trend, so I adore my Modern Vice wedged high tops. And though I have a few pairs of Isabel Marant bootie/sneaky type things, her prices are insane. They may a be a sensible option for your feet, but definitely not for your wallet. It's not really about wedge vs. non wedge when it comes to looking age appropriate ps- both work for me as they can be dressed down or up according to what milestone you may be reaching in the age department. So here are a few of my favorite looks for girls of all ages- best worn with skinnies or my favorite, leather leggings. Oh and you'll notice most of my picks are darker in hue- high tops can make your feet look largish, so I like to go dark with them. Now let's do this. (Or in sneaker speak, just do it).
THE HIGH TOP:
The Superga 2224 COTDU- These are cute and simple and inexpensive. Great option and grown up. If you are one of the few people that still gets a bonus check, go for the more glam version by the Row (MK and Ashley have taken their considerable design chops to Superga of late). Otherwise, at $65, these are a great option for grown ups.
Nike Lace up or Nike Blazer Twist- Can't go wrong with a basic black high top. Nike makes some of the best- a little more urban and cool, they're each just over 100 bucks, and get the job done. Mine are like walking on air. I dig 'em in a real way, and for some reason, guys love when you wear these as well. Something very spunky about a girl in a boyish high top. At Bloomingdales.Love.
Ash Virgin Buckled sneaker(on sale)- My friend, you meet seek out deals when procuring the look you want, and there are no shortage of the spendy Ash sneaker on sale. The classic high top on sale at Last Call for CHEAP. Enjoy.
THE HIGH TOP WEDGE:
Modern Vice Siena- I found these bad ass kicks on DSW for under $100. I have a pair and love 'em. They're a bit of a weapon (the spikes), so be careful around the little ones.
Sam Edelman Bennett Wedge Sneaker- I love these in the dark navy- great with dark jeans and black. Fantastic and on sale for $78 at Bloomingdales. Great shoe, great deal. Any questions?
DV by Dolce Vita Kip Sneaker- I adore these because they are part platform, part sneaker/high top, and part boot. I can absolutely see wearing these with a skirt or dress in addition to pants- nice line and cool shoe/sneak combo for the sneaker shy. Also under $100 so pocketbook friendly too. Score.
BREAKING NEWS: THE SLIP ON AKA THE SNEAKER FOR RIGHT NOW
So here's where I'm chinking about in the armor because if you're going to buy one sneaker/comfort shoe besides a Birkenstock this Spring (you know I love the Birks), get thee to a slip on sneaker. Think old school checkered Vans vibe, but less Fast Times and more modern times. Every designer is making these from Prada to Givenchy to Saint Laurent - I adore the Vince version but they're spendy and the plaid Celines above move me beyond, but there are some great less expensive options, shown here. I can't think of a more easygoing shoe- perfect for airport travel and on the go lives. Already seeing these on chic feet all over town- sure to be a hit with cool women everywhere, and super great for the cool mom crew.
Via Spiga Galant Too- Adorbs and laser cut- they also come in a snake print and a fabric/burlap. At $150 they're not cheap, but they're also not a $700 Isabel Marant sneaker.
Sam Edelman Becker- Easygoing and leopard print. I'm in. Great shoe on Shopbop now.
Vans metallic slip on- A great take on a classic, now with golden glamour appeal. So cute in the Spring with white, or rock them in the colder months with black leggings and you're good to go. Big fan. May have to get these myself. And at just under $60, an inexpensive way to rock the trend.
So now that we've addressed the sneaker issue, if you have a question you'd like me to answer, please write to me at sherimaven@gmail.com. I'm happy to answer and this concludes our sneaker session. And that's what's up this chicks with kicks of a Monday in the 212. Thanks for the question, my friend. Keep 'em comin'. Yours, in answers. XO