Fashionable Flip Flops for summer style

Who says flip flops can't be fashionable? I mean, I know they aren't HIGH fashion...but we all wear them, right?

So I guess the question is, where is the best place to buy them? And which ones do you choose?

Here are my top 8 - in no particular order!

1. Hands down my favorites Havaiana's - the wear extremely well, the will hold up for multiple summers. around $26
2. Cute and girly. I'm not a huge fan of Vera Bradley...but I do live in Fort Wayne...and I do have a pair of VB flip flops. I love them and they too have held up for more than one summer. BONUS! You can find them at Zappos.com.
3. Target flip flops. These are my main stay. $9.99 and I buy several pairs a summer. I would say you get what you pay for...and you do. But these I love!
4. Old Navy. Can you say bargain? Cheap. Easy. Buy 2 or 3. The basics are like 5 bucks. Pretty ones like these that I'm kinda crushin on are $10!
5. Crocs. Not the first thing you think of when you think a. fashion OR b. flip flops. But these are da bomb. And I'll admit, I have two pairs. They might not be the prettiest...but I can wear these all day and you don't get that "I've-been-walking-barefoot-all-day" foot pain. AND I've had mine for a couple years. They look like new. around $30.
6. Guys, these are hot. But they are also pricey. Worth it? Hard to say in a flip flop...but if you are going to wear a pair to work...and you can...splurge. And get a pedi while you're at it. Trust me on this one! OluKai Mea Ola from Zappos $120!
7. Reefs are a standard brand. Well made and tons of styles. I'm loving these for this summer! I found them at Piperlime for $34.
8. These brazilian made flip flops are so beautiful...and expensive. But Tkees makes the best...and if you need the best? So be it. Shopbop $50.

As you can see, I don't have a lot of color in my flip flop life. But that's me. I'd rather USE flip flops as the easy breezy items they are - and accessorize else where. Ya know?

What about you? Have a pair YOU love? Then I want to know! Leave a comment!

Happy flipping!

xoxoxoxo

lisa

A little weekend fashion and style

As you might be aware, yesterday was Mother's Day. And as I said on my Facebook page, I realize that Mother's Day is not a happy day for all woman. There are a lot of hurting people out there when it comes to thinking about their own moms, or being a mom, or wanting to be a mom, or for many other reasons. I really want to be sensitive to that. I want you to know my heart hurts for you. I want you to know you are loved.

For me? 

Yesterday I just wanted to BE with my family. I didn't require anything elaborate. I just wanted to soak them in, the good, the bad, and the ugly. But yesterday, they really pulled it together (for the most part) and we had a great day. They even acquiesced for photos...which CAN be a really big deal {{ahem, Noah, this means you!}}

This photo makes me laugh. Here's my family on Mother's Day 10 years ago...and today! Just a few changes!

Sunday fashion - since Saturday was spent sitting on bleachers at double header softball and baseball games wrapped up in multiple layers and blankets. NOT fashionable at all...but yet, somewhat warm!

Friday I took my son suit shopping for prom. Yikes! While I was waiting for him to arrive I did a quickie stop in at one of my favorite stores. H & M. I love this store for a lot of reasons. It's fun and trendy. It's inexpensive. They cater to woman of all sizes. And my whole family can shop there.

I found this "totes adorbs" lace top (which I think is supposed to be a dress...a very short dress!) I decided it made for a great tunic. Paired with some capri black leggings (H&M has great staple items like leggings) and some flats. It was about the easiest outfit in the world to pull together. And I love it. Top and leggings total? Under $40. Plus I got a $5 gift card for spending over $30. BONUS!

Accessories. Since the outfit is pretty basic I really played up the arm candy. I used my Earth Day bracelet in black as the grounding point and then just added layers. I mixed in copper bangles to go with my long journey necklace. I think it made the whole look a bit more playful and fun. Love my Steve Madden flats, the metal on the bows pulled it all together!

And since it was a super chilly Sunday - I paired it with my leather jacket! Who doesn't just need a black leather jacket?

The girls went for a bit of fun and casual look. I love how they are embracing their own style! 

Anneke - top H&M / shoes Payless / Hat somewhere in Indy!

Isabel - top H&M / blazer Kohls / shoes Target

Tahlia - top Target /  shoes Payless

When I asked for them to really show me their outfits, they both did this simultaneously. I have no idea where they get their weirdness from!

And then we were photo bombed. Yes, real men do wear pink - and top siders are all the rage. I really like Noah's look - apparently so does he! (shirt Target / pants Old Navy khakis / shoes Meijer, yes, Meijer!)

Needless to say, I had a great day. I look at our "people" and I can't believe how fast they are growing up. My husband and I said that often yesterday. It really is craziness.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and are ready to hit this week with everything you got! I'm heading to SNAG in Toronto on Wednesday! I'm super excited. And over the top nervous! All those talented jewelers in one place. Yikes! I plan on acting like a sponge and just soaking it all in! Wish me luck!

love and hugs,

lisa

Ribbon Hair Tie Obsession my new favorite thing

Maybe you don't like to tie your hair back. Maybe you have short hair. Maybe you just hate gettting all knotted up an elastic. Then this post is not for you.

But for any of you, like me, who at most moments in the day cannot STAND, your hair in your face. These are for you.

First arrived in my Birchbox last year, I was skeptical. I have big, thick, curly hair. Nothing ever fits my hair well, or stays in. And if it does stay in it leaves a dent. Hate the dent.

Twistbands. Colorful. Snag-free. Very soft. No creases. And again, if you are like me, or you have daughters that use hair ties, they inevitably end of on our wrists for part of the day. And these, well these look cute? They almost blend in with my multiple bracelets as a nice pop of color. You only wish I was kidding! (bet you can't even tell WHAT is the hair tie!)

You can buy them direct from Birchbox here. But I found a similar brand on Amazon, of course, they are called Emi-Jay  they look the same and come in a variety of colors!

I just really like these. They are a bit more pricey then regular hair ties but I think they are worth it. And I find I am less likely to just leave them around..and I really do wear them on my wrists!!

If you have used these before let me know. If you have another amazing hair "decor" idea I need to know about, please leave a comment. And if you are interested in being a part of my fashion maven list and have input on my fashion posts, enter below. I have a great summer planned!!

Be a part of my Fashion MAVENS! Email:

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Here's to happy hair!

xooxoxoxoxo
lisa

10 Fashion Don'ts you really need to follow

We tend to focus on trends and what IS fashionable. What shoes to wear. What looks best with cropped jeans. What kind of accessories you need to spruce up your summer wardrobe.

But at some point you need to process what you should not do! We've all made those mistakes. And really in the great scheme does it really matter? Probably not. But why not save ourselves from one more embarrassing moment?

Here are my top ten fashion no-no's.

1. Leggings and/or tights are not pants. I know we have covered this before. But it bears repeating. It's just too much information if you know what I mean, no matter how amazing you think you look in them!
2. Shorts that are too short. There are very few, save the actual Daisy Duke, who can pull off the short shorts. And even if you can, don't. It screams cheesy, cheap and easy. Again, too much information. Anything less than a 3" inseam for the younger set, and 5-6" for the {{ahem}} more mature is just plain not cool.
3. Platform sneakers. They are just plain ugly. Seriously ugly. Like ewww. Please, just don't!
4. Animal prints. In general let's just say a little leopard can go a long way. As an accent. On your feet. On your handbag. Just don't go all out animal or you look like you are a Bronx Zoo escape-y!
5. Sweatpants and running suits. Are you headed to the gym? On your way home from an awesome workout? Those are the only two reasons you should be wearing one. They aren't cute, not so much flattering - and like I tell my girls who want to wear sweatpants to school....NO! It looks sloppy. Present yourself well.
6. The Ugg dilemma. I love my Ugg's truly. But I live in Indiana. And it was a cold winter. Therefore the weather demanded warm footwear. But once the temps rise enough that you don't really need pants...you don't really need furry boots. Capiche?
7. Bad undergarments. Did you know they show? Did you know they shouldn't? Just as much as I never want to see "pink" emblazoned across someones buttocks, I don't want to see your pink bra strap, unless you are inevitably wearing a tank top and can't help it. I definitely do NOT want to see your thong hanging out of your jeans. Again....ewwww! And on the other end of the spectrum, baggie panties just don't do it. Buy some that fit, seamless even...please.
8. Overalls. I know they are making a comeback. Everything does. But unless you are tween or young teen you just look like you belong in a Kenny Chesney video. And hey, if he wants you to wear overalls in his video...go for it! Just leave them on the set. K?
9. Pajama pants. Right up there with exercise gear. Are you heading to bed? A slumber party? Then rock it sistah. Otherwise, don't even do carpool in them. You know what your mother always told you about wearing clean underwear when you leave the house? Well, the same goes for pajama pants. You just never know what might happen!
10. Tight and short. If you have to strain to zip it. Or you can see the mole on your back rising through your shirt. You need to upsize. There is nothing wrong with upsizing to fit your body. You may be feeling out of shape and like you want to lose weight...but nothing screams it to the world then clothes that are too small. WHO CARES what size it is. Buy something that fits. Don't refuse to buy a large because it's a LARGE. I always buy large...especially when I am bargain shopping from companies that carry designer names. Their clothes notoriously run small. Buy what fits. You will look better. You will feel better. And you will present yourself better.

So friends, those are the first 10 fashion don'ts that came to mind. Nothing that should have made you say "i never thought of that"...but hopefully just a gentle reminder. We all need them once in awhile.

don't wear this either. what IS it?

Anything you want to add? Anything I missed? Leave it in the comments - I would LOVE to know your thoughts!

As an FYI, I AM wearing a tank top today...you can see my bra strap...but it's a gentle light pink, and my tank top is not skin tight...therefore I shall count this as a WIN!

xoxoxoxoxooxoxo

lisa

ask Lisa - What shoes are hot for spring and best for season transition

Spring. Sometimes it's cold. Sometimes it's hot. Often it's just mushy.

We long for flip flops and sandals. We're ready to box up our boots. But what do we wear now?

This is a question I not only get asked a lot, but I ask myself on a daily basis! Who knew shoes could produce so much angst?

Here are my top pick for transitional spring shoes - guys included - you didn't really think I wanted to ignore you did you?

Let's start with you, since in all reality, you have it MUCH easier than us girls!

Office job? Oxfords are STILL hot. Great with jeans or khakis. Seriously adore. Spice it up with a pair of blue suede shoes. I mean if Elvis can do it...

(Chase Walk-over from Piperlime - Spring Caster from Zappos)

Play time! Why the boat shoe is back - hello 80's - I'll never know...but as long as you go Lacoste (think tiny alligator) you'll never go wrong. But if I was a guy, I'd choose these Sperry's and wear them proudly!

(Lacoste Sculler from Piperlime - Sperry Top Sider Halyard)

Of course guys, you can always choose a pair of Chuck Taylor Converse - they just never go out of style. Like ever.

Now on to the ladies. Yeehaw!!

• 1. Color and patterns are super hot...so why not colored patterned Espadrilles like these from Ugg! J'adore! (Zappos.com)
• - pair with jeans - shorts - denim skirts - sundress - cropped patterned pants. 
• 2. Metallics are still popular and I love these Kelly & Katie Limbo silver flats from DSW.com.
• - really cute with skirts  and skinny jeans!
• 3. My new fav? These oxfords from Target. Two sets of laces. All sorts of fun. And seriously? Pink soles? I die. (they come in other colors too!)
• - boyfriend jeans - denim skirt - shorts - any sort of baggy-ish pants rolled up.
• 4. Graphic printed anything is in. So are sneakers. Why not combine the two? So you could make your own polka dot tennies like Isabel did (here's the tutorial) or you could buy a pair like these Keds at Kohls. I'm sure they are on sale. I mean really, does anyone pay full price at Kohl's? 
• - jeans - shorts - short skirts and sundresses

There are my top pick for transitional shoes. I'm still mixing in my strappy sandals and flip flops as weather allows. But when it's NOT cooperating, there is no need to be stumped on what looks fab on your tootsies.

And just in case the rain won't stop? I recommend a pair of galoshes. They are super cute and available just about anywhere! My favs? These from DSW.com. LOVE!

Happy spring stylish friends!

Do you have a question for me? Just shoot me an email at hello@StudioJewel.com - if I choose your question you get a $25 gift certificate to my shop. Easy peasy!

xoxoxoxoooxoxo

lisa

Ten ways to keep the heat and romance in your marriage - the PG13 version!

Today is the celebration of my 19th wedding anniversary. Nineteen years. That's a lot. 

I'd like to tell you it's been 19 years of wedded bliss. I'd like to tell you I'm the perfect wife and he the perfect man. But I cannot. What I DO know is that perfection does NOT exist.

What I also know is that I love this man. Deeply. Passionately. Intimately.

He is my rock and my best friend.

If you want to read more about our partnership, you can click here for a post I wrote last October.

But this post is not about that. 

This post is about turning up the heat. And keeping that fire lit!!

I might get a little PG-13, so if you are my children...stop reading! ;)

Here's the thing, 19 years later and this man can still take my breath away!

our engagement photo circa 1993!

But we have worked at it...and we made an effort. Now? It seems easy(er). Here are my tips for turning up the heat in your marriage.

1. Have fun. Be playful. Even when you don't feel like it. Remember what you were like when you started dating. Tease him. Tempt him. A whispered promise in the morning. A saucy text in the afternoon. A note in his car. 
2. Date him. We failed miserably at this, and paid the price. We used kids, and busyness of life as the excuse. Don't. Now that we started doing it more regularly we have learned to communicate even more. More communication leads to more romance. More romance leads to...well, you know!
3. Touch him when no one is looking - you know...in places only you can! Gently brush up against him...your hand, parts of your body...be creative! Again, it's playful. It's naughty. It's fun to do when your kids are in the other room. It tells him you're still interested. You want him.
4. Hold hands. It's easy. It's a simple connection. It's incredibly intimate. It shows you belong to each other. The simple act of touching connects you.
5. Girls...INITIATE sex. We all know HE wants it. But you need to want it too. And he needs you to want him. Go to bed naked. Lock the door on a Sunday afternoon. Sneak in the shower. Surprise him!
6. Wear sexy underwear. I don't care if you don't think they are comfortable. I don't even care if you don't think you don't look good in them. He will. He is so visually stimulated. Even showing him the bag that holds the lacy little things will do "something". And can I encourage you to try a thong for his sake? Trust me on this one!
7. Make an effort to look pretty when you go out...even if it's to your kids baseball game. I'm not talking get all gussied up. I'm talking about making an effort to present yourself well. He takes great pride in you...give him a reason to.
8. Be playful IN the bedroom. Try something new. Something erotic. Massage oil? Creams? Feathers? Toys? (yes I just said toys.) Every once in awhile do something completely out of character. Something totally sensual. He will never forget it.
9. Kiss. A lot. Kiss hello. Kiss goodbye. Kiss as you pass him in the living room. Kiss him goodnight. And don't forget to kiss him hard sometimes. You know how. You've at least seen it done in the movies. He will like it!
10. Take care of your body. We all know bodies change. That's just life. But let him see you caring about how you look, for yourself...and for him. Go for walks together. Hiking. Biking. Find something that you both love. And then go shower together when you're done!
11. BONUS: The single most intimate thing we do together is pray. I know this isn't for everyone...but for us...it has brought us together on a whole new level. It is so amazing to hear my man pray for me...seriously awesome!

These are just a few suggestions. And it's taking me a long time to learn this much. I can only imagine how much more I have to learn!

What I do know is that we've ONLY been married 19 years! In 7 short years we will be all alone. Empty-nesters! I don't want us to look at each other and wonder who that person is. I also don't want to have to rediscover romance when it's too late. 

Sex and being sexual is such a huge part of our society. It's shown as so cheap. So dirty. It tempts and taunts from every corner. That's because we have been created as sexual beings. Something so beautiful, designed for our enjoyment! A wedding gift.

And I don't know about you...but this is the one wedding gift I plan on getting the most use out of!

So even though I'll be spending my evening on a ball field...you can bet I'll be dabbing on a sweet scent, I'll be wearing something amazing UNDER my jeans and tank top. And I'll be teasing and taunting all day, maybe even whispering in his ear at the game. Oh, the heat will definitely be on!

Happy Anniversary baby. I love you with ALL my heart!

xxoxoxoxxo

lisa

How to wear denim on denim - Fashion Tip Tuesday

Really who doesn't wear denim? 
Skinny jeans are pretty much my mainstay. Denim is just my "go to". And, apparently, all the girls in my family agree. We all had some form of denim on yesterday!

But what happens when you want to COMBINE your denim? Can you pair a jean jacket with jeans? What about black jeans?

My 16 year old daughter asked me to help her out on this one. She wanted to know if there are specific rules when it comes to wearing denim on denim.

First, let me be clear - in my opinion - when it comes to fashion there really are no rules. To be truly fashionable is to learn to embrace your own style and be comfortable in your own skin. We can follow trends and fads. But those who truly "rock it" aren't afraid to "be who they are". Remember my post on "being the trend"? Go read it!

So these aren't RULES, but GUIDELINES when it comes to pairing denim.

CONTRAST: 

The key is in the contrast. Not just color, but texture as well. Basically stay away from the same tone top to bottom....when they match, you look like you messed up!

• Chambray is very popular for this spring and summer. Yes it looks good with khakis, but it pairs equally well with jeans. Just choose a lighter top with darker bottoms. Or if you don't mind drawing attention to your bottom half, switch it up.
• Mix your denim type or style. For example, choose a very fitted crisp chambray shirt and pair it with distressed jeans. The contrast in styles help you to pull it off!
• Vests. Jean vests are super hot and a great layering piece. When you put one on over a t-shirt or even a button down shirt, let the hem hang below the vest to break up your denims.
• Colored denim is PERFECT to mix with traditional blue. Since skinny jeans come in an array of colors. Pick a pair in bright, fun color - and yes colored jeans are acceptable at any age! Now chose a chambray shirt or a jean jacket to top them off.
• OR...black and blue denim together. Again, choose one more distressed and the other crisp. Viola!
• Printed denim. Again, big trend for this spring and summer. Choose a printed denim skirt and add a sleeveless light chambray shirt for a super chic look.

Here are a few ideas I put together to get you thinking.

Easy everyday outfit. Basic Levi's jeans in a dark wash, Chambray shirt light, wide leather belt, gladiator sandals from Target, a pop of color scarf, and a leather wrap bracelet from Studio Jewel :)

For the weekend. Skinny jeans dark wash, plaid shirt, wide leather belt, tall boots, color in your handbag, and a distressed jean jacket in a lighter wash, don't forget your jewels from ME!

If you have any ideas I'd love to know. Better yet, show me your latest and greatest denim pairing! Just email me at hello@StudioJewel.com

Just remember....BE the trend. You are confident. You are beautiful. You are perfect, JUST they way you are!

(our take on denim this weekend...not doubled up...but we sure embrace it!)

xooxooxoxxo
lisa