Switcheroo

For quite a few season's now, oxfords have been the cool shoe for all the hipsters out there. But then I started seeing them on more and more celebrities, and not just the "I'm-just-so-hip-it's-almost-painful" types, such as Agnyss Deyn. When they first came out, and up until just a couple months ago, I thought they were not cute.

But check out these fab. ones worn by my friend McKenzie.

Supes cute, right?

I love the fact that these take a very menswear item and use a very girly element (sparkle!) to spice them up a bit. 

My opinion of brogues has definitely switched to the "pro" side, with a couple of caveats.

First, do not wear these shoes with dresses. Or skirts. Or anything other than full length pants, unless you enjoy looking like a duck when you walk.

Second, the pairs I like best have borrowed the style form the boys, but changed the material into something decidedly feminine.

My favorite iteration is floral.

This Steve Madden pair is pretty much perfect. Worn with skinnies and a pretty blouse (maybe in one of the colors from the flowers), the shoes would not be a statement about how cool and insider you are, but an acknowledgment that you know the trends but make them your own. 

It's a less nose-in-the-air way of declaring that you are a fashionista.

Other great pairs:

Nordstrom
Love the fance laces!

Urban Outfitters

Springtime Essentials: V

This brings us to the last of my Springtime Essentials. Metallic sandals are the warm-weather equivalent of winter's indispensable leather boots. These babies look good with nearly everything; they will certainly be an excellent accent to any and all of the previously identified Springtime Essentials.

Forever 21 {$7.50!}

When dealing with metallic, there is always the question of gold vs. silver. While I would recommend both (more footwear is never a problem), if you only want to purchase one pair, look at your jewelry to help you decide which metallic to go with. If the majority of your spring/summer jewelry is gold, buy a pair of gold sandals; if you have more silver jewelry, go with silver.

Sam Edelman {$59.95}

Have a mix of both metals? Seek out a bronze or pewter pair of sandals. Bronze and pewter mix well with both silver and gold, so if you tend to mix it up with your jewelry, this wuld be a good choice for you.

The great thing about metallic sandals is that they are becoming quite the staple, and so they're available at every price point.

Target {$15.00}

Springtime Essentials IV

Ace, the newly minted Mrs. Burroughs, has this adorable obsession with white jeans. Every year when the days begin to get a bit longer and warmer, Mrs. B begins her search for the perfect pair. This obsession with white jeans has rubbed off onto me. Now I too am searching for a fab pair to carry me through spring and summer. White jeans are an excellent alternative to your typical blue jeans.

Lately I've been really into a semi-monochromatic look--not necessarily wearing one color head to toe, but donning colors of the same tone. So when I want to wear the softer colors of spring, inky blue jeans are a bit too much of a contrast. White jeans look fantastic with other neutrals like soft grey's and camel's, as well as with muted, washed-out colors.

My favorite cuts for white jeans are bootcut and cropped skinnies. Bootcut is a great option because it is a universally flattering cut. However, and this may just be the shorty in me talking,I worry about the hem getting dirty as they drag along the ground. Cropped skinnies would not have this (possible) issue.

(Paige Premium Denim) (Joe's Jeans)

(The Gap) (The Gap)

Springtime Essentials: III

My friend Molly over at Urban Nester recently posted about how much she loves her denim jacket. Stylish minds sure think alike, because this classic piece is next on my list of Springtime essentials.

While there weren't denim jackets burning up the runways, this piece is timeless. Even the incomparable Marilyn donned the item.

(Eve Arnold, 1960)

I have my eye on a jacket from The Gap, though this classic Levi's one is also divine.

(Gap)

(Levi's)

The jacket pairs perfectly with nearly anything...really. There's nothing too casual or too formal. I wore one over my prom dress (way back when, but I think it still applies). You could even throw one over your yoga pants and tank-top if your planning on running errands after your workout.

My favorite way to wear a jean-jacket is with a sundress...it's the perfect topper when you need an extra layer.