ORLA KIELY FOR CLARKS

A while ago, I talked about the recent partnership between two Spanish manufacturers. Let’s head up north this time for a peek at another collaboration.

For Spring/Summer 2014, British brand Clarks turned to the Queen of Prints and acclaimed Irish designer, Orla Kiely to create a set of limited edition pumps, wedge heels and ballerinas. Presented during the London Fashion Week in September 2013, the collection consists of five styles in combinations of red, navy blue, mustard yellow, and cream.

The one that got my attention is the Orla Milly, a trendy summer ballerina with a cutaway heel. It has the “signature” floral print from Orla Kiely on the leather exterior, a buckle strap and a subtle 2 cm high heel.

As I mentioned in one of my older posts, searching for the perfect ballerinas for my odd sized feet is like finding a needle in a haystack. Since I always order the bigger size, I need to wear shoes with either laces or straps so that one shoe doesn’t slip off. Yet for some reason, ballerinas with straps are just hard to find! I owned one many years ago but I outgrew them and haven’t been able to replace them ever since. The Orla Milly would have been the answer to my prayers, if only it did not have an open heel (as it would make the size difference more pronounced). So yes, close but no cigar.

What about you, which of the five styles do you like best?

LIV TYLER’S STREET STYLE

Liv Tyler was enchanting as Lady Arwen, the most beautiful of the last generation of High Elves in Middle-earth (Wikipedia? You bet.) But to look this good in regular clothes? Only a few can pull that off. I hereby declare Liv as the most beautiful among the sneaker-wearing race in Middle, er, on Earth.

HOLIDAYS IN MONOCHROME

It’s only a month away before summer officially starts. I bet that at this point, many of you are already making vacation plans. I bet, too, that 50 percent of those plans comprises holiday outfits. Summer is obviously the time to wear colors, whether in soft neutral palettes or in crazy, unexpected combinations. Now here’s something fun. How about ditching that color wheel on your desk and going monochromatic? Not in black, white or nude. But in green, purple or yellow. Game?

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

It is Mother’s Day today in many parts of the world. As a tribute to my mother, I made a little collage showing how we would wear the same pair of jeans on an ordinary day. You see, my mom is not like any other mom. I know that every child has probably said that at least once in his or her life. But, cross my heart, my mom is really different. She wears nothing but blue jeans, flat sandals and simple shirts. I’ve seen her don a dress more or less five times in my whole life. When my sister and I were young, she would wear matching blouses and skirts, custom-made for her by a dressmaker, to our graduation and recognition rites. After each occasion, the blouse and skirt duo would never see the light of day again. She doesn’t put on jewelry, except for a modest watch. She never gave a darn about brands. She never cared about trends nor fancy clothes. Yes, she is far from fashionable, but she is always happy and confident in her own skin. Happy Mother’s Day, Mommy!!! You’re super and special like that!

THE CLASSIC WHITE SHIRT

Is there anything more versatile than a crisp white shirt? I guess none. It can take you from day to night, office meetings to dinner dates. Don’t know what to wear? Wear a white shirt. Don’t have time to dress up? Wear a white shirt. Easy-peasy.

DOUBLE DENIM DILEMMA? USE DENIM ACCESSORIES.

The denim-on-denim trend – as you can see here, here and here – is just not happening for me. I don’t understand why it looks cool and stylish on other people yet on me, it’s terrible. Are you on the same boat? My idea to make this work: wear one piece of denim clothing with one denim or denim-like accessory. Technically, that’s still “double denim”, right?

Levi’s jeans, G-star Raw shirt, Levi’s shawl, Kaporal Jeans espadrilles, Dakine bag

BOYFRIEND JEANS WITH FLAT SHOES

Hi. My name is Alice and I’m a boyfriend-jeans-aholic. But while most women wear boyfriend jeans with heels, I prefer pairing them with flat sandals, ballerinas and sneakers. Here are some other women who like it that way too. (We’re a rare kind, it seems. )