Shoes – styleXsydnie

Cheers to the Weekend

April 13, 2019April 13, 2019 SydnieLeave a comment

I’ve always been a wine or cocktail girl. Sure, maybe a cider from time to time too, but a beer? Not my cup of tea, so to speak.

But when your boyfriend loves a refreshing, cold one after work, and there’s a fun brewery down the street from your house, you decide to give it a go.

As it turns out, my taste buds grew accustomed to hazy IPAs, and I have to admit, beer pairs best with a veggie burrito from Taqueria Los Gallos next door. If you’re ever in Scotts Valley, head to Steel Bonnet Brewing Company for good vibes, good beer, and good company.

Cheers to the weekend!

On me: Universal Thread Mules // UO Blouse // H&M Oversized Sweater

Shoes of Summer

July 9, 2018July 2, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

In my opinion, there are really only three pairs of shoes you need for summer: slides, slip-ons, and wedges. Slides are upgraded flip flops—nice enough to wear out to dinner but still easy for beach days. When you want to wear something a little bit sportier, maybe you’re going on a sunset walk or are headed to an amusement park, pull out your slip-ons. These effortless sneakers scream summer, and the no laces look takes a more feminine feel on the classic tennis shoe. Wedges are summertime’s stiletto. These shoes are great for a night out with your girlfriends but still remind everyone you’re in vacation mode. If you’re closet is lacking summer’s most important shoes, keep scrolling.

“One shoe can change your life.” — Cinderella

Spring Uniform

June 18, 2018June 12, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

Lately I’ve been in a bit of a fashion rut. Picking out my outfit each morning has become increasingly difficult.

I find myself growing tired of the usual spring trends such as crop tops and ripped jeans. When I was younger I was always the first one to hop on the most recent fashion fad and stay on until something cooler was in style. Now that I’m transitioning into my mid twenties, I am less eager to wear the latest and greatest and more inclined to put on something timeless and classic.

Enter the white button down, a good pair of jeans, and a versatile flat. This outfit has turned into my spring uniform quickly. It’s something I continuously gravitate towards when nothing else seems to fit my day or mood.

I love this look because it feels like something that Audrey Hepburn would have worn in the 50s, yet still has a relevant appeal. It can be worn casually or make a strong statement at work or when out to dinner. It’s effortless and understated while still managing to turn heads.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” —Leonardo da Vinci

On Me: Express Top

Urban Jeans

White Mt. Flats

Marc Jacobs Sunnies

Nine West Purse

Spring Sweaters

June 11, 2018June 5, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

This time of year is always difficult to dress for—especially in the Bay Area. It starts out chilly and overcast, and by 1pm it’s 73 degrees and sunny.

That’s why it’s so important to own a lightweight sweater that can help make the cold to warm transition effortless.

I’m wearing my grandma’s vintage Eddie Bauer sweater. It’s the perfect amount of material to keep me warm in the morning but loose enough that I’m cool in the afternoon. My favorite aspect is the bright, white color that doesn’t attract the sun.

My sweater is no longer available, but here are similar alternatives ideal for spring:

On Me: Articles of Society Jeans

Universal Thread Mules

Nine West Purse

Marc Jacobs Sunnies

“That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs.”

― L.M. Montgomery

Sweaters & Skirts

April 30, 2018April 25, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

I bought this Roxy skirt a few weeks ago and have been dying to pull it out, but it hasn’t been warm enough here in the Bay Area for the tank top I had originally envisioned wearing with it.

Being a naturally impatient person, I found myself rethinking my cropped tank top idea, and instead, pulled out a loose fitting sweater shirt I’ve had in my closet since high school. Once I tried it on, I fell in love instantly.

This look is my 2018 take on the classic 1950s sweater and poodle skirt combo. Iconic as it was, I think I prefer this modern spin.

Though I love a good poodle skirt, this longer, less obtrusive option is much more my speed. The effortless sweater not only keeps me warm while I’m waiting for summer, but it also adds a nice contrast to the fitted skirt.

Living in Santa Cruz has taught me to mix and match different seasonal pieces. Granted, I draw a line at Ugg boots and shorts, but in this case, pulling out a top I normally save for the winter months had me pleasantly surprised. Who knows, come Fall, I might pair this skirt with booties and a leather jacket!

“Negative results are just what I want. They’re just as valuable to me as positive results. I can never find the thing that does the job best until I find the ones that don’t.” —Thomas A. Edison

On Me:

Purse

Statement Shoes

April 23, 2018April 17, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

Shoes are my favorite piece of any outfit. For me, they make or break the look. When I want to make a statement and dress up, I instantly turn to my shoes to up my game.

The best types of statement shoes are the ones that take a simple pair of jeans to a whole new level. What was once considered casual is now ready to head out to dinner or to a party. They don’t need to be over the top. They just need a certain something that makes you feel like you could do anything and go anywhere in them—maybe it’s the pretty color, the unique style, or maybe they just make you feel confident because you like the way they make your legs look!

A good pair of shoes is usually the first thing anyone notices about your outfit, and they are all the way down at your feet. Talk about a statement. These Sam Edelman’s instantly caught my eye—their pale blue complexion is perfect for spring, and the kitten heel with a simple slingback strap is a timeless style I knew I would get a lot of wear out of.

“You can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes. Too many women think that they are unimportant, but the real proof of an elegant woman is what is on her feet.” — Christian Dior

Check out a few other statement shoes for spring you’ll wish you had in your closet:

Gilt

Off 5th

Nordstrom Rack

Dorothy Perkins

Gilt

Everlane

Nordstrom

Marks and Spencer

Nordstrom

Athleisure Sneakers

March 19, 2018March 12, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

The athleisure trend has been in full force for a while now, and though controversial to some, I’m 100% supportive of the movement! Especially when traveling and living in San Francisco, I found myself grateful many times that wearing sneakers with a stylish outfit was considered fully acceptable and even in vogue. After contemplating the new fad, I realized that the sneakers are, in fact, the defining piece to achieving the athleisure look! Think about it…no matter what you’re wearing—be it a dress, pea coat, or jeans—adding chic sneakers takes your style from everyday to sporty. And yes, some take the trend a bit more seriously by wearing their full on workout clothing and just adding a cute jacket to the mix, but when looking at the full spectrum of athleisure outfits, all you really need are some stylish sneakers to fulfill the requirements. In my hopes of supporting practical fashions, I thought I would share the perfect athleisure sneakers for a little extra inspiration! Check them out:

“Fashion has two purposes: comfort and love. Beauty comes when fashion succeeds.”― Coco Chanel

Flats

February 19, 2018February 12, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

For the longest time I didn’t think much of flats. I always felt they were boring, unflattering, and they never made the cut into my wardrobe. When I pictured flats, I saw a plain, black ballet slipper that didn’t help my figure or outfit in any way. Back in high school and my early college years, my wardrobe consisted of two (loose) categories: sneakers and heels. I wore Converse or Vans to school and would put on heels whenever I went out. Since then, things have changed dramatically. Living in the city and dealing with public transportation made me dread high heels. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good heel, but I needed something in between. Not to mention, I wanted to elevate my daily style without always feeling overdressed/uncomfortable. Insert flats. As I opened my mind, I started noticing a wide range of options that not only added to my outfit, but didn’t make my legs appear shorter than they are. I fell in love with so many different genres from a classic loafer to a pointy toe flat. Now I find myself wearing flats more than any other shoe style. Check out some of my favorite daily flats on the market:

“A woman carries her clothes. But the shoe carries the woman.” –Christian Louboutin

Moss Landing

January 22, 2018January 18, 2018 SydnieLeave a comment

Just 30 minutes South of Santa Cruz is beautiful Moss Landing.

With a craving for Phil’s Fish Market, we decided to hop in the car and make the most of our afternoon.

After filling up on artichokes and fish tacos, we went exploring.

As we walked down a secluded path towards the sunset, we paused to take it all in…

Once again, I opted to wear my trusty, new Hunters but this time paired them with a fancier, feminine top. I wasn’t sure if the combo would work but I was pleasantly surprised. That’s what’s so great about these boots—they’re versatile!

“There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.” —Jo Walton

Rainy Day Adventures

January 8, 2018January 9, 2018 Sydnie1 Comment

Rainy season has finally started here in Northern California, and I couldn’t be more ready for a much needed change in my natural world.

The timing is also perfect because Joel surprised me with Hunter rain boots for Christmas! They had been on my wishlist for a long time, and I am so pleased.

The classic yet versatile style and look is unbeatable, and of course, they do a great job of keeping me dry. Now I just need to buy thick, wool socks so I can wear them in the snow.

Meanwhile, I love pairing them with my beloved Lands’ End rain coat. The coat is long and the boots are tall, so I am practically fully covered. Still, the glimpse of color poking through the gap adds a touch of personality to the outfit that makes it not only functional, but really fun.

Joel and I always go for a long drive on the backroads after a heavy rainfall. All of the trees and grass look fresh and renewed….It’s a great way to start off the new year.

I’m so excited for all of the roads I will travel in my new boots and can’t wait to continue sharing the journey.

“They way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” -Dolly Parton