IN Fashion Friday: The Best Clothes Money Can't Buy

Yesterday I visited one of my favorite boutiques in Indianapolis.  It's beautifully appointed; the walls are covered with gorgeous one-of-a kind artwork from local artists; it carries clothing brands I covet; and the staff is in the midst of unpacking a truckload of more than 1000 new pairs of shoes that was delivered last week!  I've spent more time at this boutique than at any other boutique in the city, but I've never purchased a single item.  In fact, the suits and shoes in this stylish shop aren't even for sale, but being there gives me something money can't buy.  

Part high end shopping experience, part art gallery, and all social services agency, I'm talking about the boutique at Dress for Success Indianapolis!  DFSI provides professional, interview appropriate clothing and ongoing career development services to low income women living in Indianapolis and the surrounding counties who are referred by over 90 partnering agencies, and its critical mission is "To promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."  DFSI accomplishes its mission through multiple, successful programming initiatives that help women on their journey to financial independence.  

One of these programs, Suits for Success, provides women with the professional look and confidence needed to secure employment, as well as workforce apparel. Each woman who is referred to the boutique for a suiting appointment is assisted one-on-one by her own Personal Shopper. These highly trained volunteers spend time getting to know their clients and select the perfect ensemble appropriate for a job interview. Once employment is obtained, clients may return for additional clothing appropriate for their work environment.  I was a personal shopper for many years, and the experience benefited me at least as much as it benefited any of the clients with whom I worked.  I have been moved by their stories and inspired by their perseverance and success.  I am fortunate to call some of them life-long friends.    

The clothing, shoes, and accessories provided through the Suits for Success program are donated by corporate partners and individuals.  The truckload of 1000 pairs of black pumps I mentioned earlier came from the generous support of Designer Shoe Warehouse; the gorgeous St. John suit that elegantly outfits a mannequin came from the closet of a prominent local businesswoman.  Learn how you can donate here, and if you have the opportunity to visit the boutique, make sure you take time for a tour to appreciate all the unique artwork that adorns nearly every wall. Here'a a sneak peak at some of it: 

Art, clockwise from top left:  John Blauvelt, official artist of Stepping Out In Style 2009; April Willy, official artist of Stepping Out in Style 2013; Laura LaForge, official artist of Stepping Out In Style 2006, 2007; Mallory Marty, official artist of Stepping Out In Style 2012; Marianne Glick, Official artist of Stepping Out In Style 2008; Emma Overman, Official artist of Stepping Out In Style 2010.  See my prior post about DFSI's largest annual fundraiser, Stepping Out In Style, here.

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

No Shoes on Tuesday

         I generally think a shoe-lover's fashion blog should feature shoes, but this week, I spent an unplanned, mid-week barefoot morning at the lake with friends that I had not seen in nearly a year - a rejuvenating few hours for both my soul and my soles (being that sand is a natural exfolient and all....)  
         When I decided to post this spur-of-the moment snapshot taken during my shoeless Tuesday morning, I was reminded of a recent article that purported to identify the top ten trite Instagram photos. Self-portraits (aka "selfies," a term I'm inexplicably not fond of) featuring one's feet on a beach/by a pool was near the top of the list, along with sunset illuminations of sparkling or frothy adult beverages.  Indeed, my own Instagram feed often features just such vantage points, frozen in time by friends in the midst of relaxation and celebration.  Common?  Perhaps.  Trite?  Not in my book.  Snapshots like this make me happy to see that my friends and loved ones are finding time to enjoy life.  They remind me that it's important to savor small moments and appreciate simple pleasures and little details that can too often be taken for granted.  
         Likewise, seeing my lake community through the eyes of my friends' children, ages 3 and 4, who had never seen a water-skier before, made me appreciate anew the beauty of my everyday surroundings and reinforced the inarguable truth that time with friends and loved ones is more valuable than anything that can be purchased, even the Swarovski encrusted Louboutins I'd love to one day own. So today, I have no shoes to show you, though at least the turquoise tips of my toes match my towel....
         I hope all of you are savoring the small moments, and I love seeing your Instagrams that capture them!  Follow Red's Shoe Diaries on Instagram here.

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

Chevron & Chablis for the Symphony

Dress (Anthropologie); Cardigan (Old Navy);  Shoes (Lindsay Phillips Switchflops, with custom monogram clips from Initial Perfection); Bag (Lauren Ralph Lauren); Leather Bracelet (Churchill Downs Gift Shop); Hat (Marley Lilly)

         Ok, so maybe it was a riesling and not a chablis, but I couldn't resist the temptation to use alliteration after a great evening with friends for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's annual performance at the Ellis Park amphitheater!
         Anyway, have you noticed that chevron patterns are everywhere these days?  I'd like to think that I was ahead of this trend, because I purchased the black and white chevron skirt shown here back in early 2010, but according to Wikipedia (so it must be true, right?!), chevron designs have been around since at least 1800 BC.  I also remember wearing it back in the 70s, when Missoni made it cool (not that I owned anything Missoni in the 70s or even knew who the Missonis were).  But, I did have a multi-colored "Missoni-esque" crochet poncho that was hand-made by my mom or grandma, and I still have a couple of beautiful chevron pattern afghans that my Aunt Linda made for me when I was a child.  They make me smile just thinking about them, especially the one she made as a gift to match my freshly painted and newly decorated apricot colored bedroom.
         This time around, the pattern is crisper and preppier than it was in the bohemian 70s, and I've fully embraced it.  I recently purchased a green and white chevron skirt online and on sale from Anthropologie.  When it arrived, I realized how similar it was to the black and white one I already owned so, even though I liked it, I decided to return it to my local Anthropologie store.  Of course, when I got there, I decided to exchange it instead...for the green and navy chevron dress I wore to the symphony in the park.  So much for the "too much chevron" philosophy!  Have you embraced chevron?
         Here's my 2010 chevron "head-start":

With my sister and brother at his high school graduation, June 4, 2010.

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

 

IN Fashion Friday: The Place to BE!

Artwork, center (Laura LaForge); Dress, belt and all merchandise (Be The Boutique)

          It's hard to find a happier place to shop than Be The Boutique!  From the chic pink and black Illinois Street facade to the explosion of colorful clothing, unique gifts and decor waiting inside, this boutique is a delightful shopping experience.  A word of caution - you will find things at Be you never knew you needed, but suddenly must have.  Visit when you have time to browse because there is quite an eclectic assortment of treasures to explore in every every nook and cranny of the cleverly merchandised space.  The dress I'm wearing above is from their late summer stock, but will also look great with tall boots and tights in the fall.  The frilly French fabric aprons are fantastic and would make a wonderful hostess gift, if you can bear to part with one after you get it home!

          Be also showcases the original works of several local Indiana artists, including that of Laura LaForge, whose illustration graces the exterior awning of the store (as well as multiple walls in my home).  In addition, Be carries several items that can be customized with your monogram or personal seal, and if you can't find quite what you're looking for, owner Barbie Turner will see if she can track it down for you.  If you're looking for a unique, locally-owned boutique that will always bring a smile to your face, now you know the place to Be!

Be The Boutique

5607 North Illinois Street

Indianapolis, IN 46208

(317)257-3826

Follow Be on Facebook here or on Twitter here

Artwork, upper left (Laura LaForge); Artwork, lower left (); Artwork and all other merchandise at Be The Boutique

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

What's "Naut" to Love About a Bargain?!

Silk Skirt (Lauren Ralph Lauren); Cardigan (August Silk); Shoes (Naturalizer); Braided Leather and Rope Anchor Bracelet (Kiel James Patrick); Garnet and Sapphire Rings (gifts); Necklace (Forever 21); Purse (Wilson's Leathergoods); Belt (Boston Proper via eBay)

         Sometimes, a single, statement accessory can anchor an entire outfit (pardon the pun - I couldn't help myself).  This wide-leather nautical-inspired belt is just such a piece.  I first saw this belt several years ago in a Boston Proper catalog, but with a price tag of $179.00, I added it to my "mental wish list"and periodically checked the store's website to see if the price had been reduced.  To my disappointment, it disappeared from stock with nary a discount.  I was reminded of it this spring while reading a magazine article about nautical style and decided to search eBay on a whim.  Imagine my delight to find the very same belt, in like-new condition, for $21 with free shipping!  Classic nautical looks are always in style, and I expect I'll get far more than my money's worth over the next several years.  I've worn it a few different ways already, and I couldn't resist sporting the classic red, white and blue color scheme in early July.
         Have you had luck finding coveted items on eBay or similar online sites?  What's your favorite find?

Shoes (Talbot's); Monogram Pendant (Tagged Designs); Braided Leather and Rope Anchor Bracelet (Kiel James Patrick); Watch (Tommy Hilfiger); Linen Blouse (Lands End); Navy and White Striped Capris (Jones New York)

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

Red, White & Shoes

Shoes:  Lindsay Phillips switchflops

This past weekend was a time for relaxation and celebration at the lake with dear friends.  I tried a new recipe, fresh watermelon salsa, which was a big hit, and enjoyed pulling the stars and stripes decor out of the party closet for a Fourth of July feast.  I also wore a touch of the Independence Day spirit on my fingernails and feet.  I had high hopes for getting some good photos of the fireworks show, but after about five minutes of fumbling with my camera and nearly dropping it in the lake, I decided that I'd rather just enjoy the moment.  I hope all of you enjoyed many memorable moments over the holiday weekend!

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

Polo Ponies, Puppies, and Pink Posies

Dress (Nine West); Shrug (J. Howard); Hat (Nine West); Shoes (Lindsay Phillips Switchflops with custom floral embellishment); Pink Leather and Silver Bridle Bit Bracelet (Churchill Downs gift shop); Pearls (vintage); Watch (Wyler, vintage 1940s from the G. Thrapp Estate Collection)

         On Friday, we attended a polo match at Hickory Hall Polo Club.  The match was a fundraiser benefiting Waldo's Muttley Crew Animal Rescue, whose mission is the rescue and placement of stray and abandoned animals.  This was my first polo match, and as a life-long horse lover, I was excited to experience a new (to me) equine adventure.  I've also been thinking a lot about a new dog lately, so the fact that the match benefited an animal rescue organization was an added bonus.
         Of course, a polo match also seemed like a good opportunity for a new outfit, but I decided that shopping in my closet was the better tack (money saved for rescuing a new puppy, perhaps?)  I resisted the urge to wear the brown and white polka dot "Pretty Woman" dress I wore to the Derby this year (see it here) - a little too cliche, even though I do love that dress!  Anticipating the "stomping of the divots" between chukkas, however, I knew that heels were a bad idea, so I paired a pink floral sundress with my go-to outdoor summer shoes - the Lindsay Phillips switchflop, this time customized with bold bright pink flower clips.  
          If you live in central Indiana and have an interest in polo, consider a visit to Hickory Hall - nearly all of their matches benefit local charities; you can pack a picnic and pinot to enjoy on the sidelines; and the players visit with the guests between chukkas.  It's a wonderful way to get acquainted with the "sport of kings" in a friendly, accessible atmosphere.  Already planning your visit?  If so, you might enjoy reading "Top 8 Tips for Your First Visit to a Polo Match" and "What to Wear to a Polo Match" from the blog, That's a Pretty Hat.  
          Just for fun, here's a throwback photo of my first equine outing in this dress (with a more elaborate hat and slightly less elaborate flowers on my shoes) for the Kentucky Oaks "pink out" in 2010:

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!