Trends

Chunky heeled sandals for summer 2014

 in General Fashion / Shoes / Trends  tagged sandals / street style trends / summer 2014 by

Summer 2014 is almost here, and that means we all need at least one pair of fabulous, thick heeled sandals for the hot weather season! Skinny heels can move aside this summer; chunky heels are all the rage for casual looks this season! Chunky heeled sandals float in and out of fashion, so if you have a pair from a past season hiding in storage, bring them out this summer! If not, here are a few things to look for when seeking out your perfect pair of thick, stacked heeled sandals this summer.

1) Look for a thick design. What does that mean? Look for chunky heels which offer a large piece of fabric holding your foot to the sole of the shoe. One thin strap at the ankle and one thin strap at the toes will look proportional to the chunky heel under your foot. Look for proportion and balance when shopping for a stacked heel. Think, “almost bootie” when looking for a chunky heeled sandal.

2) Don’t go too high. Chunky heels are heavier by nature, this can add a dimension to walking many Fashionistas are not used too. If the heel is 5″ tall, it might be too high and too heavy to walk in. Look for a 4″ heel or lower. In fact, 2″ heels are the current “IT” heel height when it comes to a chunky or stacked heel. Love that!

3) Look for a neutral. Since this is a new trend, you may not have a full, chunky heeled wardrobe in your closet. Rather than blowing your last paycheck on ten pairs of thick heeled sandals in every color of the rainbow, look for neutral hues which can carry you into fall. This heel is staying around, so if you start with neutrals this season, next season you can add a trendy color to your shoe closet! For now, stick with shades of tan, beige, grey or black.

4) This chunky heel is a great alternative to the bootie. Wear them with midi skirt, maxi skirts, jeans and shorts! You will love the stable base you have for standing and walking, plus they add a little “funk ” to your overall look. Love that!

To see how I have styled my favorite pair of SixtySeven chunky heeled sandals, click here, here and here.

I found a fwe fabulous pairs of chunky heeled sandals around the web. They are perfect to wear now and into the warm autumn months we enjoy here on the West Coast. Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

High heel sandals for summer 2014

 in Shoes / Trends  tagged high heels / sandals / summer 2014 by

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Photos: Mara Hoffman spring/summer 2014 runway at New York Fashion Week. by Cathy/Bay Area Fashionista 2014©

High heeled sandals for the summer 2014 season are hot! Unlike summer 2013, summer 2014 is giving Fashionistas everywhere flat soles (also referred to as “single soles”) and high design. Simple sandals with a high heel are simply not around this season!

As you can see in the photos above, high heel sandals were spotted on the runway with wrap-around ties used as both ankle straps and the structure of the shoe. (see the green, lace-up pair peeking out on the left in the top photo). My apologies for the photo quality. My seat was not that great!

High heel sandals for summer 2014 are being shown in varying styles with the two most popular silhouettes shown above. The hottest style this season is like the green pair above. Lace-up sandals are hotter than hot; and they are shown in both high heel and flat versions for the hot weather season. In addition to lace-up sandals, the ankle strap is hot for summer 2014 and it is being shown with one thick strap in front of the toes. Although there are many, many more high heel sandal styles on the market for the summer 2014 season, these are the two hottest styles being shown with thin heels.

Although thin heels are the most popular heel being shown with tie-up sandals, chunky heels and wedges can also be found on the market. Ankle straps being shown for summer 2014 can be found in both the tie up version as well as a single strap with a buckle.

For summer 2014, high heel sandals look amazing with cropped pants, midi skirts/dresses and boyfriend jeans. If you are looking for a heel to wear with shorts, look for a thick, stacked heel with a thicker body and no tie straps.

I found a few fabulous thin heeled, high heel sandals around the web and assembled them into the shopping widget below. I hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

Floral totes for summer 2014

 in Handbags / Trends  tagged beach / casual fashion / casual style / summer 2014 / totes by

Floral totes are a huge trend for the summer 2014 season. Not only does a floral tote add lighthearted flair to a casual, warm weather outfit, it is also perfect for carrying summertime essentials! Love that!

Floral tote bags were spotted on the runways for spring/summer 2014 in New York, Milan and Paris. Although a quiet runway trend, they have exploded on the streets as Fashionistas favor the handbag style for casual dress during the warm weather. Floral totes are perfect for updating a casual outfit found in ones’ closet as well as for carrying a towel, flip-flops, swimsuit and more to the pool or beach.

Although floral handbags have been spotted in styles such as satchels, duffle bags and shoulder bags, the tote bag remains the most popular floral handbag style among street style aficionados. Floral tote bags for summer 2014 are not large. Due to the current trend towards small satchels and totes, florals totes for summer 2014 are being shown in medium, small and mini sizes. While the smaller size is easier to tote around, they do not hold as many summer essentials as larger, traditional summer tote bags.

If you are looking to rock the floral tote trend but need a roomy tote, look for a medium or large tote. Just because the trend is towards smaller tote bags, does not mean you have to sacrifice what works for you. Personally, I love large totes in the summer. I need the space!

If you need a tote, but not a lot of space, then  this is the perfect trend for you this summer 2014 season! Look for a small or mini floral tote to take you through the warm summer months.

I found a few fabulous floral tote bags in varying price points and sizes around the web; and I placed them into the shopping widget below. I hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉