Let’s Get Some Shoes (and Bags): Check Local Boutiques for Holidays
At Violet: Faux leather python embossed metallic clutch in light gold by Urban Expressions ($40). (Courtesy of Violet)
See LBD Always Okay; Color, Lace, Patterns Make You Fashion Forward from Kate on Monday; look for accessories and jewelry options from Eliza tomorrow.
From Laura Herman of LauraLikesThis. Laura is also a contributor over at Brightest Young Things and you can find her on Twitter @Lmhhabs. Email her at [email protected].
‘Tis the season for holiday parties galore and generally having a good excuse to get all glammed up. I’ve always been a shoes and bags girl, so for me, holiday dressing and gifting is just as much about finding the perfect shoe and handbag as the actual outfit.
For all you Borderstan fashionistas, here’s a run down of the hottest trends in shoes and bags for the holiday season — and a guide to where you can find the look locally. Because who doesn’t love pretty shoes and supporting local biz?
Get the Look Locally
One of the best parts of the Borderstan area is that you don’t have to travel far to shop.
At Current: GORGEOUS Dior tan snakeskin with black velvet pumps, size 8.5, $198.95. (Courtesy of Current)
Between boutique womenswear and handbags at Lettie Gooch, Rue 14, Junction and Violet, plus high-end consignment and vintage finds at Secondi and Current Boutique, you’re sure to find the perfect shoes and bags to get you through holiday parties, New Years’ Eve, and then all of those straggler holiday parties that happen in January.
Lettie Gooch, 1517 U Street NW, carries a great selection of trendy bags and accessories. A stop by this weekend revealed lots of sparkly clutches that would be perfect party accessories.
At Current: Wilbur & Gussie blue and gold clutch with broach, $82.95. (Courtesy of Current)
Secondi, at 1702 Connecticut Avenue NW, is a high-end consignment boutique carrying shoes and bags. You’ll need to set time aside to dig through the wares, but I’ve seen everything here from Louis to Louboutin. Just recently, I saw lots of platform pumps, suede and statement handbags.
Current Boutique, at 1809 14th Street NW, sells old and new items, also specializing in high-end consignment. I spotted a Coach Poppy black sequin crossbody bag there recently that was absolute perfection. Plus, the GORGEOUS Dior snakeskin and velvet pumps pictured above.
Somewhat newer to the neighborhood, Violet Boutique at 2439 18th Street NW is a good spot for on-trend partywear or a fun new bag. I’m also digging all of their costume jewelry.
Junction, a vintage and resale boutique at 1510 U Street NW is also a great spot for one-of-a-kind statement finds, from accessories to shoes and clothing. The vintage-y look is really in right now (think: lace-up booties, dainty pillbox bags, beige ANYTHING) and Junction is a great spot to score a vintage staple for holiday dressing.
At Secondi: Giuseppe Zanoti pumps (left), size 7, $145; and Jimmy Choo pumps, size 37, $236. (Alejandra Owens)
Now that you know where to shop, let’s talk trends for the season…
Let’s Get Some Shoes!
This season’s trends are all.about.the.concealed.platform. You can’t go wrong with a classic black suede pump with a height that you can rock in the office or at a party.
I’m also loving multi-tonal anything this season, and especially for shoes. Plus, suede is perfect for this time of year (just make sure to waterproof them!!)
SPARKLE. It is the holiday season after all. Sequins are everywhere from dresses to tops, handbags and headbands, so shoes are fair game too (and more sparkle is rarely a bad thing, in my opinion).
Booties. While everyone still loves a good pair of riding boots, this year’s look is all about black tights and booties. Plus, they’re versatile for dressing up or down.
At Secondi: A Parada bag for $150. (Alejandra Owens)
And a Handbag, Too
Let’s keep the sparkle thing going, shall we? One of my favorite looks is an all-black outfit with a gorgeous showstopper bag and red lipstick, of course. It’s all about the statement piece, like this one:
Satchels. Once you start carrying a satchel, it’s hard to pick up anything else. They are so wonderful. Keeping with current obsessions — I love a satchel that is a.) suede b.) multi-tonal or textured and c.) extra points for both or a small pop of something unexpected — such as bold hardware or a print.
Party clutch or mini purse. Everyone needs one, especially this time of year when holiday parties and events beckon, but these bags can be tricky because of size. Make sure that your clutch or mini bag can hold cell phone, keys/wallet and a lipgloss and you should be good to go. Bare essentials only — leave the change of shoes, hairbrush and random stuff that you usually schlep around at home, you don’t need it tonight!
Look pretty out there for party season, Borderstan! What styles are YOU loving for holiday and New Years parties??
