The city girl’s dilemma is always looking hip and stylish while walking the cobblestone-studded streets riddled with subway heat vents, gutters and sinkholes. Wearing your gorgeous stilettos in this urban footwear minefield can often result in the oh so famous twisted ankle or better yet, the broken-off heel of a well-made shoe. What’s a girl to do? Well, crocs (gasp) are certainly not an option and sneakers are so 1992 and flip flops, which I love, can get old after a while. So, I’ve been on a hunt for a stylish pair of flat sandals to walk to and from work and where ever else I need to walk in the city. They are the “walk to work and then change in to your fancy shoes” shoes.

Alas, I have found them.

The brand is Ziginy and these sandals have the delicious balance of, dare I say, comfort and style. Every style has it’s own bling. Studs, chains, rhinestones, beads. It’s all in there. You decide how much. Now, you need to know that I do not buy shoes for comfort. If a pair happen to be comfortable, it’s like getting an extra scoop of icecream for free or finding a $20 bill in your pocket. It’s lucky. (I know, there’s probably a support group for that too.)

Well, regardless of whether you’re looking for a stylish sandal to parade around town or a comfy sandal to chase after the kids, the Ziginy brand delivers on both. FTW!

In any case, fast forward to today. I was on Ideeli and spotted this crazy adorable black clutch by Ava Rose Handbags. I said to this supple leather beauty, you must be mine. You might be wondering why I bought it. Well, something you may not know about me is that everything I buy has “criteria”. Yeah, I mean a list of reasons why I should buy it. Why? It’s the only way to make sure it will make an impact on my wardrobe enough for me to buy it. Here’s how my stylish brain works. So, I see this bag. I look it over – alot. Zooming in and out, reading and estimating dimensions, googling the manufacturer. Then I said to myself, here’s why I think this bag is a good purchase:

1. It’s unique. You won’t see many gal pals strutting around town with this beauty.

2. It’s a great size. I can fit my iPhone, pocket mirror, lipgloss, keys, gum, camera and probably even a light sweater in this clutch.

Ava Rose "Bianca" Clutch $62 @ Ideeli

3. The colors are neutral but not. It’s black but the metallic and red piping is sure to go with just about everything in my closet. So it’s a neutral bag but has really interesting accents that kick it up a notch.

4. It’s a bargain. Retail price: $198. Ideeli price: $62. I will take a 60% discount on a gorgeous leather bag that I will use all the time, any time.

5. It’s rocker chick. It is called the “Bianca” and maybe that’s why it reminds me of an underground British club and a rocker chick in leather pants and teased out hair. I like to let my inner rocker chick out every once and a while and this is a great, well-priced way to do it.

In addition to this beauty, there are 2 other styles, which I also loved. These are going to go fast, so go to Ideeli now using my fancy link (so I get some referral juice) and get yourself a stylish clutch. Do you have criteria when you shop? I’d love to hear about how you make your purchases. Do share!

If you know me, you know I luv accessories. I have more accessories than I know what to do with. Some call it an addiction, I call it a cost-efficient way to transform an outfit or a wardrobe. The challenge with some pieces or lines of jewelry is that they can often make a statement but are a “one-outfit” type of accessory. I have some of those and rarely wear them. What I love about the S&D line is that each piece makes a statement but is versatile at the same time. For example, think of the endless ways to wear this Bocca Necklace.

Bocca Bee Necklace

Maybe a white tee-shirt with jeans. Or a strapless turquoise or yellow top with a skirt or white jeans. Or a silk or crisp cotton blouse with a pencil skirt. Or go sexy with a black tube top and skinny jeans and a great stiletto or wedge sandal – yowzah, mamasita. Another big trend right now is the cuff bracelet. You see them everywhere and all the celebs are wearing them. The biggah the bettah. Embellished, enamel, multicolored, stacked, anything goes. I love this S&D cuff. Think of it paired for every day with shorts and a tank, a sundress or capri jeans and a tee. Or for night with a fun top and jeans or even a party dress. Versatility and style – a girl’s best friends.

Kelly Cuff Bracelet

So, here’s to a fun, stylish and versatile dose of summer style. The party starts at 7:30 at my house. I’d love to have you stop by. You can reach me directly at michelle(at)thestylisheye.com and I can give you the details. Oh, and if you can’t come but see something you love, I can hook you up with that too. Here’s to a fun night with Stella & Dot!

Okay, so then the folks at Crocs come out with their new Spring/Summer line of shoes. I will say that as a marketer, it is brilliant. Someone at Crocs WHQ probably said, let’s expand our market and go after the people who won’t wear the rubber shoes because they look ridiculous. Yeah, you know the other zillion Americans that will wear rubber shoes that kinda look like shoes? Yeah, yeah. Let’s make the ugly rubber shoes look more like real shoes! Maybe it will double our revenue?! Wicked smart.

The problem is they are a) still rubber and b) still ugly.

Then, one of my fave sample sale sites, Ideeli, had a sale today for Melissa Shoes. The brand is new to me and, I will say, they give the Crocs new line a run for it’s money. While the Melissa shoes are still rubber and still ugly, they at least try to look more like something a somewhat stylish person would choose to wear. The Crocs people talk about “fusing comfort and style seamlessly” and “wearable hugs.” I know not of either of these nirvanas and know that, if they did exist, they certainly would not come in rubber.

Christopher Muther at the Boston Globe recently wrote a very funny post about how he became a Crocs “convert”, well sort of. I appreciate his candid quote where he says, “…but I’m not ready to part with my “Friends don’t let friends wear Crocs’’ T-shirt quite yet.” Well said, Mr. Muther.

I keep coming back around to a few main issues. First, rubber shoes make your feet sweat. There’s no way for those things to breathe – I don’t care if they have holes in the top and are made of super-special rubber technology, feet sweat, especially when it’s 90 degress out and feet encased in sweaty rubber is just gross. Second, they look like you chose comfort over style. There, I said it. Everyone I talk to about this subject says, “They are so comfortable!” Not one person EVER says: “They look so great!” And, lastly, well, I hate to say it, but it makes you look like you couldn’t spend the time to go to a normal shoe store, try on some normal shoes and actually make an effort to make footwear a part of your wardrobe. For this last unfortunate issue…I quietly shed a tear.

So, my rubber shoe wearing friend, what say you as to why I should embrace the rubber shoe bonanza and make it part of my wardrobe? I anxiously await your rebuttal. For those of you who agree with me, I welcome your non-rubber support.

PS: I think this is the most times I’ve written down the word “rubber”. Ever. It is a weird word. Okay, that is all. Talk amongst yourselves.

Until now.

I found these J Brand Cargo pants a few months back in one of my style mags. I love the brand – J Brand is known for great denim and styling – and I love that they look like cargos but are more like a skinny jean with cargo-like styling. No giant, bulgy pockets to clutter up your oh so lovely frame. Just a few styled, relatively useless pockets that are more like cargos for walking down Newbury Street than hiking Mount Washington. I also adore the cropped look and zipper styling on the ankles – I am still an 80’s girl at heart, you know.

J Brand Cargo Pants $231

They’ve been out of stock for months and Revolve just got a fresh new shipment in. Order up! They are going fast so get them while they last. Finally, cargo pants I can dig.

Eight Sixty 'Body Con' Cutout Knit Dress $78 @Nordstrom

1. Peek-a-boo, I see you. I love this term for fashion (thanks, to The Thread). Spring runways were spiced up with dresses, skirts, tops and shoes that show some skin. Some serious skin. Slits, lace, mesh, cutouts, rips – you name it and it’s hot for Spring. When I first saw this look it was on a tee-shirt and reminded me of circa 1982 and a “Like a Virgin” concert tee that I had. Yes, some of it feels a bit too rock concert for a day in the office or school drop-off but I also saw some amazing dresses along with my new shoe must-have – the caged shoe – which totally rocks the peek-a-boo look. Keep in mind too much peek-a-boo can lead to innocent by-standers throwing dollah bills your way, so don’t over-do it. Keep it to one piece. A simple, fitted black cutout dress like this one with some peep-toes. Or a lace skirt with a silk blouse. It’s hot. It’s sexy. It’s Spring. It’s time to show some skin, ladies.

2. Neutrals rule. Keeping up with our flesh theme, Spring is all about neutrals. Everything from taupes and gauzy bronzes and creamy ivories, the neutral palette is a welcome trend for Spring. Neutrals are such a simple mix and match. Take a pencil skirt in a neutral, warm tan. Think of all the possibilities! Pair it with a white ruffled blouse and a wide black belt with black caged shoes. Or an ivory short-sleeved sweater with a sleek peep-toe. Or a black fitted v-neck tee with a wedge sandal. Or with a creamy scarf to dress up your trench coat. Neutrals also rule the Spring make-up palette. Not everyone can pull it off (I happen to look like the night of the walking dead in taupe lipgloss) but, if you happen to be of the right skin tone, this can be a great, natural look for Spring.

Sequin scarves $7.95 on Amazon

3. Metallic-a-licious. A little Dance Fever anyone? Who can resist a little glitz and glam along with some sequins, sparkle and shimmer. Metallics are all over for Spring. Everything from what we saw last Fall with studs and grommet designs, to gold sequin skirts that are quite the eye-catcher. I also love that metallics are being shown in every shade possible. Bright candy pinks, platinum, greens and blues, golds – it’s all a-go-go for a metallic Spring. Sequin skirt a little too much for your wardrobe? I came across these adorable metallic scarves on Amazon for under $10! What a steal! Scoop ‘em up while they last.

4. The brightah the bettah. Neon, cobalt, keylime, raspberry, candy pink….take your pick for Spring. Everything from nail polish to tee-shirts to trench coats. Bright yellows continue to be a big trend this Spring. Yellow can be tough to wear. Often to yellowey (is that a word?) for olive complexions and to wash-outey (again) for pale complexions. Look for warmer yellow that compliments your skin tone or perhaps incorporate a pop of yellow with a handbag or bracelet. Blue and all shades of it are another big Spring color. Everything from cobalts and strong blues to turquoise and Caribbean blues. Blues are much easier to wear on the face but often harder to pair with other wardrobe items. I would look for the brighter blues and pair them with jeans for day and a cute black skirt or pants for night. If bright is a fright, just try a little bit. Accessories are a great way to infuse serious color in just a small dose. Don’t be afraid, my style maven, try the color…soon, you will be hooked!

Betsy Johnson "Calandra" $138 @ Zappos.com

5. Retro is metro. Fedoras, Mary Janes, shirt dresses, dress shorts, oh my! They’re all back with a twist, baby. I am a huge hat fan (as you can see from my Facebook page – thanks to Bryan for letting me borrow it) and own a bunch of different hats to mix it up. The Fedora style is so in for Spring. I will tell you that it’s also a great alternative to an umbrella, especially for those of you who, like me, have to walk through the city and what is usually a wind tunnel, whereby your umbrella typically ends up inside and out and in the garbage. Another big retro trend is the Mary Jane. These school-girl inspired shoes are in with full-force and, this time, with a great platform twist. I bought a pair last Fall and am thrilled to see them on the runway again for Spring. I spied these adorable satin, peep-toe beauties with a bow on Zappos.com. These would be gorgeous with a straight cream-colored pencil skirt or even the black dress pictured above. Love them! Who could forget the shirt dress? Yes, it seems so 1980s but they are back for Spring and such a simple, classic addition to any wardrobe. Easy to pair with flats, sandals or a great wedge. Dressy shorts – yeah, I know what you’re thinking, but I was in NYC and everyone is wearing them. Well, not everyone, but you get my drift. Dressy shorts and tights were a big 70s look. They’ve cleaned it up and I’ve seen some great trouser-fabric shorts for summer. So, try incorporating one piece into your wardrobe. Maybe some funky Mary Janes or a Justin Timberlake-inspired Fedora. One of these pieces can take an outfit that was so last Spring and put some 2010 in its step.

So, there you have it. Oh, by the way, one trend I did not put in my Fab Five is the “Feathered Look”. No, I’m not talking hair. I’m talking feathers. Skirts, pins, blouses, hair pieces. Feathers, my lovely. As much as the models on the runway look fabulous strutting their feathery stuff, this is not a trend for the everyday kind of gal. I say if feathers are your look, use sparingly as not to appear that you are a) on the verge of jumping out your office window or b) stunt doubling for a Victoria’s Secret angel. Get my drift?

Now that we’ve flown that away, I leave you to think Spring and infuse these exciting trends into your wardrobe. Remember, you do not need to buy an entirely new Spring wardrobe! Now, if you want to, that is certainly your prerogative and I would be happy to help (shameless plug). For those of us looking for a way to update last Spring’s wardrobe in a stylish and efficient way, pick a few trends and look for good buys. Not much to spend? Accessories are a girls best friend. I’m curious to know what you pick to add to your Spring wardrobe, so do tell. What are your picks for Spring?

And with that I say…go forth and Be Stylish.

Yves Saint Laurent Cage Ankle Boots $1500

I wish that I could take credit for coining the term but I have a feeling someone at the House of Prada or Chanel beat me to it. So what is it, you might ask? The caged shoe is like a sandal and a shoe bootie combined. They were all over the runway and most have a leather design that looks like, well, a cage. Some more straight lines. Others geometric shapes. Most of what I saw on the runway and in the early Spring previews are stilettos and va va voom! Some teetering at over 5 inches (for those damsels who walk gingerly to their limo or sit at the club but do not stand or walk) and others more runway than run to the mall (see YSL $1500 beauties). As for the rest of us, there’s just about every style, fabric, color and heel height to choose from. I’ve seen everything from a super-slinky gold to a super-hot fuchsia suede by Linea Paolo (which I had to have).

Linea Paolo 'Jacadia' Sandal

You may wonder, what in pete’s name do I wear these caged beauties with? Here are a few wardrobing ideas. First, start with a pair in a more neutral color so you can wear it with more (black, cream, browns, tans). Yes, it’s kind of boring but, let’s face it, they go with everything. The great thing about these shoes is that you can wear them with just about everything – and I don’t say that about everything. Everything. (Sorry, couldn’t resist).

The Stylish Eye caged shoes outfit ideas:

Outfit #1: Fitted dress with a wide belt.

Outfit #2: Pencil skirt, silk blouse, same wide belt.

Outift #3: Straight-leg jeans, same silk blouse or funky tee.

Outfit #4: Skinny jeans, flowy top or funky tee and shoe.

Outfit #5: Shorts (yes, I know but everyone in New York is wearing them out at night), funky tee and shoe.

Nine West Kentaro

The thing I love most about this shoe is that, depending on the color, you can wear them pretty much year round. Yes, I know my darling, we live in the North East along with snow, sleet and rain. The life of a sandal is typically limited to June-August. These are different. Because of the “shoe” form of these lovelies, they can stand up to patterned or opaque tights. Blasphemy you might say. I know. I already told you that I am not a big fan of tights with open-toe shoes but you also know about my obsession for Wolford hosiery, which are in a class all their own. These shoes typically have a zipper or significant buckle which makes the pairing of the tights a much better fit than a simple sandal or peep-toe. I see this style taking you right through Fall, which is why they are an excellent choice.

What’s the rage in your cage? Share your caged shoe ideas. I’m cooking up my Spring must-haves and this one is on the list!

Go forth and be caged.

PS: Since I posted this I came across fellow fashionista, Sabrina, who put together this amazing list of caged and cutout shoes! Enjoy!

As if that all isn’t enough, Rue La La gives members a $10 credit for inviting other members to join. Great way to incentivize people to do their marketing. Want to join? Here’s my referral link. Pay it forward, baby.

L.A.M.B. "Zada" Nude & Forrest Leather Sandal

Now, on to the ooh la la. For the next 2 hours, you’ll find one of my favorite fabulous and stylish brand on Rue La La. L.A.M.B. Who can resist the most stylish, Gwen Stefani, and her L.A.M.B line of shoes? These coveted, funky, sexy kicks get better and better each season but typically run over $350 (thus my coveting them). Until noonET today, on Rue La La, they are over 50% off. Yes, my dear fashionista, you can now make Gwen proud by strutting your stuff in your deal of the century.

My only word of caution with Rue La La? Don’t fall prey to “I’ll come back later”. I have done this before and would peruse Rue La La, look around, put a few things in my bag and…come back later only to find out that they were gone. If you love it, buy it. Don’t wait only to miss out on a terrific deal. They have a 30 day return for merchandise credit for pretty much all items. Go get yourself some ooh la la today!