Soulful Soles

It's been a long time....

2013-05-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

It has been forever since I have blogged or worked out, but leave it to Agent Provocateur to create something sexy enough to inspire me to start both again.

I love warm weather. I love beaches. I love neon. I could really do all three- almost all the time. I'm gonna take this cute little swim number as a sign that I better get on the ball and start thinking seriously about building a summer wardrobe (and hitting the gym).

I'm think lots of color (neons of course), prints, denim shorts, sundresses, and killer shades... this is gonna be fun!

Trending right now?

2012-10-05T18:32:00.001-07:00

Are Mermaids and Cleopatra trending right now? I think so. I submit my two new fave shades of Nail Polish from Deborah Lippmann as evidence. Thoughts anyone?

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish
L-R: Mermaid's Dream and Cleopatra in New York

Nantucket Nuptials

2012-08-30T15:13:00.001-07:00

Dress-BCBG, Earring-Anthropologie, Clutch- DVF, Shoes- B Brian Atwood

So a week from tomorrow I am going to a wedding in Nantucket. For weeks I have been racking my brain about what exactly to wear. The overwhelming response to an informal survey was- Vintage!

Now I'm not really a vintage kind of girl, especially when it comes to clothing. I think this is mainly because I lack the patience to scour the racks for that perfectly fitting, stain free piece and also because I tend to gravitate towards styles that are more modern.

Then I came across this amazing BCBG dress from the runway collection that seemed to marry vintage and modern, neon and pastel (I'm totally obsessed with mint and neon yellow), and be both pretty and edgy at the same time.

Once I found the dress all of the other elements quickly came together. I am beyond excited to rock this outfit and to celebrate the nuptials of my good friend Deja!

My life in pictures

2012-08-14T17:25:00.002-07:00

Top Row L-R: Toms Jadon Wedge, Pamela Love Tribal Necklace, Big Star Denim
Middle Row L-R: Dresses @ Show & Tell, Awaken Cafe, Candid Art Hand Chain
Bottom Row L-R: Vintage Dodgers Tee, Baggu Leather Bags, Jeffrey Campbell Heels

Inspired by Burberry Spring 2012 Runway

2012-06-27T20:06:00.001-07:00

For as long as I can remember I have had a love of ethnic and tribal print. For the past few seasons these prints have been de riguer on the runways and it seems Christopher Decarin of Burberry is the latest in a long list of designers to draw inspiration from vibrant African textiles. The Burberry Spring 2012 collection was loaded with covetable printed pieces including an update of the iconic trench coat that I would love to get my hands on.

While lusting after expensive runway pieces is all well and good you need not break the bank to try this trend out. For my look I paired a basic tank with a beautiful wrap skirt from Nneka, but you could easily substitute printed fabric for your local fabric store.

Sneak Peek: Nike x Liberty of London

2012-06-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

What I Want Now: Shoes with a POC

2012-06-11T09:24:00.002-07:00

Clockwise from Top Left: Neon Tipped Vellies- Schier Shoes, Stripe Oxford- Sarah Smith, Lunargrand- Cole Haan, Recreation- Civic Duty

Fab Find of the Week: Livin Queen of Love Chairs

2012-05-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

I have outrageous taste in clothes and it seems my love for all things colorful and funky extends to furniture. I have had my eye on this Linvin chair for years and low and behold it is now available on Fab.com in several colors for 1 more day!

Linvin Queen of Love Chair

Convert Shoes Opening Fete

2012-04-17T20:26:00.001-07:00

The Window at Convert
Photo by Lindsay Isola

I am a shoe fanatic! By this I mean I have an insatiable, undying love of footwear from sneaks to the highest heel and everything in between. I'm not quite sure when my love of shoes started -it might just be genetic. My mother seems to have the same affliction and regularly acquires new styles to add to her impressive collection. Or, once again, it could be the influence of my dance career. Every dancer knows that even though we abuse our feet with countless rehearsals, jamming them into pointe shoes, etc that they really should be cherished. I look at cute shoes as the perfect reward for the body parts that have taken me the farthest in life.

Given my obsession it is not hard to imagine just how excited I was to get an invite to celebrate the opening of eco-chic Convert Shoes. For the last year Convert has stocked fashionable and well made apparel and accessories for the Bay Area's ethically minded style set. The new shoe store follows in the same vein and also features an exclusive collection of Jeffrey Campbell X Convert vegan styles in addition to brands like TOMS, NATIVE, and, a new fave clog brand, Maguba. The party hosted by well known bloggers Anne, Krystal, and Erica was a total blast and of course I picked up a new pair of shoes! See more pics from the event below!

Host Anne, Erica, and Krystal
Photo by Lindsay Isola

Lovely Chocolates + Shoes= Heaven!

PACT Socks made by Wind Power- Awesome!

Love these TOMS

Need a pair of these Maguba Clogs immediately
Photo by Lindsay Isola

Me and my new Palladium Kicks
Photo by Lindsay Isola

Photos are my own unless otherwise stated.

Fab Find of the Week: Urban Aviary Raw Diamond Ring

2012-04-10T19:07:00.001-07:00

While the idea of buying myself a diamond ring seems a little odd (I guess I'm a romantic) the raw beauty of this piece from Urban Aviary has me seriously considering it. This lovely ring and others by my new fave jewelry line are on sale at Fab.com for a couple more hours. If you miss the sale don't worry everything available on Fab is also available on UrbanAviary.co.

Ready for Resort- Daily Buzz Top 9 Spring Break

2012-03-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

Soulful Soles made the Top 9 on Daily Buzz!

Pamela Love Necklace, Eddie Borgo Earrings, Mara Hoffman Swimsuit,
Havaianas Flip Flops, Chan Luu Bracelets

Heavy Metal Madras

2012-03-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

Fab Find of the Week: Words with Fab

2012-03-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

Fab.com is hands down my new favorite site to visit for a daily dose of design inspiration and to scope out new up and coming brands. My latest obsession is Words with Fab, a series of tees and prints featuring "iconic names and phrases". Peep my faves below:

Links a la Mode: Man, I feel like a Woman

2012-03-12T20:50:00.003-07:00

I'm totally stoked to be included in this weeks girl power themed edition of Links a la Mode by IFB. Check out my post and those of all the other great partipants below!

MAN, I FEEL LIKE A WOMAN

Edited by: Victoria of vmac+cheese

There was a time in the mid-90s when girl power was all the rage (thank you, Spice Girls!). While midriff baby tees might have fallen out of fashion, now more than ever bloggers prove that girl power is still in full effect.Whether it’s donning a lacy top, a beautiful lip color, or even raising a glass to the original girl power movement of Rosie the Riveter, fashion bloggers know better than anyone else how to celebrate being a woman! In honor of National Women’s History month, check out these posts that are all about the things that make being a woman fun.

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE:

MARCH 8TH

40+ Style: How to update your wardrobe and wear the spring 2012 trends: graphical
Aspiring New Moms: Nautical Sophisticate // A black blazer and Sperry Topsiders
Chic Stay at Home Mom: Mom Outfit Transformation Take 1
Fashion Moriarty: What is fashion’s role in negative body image?
Fashionopolis: Street Style Inspiration: Neon!
First Came Fashion: Dynamic Duo.
Homes & Heels: From Day to Night #2
I Have a Degree in This: Lady Inspiration Week: 20 Somethings
J. Rose Style: A Personal Stance on Photo Retouching
Life in Magazines: Confessions of Prepster
Made to Travel: Celebrate Women’s History Month with Real Rosies
Make the World a Prettier Place: Roaring Twenties SS 2012
My Fashion Wish List: The Must Have Item
Prim and Propah: We are all Barbies
Simply Frabulous: The Roaring Twenties
Soulful Soles: Black is the new black
The Classic Woman: A Peek Inside a Classic Woman’s Closet
The Merchant Project: Introducing The Misses
The Style Confessions: Three Decadent Burgundy Lipsticks (from the drugstore!)
What Would Ashley Wear?: Wardrobe Staple you Need: The Neon Pink Blazer

SPONSOR: :
New Sandals at Shopbop: Ras, Yosi Samra, Kalmanovich, LK Bennett, Aquazzura, Minkoff, Rachel Zoe, Acne, Miista, Premiata, Loeffler Randall, Sam Edelman Sandals & Pelle Moda Shoes

Black is the new Black

2012-03-06T20:18:00.022-08:00

As we shift from February to March from Black History Month to Women's History Month I have found myself meditating once again on the history of Black Women in Fashion. In February several publications ran features focused on Black Models throughout history. While models are all well and good, as a non-model, I tend to connect more with modern day street style snaps rather than the model shots of yore.

Thinking that there are probably several fashion lovers out there like me I decided to compile my own list of Black female street style stars who are making their presence felt. The ladies I have chosen share a love of print and color and all have an uncanny ability to make whatever they are wearing feel totally their own. Suffice it to say they are all making their own mark on fashion ~~history~~ her-story!

Solange:
This triple threat is a mother, dj, and singer who has a funky style that is totally unique. She's a master mixer when it comes to getting dressed expertly pairing print, pattern, and color resulting in edgy ensembles that are always perfection. Solange has an amazing sense of style, but her best accessories just might be her natural hair and glowing skin!

June Ambrose:

In today's world Music and Style go hand in hand thanks to celebrity stylist June Ambrose. Ambrose has worked with many clients over the years including Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, and Jamie Foxx, just to name a few. What I love most about Ambrose's colorful and layered looks is that she always appears perfectly polished and pulled together- and she knows how to rock the hell out of a turban. Be sure to check out this Mom and Style Mogul in the soon to air "Styled by June" reality show on VH1.

Julia Sarr- Jamois

The style of French and Senegalese former model and editor of Wonderland Magazine Julia Sarr-Jamois is as Bold and Beautiful as her perfectly coiffed afro. Sarr-Jamois manages to seamlessly incorporate must have statement pieces into her look, but wears everyday basics like ripped jeans, cashmere sweaters, tees, and blazers with equal aplomb. Never contrived and always fresh Sarr-Jamois is definitely one of the coolest in the fashion flock.

Fab Find of the Week: Friends for Your Space

2012-02-26T22:58:00.002-08:00

So I am officially obsessed with flash sale site Fab.com. I visit Fab everyday for a dose of design inspiration. These ottomans from Friends for Your Space, designed by Rolf Vetter, are hilarious and make me kind of hungry. I'm a sucker for design that has a sense of humor.

10 questions with CanDid Art Accessories designer Candice Cox

2012-01-31T20:52:00.000-08:00

CanDid Art Accessories

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Candice Cox, the beautiful, bubbly designer of CanDid Art Accessories. As a budding entrepreneur I am always excited to meet talented folks, like Candice, that share my interest and passion for style. Candice, currently resides in Brooklyn, but has been in the Bay Area long enough for us to spend some time together and bond over things like twitter tutorials, trunk shows, and a love of cookies! When we weren't talking about cookies Candice was kind enough to answer some questions about her personal style, dream vacation locale, and where she sees CanDid Art in 5 years. Peep the details below:

10 Questions with Accessories designer Candice Cox

SS- Describe your personal style?
CC- Funky. Conservative mixed with wild child. There are no rules to style!

SS- What is you favorite Color?
CC- Orange because it is so bright and bubbly.

SS- Name some other designers who inspire you.
CC- I love Armor Jewelry and Peace Images. I think their work is so beautiful. Armor inspired me to start making body chains.

SS- Best place to go Shopping.
CC- Necessary Clothing in New York

SS- Dream Vacation Locale
CC- I've always wanted to go to Africa, specifically Ghana.

SS- If you could take 3 things to a deserted island what would they be?
CC-Vaseline because it is so versatile, toothbrush, lighter. I mean you have to be practical if you are on a deserted island.

SS- What is a trend that will never die for you?
CC- Off the shoulder shirts!

SS- What is your guilty pleasure?
CC- Cookies

SS- So you design accessories, but do you have a favorite?
CC- Right now my Material Earlace

SS- Where do you see CanDid Art in 5 years?
CC- International distribution. A household name among the fashion crowd with an expanded men’s line of accessories.

CanDid Art Accessories now available at Show & Tell Concept Shop in Oakland, CA. All photos courtesy of CanDid Art

Preppy, Punk and COLOR

2012-01-26T23:07:00.000-08:00

Varsity Jacket- Nike, Necklace- Candid Art, Puff Sleeve Tee- H&M, Skirt- Kajan Padraig, Boots- Madewell, Bookbag- Baggu

Ready for Resort

2012-01-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

Pamela Love Necklace, Eddie Borgo Earrings, Mara Hoffman Swimsuit,
Havaianas Flip Flops, Chan Luu Bracelets

A week in the life...

2012-01-22T21:57:00.000-08:00

Last week was super busy- jam packed with lots of great events in the Bay and LA. Highlights include scoring an Isabel Marant Dress and Proenza Schouler pants on super duper sale at Creatures of Comfort and Opening Ceremony, goofing off at Fred Segal, and hosting a trunk show at Show & Tell for super hot jewelry line Candid Art Accessories.

Clockwise from Top Left: Vintage Shoes at Show & Tell, Nic outside Fred Segal,
Vintage License Plate at Show & Tell, Trying out the POP handset inside Fred Segal

My Isabel Marant Score

Jewelry by Candid Art Accessories

A good outfit is no thing to waste

2012-01-03T23:51:00.000-08:00

Vest- Banana Republic, Shirt-Zara, Bow Tie- Madewell, Jeans- Gap, Booties- Miu Miu

I'm totally lame and slept through all the New Years festivities so I decided to rock the outfit I had planned to wear on Saturday today. This outfit really made me happy for multiple reasons-

1) The shoes- enough said!
2) Bow Ties are my new "thing" and I love how the metallic silver plays off my shoes.
3) The color of my blouse is awesome and matched #1 and my nails perfectly!

Based on how much fun I had today I have a new style resolution for 2012- Party outfits are no longer just for weekends and evenings, they are just as appropriate attire for Tuesday at work , Saturday for coffee, or any other day for that matter!

Budget Buster vs. Bargain Buy: A Bit of Blue

2012-01-02T21:36:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! In my first post of 2012 I am revisiting one of my favorite topics Budget Buster vs Bargain Buy this time pitting Alexander Wang's Prisma Tote against Gap's Leather Travel Tote.

L-R: Alexander Wang Prisma Tote- $685, Gap Leather Travel Tote- $125

As I hunker down to brave the remaining winter months I'm banking on colorful accessories to break through the bay area grey and these bright blue totes definitely fit the bill. Like most, my pockets are feeling a little anemic after the holiday spending spree, so even though I L-O-V-E the Alexander Wang version with the awesome metal details it is just not in the budget. The Gap version is the same great color and MUCH more budget friendly. Not into blue- well you are in luck the Gap Travel Tote is also available in orange, pomegranate, and yellow.

Paper or Plastic

2011-12-27T20:27:00.000-08:00

Amidst all of the glitz and glam of the holiday season I am craving something decidedly less flashy to carry me into the new year.... yes, pun intended. Hi-Low has had many incarnations, but to me there is something so genius about taking the ultimate utilitarian bags and luxe-ing them up in leather. Now the only question is paper or plastic?

30 Day Blogging Challenge- A Picture of Me Today

2011-12-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

So this 30 day blogging challenge is taking me more like 60 days, but I refuse to throw in the towel even as the amount of holiday events on the calendar continue to increase. Today was a busy one, but I loved my outfit so much that I had to take a picture. This look is 2 parts prep, 2 parts edgy, with a little sparkle thrown in for good measure. I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season thus far!

Bow Tie and Bag- Show and Tell Concept Shop, Chambray Shirt-Gap, Skirt- Zara, Shoes- Urban Outfitters

30 Day Blogging Challenge- 2 for 1

2011-12-01T23:04:00.000-08:00

Soooooooooooo...... yeah. I have totally fallen off the blogging wagon because I have been busy with this little thing called life. As the holiday season gears up I am inspired to start blogging again because there are so many amazing events coming up that I am sure I am going to want to share.

Today I am picking up where I left off -with topics 7) My greatest accomplishment today and 8) My favorite band of the moment from the 30 Day Blogging Challenge.

Glad to say today was good a day. I spent the majority of it at Show & Tell , my new business venture with partner Nichole Payton. Getting Show & Tell off the ground is not only my biggest accomplishment today, but I would say of the year. It is probably up there with the biggest accomplishments in my life.

As far as my favorite band it is hands down Maroon 5. If you were to walk into Show & Tell between now and the end of the year you are likely to hear either the holiday station or the Maroon 5 station playing on our Pandora.