The “Cobblestones-to-Cocktails” Shoe Store Opens on Orange Avenue

A new shoe store has sauntered onto the island and is kickin’ it on Orange Avenue. I paid a visit to Charleston Shoe Company the other day (located on the 1000 block of Orange, a couple stores down from Leroy’s) and I’ve gotta say…this chipper, cheerful store made me want to do a little happy dance.

You may be wondering…what is the Charleston Shoe Company? And what’s it doing in Coronado? First things first: This shoe company’s theme is “from cobblestones to cocktails.” As you may have guessed, its an East Coast shoe brand designed to get you where you’re going in style…from morning coffee all the way to cocktail hour.

And it’s comfort-based. Wait, what?! Are these “Mom shoes?” At first glance, it may seem that way. But upon closer inspection, you see that these demure shoes are disarmingly fetching!

They are prim but lively. Preppy but beachy. Ladylike yet ridiculously comfortable. Like a Tory Burch espadrille and a wayward Birkenstock drank too much whiskey and made a love child.

Of course I had to try them on.

My feet couldn’t have been happier if I had just spread out my toes in warm sand. Yes, they are that comfortable.



And let’s face it. I’ve never been one for painful heels in the first place. I live in my Converse, Tory sandals and Olukais. (That’s when I can’t be barefoot.)  Yup, these shoes were made for me.

I mean, don’t they look cute?

You can even pick up Magnatiles in them.

So what’s the backstory here? Turns out that the founder of Charleston Shoe Company– Neely Powell–spent her childhood summers in San Miguel de Allende—a colonial town in Central Mexico. (I’ve never been but people rave about its charm.)

She befriended a local shoe cobbler known for making lovingly-crafted sandals worn around town by all the locals…and the rest is history!  She opened her doors in Savannah, Georgia and then Charleston, South Carolina. Today there are shops popping up everywhere from Nantucket to Balboa Island, from Martha’s Vineyard to Santa Barbara, and from New Orleans to Del Mar.

The company takes pride on the sturdy, comfortable construction–courtesy of the 70 cobblers and artisans who still hand-sew the shoes in San Miguel de Allende. Love it!

 

So next time you are on the 1000 block of Orange, stop into Charleston Shoe Company. Don’t just look…do yourself a favor and try a pair on. And, like they say…if the shoe fits…

Thanks for reading!

Outfit Crush: Festive Fall

It’s true…I’m a complete sucker for fall and everything it means for fashion. I love me a nice pair of over-the-knee boots, some killer smokey eyes and anything soft (leather, suede, faux fur, you name it.)

For the most part, I like to keep it casual.  (I’m probably just one flannel short of a Land’s End catalog.) But sometimes your favorite button down, distressed jeans and Converse just won’t do. (And let’s face it, this is Coronado. It’s still 80 degrees out!)

For those fall-festive, warmer-weather outings, I’ve devised the perfect fall look!  Bring on the metallics. Clip on the dark accessories. Strap on the animal print shoes. Sparkly eyeshadow? Yes, please!

Iced pumpkin latte, anyone?

1. Cotton green bodysuit. I’m a wee bit scarred from the 90s, so I was horrified and repulsed when bodysuits came back into fashion. Since then I’ve made peace with this frisky 90210 staple! Buy green bodysuit here on Amazon. Only $11.99!

2. Handmade Earrings by Katiana Jimenez. This super talented designer (and Coronado local) makes earthy and fabulous jewelry, handbags, dresses and more! Message her at 310-922-3272 to see her collection of goodness!

3. Chloe Perfume. Smells amazing and looks sooooo pretty and demure on your vanity! Amazon Prime Chloe perfume here.

4. Classic Eyeshadow Palette by Beautycounter. I’m in love with this eyeshadow palette and it looks amazing on everyone! Love the warm, sparkly, gilded colors…perfect for fall. And with names like cinnamon, copper, penny and sahara, how can you go wrong? (Full disclosure, I sell Beautycounter. Mainly because I’m obsessed with the products and I get a discount as a consultant. If you want to try this palette, I can arrange a drop off! Or get crazy and buy it here.  Free returns in 60 days. Want free shipping? Message me and I can arrange that!)

5. Festive gold layered skirt from MyStyleOntheGo. Love, love, love my layered golden maxi. Super fun to dress up or down with a casual tee. Coronado-regular and stylist Emma Jane has an eye for amazing, well-priced pieces that do not disappoint! Check out her website here. 

6. Hammitt Handbag. By now you know I’m obsessed with Hammitt bags, and I love that I can visit my friend Dolly and touch and feel each bag before I buy. You can wear this as either a crossbody or a clutch. The asymmetrical red zipper detail is playful and fun and the feel of the leather is pure luxury!  Visit Dollie Style and Accessories at the Nail Studio at 824 Orange Ave or see website here.

7. Animal Print Shoes by Tory Burch. These chunky, statement-making sandals add an animalistic edge to any look. Buy wherever you procure your Tory Burch!

Hope you like this look, and thanks for reading!

The Friday Five

Vacation, all I ever wanted! Vacation, time to get away!

But you still gotta pack, right?

Now you can have the ultimate vacay with these awesome shopping finds! Remember, everything can be purchased WITHOUT leaving the island!

 

1. Unicorn Ride-on Inflatable! You’ve been wanting one of these, for like EVER. So why are denying yourself this majestic beast? Your dreams will come true when you frolic aboard this durable, premium raft-grade, non-phtalates float! I know I need this in my life. $29.69.  Buy unicorn inflatable here.

2. Botanics Twist Top. This gorgeous floral-printed lightweight top is fabulous on any figure! Can be worn with a V at the front or back. The twist hits in just the right spot. But you’ll never know if you don’t try it on! From style maven Emma Jane at My Style on the Go. $38. Buy here.

3. Boho Beach Bag. This extra large, festival-print bag is bagging for sun, a tube of sunscreen and a sprinkling of sand. Don’t deny this bag its true purpose in life! See it in person at Dollie Style & Accessories, 824 Orange Ave.

4. Festive Longhorn Earrings. These bulls want to party…on your ears! I spied these treasures out of the corner of my eye and bought them on the spot. Fun, frisky, and primal, these large earrings will garner compliments with every turn of your head. $22, Blue Jeans and Bikinis, 971 Orange Ave. 619-319-5858.

5. Rose’ All Day Beach Hat.  Protect your delicate skin from the sun and make a statement that counts with this playful beach hat. At $17.95 it’s almost less than a bottle of fabulous rose’! Amazon Prime this hat here.

Thanks for reading everyone, and happy vacation!!!

Outfit Crush: 4th of July, Island-Style!

Add some boho-chic to your Coronado Fourth of July look this year! Check it out.

1. Celine sunglasses. I’m a total sucker for these sleek shades and especially in this funky blue! Edgy and fun, you’re sure to turn heads at any parade, BBQ or house party. Check out these sunglasses on Amazon here.

2. Johnny Was Tunic. I’ve been completely obsessed with Johnny Was since I wondered into their boutique in Santa Monica. But I wasn’t so excited about the prices! So I keep my eye on their website….and also what’s on sale on Amazon.  But most of the time–I buy my Johnny Was tops second-hand on theRealReal.com. (You’re welcome.)

3. Red Woven Earrings from My Style On the Go. These big, feisty earrings make any outfit! If you haven’t heard of My Style On The Go yet, do yourself a favor and check out the website and follow on Instagram and Facebook. Emma Jane curates the most amazing fashion selection of clothes and accessories–picking awesome, well-made pieces at super-reasonable prices. She’s available for parties and “sip and shops” and offers 20% off for the hostess! Yes, please!

4. DL1961 Jeanshorts. It’s not really summer in SoCal (or anywhere else, for that matter) until you throw on your jeanshorts. Love this style from DL1961. Just short enough to be sassy but covers all your nether regions. Buy on Nordstrom.com here. Or again, check them out second-hand on theRealReal.com.

5. Hammitt Leather Bag. It’s no secret that I’m in love with my Hammitt Handbag from Dollie Style & Accessories.  I also like that I can walk right into the Nail Studio at 824 Orange Avenue and touch, feel, and smell all their delicious leather goodness before buying.

6. Garden Party Color Intense Lipstick from Beautycounter. What? You don’t have any Beautycounter yet? Check it out and see why Gwyneth Paltrow, Megan Markle and mags like Vogue, In Style, and shows like the Today Show all rave about Beautycounter products. Revolutionizing the beauty industry by banning 1500 questionable (and likely dangerous) ingredients currently used in the personal care industry–the line also delivers Chanel-like quality. So there is no need to sacrifice beauty for safety! Check out Beautycounter here.

7. Flowerbomb Perfume by Victor and Rolf. One of my favorite scents! I get compliments on this anytime I wear it. Fresh, lovely, and just a little bit cheeky. Amazon Prime Flowerbomb here.

Thanks for reading! and Happy Fourth of July!

The Friday Five

It’s Friday! The grass is green, the girls are pretty, the sun is shining, and the weather is sweet.  Embrace your love of summer in true rockstar style. Check out the Friday Five.

1. Striped button down and jean short ensemble. Love this look from Lily’s Boutique…definitely too cool for school. Can’t get enough of the sparrows! Lily’s Boutique, 1001 Orange Ave.

2.Leather Hammit handbag. This made-in-LA cross body has all the trimmings of a statement accessory. Gold accents, an off-kilter red zipper and black leather? Yes, please! Dollie Style & Accessories, 824 Orange Ave.

3. Star-Crossed Dangles. You’ll be seeing stars in these bold and playful drop earrings. Yours on Amazon Prime, baby!
Check out earrings here.

4.S’well Water Bottle. Everything is swell when you sip out of this modern and funky stainless bottle. Grab yours at Avenu, 1114 Orange Ave.

5.Gold Mermaid Pillows. Add some sparkle to any room with these festive throws. Glitter abounds!
Amazon Prime these pillows here!

Thanks for reading, and happy Friday!