Kristie Ramirez’s 5 Favorite Things

Kristie Ramirez, writer-at-large for Texas Monthly, is serious style inspiration. She’s got this one part low-key Texas girl, one part fashion veteran vibe that always leaves her looking like the coolest girl in the room. I bump into her often at cocktail parties, and I’m always left wondering, do I look that effortlessly chic in a slouchy tee, pants, and killer stilettos? But I know the answer. Not so much. Girl’s got natural sartorial prowess that leaves much to be envied. (Along with her head full of thick, glossy curls.) We can, however, do a little copycatting. You can live vicariously through Ramirez’s artsy Texas sojourns on her blog, Texas Style & Substance, and pick up a few of her must-haves. Here are a few of her favorite things this moment:

photography (from top left): courtesy of Kristie Ramirez, Sophia Webster, Koch, Tom Ford, Beyond Pedaling

(1) Cocktail: “Tito’s Vodka on the rocks”
(2) Shoe: “My Sophia Websters from V.O.D.”
(3) Lip color: “Tom Ford’s Flamingo, an almost neon pink”
(4) Workout: “John Terlingo’s spin class at Beyond Pedaling three times a week”
(5) Spring thing: “I just stick to Isabel Marant, Koch, and silk button-downs, and I’m good.”

See more style setters and their favorite things.

Charlotte Dellal on Her Hollywoodland Heels, Drinking Beer, and Making the Fruit Shoe a Neutral

photography courtesy of Charlotte Olympia

When Joslyn and I left the interview room after spending a some time with Charlotte Olympia designer Charlotte Dellal, who was in town for a personal appearance at Neiman Marcus NorthPark, we couldn’t wait to talk about her. She was lovely and fun and glowing with her beautiful little baby bump. Dellal’s skin is flawless, with scattered freckles peeking through. She wore her signature 40s glam retro waves and red lip, which is surprisingly low key up close. (“It looks super high maintenance but it’s very quick,” she told us.) In town to promote her latest collections and meet Charlotte Olympia shoe collectors, Dellal talked about her Cosmic Collection of Birthday Shoes, made up of flats for each horoscope sign, and her long overdue Hollywoodland collection for pre-fall 2013.

photography by Flickr user Farid Bernat-Ortells

On designing Hollywoodland:
“It was, in a way, a hard collection to do. It was close to my heart, because the essence is always going to have this Hollywood glam thing. However, I was also quite apt to do it. It’s a glamorous, classic, timeless era, and it’s also an era that was rich in accessories and that had that kind of whimsy to it, as well. People didn’t think twice about carrying a poodle bag around or wearing a fantastic hat with matching gloves.”

On wearing jeans:
“I’ve got one pair –a dark, dark denim, high-waisted, flared, wide-leg jeans. But, they’re not really my thing.”

Her favorite Charlotte Olympia shoes:
“Oh, that’s so hard. They’re like babies. There’s one that stands out that I definitely love that’s from a past collection, which was my Bananas Is My Business shoe, which was a fruit shoe. It’s one of my favorite shoes. I think I own five pairs boxed up. Just in case they die along the way, I can have a new pair. I guess it also symbolizes a lot what the brand is about. It’s a super high shoe. It’s got a sense of humor, yet at the same time I think it’s quite a classic shoe. I don’t know. My head works in funny ways. It’s a fruit shoe—everything goes with fruit. For me, it was a neutral.”

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If You’re Heading to Elements Today…

…let us give you a sneak preview of what you’re going to see. We talked about today’s upcoming shoe trunk show at Elements on D: The Broadcast yesterday. Take a look:

Painterly Pumps and Brush-Stroked Prints

Manolo Blahnik silk print pumps, $695, Nordstrom NorthPark (photography by Mindy Byrd/The Photo Division)

These painterly pumps are courtesy of the art-inspired fashion spread in our newest D Moms. Read the whole thing here. Enjoy.

Join Us for Emy Mack Shoes, Blushington Makeovers, and Cocktails at Elements

Three of my favorite things will be under one roof on Friday, April 19. Before you began your weekend adventures, head over to Elements to get a makeup touch-up, courtesy of the artists at Blushington, and to browse the pretty shoes in Emy Mack trunk show.

Hosted by yours truly, this champagne reception runs all afternoon, so you can pop in for a late lunch break or toast with us before your evening begins. We’ve already told you how much we love the beautifully crafted Emy Mack shoes by SMU grad Emily Jamison and trust the skilled artists at Blushington Beauty Lounge. Here’s the perfect chance to check out both in one stop.

Where: Elements
When: 1 pm to 6 pm
RSVP: Here (or just stop by)

Emy Mack Shoes for Spring 2013

One of my favorite finds from all of last year is Emy Mack. Helmed by Emily Mack Jamison, SMU grad-turned shoe designer, this footwear brand turns out exquisitely made heels, sandals, and flats in classic shapes and/or with gorgeous Swarovski crystal ornamentation. Her latest collection has launched online, and there are already trunk shoes in the works for spring. In the meantime, enjoy a couple of the spring slippers:

The Madeline camel flat with white pearl bow

Sienna embroidered black silk slipper

Local Hari Mari Launches Second Sandal Collection in Pretty Pastels and Easy Neutrals

photography courtesy of Hari Mari

I loved the concept of Dallas-based Hari Mari right away: the eco-friendly reprocessed rubber, foam, and biodegradable hemp make-up, the financial donation to children’s hospitals per pair sold, and the recycling incentive (bring your old pair back, get 15 percent off your new pair), but after trying on a pair, the deal was sealed. They’re truly the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn with the cushy footbed and thick, soft straps. One caviat: the white footbed gets dirty quickly. (To clean, Hari Mari recommends using a soapy towel or towel with Shout.) The new Scouts collection hitting stores next week, however, has an “earthen-tone” hemp foot bed with khaki colored soles which should alleviate some of the dark footprint problem. The straps come in campground-inspired hues such as bright yellow, sea green, pink, navy, red and nude for ladies and include army green, sky blue, and neon green for guys. Rolling onto shelves next week, find Hari Mari’s Scouts collection at Luke’s Locker, Original Octane, The Biz, and these other retailers.

Spring Has Sprung at L.bartlett Shoes

L.bartlett has completely moved on. Gone are sale sections of black garments and heavy textures. Taken over are racks full of airy fabrics in every color of the rainbow. And the shoes in their newly named L.barlett Shoes section, well they’re ready for warmer weather, too.

Schutz metallic wedge, $194

Dolce Vita Jury wedge, $96

Dolce Vita Dania Stella flat, $40

Sam Edelman Abbott sandal, $125

Sam Edelman Julia suede moccasin, $100

Bamboo Pompey wedge, $57

Happy Valentine’s Day

Vivienne Westwood Lychee Ladydragon Heart peep-toe pumps

Barneys’ Latest (and Maybe Last) Spring Shoe Shipment is Gor. Geous.

Some of my absolute favorite emails to ever hit my inbox come from Jim Myers of NorthPark’s Barneys New York women’s shoe department. It’s the best midday treat to click through his New Shoe Arrivals albums, and I will sincerely miss them come March 2, when the Dallas location closes up shop. Until then, enjoy this album of shoes, which just hit shelves. It might be the last shipment, but you have five beautiful weeks to hit the store before closing time.

(clockwise from top left) Pierre Hardy ankle strap skimmer $425
Gianvito Rossi posted ankle strap sandal, $720
Givenchy wide band halter sandal, $1,095
Manolo Blahnik Audi ankle strap pump, $775
Guiseppe Zanotti fluorescent t-strap platform sandal, $695

Emy Mack Shoes Make Grand, Sea of Shoes Debut

courtesy of Sea of Shoes

You will all recall this delightful discovery of the Emy Mack shoe line, right? Well, the SMU grad-designed shoes landed on the feet of Jane Aldridge on Sea of Shoes yesterday.

I’m a proud owner, as well, thanks to Emy Mack, and truly, not only are they gorgeous to look at, with their flawless seams, silver bottoms, and ladylike ornamentation, but they’re comfortable, too. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we’ll get a storefront or pop-up boutique, but for now, shop the current fall/winter collection at emymack.com.

Tables Full of Emy Mack Ladylike Pumps, Holiday Heels, and Suede Boots

That’s what was happening at an exclusive preview of Emy Mack shoes today. The debut fall collection, designed by SMU graduate, Emily Mack Jamison, is pretty impressive. Heels, flats, boots, and sandals are all made in Italy, and the quality shows. Silver bottoms meet expert stitching and sumptuous details like studs, crystals, and metal cap toes. The aesthetic is ladylike. Most shoes run under 4 inches and come with the perfect pointed toe (not too long or sharp). Textures run the gamut from python to solid satin and come in flats, 2 1/2-inch heels, and 3 1/2-inch heels. Custom designs are available, too, so, say you like the satin pump with the crystal beaded bow, but need a little extra height, you can order a a taller heel. Her contemporary Cavallini collection is comprised of riding boots in suedes and different colored leathers, and platform sandals, pumps, and booties in holiday-worthy glitter and animal print. For now, you can shop this new line of shoes online at emymack.com, but stay tuned because there’s a possibility of an upcoming holiday pop-up shop where you can eye the whole line and find the perfect fit.

Keep reading. More photos after the jump.

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On Trend: Fall Textured Ankle Boots

Shopping intern Mary Holbrook hits the town to track the trends. Up this week: a plethora of booties.

The ankle boot is shaping up to be a staple for the fall/winter wardrobe again this year, and we’re thankful. They’re versatile, refreshingly comfortable, and easy to slip on and go. Try a short cowboy bootie with skinny jeans for an off-duty look or, for a dressier affair, try a an ankle boot with a pointed toe and heel for a polished look with some edge. –Mary Holbrook

1. Kelsi Dagger taupe wedge, $129 at Lou Lou
2. Girl Madeline fringe, $69 at Cotton Island
3. Yoki scrunch booty, $68 at Spicy II
4. Vince Camuto Tuscan suede, $149 at Pieces

Get Cozy in a Pair of Cobra Society Suede and Embroidered Wool Boots

Boot season is the best season, and if you stomp around in yours the entire fall and winter seasons long, you might want to make an investment in these Cobra Society midnight blue suede and hand embroidered wool Otto boots. With only 2 inches of height, but plenty of autumn charm, you can throw them on with practically anything. $795 at Stanley Korshak

The Office of Angela Scott Boutique Opens in Victory Park

Fall 2012's Miss Quimby boot, $750 (photography by Robert Robertson)

The Office of Angela Scott local shoe line is finally opening a storefront. Luckily, although designer Angela Scott has made it big, with her hand-crafted footwear featured in Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, and Teen Vogue, it’s in Dallas. Next to V.O.D. in Victory Park to be exact.

Scott’s bench-made, cobbler-stitched footwear collection is inspired by her grandfather’s tailored suits and and bespoke shoes. You can see it reflected in her androgynous oxfords, saddle shoes, and booties with sexy details like wedge heels last fall, colorful cap toes for spring, and lace-up and fur-trimmed details this season. (Like the Miss Quimby boot above.) Check out the newest collection and visit her storefront on Friday for champagne and shoe shopping during the soft opening.

Where: The Office of Angela Scott
When: Friday, September 21, 4 pm to 6 pm