The second are part of my newest collection – I have two more boots to show in the coming weeks (I know I went a little overboard, but then again, what is new?). These little babies have a heel and a really interesting almost marbled look to the leather. I wasn’t too crazy about them when I initially saw them last February but when they hit the floors for the fall season, I thought to myself “What was I thinking?” My second thought was “I have to have these.” And Viola! I got them.

I know I’m not the only gal in Austin that is boot crazy. So I’m throwing it back on y’all. Send in a picture of your favorite pair of boots. I want to see!

[edit]
You can email me at stephanie@coloursmarie.com

or click the email link on the top right hand side under the heading “contact”.

much love,

Stephanie

“How in the heck are they eating ice cream looking so stylish and  so cozy warm?”

This is how.

via J.Crewdotcom

Stephanie Coultress, owner of Estilo, was in the midst of picking out some drop earrings for a girlfriend in need when I stepped into the boutique at the beginning of the night.  An unintentional “oooh” popped out between my lips as she turned her head to look at me.  She was already the owner of some sexy threaders that were picked up earlier in the night.  Thumbs up for that look.

The entire night was a blast.  The Taylor Moseley Jewelry Debut brought out a more interesting cross section of Austin that I had recently seen.  Bloggers, wardrobe stylists, architects, businessmen & even a screen writer that had just come in from Norway were just a handful of the people I met.  As seen in the photo, the boutique filled up with patrons who perused the shop to look at jewelry and clothing.

The designs of Taylor Moseley are a breath of fresh air.  The modern woman should take advantage of the phrase “less is more” every now and again.  The precious and semi precious stones used in the line are used as an accent to the design and not necessarily the centerpiece.  That, my dear, is a good piece of jewelry.  Take for instance the Aventurine and Emerald Necklace, the very nature of the necklace draws the eye toward the stunning piece of adventurine and then back up again with asymmetrical placing of the smaller emeralds.

Other Estilo exclusives were a set of brushed 24K cameo’s.  Delicate as all get out.  Please pass the pink, these necklaces make me squirm with delight for being a girl.  When dainty doesn’t fit into the lifestyle equation (Hey, we’ve all been there and I don’t judge) there are some knockouts that would make Cleopatra smile.  The Solar Quartz on Chunky Hammered Necklace would fit the bill on that one.  Covered all over with the jewelers signature style, the solar quartz piece is perfect by itself or layered with other necklaces.

My favorite piece has to be the Gold Plated Leaf with Black Rough Cut Diamonds.  The stars must have been aligned because I won the giveaway from the evening!!!!  (ARE YOU KIDDING ME? HURRAY!)  Allison and I are in the process of getting together for a ladies lunch when both of our schedules slow down, but be prepared dear readers to see me rocking this piece out!!!  +p.s. I totally have a pic of this necklace – but I’m going to make you wait – because I have to wait and that just seems fair.

xoxo,

S

+ Taylor Moseley | Esty

LETTER FROM A READER: this is a weird question, but i figured if anyone would know it would be you.

i don’t wear boots, but i happened to buy a pair the other day and i’m not entirely certain how to utilize them.

they are beige-y, mid-calf and kind of scrunchy with a heel.

i figure i can easily wear them with tights and a skirt or short dress. . .but with pants and jeans. . .i’m not sure about tucking/not tucking.

what are your thoughts on short-ish boots?

I love booties and I love shooties.

I absolutely love this question.  I’m a huge advocate of the boot this year and am more than happy to share styling tips to get any minx into this look.  Wonders of the internet were able to supply a picture of the boot.  The actual colored purchased sounds completely on trend.  Beige and nudes will be big again in spring so it’s a perfect investment for at least the next 9 months.  The examples I have given all use denim but can be interchanged with trousers, tweeds and sometimes even chino material- this depends on the cut.  Search for complimentary tonal palettes or even spring for the monochromatic look, if feeling dramatic.

Riders, motorcycle and western boots are just a few of the styles that are topping the trends this season.  The Juice* to this look is easy – show the glorious detailing and what great taste you have by a quick tuck, cuff or roll.

Use the tuck to create a clean and powerful message.  The tuck is the most serious of the looks in my mind.  The boot is exclusively on display and for all the world to see.  Keep the silhouette form fitting, western button-ups or deep v’s for the top and the best pair of bootie jeans that you’ve got hiding in that closet.  If the bottom of the jean is a wide or bootcut leg take the extra fabric starting at the bottom of the calf and pull away from the leg.  Place the other hand on the inside of the calf and tightly fold the extra fabric over the hand; this should be towards your toes.  This fold will create a bunch-less transition from jean to boot.

Feeling laid back?  Pair an oversized neutral colored sweater with a pair of boyfriend jeans and cuff those babies up.  How high to cuff is entirely open to possibility.  The texture that is created by the slouching of leather can work for a length of denim that shows a peek of the boot or sits at the top of the shaft.  Soften the bulk by creating clean and even rolls in the jean. Flatten the cuff until it’s almost somewhat creased.  It’s small details like this that keep an oversized sweater and jeans from looking frumpy.  Add an accent belt to the natural waist and step out in serious style.

The roll is all about fun.  Take a sheer loose fitting tunic and match with a pair of distressed skinny jeans.  Roll the jeans up to just at or above the boot.  Add a pair of colored trouser socks that packs a punch for the festivities.   The hint of color that flashes while walking and kicking those gams around will be sure to keep a smile on your face all night long.  Add a shrunken jacket to keep those chilly nights at bay.

The tuck, cuff and roll should keep any pair of boots looking fresh and up to date.  Add the options of dresses and wool tights and suddenly it may seem like those boots are finally getting the attention they deserve.

*The Juice – a term used frequently to describe the goods, the meat, the downlow info, get my drift?

love,

Stephanie Marie

Boots are huge for Fall ’09!

Great for skinnier jeans and wool tights with little skirts.  The Over-the-Knee’s are gorgeous but I’m looking for something that will last a lifetime.  It’s taken several years to find the exact pair I have wanted – complementary to black and brown and a good hardware that will go with most of my wardrobe.  The leather is little buttah, one feel and you know it’s going to look better after a few travels and some years.  I have worn them a few times already during the cold snap days and they are ridiculously comfortable.  The shaft of the boot is fits with a little room around the calf – I wasn’t sure I was going to like it, but it turns out to look great with leggings, too!  With a spectrum of styles to choose from this year – I would love to see what others are choosing to wear . . . perhaps a photo montage in the near future?

]]> http://coloursmarie.com/2009/10/07/heirloom-riders/feed/ 3 Marie Riders photo 2 http://coloursmarie.com/2009/10/01/the-fall-release/ http://coloursmarie.com/2009/10/01/the-fall-release/#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:41:25 +0000 Stephanie http://coloursmarie.com/?p=1151 ]]>

Chloe

Sophia Kokosalaki

Doo.ri *all photos style.com

]]> http://coloursmarie.com/2009/10/01/the-fall-release/feed/ 0 Marie Hermes Preen Etro Bottega Veneta Sophia Kokosalaki Doo.ri http://coloursmarie.com/2009/09/29/tribeza-styleweek-2009-%e2%80%a2-day-3/ http://coloursmarie.com/2009/09/29/tribeza-styleweek-2009-%e2%80%a2-day-3/#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:10:58 +0000 Stephanie http://coloursmarie.com/?p=1130 ]]>

Read all about the Tribeza STYLEWEEK 2009 Fashion

Street Party at the Domain on the Austin Post.

Direct link + Day 3 Fashion Street Party

During a brief clearing in between the rain showers Mr. D and I caught the most incredible sunset.  The reflection of this celestial sky was mirrored in the frost building that made the street scene almost look surreal.  This formally  sleepy little area of Austin has been waking up and growing up as fast as they can build.  The fresh rain was giving it a pretty slick look to it’s fresh and youthful appeal.

The boutiques that we visited continued that theme for the night – fresh, vibrant and slated towards big ideas.  There is a certain air of creativity and appeal to challenge the status quo here in Austin.  Whether it is  the Soco chic or the more costumery hipsters of the Hyde Park area, we have a tendency to give it a twist and make it our own.  One could see very quickly that the new downtown carried a similar independent voice.

Eliza Page provided warm and inviting presentations of their vast array of jewelry lines (including some personal favorite picks from Maslo Designs and ila & i).   Elizabeth from Eliza Page was a great host and made sure everyone was feeling welcome and kept telling us that we should stay for awhile – she can make a pretty mean vodka and soda I might add too!  It took a good 45 minutes of navigating the crowd to get a good look at the selection.  Bring a notepad and a pen, there are several designers that you are going to want to jot down.  *Lesson learned for all those who have been asking about “who does that”.   I did manage to get Urban Posh’s name – looking good too!  Nice entry level price points for the gal who is starting to make more of a jewelry collection.  The thing I love about Urban Posh is the versatility of the pieces.  They are modern without screaming too mod and trendy by using classic shapes to warrant “LIFER” status for some of their designs.

Traipsing around the shops was done with ease and of course I fell in love with pieces here and there – Shiki has some great scarves that feel like air next to the skin.  Definitely saw some tye-dye love over there.  Shiki is great boutique if you love silks and flowing fabrics.  So soft to touch – I made Mr. D run his hands across the racks explaining that “this is what it’s like to be a girl”.  Ahhhh, Shiki always carries a great jewelry selection too – you may remember my Fiona Paxton Explosion of Love.  I took some photos of the most delicate necklaces I have ever seen, but the photos were too dark to relay the magic of their look.  I’m talking about tiny constellations that orbit around the best part of a woman – her neck.  I’m melting just thinking about them.  The greatest thing about Shiki is their enthusiasm about trying it on, they’re always offering to open the cases to “play with the jewelry”.  I would highly recommend  doing so.

- Miss Behave is INSANE and the boutique deserves a post of it’s own.  *Note to self, must e-mail for an interview pronto.  -

. . . And then there was Estilo to finish off the night.  Freaking awesome boutique, quintessential racks suspended in midair.  Got to love the racks that move with you.   I’m going to let this dress speak for the end of the night.  Tribeza DOWNTOWN OPENHOUSE, I will be back next year.

the kick off to Tribeza’s Annual STYLEWEEK here in Austin, Texas.  The models wore striking jewel toned colors showcased by many boutiques including Adelante, Estilo and Miss Behave.  I was especially impressed by high waisted trousers that Miss Behave had strutting down the runway.  With the six inch heels I was wearing last night, I think I could actually pull it off.

The Garden Room and by george, while also showing strong color, featured clothing in ethereal colors and unique silhouettes with a more calming backdrop of greys, blues and taupes.  The impressive factor was seeing fresh fall fashions that were hardly a take on a look that is seen over and over again at NYFW or LFW.  This was true Austin style that set the bar high while staying within reach of the laidback lifestyle that this town provides.

Keepers was impressive with their selection of menswear that they showcased.  Finer menswear and traditional suits walked alongside some very fashion forward plaid blazers – I wish I could find a picture of this blazer – I was geeking out a bit over it.  It was so understated in color and at the same time the pattern just jumped out with a bang!  Nice modern cuts were at the forefront that left that boxy look back in the 90′s without so much as an afterthought.  It resonated with Mr. D too.  We’re scheduling a field trip very soon to see if we can’t find something nice for him.

Murmurs from the crowd were overheard from a particular couple about the “metropolitan feel” and being on par with Dallas and Houston for the fashionable attire that the Austin ladies and gentlemen donned last night.

I definitely felt that familiar twinge of inspiration about taking a more daring approach to evening wear.  Variations of the ruffle detail is what I can’t get off my mind.  Classic silhouettes with details make garments more of an active participation in design.  The appreciation of a well designed product is just pure beauty plain and simple.

Austin, you’re looking mighty fine these days.

Tonight marks the DOWNTOWN OPEN HOUSE from 6:30 – 9 P Hope to see you there!