Bottom to Top

I’ve partnered with Johnston & Murphy for this post! Enjoy!

Like most people, I normally get dressed from top to bottom, head to toe. I decide on an outfit and then I figure out what shoes complement the look best. And honestly, that’s usually the easiest part. That could have something to do with the fact that I have so many pairs of shoes. When you have such a wide variety of options, the “right” pair are never too far away.

But for this collaboration with Johnston & Murphy, I was challenged to style 2 different looks from the bottom up! I started with the shoes—a pair of slip-on and a pair of sneakers—and then decided what items in my closet would best complement them. It was a different approach for me, but fun nonetheless!

Photo Credit: Vickee Yang

For the first look, I started with these Paulette slip-ons. Even though they’re really casual, the gold metallic coloring make them a really cute statement shoe. That said, I decided to keep the theme casual by pairing them with a simple pair of black jeans and a sweater. Continuing with the gold color scheme, I added a little visual detail with a camel colored sweater (also from Johnston & Murphy) and a gold and black vintage style box purse (which I’m obsessed with, by the way).

This is a pretty typical “off-duty” look for me. Something I would wear to run errands or even to take a lunch meeting. The great thing about this look is, as the temperatures continue to drop, you can just add on a few more layers and you’re good to go!

What I’m Wearing:

Ribbed Zipper Sweater c/o Bar III | Hooded Sweater Vest c/o Johnston & Murphy | Ankle Cut High Waist Jeans c/o Marshall’s | Paulette Slip-Ons c/o Johnston & Murphy | Isabelle Bag c/o Marshall’s | Stud Earrings c/o Nordstrom

For the second look, I started with these Emerson sneakers. Almost immediately my first thought was, “DRESS!” You guys know I love a good sneaker/dress combo! I’ve had this sweater dress for over and year and it doesn’t get much wear so I figured now was as good a time as any. On its own, the dress and sneakers are pretty casual, but because I went casual with the first look, I wanted to dress it up just a bit. Think of an “after work happy hour, but I live in the city and I’ve been wearing heels all day” kinda of look. I imagine this is something I would wear after work with the comfortable and versatile sneakers I keep in my bag for my commute back and forth to work. Polished off with a fun bag, a dramatic jacket and a bold red lip, who wouldn’t want to come over and strike up a conversation with me?!

What I’m Wearing:

AKIRA Sweater Dress | H&M Flowy Overcoat (old) | Emerson Sneaker c/o Johnston & Murphy | Isabelle “Bae” Bag c/o Marshall’s | Kenneth Cole Aviators c/o Marshall’s | MAC Ruby Woo