Style Files: Outfit Ideas, Must-Have Sandals, Target Fashion and Home

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” – Robin Williams

It’s been a busy week here at Casa Bell; between work, parenting, managing the household and life, I didn’t get around to posting my weekly Friday round-up on AskSuzanneBell. It’s not unusual for life’s happenings to collide in a way that I need to prioritize work and parenting over blogging, which in that case, I simply skip posting for that week. BUT, with so many fun things to share this week, and next Monday’s style post already in the works (we will be talking about what we wear UNDER outfits, with the fabulous Stylish Monday Crew, so be sure to stop back!), I needed a brain dump, in order to get on with my week.

What I Wore This Week

If you’ve followed me over the years, you know my husband and I are partners in our Real Estate business. This past week, we put a duplex on the market in Sunnyvale, and I’m happy to report that between the broker tour, some heavy marketing, and Saturday’s open house, after 4 days, our client has accepted a great offer. The real estate market in Silicon Valley moves at warp speed and this week was no exception. Despite the whirlwind, I did manage to snap a few pics of what I wore Thursday and Saturday, along with Friday’s date night look, with Mr. Bell.

Flakey weather has me wearing boots one day and sandals the next – welcome to Northern California Spring! The other night at dinner, my girlfriend asked me if it is OK to wear boots in the spring time…my answer, as I gestured to under the table at my own booties, was hell yes! Side note, you CAN wear white jeans after Labor Day.

I’ve been carefully curating my wardrobe over past 2 months, removing anything that no longer suits my lifestyle or body type, from my closet. Working with a curated “Autumn” color palette, and only allowing items into my closet that work together; getting dressed each day has gone from frustrating to fun.

Even if you had your “colors done” back in the 80’s, consider doing a quick Google Search for “color palette clothing”,  and see what palette appeals to you. Personally, I don’t think you need a professional to tell you what colors work for you; trust your gut, and lean into colors you feel drawn to. That said, there are quick and easy services available online, if you’d prefer a more professional take on the idea.

Back to the outfits

This curated layered look is a result of 2 months of post-pandemic wardrobe musings. Learn how I re-discovered my own style in a post-pandemic world, in the archived post, “Unstuck”, here. I also recommend checking out, Curate Your Style, by Sarah London.

Thursday was cold and windy, and this mesh tee adds a layer of warmth under my slip dress (similar idea). I own the Tory Burch Kira tall boot in both brown and black, but I liked the way the brown version worked with the brown buttons on my denim trench.

 

My Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag is a nice size (not too mini) for a work day (similar here | $25 Target version here). I put my large essentials, like my planner, snacks and water bottle, in my large tote. Check out this fun tote, now on sale at Nordie Rack.

 

For date night at The Los Altos Grill, I wore my recently thrifted Vince suede jacket. Paired with dark flare jeans, a black tank top and Veronica Beard snake booties (it was still cold!), I felt dressed up, yet comfortable for dinner at the bar.

A gorgeous shade of rust, this jacket is spot on with my fall color palette and paired perfectly with my vintage furry bag and gold accessories.

By Saturday, we had sunshine, and after a morning walk to the school to watch my son play waterpolo, I had very little time to get ready for our Open House.

A one and done, this colorful Corey Lynn Calter dress always feels professional, yet fun, and is a great conversation starter. Paired with black patent Tory Burch (similar) flat sandals (for standing on my feet for hours), and gold accessories – I was out the door in a flash.

Must-Have Sandal Update

Once in awhile I need an elevated shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for style, and you may recall me sharing my thoughts on the “Pally” sandal 2 weeks ago, in this post. Available in 16 colors, including 4 different “nude skin tone” shades, the wide braided straps are what make the ‘Pally Sandal’ a winner in my book.

Alternatitives

If the 3 1/4″ block heel is a bit to high for your lifestyle or comfort level, the ‘Ronin’ slide has a similar look with a 2 1/4 inch heel; the “Indy” at $75, is the flat version of this sandal.

Look for Less

Whenever something, like the “Pally” sandal, becomes popular, you’ll begin to see similar versions of the item pop up at every price point and quality. I’ve personally tried on the Steve Madden Daphnee ($55), Bandolino Kewly ($50) – both are winners in my book for comfort and quality. I’ve checked out the reviews on the Target version ($34.95), and they look promising.

NOTE: I tried on the DV Nairi version at the Rack, and the straps are narrower, and the vamp is just enough higher (only about 1/4 of an inch) to make it uncomfortable.

Whatever your budget, I’d pick up a version of this sandal that works for you, and I’m certain you will wear it for multiple seasons – particularly in the nude and black colors.

Every version of this sandal is a winner, as you can wear her with anything from denim (super cute with cropped jean styles), joggers, trousers, shorts, skirts or dresses – dressed up or down.

Woven Basket Bags

For many of us, the small, pandemic crossbody, is just that – too small. I alternate between 2 straw totes in the summer months, and recently added a rattan bag to my collection. Not yet available online, I found a similar version to my bag over at Madewell.

Browse the entire Bembien line at Madewell 

Layered Necklaces

I love the look of layered necklaces, and at $15, this set is a big bang for your buck!

Target Home: Easy Centerpiece Ideas

Inspired by a Pinterest Post, I created this simple statement centerpiece, for my kitchen table using a cake stand, rattan charger (similar) from my pantry, this eucalyptus wreath(now on sale at Target), a hurricane, and the glass jar candle (Sugar Birch), from the Hearth and Hand Magnolia line at Target.

Vase fillers add interest and texture to baskets and containers, and I found Target’s selection, at a $10 price point, to be a big bang for the buck. Look at how one $10 box of faux succulents turned my Rosy Rings candle, into a coffee table centerpiece.

Select Rosy Rings Candles are now on sale at Bloomingdales.

Morning Jo

One of the many positives, that stemmed from our time in Lockdown, was morning coffee time with my husband. Being we both work at home (in the same business!), my husband and I make a point each day, before the phones and texts start rolling in and our teen rolls out of bed, to sit together and enjoy our morning coffee. Early morning, is when I’m my most creative self, and it’s my favorite time of the day.

We are die hard Peets coffee lovers, but I’ve found the dark roast to be a bit heavy during the warmer months, and recently began mixing Dunkin Donuts Medium Roast (Peets lovers don’t hate on me till you try it), 50/50. with my dark roast. I find it’s easier on my stomach, and the perfect cup to start my day. Add in foamed milk, created with my Nespresso Aeroccino Frother, topped off with cinnamon, it’s happiness in a cup!

That’s it for me today. Drop me a comment down below if you have questions or have something to share; I love hearing from you … have a great week friends!