Dansko Soho Shoe Show - Springing for Comfort #NYFW #SS2014

Gorgeous models showing off both the current and spring Dansko 2014 styles at this post NY Fashion Week event!

Soho - NYC: New York Fashion Week continues with this lovely event hosted by Dansko Shoes at Sweet Lily's Natural Nail Spa & Boutique on Wednesday, September 18th. This invitational had some of the top magazine and blog editors enjoying a day of pampering with a foot massage and pedicure while seeing the current fall and upcoming spring-summer Dansko 2014 line. This was such a wonderful concept and much appreciated as THIS editor walked all the way from Midtown at 34th street to Soho!

New for fall 2013: The Franka in Brandy is a burnished leather clog with thumbnail detail.

Fall 2013: The Franka Clog from the Havana Collection
In the lead photo the model to the far right is wearing the Franka in Slate. It's in the grey colorways and looks fantastic with off-black to black colored tights. Likewise the warmth of the burnished leather Franka in Brandy is beautiful due to the full grain leather. These are extremely comfortable shoes (I live in my clogs during the winter), and transition from walking to riding my bicycle or traveling. Dress them up or down, these are a fashion staple for your closet this fall.

 

Nappa Leather Bethany Boot in black.

Fall 2013: Bethany Boot from the Bordeaux Collection
These are the boots being worn by the model in the lead photo to the far left. I used these very stylish boots in my Newport Mansions series. They look very elegant with dresses due to the tapering toe and moderate heel. The stretch panel in back keep the boots up on your calves and is quite forgiving for a number of different sizes. They feel like butter and are toasty warm for the cooler temps to come. 

Light and right tasty noshes at the Dansko fashion event.

Dansko Spring/Summer 2014
I'm sure you want to know what's coming up from Dansko for Spring 2014? It all started when wife and husband team Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup discovered the first Dansko shoe while on a horse buying trip to Denmark. Instead they discovered the Dane's love of clogs and brought the idea back to Pennsylvania. They know how to design a comfortable shoe for women in a variety of professions who are required to be on their feet. However now we are seeing a greater interest in design that makes us women want to wear the shoes for their esthetic purposes alone.
I really don't think you should have to sacrifice fashion for comfort. The Spring/Summer 2014 Dansko line underscores that mindset.

Colorful and fun. Beautiful details and bold colorways accent the Dansko Spring/Summer 2014 collection. New to the line is the addition of a walking shoe with a non-slip 100% rubber sole.

Dansko's Secret Weapon
I think what sets Dansko apart is that they have a team of dedicated women who really enjoy wearing not just any shoes but fashionable shoes. I think their input is visible in the evolution of the design offerings. This is definitely apparent in their Spring/Summer 2014 collection and quite refreshing in the fashion world.

Dansko Spring and Summer 2014 sandals offer pretty design details without sacrificing comfort and support.

Resort Fashions Newport Mansions The Great Gatsby Style!

PHOTO: Rosecliff, where portions of the original 1970's Great Gatsby was shot.
Travel Ready Go-To Ruffle Dress in Framboise by ExOfficio transitions from day to nightlife. Yves St Laurent Golden Gloss.

Maybe you're excited that today The Great Gatsby is coming out on DVD?  I say take a tour of Rosecliff, one of the Newport Mansions where the ORIGINAL Gatsby was filmed. Sorry but the beautiful scenes, landscaping and interiors of Rosecliff totally outshine the remake. This is the perfect time to plan your get-away and a sight-seeing tour along the Cliff Walk all can be extra special with a few essential pieces that just happen to travel well.  Start with a LBD (or in my case, a Little Red Dress) for an extra pop of color this fall.

The LBD that travels. The Go-To Ruffled Dress also comes in black!

Travel Style Made Simple
Rather than fill your bag with multiple separates and pieces you'll most likely never wear, pack a DRESS that can go from the plane to lunch to an evening out and more. Just be sure to pack a scarf, some jewelry and other essentials to dress it up or down. I love my easy-traveling ExOfficio pieces for that same reason. The Go-To Ruffled Dress packs well and resists wrinkles. The 1/2 sleeve design is perfect for fall touring when it is often cool in the morning, hot at midday but chilly after sundown.  It also has an invisible zippered pocket (you can look but you won't see it!) for extra cash, some lip gloss or anything you want to keep with you.

Vintage Python Leather Shoulder Bag coverts to a chic clutch for evening. O' Keefe Scarf by Pistil Designs

Double-Wear
You'll find that you can pack less if you choose outfits which will easily convert to evening wear. Sometimes you may not have time to get to your hotel and change or your flight was delayed so everything has been rescheduled. Simply freshen your look with a pretty scarf, necklace and earrings. My shoulder bag is black python and has a recessible strap. It converts to a clutch in a flash so I'm out the door and off to dinner. 

  

Dansko's Buttery Bethany Black Nappa boots from their

Bordeaux Collection . These Leather Boots have a stretchy panel in the back for extra comfort.

ExOfficio's Go To Ruffled 1/2 Sleeve Dress in Framboise
The Go-To Ruffled Dress, crafted from drirelease® performance fabric, will live up to its name as you reach for it again and again. This quick drying, moisture wicking travel dress is perfect to keep you fresh, wrinkle free and always looking great. The ruffle detail is a stylish feminine touch, and a security zip pocket in the side hem holds small essentials.

Accessorize!

Scarf - A scarf is SO versatile! Traveling can sometimes mean having your hair blown all over the place. I've has to take a smaller aircraft with dual propellers and forget about how windy a helicopter ride is! A scarf can be laid down on a seat, wrapped around your head or neck. It can also be used as an evening shawl or wrap.

Convertible Shoulder - Clutch Bag - Take along a bag that does double duty while traveling and once you arrive. Black is always classic and dark colors travel well, resisting smudges and dirt.


Comfortable Boots - As the weather gets cooler, you'll appreciate having a bit of extra coverage and protection for your legs. Also, fall tends to be quite rainy in many zones. These Dansko Bethany Black Nappa leather boots are from their fall 2013 Bordeaux Collection.
These Leather Boots are just the right heel height to give you a bit of elegance but totally comfortable for 
walking.

Bring Some Stilettos! - You'll need some evening shoes! Believe it or not these Cage Stilettos by Mossimo Co. are really comfortable to wear. I just wouldn't go touring in them. I've worn them to an afternoon to evening pool party and I was still happy after over 8+ hours.

Sunglasses - Daytime travel is a little bit easier if you have eye protection from the sun and wind. These sunglasses are from the new France 1 Collection by XX2i Optics in Tortoise. This is sports-quality eye wear so they are sturdy enough for travel and walking excursions.

Go-To Ruffled Dress in Flamboise

Go To Dress and Bethany Boots c/o ExOfficio and Dansko respectively.

Resort Fashions-Newport Mansions Style

My tour of the Newport Mansions wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Gift Shop!  PHOTO: The Breakers Driveway Entrance, courtesy of The Preservation Society of Newport County

Newport, RI: I had the pleasure of taking an August tour of New England which included visiting Mystic Connecticut, Nantucket Island, Cape Cod and Newport County Rhode Island.  If you've never gone, this is a great time of year to make the trip. One of the most lovely area attractions however are the Newport Mansions. I took a sumptuous tour of The Breakers (shown in the collage above) and walked though those beautiful "cottage" gates that lead to the front entrance.  There is a LOT to see so be sure to wear comfortable (but fashionable shoes)!

Cloche Hat in Camel and Peach Taupe Scarf  via NewportStyle.net.  ExOfficio FlyQ Trench in Cigar and The Field Outfitting Women's Croc Leather Clutch.

After doing quite a few of these fabulous excursions, there are some travel tips I've learned along the way. The first is to be organized to get through the airport and make your connection with ease.  Wear the right coat and shoes and you can rule (and tour) the world!

ExOfficio's FlyQ  Trench Coat

Trench shown here in Cigar has multiple organized zippered inner pouches for everything from your passport to your iPhone. Lined open slash pockets in the front keep hands warm and toasty and if you hit some rainy weather, you'll be ready for that too. ExOfficio is known the world over for their well thought out travel-wear.

Horny Toad's WalkOn Shorts

Peeking out from under my trench, these are walking shorts in an organic cotton blend with just a touch of spandex. The look SO classic. Dress them up, dress them down. They are perfect for traveling or as the name implies, walking!

Dansko Franka Antique Full Grain Clogs in Brandy

New for fall 2013, the Franka is from their Havana Collection. Completely on trend with lovely strap details, buckle, brad embellishments and a super comfortable foot bed, these are touring super-stars.  

NEW for fall 2013! Franka in Full Grain Leather by Dansko.

   

Gift Shop Finds at the Newport Mansions

Taking a guided tour of the Vanderbilt's summer cottage in Rhode Island was such a treat. So much history and art.  I love both!  One thing you must do upon completing your tour of The Breakers is stop in at the Gift Shop in the lower level of the mansion. Two beautiful classic finds you can order online for fall right now are:

Yes, I love to shop!

Cloche Hat in Camel

So elegant, this very warm Women's Camel Buckle Cloche is made of 100% wool felt. Has a self fabric belt and an elegant gold buckle detail. As a added bonus, wool is naturally wicking and water-repellent so if you get cause in a bit of rain or snow, you're covered.

Peach Taupe Scarf

You can definitely dress like one of the Vanderbilt ladies in this deliciously peachy scarf. Made with the softest silk, this lightweight scarf is accented with a beautiful paisley pattern and lovely fringe adds the finishing touch to any outfit!

   

Resort Fashions with the timeless elegance of the Newport Mansions

The Field Outfitting of Dutchess County, New York

This is a new company but they definitely "get it" when it comes to easy-chic travel style. They offer goods and clothing for the most discriminating traveler and their fall 2013 line under "Ladies First" is definitely worth a look. One item from Field Outfitting has become my favorite for obvious reasons. It's gorgeous and practical!

The Field Outfitting Women's Croc Leather Clutch Wallet 

This does double duty actually. It is a large Women's embossed croc leather Clutch Wallet. Fully appointed leather interior has more than enough room for cash, credit cards, passport and more. Carry it alone for when you don't want to bring a large handbag. Has a sturdy zip closure and leather tassle. Reptile leather is so hot this season. This is a beautiful example of how fashion meets function.

 

PHOTO: The Breakers Entrance, driveway courtesy of The Preservation Society of Newport County

Clothing and accessories c/o Newport Style.net, ExOfficio, Dansko Shoes, Horny Toad and The Field Outfitting