Vogue a Trois: Sole Mate

Posted on January 20, 2014, 8:00 am
5 mins

Slide
sole mate

The announcement of Sarah Jessica Parker’s new shoe line, SJP, filled my heart with joy. I don’t think anyone can deny that Parker and her character on HBO’s Sex In The City elevated public conceptions of the art of the woman’s shoe. Her character, Carrie Bradshaw and stories of Manhattan’s women captured widespread attention and directed much of that attention to fashion and high-end shoes. Parker is no newcomer to the world of design. She began with her line Bitten, exclusive to retailer Steve & Barry’s in 2007, then moved on to Halston Heritage in 2010 as president and creative director of the label’s secondary collection. Her fragrances, beginning with Lovely, have expanded to five.

The SJP shoe line is exclusive to retail partner Nordstrom, which bought the collection sight unseen. Parker is designing her collection of shoes in association with George Malkemus, president of Manolo Blahnik USA. It’s a match made in heaven. The t-strap first became vogue in the 1920s, when hemlines raised and shoes could be shown off for the first time. It has a timeless look and diversity that make it an elegant classic. I have chosen the SJP “Carrie,” a beautiful t-strap from the SJP line for this week’s Vogue A Trois.

Sole Mate #1

Hey, working girl—I have a great outfit for you. Band of Outsiders has the most gorgeous cropped tuxedo pant and smoking jacket, that will take you from bringing it at the office to a dinner out with your favorite people. I love black on black, and believe it or not this Anne Taylor Silk Blouse works beautifully with the other pieces. The Kendra Scott Danielle Oval Statement Earrings give a pop of green to the neutrals of this look. But neutral certainly doesn’t mean boring. Case in point—ZAC Zac Posen’s Daphne Colorblock Doctor Bag in cashmere.

sole mate #2

Diane von Furstenburg celebrates the 40th anniversary of her famous wrap dress this year, and her fresh approach to feminine dressing makes her one of my favorite dress designers. Her positivity and strength are inspiring, and so is her Freya ¾ Sleeve Dress with its gorgeous orchid pattern. The nude color of the Carrie shoe will elongate your legs with this dress. Add a fun clutch, like this purple python one by Ghibli, and some accessories with personality. The Made to Measure bracelet pays homage to our dressmaker and is cool and original, as are the Alvina Abramova Orchid Drop Earrings. A touch of Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait De Gloss in 72 Controve—I am a huge fan of Chanel lipsticks and glosses—and you are good to go.

sole mate #3

Current/Elliott jeans are a cool way to have a laid back look that is still sexy and great for an evening out with friends. These jeans are super soft and considered a “skinny boyfriend,” so they are very flattering on. Dress them up with heels and this awesome Haute Hippie Rhinestone Snake Silk Tee. AllSaints is having a great sale right now on many of their coats and the Meru Oversized Biker Jacket is a cool way to stay warm. Add Zebra Pony Hair and Leather Gloves for a zippy pop of pattern and oh, this Marni Shoulder Bag, is also on sale. You’re welcome!

Naysayers can argue that just because one can wear designer things doesn’t make them a designer. But Parker shows time and time again her fearless take on fashion, and it always comes across as genuinely her own style. Sure she has access to the newest, the most fabulous that fashion has to offer—but so do many people, and she just never disappoints. She always seems to wear what she wants to be, in that moment. And that, my friend, is a true style icon.

SJP Shoes will debut at Nordstrom in early March 2014.

Lisa Cole is the fashion and style writer for Vanguard Seattle, and her work includes covering fashion news and events, runway shows and boutiques. She has her own fashion and lifestyle blog, www.westfultonstreet.com, and is a member of Independent Fashion Bloggers and Fashion Group International.

One Response to: Vogue a Trois: Sole Mate

  1. Linda

    January 21st, 2014

    Lisa – this is such a great article with so much useful and very fun fashion information. I love seeing what you recommend!