Cozy Paws with a Cause

Posted in What I Wear by mlachey9

When I’m not styling a new outfit, hunting for designer deals, or blogging, you’ll find I have gone to the dogs. As a dog nanny, that is. Being a dog nanny definitely has it’s perks. I get to hang out with the cutest, most lovable, furry friends all day long. They are always excited to see me. And I basically get paid to play all day. But dog nannies don’t exactly get snow days. We can’t tell Fido, “Oh, sorry, it’s too cold to take you outside today.” So when I was introduced to Brody Paws, I was super excited to try out its cold weather gear.

Butch (the yellow Lab) and Stella (the black Lab) helped me test out Brody Paws during our first cold spell this season. When I’m playing with Butch and Stella, I need to be able to move my fingers freely and have weather resistant fabric, because sometimes playtime can get a little wet.

Brody Paws features 4-way stretch with a weather resistant shell and a cozy fleece lining that feels like your favorite blanket. Plus, the fingers are technology friendly, so there is no need to take them off to text or answer a call.

Quality fabric, durable construction, and warmth are all important, but the stylist in me wants something that looks good too. Brody Paws has so many designs to choose from, and every design incorporates dog paws. But these paws aren’t just for looks. Every time I look at the design, I am reminded that a portion of every purchase goes towards the training and welfare of a service or therapy animal. Now that’s truly Fashion with a Passion.

Brody Paws covers more than just your paws. You can get as matchy-matchy as you want with hoodies, hats, scarves, and gloves, or mix and match if you like. I’m a big fan of the scarves. They have the same weather resistant fabric, 4-way stretch, and fleece lining as the gloves, but I love how versatile scarves are. You can add just a little extra warmth (and color) by throwing a scarf over your shoulders. But the weather resistant shell of the Brody Paws scarves creates a barrier between you and the bitter cold wind when wrapped around your neck.

This scarf makes my morning walks so much more enjoyable. I don’t have to fight with mother nature to keep the bitter cold off my neck. And even if it gets a little wet outside, I’m still covered.

I couldn’t do a post about outdoor style without incorporating a hat! Not only is this hat super comfortable, it blocks out wind and snow to keep you dry and warm no matter the weather.

Runners, walkers, outdoor enthusiasts, and dog lovers alike will fall in love with Brody Paws for its comfort, functionality, design, and good cause. And your furry friends will love the extra playtime you’ll fit in because you’re warm and comfortable.

It’s that time of year again, and Brody Paws makes a great gift for anyone who loves dogs. Especially if they love dogs and staying warm! Brody Paws has all the quality and warmth of any outdoor gear I have tried whether it be The North Face, Patagonia, or Columbia, and it has a lot more color and design options. Going along with the giving spirit of the holidays, what could be better to warm your heart and hands than knowing you are helping an animal help his or her human in need?

You can order Brody Paws and learn more about the brand by visiting BrodyPaws.com.

*This post is a collaboration with Brody Paws. All thoughts, opinions, and pictures are that of Play In Heels.

20Nov2014

Top it off with Grace

Posted in What I Wear by mlachey9

If you follow my Instagram (@Mack10988), you know all too well that I never feel fully dressed without a hat. Today I’m topping off my looks with Grace… Grace Hats, that is. Grace has such a variety of styles from cozy casual to quirky fun to feminine chic. There is a hat for everyone, even if you are new to the hat scene. I have four hats to show you that I simply can’t stop wearing.

First off, let’s talk about this Fulling Beret. What is not to like? It’s an effortless way to add a little français in your day. And can we say no more bad hair days? This hat is cute enough to keep on indoors as part of your ensemble.

Sure, it’s pretty cute, but let’s get down to the nitty gritty, because it’s always about the details. I love that this hat is warm enough to replace some of my “function over fashion” winter hats. I wouldn’t go on an arctic dog sledding adventure in it, but for the average winter day, this hat keeps me covered. Plus, I don’t have to worry about taking it off once I arrive at my indoor destination where I would normally make a run to the nearest bathroom and try my best to salvage some sort of presentable hairstyle.

Not all berets are created equal. Perhaps you are a fan of the floppy berets that have a mind of their own and flop wherever they will. I prefer berets with a little more structure to them. Call me a control freak, but I want to be in charge of when and where my beret flops. So I love that this beret has enough weight to it to retain its shape and “behave.”

|hat: courtesy of Grace Hats (you can get one here)| |coat: Zara| |sweater: J.Crew via Poshmark| |jeans: Express| |boots: Sam Edelman (ON SALE)| |clutch: kate spade (sold out but this one is available on ebay)| |gloves: Coach|

If you’re a fan of throwing on a baseball cap, and you like a little fun and whimsy in your life, you are the perfect candidate for this next hat, which has become one of my favorites to throw on when I need a little something to spice up a casual look.

The trend undoubtably began before J. Crew got a hold of it, but thanks to the stylists behind the company, baseball caps have branched out from the strictly casual. Once the mainstream company began showing models in baseball caps paired with not-so-casual attire, the baseball hat started getting makeovers.

I love how this Palette Cap is as easy to wear as a baseball hat, but has so much more to offer in terms of style. Fur (whether faux or real) is a big hit this year, and this cap is perfectly on trend.

Many of the Grace hats are adjustable, which is a must for me because my head gets swamped by the one-size-fits-most hats. Unlike a traditional ball hat, the adjustable strap is cleverly hidden inside the hat and is super easy to tighten or loosen as needed.

|hat: Grace Hats via Brim (you can get one here)| |coat: Zara| |shirt: Madewell| |jeans: Express| |boots: Sam Edelman (ON SALE)| |bag: Rebecca Minkoff (ON SALE)| |sunglasses: Karen Walker|

This next hat is not for the timid. It’s a statement piece and, just like anything else with the word “statement” in front of it, a good conversation starter. Maybe not intended for the beginning hat wearer, but I just can’t help smiling when I wear this one.

In case you were wondering, yes, the googles do come off. So if you are feeling really adventurous you can wear them. I love this cute and unique alternative to a plain black hat. It is such a fun piece to have and play around with different looks.

And what better place to showcase this Aviator Hat than in the Birthplace of Aviation, home of the Wright Brothers, and my own hometown, Dayton, Ohio.

We’ve come a long way since that first flight, but this hat harkens back to the days of Amelia Earhart and fighter jet pilots whose goggles were not a fashion accessory.

|hat: courtesy of Grace Hats (you can get one here)| |coat: Michael by Michael Kors| |jeans: Express| |boots: Sam Edelman (ON SALE)| |bag: Rebecca Minkoff|

Speaking of nostalgia, this next and final hat has all the old school glam of Old Hollywood. This hat can be worn with hair up, making it more dressy, or hair down.

This Caplet is perfectly on trend with its fur. And like the Fulling Beret, it’s effortlessly chic and easy to wear. This hat can take you from day to night with no hair touch ups needed.

Again, like the Fulling Beret, the Caplet is a hat that will go from outside to inside with no need to take it off. And it looks just as good with a turtle neck and jeans as it does with a dress. It is one of those hats that I like to call an instant chic maker.

|hat: courtesy of Grace Hats (you can get one here)| |coat: J.Crew (not current)| |boots: Sam Edelman (ON SALE)| |bag: Rebecca Minkoff| |gloves: Forté| |sunglasses: Karen Walker|

You can find Grace Hats here, here, here, and here.

*This is a collaboration with Grace Hats. All thoughts, pictures, and opinions are that of Play In Heels.

15Nov2014

If You’re Going to San Francisco…

Posted in What I Wear by mlachey9

Packing for a trip can be a daunting task, especially with today’s flying restrictions and regulations. When I began packing for my recent trip to San Francisco my main concerns were, “What am I going to pack to keep me comfortable enough for day time sightseeing, yet trendy enough for night time fun? And how will I keep my bag under the 50 lbs weight limit and still feel fashionably dressed everyday?” This task became more cumbersome as I looked at the fickle San Fran forecast. Although November is typically in the 60s (a welcome change from the 30 degree days we were having in the Midwest), what the temperature actually feels like can vary with the changes in wind, sunshine, and the onset of fog (which is so common it’s referred to by first name…Karl, who you can follow on Instagram under the name @karlthefog).

The key to successful packing for a trendy city? Taking pieces that can transition from day to night with a few simple changes and additions. And one word…Layers. Layering allows for various looks and outfit changes without overpacking. You can utilize the same pieces but achieve completely different looks.

So if you’re going to San Francisco, feel free to wear flowers in your hair, but I would suggest a versatile leather jacket and a wool/felt hat… to start.

Attending PoshFest, a fashion conference for the Poshmark app, was my first stop in the Golden Gate City. Located in the San Francisco Design Center, I needed to be on trend, but comfortable enough for an all day conference. Because I wasn’t doing a lot of walking on those treacherous, infamous San Fran hills, and because I love them and pretty much wear them everyday, I chose to wear heels on this, and only this, day. I opted for a black mini skirt contrasted by an oversized white t-shirt. I paired fun polka dot tights and knee-high socks to keep my look daytime appropriate. I topped my look off with a black leather jacket and a metallic bag. The bag kept my look out of the all-black zone.

My next stop was Fisherman’s Wharf for some typical tourist sights. With views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, and sea lions on Pier 39, I shamelessly played tourist. For a long day of sightseeing, I needed to make sure I was comfortable for lots of walking and weather changes from morning to afternoon. I chose white cutoff shorts to get that Cali vibe, but paired them with boots to keep the look fall appropriate. A sweater and utility jacket kept me warm, but not too warm for when the sun came out. I topped my look off with a black fedora, again keeping my look fall appropriate.

What would a trip to San Francisco be without tasting wines made just an hour away in Napa?

Day three was reserved for some upscale shopping (well, more like window shopping) in Union Square. Being a midwest gal, I wasn’t prepared to see palm trees alongside Christmas trees and ice skaters on a 60 plus degree day. Half Rockefeller Center, half California cool, but definitely a sight to see. With everything from Prada, Chanel, and Valentino to big department stores like Saks, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s, I had my work cut out for me. Luckily I found an app that showed all of the stores and listed them in order by proximity to your current location. This helped out my legs and feet by keeping me from backtracking. Comfort was the name of the game, but there was no way I was going to walk into Chanel looking “comfortable.” I went back to a black mini skirt paired with tights, but I opted for flat black boots this time around. I chose an olive colored blouse and topped it off with the viral trending fur vest. I was comfortable enough for a day of shopping, but felt trendy enough to walk into any store.

The “heart” of Union Square complete with palm trees, a giant Christmas tree, and ice skating, yes, ice skating.

Doing a little shopping. What do you think? This luscious (faux) fur came home with me to assist on those chilly days ahead.

After doing some damage at Zara, next stop was some luxury indulgence…if only for the eyes (sigh).

As night time rolled around, I didn’t have to change much to go from day to night. As the sun went down and the night got chillier, I switched out my blouse for a slightly slouchy sweater, utilizing what I have deemed “the messy tuck.” I lost the knee high socks and switched out my tights for a pair with less whimsy and more sophistication.

As you can see, this gorilla is highly impressed with my day to night switch-up.

I couldn’t go all the way to San Francisco without seeing the city I fell in love with as a child of the 90s. So it was off to Pacific Heights to see the quintessential San Francisco neighborhood we know and love from movies and TV shows. First stop for me, the Mrs. Doubtfire House on 2640 Steiner (which, by the way, was the address given to Mrs. Doubtfire over the phone in lieu of a fake “movie” address).

This neighborhood offers fantastic views of the bay, romantic victorian style houses, and those infamous San Francisco hills. It all comes with a hefty price tag, of course. Most of these homes are multi-million dollar houses.

This was one of the chillier days (if you can call 60 degrees chilly). So I went with a light weight coat that I scored at Zara while in Union Square. I kept it casual, yet cool with a (here it is again…) “messy tucked” chambray shirt. I topped everything off with a fun and playful hat.

No trip to San Francisco would be complete without an overpriced ride on the Trolley, or Cable Car as it is known there.

There are so many cool and unique neighborhoods to see in the San Francisco area. But I only had so many days and and a limited number of hours to enjoy this thriving city. So my last stop was North Beach. Full of Italian cafés and some must-stop shops like the Goorin Brothers flagship store, whose first-rate sales associates not only custom fit a hat for me, but also spruced up the one I was wearing (from a different company even!) that had gotten full of lint from traveling.

For my literature lovers out there, North Beach is also home of the Beatniks. Amidst the tall skyscrapers and iconic Transamerican Pyramid hide book stores, like City Lights, dedicated to the beatnik generation. You have to keep your eyes peeled, but literature junkies will find themselves at home in hidden gems like Jack Kerouac alley.

The Jack Kerouac lover in me was inspired to come out in the form of a slightly grunge, white t-shirt and leather look. I took the opportunity to wear my newly found Goorin Brothers hat (I couldn’t leave San Francisco without another addition to my hat collection).

The black skirt and the messy tuck came out to play again, but some simple changes in hairstyle and the addition of the hat switched up my look.

Some people bring home magnets. Some people opt for keychains. Others go for coffee mugs, snow globes, or t-shirts. I collect MLB baseball caps. If I go to a city that has a Major League Baseball team, I bring back a baseball hat as a souvenir. I know, hard to imagine me collecting hats! Eh-hem. Anyway, I obviously couldn’t leave San Francisco without a Giants’ ball hat, especially after their big World Series win just weeks ago.

So I enjoyed one last San Francisco eat at SFO,

Grabbed a beer,

And headed home to 28 degrees.

23Sep2014

Fall for White

Posted in What I Wear by mlachey9

Although many people mark Labor Day weekend as the kickoff to Fall, the official start of Fall (according to the calendar) has just begun. Many of us have ditched the old-school fashion rule that outlaws white after Labor Day, but what about white after September 21st? We are anything but conventional here at Play In Heels. Some rules were meant to be broken, and no white in Fall is one of them.

I love white all year round. There is something spectacularly magical about wearing white in the winter while the snow falls around you. And wearing white in the fall adds a crisp feel to the otherwise deep-toned traditional fall colors.

Here I have three different Fall white looks. By pairing more traditional fall colors and attire with white, you can make the seasonal transition into cooler weather while still enjoying your favorite white pieces.

Pairing more traditional fall pieces and colors with shorts, or in this case a skort, is an excellent way to still show off your legs without looking like it’s July. When the weather won’t decide if it wants to be warm or cool, pick a cashmere sweater but pair it with shorts. You’ll be covered enough if it gets a little chilly, but not too hot if the sun comes out to play.

Adding burgundy and rich chocolate browns to your whites keeps the look in the autumnal mood.

Swap your white mini skirt for a white midi skirt (especially one with a little texture to it) for the cooler days ahead. To keep this midi skirt from looking too dressy, I paired it with a sweatshirt. Pick one with a cute phrase or graphic to avoid looking like you’re wearing your gym clothes. Adding a wool hat will keep your look weather appropriate.

Blazers are great for fall weather because they keep the chill off without making you too warm. They are effortlessly cool and chic and a must-have in every wardrobe. This look is a great transitional ensemble because it pairs classic fall colors with light weight fabrics perfect for layering.

I love a panama hat, but the traditional white and natural colored ones send a message that its 80 degrees and sunny. This panama hat (yes, not all panama hats are white!) is the perfect color for the season change, and won’t make your head sweat if it is too warm for wool hats.

Here I used the white blazer to break up this denim on denim look. Dark denim, burgundy shoes, and a light brown hat keep this blazer from looking too summery.

17Jul2014

5 Summer Makeup Essentials

Posted in Beauty by mlachey9

Designers and retail stores are already trying to get their fall and pre-fall styles ingrained in our brains. But let’s be real here; it is still very much summer. If you are like me and live somewhere with distinct seasons, you already know that summer and winter can require very different makeup techniques. The humid days of summer melt our attempts at a flawless looking face. Below are my tried and tested favorite products for humid summer days. These products will keep you looking fresh even on those 90 degree scorchers.

As a disclaimer, I am (if you haven’t already noticed) very fair skinned. So the colors I have chosen are the ones that look best on my skin tone. Please adjust shades for your tone. I also have oily, breakout prone skin. My favorite products deal with this issue, so if you are prone to dry skin, you might need products with a little more moisture.

1. Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen

2. NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc

3. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pale Pink

4.Loreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara in Waterproof Blackest Black

5. Tarte Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. But a greasy sunscreen not only feels gross, it doesn’t mix well with makeup. Neutrogena Clear Face sunscreen feels like it’s not even there. And bonus: it won’t make your face breakout. No more excuses for not wearing sunscreen. This formula pairs perfectly with makeup.

I, like most people, want my skin tone to look even. NARS Sheer Glow Foundation offers a natural finish that won’t look makeup-y, but also covers minor to moderate flaws. I love NARS because there is a shade for almost every skin tone. This formula won’t break out your skin, and also helps to improve your natural skin tone over time.

I have a new obsession with Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge in Pale Pink. I have tried cream blushes before and they end up sliding off my face within a few hours. But powder blush can look, well, powdery. This formula, however, gives a fresh, natural looking flush and doesn’t get slimy throughout the day. Bonus: apply to your lips for a matching natural flush.

Loreal’s Voluminous False Lashes surrounds your lashes with fibers that make them significantly thicker and longer. A great alternative to wearing false lashes, and much more natural looking. I like a dramatic lash, but I am not going to wear false lashes everyday, and other mascaras end up clumping my lashes together when I try to apply more than a few coats. For summer I choose the waterproof version to avoid black rings under my eyes.

I cannot live without Tarte Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder. It doesn’t add additional color to my face and makes my makeup last all day long. It also blurs imperfections for an airbrushed look. But for very tan or darker skin tones, the white powder might create a dusty or ashy effect even though it is considered “invisible.” This formula is great for oily skin. It prevents that midday makeup meltdown. I like to reapply it during the afternoon as a freshen up for my very oily skin. I love that applying more does not make it thick looking.

11Jul2014

Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee

Posted in What I Wear by mlachey9

There is just something about black and white stripes. I can never get enough. For an edgy take on a classic, just add a pop of color. Here I chose two different black and white striped tops paired with a pop of neon yellow. A flared skirt will give you the femininity of a butterfly, while the neon adds the sting of a bee.

10Jul2014

The Long and Short of It

Posted in What I Wear by mlachey9

Trying to cash in on the crop top trend but don’t want to look like a sixteen year old stuck in 1994? To keep your 2014 look from slipping back in time to Britney’s “Hit Me Baby One More Time” era, pair your crop with sophisticated, longer pieces on the bottom to look polished, chic, and still perfectly on trend. Below you will find one crop top worn three ways, from modest to slightly edgy, all while remaining chic and polished enough for date night downtown.

Wear a crop top over a dress to get the appearance of wearing a crop top with a skirt, but without the risk of showing any midriff. This will keep you looking appropriate in even the most modest of places, while still keeping you on trend.

Pair a crop top with a high waisted midi skirt and you won’t feel like you’re bearing all your mama gave you.

Wear a skirt with lots of volume to counteract wearing a tiny top. Choosing a high-waisted style will keep you looking chic even with a peek-a-boo middle.

9Jul2014

Jump to It

Posted in What I Wear by mlachey9

If the last time you wore a onesie you were also wearing diapers, it is time to rediscover the one-piece in jumper form. And I’m not talking about the cozy cashmere we Americans refer to as a “sweater.” The one-piece has blasted its way out of the 70s vault and into today’s couture in the form of jumpsuits and rompers.

Jumpsuits range from casual to formal and are an easy piece to slip on and look effortlessly chic without the hassle of matching or tucking in your shirt. The right jumpsuit can be worn in lieu of a dress to formal affairs (see here and here), or as a chic summer alternative to the maxi dress.

With a variety of styles to choose from (wide leg to stove pipe, strapless to kimono sleeves) there is a perfect look just waiting for you to jump in to.

Here I chose a cut with a narrow leg and spaghetti straps. To avoid looking and feeling like I was wearing a sack, I used a tan belt to cinch my waist and break up the all black look. Paired with tribal print heels and a panama hat, my jumpsuit is casually chic, yet appropriate for an evening stroll downtown with a stop for cocktails.

4Jul2014

Americana

Posted in What I Wear by mlachey9

2Jul2014

Backpacking

Posted in What I Wear by mlachey9

I’ve been having mixed feelings about the upscale backpack trend: designer bags that are made like handbags but are designed to be backpacks. Designer packs are by no means a new trend, but with summer and festival season in full bloom, these bags have been popping up more and more.

I like the look of these bags; classier than your typical school backpack, but a little more rugged and youthful than a handbag. But can a twenty-something who is years removed from her college days, but also years from needing both hands free to deal with kids, pull off this look? Backpacks (especially chic ones) are a great alternative to handbags when you are toting books to class or the kids to an amusement park. Being stuck in between these two life stages, could I wear one just because? When it comes to style and what I like, I pretty much do what I want regardless of convention, so the answer is decidedly yes.

I went with a pack that could be held by hand as well as on the back, and one that had the chic details of a handbag, the only difference being the back straps. Although I love the look of the packs that are with out a doubt backpacks, I didn’t think I would get as much use out of it as I would a more subdued “crossover” between handbag and backpack.

Whether you are in school, have kids, or are in the middle like me, there is a backpack out there for you. So go forth and give backpacking a try.