el blog

Comfort Finds a Conga Partner (and She's Cute)

By Meghan Dryzga

Hi. My name's Meghan and I have an affinity for comfort. I don't find any glory in being fashionably in pain.

But you know who comfort looks good on? Not me. Like, five-foot-ten, long, lean, trend-ily waify, glossy skinned, moisturizer mandatory, makeup optional... not me.

I'm five foot nuthin'. A hundred and sumthin'. Wait, that's not the saying. (Yah, the saying goes "five foot nuthin', a hundred and nuthin'." No typo there. "Sumthin'" was every bit of intentional.) So when you slide even the finest yogawear onto this petite stature, there's enough puddling at the ankle to wash me clear out cuteville.

And my dramatic conga with comfort doesn't end there. Take the short stroll from my hip to my heel and there's a fair chance you'll find that I may not be wearing shoes. Where's this girl from? Good God. Is she employed? Alright, alright, alright. I moved to Arkansas two years ago, but I swear that has nothing to do with it. The rumored Arkansan barefoot inclination is all rumor, not reality. And yes, Good God, I'm employed. I've worked in the advertising industry for nearly 10 years now. But sometimes, between meetings, you can find me milling around sans shoes. But it's not my fault.

Thing is, finding the utopian collaboration of comfort and cute/professional appearance in a shoe has been near impossible for me. Finding a set of heels that don't turn on my pinky toe by noon, and attempt to turn a 5-piggy picnic into four pigs and a strip of bacon has been discouraging.

And the flats. The flats?! Hey - "E" for effort on the flatty selection, Dillard's. Not that I don't love the loafers; always grateful for the opportunity to revisit my days as a tomboy. OH, but you have Mary Janes. Forgive me. Is it me, or did I just walk onto the set of a Britney music video. Those'll go great with my school girl uniform; you know how I like to wear it to client presentations. Do you have coordinating pigtail accessories? As much as I want to accent my less-than-lankiness with a pair of shoes that make passersby question if I've given up altogether, eh, I don't.

So what IS she looking for? Is she just passionate or wildly picky.  I'm just - ugh - both. If I just had a sole, a swatch and a thread handy, I'd be able to show you what I'm... I'd be able to... I'm sorry. Do you hear that? Are those angels singing? Trumpets? Doves all aflutter for Eidia in all her Lushness. Well, sweet Georgia peach, I'll be smitten as a school girl with a box full of Christmas puppies. Nobody get alarmed, but I am nose to nose with one dangerously adorable pair of Audrey-style flats that don't put my femininity in peril. That emphasize my appreciation for "professional yet darling" but do not ignore my deep desire for heel-less-ness and my aversion to ankle pain. Oh sweet Blueberry Pie (that's what I named them), you understand me better than my husband when I explain to him (again) that there IS no dirty-dish fairy. Scoot over Santa; Eidia's moving into the workshop, and she's got a luscious line of comfortably cute toys for all the girls that made the "good" list.

 

WEAR THIS, NOT THAT

By Danielle Blasko

Ready or not, the holidays are upon us! It's the time of year when everyone wants to look their best. After all, most of us have functions to attend that will include family or friends who are also trying to put their best foot forward.

Welcome to the Eidia Lush holiday guide to what and what not to wear this holiday season. 

 

WEAR THIS

NOT THAT

WEAR THIS 

NOT THAT

WEAR THIS

NOT THAT

WEAR THIS

NOT THAT

OH SO FIFTIES!

By Danielle Blasko           

After designing my very own pair of “Oh so fifties!” Eidia Lush pumps, I was on an accessorizing mission to do justice to my fifties fashion inspired heels. I knew when I ordered my shoes exactly what pants I would first pair with my newly designed shoes: black and red retro DKNY boot-cut stretch jeans.

 

Once I received my shoes, I felt that I couldn’t rightly rock my dazzling dream-pumps without some further 1950s-inspired accessorizing.

You can imagine how thrilled I was to discover that my custom designed pumps and Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland were simultaneously in the making. The Red Queen, known for her red and black fashion sensibility as much as her temper, is played by Helena Bonham Carter who is far more fashion inspiring than the animated Disney character of the 1950s.

Designers haven’t wasted any time in showcasing their Alice in Wonderland fashion designs just in time for the film premier and spring trending. Why not treat yourself to a pair of Eidia Lush pumps, accessorize with what’s guaranteed to be this spring season's hottest accessory collection, and throw yourself that tea party you’ve always dreamed of!

Embellish This

By Kelly LaVaute

"A little bit goes a long way."

"Big things come in small packages."

"Kelly, quotes are stupid, what's your point?"

Rude.

Moving on.

My point, sweet readers, is that sometimes something small can make a huge statement. No, you say? Have you all forgotten what a huge ruckus Aretha Franklin caused with her snazzy hat on Inauguration Day? Mmmhmm. That's what I thought.

Massive head bows aside, now is the time to realize that in our cash-strapped state, finding ways to make what you have new again is the sign of a true fashionista. Going one step further. Taking risks. Setting yourself apart with something special.

Today's trends make it easy to expand your wardrobe for very little. Consider the huge new ration of scarves in stores now. I picked myself up a super-soft, $12 printed one from Target and now I wear it with everything. Not because it's cold, because it makes me look like I tried even when I'm just wearing my dullest white tee.

And the new costume jewelry! Oh, the sparkle. The glitter. LOOK HOW SHINY! Chunky rings, layered necklaces and chandelier earrings. All so simple. So easy. Pair them with your old ripped jeans and black blazer and you can go from night to day in a matter of moments. No time to do your hair? Wrap it up with a metallic headband. Make it *you.*

Your Eidia Lush shoes are special. No question. Reading this and visiting this site means you know that. You're the type of person to go that extra step. Never walk out the door without feeling completely ready to kick the day's ass. Or just go to work. Whatever.

But was there ever a moment mid-design that you wished to add a little something extra? Well, you'll be able to very soon. Just as you add that extra something special to your outfit before you strut out the door, you'll be able to take your new EL babies to the next level by adding toe or edging trim. We want you to be able to make your Eidia Lush shoes as special as you are. I mean, ummm.....we're all special in our own ways, you know, unique like snowflakes and uh, well, yeah. What your mom said.

And you know what? Your Mom is also going to love the new embellishments from Eidia Lush. So, hang tight, and we'll let you know the minute you can order them. If you move quick enough, you can show your Mom your new embellished Eidia Lush shoes when you go home for the holidays. Or....buy her a pair too?

Hot or Not: Keeping Your Cool in Summer

By Kelly LaVaute

As we approach the dog days of summer, "keeping cool" takes on two meanings: looking stylish *and* avoiding the inevitable, uninvited, ever-icky back sweat. Yeah, I said it. Don't try and act all insulted and indignant ("who, ME?!") - you know exactly what I'm talking about.

While we can't sit poolside dabbing at your perspiration and feeding you grapes this summer, Eidia Lush has taken the time to compile some of the hottest (pun intended) tips, tricks and products to help you still look fresh even while standing on black asphalt at high noon in August.

 

1. Skin

It's common sense, but keep it simple! Make up drips, smears and cakes. And if you over-do it, you'll end up looking worse than if you just skipped it altogether. Start with sunscreen - tans are pretty, but leather is better on your belt. Good concealer to even things out and a light mineral powder will keep your shine down. And if you promise to keep your eye products waterproof, I won't mention back sweat again.

2. Textiles

Obviously, while less clothing may be cooler, we can't all go naked to work. Not everyday, anyway. But have fun - show off your gorgeous gams (and soon, your new Eidia Lush heels!) with fun skirts and summer dresses. Don't get too tight - loose fabric will let your skin breathe and let breeze in. Cotton and linen are not only appropriate in summer, they're the coolest of all fabrics. And for everybody's sake - skip the pantyhose. If you're a working girl, keep a lightweight, neutral-colored cardigan around to cover up your sleeveless shoulders when The Suits come around.

3. Hair

You trying to tell me you can keep it smooth and sleek on days with 90% humidity? Didn't think so. We all need some help in this department. There are tons of frizz fighting products on the shelves - they're not even that expensive - you can pick Suave's attempt at anti-frizz from any drugstore for under $4. Give your locks a good condition in the shower and rinse with cold water (locks the hair cuticle in place). Dry slowly and in pieces with a round brush to keep it tame. If all else fails, tuck it back in a low, sleek, side-swept bun. Resist the urge we all encounter before the leaves start to fall - chopping all your hair off isn't always the best idea, eh?

4. Accessories

This is your accessories' time to shine! Less clothing makes more room for flair. Cute sundress? Keep it simple with some romantic, dangle earrings. Night out? Pile it on! Chunky necklace and a flashy ring make your old little black dress brand new again. If you're feeling crazy, you could even get some ice jewelry, although we cannot guarantee the longevity outside of a walk-in freezer. Simple capris and a tank? Get a metallic belt to add some flair. Consider a colorful headband to keep your hair back. And let's be honest - what else is summer good for if you can't get some brand new sunglasses? If you lose them all the time, go for some inexpensive basics. If you keep good care of them, make a statement with this season's hottest shades.

And while it won't keep you cool, splurging on a pedicure is always one of summer's top priorities. Change things up and show off your piggies in a nail polish color you've never had before. And around here, we really must insist - if you don't have your Eidia Lush kicks on, your toes better be lookin' beautiful.