I had promised myself that I wasn't going to buy anything new for Alt Summit, other than warm tights. Then a green velvet Anne Fogarty dress happened, and well, the rest is history. I went from Ms. Scarlet ( photo ) to Ms. Green.     Green Velvet Dress by Anne Fogarty, $59 from Friendly Fox Vintage (Etsy); Petticoat by Anne Fogarty, $65 Sweet Bee Finds (Etsy); Green Suede Handbag, $40 from Northline Designs (Etsy); Iridescent Black Purple Green Metallic Necklace, $18.94 from Vintage Starr Beads (Etsy); Bakelite Shoe Buckles by Musi, $39.50 from Mathilda's Attic (Etsy); Black Mary Janes by Via Spiga purchased in the late 1990s at Nordstrom.   Which look do you prefer? Ms. Scarlet or Ms. Green?   Ciao Bella! Eden!   Items denoted with an asterisk (*) were purchased for Alt Summit. Other items are from my closet; if I had records of purchase prices and shops I included that information.   Credits: All layouts designed by and images taken by Eden Hensl...

Come Friday there seem to be more people on BART. If I change trains at 24th Mission there's a high probability that I'll be standing until Daly City. What's a girl to do? Choose stylish comfortable shoes.   The Finds (top clockwise) : Jodell Pump, $94.95 ; Vermont Terrace, $140 ; and Jodell Oxford Pump, $79.99 . Paperdoll is wearing: Long-sleeved Cashmere Turtleneck, $103.99 ; Stella Regular Fit Slim Flare Leg Jean, $79.90 ; and Vermont Terrace Pumps, $140 .   Our office has a casual dress code every day, not just on Fridays. I like to dress up Monday through Thursday. Friday, the trains are more crowded so I go for comfort with either Mary Janes or oxfords. I've got two pairs in brown and two pairs in black with different heel heights to match regular and short jeans. I'm excited that the weather's getting a chill in the air; it's time to unpack my merino wool and cashmere sweaters.   Do you choose your shoes to match your pant length?   Ciao Bella! Ede...

Downtown San Francisco in the 1980s. Women in power suits. Pantyhose. Tube socks. Athletic shoes. Fashion disconnect. At least outside of the office. Once at work, athletic shoes were traded for stylish, impractical pumps. Maybe I'm old fashioned but I believe, like my grandmother did, shoes should be made for walking.     Go anywhere with my grandmother and she would cluck her tongue. Visiting my grandfather's office with her at lunch, I'd frequently see her shaking her head as women walked by. She frequently traveled to Europe with my grandfather, so she had a different view when it came to fashion. For her, athletic shoes or Tevas branded you as a dirty American. So when I visited Paris years ago I went to her for fashion guidance. Her advice was simple (and accurate -- Parisians didn't think I was with the group of American tourists).   How not to look like an American Never look like you don't care. Fix buttons, strings, holes, torn hems, and so on before you ...

Most of my team was out of the office yesterday on their way to Interop New York. In their absence, I went for a glamorous, yet practical, 1940s vibe switching my preferred cowboy boots for Mary Janes.     My look began with a faux wrap dress that I got at last week's girls' night out . I loved the drape of the soft fabric, but needed to add a camisole from Motherhood Maternity to raise the neckline a little to be work appropriate.   Based on what footwear (and hose) I pick, I can either dress the look down or up. It was Monday and not Friday, so I went with a pair of 1960s leather Mary Jane pumps by Personality. I also "chose" my typical commute purse: a 1990s leather, cross body Willis bag by Coach. (If I was going to take this look into night, I'd switch the cross body bag with a brown suede box purse.)   To complete the look, as well as keep it pulled together throughout the day, I tied my hair back into a loose side ponytail.   What are your tricks for ...

It's that time of year again. The time when everyone else starts wearing boots. (Only my suede boots go into hibernation for a season and that's just so they don't get ruined by rain.)     This year the trend for boots seems to be anything goes.   I like a more put together look, so here are some guidelines I try to keep in mind when buying a pair of boots and selecting which pair of boots to wear with an outfit. (I have over eight pairs of boots; the latest are pictured at the top of this post.) Let the shape of your skirt be your guide for the height of your boot: With a full skirt, let the hem fall just over the top of the boot. With a fitted skirt, such as a pencil skirt, have your hem stop a few inches above your boot (3 to 6 inches). NOTE: Ankle boots can be worn with either full long skirts or hobble skirts. With a maxi skirt, choose a boot with a platform heel or slouchy boots. With a mini skirt, choose thigh highs with either a stiletto heel or flat sole. Pa...

When you commute daily on a train, you're constantly searching for cute comfortable shoes. Today's pick from Michael Kors work for me with both business and casual attire.   The Finds (top clockwise) : Crop Vest, Antique White, $26.60 ; City Top, Peach, $39.99 ; Curve Leather Obi Belt ; Elliot Bootie, Michael Kors, $175 ; Hemp/Organic Cotton Skirt, Eileen Fisher, $148 ; Garance Dore Massie, $348 .   A few years ago my favorite booties were a pair of Michael Kors: stylish and super comfortable. Unfortunately I'm hard on shoes and broke the sole. This season's booties scream romance and would look perfect with my ankle-length black silk skirt.   Weigh In: Ankle boots go with: Skirts, Pants, or Anything.   Ciao Bella! Eden   Credits: All images taken by their respective sellers: ASOS , Kate Spade NY , ModCloth , Saks Fifth Avenue , Tulle , Zappos . Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

Fall is my favorite time of year. Not for the weather, but for the clothes and the autumnal colors. Today's outfit combines favorite colors and ankle boots.   The Finds (top clockwise) : Shawl Collar Sleeveless Top, $78 ; Merino Wool-Blend Long Skirt, Black, $698 ; Ferrara Boot, Deep Red, $299.95 ; Thin Bow Belt, Black, $78 ; Maddox Satchel, Fossil, Brick Red, $218 .   On Friday, Ann Taylor's new Fall Catalog Magazine, Ann., arrived. I loved the magazine feel and how they showcased Kate Hudson in the clothes. Unfortunately, the two outfits she was wearing that I wanted were completely sold out online: a top with back bow detail with a flounced black skirt outfit and a teal long sleeved knit dress. The catalog did get me daydreaming of fall color combinations, especially my favorite: brick red with torquoise.   How do you style brick red and torquoise?   Ciao Bella! Eden   Credits: All images taken by their respective sellers: Ann Taylor , Kate Spade NY , N...

Growing up I would have been caught dead in Keds. All the cool kids had Nikes while my sister and I had Keds. If ours had sported polka dots though, my mom might have been spared some headaches.   The Finds (left clockwise) : Polka Dot Band Fedora, $9.80 ; Lauren Peasant Top by Ralph Lauren, Coral Island, $54.50 ; Polished Cotton Capris, $78 ; Keds for Madewell Polka-Dot, $62 ; Echo Handbag, $48 .   Unfortunately, these lovelies aren't available until August 9th. On the upside, that gives me time to find a cute shirt dress to pair with them.   Do you love or hate Keds?   Ciao Bella! Eden   Credits: All images taken by their respective sellers: Ann Taylor , Forever 21 , Macys , Madewell , and Nordstrom . Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

I've been in love with Orange and Yellow for almost two years now, so I'm loving this season's yellow accessories.   The Finds (top clockwise) : Dotty Zip Dress, $62.93 ; Cynthia Large Satchel, Michael Kors, $358 ; Ashley Bow Ballet Flat, $98 ; Bow Tie Belt, Fossil, $28 ; Trapunto Stitch Jacket, $118 .   I think I may have to break down and snatch up one of these Fossil belts. I just love the bow detailing and the edging coordinates nicely with my butterscotch sandals .   Are you a fan of yellow?   Ciao Bella! Eden   Credits: All images taken by their respective sellers: Banana Republic , Cache , Michael Kors , Nordstrom , and The Limited . Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

Got a favorite color? A color you despise? Or are you neutral when it comes to colors? When forced to pick a least favorite color last week, I chose brown .   The Finds (top clockwise) : Rain in Spangles Dress, Bubbly , $74.99; Ariat Shelleen Boot , $189.95; Lace Convertible Satchel , $49.95.   I don't really have a least favorite color so I quickly looked at a color wheel and chose the one that stood out as least interesting: brown. Our assignment once we chose a color was to seek it out. (See Monday's Shades of Brown post for the brown items I found around our new flat.) Excluding furniture and hardwood floors, a lot of brown was found in my closet. Most of my favorite clothes -- sweaters and dresses -- are brown, so I decided to take a closer look at the meaning or psychology of the color brown.   The color brown has both positive and negative meanings. Positives Associated with all things natural or organic Gives a feeling of solidity, family unity Creates a w...

Now that my feet are finally not swollen, I'm looking forward to stepping out in something other than a pair of flip flops. I stumbled across these glittery flats and was immediately hooked.   The Finds (left to right) : The Zoe Necklace with Tiger's Eye Gemstone and Thin 16" Gold Chain, $57 ; Vivi Glitter Ballet Flats, $168 ; Polka Dot Empire Waist Tiered Dress, $41.99 .   What do you think? Just the right dash of pizzaz or over the top?   Ciao Bella! Eden   Credits: All images taken by their respective sellers: Ann Taylor , GemKitty , Macy's . Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

The weather's been so gorgeous the past couple of days that all I can think about is grabbing a hat and tote, packing up my lunch, and enjoying my food under a tree in a nearby park. These adorable flats from Born scream Spring, don't you think? The Finds (far left clockwise) : Gemma Floral Flat, Born, $89.99 ; Floppy Straw Hat, $34.90 ; Caribbean Swirl Sunhat, $48 ; Farmer's Market Tote, $45 ; VO26775 Sunglasses, Vogue, $69.95 . Ciao Bella! Eden   Credits: All images taken by their respective sellers: Anthropologie ; J. Crew ; Nordstrom , and Sunglass Hut . Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

I can't wait until I can start wearing heels (not super crazy high stilettos, but comfortable platform wedges) again. For me, there's never a season where boots aren't appropriate. Right now I'm daydreaming of suede boots paired with a print dress and bold bag. The Finds (left to right) : Citizen, Black Suede, Fergie $125.99 ; Pippa Dress, $478 ; Madison Abigail Shoulder Bag, Brass/Cherry, $398 . Ciao Bella! Eden   Credits: All images taken by their respective sellers: Coach , Kate Spade NY , and Zappos . Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

A few weeks ago a bunch of our friends headed down to the British Virgin Islands to go sailing. As we're dining with two of them tonight, all I've been thinking of lately is sailing away. Today's shoe pick and outfit have a fun nautical look. The Finds: Laundry Sun Hat, Ink Blot/Daisy, Shelli Segal, $68 ; Fair Trade Bead Bracelets, Set of 3, $14.98 ; Striped Adette Dress, True Navy/Prosecco, Kate Spade, $498 ; Norah Large Satchel, Canyon (pictured), Lemon, Indian Elephant, Black, Tory Burch, $525 ; Colourcode Platform Pumps, Yellow/White (pictured), Natural/Dark Natural, Light Gold, Green/Navy Leather, Blue/Red Leather, Black/White Leather, Nine West, $89 Too many stripes? Or just enough? Ciao Bella! Eden   Credits: All images taken by their respective sellers: Kate Spade NY , Nine West , Nordstrom , Organic Stores , and Tory Burch . Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

Mornings have been chilly recently, leading me to consider a pair of comfy slippers as I wander around the apartment. There are lots of cozy options from practical to whimsical. The Finds (top clockwise) : Cat Slipper, Grey, $71.00 ; Warm Whiskers Heated Cat Slippers, $26.99 ; Isabel Slides, Daniel Green, Black Suede, $37.99 ; Shagilicious Slippers, Patricia Green, Blue and White, $43 ; Teresa Booties, Daniel Green, White, $36 ; Pink Bear Claw Animal Slippers, $21.99 ; Pink Pig Animal Slippers, $24.99 . What would you choose: fun animals or cozy slides? Ciao Bella! Eden   Credits: All images taken by their respective sellers: Amazon.com , Mookie Gifts , and Zappos.com . Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

Now that I might not be able to wear my black cocktail dress, I need to find a pair of shoes to wear with my alternate outfit - a floor-length, magenta gown. I'm thinking a pair of simple grey mary janes or sandals. The Finds (top clockwise) : 15-A5105 F11 by Amiana, Grey Satin, $83 , Zappos.com; Tinah Sandal, Metallic Kidskin, Lauren, $49.99 ; Driven Pumps by Naturalizer, Elephant Skin Suede, $79 , Macys. What color would you wear with magenta and bubble gum pink: Metallic Silver/Gray, Metallic Gold, Something Else? Ciao Bella! Eden   Credits: All images taken by their respective sellers: Macys , Ralph Lauren , and Zappos.com . Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

With the cold weather upon us all I want to do is buckle up and toss on my favorite pair of boots. Maybe it's all the pirate movies I watched growing up but when I think of buckles and stepping out on the town I think ruffles and lace. The Look: Fur Hood Duffle Coat, $119 , Dorothy Perkins; "Imply" boot, Franco Sarto, $149.90 , Nordstrom; Marcella Tiered Lace Dress, $49.99 , Ruche. Yes or no to buckles and lace? Ciao Bella! Eden   Credits: All images taken by their respective sellers: Dorothy Perkins , Nordstrom , and Ruche . Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

One of my favorite places to window shop is ModCloth. At any given time I can find hundreds of outfits to dream about. Right now I'm loving these vegan flats and boots with brogueing . The Finds (top clockwise) : Cool with That Flat, $32.99 ; Trim the Tree Boot, $49.99 ; Dress Up Flat, $37.99 . Ciao Bella! Eden   Credits: All images taken by ModCloth . Collage created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.

Ever wonder what something on a shoe is called? I do. Recently I discovered that all of my favorite shoes (and most of my recent purchases) have small punches for embellishment. I wondered if there was a technical term for this. There is: brogueing. Brogueing: A term that refers to the perforations or small punches that can be used to decorate a shoe. - Source: On the Fly's Glossary of Shoe Terms What's your favorite detail on shoes? Ciao Bella! Eden   Credits: All images taken by Eden Hensley Silverstein for The Road to the Good Life.   Details to Love is a monthly series, published on the second Monday of each month. Posts from April 2011 to December 2011 are available at A Timeless Affair - Life with a Vintage Touch .

Growing up most of my shoes as well as my costume shoes (last season's hand me downs from my gram, aunt, and mom that my sister and I got to clomp around the house in) were made in either Spain or Italy. All were leather. My favorite brands were Nickels (my favorite pair were a tan version of these red pumps ), Bandolino, and Amalfi by Rangoni. My favorite costume shoes were Joyce, Pappagallo, Henry Waters, and Herbert Levine.     When we decided on the Caribbean for our honeymoon I discovered that other than a pair of Doc Martens and DKNY slides I didn't really have any warm weather shoes and neither pair was really suited for visiting museums. Since that discovery I've found three pairs of vintage sandals; all have the stacked wooden heels I adore.     Of the three, my favorites were both new old stock (NOS) finds: aubergine sandals from Bandolino and butterscotch sandals by Pappagallo.     What are your favorite vintage brands? ...