Laid-Back Luxe

Casual denim look with Rag & Bone metallic bucket bag. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Over time, I’ve learned to trust my instincts when it comes to style (and a lot of other things too!), and avoid over-thinking or over-complicating an outfit. I like to keep my clothing simple, and rely on accessories to zhush up the look.

This post is sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue and ShopStyle. All ideas and opinions are my own.

When Saks Fifth Avenue asked me to select and style a couple of accessories that are included in their Sneak Peek Sale, I was totally on board! I chose a bag and shoes that both have the kind of modern, relaxed style that I love.

This is a look I’d wear for a casual evening out (and most of them ARE casual) here in LA.

Statement Accessories

Rag & Bone metallic Camden shopper. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

I can’t begin to tell you the number of times I’ve wished I had a little metallic bag that wasn’t formal or fussy and wasn’t a clutch. This is it! (Gifted) It’s incredibly lightweight, a nice size, and very functional. It can be carried worn over the shoulder or crossbody, thanks to the optional longer strap.

Grey suede ankle boots with side zips from 3.1 Phillip Lim. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Ankle boots are one of my favorite footwear styles. I’ll wear them almost year-round. I’m always on the lookout for non-black options, and was so happy to spot these from 3.1 Phillip Lim. (Gifted.) That nice low heel makes them a comfortable choice. (They run true-to-size.)

Suede ankle boots and metallic bag. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

bag (c/o) | boots(c/o)

In addition to major designer labels, Saks carries a wide selection of the Contemporary brands that suit my more casual style. The Sneak Peek Sale is a great opportunity to save up to 40% on designer styles that rarely go on sale. Saks offers free shipping too, with code FREESHIP. If there’s a store near you, can also arrange for in-store pick-up. (Speaking of stores, if you’re in New York you MUST visit their shoe department! It’s amazing and their service friendly and fabulous.)

Wearing Rag & Bone Camden shopper cross-body style. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

My Favorite Brands On Sale!

AG Jeans | BindyaCole Haan | Eileen Fisher | IRO | Paige | Stuart Weitzman | Vince

What’s your favorite “statement” accessory?

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25 Comments

  1. We don’t have a Saks near us, but I do a lot of online ordering from them (and their outlet (Saks Off Fifth). They have a great selection of quality goods. Love that purse they gave you!

    My experience in-store isn’t as good. A few years ago I walked into a Saks in New Orleans to look at shoes and was totally ignored for fifteen minutes by the two sales people who were busy talking to each other. I had a sense they looked at my jewelry (minimal) and my purse (my handy Sak knitted purse) and decided I wasn’t able or willing to pay for good quality shoes. Wrong! I gave up and left. Funny how one bad experience tends to stick with you; as I write, I now remember being treated very nicely at the downtown Boston Saks when buying fragrance.

    1. That’s why I love Nordstrom – excellent service in any store from San Francisco to Calgary, no matter what I’m wearing or how I’m accessorized.

  2. Kudos to Saks for offering duty-free shipping to Canada at last. The one thing that will keep me from ordering is having to pay completely unnecessary customs brokerage exorbitant fees to do something that I can do myself when receiving the goods.

  3. WOW! This is a great look! I am so impressed with how you maintain the comfort level while being so incredibly stylish! You are giving me a lot of new ideas!!

  4. I would not have piked that bag in a thousand years had I seen it in-store, but it looks amazing with your outfit! Fantastic look, love it!

    1. I would never have picked it either! I’ve been bag shopping and it looks so great here, it’s now on my short list!

  5. I mean no offense, but I am struck by the sameness in your posts. Most of the items are nice and comfortable, yet there’s a prevailing look that borders on boring. Perhaps the SoCal weather and over casual lifestyle has something to do with it. You look great in all your posts but adding some “ pizzas” or changing the uniform once in a while would help others to follow suit.

    1. The very best idea that I have added to my knowledge bank since following bloggers like Susan is that accessories are the key to a restrained wardrobe. Scarves were my weakness, but now interesting, low heeled shoes are catching up.

    2. But she has found what is most flattering and works for her. That’s 3/4s of the style battle.

  6. I find her “sameness” inspiring. Susan knows what works for her and does it well. I think she always looks fabulous, and it’s fun for me to decipher what exactly about her look is giving her that flair when the pieces themselves aren’t screaming for attention. I like her understated yet sophisticated casual style. I’ve given up on most fashion blogs, but Susan’s stays in my feed for her accessible style and for her thoughtful, intelligent voice.

      1. I agree also – she is chic and comfortable and has introduced me to products I never would have considered.

  7. I love Susan’s eye for design and her overall look is amazing to me!!. I don’t find the outfits boring at all. In fact, I always find inspiration on how to shop my closet, and following her blog allows me to determine what to shop for in a more selective manner. I think that adopting a “uniform” or “uniforms” of some kind is the secret to defining your style and being able to pull an outfit together in a pinch. It also ensures that you wear the outfit – not that the clothes wear you. Trends can introduce that jolt or element of surprise. After 50, I think you have to be careful about which trends to adopt and which to avoid. I certainly don’t want to adopt a trend just to be trendy. Lots of trends, I just say “No way for me.” Others are great. And some I tweak a bit. With good quality basics and carefully selected accessories, you can look really sharp. I have been investing in scarves and interesting low-heel shoes (thanks to Susan’s great posts about shoes) to compliment my basics. Love your blog, Susan!

  8. I loved the Phillip Lim’s and purchased them!. I got them today and love them. However, I now need a pair of low cut liner socks, that don’t fall off my heel, to wear them with. I’ve bought 3 different pairs and they all fall off my heels. Any suggestions?

  9. Can you tell me which style of AG jeans you’re wearing? I have the hardest time with jeans!
    Thanks

    1. Hi Linda, I’ve had really good luck with AG Jeans. These are a style from a few seasons ago, but very similar in fit to the “Prima” cropped style HERE. I have a few pairs of Prima’s too, and really like the fit. Most are the cropped length, but I’ve also purchased the regular length and had them hemmed.

  10. I think a personal style defines you and your own personality. I bought the silver bag and a pair of silver shoes she featured in another post. French Kandee has become my obsession. So many great assessories suggested are a wonderful addition to my style. I tend to be tailored so love Susan’s blog. I am not a Jean person so wear an Eileen Fisher or Chico’s pant. Love the tips on Paris and making a visit next May. All reservations made. Thanks Susan for Inspiration on so many levels.

    1. Thanks so much, Judie! I’m so glad you enjoy the blog and find it helpful. Have a fabulous time in Paris next May!!