Mules: You loved them back in the day and, like a fine wine, they’ve only gotten better over time. Which is good news for your closet, because the ’00s throwback shoe has made a major comeback just in time to take your spring style game by storm. And can we talk about the comfort factor for just a second? Because classic pumps can’t even compare to the block heels and platform soles that go hand-in-hand with these pared-down stunners. To put it simply: There’s a whole lot to love. But like any other can’t-get-enough piece in your wardrobe, mules (much like your fave Doc Martens) shine brightest with a bit of clever styling. In this week’s Style Resolutions, we’re showing you three ways to style your mules with pieces from your spring capsule wardrobe essentials, for on-trend yet comfy results.
How to Style Mules for Work
Start the work week off on the right foot by slipping into a pair of sleek suede mules that are more or less the #girlboss equivalent of your favorite just-kickin’-it sneakers. (Yup, they’re that good.) Let their easygoing-yet-elegant vibe inspire the rest of your getup by tossing on a striped midi dress with throw-on-and-go flair and a suede jacket that turns up the heat on your basic blazer. Standard suit? Not on your watch. Kickstart creativity with a healthy dose of color in the form of a flowery statement necklace and a roomy turquoise tote that can carry all of your essentials and then some. A swipe of coral lipstick and a streamlined timepiece pull it all together and add a note of that classy-lady edge you can’t get enough of.
ASOS Topic Slip On Mule Sandals ($51) + Madewell Wrap Midi Dress ($148), H&M Imitation Suede Jacket ($60), J.Crew Petal Brûlee Necklace ($138), Baggu Basic Tote ($99), ASOS Shoulderless Case Clean Watch ($34), Rituel de Fille Enchanted Lip Sheer in Bittersweet ($21)
How to Style Mules for a Night Out
Stilettos and breaking it down on the dance floor don’t exactly go hand-in-hand, which is just one more reason to invest in a set of modern mules. The block heel offers just enough boost without making feet suffer as you hop around town. Tap into your inner lazy girl for a GNO getup that exudes It-girl appeal, teaming an embroidered A-line skirt with a folklore fab feel and a metallic sweatshirt fit for Studio 54. Introduce bold color and glitz in unexpected ways, icing your ears with a shimmery crystal crawler and lacquering your nails with fiery red polish. Stash your phone and cash in a structured denim sac, and top it all off with a leather trench when temps start to drop.
ASOS Topic Slip On Mule Sandals ($51) + Topshop Luxe Foil Sweatshirt ($60), Oasis Embroidered A-Line Skirt ($90), Bauble Bar Asymmetrical Wanderer Ear Crawler Set ($36), Silence + Noise Dorothee Denim Crossbody Bag ($34), & Other Stories Faux/Real 2 Become 1 Ring ($29), JINsoon Nail Lacquer ($18)
How to Style Mules for the Weekend
Mules possess transformative powers, and this off-duty ensemble is proof. A casual overalls-and-tee combo takes on a super chic tone with the understated stompers thrown into the mix (sorry, sneakers). A colorful cropped jacket adds dimension and polish to the look, while on-trend details like a minimalist cuff, tassel earrings and a half-moon bag make the transition from brunch to the bar seamless. Could you ask more of your weekend attire? We say no.
ASOS Topic Slip On Mule Sandals ($51) + Topshop Colour Block Asymmetric Tee ($85), Mango Medium Denim Dungarees ($80), River Island Pink Cropped Trench Jacket ($130), Monday Edition Color Leather Tassel Earrings ($128), Leik Saddle Bag ($149), Charles & Keith Twist Detail Cuff ($29), Charles & Keith Round City Eyewear ($49)
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It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.