Sunday, February 26, 2012

Fat Tuesday Shoes

40 days and 40 nights of no shopping…  That’s right, I gave up shopping for Lent.  People seem shocked to learn that I have given up one of my favorite activities for this 40 day period, but when I was looking in my closet the other day I realized I really don’t need anything.  Now, I am not saying there won’t be challenging moments…  I’m sure I’ll be craving a new dress or bag when I get an email about a sale at my favorite store, but I will be forced to create new and different outfits from the existing items in my closet.
 
I did have a moment of weakness though…  When most people are indulging in chocolate, fried donuts and plenty of beverages on Fat Tuesday, I indulged in shoes.  Since I decided that giving up shopping would be a difficult challenge, I ordered 2 pairs of shoes on Fat Tuesday…  Whoops.  Well, they were on sale.  J  So, I guess my new shoes will need to keep me happy until after Easter. 




Thursday, February 23, 2012

A Little Flare

It seems like denim can go with almost anything.  Jeans can be dressed up with a jacket and heels or dressed down with a plain white t-shirt and sandals.  With skinnies still the big trend in denim, I sometimes forget about the boot-legged and flared jeans in my closet.  So, when InStyle showed new ways to wear my old flared jeans, I tried the pairing for myself.  This nautical yet feminine vibe works perfectly for a casual Friday or day of shopping with friends.   The fitted jacket is the perfect layer for those upcoming spring months!




Sunday, February 19, 2012

Coveting Now: Lela Rosa for Payless

Owning a little piece of high fashion at an incredible price is an amazing thing.  That’s why I recently snatched up these adorable mustard yellow pumps from Lela Rose for Payless.  Her styles have been seen in InStyle, Lucky Magazine and US Weekly.  The Lela Rose Wedding Collection, with its feminine and delicate details, has become a popular designer for brides and bridesmaids alike.  I love when designers pair up with affordable retails to make their unique fashions available to everyday shoppers.  And I’m pretty excited to wear my yellow heels!  J



Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Mixed Messages

What does “dressy casual” actually mean?  Isn’t that an oxymoron?  I keep seeing more and more women and celebrities pairing casual t-shirts with a fancy skirt to achieve a “I didn’t try too hard yet I still look fabulous” outfit.  So, I thought I would try this trend for myself.
Women’s “dressy casual” typically includes a skirt, blouse or tailored pair of pants.  It is similar to business casual, but with a bit more informality.  I recently saw a unique pairing in the March issue of InStyle – a bright, sequined and sparkly skirt with an informal chambray shirt and sweater.  Although at first glance it doesn’t seem like these items would pair well together, but they actually make for the perfect “dressy yet relaxed” look. 


Sunday, February 12, 2012

A Bright Spot

I love dresses.  Wearing a flattering dress is the quickest way to look completely pulled together without having to work that hard at it.  So many mornings when I can’t decide what to wear, I turn to my dresses and ta-da!  I’m ready to go.  Not only are they easy peasy for rushed mornings, but they are also completely comfortable for a day at the office or a night out.  Dresses can be even more charming when they are fun, vibrant colors which are trending for the upcoming spring months.  Fun pops of bright color bring out your best features, highlighting a nice skin tone and making your eyes shine.  Vibrant dresses pair best with nude shoes and neutral accessories.  So, why not add a little color to your wardrobe?




Monday, February 6, 2012

Shoedazzle

Cinderella once said “The perfect shoes can change your life.”  Well, I might not have my own pair of glass slippers, however I do have some glitter, glue and a knack for crafting.  So, once again inspired by Pinterest, I decided to grab my Target clearance heels and “shoedazzle” them.   I found some pretty rhinestones while perusing the craft store and decided to make my own “fairytale” heels.

Would I wear them on an average day to work?  Probably not.  But I think they are perfectly suited for a wedding party or dancing in Vegas.

I honestly got such a thrill adding some sparkle to my plain nude shoes…   I guess the saying is true – What delights us is often impractical.  J

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

A Woman's Right to Shoes

Someone recently asked me just how many pairs of shoes I actually own.  When I gave them a ballpark answer (not including flip flops of course) they gave me a look as if to say “Seriously?  That’s insane.”  Instantly I felt as if I needed to defend my stunning portfolio of footwear.  Why should I feel that way?  Do I really need to defend my shoeholic tendencies?  The fact of the matter is I have a lot of shoes.  But it’s not like they were all purchased last week.  My collection has grown and matured over the years with new additions being added and some unfortunate pairs being donated or tossed. 
Just the other day I was watching an episode of Sex and the City entitled “A Woman’s Right to Shoes” where Carrie’s Manolos mysteriously leave the party without her.  Carrie is devastated and the host of the party doesn’t seem to care that her guest’s shoes were stolen.  Why should a woman have to defend her love for shoes?  I don’t think we should have to.  Own it.  At the end of the day, shoes always fit and they make us feel good.
A few shoesies from my collection…

My oldest pair purchased freshman year of college for rush events


A pair I bought a few months ago and haven’t worn yet…  They were on sale at DSW.  Perhaps an impulse purchase…


My newest pair.  I got them this past weekend in the clearance section of Target.  J