FFF: 3.7.11

Afternoon, lovies! I know I'm a broken record, but please enter my giveaway. The contest ends soon (3.11), so get your booties over and enter! :)

Today's pick is a new favorite of mine. I was in the Gap just this weekend and spotted these pretty flats on the racks. They are prettier in person than they are online and super comfortable. Gap's flats rarely seem to disappoint, so this is another great pair. The best part is they are sturdier than the City Flats but still manage to feel like slippers on. Bonus! When I bought them I was expecting to pay full price, but somehow they were 30% off in stores. A real steal, especially since my Tory Burch Caroline flats did NOT work out (I have the worst luck with that brand, seriously).

Gap's Jeweled Ballet flats (in bronze!)

Review: ROSEGOLD Sandra convertible boots

A while back, I posted about how I would like a shorter boot with a wedge. I was lucky to have scored the last pair of ROSEGOLD Sandra convertible boots when Shopbop did their huge winter markdowns. Rockin'. Overall, I love them and will keep them, but here are some notes (especially since it doesn't seem there are any reviews of these out there...) :

The Good:
-They fit great. I have a hard time with shoes because my size seems to fluctuate anywhere between an 8 and a 9. This makes online shoe shopping hell. But, these are 8.5s and are perfect. I believe that to be my true size; therefore, I'll call these TTS.
-They are comfortable! I bet I could walk through the mall with minimal discomfort.

The Bad:
- They are really tough to get on and off. The zipper is stiff and doesn't like to move around. Which is good in one sense, because it means it won't move around when I have them zipped up or down. But to get these on, you MUST roll them all the way up, unzip, zip half way, then roll back down. Sheesh.
-There is some weird black crap that gets all over my hands when I touch the zipper. Its not the leather-- it's something that is obviously coating the zipper to make it the dark metallic color it is. I could have done without that, thanks.

The Inbetween:
-I like platform for ultimate comfort, and these are not platform. Therefore, while comfy, I do expect a little arch and ankle discomfort as the day wears on. Que sera sera.
-They look pretty bad uncuffed (on me). The calf width is too much for my small calf and they hit at a weird place at the bottom of my knee. This isn't too much of a problem for me since I bought them with the intention of wearing them mainly cuffed. That was the style I was going for.

OVERALL: I recommend, as long as you're looking for a cuffed, wedge boot that is sleek and classic. Buy on sale, since I think there might be at least comparable cuffed wedge boots in the full price range ($275). I'm sure with wear, these will just get better. Yippee!

Pick(s) of the Day! (12.1.10)

While I haven't done this in a while, I just couldn't resist posting these gorgeous holiday shoes. Since I have two weddings coming up this winter, I've been on the lookout. And these might just do the trick, yes'siree...

J. Renee Erica Pump

Badgley Mischka Keeper Pump (love in the nude!)



Both avaiable from Nordstrom, both equally amazing. While I've never tried a pair of J.Renee shoes, I do own two pairs of Badgley Mischkas, and I must say-- they are even prettier in person! Which would you wear to your holiday soiree??

Recent buy: Miu-Miu inspired flats.

It sort of feels like my style personality has done some shifting since I started this blog over a year ago. My natural inclination is to overdose on frills, embellishments and girly details. But with the start of school and my seriously-serious desire to be comfortable at all times, practicality has set in. Therefore, I've been on this one month long search for the perfect pair of flats. My perfect pair would be an amalgamation of a pointed toe, a feminine detail, real leather and a trendy element. So I started with leopard, thinking that I could really use a little more animal in my life (ha.). I bought these Nordstrom BP leopard print flats in an effort to be stylish, simple and economical, but honestly? They just hurt my toes within 5 minutes of wear.

I then spotted these, which I thought were a nice combo of edgy and feminine. But I couldn't help but wonder-- do they walk the line of an 80-year old Grandma? Guess it didn't help that the reviews I found on Nordie's site were all from 45 years older and up. Hmmm.

I really sifted through the options, utilizing the ever-practical Shopstyle search but still came up flat. (oh yes I did just say that.)  Then, searching through the bowels of Shopbop (always comes to the rescue!), I found these seriously-reminiscent Miu Miu lookalikes... and although economical isn't really a word I can use to describe them, PERFECT is.

Vera Wang Lavender Label Gillian flats 

 (The Miu-Miu originals)

Thanks to a few Shopbop gift cards and an understanding husband, I found my new fall flats.  I think I can even say I like my Vera Wangs more than the Miu Mius! The silken bow is a nice touch, and I love mixing textures. Plus this dove grey color is insane in person. Oh, and the soft leather is crazy-comfy, too. For anyone looking for a great fall flat (and willing to spend a bit of dough), I definitely recommend. Who says I must abandon my frilly ways for comfort? Miss Vera, you've proved me wrong.

Lust for fall: The Mason.

A few months ago, I scored the hot pink suede version of Elizabeth and James' Mason pumps (seen here, for one). Despite their slightly ankle-breaking quality, these babies are amazingly adorable and are the perfect Barbie shoe!

I was pleasantly pleased to discover E&J recreating this pretty spring/summer style for the colder months. I bring you my shoe lust of the fall: The reinvention of the Mason (sure to become a staple E&J shoe!):

Clockwise: E&J Haircalf platform pumps; Suede platform pumps; Metallic platform pumps; Snake platform pumps. All at Shopbop, and all extremely covetable. :)

Shoe Love: shoes that kill.

It's no secret that I love shoes, just like it's no secret that I like taking risks. However, these shoes by Ruthie Davis? They take that to a whole new level...

Ruthie Davis SPIKE in Dark Gaga, pre-order them here for a whopping $1,395

Just had to share these today. When I saw the email in my inbox this morning from SHE Boutique, I knew this is the stuff that fashion is made of. Artistic, architectural, wonderfully-wacky, almost-unwearable, (totally out of my league).... Not that fashion has to be or even is always like that, but it's inspirational when it is! RD is known for her crazy shoes-- last year I spotted some detachable heel shoes that I thought were pretty neato. If I could, I would totally rock these babies with some skinny jeans and an oversized linen sweater. Casual on top, BAM on bottom. :)

OOTD: Switching places.

(Quick update! Please go check out my post on Jen's blog, The Look For Less. I participated in her "3 Wishes" summer series and had so much fun doing so. Thank you, Jen!!)


Yesterday, the loverley Erinn gave me a shout-out on her bliggity blog for being a flowy blouse repeat-offender. Can't argue there! :)  Today, I'm throwing her a shout-out in the way of one of her fave staple pieces: the grey cardigan. This may be a go-to for her, but for me, it's really unusual. And I'm totally loving it. (maybe it's a cheat, because isn't it reminiscent of a blazer? oh, me.) Last night, I  paired it with my lacy shorts, a cream colored tee and a bib necklace to create what I'd like to think is "laid-back chic." Ahem.

Tee: The Limited, oldie

Sweater: Nordies Frenchi cardigan

Shorts: F21 lace shorts

Shoes: Elizabeth and James Mason pumps (only left in lime)

Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Bracelets: courtesy Maria! (from F21)

(Yay for sunburn having faded! I can now rejoin the ranks of the normal-hued civilization! Do I look tanner? Yeah, no. Oh well.)

OOTD: The pink parade.

Lots of the outfits I've put together recently have included a pink hue, whether it be blush or barbie hot pink. Not sure the source of my recent pink-madness, but I must say I'm enjoying it. I'm a girly-girl. There's no doubt. Pink has always been my favorite color, and with my light-ish colored skin and ruddy complexion (which oddly carries a more yellow tone on the rest of my body), I find I can (usually) wear it and have it be complementary. So, a premature apology for the amount of pink you're likely to see in the next few weeks.

(It really doesn't help that my new pink Zara blazer goes with just about everything in my closet... I heart it and want need it in black, stat!)

Top: BCBG Max Azria cashmere tee

Belt: BCBG Max Azria (the original Snakebite belt, heh)

Skirt: F21 striped mini

Shoes: Liliana Bardor pumps

Scarf: Tolani ombre linen scarf

(p.s., This is my "recreated" look from the post I did on Bazaar's recent issue.... most definitely inspired rather than a direct copy, but the mag gave me the idea, at least!)

Was it just in Dallas, or did Tolani scarfs take over the summer last year? It was probably regional, but  Tolani was the "hot" scarf to own... seen on Jessica Alba and Hillary Duff, most notoriously. The boutique I worked in carried tons, and all we did was dress in scarves last summer. Which means I have a ton, and I never seem to wear them anymore. I'm attempting to fix that and re-incorporate them into my spring wardrobe. We'll see how that goes... and if the weather cooperates!

Review: E&J Mason pumps + Intermix CS

Afternoon, lovies! Hope you've had a good week so far. I'm almost done with mine-- just a few hours tomorrow morning and it's off to Vegas! I feel like I've been talking about this trip and hyping it up for ages now and it's finally here. I've never been to Vegas, and it seems like such a "me" city (dressing up? Nice food? shopping and spending money? Ummm, yes), so I've just been pretty dern excited.

I wanted to quickly review my Elizabeth and James Mason pumps, which I snagged off Intermix.com on super-sale-- from $350 to $118! Not too shabby. I got them in the hot pink... mostly because that's all that was left. I took a major gamble because it was a final sale and I've never tried E&J's shoes, but fortunately they seem to run rather TTS and my normal 8.5 worked.

 (grainy iPhone pics are all I got!)

A few comments about this whole process are in order:

1. When I bought these, it was looking like there was no way they'd come before my trip. I ordered them on Thursday afternoon (last week) and decided against the upgraded shipping. After some thought, I started worrying... what if I really do want them for Vegas? I mean, they're freekin' Barbie doll heels. Perfect, right? So I call their online support line and a woman named Meryl answers. Apparently, she's their online support girl so you may have had contact with her if you've ever shopped Intermix and called customer service. She was fantastic... although she didn't promise me she could rush the shipping for free, she was super helpful and even plotted where she could ship them from so that they may get here faster. A day later, I check the UPS status, and it was originally scheduled for the 29th (would've been too late to make it with me on the trip) and was moved to the 28th (just in time!) No charges! So great.

2. They arrive on time today. I open the box and pull out the shoes to find what every girl dreads... an obvious floor model shoe. Scuffs on the heel, some dirt stains, and wear in the suede (some pilling). Ugh. These are final sale, and the damage wasn't enough to make me super mad or want to return them, but let's be honest... it's not what I expected. So I again call our friend Meryl. She was sweet and friendly as ever. She acknowledged it was their fault and searched for ways to help me out. After some time, she said 10% extra discount is all they could do and they would refund that money to my card immediately. Although 10% was only a little over $10, she was accomodating and acknowledged that because it's final sale, there isn't much she could do. But, they did something, and to me that counts. I've definitely been in spots before where they won't do anything and treat you like an ingrate for asking.

Overall, I am pleased with the purchase. Let's face it-- they would've been slightly scuffed the first hour on my feet anyway, so it's not a big deal. And they're pretty. And I plan on shopping Intermix again. All in all, a success, I'd say. :)

To make the grey clouds go away?

... light 'em up with HOT PINK. Hells to the yeah. :)

Elizabeth and James Mason pumps, on sale at Intermix (*with additional 15% off, wahoo!)

If anyone has owned these/tried them on, how do they fit? 'Cuz they were final sale and if they don't fit then I'm offering them up to one of you. Heh.

OOTD: To the maxi!

OK, so since I'm a day back-logged on the outfits of the week, this is actually yesterday's outfit, and I think you can tell. When I'm not feeling the best, it's written all over my face. Look at these pics. Dude... I look sad. Anyway, I like the outfit and loooove maxi dresses, so I wanted to share. I'm totally shocked I haven't yet posted an OOTD with a maxi dress, since they're a go-to comfort outfit for me. I mean, how simple is that: a long dress that practically feels like a nightgown? Yes please. :)

Cardigan: Nordstrom Halogen embroidered cardigan

Dress: Nordstrom BP maxi dress

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Cedary nude sandals

Necklace: Flavanilla Love necklace

So I did go to the doc yesterday because my cough was getting just annoying, and turns out I had bronchitis. Or, have it... but the antibiotics should push it out in a matter of days. Crisis (for Vegas) averted!

And oh! The new shoes arrived. I'd been just dying for a pair of nude sandals, and while they're not perfect, they're awesome and totally pretty, so I'm happy. The size worked, too, which made me more happy. Here are some closeups:

Just what I was looking for: very nude, open toe, high heel, and covers my arch. They seem pretty darn versatile, too.... will look nice dressed up or down. I recommend!

And thanks for all the well-wishes about the impromptu house thing! It's definitely NOT ours yet, and I'm anticipating a long process, so I shouldn't be speaking too soon. There's still a chance it doesn't happen. But one can only hope (and still be scared poopless).

OOTY: a hint, and a score.

Sorry about the lack of fun posts lately! Inspiration seems to be waning this week. Ya'll were so helpful on the shoe decision, and I think I've also made the purse decision too, so thanks! But I know that's not all that fun for you... just bare with me. My inspiration will find its way back soon. I think it's related to this cold thing I have goin' on. It was bad on Monday, then got better, but now I have this gross snotty/coughy thing going on that's just not cuttin' it in my books. Oh well... the show must go on.

Yesterday, if you follow my Twitter feed, you may have heard I went on the typical wild-goose chase for the Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges. (Quite frankly, I'm getting sick of this, Targhetto! Just produce more than you usually do 'cuz you know they'll get bought! I'm done with the whole "sold out" crap!) After searching a few stores and calling a million, I walked into the North Irving Target (for any of you DFW'ers) and got there juuuuuust as the lady was opening the shipment boxes! I waited in fear as she opened them, knowing there were only one or two styles that came early.... and lo and behold, there were the brown wedges! Yippee! Now, I have been debating between the brown and black, especially seeing how cute the black ones were on Wendy of Nitrolicious. But the decision was made for me, and that's ok. They're really pretty in person, and definitely very comfy. I found them to run slightly big. Not by much-- I'm normally between an 8 and 8.5 and typically just have to size up, but I definitely had to size down on these. That's also because the ankle strap was way larger on the 8.5 and I have teeny tiny ankles. They're still a little big on the 8s, but not noticeable enough. Anyway, here's my OOTY (what I wore to play Wits and Wagers and watch the BoSox on TV at a friend's house last night):

(Not many pics today-- my time was short and my lighting was really, really bad.)

Shirt: UO shoulder detail silk top

Jeans: AE super skinnies

Necklaces: Nordstrom BP, and a mystery designer...

Belt: F21

Shoes: Cynthia Vincent for Target gladiator wedges in Cognac

I'm being a little sneaky here, did ya see? See the "love" necklace in my photos? It's courtesy a certain Etsy designer who will be hosting a giveaway on my blog on MONDAY! I know I promised this week; there were some technical difficulties with getting it on time, but the item is here and ready to be given to a lovely who deserves it. :) Can't wait, and stay tuned! 

And have a faboo Saturday. I'm working on that inspiration building, don't you worry...

My readers, my saviors.

Thanks to all who commented yesterday about the virtual shopping bag dillemas. When I started this blog, I did so with the hope that it would be like having tons of shopping pals who help me make bad good decisions about what to buy, and who don't stare at me blankly with their arms around their chests wondering when the hell can we leave, we've been here for five hours? Well, I got my wish! The shoe thing has almost become a task rather than something fun, and my indecisiveness has been running rampant. I had finally narrowed it down to two, and with your help, I chose the JS ones. Now, this post isn't just to brag about my cute new shoes (ok well it kinda is), but it's also to let ya'll know that the Jessica Simpson website is faboo, for anyone who didn't know about it. Because I didn't-- I stumbed upon it while searching for a downloadable image of the shoe itself to post on this here bloggy-blog. The site carries eveything of hers, and it seems you can find lots of good sales as well. The Cedarys were on sale for $59, and then I searched coupon codes (like a good little online shopper) and found a 20% coupon (cs2009), which ended up being good even on sale items. And doesn't seem to have an expiration... So I scored those pretties (after shipping and taxes) for less than $60. Which isn't the biggest bargain I've ever seen, but it was definitely my cheapest option out there for this particular shoe and color. And not to mention her clothes and accessories, too! Which are also on the site. Aaaaanyway, I'm getting wordy, but I thought I'd share since many of you seem to love JS and I know it's a rather popular brand.

If I wore super super high heels (like 5+ inches), I would definitely get these as well. Sigh.  (husband would be pretty sad since I'd end up towering over him...)

Jessica Simpson Danny Platform (on fashion chalet!)

Jessica Simpson Stone Sandal

Jessica Simpson Severe platform

Virtual Shopping bags...

I'm quite bored today at work (doing really menial stuff because we've been crazy slow around here), so I've been doing a lot of online perusing. I'm trying to round out my spring/summer wardrobe and think I've done a good job so far-- stocked up on dresses, playful short-shorts, mini skirts, blazers and jackets... the only thing that's generally missing are some new shirts to pair with the shorts/skirts and nude shoes. Yep. STILL on the lookout for the nude shoe. Here are two inexpensive choices and I think I'll get one or the other...

Jessica Simpson Cedary, in sand, $59.95 (on sale at JS's website). A more casual nude sandal that I can see going with most everything. (drawback= too casual?)

Michael Antonio Tinsley, $48.00. Much sexier and strappier, but possibly better for going out/Vegas than the other option. (drawback= not real leather, could be cheap in person)

Also, I've had these two items in my Shopbop cart for some time now and just haven't committed. It's one or the other (for this month, at least). What shall I do?

Foley and Corinna Disco City bag, in fuchsia. Very versatile, can be used year round and possibly even daily. Good for night/day transition. (drawback= I love the pink, but will I eventually be bored with it? Since I'm no bag-lady, will I regret it?)

Sunner Pixie Shorts, in Amethyst. So cute and easy to wear. (drawbacks= do I need more shorts? And this isn't as useful and smart of a purchase.)

Another random virtual shopping cart item:

BB Dakota leather jacket, on sale at Piperlime. Maybe not the most useful thing for right now, but it's super cheap and really, really pretty! And I've been on the hunt for one for a while now... seems like the time to buy.

And, because Codename Ivy apparently loves me, she made me this, which shall arrive on my doorstep Saturday. YAY! Thanks, girl!!! It's GORGEOUS. (and a total knock-off of the J.Crew Fenton/Fallon necklace, no?)  :)

Review Spotlight on: Aldo

As I mentioned a bit ago, Aldo was not really on my radar for quite some time, as I felt I could never find a style I liked and thought the prices were a little steep for the quality I saw. Well... I have to take most of that back. Not only was I super excited to browse the site and find, oh, a million styles I loved, but the material (mostly real leather!) seems better than I remember. I'm letting bygones be bygones and have renewed my love of Aldo.

Here's my one beef: Sizing. I am an 8.5 usually (and on the small side of it at that), with the exception of some shoes and brands (hey Jeffrey Campbell, WTF? Why am I a 9?!). But I have a lot of trouble getting a reliable size out of my shoes. I don't know when it happened, but I remember back in the day always trying on 8s and always walking out a happy customer. Then, suddenly, it was like my feet got all janked up and weird and now are fickle about their size. Dunno (wonder if it's all the hell I put them through in 5 inch heels? Naaaahhh!). So the weird, European whole sizes at Aldo had me in a tizzy-- the 8s? the 9s? (or, rather: the 38s? the 39s?) Unfortunately, the sizing just didn't work for me. I bought the 39s and they are gaping around my narrow ankles... I went to the store to try the 38s and still no bueno, folks. I even tried on a whole buncha different styles with mostly the same results: way too big around the ankles. (interesting note, too: every shoe seemed really different; I was better in 8s in some and 9s in others) I'd show pictures but I'm just too sad to rehash the whole thing. Sigh. :-P

Here are some of my other picks, i.e. what I'd buy if my feet were not so narrow and more normal and I had lots of money (two of which are big trends for spring: Ghillie ties and clogs, get 'em while they're hot!):

ROW 1: Acree, $60; Daven, $90

ROW 2: Dillenburg, $59.98; Nemets, $125

ROW 3: Starace, $90; Stierle, $80

ROW 4: Hondel, $59.98; Rubash; $64.98

ROW 5: Roessner, $59.98; Dalecki, $90