fashiongirl

finding fall boots

2010-08-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

After wearing my $20 suede flat Target boots (in tan and in black) all winter last year, I decided I needed to upgrade this year. They were not impervious to a rainy trip to NYC, and did not hold up so well in the snow of Park City (thankfully, my North Face Nuptse III snow boots did!). So, time to look at Uggs (*shudder*). I really hate the big bulky Uggs of yore.

But, the Nordstrom half-yearly sale lead me to these not-so-bulky ones, on sale for around $150. I ordered them. And the calf-width was slightly too small for my larger calves (getting jeans in there would have been a struggle), and the ruching kind of made them look odd.

I decided I'd really prefer to have a zipper. I really like my leather boots that have zippers - SO much easier getting the jeans down in them than the pull up kind.

So, using my favorite shoe store, Endless, I narrowed it down to:
1. Jessica Simpson Women's Bally Flat Knee-High Boot ($104) - they looked kind of dressier than the casual look I was shooting for, but still really cute. Love the dark brown leather strap on the back.
2. Rockport Women's Tarklyn Terrace Boot ($104) - I can't tell if these are too "old lady"-ish for me or not. I like the dark gray though.
3. Coconuts by Matisse Women's Jackson Buckle Boot ($75) - I LOVE the taupe color.
4. EMU Australia Women's Kimba High Boot ($60) - Ok, there's no zipper, but they have a 15" boot opening.

I ordered #3 and #4, since they were the cheapest... #3 shaft was just too narrow. Could not get them zipped up. Boo.

However, I do really like the EMUs (#4). Ugg-like, but with a narrower footbed, so you don't look all clompy like. I got them in the chocolate brown. I don't wear a lot of black, and I JUST bought a pair of leather-like Steve Madden boots in the Cognac-y color. I wish they still had them in gray, but brown is very neutral too. They are comfy and warm, and hopefully will do just fine in my normal Houston winters!

A tale of 2 dresses

2007-10-16T13:37:00.001-07:00

I bought 2 forest green dresses this weekend (and a forest green top... yes, I'm obsessed).

The first dress is cotton-y and flow-y, and has a very flattering waistline, but isn't really "fall" - even though it just came out. [$49.50 at Gap + I had a 30% off coupon!]The second dress is very fall (they had it in forest green at the store), and very what I was looking for for my fall wardrobe and perfect with boots and mary janes and my BR black wool coat. [$128 at BR + I was returning a $50 top and I had a $15 coupon!] Not sure which one I will keep... I'm leaning towards the BR one... Now I just need to find the perfect black boot!

New bag for fall!

2007-10-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

I saw this bag in Lucky in Red, and loved it. I had been salivating all summer over this bag, and this one is similar, yet smaller and cheaper[$98]! I also have been wanting a jewel-toned patent bag for fall... and it comes in colors like cobalt, eggplant, wine, and bordeaux! Now, finding pictures of the bag in these colors is another story...

This blogger had a pic of the cobalt - oh so yummy. She got it at QVC for the low price of $64+tax+shipping ($76). The cobalt's backordered though, so I got the eggplant, which from the other bags on the Maxx New York website, looks like a deep purply-blue. Hopefully it's just gorgeous.

Tapestry Flats - High & Low

2007-09-24T11:13:00.001-07:00

I loved these flats from Steve Madden, but I really have issues with paying over $50 for any kind of flat shoe, especially one as uncomfortable as SM shoes. [$69.95 at Zappos]

So, you can imagine my delight at finding almost identical ones at Target for $12.99! I've gotten TONS of complements on them, and no one can believe they are from Target! They are relatively comfortable (thanks to a littler moleskin behind my heels), but they are sooo slippery on the bottoms when walking on smooth floors. I've tried scuffing them up on the sidewalk, to no avail. Next, I'm going to try spraying some hairspray on them and see if that helps! Overall, LOVE them!

What I Want Now

2007-09-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

A sheath dress with Mary Janes (and perhaps tights).

[$148 at BR]

[$168 at BR]

[$118 at BR]

Love this coat

2007-09-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

Yummy.

[$218 at BR]

Plaid Jackets

2007-09-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

I really want a plaid jacket for fall. I love this one (not available in plaid online, but it is at the store) for $148 at BR, but the cut isn't the most flattering on me.

But, this one for $78 at Nordstrom is cute, and it looks like the cut might be more flattering!

Outfit for a wedding

2007-09-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

Forest-y Green silk-like (but polyester!) Banana Republic dress: [On sale for $99.99 at BR]

Two-tone gold Nine West d'orsay-style wedges from the [$59.99 at Nine West Outlet store]

(These are not them, but the best match I could find)

Jewelry:

[$12.99 & $19.99 from Avon]

I don't usually make a point of shopping at Avon, but my mom got these for her birthday and they weren't really "her," and I just LOVED the fall colors (the colors look deeper in person) and the length of the necklace!

Marshall's Shoe Megashop

2007-08-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

Apparently, several Marshalls stores are expanding their shoe department, stepping up the selection, and layout (5000 square feet at the one in Corpus Christi) to form the "Marshalls Shoe Megashops." Check out the link for locations.

Racks and shelves were reconfigured to open more space and none of the merchandise was eliminated, said company spokeswoman Amy Cafazzo. The off-price retailer is hoping to be compared to the likes of shoe giant DSW, she added.

I actually just bought a very cute Kenneth Cole Reaction two-tone brown round-toe slingback pumps from the Marshall's Clearance rack for $25 [$93 at Zappos]. And on that same shopping trip, I bought a pair of bootcut Seven jeans for $80. They also had Joe's jeans for $70, and Paper Denim Cloth for $50!!

Marshalls is definitely stepping up their game.

Hot Pink Patent @ Payless

2007-08-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

Love these.

[$19.99 at Payless]

NYC street bag

2007-07-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

Shopping, literally, on the street for handbags is a luxury rarely seen outside of Manhattan. Who doesn't love passing tables of colorful handbags on the street? If I lived in Manhattan I probably wouldn't ever buy one, because everyone would know where you got it (and I would NEVER EVER get a "Goach"). But 2000 miles away? No one has any idea.

I've been obsessed with yellow handbags and shoes for the past few months, but could never find the perfect shade of yellow that I wanted. I've noticed that 70s mustard yellow and fall orange are very much in for Fall 2007, so when I saw this "designer inspired" Marc Jacobs-esque bag, I had to have it. I, first, "had to have it" in gray, but when I saw the yellow, that was it. It also is gorgeous red inside.

It's totally THIS bag, but I paid $40 on the street. The chain was very fake-y, but I don't really like rattling around town, so I took it off. A little plier action, and I'm going to have a couple cool keychains from the ends of it though. :)

I also got a small (going out) shiny navy blue Chloe-inspired bag. Very cute.

Also, I did go into one of those "back room" places in Chinatown. It just feels dirty in there. I much prefer good style over a purse with a (fake) label.

Kind of like this, but smaller, and less hobo-y.

thirty, flirty, & thriving!

2007-07-11T12:18:00.001-07:00

My birthday is coming up and I am looking for the *perfect* outfit to go out in. I keep buying dresses (I'm obsessed! - I bought 3 at Ross this weekend!), but none seem *perfect* enough. I also am travel-poor (again), so I want it to be reasonably priced. Oh, and it can't make me look pregnant. Is that too much to ask?

I want to order this one from Nordstrom.com. I haven't seen it in the store. I love the top of it and the color.

[$62 at Nordstrom]

I think I'll wait till I get back from NY this weekend.

Mirror Patent Silver

2007-06-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

I read somewhere that this color shoe was going to be huge for fall... I saw these at Dillard's today. Reasonably priced, they might be mine soon, if I can justify another pair of metallic shoes.

[Gianni Bini 'Mirage' $69 at Dillard's]

New jeans

2007-06-14T14:30:00.000-07:00

Since I wear jeans most days to work, I decided to invest in another pair. I love my Paige jeans, but they've changed the low-rise-ness of them and it's weird. I tried on about 15 pairs of various brands of jeans at Nordstrom and these were the best - nice color, cute stitching, and oh-so-long!

[Citizens of Humanity 'Ingrid' (Pacific Wash) Jeans, $154 at Nordstrom]

I heart marc by marc jacobs bags

2007-06-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

I've love the turnlock bags. This one I think is fairly new and I like that it's shiny & structured, unlike his last season bags that were dull & slouchy. Above my price range, but my birthday's coming up, maybe I'll get lucky. [$478 at Neiman's]

Love these shoes

2007-06-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

I'm loving this season's "acid brights" (lemon-y yellows, cobalt blues, bright emerald greens, orange) with a neutral (black, gray, brown, white, silver, gold).

These shoes would be a nice addition. Too bad they're super high in heel height and price!

[$218 on Zappos]

I heart Goody's StayPut hairbands

2007-06-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

I have long, thick hair. These stay-put, no slip hairbands seriously changed my life. I could not run more than 10 feet without my hair falling down before (using regular hairbands). These are awesome. [Available at drugstores, Target, etc.]

Tory Burch-esque Ballet Flats at Payless

2007-06-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

Cute. Wish they came in more colors like the $195 Tory Burch ones. [$19.99 at Payless]

New Shoes

2007-06-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

I've seen these shoes all over the place this spring, but they always catch my eye. I especially love them in the basil green. When they went on clearance at endless for $34.89 (including the negative $5 shipping), I had to get them. Not the most comfortable shoes in the world (but not as bad as my prior experiences with Naturalizer heels), but cute for summer.

Also ordered these O Oscar flats. Adorable, especially for $39.89, but they make my feet look like boats. They're going back.

Purse Inspiration

2007-06-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

Mmm...Michael Kors. I need/want gold hardware though... even though it wouldn't look good with the gray (or red) patent. And do I really want patent? Love the shape.

[MICHAEL by Michael Kors, $398 at Nordstrom]
Something different from Kate Spade! I don't usually like her stuff, but this is Pretty (& Pricey). [$645 at Nordstrom]

I still heart this one, too. LOVE the yellow, don't think I seriously could pull it off.

I'm starting my hunt now for my fall / "birthday" bag. It is my 30th... maybe I'll splurge. :)

Need new tops

2007-06-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to STOP buying trapeze and bubble style tops. At first I resisted them, and then decided they were cute and Oh-So-Easy to wear. Now I need to stop buying them.

So.

I like this one - love the teal color.

[$68 at BR]

I saw this one in Lucky and loved the bright color...

[$78 at BR]

I heart B&BW Outlet

2007-05-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

I love Bath & Body Works. I love their body cream and shower gels, and the fact that they have unique other brands. My favorite scent is Sheer Freesia, and for YEARS I've been trying to find the trial size body creams of it (I keep them everywhere). I don't think I've ever even seen one. Until yesterday.

I discovered the Bath & Body Works Outlet Store at Katy Mills Mall in Katy, TX.

Not only did they have the Sheer Freesia trial size body creams, they were 99 CENTS (regular price is $3.50)! I bought 10.

I also found Tropical Passionfruit full size body cream for 75% off (~$2.60) - it's still $10.50 at the regular B&BW stores (and $5 online)! All other full size body lotions (same packaging & scents as in the stores, as well as some discontinued scents) were $5. They had gift sets and all kinds of other stuff too.

If you are lucky enough to live near one of the seven Bath & Body Works Outlet stores - GO, stock up.

I heart Gap dresses

2007-05-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

I think I buy at least 2 dresses from the Gap (or Gap Outlet) every year. Gap clothes always seem to fit me correctly or something. I have the perfect sexy strapless LBD that I got at the Gap Outlet for $10 that I have worn twice on NYE and out to a fancy LA nightclub. With a great pair of heels and a clutch - it's perfect.

I got this dress a couple months ago, and it's so cute, yet forgiving. Perfect for summer.

At the Gap Outlet at Katy Mills yesterday, I found a similarly cut dress in the most GORGEOUS deep royal blue color (I've wanted a dress this color FOREVER ... and by forever, I mean since last summer.). $34.99? It's mine. I think it also came in black (much like this one at Gap that's $49.50).

I heard Unexpected Finds

2007-05-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

When looking at cheap-er handbags ($25-$60), I usually end up not getting them, because I usually convince myself that I would rather save the $25 to put towards a higher quality bag that I love. However, when I saw this bag, I loved the shape, and the gold hardware, I immediately liked it. And it wasn't $25, it wasn't even $10... It was FIVE DOLLARS!

It's not leather, of course, but it's a pretty nice purse (and doesn't smell like plastic, which is usually my problem with cheap non-leather purses). And for the price, even if I only carry it today, it will be ok. $5! Seriously!

So, where did I find it? Garden Ridge! It was on a table at the front of the store with a bunch of other $5 bags (including this one in brown).

[Sorry for the crappy picture, it's with my (older) camera phone]

Red Steve Madden Pumps

2007-05-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

Inside my head while in the Nordstrom shoe department...

"I'm tired of red shoes, where are the blue and the yellow?"

"Patent will be out by the end of the summer... so I really don't need any more patent!"

"I really don't need any more pumps... I need open toes - it's summer!"

"Steve Madden shoes have gotten so uncomfortable!"

"OHMYGOD I HAVE TO HAVE THOSE!"

[Red, Patent, Steve Madden Pumps at Nordstrom, $69. Also in black patent & a satin polka dot.]

Love the cream strap in the back (that can go to the front, so you could wear them Mary Jane-style), and the red is a gorgeous deep red... and the heel is a comfortable 3". I wore them all day on Saturday (with my black & white chain-print wrap dress & red patent clutch from Express) to a graduation, dinner, and party - a little stiff, but no blisters!

I heart Cam Diaz's look

2007-05-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

She looks amazing. Love the blue necklace and earrings with the dress.

Bright shoes, where are you?

2007-05-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

I really love yellow shoes for Spring 2007. With gray or black... yummy!

I bought these (in yellow), but the heel seems too high (3 & 5/8"!). I still have them though. I might have to just keep them... especially since they are now sold out on Zappos! [Charles by Charles David Chime, $115] They still have them on Piperlime for $105 (probably because the pic on there doesn't do them justice). p.s. Get the Turquoise or Bone colored ones here for $39.98!

I scoured NYC for shoes last weekend. No luck. They either don't have my size, or the color is wrong for my skin, or they just don't work (and this is of the very few pairs of yellow shoes I saw).

I am also loving blue and green shoes. And for some reason, these pink ones called out to me at Macy's (but I didn't get them).

[$69 at Macy's]

[Marine blue shoes at Macy's (on sale for $45)]

[Yellow Steve Madden "Smoothe" at Nordstrom, $90]

Cute, but lately, Steve Madden's shoes have gotten sooo uncomfortable, and the reviews on Zappos confirm it.

I also saw a navy/royal blue dress with orange & white heels in lucky, and thought it looked cute. I'm not sure about orange though.

[Tahari Slingbacks, $110 at Macy's]
[BCBGirls "Library" Pump in Sunrise, $98 at Macy's or Piperlime (free shipping)] Apparently they were available in yellow also at one time.

Gray dress to wear with brights

2007-04-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting something gray to wear with the bright colors of summer (yellow + gray = yum!) for a while. Last night, I stopped by the Gap, and found this dress. The pic kinda washes it out, but it's kind of a deep bluish-gray... I thought it might look like a sack on, but it didn't. Very cute, and love the double hem at the bottom. Can't wait to find some yellow or royal blue accessories to wear with it! :) Perfect casual summer dress. Plus, it was way cheaper at the store than it is online - the salesgirl said they'd been flying off the rack yesterday.

[$49.99 at gap.com, but it was $23.99 at my Gap store!]

Surprising Finds

2007-04-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

[Black Patent Pump - $17.99]
[Linen-like Peep toe pump $19.99]
[Patent buckle flats $15.99]
[Green sneakers $19.99]
[Yellow polka-dot wedge $19.99]
[White fabric eyelet flats $17.99]

In my seemingly never-ending hunt for the perfect flat, I walked into Payless yesterday (it was next to my destination, Target) looking for flats. I was really impressed with the trendiness of some of their shoes. The Black patent pumps were the perfect heel height and looked nearly identical to the blue Poetic Licence ones I paid $90 for... except that the heel wasn't patent, it was black stacked rubber - I would have gotten them if it weren't for that. The Linen-like peep toe pump seemed really comfy and were super cute on. However, just sticking to essential shoes right now!

I bought the black patent flats (well, they have a slight heel) - they were padded nicely and I can tell they will hold their shape better than most of the flats I've tried on. I also would rather spend <$20 on flats until I'm sure I like the style enough to spend more. There were also some gorgeous patent royal blue ballet flats (not online), but they were thin, like most ballet flats are - and wouldn't hold their shape.

The yellow polka dot wedges I really LOVE, and may go back and get - I just worry about the fabric getting dirty and whether they look too childish. :)

I also BOGO'd the green sneakers - very cute, and I really needed some new ones for times when it's too cold for flip flops. LOVE the kelly green.

The white eyelet ballet flats (also came in pink) are very cute, but would get dirty in like 4.2 seconds.

There was also a very cute little girl begging her mom for these ballet shoes. So cute! [$15.99]

30% Off Naturalizer Shoes

2007-04-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

I've found a couple pairs of cute Naturalizer shoes this past year, and today, The Budget Fashionista has a 30% Friends & Family Coupon!

However, I'm in a furniture-buying/3-plane-tickets/broken-Ipod/I-really-really-want-this- $168-jacket spending lockdown right now, so I will not be heading out to Naturalizer. However, I can window shop online!

So.

These are super cute, and look very fashion-forward compared to all the same-old-same-old patent platform shoes out right now.

[$95, at Naturalizer.com (-30% off!) + $6.50 for shipping]

Peep-toe flats

2007-04-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

I was hesitant to the flat craze, and when I saw the peep-toe flats last year, I said "NEVER!" But, I really think these are cute. Probably won't get them, but I'll admit they are cute.

[$80 at Piperlime.com]

Also, Piperlime? While I appreciate the 20% off coupon you sent me - your selection sucks. All the shoes I really like are out of my price range ($400) or if they are in my price range - they are sold out of every size! [Although, the above shoe IS in my price range AND they do have my size, but I need to do some real life trying on of peep-toe flats before ordering any online]

I seriously am not finding anything on the website to buy! And I'm such a sucker for coupons, I should be able to find something!

I heart this bag

2007-04-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

I love the shape, the bright color, the price, and the gold hardware!

Will the straps allow me to carry it over my shoulder? Hmm. [Maxx New York Bridle Bag, $148 at Nordstrom - also in black or white]

Check out the cute paisley inside too:

Adorable!

[Update 5.7.07 - The price has gone UP on Nordstrom.com to $198!]

New Shoes + New Dress = New Outfit?

2007-04-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

Per my last post, I returned those 2 pairs of patent pumps, and then ordered these:

[$92.95 at Zappos]

Love them! They are a gorgeous teal blue color, the toe cleavage is not too much, and they don't feel like 3.5"! I haven't worn them with the intended black & white chain-print dress, but I will.

And then this weekend, I hit up Gap (to return 7 of the 8 items I had bought online), and found 2 things to complement my new shoes:

1. Some dark gray (faded black?) bootcut jeans in Long- on the clearance rack for $29.99! I'm wearing them today with the shoes. [Not available online!]
2. This navy with tiny white polka-dots cotton dress:

[$54.50 at Gap]

It is kind of a babydoll dress, but the flowing-away-from-the-body seems really flattering (and like I won't have to wear a body slimmer!) - I don't think it makes me look preggers (my fiance' said it didn't, but I may need to seek a girl's opinion)... I'm planning on dressing it up for (casual) work with a white lace cami, the shoes, & a jean jacket.

3 New Pairs of Shoes

2007-03-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have been looking and looking for shoes all over the place. I'm very particular, and even though I've had bad luck with ordering shoes online, I'm at it again. With the free shipping/free returns at Zappos, Piperlime, and Endless; I really can't help myself.

Pair #1: Dolce Vita, Marine Patent Leather - $125 at Zappos

As part of the 80s stuff I can actually get into, I wanted some bright-colored, but not cheap-looking pumps. I'm kind of over red, but I wanted some colored shoes to wear, in particular, with my new black & white dress. I think these look fun. Plus, the review say they aren't really "patent" leather, which I like.

Pair #2: Tribeca by Kenneth Cole, Bellerina, black - $72.95 at Zappos

I've wanted these for a while. Finally decided on black. Hopefully they will be as cute in person.

Pair #3: Report Signature Vivian Pump, gray, $69.90 (with -$5 shipping) at Endless - I bought the last 7.5 pair! [$134 at Zappos!]

I know gray was huge for fall, but I just love these. I think the stacked wood heel keeps them from looking too "fall." The price didn't hurt either!

By the way, I LOVE Endless.com. What a great website. We'll see how their service rivals Zappos, but I love the sorting functions, the sale area, the fairer prices, and the lack of JUNK. You do have to act fast though. Yesterday, these $140 [at Nordstrom] Hype shoes were $39. Today they're gone.

I'm still wanting some cute leather flats (love these Steve Madden Trebbles in green), but I'm not willing to pay $60+ for casual shoes.

Update: Kept the Tribecas (they really are STIFF though), returned the 2 pumps (too much toe cleavage on both, and the gray ones were SUPER gorgeous, but the heel height was way too high for me!). I did buy some new patent pumps at Zappos... see next post!

BCBGirls Amsterdam Shopper

2007-03-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting a blue purse with gold for a while... it sounds 80s, but I love that it doesn't look that way. This purse claims to be black, but it really looks navy, doesn't it? I love the name of this style of purse too - a "shopper." [BCBGirls - $188 at Nordstrom]

JC Penney Wedges

2007-03-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

I saw these in Marie Claire in an ad for JC Penney's... thought they were pretty cute! [$44.99 at JCP]

Tribeca Shoes

2007-03-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

About 7 years ago, I used to LOVE Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes. But with shoes like these, they've lost me in recent years. Tribeca (by Kenneth Cole), is what Reaction used to be. Cute, fashionable shoes, for very reasonable prices.

I tried these on at Macy's this weekend [$59 @ Macy's], and they were really comfortable. I'm thinking about going back and getting them, even though I don't really *need* them.

[Zappos Link]

And I still like these a lot, but I'm unsure about the small peep toe and which color to get! [Zappos Link]

And last, but not least, I love these. [$63 @ Zappos] But... navy? black? or watermelon? "Decisions are the WORST!"

It's been a while.

2007-03-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

In the past month, I've gotten engaged, bought a house, sold a car, bought a car, and been on vacation. Not much time for shopping, even online!

My most recent purchases have been for my house, including this super cute desk from West Elm...

....pillows from Target (plus a couple same color ones with dandelions on them) to go with a brown leather couch...

This is my theme color (with white & chocolate brown) for my new living room.

The bedroom is going to be a greenish-blue color (with white & chocolate brown) . I haven't found the ideal bed stuff yet.

I did buy a couple of pairs of shoes at Zappos, only to return them. I really want some wedges, but haven't found any that I really love because I can't wear tiny peep-toes, I'm too tall for super platforms that are everywhere, I'm fine with hints of 80s, but a complete resurgence is just GROSS.

In addition to wedges, I want a pair of fun-colored shoes, and I am so in love with navy shoes, but haven't found the perfect pair. I like these Steve Madden's (saw them at Nordstrom), but 3.75" heel? No thanks. [And, yes, Heather & Jessica - why don't SMs fit like they used to?]

I heart Woven Stacked Peep-toe Platforms

2007-01-22T14:38:00.000-08:00

I keep seeing them and falling in love.

The first pair I saw were these Circa Joan & David Yamina pumps. I liked everything about them (especially the deep chocolate brown) - except the wide heel. I bought a pair with a wide heel like that last year, and they feel "childish" or something to me. I dig more of a stiletto heel. [$89 at DSW, $150 at Nordstrom, $154 at Zappos]

Then, I found these Marc Fisher ones. The heel's a little bit more my style, but they feel really high. Definitely going to keep my eye on them though. [$89 at Macy's]

Evening Wedding outfit

2007-01-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

The dress I'm wearing, I have never been able to find online. I got it last year - it's Black House/White Market. It's black with a black lace overlay and vertical ribbon "boning," so it's fairly "busy" for a LBD - hence the simple black shoes.

My second pair of Guess pumps. I just love my brown croc ones so much - they are fairly comfortable, and they have really held up well. Also, I needed some black work shoes.

[$69 @ DSW, $59 at GuessFactory - limited sizes though]

[$12.50 at Old Navy]

When I first saw the purse, I hated the ribbon on it, but thought maybe I could remove it - but after seeing it complement the ribbon on the dress, it's a keeper.

Seriously, I was looking all over for a black shiny croc clutch for less than $100 and the only place I could find one is Old Navy?

Beach Bag #1

2007-01-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

I got this beach bag to wear with my brown swimsuit and denim skirt. (I didn't realize that it was "tie-dye" - I hate tie-dye. Hrmf.] [$19.50 at Old Navy]

Then of course, I went and got a berry-colored swimsuit, which is a little too fancy for my beach bag with the gold stitching and all. [$17.99 top + $17.99 bottom, at Target]

I think a green or cream with brown leather beach bag would match everything... so I'm still looking.

Spring Tops

2007-01-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

I finally used my $50 Reward Credits at BR to buy some new tops.

This top is in a unique "earthy" material [$34 at BR], and I loved the bluey-purple color, the snap up sleeves, and the super-flattering cut.

Here's the top I talked about a couple weeks ago (although I didn't remember till just now!). I got it in black. It also came in a (see-through) cream color, but no green, at the store. [$44 at BR]

Lastly, I got this ruched-neck sweater because 1. I love green and 2. it reminds me of this chocolate brown short-sleeve sweater that I got on the clearance rack at BR and absolutely LOVE. [$48 at BR]

New Jeans

2007-01-22T09:08:00.000-08:00

My all time favorite pair of jeans is a pair of bootcut Gap jeans that I got on the clearance rack for $29. They look more expensive (I think it's colored stitching) than they are, they fit perfect and are the perfect length for my highest heels, yet mysteriously also don't drag on the ground when I wear flip flops with them. I've had them for 3 years, I think, yet they still look stylish. I love them. They are kind of getting worn, but after 3 years of wear, that's to be expected.

I have bought several pairs of Gap jeans over the years, and with the exception of a few torn belt loops (from trying to hike up the low rise jeans), they have all held up pretty well. And even if they didn't, I have never paid more than $58 for jeans there!

Now, let's talk about my other favorite jeans. With the pricey jean craze, I have bought a few pairs. My first pair were the Blue Cult ones in November 2005. By the summer of 2006, the length had shrunk so much that I could only wear them with flip flops, and they are almost completely worn through on the thighs. They look like pants you'd wear to paint in or something. Gross. My second pair were David Kahn (the guy who makes Sevens) in April 2006. As of December 2006, they have a "run" in them, above the knee. Like they ran across something pointy. Still wearable, but it bothers me. In July 2006, I bought some Pine IV jeans. Last weekend, one of the back pocket buttons fell off. That really pissed me off - these are $180 jeans! So, that was the last straw for me - Nordstrom will take anything back at any time, and I still had the receipt, so I returned them. They don't sell them anymore, so I couldn't get another pair - and I was very very sad to see them go.

I did get another pair of jeans though - only $79! - Kut jeans. All the pictures on Nordstrom's website don't do them justice, but they are cute.

I also got this corduroy blazer, marked down from $110 to $29 (in the store). You can never have enough blazers.

Totally cute shoes

2007-01-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

I just love these Tribeca by Kenneth Cole wedges! [$69 at Macy's]

Now... cream or brown?

I heart these wedges

2007-01-16T12:29:00.000-08:00

[$74.95 at Nordstrom]

The "Taupe Pearl" (brown) is practical, and very "now." The dark blue (looks black!) intrigues me (I've been eyeing blue & green shoes lately). The dark tan looks "last year" to me, but I still dig it. I'm a little put off by the platform sole (I'm tall enough!), but they are very close to what I am looking for.

I'm also contemplating these wedges that are on sale for $45 at Zappos.

I wish they weren't black though.

Returning Guilt

2007-01-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

So, my friend recently told me that returning stuff costs stores money. While it makes sense, I had never really thought about it. I will order tons of stuff online from Gap (with their awesome online coupons & free shipping), and then try it on in the comfort of my own home and then return half of it. Why do they offer great online coupons and free shipping if it costs them money when you return it? And then they have cute tops with questionable flattery issues that are "gap.com exclusives" - you can't even go to the store to try it on!

[gap.com - $39.50]

Looks like I am going to have to order it online to just try it on. And I may have to return it to the store. Sorry, Gap.

So, since I'm ordering, what else can I get?

How about this top? [$29.50 at Gap]

[These $68 Trouser jeans are cute, but they are sold out of most sizes in Long]

[Maybe these $68 gray jeans - but why is the model wearing trouser jeans with Converse? Ew.]

I need some khaki bermuda shorts (SO happy these are back for another spring/summer!). I lived in my gray, brown, white, black, & navy ones (wow, I bought a lot of those) last year. [$39.50 at Gap]

And as much as I want this $49.50 smocked sundress, I'm not going to get it. It's definitely cute, but I don't need any more black dresses. Why doesn't it come in navy or something??

Nice hair

2007-01-15T07:56:00.000-08:00

Obviously, I stole this pic from Trent. But only because I really don't want to go to the Playboy site and hunt around for another pic at work! Anyways, I like this chick's hair and aviators. A few years ago I hated aviators, but I got a super cute aviator-ish pair at Ann Taylor Loft a couple months ago, and I love them. Wonder if I can get my hair to look that good?

Beach Bag

2007-01-14T16:25:00.000-08:00

I'm looking for a new beach bag to take with me on my upcoming trip. My 2 favorite swimsuits are brown, so I need something that will complement them, of course. I found this cute bag online at Target, and it's only $23, but it's only available online! I would like to look at it in the store to see just how durable the straw is. It reminds me of a Kate Spade bag that my friend's mom had last year.

The canvas bag I bought at Target last year at this time did not hold up very long - the cloth lining ripped sometime this summer. I don't want that to happen again.

Still hunting... cute summer shoes and bags are hard to find in January!

The 2 faces of my wardrobe

2007-01-10T12:38:00.000-08:00

Currently, one side of my wardrobe needs a shiny black (preferably croc-embossed) clutch for going out and carrying to weddings and whatnot. I actually need it for a wedding this weekend, so I shouldn't even be looking online for it.

[On sale for $29.99 at Nine West - the red is also cute]

The casual side of my wardrobe is thinking about my upcoming trip to a tropical destination, and wanting some cute open-toed wedges. They can't be too platform, too 80s, or too childish though. [Striped Wedges, $88 @ BR - can't do the peep toe like that, but they're cute]

[Navy Michael Kors Logo Wedges, $97 @ Nordstrom - Cute shoe, but I hate logos!]

Spring tops at BR

2007-01-09T13:57:00.000-08:00

It's tops like this that just make me SAD about the state of fashion. Seriously, I tried it on - it's a SACK with a ROPE that ties around it. Completely unflattering. The neckline and color are cute, though, which is why I tried it on. [$68 @ BR]

On the other hand, I just love this color. Fantastic with jeans or navy. Maybe this one will fit better. Need to check it out at the store (also to make sure the color doesn't wash me out). [$44 @ BR, also in black]

I've been so frightened by some of the fashions I've seen lately. Especially the leggings. Please, leggings, GO AWAY.

I want this!

2007-01-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

Spend $95 in Nordstrom's Beauty Dept online and get this cool train case filled with goodies for free! Too bad I'm in a "no spending money" mode.

Bella Muse

2006-12-30T10:42:00.000-08:00

I was enchanted by this girl's artwork the minute I saw her set up on a corner in SoHo. I didn't actually buy anything from her because I couldn't decide which print I wanted! I did buy a couple holiday cards, and lucky for me, she has a website where I can debate my selections further. I especially loves all the greens she uses.

Here are my faves (the monkey is for my bf - I think the modern art-ness of it is me, the monkey is very him):

I heart ballet flats

2006-12-21T11:26:00.000-08:00

These $69 Me Too 'Nevada' Flats @ Nordstrom appear to be the same (look at the bottoms!) as these that I got at Naturalizer. The Me Too ones come in a more fun variety of colors too!

I'm really loving my Naturalizers - they are sooo comfortable to walk in (the rubber soles are heavenly) and really held up on my NY shopping trip. They look really cute peeking out from my jeans, and even with socks. I'm happy I bought them.

And so "the girl who would never wear flats" is now a convert. I want another pair. I'm thinking a deep red, but I'm worried red is too popular, and I should probably get a print. I'm also loving gray leather. [Jeffrey Campbell 'Love' Flat $69.95] [Steve Madden 'Bees' Skimmer $64.95] [Dr. Scholl's 'Boa' Flat $68.95]

Uniqlo

2006-12-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

After being pretty dissapointed at H&M (lacking in sizes in things I wanted, purses/accesories were super-cheap looking (and I'm a big Forever 21 fan), overly hot, & long lines at the registers), I found solace at the newly opened Japanese-import Uniqlo in SOHO.

It's bright, it's fun, it has that sweater you want in every color. $69 cashmere sweaters (we'll see how they hold up), $29 wool sweaters, tons of cute jackets.

The store seems a little overwhelming with it's rainbow of floor-to-3-stories-high shelves of sweaters, and a million black wool coats & jackets, but it's so much fun to be there. With store workers everywhere - folding, helping, checking you out - the service is adequately good.

Their website is pretty lacking, but it's new to the US. It's definitely going to be a stop for me every time I'm in NYC.

"My mom calls it Bloomie's!"

2006-12-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

So, I had my first "real" experience at Bloomingdale's. I'm still a Nordstrom girl at heart (I don't think anywhere has better service), but Bloomingdale's is pretty magical. Especially in NYC, at Christmas.

I spent forever in their Christmas decoration area - bought some cute ornaments for me, and for my fam & friends.

My splurge was Paige Jeans. They are beautiful. I spent a long time trying on jeans - and finally settled on those (can't find them online - similar to these). $194, but I feel justified because I've bought almost no pants this year, and I've been wearing jeans to work more and more. Also, the cost-per-wear will definitely be less than $2, which is the Budget Fashionista's Golden Rule.

"Where did you get your jeans?"
"Bloomingdale's."

You just can't beat that.

Ballet Shoes

2006-12-06T07:33:00.000-08:00

If I can just fully break them in, I found some winter shopping shoes.

I looked all over the Houston Galleria - and narrowed it down to these $69 Steve Madden ruched ballet flats in Red or Brown Suede and these $65 Naturalizer ballet shoes in bronze. In the end, since they are for walking & shopping - the Naturalizer ones won out with their well-constructed, super-comfy supportive sole and cheaper price.

Turns out, however, that they had been mispriced, and even though they gave me the $65 price (AND honored my 1-day-expired $10 off coupon!!), the saleswoman quickly replaced all the price tags with $69 as I left.

I wore them shopping in Atlanta, and they rubbed a little on my foot bone, and rubbed one blister, but damn, the soles are comfortable. I'm definitely going to have to break them in a little more before NY in 2 weeks.

Also, for my trip to Atlanta & NY, I needed a warm coat that matched brown. Not wanting to spend too much (and not having seen anything that I wanted to spend money on), I headed to Burlington Coat Factory. I used to shop there when it first opened - when I was in high school. I remember stocking up on Abercrombie & Fitch denim shorts (before I had ever heard of A&F!)... Anyways, my friend has a cute coat that she got there, so I thought it couldn't be too bad.

And it wasn't. Although it definitely required a time committment, I found lots of cute coats by MICHAEL Michael Kors, DKNY, Esprit, Via Spiga, Calvin Klein, etc. I ended up with 2 coats:

A $49 green hooded down jacket that may be going back to the store if I can't justify buying it since I live in HOUSTON and it's kind of big to travel with.

...and a $59 gray Esprit Pea Coat (not online) that looks just lovely with my brown boots and red scarf/hat/gloves combo.

It looks a lot like this one, except it's gray & doesn't have a hood.

Scarves & hats & gloves

2006-11-29T07:23:00.000-08:00

Why is it so hard to find matching winter accesories that I actually like?

Why does this cute scarf have such an ugly (pom-poms? really?) hat?

Why do these Gap gloves not match these scarves (love the red)?

Why do these slouchy gloves not match anything?

I'm not looking to spend a lot, and hated what Old Navy had (fleece scarves? gross.). Maybe Target?

Also, I've been seeing the slouchy knee sock peeking over the tops of boots in several magazines. Is this the type of sock (or maybe these?) you buy to achieve that look? I need to investigate!

Winter shopping shoes

2006-11-29T07:01:00.000-08:00

I'm going to NYC again in a couple of weeks, and it's going to be All About Shopping. In Houston, when you shop in the winter, and need to have comfortable shoes, you can pretty much wear flip flops (yes, a fashion faux pa, but whatevs). In New York, not so much.

I have some cute & fashionable Diesel sneakers, but they are light-colored, and I'm picturing sludging through dirty snow, and really they are not all that comfortable.

Ideally, I would wear boots. But even though the no-heel boot is huge this year, I'm not feeling it and know that I would never wear them otherwise. And snow boots with or without the wedge heel - cute, but not really for me. Also, you pretty much have to tuck your jeans in them, and as cute as I think others are with that look, it's not for me.

Sooo... looking for some more non-athletic sneakers... I found some cute ones at DSW, that were light-colored. I checked out Payless for boots, and found these super-cute ones, but I hate the color. The similar navy ones are a better color, but still, eh.

My friend has the cutest green Pumas, so I guess I need to go to their store and see what they have. As much as I dislike spending $75 on shoes like that, these are supercute. And I guess it's a necessity.

I'm still open to suggestions though!

Fancy Shoes from Payless

2006-11-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

I "wow"ed when I saw these on the Payless splash page, thinking that they would look cute with a LBD... I don't think I'd actually buy them, but way to go Payless for not copying a mainstream shoe for once...

Sweaters

2006-11-21T14:10:00.000-08:00

Got a couple of new sweaters at BR this weekend.

This one, I'm hoping to pair with my dark brown dressy bermuda shorts and tall dark brown boots. Weighing my options about what to layer under it...

This one, I just loved the dark meditteranean-blue of it. The picture does not do it justice. I generally dislike unfinished hems, but I was willing to overlook it because of the color. Also, it's super-warm!

New boots

2006-11-21T13:54:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally found them. I've been looking & looking for some classic style, knee-high, dark brown LEATHER boots for large calves for under $150, and I got them.

For months, all I've been finding are the plastic-y stretch boots that fit over my calves, and was about to settle for that type when I found these. The brown is MUCH darker than in the picture, although I still wish it was a tad darker (anyone know of anything I can put on the leather to make it a smidgen darker? There's got to be something...). They were pretty comfortable to wear all day at work too. The website claims the heel is 3.5", but I think it's more like 3.25".
I got them on sale for $109 (plus the 11% "international shopper" discount I always seem to get at Macy's), and they had a deal where if you spent $100, you got 2 $10 giftcards for future purchases! So, I also got these in Lipstick Red (much MUCH REDder than the picture shows).

They aren't the best-looking pump ever, but they have a comfy flex-sole, and the heel does not feel 3.25," even though it is (I measured it). Perfect for work. They were on sale for $49 - $20 coupon = $29! Not bad.

New going out jacket

2006-11-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't been shopping too much lately (trying to save a little money), but I had to splurge a little on this jacket.

For years I have been trying to find the perfect "going out" jacket. Several years ago the fitted black leather jacket fit the bill. Last year, it was the velvet jacket (but I knew that trend wouldn't last, so I bought a cheap one at Charlotte Russe!).

The requirements are that it has too look good with jeans, black, or brown, be able to dress up or dress down slightly and look good with a multitude of colors.

...and I found it.

I think it looks less "prissy" in person. It's the perfect classic charcoal gray, it's a unique shape, but not super-trendy, so I can still wear it next year. The belt cinches in just enough at the waist. I love it. At $168, it's a little pricey for me for a jacket, but I used my 10% off coupon & was returning some stuff, so I justified it. :) The salesgirl at BR said it was her favorite item from the fall line too.

I wore it on Friday & Saturday nights this weekend - with a red top and jeans one night and a green top the other night. I got lots of complements on it.

Fall Sweaters

2006-11-02T19:32:00.000-08:00

Since it's finally getting slightly cold here, I'm wearing sweaters. Only I'm finding that all my sweaters are too short... well, at least for this fall's fashions. So I ran to the Gap last night and picked up this long ballet-neck sweater in brown. I love the long ribbed cuffs.

I also have my eye on this sweater from Old Navy. I like the green and the red... oh, and the charcoal. But as with all things Old Navy, I will need to check out the quality in person. [side note: why is everything heathered this fall? Heathering's fine on some things, but when I'm trying to match heathered brown pants and all I can find in complementary colors is heathered stuff... I certainly can't wear heathered from head to toe!!]

Rafe at Target?!?

2006-10-31T07:40:00.000-08:00

I love Rafe! How did I not know about this?

I need a going out clutch. I'm loving the Navy on this Hobo bag, but the navy looks darker on the clutch.

Love the little Rafe tag too!

Definitely worth a visit to Target!

More Payless Boots

2006-10-31T07:23:00.000-08:00

I'm not in love with them, but I've still been thinking about these, because they actually fit over my jeans, and I'm loving that look, even though I don't know how I really feel about wearing it, since it hasn't really caught on in it's-85-degrees-today Houston.

Anyways, saw these cute Payless boots in Shop, Etc. Don't so much like the color though - dark colors are in for fall, doesn't Payless know that?

Down with leggings

2006-10-30T08:57:00.000-08:00

I was tired of the leggings trend before it even started. Me, 8th grade, black lace-bottomed leggings, white cotton shorts, pink shirt, pink socks, black Keds. *Shudder* I did NOT want to relive any of that.

Luckily, it's been too hot here in Houston for anyone other than junior high kids or super-trendy fake girls at clubs for leggings to catch on. Thank God.

And this article pretty much sums up the rest.

"Beyond the fact that they can be profoundly unflattering on the wrong
figure, in the wrong proportions and with the wrong skirt, dress or tunic, they
are also too obvious. " [Thanks, Trent]

Abso-freaking-lutely.

The Cheapest Jewelry Ever

2006-10-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

I swear I saw this same necklace & earrings on the streets of SoHo in New York for $20.

$2.50 in the "dollar section" at Target. Part of their "Asian Fusion" collection that's going on right now. [Not available online]

Ok, for some reason the pic is showing up sideways. Necklace on the right, 2 earrings on the left. You get the picture (literally).

Yes, they are cheap and will probably bend in half after the 3rd wear, but they sure are cute!

Piper Lime - New Online Shoe Store from Gap Inc.

2006-10-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

Gap Inc. has a new online shoe store - Piper Lime - free shipping and returns. It's no Zappos, but it has definite potential. It has some higher-end shoe lines, and some of my faves like Franco Sarto and Charles David.

Get 10% off your first purchase there with your BR, Gap, or Old Navy card till 12/31/06 - promo code: TREAT.

This is why I want some (more) red shoes!

2006-10-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

How cute does Ashlee look with the red shoes poking out from her jeans? [Source]

But I'm already tired of the patents and the peep-toes, which seems to be all that's out there.

These $59 BP ones kind of look like them (and I've been living in a red strappy pair of BPs since the summer).

Linea Paolo does some too for $89 (with a 4" heel - ouch!).

New pumps

2006-10-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

For a while, I wanted some croco-like chocolate brown peep toe pumps - but after trying on numerous peep-toes and even buying some and taking them back, I've decided that I cannot pull off the small peep-toe look.

Sooo... I still desperately needed some chocolate brown work shoes.

And then I was going to an event on Friday that I wanted to wear my chocolate brown pencil skirt and my heathered-green ("root beer"?) silk drapey BR top, and I Had to Have some shoes.

Off to DSW I went... I found some beautiful dark brown Guess croco pumps. I usually steer away from Guess shoes because, well, Guess, for one, reminds me of the 80s. And two, their heels are usually sky high! Well, these weren't too bad. I think they are 3 & 1/4", which I can handle. They also seemed to have some padding under the ball of the foot - ingenious!

They were fairly comfortable on Friday (for 8 hours of standing/sitting). Wore them again out with jeans and a brown & gold strapless top (lots of walking on cobbles & streets), and my feet did hurt at 2 AM - but no blisters! And I'm wearing them today with my dark brown Express shorts & a dark red long sleeve deep V BR wool-crepe top [This is a top I haven't worn in like 2 years, but always kept it because it's fairly classic and super flattering - and this fall it's my fave color! I love it with brown.]. Also, shockingly, they don't slip up and down on my foot - which makes them the first pair of pumps that I haven't needed to put heel pads in the back of. They are a perfect fall shoe!

I couldn't find the exact pair online, but I think these are them, just not in croc... I paid $79 at DSW.
I'm loving the red ones too!

Gross.

2006-10-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

Isn't this model supposed to make this BR top look cute? Eww.

Cute Denim Jacket at Gap

2006-10-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

I bought this dark denim jacket when it was on sale for $35, but now it's $19.99. It's very cute and a little dressier than a regular denim jacket. Super cute for work.

Fall Boot Hunt

2006-10-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

This fall I'm looking for some dressy chocolate brown boots that aren't too trendy, with a narrow heel. I love the gold buckles on boots for fall, and while I know it's a current trend, I don't think it's too trendy that I couldn't wear them next year. I need a wide calf (or one I could get stretched). I also need a round-ish toe, or some kind of decoration across the foot, since my feet are a little wide.

I found some chocolate brown pebbled leather Nine West ones (for $79.99 at Marshall's!) that looked a little like these BCBGirls (with the wrap-around strap & buckle):

And I wasn't sure they were dressy enough for what I wanted. It's such a good deal, I might just get them anyway.

Also, I love these $550 Cole Haan boots. They are a little different, with the croco and all, but they are just beautiful.

Boots with jeans

2006-10-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

Even though it's a little "last year," I really like the boots with jeans look. Unfortunately, that also seems to mean buying some slim fit jeans (shudder!). Or at least slimmer in the knee than the jeans I have now. I found a slimmer bootcut pair at Arden B, that I have yet to buy, but I might go back and get them.

The other issue: finding boots that fit on my calves AND allow jeans to be tucked into them.

So, with my slim-ish David Kahn jeans on, I actually found a pair of boots at Payless, that fit over my jeans and calves and looked cute!

However, the DK jeans bagged a bit at the knees, and since I have no other jean options right now for the boots, I didn't get them. But if you have larger calves - these totally work!!

Express Editor Shorts

2006-10-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure when Express is planning on catching up with the information age, but their website sucks for shopping. I bet they would do good business online, considering they are sold out of sizes at their stores half the time.

Anyway, this summer I bought a pair of their light gray Editor City Shorts, and I love them. $49.50 was a bit more than I wanted to pay for shorts(!), but they are super-flattering, and perfect for work. I wanted a dark brown pair, but they were sold out all summer. I saw them again in the October Elle, and thought again how cute they would look for fall with shiny brown boots and a chunky sweater, so I went back to Express. They had 3 pairs out - the salesgirl said they've been flying off the rack! But lucky for me, they had plenty in the back! They also had some super-cute glen plaid-ish ones ($59.50), but I thought the solid brown would be more versatile.

Now if I could only find my ideal dressy chocolate brown boots... At least it's still warm enough here to wear shorts with heels for a few more weeks!

Oh Deer! shoes

2006-09-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to paz, a couple months ago I discovered that there were shoes besides Louboutins that had red soles.

I've looked for Oh Deer shoes at Nordstrom, and Macy's and haven't been able to find them to try on.

So today I finally bought some at Zappos. With free returns, I've got nothing to lose, right?

I did follow the commenters' advice and ordered an 8, which is a half size up from my norm. We'll see.

They were $113.95 on Zappos, but with their 110% of the difference price policy, I got them for $87.59 because I found them for $89.99 on this site.

Update: 10/1/06 - Unfortunately, these shoes were not for me. The size 8 was too big (so much for following the advice on Zappos!), but that was just the beginning - the peep toe was too small for my feet - my toes are not that long, so it looked weird. The front part of the shoe is small, so my feet looked all scrunched up and my legs looked not-so-good. It's a beautiful shoe, just not for me! Loooove the red bottoms though!!

Hmmm... I kinda like this sweater jacket

2006-09-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

It's gray. It's a sweater jacket. Both are big for fall.
I wonder how it would look on... [$60 on Bluefly]

Runway at Maxx, and shoes

2006-09-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

I've been spending lots of money on other areas of my life, and I decided I've gotta come up with some cheaper option for fall shoes.

Yesterday, I stopped by TJ Maxx and checked out their Runway at Maxx stuff. It was designated with signs and balloons. Clothes-wise, there were about 8 or so (picked-over) racks of higher-end stuff (Ralph Lauren, several Kenneth Cole leather jackets (all size XL), and some brands I'd never heard of). They also had several shelves full of jeans (Yanuk, Seven, etc.). Overall, I was unimpressed. Until I checked out the shoes - not exactly part of the "Runway at Maxx" section, but Stuart Weitzman, Cole Haan, Matisse, Via Spiga, oh my! Granted, most of the higher-end brand shoes left were larger sizes. There was a super-cute pair of black knee-high Cole Haan leather boots in my size (marked $150), but I have bigger calves, and alas they did not zip up.

What I found quite funny though, was the men's Runway at Maxx "section": One very small, very disheveled-looking rack with a few pairs of jeans and shirts crammed on it. Poor boys.

As always, TJ Maxx had the best selection of handbags. I love looking at handbags there.

Also, in my never ending quest for a pair of red-soled (ala Christian Loubitan) shoes - I did see that Chinese Laundry does this on some shoes as well (I saw a pair of black patent ones like those - $49.99 at Shoe Cents). They looked reeeaaally cheaply constructed. I really want to find a store where I can try on Oh Deer shoes.

In the end, I didn't buy anything for me. Probably a good thing.

I heart Jessica's boots

2006-09-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

Love these boots Jessica has on. They remind of the Coach ones I've been drooling over. [Source]

Houston News

2006-09-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

Clinton Kelly is coming to the Galleria Macy's on Sept 21!! Yay!!

The Runway at Maxx is coming to 2 Houston area TJ Maxx's. Including my favorite one, on West Gray.

It will feature "designer casual, career and evening wear, as well as shoes and handbags." Which will have the "same names that grace the runways of Paris, New York, Milan and other fashion capitals worldwide."

Sounds good to me. Can't wait to check it out!

[Thanks, ShopGirl]

Fall jackets

2006-09-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting jackets that will look good with my brown & gray & rich colors wardrobe that I'm aiming for fall/winter. I have 3 corduroy jackets (in winter white, olive green-ish, and chocolate brown), and a lot of black jackets & coats. I want something a little nicer to wear to go out, as well as something to keep me warm. The only jackets I seem to be finding are corduroy, and I obviously don't need any more of those. Plus - corduroy is not really all that dressy.

So, I've been contemplating glen plaids. And I've found that it's hard to find a non-suity jacket. In NYC this week, I saw a couple I liked at the temporary UNI QLO for $60 each, but the arms were too big on them, and they looked faded (although it may have been the lighting). They did have super-cute corduroy jackets (love the gray), and a really cute dark denim jacket.

I also found a BCBG one at Dillard's (and again at Bloomingdale's). Even if the price tag didn't deter me ($200+), they still didn't have my size.

I also saw this DKNY $278 coat at Nordstrom's. Gorgeous.

And there's also my old standby - Gap. Their jackets always fit me well. They have this $88 green-ish one, but it looks a little frumpled to me (especially for the price!). Might have to check it out at the store.

Also, just saw this BCBGirls purse - very cute. Looks a little Marc Jacobs-ish.

Also, is it wrong that I saw a girl on the SATC tour wearing this (gorgeous blue) BCBG dress and couldn't remember if I had seen it at Forever 21 or the BCBG dept at Dillard's? By the way - thin clingy knits? Just say no. This girl had a good body, and it still showed EVERY bump. Not good.

"Shoes of Death"

2006-09-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

I have sworn many-a-time that I would never buy shoes over 3.25" - I can sense how tall a pair of shoes are when I put them on - and I know I can't walk very far for very long in them without my feet hurting. I also have a theory that Carlos Santana hates women. He makes some very cute shoes (and some really not cute ones), but they always have very high heels.

So what did I do? I fell in love with some chocolate brown Carlos Santana shoes - complete with a 3.5" heel.

I've looked at these $89 shoes a couple of times at Foley's/Macy's, but this weekend, I really wanted some brown heels to wear to go out. They didn't feel that bad when I tried them on, and the guy at Macy's offered to give me a (hush hush) 11% "international shopper" discount. So I bought them.

As I continued my shopping trip, I peeked in the window of the Naturalizer store, and saw the exact same shoe. ON SALE for $70. [The color says "bronze," but they are really dark brown - even darker than the CS ones, even though the pics don't show that]. This was a sign, I needed these shoes. And they were Naturalizer, so they're bound to be more comfortable than Carlos Santana - right?

Of course, they are not. I tried to protect myself with ball-of-foot cushions. The front strap was already a little tight, but I thought they might help. I wore them out to a couple bars on Sat night with my Pine IV jeans and a dark green strapless top. The first bar (sitting) was ok. The second bar (standing for an hour) was not. My toes felt like they were bleeding.

After recovering for the rest of the weekend, I brought them into work today. I wore different shoes for my long walk in, but I'm wearing them around the office, and they seem ok. I took out the cushions, too.

I'm also going to NYC this weekend (yay!), and I want to bring them, but I'm scared!

Exactly what I'm looking for?

2006-08-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

I won't know until I try them on, but these $89 Jessica Simpsons look perfect.

Now, which color do I get? I wanted brown, but the green is kinda subtle and good too.

ETA: Found them at Nordstrom this weekend - the "snakeskin" looks super cheap, and the brown is very reddish. One thing I noticed about Jessica Simpson shoes - the sides "curve" in - so if you have a high arch (which I do), you don't have a huge GAP between your arch and the side of the shoe, as I often do - which is why I usually go for d'Orsay styles.

BOGO half off on Shoes at Macys.com

2006-08-29T07:24:00.000-07:00

Pretty good deal.

I love these Michael Michael Kors platforms. Don't like the color selection. Ooh, but they do come in "Oxblood" at Nordstrom's!
I also saw some gorgeous Enzo bronze-y platform peep-toes last night at Macy's, but I can't find them online. Not sure I need any more metallic shoes.

Actually, I really want some chocolate brown peep-toes (but a big peep-toe area, I don't like the tiny ones) with a design. Maybe croc? Hmm..

I love finding this stuff: Target copying Franco Sarto.

Shoes from WHBM

2006-08-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

I've wondered for a few years now why no one has imitated the red soles on Christian Louboutin's shoes. I love it. But I could never pay that much for shoes.

Now, lo and behold, in the White House Black Market Fall Catalog, I saw these babies.

They were uncredited in the catalog, so I looked them up online. Not quite as beautiful as they looked in the catalog, but I still might have to go check them out in person. I'm all about hints of red for fall, and I love them with these gray shorts - I have similar ones from Express that I just got.

Cute Top on a random website

2006-08-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

I like Office Pirate's feature where they take pics of random everyday girls that they think are cute in NYC. Saw this one - and thought her outfit (the top especially) was very cute. I have 2 pairs of long black shorts and am forever looking for new looks for them. This would be a good one.

Cute Coat

2006-08-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

I love the shape of this coat from the Gap - it comes in this color and chocolate. I love the chocolate, but would be afraid of my new purse blending in with it. And I'm so loving dark colors this fall, I'm not sure if I would be happy with this color or not.

The Payless "Fashion Lab"

2006-08-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

In high school and college, I loved Payless. One of my absolutely favorite pairs of shoes ever was a pair of bronze-brown "snakeskin" platform heels that I got for $7 on clearance at Payless! Every once in a while, I still go into Payless, and am saddened to find that most of their shoes are now just copies of Nine West or Steve Madden shoes. They seem to be stuck in a rut. So, I am happy to hear that they are trying to revamp their image and shoes, starting by hiring designer Laura Poretzky.

CEO Matt Rubel expressed a desire to "democratize fashion" and Payless is doing so by opening six stores, (temporarily named "Fashion Lab") with a better, trendy atmosphere. In order to attract the trend-driven 20-30 year old, the new look of the stores will include better lighting, curving side-walls and replacing the tall wire racks with lower counter tops to give the store a more "expensive" feel . The new stores will also offer accessories, such as handbags and watches. Six stores will open this summer and 20 to 30 stores are planned to be open by 2007. [Source] [Pictures of the shoes]

The shoes will range from $25-$45, and will also be available online.

My birthday present

2006-08-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

I love this Michael Kors purse I just can't decide which color. Chocolate or Toffee?

I can also get 8% "off" by using Lucky Rewards. Yay!

Hilarious

2006-08-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

"The only thing worse than having your makeup taken is having makeup smeared down your face because you can't touch up"

How about dying in a terrorist-hijacked plane?

Granted, when I saw the picture of the poor girl at the airport that had to throw away $60 worth of Lancome lip gloss, I was sad for her too, but I just thought that quote was ironic.

More inspiration for fall...

2006-08-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

I'm not wild about the sweater, but I love the rest of the outfit. I especially like that brown is now a "neutral" to be worn with charcoal (as pictured) or black.

Polka Dotted

2006-08-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

This would look super cute with red shoes. Looks flattering too. Only $30 at Forever 21!

Cute sneakers!

2006-08-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

Since I can pretty much wear flip-flops year round, I rarely wear anything else to run errands/walk a lot/whatever unless it's really freezing outside (i.e. below 50). A good pair of cute low-heeled "shopping boots" usually does the trick, but I haven't been able to find any low-heeled boots I like the past few seasons.

So, it's on to other options. I seriously can't wear flats. I think they sometimes look cute, but honestly, down here in the south, no one really wears them except old people and teenagers. All the 20-and-30-something girls love their heels and flip flops and rarely anything in between.

But I do like the occasional trendy sneaker. I bought some cute Diesel ones last year, and this year I think these Adidas are super cute... For $150 though, I probably won't get them.

What is the deal?

2006-08-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

Why is it when cashmere is blended with cotton that it comes off in furry clumps and gets all over everything?

I bought a sweater at Club Monaco last year that did that, it's dark pink - hot pink clumps look FAB all over my jeans.

Then I bought this one. Tried it on at home for 2 seconds with a white tank under it, and the tank got navy clumps all over it. Like I'd been rolling around with a navy puppy or something. I love the deep V, but it's going back.

You have the right to remain fabulous!

2006-08-09T13:21:00.001-07:00

My friend gave this to me... not sure where she got it.

How cute is that?

Jessica's dress

2006-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

I love it! She looks awesome - what a great winter dress and gorgeous shoes! [Source]

The reason I love Old Navy...

2006-08-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

Banana Republic basic T's colors:
Gap basic T's colors: Old Navy basic T's colors: ...and almost every "basic" they have is like that. I swear I own their long tank tops in almost every color. When I get tired of a color, it gets downgraded to workout / sleep tank, and I don't feel bad because they are so cheap!

Trends for fall: The Day Dress

2006-08-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

I do love that bebe dress, and want to go try it on soon, but this one is cute too (and only $78!), and looks slightly more flattering. I think I'm liking the reddish-purply colors this fall. It would look great with brown boots, I think.

I also got this dress at Forever 21. It looks much better in person, and even better on (I also wrapped the sash so that it ties in the middle of the back, not in the front). Forever 21 had a ton of cute (and cheap!) dresses, but limited sizes.

No more Foley's

2006-08-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Houston Foley's stores will officially become Macy's on September 9.

What is this?

Customers will at least be curious enough to give Macy's a try, he said, and it will come down to whether they see it as "the right product at the right price at the right place at the right time." Besides, he said, "customer loyalty is down to almost zero in America. It's almost a thing of the past."

No way!

I love Foley's, and while I will check out Macy's (I don't shop at the one at the Galleria now...), I will only shop there if I like what I see. I just think it is so weird they would say that.

Also, there will now be two Macy's stores at the Galleria. Greeeaaat. How about a Bergdorf's? Bloomingdale's? Barney's? A giant H&M??

Initially, Federated planned to close its Macy's store in the Galleria and
put it in the existing Galleria Foley's, but it has since decided to operate two
Macy's there. Each store will carry a similar mix of men's, women's and
children's merchandise, Smith said. The Foley's location will continue to carry
furniture, while the existing Macy's location will not.

You've got to be kidding

2006-08-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

These Marc Jacobs boots are on75% off at $250 (not that I would pay that much for silver boots)... but they only size they have left is equivalent to a US size 4?!?! Who wears that size?