Bad Luck Boots

I have the worst luck with Frye boots. This is the third pair I'm sending back (for various reasons). At least Zappos has free shipping both ways! Here's hoping the replacements work out.

Fall's Arrival

It's finally here. Today went from the upper seventies down to the low sixties and it's even supposed to dip into the forties overnight! The time has come to break out the fall boots and layers and I'm actually pretty excited about it. Off to sushi date night-my favorite!

Pre-Fall Shopping

With temps steadily in the hundreds this past week, it's pretty tough to think about the boots, sweaters, and layering that come with fall fashion, but Nordstrom eases the transition with its annual Anniversary Sale. It's always one of my favorite parts of July because the fall merchandise goes on pre-sale and you can get a sense of what's going to be hot for the upcoming season. I managed to snatch up a pair of boots and a cognac-colored pair of wedges that I can start wearing now. I'm hoping to go back once more before the sale ends next Sunday! Are you looking forward to wearing any fashion trends come fall?

Cute 'n' Comfy

Espadrilles are one of my favorite summer perks. These sparkly wedges by Aldo are so comfortable I could literally wear them all day without uttering even the smallest complaint. I just wish they could be worn all year long. Sadly, it's not possible here in New England. Open toes and snow don't mix well, which means I have to enjoy wearing them while I can!

Too Many Options

DSW kind of freaks me out. There are just way too many pairs of shoes. I usually leave empty handed, which wasn't any different tonight. I'm still on the hunt for some shoes to wear to my cousin's wedding this weekend. These are my back ups, you know, just in case.

Wedding Woes

My cousin Emma is getting married in two weeks and between a hectic work schedule and all the excitement surrounding my Chicago trip, I may have totally put off looking for a dress. Ooops! It's a late afternoon wedding and semi-formal, so I've narrowed it down to a few favorites. Ideally, I'd like to have a dress that I'll wear again for other nice occasions (or even a fun date night).


This Alice + Olivia number is my first choice. I actually bought it earlier today to ensure my size didn't sell out. I think this would be really versatile and I'd absolutely get multiple uses out of it. The only downside is that it's really plain (even for me). I'd pair it with some neon accessories and a bright mani to jazz it up a little (neons and neutrals are a great look right now).

I think these shoes would be a really fun pop of color:

Jessica Simpson Landy

And I could use a little help from Tom Binns in the accessories department, starting with these:


The other option would be wearing a bright, punchy dress with nude sandals or heels. These two strapless styles are my favorite (so far). I really wish I could find a pretty sea foam green dress, but apparently that's a tall order this season. Bold colors are much more prevalent.


J. Crew Alannah dress


Donna Morgan belted chiffon dress

What would you do (other than not procrastinate like I did)?
Any help is great!

Let's Play Dress Up

I love any excuse to don a pair of sky-high heels and tonight was no exception. In honor of Glenda's 30th birthday, her boyfriend threw an intimate surprise dinner party at a great Mediterranean restaurant downtown. It was just Glenda and twelve of her girlfriends, which is a nice way to celebrate without going for an over-the-top bash. There was even a fancy cake shaped like an iPad with her blog iced on to it! I had a great time and got to rock my favorite leopard heels. Of course, they paled in comparison to the birthday girl's sexy nude platform sandals.

Happy Birthday, Glenda!

Puddle Jumping

These boots were so necessary today. It's been raining cats and dogs!

Springtime Lusts

Take a peek at a few pretty pastels (and some fun extras) I wish would find their way into my closet this spring!


Shoshanna ruffle shoulder romper


Kate Spade coin purse


asos Jovanna scalloped dress


J. Crew deerskin moccasins


EmersonMade little blouse


Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air nail lacquer


J. Crew ruched bandeau tank

What are you coveting this spring?

What a Difference a Day Makes

These beauties were waiting on my doorstep when I got home today, which made today a million times better than yesterday! I love their worn-in look and rich color. I can't wait to take them out for a spin!

Going Green

Today was the perfect sunny, spring day! I had to break out my new camouflage Toms to celebrate the occasion and incorporate a little green into my outfit. I love these Toms in particular because they're made from twill that's produced from recycled plastic bottles and hemp fiber. Plus, they support Tom's great one-for-one cause!

Hope you all have a lucky St. Paddy's Day!

Belle of the Ball

Like so many of my girlfriends, I tuned in to watch the Academy Awards last night. For the most part, I thought the show was boring and dragged on a lot longer than necessary. The best part for me was watching the red carpet arrivals and picking apart all of the outfits. There were some highlights, like Mila Kunis, who looked romantic and glamorous in Elie Saab. I thought her whole look was flawless. I'd die to own a dress like that. There were far too many low points to mention (Nicole Kidman's atrocious kimono getup, Gwyneth Paltrow's sub-par musical performance, and whatever was going on with James Franco). Other notables: lots of big, colorful jewels, Justin Timberlake in Tom Ford, Anne Hathaway's custom Louboutins, and the performance by the PS22 chorus. Amazing!

What did you enjoy most/least about the show?

Shoes or Stilts?

I have to admit that I'm having a little shoe crisis here. I've had me eye on these Dany platforms by Jessica Simpson for a while now and when they went on sale last week, I snatched them up in my size before they vanished (again). I've admired them on Rumi at fashiontoast and more recently on Mara (her entire outfit is gorgeous). I took the plunge, but now I'm having second thoughts. Is the platform too much? Will it make me look like an Amazon woman with its 5 inch heel and 2+ inch platform (pushing me close to 5'10")? The upside is they're surprisingly comfy thanks to the platform. I think they're kinda fun and unique and perfect for a date night or drinks with the girls. Plus, they make my legs seem to go on forever.

What would you do?

Grand Wagoneer

I really love these Tommy Hilfiger ads that are running for fall. Growing up, my family always had a Jeep Grand Wagoneer and I thought it was super cool until I had two little sisters and we all had to sit next to one another in the back seat. Yikes! There were definitely some tense moments there. I feel like Wagoneers are the classic prepster car that could easily go from the beach to soccer games. Even though they stopped making the Jeeps in 1993, I'd still love to own one and drive it around the Cape in the summertime. Oh, and those L.L. Bean inspired lace-up boots are pretty amazing too!

Frye Not?

Now that it's fall in New England (and actually feels like fall), I'm ready to start pulling out the cozy sweaters and layering pieces from my closet. I've realized that what I'm really in need of is a stylish, durable pair of boots that can easily transition from running errands all day to grabbing dinner with friends. I'm willing to make an investment and spend a decent amount of money on a pair that will last. I've done some preliminary research and I keep coming back to Frye boots. They're sturdy, durable, and (supposedly) quite comfortable. I don't want anything too western-looking, but there were a lot of options at Piperlime and Shopbop. Here are some of the styles that I have my eye on so thus far.

Jane


Harlow


Taylor (how appropriate!)


Dorado


Anna


Which ones do you like? I'm not looking for anything too trendy here. I'd rather have something classic that will go with a variety of outfits.

Head Turner

These gorgeous Michael Kors platform sandals are the newest edition to my shoe collection, and easily one of the sexiest pairs I've ever owned. I had been lusting over the Brian Atwood pumps for a while now, but these had a much more summery feel and I just couldn't resist. Ankle straps are typically my mortal enemy, but once I tried these on I was sold. I love the zipper detail, the geometric shaped heel, and the fact that the neutral color can be paired with everything. Now I just have to find the perfect outfit to debut them out on the town!

Do you like?

A Bad Case of the Mondays

Today was not a good day. It was tough for me to get back into my routine after having such a hectic vacation week. I just didn't feel prepared or organized like I usually am, and it was frustrating. The good news is, my new summery Toms were waiting for me when I got home and tomorrow is a new day! I can't wait to wear my new shoes. It feels good to know that I've helped another child just by my footwear purchase.

Cute, right?

Never Say Never

I had a really enjoyable, albeit brief, visit home last week. One of the perks of going home is experiencing a lot better more (and better) shopping options. Even stores that we have here in Providence seem better stocked in the DC area. I'm not sure if that's just my perception or it's actually true. Anyways, I tried to take advantage of my limited time and decided to take a giant step outside of my comfort zone and try on a few items I would normally breeze right by.

One of these trends is open toe booties. I've seen them popping up in stores, magazines, and fashion blogs everywhere, but would never think about trying them on myself. They just don't seem very practical or versatile. Boy, was I wrong. I spotted these Steven by Steve Madden booties and had to try them. They were incredibly flattering and elongating (the 5 inch heel helps), and I had a hard time taking them off. It really made a difference seeing them on as opposed to just seeing them. They would look great with jeans or leggings, or a combo (aka jeggings). This brings me to my next unconventional item.



A few days prior to seeing the shoes, I actually convinced myself to try on a pair of jean leggings. I spotted a pair of Joe's Jeans jeggings while browsing at Anthropologie and gave them a whirl. Surprisingly, they were really cute and incredibly comfortable. They felt like an old pair of lounge pj's or yoga pants. Plus, I liked that they had actual pockets and a zip fly. I couldn't believe it! I actually put them back on the shelf because I was so shocked at how much I liked them (crazy, I know). I'm hoping both of these items go on sale in the next month or so and I can snag them while the stores are making room for all of their fall merchandise. Bottom line, sometimes it's fun to try something you wouldn't normally choose for yourself. You might just be very pleasantly surprised!

Which trends are you weary of?

Run, Forrest

I'm not the type of person who needs to know all of the features of a running shoe, such as the sole has compressed air that helps cushion the foot or gel beads massage the arch and achilles. That's all nonsense to me. I can tell whether or not I want a shoe within the first minute of putting it on. Enter Nike's Air Max+ 2009. It is seriously like walking on a cloud (or what I imagine that would feel like). I know a lot of people are not big Nike fans, but I've always had luck with their running shoes and cross trainers. The minute I slipped this on, I felt like I was wearing a cushiony, supportive slipper. I was ready to go! I just have to decide on a. the color and b. if the $160 price tag is justifiable. I'm partial to the neon orange. Surprising, no?!

Thoughts?

Lustworthy

I've had my eye on these staple pieces recently. They're somewhat pricey, but I think that I would get a lot of use out of them.

J. Crew leather moccasins in a fun color


J. Crew Fenton/Fallon chain necklace



Cute new Lululemon workout clothes


Marc by Marc Jacobs cinched hobo (love the stud embellishments and buttery soft texture)

Vince cowl neck leather jacket (tried this on and didn't want to take it off!)

What's on your current wish list?