US Open 2011 Continued--Traditionalism Lives On

Ana Ivanovic in Adidas, Maria Sharapova in Nike, Na Li in Nike, Pauline Parmentier in Lacoste, and Caroline Wozniacki in Stella McCartney for Adidas.

As adventurous as I can be in the trends I choose to wear, I usually fall back on the classics.  Tennis apparel is no exception.  While I loathe to be absolutely boring, I do stick with traditional shapes in skirts, tops, and dresses.  I rarely wear shorts to play unless my laundry bin is filling up and I haven't had a chance to refill my limited rotation of a tennis wardrobe.  There is something lovely about the traditions involved in tennis, and I am remiss if I attempt to mess with it to a large degree.  The ladies above exemplify (although, I will say, Caroline tends to wear some weird stuff from time to time) the classic tennis apparel that I love.  I don't mind a ruffle or splash of color here and there... but please, leave the crazy at home. 

Venus Williams and her Eleven line.

Venus always pushes the envelope when it comes to her outfits on the court.  This black dress with the lace back is actually one of her tamer options.  I'm just not a fan.  Isn't that lace uncomfortable as she tries to scramble around the court??

Galina Voskoboeva in Ellesse.

I actually have no idea who Voskoboeva is... and I know a lot of tennis players.  As I was trolling through tennis outfits from the US Open, I happened upon her ruffly concoction.  I like portrait collars, and as I mentioned, I like my share of ruffles, but this just looks weird to me.  Thoughts?

Christina McHale in Adidas.

Christina McHale was a bit of a Cinderella story.  She hails from neighboring New Jersey and upset Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli (seeded No. 8) to move forward to her first Third Round appearance at a grand slam.  The shapes of her top and bottom are classic and I love them.  However, the print on the skirt make me scratch my head and think... WTF??  I saw this outfit on several Adidas-sponsored players... and I shuddered every time at the garish print and color-coordinated shoes.  I will admit though, this is NOT anywhere near the worst I have seen.

US Open 2011--Celebrity Sightings

**Clockwise from far top left--Brooklyn Decker, Amanda Seyfried, Joanna Garcia, Vanessa Hudgens, Ciara, Maggie Q, Anna Wintour, and Blake Lively.  (Photos courtesy of People StyleWatch and Marie Claire UK)

J and I went to the US Open this past weekend while we were in the NYC area for a wedding in Long Island.  Man, everyone knows I am obsessed with tennis... but the Grand Slams are seriously something else.  They are truly a grand experience.  I've sat in a variety of seats in my times at Arthur Ashe... and I always feel truly blessed to just be there.  If you are a tennis fan, it is something you must try.  If you are an avid sports fan, it is something you must try.  If you like NYC, I highly recommend it. 

While my eyes were mainly glued to the tennis, as I hemmed and hawed over how easy the athletes make everything look, J mentioned that I was guilty of the once-over many a time as individuals passed by... and that I was victim to the once-over as well.  While I was confident that people were admiring what I was wearing (cream v-neck cotton dress with heather grey horizontal stripes, olive green grosgrain ribbon belt by JCrew with black and clear crystal embellishments, black cage gladiator sandal flats, cat eye sunglasses), I am sad to report that my observations were not all that positive.  I guess it is inevitable when you place yourself in a location full of tourists.  With tourists, you can shake your head and just assume they don't know any better... but with celebrities, poor fashion is just inexcusable.  Not all of them failed to make the cut.  Brooklyn Decker looked polished in her black Juicy Couture lace dress with scalloped sleeves and hem as she watched her husband win his first round match.  While it's not ideal for comfort or humid summer temperatures, Anna Wintour looks fabulous in an ikat-print sheath.  I suppose if you are the iconic Ms. Wintour, there is some a/c-powered room at your immediate accessibility if you start to break a sweat.  I love her outfit from Day 1 as well.  The brightly-colored statement necklace against the equally bright plaid is so lovely.  Blake Lively is always in-tune with fashion and locale--looking breezy and beautiful in her maxi dress.  Not sure I can jive with Amanda Seyfried's tourist-worthy outfit, as she adorns herself in a pink US Open t-shirt and denim wash Yankees cap.  Joanna Garcia looks prep-tastic, which was the uniform of at least 75% of women present on the grounds.  That being said... her outfit reminds me of the clothing worn by the women who were 45+ in age.  Maggie Q looks... old.  I have no comments either way with Ciara aside from her t-shirt being far from my taste in clothing.  The worst is, as always, Vanessa Hudgens... who, although being young, fabulously wealthy, and decent-looking, often manages to make herself look homeless.  Word to the wise Vanessa... boho does not equal hobo...despite the switcharoo of the same letters.

A Big Welcome Back... to Ourselves

Welcome Back!!

Having been in school for a lot of my life... the fall season marks new school supplies, shopping for a back-to-school wardrobe, and returning to a much busier schedule.  In the working world, that long summer vacation is a distant memory, but you can still look forward to the changing of leaves, temperatures, and most of all...wardrobe.

So most people who blog regularly take a day or two off...regroup... then return with posts the following week.  M and I... well, we took an entire summer off.  After a whirlwind summer, M has a new job, I am still at my current job... and we are both working really hard to get our lives back on track.  M was in DC visiting a few weekends ago, and we were in a buzz of excitement over the fall season's arrival...anticipating the weather and the fashion.  Fall is the favorite season for both of us--so we were loathe to keep the flurry of fall style just between us.  As we attempt to get back into the blogosphere, we hope to attract a few new visitors to the site.

So welcome back...and sit tight for suede, tights, knits, and boots...as we settle in for cooler, shorter days accompanied with lots of hot cups of coffee.  :)

Res Ipsa--Creamy Goodness

If there were any fashion icons who truly encapsulate the happy side of my "Res Ipsa" category these days, they seem to be the Middletons.  Kate and Pippa alike seem to have thrust themselves in the style limelight, and 9 times out of 10... I ended up wiping a puddle of drool from the front of my computer.

Kate Middleton in a beautiful creamy Alexander McQueen coat

Alexander McQueen cotton and wool-blend pique coat

At a price tag of a whopping $2,691 and change, I can't even dream of saving enough money to splurge on something like that coat.  Super sigh.  While I am not sure I could pull off the products of high end milliners quite like the Duchess does, I do have my own penchant for ladylike style.  Below is my take on true sophistication with a hint of glamour.  Gold accents, when done well, are always welcome in my book.

Kate Spade Day 90 Ensemble

The crisp white Ilana blazer brings tailored poise to the outfit.  The Tromp L'oeil Lace Lola dress is a perfectly balanced sheath--with its understated shape, dramatic black and white contrast, and lovely lace print.  The shiny gold Burnside Avenue Metallic Lauralee crossbody/shoulder bag adds pop to the subtle black and white combination.  The oversized clip earrings add over-the-top sparkle, but the shape allows the look to remain demure.  Use your imagination when it comes to adding necklaces, a belt, or a brooch.  My friend T would likely enjoy an unexpected gold belt like this one--embellished with gold armadillos.  I am not sure how easy it will be to find a coordinating gold-colored coffee mug.  ;)  Who knew that Kate Spade would suddenly seem more in my range of attainability?  Go figure.

Pure Lust--Mila Kunis is on a Roll

Mila Kunis has come out in some lovely frocks and ensembles... I definitely have wardrobe envy.  Or... maybe it's just jealousy over those legs... that body... and her ability to walk in sky-high pale pink platform pumps.  Or... all of the above. 

Mila Kunis in a showstopping Balmain skirt, black dolman sleeve top, and pale pink Charlotte Olympia suede pumps with metallic gold platform (yes, gold platform, and it still looked great)

J dvr'ed the MTV Movie Awards... and while it is an entertaining awards show... boy does it do a HUGE number on your self-esteem.  Yeah, when all the skinny minnies come out teetering in their gorgeous lofty heels and toned legs--I basically want to die.  However, it did not stop me from sharing a 60-calorie, sugar-free chocolate/vanilla pudding cup with J.  Wow.  SO sad.
The LA Times Fashion Blog, "Frugal Fashion," featured some sequin skirt options for those of us who may not be able to just run out and snab that hot, little Balmain number.

LaRok flirty sequin camo skirt, Tumbled sequin miniskirt, Victoria's Secret Sequin Mini, Express Sequin Mini

French Connection Paint Box Sequin Mini

 Dude.  BTW--this awards show just hits home how dominating the "Twilight" series is... and all the tweens' obsessions with its cast.  Harry Potter didn't get ONE!!  Poor Emma Watson and her hot white dress.  Just as another note--I hated Katie Cassidy's dress.  It looked terrible (and I love crochet and lace).  I guess I am still suffering with some beef I hold against her character Juliet in Gossip Girl... ;)

Kick Up the Heat--Summer Date Chic

While I'm the first gal to vote for a low key evening at the townhouse, dogs and J at her side, with a glass (or three) of Charles Shaw Shiraz (it's $3!!!!!!)... it is nice to get out once in awhile... have an ice cold summer seasonal brew at a nice outdoor venue... OR have a cozy little date night despite the sweltering temps of what we in DC have been experiencing lately.

Adrianna Papell White Lace Sheath, Eliza J Black Ruched Lace Sheath, Badgley Mischka Lissa Peeptoe Jeweled Pumps (grey satin or seafoam satin)

I know I have the same pump... just in different colors.  Look--sometimes, I just find a shoe that I would love to own in multiple colors... not that I've ever done that... or anything...

Res Ipsa--Summer is in the Air

FINALLY... there is summer in the air... and not the unpleasant, stifling, oppressive slap of summer heat that we experienced last week.  the enjoyable warm breeze of summer has finally arrived... and I think Gwen Stefani encapsulates the look perfectly below.  Her bright white sunglasses are so much fun... and the airy fabric of this maxi ensemble totally screams "welcome summer!!"  The only thing I would ditch are those booties... I think they weigh down the look, and also take away from the laid-back manner of this style.  If you wanted a sandal with heels... I would go with a cage or cutout look myself. 

A.L.C. Karla Silk Printed Tank, A.L.C. Luca Skirt, Ann Taylor Loft Briolette Dangle Earrings, Steve Madden Serenite Sandals

Res Ipsa--A Page Out of the Classic Reese

Reese Witherspoon in Barcelona promoting 'Water for Elephants'

Reese Witherspoon in London promoting 'Water for Elephants'

Reese and I (and M for that matter) have two things we immensely adore--sweetheart necklines and peeptoe pumps.  She wears both with an immeasurable air of class and sophistication that I envy.  She also possesses something else that is immeasurable from my point of view--her bank account.  Therefore, she can adorn herself with as many pairs of Jimmy Choo or Louboutin peeptoes as she likes, while I'm stuck in the real world...lusting after the shoes below.

PiperLime - Cole Haan Violet Air Peeptoe Pumps

The world is such a cruel, cruel place.

Unexpected Fashion Moguls--Livin' the Dream

Donatella Versace was all over the news and blogosphere in the past few days due to comments she made about celebrity designers.  "Some of these collections are for cheaper, mass market fashion. I don't think that creativity is there....  Pop stars can design snappy collections for their fans but global fashion brands need more than a touch of glamour to stay on top."  While I am sure that some of the teenybopper clothing lines cannot hold a candle to an iconic fashion house like Versace, I don't think that the accusation of having "lack of creativity" is necessarily a fair one.  Plenty of celebrities, whether they are actresses or musicians, have presented themselves as folks to be reckoned with in the fashion world.  I have received mixed opinions regarding Jessica Simpson and her monolith billion-dollar fashion empire, but I will say--I have two pairs of pumps from her line... and I love them.  (I guess you just have to try really hard to wipe out all images of Jessica Simpson in a pair of skimpy daisy dukes from that terrible "Dukes of Hazzard" movie.)

Katie Holmes is best known, these days, as the wife of psycho "is he gay" scientologist Tom Cruise (unfortunately, even her younger Dawsons Creek days are overshadowed by her strange marriage).  While the current goings-on in her acting career are known to few, even fewer may know that she's the founder of a high-end clothing line called Holmes & Yang.  Holmes' partner in the venture is Stylist Jeanne Yang.  Their objective was to "make pieces that you could bend over, pick up your kid, and still look really elegant while doing so" according to Yang. 

Holmes and Yang Fall 2011 Collection at Barneys

The line is in its second season at Barneys New York, so... either, it can't be all that bad... or fame and fortune can, indeed, buy all that you desire.  The line, which is priced outside of attainability for most normal folks, validates its steep tags on the foundation that everything is "Made in the USA."  Apparently, being made in the USA makes wardrobe staples in the line well into the $1,000 range, as a blazer can cost you $1,400 and a pencil skirt... a cool $1,250.  I will say, as I take a gander at items from what I can find through a Google search, it looks clean, sophisticated, and luxurious.  The NY Times also covered the collection.  However, was it really that hard for Katie Holmes, as a "mommy-on-the-go" to find clothes that fit her lifestyle?  I ask this, because the motto of Holmes and Yang's "realistic chic", does not really seem all that rare from designers currently present in the industry.  However, I am not a "mommy-on-the-go" attempting to meet all the demands of a celebrity lifestyle--with the knowledge base that comes with a celebrity bank account, so who knows.

I absolutely adore this blouse from her collection.  I prefer the outfit on the right to the more casual look on the left.

I think most of the items would not flatter my short, stubby body frame, but I could see how they would definitely look great on a taller gal like Holmes.  However, if I lost some poundage and tailored it to my body, I would love to rock this dress.  Perhaps, not with Katie's choice in shoes below, but I do love the look.

The loose, drapey style reflected in Malin's dress is showcased in their Spring 2011 LookBook.  Again, for those tall, lithe bodies out there...

Looking at the toned upper bodies of all these women makes me really want to hit the gym or a yoga class... pronto.  Ugh.  Curse you winter.

Our Closet--A Trip to Old Navy

Last night, J and I decided to make a trip to our neighborhood Old Navy to look for some shorts.  He had no shorts in any suitable sizes for the upcoming warm weather, so we thought Old Navy would be a good place to start.  After some perusing, we decided to pick up a few pairs of pretty no-nonsense cargo shorts for really cheap.

Old Navy Men's Authentic Cargo Shorts or Plaid Plain-Front Shorts

While I wasn't planning to buy anything for myself (trying to stay strong to the clothing hiatus), I asked J to pick out a few things for me.  It's always fun to get a different person's perspective on what he or she believes would look good on you, especially if he is your boyfriend.  J has a pretty good eye, because I came out with a few great items.  His first item was the navy and white striped romper below.

Old Navy Tie-Front Romper (Navy/White Stripe), Old Navy Khaki Heather Cardigan, Dolce Vita Elijah Gladiator Sandals, Anthropologie Gold "Bunny" Earrings

His other recommendation was the linen-blend roll-up dress below.  I purchased them in the sherbet orange and rolled oats shades featured below.  I really wanted to get the white one as well, because I thought it would be such a great summer item--but alas, the two small sizes left in the store were strangely large.

Old Navy Linen-blend Roll-up Dress, Accessories (L to R): Alexis Bittar Triple Link Earrings, Ralph Lauren Wide Elastic Belt, MICHAEL Michael Kors Python Belt, Shoes (L to R): Tory Burch Sally 2 Wedge Peeptoe Pumps, Nine West Riot Sandals, Kelsi Dagger Kassa Sliver Metallic Sandals

Overall, I'm really excited about these items for the warmer weather to come.  The linen-blend dresses are going to come in quite handy... and I can't wait to wear that romper out on the BEACH.  (Oh man, the word "beach" seems like worlds away!!)

Pure Lust--Red-Soled Glory

Christian Louboutin Pampas Ron 85 Pump

***drool***

Happy Friday--Oh, Sunny Day Where Art Thou?

Today's weather...blows.  I love that it is FINALLY Friday, and all we have to look forward to is an evening of gray and chillly drizzle, and a Saturday that is more of the same.  Gah.  Oh, what's even better?  We get a taste of Spring's glory on Sunday... only to be thrown back into the work week drivel (well, unless you're a government worker mayhaps) as the forecast predicts bright sun and low 80s on Monday.
Well, here's to you weather gods... I spit in your face and yearn for the warm sun...

Anthropologie Sunny Soiree Dress

Adorable Coral - TopShop's KARAT Flat

TopShop KARAT Coral Diamante Suede Flat

"Dear TopShop:  Your KARAT coral diamante suede flat is to die for.  The whimsical star-shaped embellishments would win any girl's heart.  The orange suede is spot-on, and is perfect for spring.  The reasonable price point of $100 makes this shoe attainable to a wide range of clientele.  That being said, you are only offering this beautiful shoe in sizes 6.5, 7.5, and 8.5... thus discriminating against either end of the shoe size spectrum.  I respectfully request that this be remedied immediately.  A size 5, available by close of business today, would be much appreciated.  Sincerely, H and M." 

Res Ipsa--A Lot of Growing Up to Do

Photo 3 of 13 in People StyleWatch's "Vanessa Hudgens Single-Girl Style"

You know how we just posted the desirable, "don't live without" snakeskin pump by Michael Kors?  Well, here is a great example of it done oh-so-poorly.  People StyleWatch highlights these 13 photos with the tag line "Vanessa's Sexy New Single Style," accompanied with the description, "Bye-bye, Zac!  Hello, bombshell!  Check out Hudgens's slinky and cool post-breakup looks."  She's a dead ringer for an oompa-loompa Jersey Shore castmember in Photos 1 and 11, obviously thinks that fishnet stockings and nude platform sandals are a good look pursuant to Photos 7 and 13, and is dressed for a 70s costume party in Photo 9.  Don't even get me started on the horrible shoe situation going on in Photo 10.  If these 13 photos are supposed to motivate all the single ladies to be up in the club, having just broke up, to do our own little thing, then... frankly... I'd rather he put a ring on it.

I'm pretty sure Zac Efron is having the last laugh.

Buster v. Bargain - Loubou...Who?

Snakeskin pumps are Spring 2011's new neutral, as the multitude of shades in one snakeskin print make the shoes very versatile. 

MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Flex' Peeptoe Pump and Christian Louboutin Mater Claude Python Peeptoe Pump

Every girl dreams of owning a pair of those iconic fire engine red soled Christian Louboutins.  That is... if you are a lover of shoes.  However, the large dent that a pair of Louboutins would make in almost anyone's bank account provides a barrier similar to that of the Manolo.  For those with average jobs accompanied by average salaries, the ability to keep a pair of shoes under $100 is not a preference, but an imperative.  Michael Kors achieves that with his 'Flex' Peeptoe Pump.  Calvin Klein also provides a nice option if you want a slightly different look.

Calvin Klein Kail Peeptoe Pump

I'll be watching you Michael Kors Flex Pump.  You will be mine... very soon.  :)

Pure Lust--The Great Manolo

Manolo Blahnik Clausado d'Orsay Pump

You come in beautiful royal blue and bright fuschia--the perfect colors to show off that satin gleam.  Your classic d'Orsay shape is timeless.  Your flirty bows don't detract from your overall elegance.  You also play hard-to-get with your $775 price tag--allowing only the well-funded elite to enjoy your company.  Curses.

Following Up--The Ditty on the Midi

M made a good point about my post on the midi skirt trend.  First, People StyleWatch's example of the midi skirt was not a good one.  Second, the skirt style that Kate Bosworth wore in that photo reflected the worst kind of midi skirt.  Third, her entire outfit lacked any color and was just so blah.  I should have just done my due diligence, and researched further into the runway world for better examples.  While the midi trend is still not for my short and stumpy frame, the Prabal Gurung Spring 2011 ready-to-wear collection made it clear that there are some body types out there that can pull it off (i.e. listen up you Heidi Klum types--whom I hate). 

Compare the above outfit with the supposed "sex appeal" of Kate Bosworth's outfit on People StyleWatch.  Exactly.  This black and white combination is the epitome of sex appeal.  Come on PSW.  You can do better than that.

I just want to wrap myself in this luxurious nude silk.  It looks incredibly comfy, yet incredibly sophisticated.  I love the shoe choice too.  Nude ankle wrap heeled sandals are so perfect!!

The fresh and colorful orange and aqua make me incredibly envious of this model's ability to wear the midi trend.  The tapered midi skirt gives the model great shape (unlike the frumpy hippie skirt Kate Bosworth chose), and the tailored lines from top to bottom do her long and lean frame great justice.  There are those great nude ankle wrap heeled sandals again!!
So, I guess I sort of eat my words.  Midi skirts can be done.  Just follow Prabal Gurung's example. 

Yay or Nay--Boo on "Midi" Skirts

I am short.  This has been a fact of my life since I was, ohhh, in the fifth grade and started to wonder why everyone was growing and I wasn't.  As I grew more fashion-conscious, the importance of choosing the right hemlines became more apparent.  I am super finicky about where my pant hems end.  I prefer them to almost touch the ground.  If skirts or dresses end more than two inches below my knees, it irks me because I feel frumpified.  Unfortunately, I spend a lot of cash altering almost everything I buy, because petite sizing is still a bit off on my 4'11" frame.  If only the beings above had taken a couple inches away from my brother (who is a bit over 6 feet)... and blessed me with the ability to be above 5 feet... I think my life would be a lot easier on the tailoring front.
Anyways--enough whining from me.  The whole point of that vent was to put my dislike of the "midi" skirt trend on record.  In theory, it's a trend that women should enjoy because it embraces a more effortless and comfortable style.  However--imho--it just doesn't work.

Image Courtesy of People StyleWatch

The blurb alongside of this photo of Kate Bosworth reads:  "A mid-calf skirt might be practical – but this season's spin is anything but prim. Kate Bosworth shows how to counterbalance the longer look with a sexy, arm-baring tank."  Okay--I'm sorry, but how does the black tank top counterbalance this skirt with any amount of sex appeal?  If a rail-thin blonde with a flawless milky complexion can't make it look non-frumpified, the rest of us are doomed.  Especially those, like me, who are challenged in the growth department.  What are your thoughts?

Trend to Try--Ikat, You Kat, We All Kat for...

A print that has emerged as an "it" print lately is ikat.  Frankly, I really didn't like it, and I am still not convinced to invest in the trend.  However, I know that I have exhibited stubbornness in accepting other prints in my life (yes, M is very aware of my longstanding hatred against paisley), so I decided to try and maintain an open mind.  After seeing icky iterations of way TOO much South American "flair" for my taste, Nordstrom recently rewarded my patience with the lovely piece below:

Maggy London Ikat Cotton Sateen Sheath Dress

I really love the combination of colors.  I think when I had observed ikat prints in the past... it was usually a muddled variation of one color with a few stripes of white mixed in between.  This color palette is exciting, and it really shows off the intricate pattern.  Orange is one of the most adored colors this spring, so I love the small bits of orange punch within the dress.  Grey has lately been my most adored neutral, so that adds a lot of appeal to me.  The white keeps it light, and the touches of black make it eye-catching.  You can add a pair of soft grey suede cutout heels, some blingy metallic peeptoe pumps, or simple black peeptoe pumps suitable for any work environment.  My recommendation on jewelry?  Keep it simple--no need to add more fuss to a busy print.  Add an understated gold link bracelet and diamond posts for the office, or prim it up with some pearl studs and necklace.  Taking the dress out on a dinner date?  Layer different gold-toned bracelets, a sparkly cocktail ring, and some fun chandelier earrings.  If you prefer necklaces, layer a few gold-toned necklaces for some subtle gleam.  Regardless of what you choose, it will be hard not to notice your lovely ensemble!!

Buster v. Bargain - Oooh...Shiny

I've been catching up on my People StyleWatch mags, and the Michael Kors pump below was listed as "worth the money."  I respectfully disagree.  While metallic pumps are a bold accent to any outfit, I don't think I'd shell out $200 for such a shoe.  However, I surely would pay $49 for such a shoe.  :)

Victoria's Secret Colin Stuart Pewter Metallic Foil Almond Toe Pumps, KORS Michael Kors Glitter Pump

I personally am a bigger fan of the Colin Stuart Pump anyways.  I love the subtle floral design captured in the metallic foil.  However, I think J might just murder me in my sleep if any more shoes get delivered to the house.  Therefore, I must refrain.  ;)

Sale Mail--Erin Condren Stationery at Plum District

Last year, I was taken with one of Erin Condren's stationery offerings that I posted about her notecards.  Plum District is featuring 50% off with their $25 for $50 plum deal.  Enjoy!!

My favorite by far is the "Candy Stripe" in lime from her Colorpress Giclee line.  It is tree-friendly as it is 100% cotton cardstock.  :)  Those little circle address labels are adorable!!

Sale Mail--AT Loft Extra 50% Off Sale Items

Ann Taylor Loft is one of my all-time favorite stores for clothing pieces capable of taking me from the office to happy hour to casual weekend errands.  I have purchased very few items from the Loft that are not super versatile.  I'm currently trying to resist the sale... we'll see how long I can hold out.

Cloudy/Rainy Spring Day

Stripe Knit Pullover Sweater, Three-Tier Ruffle Windbreaker, Marisa Sailor Pants, Cole Haan Air Bacara Ballet Flat

Sunny Spring Weekend

Stripe Cardigan, Marisa Slouchy Straight Twill Pants, Embellished Tunic, Nine West Ambitious Pumps, Nine West Avagh Flat

Spring Evening Date

Faux Wrap Shirtdress, Franco Sarto Luxe Platform Pumps

Other Desirables

Sequin Shoulder Cardi, Striped Boatneck Sweater, Sequin Front Top, Flower Pin

M's Spring Shopping Bag - Gotta Have Them Shoes

"Oh my God!  Do you know what these are? Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes!  I thought these were an urban shoe myth!"  --Carrie

Enzo Angiolini Mezzo Peeptoe Bow Pumps

Enzo Angiolini Martini Pumps with Bow Heel

Jessica Simpson Lepolia Flat

I LOVE that M has the same shoe size as me.  Watching her shoe purchases are just as exciting as my own, because I know these shoes will rotate through my own closet at some point.  That reminds me, I really do need to return her Cole Haan Almond Toe Pumps in gold with black trim/platform... maybe she'll forget I have them...

Happy Day-after St. Patrick's Day!!

I'm happy to report that I am not hung over and, therefore, am (thankfully) not curled under my desk wishing death upon myself.  I was able to enjoy a couple Hoegaardens last night and call it quits before anything got out of hand.  GO.  ME.  Hey, it's the little things in life that you can try and use to feel good about yourself.  ;)

Nine West Protoe Peeptoe Wedge

I recommended these shoes in a burnished yellow last spring/summer to a friend whose wardrobe I was redoing on the cheap.  I still love them... and the kelly green shade is quite fitting for the post.  Hopefully, whether you're feeling a bit groggy or not, they will brighten your day!

Buster v. Bargain - The Skinny on Skinnies

Skinny pants are here... and they are here to stay for as much as I can tell.  Skinny jeans, cigarette pants, tapered ankle pants, cropped chinos, ankle capris, capris... WHATEVER you want to call them... it looks like this style of pant is a fairly worthwhile investment.  I avoided the style, because for some reason I assumed, as many capri pants have done to me in the past, tapered ankle pants would make me look stumpy and fat.  However, after observing so many pictures of adorable outfits consisting of skinny pants and heels, I had to try them out.  I didn't want to invest too much money in a style that could totally wreak havoc on my self-esteem, so I chose to purchase a pair of tapered ankle pants in a soft sueded chino material from a clearance sale at Lands End last year.  I was so pleasantly surprised at the slimming effect and my ability to utilize the pants in my business casual work environment and transition them into casual and comfortable weekend outfits... that I purchased a few more.  The pants have worked great with flats or heels.
Now that Spring is steadfastly approaching, I am seeing skinny pants pop up everywhere.  And, as much as I adore JCrew's style, I am often aghast at the price of many simple items in their collection, e.g. ankle chino pants.

My suggestion?  Head over to the Lands End website and snap up a pair of their 4-way Stretch Twill Pants offered in Regular, Petite, or Plus sizes for a bargain price of $19.99.  The pants come in black, stone, or chocolate brown.  Compared to JCrew's New Cafe Capri at $79.50, I think it's a no-brainer, unless you have a particular sizing issue with either retailer.  Last year, I bought several pairs of the Modern Slim Leg Stretch Sueded Cotton Pants from Lands End in Golden Yellow, Hunter Green, and Black in the petite version, and wear them a lot with heels or flats.  I am still kicking myself for not buying the Khaki and Ivory colors, because they were such a great price.  I also purchased a pair of the Modern Ponte Snap Leg Cropped Pants in black (also the petite version), and am really considering the purchase of one or two more of the exact same pant... JUST BECAUSE they are so comfortable, but no one would ever know.  They look dressy when you dress the pant up, and perfect in a casual outfit when dressed down.  And at $14.97 a pair, why not??  The quality of Lands End is pretty superb, and despite buying from the "Overstocks" section, I have had no issues.  They frequently offer free shipping deals, and I just received an email today that you can manually enter the promotion code "NICESHOES" and the pin 1010 at the billing information page's promotion code section.  This will give you free shipping for any order over $50.  I'm currently tempted to purchase all of the 4-way stretch twill pants available on the website, as well as the extra pairs of black ponte snap pants... SIGH... darn you clothing purchase hiatus!!  Oh well.  While I only own the pants and flats below, I have created similar outfits with stuff I already have at home.  I say this with a twitch of annoyance, because I have been searching high and low for a pair of grey suede peeptoe pumps in that EXACT style, and i adore that stripe blazer.

At Work: Debenhems Orange Sheer Tie Blouse, PiperLime Aryn K Stripe Blazer, Lands End Modern Ponte Snap Leg Cropped Pants, and Nine West Grey Suede Peeptoe Pump.  On Weekends: F21 Heather Grey V-neck Tee, JCrew Cotton Dobby Scarf, Lands End Modern Ponte Snap Leg Cropped Pants, and Payless AE Chime Teal Flower Flats