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!!