New Shoes

I'm very excited for these shoes which I ordered today for $39.99 from Urban Outfitters! I tried them on in the store but they were too small, and for such a good price, free shipping, and in-store returns, I just couldn't resist picking up this kind of shoe that I've been wanting for a while now.

 The cutout makes these booties versatile enough to let me wear them into summer as opposed to just being a standard fall-winter boot.

 

 I do love the corset-like lacing.

 

 The subtle detail of the divided heel adds a little something to these shoes.

When they come in I'll post up pictures of how they look in person! If you're interested in getting them, you can find them on the Urban Outfitters website here.

Day After Christmas Shopping

Hello everyone, I hope you had a Merry Christmas or a restful federal holiday!

Today was the first day I ever went shopping after Christmas, but it was mom's idea and being the fashion-lover that I am I thought it would be fun. It was! We only went to two stores: DSW and Macy's. DSW had some things I liked but they just weren't comfortable--I'm all about comfortable shoes. Sacrificing comfort for fashion is totally unnecessary in my opinion, and if you hunt around enough you can find great shoes at good prices that are also comfortable. I'm pretty picky about all of my clothes but especially my shoes, so admittedly it takes me longer than most. However, today at Macy's I found a pair that will match anything through fall and winter because of the color blocking. Trendy and useful! The chunky heel is also not too chunky but is definitely sturdy enough that I'll be able to walk however many blocks to work next year and not be miserable. I'm pretty sure these might be man repellent, but I'm not concerned about it, hahah.


The Lil MaryJane by Nine West:

Christmas Gifts Part II

Hi everyone,

Back to the promised Christmas gifts. For now, this post is going to be a girl-centric one, but the next one will be a general gift guide.

I've been having a hard time finding presents that are something other than jewelry, purses,  etc. that aren't TERRIBLE. Seriously, who wants a market bag when you can buy one at Kroger? Or a leg roller massager that looks totally useless or a GROCERY LIST MAKER, "for when you just aren't spending enough time working to provide for your family, here's something that will complicate the simple task of making a grocery list BUT IT IS A GADGET SO IT WILL BE FUN!"

So I've kept it simple and pretty. This post is going to focus on jewelry and leather goods/purses. I've tried to pick things I think are objectively attractive, so even if I thought something was super cool and avant-garde and I'd totally like it, I kept it to things that I think most any girl would like (and that I would like too).


A quick note on what accessories/clothes NOT to buy women: belts, hats, socks, and pants. Belts can imply that she needs to keep her pants up higher, or that she's chubby and you'd like her to emphasize her waist more. Only if she has specifically said she would like a belt are you to go buy her a belt (the only exception to this being Hermes belts). Hats are really tricky to size and also find a shape and style appropriate for your face. She also might not like to wear hats, much less belts, period. Socks--totally boring. They say "I'm unimaginative and didn't try at all." Pants...just a strange present, and also really hard to find in the right size. Shirts, blouses, even dresses in the right cut are a thumbs up. Scarves are definitely always a hit, and shoes are okay if you include a gift receipt and get the right size. There is an easy way to figure out her shoe size: look in her closet. However, don't try to buy her heels based on her running sneakers. Girls may wear different sizes for different types of shoes, so if you're trying to get her flats, look at some she already has; if you're trying to buy her stilettos, look at the highest pair of heels she has in her closet. Now then, back to what TO buy!


First up, I love this ring from Kate Spade on sale for only $39.99. (A tip for ring buying: size does matter. If your lady has, what seem to you, to be unusually slender fingers then this ring won't fit her because it only comes in sizes 6-8. If you're unsure what her size is and she wears rings, just sneak one she doesn't wear much away to any store that sells jewelry (Macy's, Jared's, a jewelry appraiser) and ask them to size it for you. This is free, and they'll whip out what looks like a key ring but with long, tapered cylinders on it that are the different finger sizes and try the ring on them until it fits.) Anyway, here's the ring:

It's made of glass and 14kt gold, and it's so so lovely.


Next, also from Kate Spade, I couldn't resist this "A rose is a rose" tautological idiom bangle on sale for $44:

These coral earrings from Francesca's Collections are an oval shape that is universally flattering and are super affordable at $18:

The last jewelry item from Kate Spade is this ultra-trendy bow ring, that also comes in gold plating and clear plastic. It costs $39.99 on sale:

This 30" necklace for $32 from Francesca's Collections not only compliments the ring above it, but is a great gift for tall women and matches just about everything.

Getting super fancy now from Nordstrom's, on sale for $82.90, is this really pretty Nadri cubic zirconium bangle that is sure to stun anyone (in the best way possible). It's available in both rose gold (top) and gold (bottom):

Also really shiny and pretty, this unusual chandelier earring set from Nordstrom for $31.90 would make a wonderful present:

Changing gears a little bit, this lovely jewelry box from Anthropolgie on sale for $54.99 makes a sweet present on its own, but would also be an impressive, thoughtful way to present your gift and really show the time and thought you put into it. Presentation can be everything:

2.5" H x 4.5" W x 2" D

On to the leather goods and bags section now!


First up, if your lady has elegant, classic, and refined tastes, she'll definitely love this wallet from Kate Spade on sale for $75:

This green bag from Francesca's Collections is a fun and vibrant shade of green that can be worn across your body, on your shoulder, or carried by two straps. $54.00: 

Found on the Nordstrom's website, this wallet from Fossil for $32.90 comes in two adorable prints and is sure to be a hit--just make sure your lady doesn't already have a wallet (in good condition) that she loves/paid big bucks for and doesn't want to trade out yet:

Keeping with the color blocking trend that's going to be hot for spring and summer, this cross-body bag for $44.00 from Francesca's matches almost any outfit:

This $44.00 poppin' pink bag is too cute, and the gold chain sets off the fuchsia tone perfectly. Also from Francesca's:

Finally, if you don't feel comfortable picking something so personal for her, then LUSH always has amazing gift packages from $20.00 to ones like this one for $49.95 (and this one's for couples, even):

Included: Avobath Bath Bomb 6.3 Oz., Each Peach (And Two's A Pair) Massage Bar 2.2oz, The Olive Branch Shower Gel 3.3 Fl Oz, Snow Globe Soap 3.5 Oz,So White Bath Bomb 3.1 Oz, You've Been Mangoed Bath Melt 1oz, None Of Your Beeswax Lip Balm 10g.

Or, for $22.95 from Lush something smaller and more feminine:

Included: Snow Fairy Shower Gel 3.3 Fl Oz, Shimmy Shimmy Sparkle Bar 1 Oz, Angel's Delight Soap 2.1oz.

Alright, that should give you guys enough to peruse for now. Part III coming soon, with ideas for men, parents, and general cool swag!

Happy shopping!

Lady in Red

Perhaps it won't come as a big surprise that my favorite color is red. Crimson, scarlet, vermillion, all these shades make me really happy. So do shoes. And for whatever reason, red boots have been on my mind for fall. I think they would make a fun, peppy statement which wouldn't be too loud if done in a burgundy or cherry red for day time, and a great statement at night time if done right. What do you guys think?

This pair named "Lady in Rad" from ModCloth is just darling and only $39.99. My inner, fashionable Robin Hood really wants these:

Although to be honest I'm not sure about the length of the boot shaft. According to the details, it's 7.5" in height.

This pair named "Jordan" from LuckyBrand via 6pm.com is more subdued and better for kicking around in all types of weather. It will set you back $71.99 but I love the brass accent on the heel:

This next pair called Mavenue is from Nine West and I can only find it in this color ("Burgundy Suede") from their website.  They're on sale for $104.30--why that extra $0.30 is necessary I'm not sure, but they'd be a sexy statement for either day or evening. They have an inside zipper in the same burgundy tone on the other side. If anyone wants to get me an early Christmas present I would recommend these. Oh, by the way, I'm a size 8 ;).

Next up is "Paully" by a brand I've never heard of--Lumiani. Also via 6pm.com, these are $64.99 and while they're not what I would choose to wear, they do look like they could work with anything from a conservative style to a more artsy, eclectic look:
 

This next pair is a purrrfect (yes, I went there) blend of fun and sexy! The "Qupid Porter Bootie" from DSW would definitely add a lot of sass to your night on the town and is totally affordable at $44.95! If you are thinking of getting me two Christmas presents...I'm still a size 8, hahah.

But I've been favoring boots that don't come up to the knee so far. To round things out, I'm going to give you two boots I totally approve of in red that show it is possible to do a tasteful red boot. And then one example of something you should never, ever wear unless it's your first day working the night shift.

First up Via Spiga's Piper Boot from Nordstrom. Expensive at $249.90 (which is 30% off I might add), it is a great example of a classy, restrained, and fitted red knee-high boot. 

On the really high end of the scale is MiuMiu's super sleek, sexy (and sensibly named) Two-Tone Suede Boot available at Nordstrom. While I covet these, they are totally out of my college girl budget at $990. I'm really digging this two-tone combo though. For those of you with sticker shock, it does make sense that Miuccia Prada's (yes, that Prada) other brand would have very high price points: 

Finally, as promised, what not to wear:

You may be surprised to find out, as I was, that these "Blondey Boots" come from none other than Nine West! Originally retailing at $168.00, you can find them at the very affordable price of $39.99 at ShoeMetro.com.

There, all done obsessing over red boots (for now). Hopefully you're inspired to go out and get a pair of your own (or buy me a pair!). If you do get a pair, let me know and I'll feature them in this post =). 

Resisting any jokes about painting the town red...happy shopping!

Flash Sale Shoppers Beware!

While procrastinating instead of working on a paper due Monday, I found this article from the New York Times warning about blind faith in flash sale sites like Gilt or RueLaLa.

The takeaway point is to double-check prices with sites like www.6pm.com or www.overstock.com because they are often cheaper than on flash sale sites. However, all these kinds of websites tend to be cheaper than the original retail price in store or merchandise ordered from the vendor directly. An easy way to double check prices is to search for the item name and brand in Google, then click "Shopping Results for X".

I've had a similar experience with Salemail. I wanted some BCBG pumps on sale, listed at about $50. I decided to Google them on a whim and found them for $20 on www.6pm.com! They ended up being too big so I gave them to my friend Miranda as a Christmas present, but they were really nice:




Happy shopping!