Dial - a - Stylist

So, the Swanson Christmas party is in 7 days... let the panic begin. Several of my coworkers are desperately searching for the perfect holiday outfit. I have a consultation on Tuesday with a coworker to look for a dress and another coworker is praying the dress she ordered online is delivered before Saturday. I just spoke with another coworker that couldn't justify paying $160 for a dress she may wear only once. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions. The other night I had a coworker text me while she was trying on clothes at 3 different stores. I was sent several pictures of tops she thought looked cute - I found it easier to tell the truth and have less sugar coating in a text. The first picture she sent me was a red sweater with what I would call homeless holes in it and she asked me what to wear under it (thank goodness). First I said, 'Well, that wouldn't be my first pick out of everything in the store.' I then recieved 3 more pictures of similar shirts (ones that I would not wear) and I found myself saying, 'What's next?' I managed to talk her into buying a cute red shirt with a embellished neckline that would be super cute with the bottom she had picked out - black skirt, black leggings and black knee high boots.

As I was wearing my sweatpants and a tee shirt at home...yes I wear those, but in the privacy of my house, not in public... all I could think about while looking at her pictures was I wish I was in a fitting room! I enjoyed giving her advice about what to purchase, but it was hard to bite my tongue and not be able to grab the not so attractive things out of her hands. While hole-y shirts may look good on some people, most of those people are walking the streets on Hollywood Blvd late at night. I am more than happy to give my opinion about your fitting room photos, but be ready for honesty.

Approved for a credit card!!!

Pro -

   No more waiting to buy clothes after I try them on. I can take them home that day.

    I won't have a sad face when I walk out of the store leaving the clothes I tried on there.

   My wardrobe will be incredible!

   I'll be able to have the latest fashions right away instead of buying on clearance trying to make them work during that season.

   I can help buy clothes for friends who desperately need a fashion intervention!

   I will feel that elated feeling after buying a cute outfit that I feel in love with after trying it on.

   My favorite store's employees will know me on a first name basis.

   There will be no need to wear my lounge clothes in public. At all.

   I will increase my self-esteem when I buy new clothes.

   I may even be able to buy some designer clothes, depending on my limit of course.

Con -

   I will have to pay it eventually.

Christmas comes early!

I like to think that people at my work think of me as fashionable. I'm dressed nicely and work appropriate in case I run into some important people during the day. So it was only a suprise to a couple people when I started looking for my Christmas party dress in August. Since I feel like one of the 5 most fashionable people where I work, the Christmas party is like my Red Carpet. I'm uber picky and everything has to look perfect so I had to start early.

After looking online and in a couple stores, I knew immediately after seeing a few dresses that I wanted to wear a royal blue dress for this year. I missed the last 2 parties due to family plans so my outfit this year has to be amazing! Not only do I have to have the 'Best Dressed' dress, but my whole look has to be the best. I want to wear my hair straight and in a messy side braid - I will need to make a practice run on my hair before that night. I'll match the dress with some big dangling earrings and bangle bracelets. And don't forget the shoes! I really want to wear my nude heels with the dress, but by the end of the night I'm sure my toes will match my royal blue dress.

 



I have it narrowed down to 3 dresses and I will be taking votes if anyone wants to vote. I think I have in my mind which one I'm going to get, but if you have a good argument for the one you like, I'm all ears.

Option #1- Online order, $56 and from a UK website

Option #2- Charlotte Russe online $30

Option #3- Victoria's Secret $50 - Adjustable dress 10 dresses in one!

This is one of my favorite events for the year and I enjoy getting ready for the night, hopefully I don't make the wrong decision and end up on the 'Worst Dressed' list.

If any of my fellow employees or other friends with holiday parties coming up would like some help choosing their outfit, I will be more than happy to help! 'Tis the season!







A word to the wise...

I walked into my apartment today and in the entryway was the normal stack of Midweeks laying in the corner. Except today, the Want-ads were laying on top and suprisingly had an article entitled "Winterize Your Wardrobe, Without The Bulk." As I read the article, it talked about bringing your sweaters back to life, breaking out the boots and taking an inventory of your winter gear. I felt like I was not ready for winter and most importantly, my closet was not ready for winter. Anyone who has seen my closet would say that I had more than enough for winter, perhaps 2 winters in row even. But all I see are thin shirts and skirts, no where near warm enough for our North Dakota winters. Whatever the case, the article made me want to shop for some new sweaters and jeans so I took a trip to my favorite store, Plato's Closet.

As I walked in, I immediately regretted the decision. I went to the store knowing I didn't have any money and that no matter what I found, I couldn't buy. But I kept walking and looking and found several (9) pieces that I wanted to try on. I stacked them on my arm and walked around looking for more, why I'm not sure. Eventually, I had a span of racks that I didn't find anything cute and stopped and decided to try on. Another bad decision. I loved all but one that didn't fit right - The Limited black gaucho capri length pants that I would've worn with my black heeled boots if they would've been a bit smaller. All of the pieces tried on, I walked out of the dressing room, I had the clothes I wanted on my arm and the one that didn't work I stacked back on the table. I looked a few other things in the store and almost laid the clothes on the counter to be put back when I spontaneously asked the saleslady how long they could hold clothes for. She said for 24 hours and as if someone else had inherited my body heard myself say, 'Hold these please, for Kari.' Yes, I am aware that I will not be back for them, but it made me feel a little bit better that I could possibly change my mind and they would still be there, waiting for me.

Sadly, these are the items I left at the store and could not take home with me to be hung in my closet along with the rest of my treasures.

Pool/Mint color cardigan with beading embellishment on top and black gaucho pants.

Multi-color Old Navy sweater with brand new Anne Taylor Loft jeans

Absolutely in love with this orange H&M sweater that I had huge plans for and Anne Taylor Loft jeans.

The moral of the story and what I've learned from this experience, is to never ever go into your favorite store in the mood to shop when you have no money to spend. It is not a good idea and will leave you feeling sad and like you just lost your best friend, or left them forever. Just a word to the wise and a piece of advice from me to you.

P.S. If you like any of these clothes, they will be back on the Plato's Closet racks at 5:00 p.m. on November 14. I will be very jealous of the person whoever buys them, but they will look good so I will get over it.

RIP - Forever in my heart, but not in my closet.

I have been putting off this post for awhile, I guess I didn't want to admit they really are gone. I was going through my closet and saw them and thought they should be thrown away, as I walked to the garbage, I knew I wasn't ready yet and they sat in my car for another 2 weeks. But I finally did it, I threw away my first pair of heels. They were the brand Chinese Laundry, pink pointy toe 3 1/2 inch heel pumps. I bought them at Wet Seal (back when they actually had cute clothes and not club/hooker clothes) in 2004. I wore them with almost every outfit and if I didn't have something to wear them with, I bought more things to only go with those shoes. They were my favorite and I remember the first time I wore them (with jeans and a pink button down shirt) and all the compliments I got with them. As you can imagine, wearing them almost every day took a toll on them. The tip of the point started to wear down, they were 2 inches shorter due to the wear on the heel and the sole started to talk - they were split on the bottom and were not good when it rained. I don't think they could ever be replaced, any other pink pumps that I see would not measure up to the feeling I got when I first wore them or the way they made me into the fashion guru I am today.

They had their final walk of shame. I thought I saw a tear roll down the heel, but I think it was starting to rain too, I definately had tears. You will be missed size 7 1/2 Wet Seal pink pointy toe 3 1/2 inch pumps, we had a good run.

"Here lies Carrie, she had two loves and lots o' shoes." - Carrie Bradshaw

Let's all take a moment of silence...

Ever since the new Sarah Jessica Parker movie 'I Don't Know How She Does It' came out, I was getting asked almost everyday if I had seen the movie yet. She is not only my style icon, but she is an inspiration as a mother and a role model for the rest of the world - so everyone knows I love her. The movie came out on September 16, 2011 and I finally went to see it on September 24, 2011. And of course I thought it was amazing and she was beautiful.

We all have our feelings about SJP whether it be good or bad. You could think bad about her, but you'd be wrong. When I was Googling her movies and pictures I found several images relating her to looking like odd figures. I'm sure if you looked at all the bad style choices you've made in the past, you would look pretty weird too. We all make mistakes, can't we get past that? She does amazing things for charities and makes a positive impact on the world. Our society has a very negative look on women that are bigger than the size 0 supermodels, if you have curves you are thought of as 'fat'. There is also a negative image of skinny people, but that is a whole other story. Eat a pan of brownies! Ahh! Sarah Jessica designed an inexpensive line for the average woman, called Bitten. She believes that fashion should not be a luxury and everyone has the right to designer, well-made clothes.

Some movies she has an outrageous wardrobe (Sex and the City) or she looks like an everyday woman (Failure to Launch). The many faces of SJP prove that she is timeless and can take on many roles while being beautiful in each one. She has morals and is not a typical celebrity that is always in the tabloids or has rumours spread about her. She is a movie star but also a Mom and keeps her children out of the gossip and raises them to be normal children not tainted by the world. I will always love SJP and enjoy every movie she makes, or perfume she produces or clothing line she designs. If you are not a fan, I think it is imperative for everyone to have a thought about Sarah Jessica Parker. Thank you for your moment of silence.

"As a woman, I have an inherent need to be all things to all people, to make certain everybody's taken care of. I know I can't sustain that level all the time, so I'm finding the proper balance and it's made me infinitely happier." -SJP

My Look Book

In 2002 when I was in college for fashion design I started collecting magazine clippings or any fashion article that stood out to me. I put them together in a book with quotes from some fashion designers. There are also pictures of my style icon - Sarah Jessica Parker from the television show Sex and the City. It may not be a show that everyone is in love with, but there is no doubt that it is a fashion based show. Not one outfit is repeated in the series, there were a couple outfits worn again in the movies showing that they understand that not everyone has 365 different outfits. Anywho, by keeping these pictures and looking at them frequently, I keep getting inspired and want to make my style more fashion forward. Some items I've put in the book, I remember thinking I really want to get this! Even if it was an $800 Chanel hair clip, I wanted it bad! I would describe my look book as classic, so looking at the pictures now they are still in style because classic is always in fashion. How classic and timeless is Chanel?!



Any time I see something I want to look for while I'm shopping, I write it down in a notepad and take it with when I'm shopping. I do like to shop on impulse, but I also shop with a mission in mind. I'm not saying everyone should bring a 'shopping list' with when they go clothing shopping, but remember what you saw in the new issue of InStyle or Vogue and try to look for those. Or start by wanting to try a new color and only looking at things in that color. Some people may say it’s not smart to go shopping only looking for one particular thing, because you will be disappointed when you don’t find it. But this is also how I save some money and not spend all the time. Although, I just went shopping on Saturday at Plato’s Closet and tried on a pair of boots that I thought were cute but a tish small for me. I went back on Sunday because they were stuck in my head and seriously talking to me. I wore them today with skinny jeans, a blue top and a purple/teal butterfly scarf. So fall!

Day 856 of being fashionable!

Plato's Closet is one of my biggest weaknesses. I cannot go into that store without leaving with at least 3 things. Tonight was no different, I left with 7 pieces. When you first walk in the store, the jeans greet you with open pant legs as if saying, 'Browse through us first, you'll find something you like!' and I did. When I shop for jeans, I am extremely picky. They have to be the perfect fit, color and length. As I was browsing through their overly crowded racks (in my size), I first look at the color and can narrow it down easy when I know I only want to look for dark denim. When I find a color I like, I look at the details of the jeans, pockets, holes or any other design that may be on them. If there are big pockets on the butt, chances are they will make your butt look bigger. I've learned that The Limited jeans have big back pockets - not so flattering on girls with no butts. I also look at the zipper, if it is a long zipper they may be higher waisted and not fit at my hips. I tend to go towards a shorter zipper - these are on most low rise jeans. Finally, I look at the hem of the jean. Are they skinny, boot cut, flare or straight leg? Tonight I found a super cute pair of dark denim skinny jeans. I'm in love.

Bottoms are easier to shop quickly through since I'm so picky and I know what I'm looking for. But when I look at tops, there are so many different tops that I get overwhelmed. Long sleeve, sweaters, cardigans, short sleeve, tee shirts, polos, blouses, jackets. Since they do have jam packed racks, I tend to vere towards the colors I like most instead of looking through every piece they have. Recently, I've noticed I wear alot of white and black and thought I should throw some color in for fall. I found an ivory/magenta striped top with cute belt, a purple tee with crochet embroidery on the sides, a brown tee with beadwork around the neck, a white and pink thicker striped sweater and a super cute black ruffled collar cardigan. I tried them all on with my skinny jeans and was amazed that they all worked with the jeans. Hence the infatuation with my new jeans.

Not only do they have a million differnent clothing options, but they have shoes, jewelry and purses as well. Although, I was unlucky in that field this shopping spree. I'm really looking for a long cluster silver necklace - all of mine are gold, a cute pair of flat boots for winter - last winter I realized that my heel boots are dying and that they aren't the most practical on ice. I'm never satisfied with what I end up purchasing and realize that I have to buy more things now to match what I just bought. It's a vicious cycle, I tell ya! Maybe on my next shopping trip I will find boots and a necklace. Is it Pringles' catch phrase, 'Once you pop you just can't stop'? I think that should be my new motto, 'Once you SHOP you just can't stop!'

Whoever said fitting room mirrors are awful, obviously hasn't been in one of the fitting rooms I've been in. Look how cute I look in these clothes! Maybe instead of blaming the mirror, we should take a look at the clothes we first picked to try on? 



Football and Fashion?

I was at my first Minnesota Vikings football game this last weekend, I'm not a huge sports fan (I'm not really a sports fan at all, actually) but I had no idea how much it included fashion and shopping. I remember thinking I should wear a Vikings shirt to get into the spirit. On the drive there I was actually kinda bummed I wasn't wearing one. But when I got there, I saw all the fans in their Vikings gear and realized that's not me and was glad I wore a blue sweater with a yellow tee underneath and pig tails. There must have been other girls who were thinking the same thing as me because there was a lot of other fashions to look at besides 'team gear.'

I was there early and watching people filter in was much more fun than whatever was going on on the field, I'm still not quite sure what happens on the football field. Although, I was distracted when the teams were stretching, bending over and doing squats. What was I saying again? Oh yeah, fashion. I saw a girl walk up the stairs wearing a super cute tribal baggy tee. The tribal design was black down the center front and the shirt was ivory/white. She paired that with jean shorts, gladiator sandals and a small satchel purse with a long strap. I'm not sure how I would've worn the tee, but her outfit worked. She then walked back down the stairs and I lost her. As the game went on I kept watching for her to walk back up, I wanted to tell her I liked the tee and ask her where she got it. But I was judgemental and figured since she was young and had long blonde hair that she would be snooty. I thought my chance to buy the shirt from the same store she got it from was gone, but I just happened to turn around and saw her sitting a row and aisle behind me. I debated getting up and walking over to her and her friend, but then decided, I'm cool, I look good, maybe she'll take it as a compliment.

Once those words came out of my mouth, I knew I was wrong for judging her. She was as friendly as I am and just as bubbly. She was very flattered that I liked her tee and she said she got it from Marshall's. I told her I have to get it! Since Marshall's is like a Fargo TJ Maxx, you can't order online because everything in each store is different. I knew that from my college fashion days and was sad we don't have a Marshall's in Fargo. Ever since that day I have been looking at tribal style clothes and really liked the designs. Although, I don't want it to seem too far from my style so I've considered making my own print and having it screened onto a tee that I would buy so I know it would fit me right. I definately think it is an upcoming fall trend and would be really cute on a sweater or dress with tights too. If my print turns out, I may consider doing this with more designs. We'll see how it goes and the response I get, for now it's just a thought.
 

History of Fashion 101

On my drive to work the other day, I saw a woman walking to the college with her backpack on her arm and realize school has started once again. As I watch her walk down the block, I remember one of my favorite days walking to college. I moved into an apartment a few blocks from campus and didn't have a car, so I walked. One day in Fashion Design class I had a presentation that I needed to dress professional for. I decided to wear black dress pants with a white button down blouse and a black button down sweater over and some black heels that I would never wear now that I have more style. They were black and strappy, with one strap over the toes and a strap around my ankle with a thick chunky heel. Not at all the 4 inch heels I wear now. This was the first time I had actually walked the entire 6 blocks in heels and all around campus that day. I remember feeling like I was really dressed up and looked very professional. Everyone was commenting on how I looked and how good my heels looked with my pants. It was such a good feeling and nice to be noticed that I took the time to put myself together. Believe it or not, I used to wear sweatpants outside and to class, mostly because I was always running late.

By the time I got home that day and done with classes, not only was my self esteem raised but I couldn't wait to go to class the next day and wear my next professional outfit. Surprisingly, my feet did not hurt from walking to and from campus and the 4 hours of classes. Since the black heels were my only heels, I had to go shopping for more. So began the itch for shopping for shoes, that I had to scratch! The next pair of heels I bought were hot pink pumps from Wet Seal - that I still own, although I wore them so much they are really worn out.

Now when I put on my heels everyday (or every other day), a little part of me remembers the day that I first wore heels and fell in love. It's almost like when Dorothy puts on the ruby slippers for the first time and feels transformed into Dorothy from Oz, not farm girl Dorothy from Kansas. And doesn't everyone want to be transformed into color and stand out?

Is a sweater fundraiser really that weird??

I was recently searching online for some sweaters and Banana Republic was one of the top searches. And the first sweater on their website, I immediately fell in love with. Although, since it is Banana Republic and I would be ordering online, the sweater costs $80 and shipping is probably half that amount. I may be fashionable and fabulously dressed but I do not have $80+ to spend on a sweater. Even if it is the coolest, most amazing gray sweater I've ever seen. I love the asymmetrical look of the button, if I could find another cheaper version of it, I would be in heaven and make the order now.

People raise money all the time and have fundraisers for all sorts of things; pets, clubs, families. Why can't I have a fundraiser for this sweater?! If you would help support the cause of 'Get Kari the Banana Sweater' comment on this post or on my Facebook and together we can help me but my essential Fall sweater.

Don't you want one too? First, help me get mine then I'll help you pick out yours and what to wear with it! Thanks for all your support!!

I'm only half kidding about the fundraiser. But how cool would that be?

Looks can be decieving...

This past weekend I went to Albertville Outlets with 2 of my good friends and we were prepared to spend some money!  It has always been one of my favorite places to go and my friends and I have decided to make it a yearly visit. I always have to make a stop at the Gap Outlet, Banana Republic Outlet, Nine West Outlet and the Charlotte Russe Outlet. Since I love almost everything on Charlotte Russe's website, I figured I would walk out of the store broke but with some awesome purchases! I have never been so sad in my life! I knew some of their stuff online was a little wild, but I did not realize that the entire store would be ghetto club fabulous!  For as many times as I look at their website every chance I get, I still don’t understand the midriff baring tops. They are not attractive and who wants to show off their muffin top, since I’m sure the right people for those tops don’t even wear them.

If you find me someone who would wear this, I will buy it for them and take pictures of them to be in my ‘What Not to Wear’ post!

Of course I cannot leave that store without buying something. After spending almost 45 minutes in the store, I found a dress that I was in love with, a butterfly scarf and some bracelets. I am still thinking about a few things that I saw, but put back because I thought my total would be too much. I should've went back to get them because I had only spent $31.00! Which is another reason why I like them - cute stuff (online) for not very much money. Although, just because their store is not as classy as I would like, their online stuff still has me sold with them. I left after checking out and telling the associate that each pay check I place an online order, I love the store so much! She looked at me like I was nuts and that she didn’t even spend that much. I even asked if Charlotte Russe had a credit card so I could buy more! They don’t now, but hopefully in the near near future. I’m running out of cute clothes!!



Project Lara

Lara S. -- 32 years old -- Wife -- Mother -- Full-Time Personal Trainer/Yoga Instructor
Like most women, Lara leads a very busy life with mothering and trying to make time for herself, shopping and finding outfits for each day may not be top priority. Being a fashionable Mom can be easy and make you look like Celebrity Mom Gisele Bundchen. A comfortable everyday look can effortlessly be cargo pants with a simple white top and a few small accessories. Also, by adding a fun color sandal you can create any eye catching look all the way to your toes that is more trendy than a simple pair of white flip flops.  

Women, especially Moms can get stuck in their color palette of neutrals; white, black, gray, tan. My closet isn’t any different, but I also have several pops of color to mix with them. A teal cardigan, pink blouses or even blue dress pants can jazz up any gray cardigan or white tank. Lara likes to incorporate jeweled bangles and scarves in her wardrobe which is a great way to add a pop of color. Scarves are so easy and comfortable to wear; I usually wear my hair pulled back and some cute dangling earrings with the several different color scarves I have.

Doing this research on scarves and how to wear them has gotten me inspired to wear a summer scarf to work tomorrow. Whenever I'm not sure of how to wear something or what to wear it with, I always do some research first and see what I have in my closet and what I could wear with it. Style is contagious so if you decide to try a new look, you may inspire someone else to try a new look they were considering. 

 

Me? A Fashion Guru?

I was on a MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) Steering Team retreat this weekend and needed to pack for an overnight trip. We left on Friday night at 5:00 pm and would come back on Saturday at 1:00 pm, so it wasn't a long vacation. I packed light, or my version of light. On Friday I wore what I had worn to work that day, minus the toe numbing heels. When I got to the lake where the retreat was being held, I was bombarded with people commenting about my blog and how I 'always look cute.' Everytime something was mentioned about dressing, hobbies or sewing, I was looked at. I loved being known as the person to look to for fashion advice or what my opinion would be on something. But I don't know if I would classify myself as a 'fashion guru'. I just dress for how I like and think is attractive yet simple. The next day I woke up at 8:15 a.m. and asked if I had time to shower before our meeting started. Since I had until 8:30, I had to be quick. The girls told me that I couldn't look cute after I was done and that I didn't have time to look cute. The weather said it was supposed to be warm and sunny, so I packed a pink sundress. I pulled my hair in a side braid and walked downstairs to join the group. I didn't put any make up on or do anything fancy with my hair and everyone said, "I thought you weren't going to look cute."

By just putting a bright dress on and keeping everything simple, my outfit still looked pulled together. I showered and got ready in a little over 15 minutes. This weekend goes to prove that you don't need hours before work or going out to pull your apperance together. Just a simple summer dress will make you feel comfortable and still be fabulous!

Check out these websites for some fun summer dress styles:

www.charlotterusse.com

www.oldnavy.com

www.forever21.com

In the Dressing Room

On Monday I went to Plato's Closet and did some much needed 'blog research'. I could easily spend hours in that store, mostly because I think you need to look through everything to find the good stuff. I was walking around in my nude heels, not feeling my big toe, but the several compliments I got on my heels was well worth it. I was very happy with the few pieces I bought, but since I didn't buy a complete outfit, I had to think about what I could wear these pieces with. I'm sure everyone has bought something on impulse or with the idea that they would never wear it again. It's always smart to know all the pieces in your closet and know what else you could wear, besides what you bought. You don't have to buy the whole outfit at one store either. Remember what you liked at the store and visit some other stores with that garment in mind. Take a picture of the garment or yourself in the garment and resort back to the picture when you think you found a matching top.
Different stores, different styles, different price ranges.

Trendy:

Banana Republic Tunic - $89.50

www.bananarepublic.com

 Banana Republic Skinny Jeans - $44.99

www.bananarepublic.com

Banana Republic Pewter Sandal - $69.50

www.bananarepublic.com

 

Forever 21 Earrings - $1.50

www.forever21.com

 Total Outfit: $206

Sometimes when I bring things into the dressing room, I will mix them all together and see what looks good. Since the limit to most stores have a limit of 6 items in the dressing room, I will typically take out the 'no's' right away, to make room for the other pieces I grabbed while shopping. If you are lucky, you may get away with bringing more in the dressing room, like I do. It's absolutely crucial that I look at every item and decide if it's worth it.

Dressy:

Forever 21 Purple Dress - $22.80

www.forever21.com

Forever 21 White Sweater - $16.99

www.forever21.com

 Banana Republic 'Love' Necklace - $29.50

www.bananarepublic.com

Charlotte Russe Basic Almond Pump Nude - $28.00

www.charlotterusse.com

Total Outfit - $98.00

Shopping online is possibly one of the best ways to compare items side by side. As long as you know the size you wear for different stores, you can enlarge and show the pieces next to each other to compare. I have even been shopping online while I'm looking through my closet.

Casual:

Victoria's Secret Green Henley - $34.50

www.victoriassecret.com

Hot Mama Khaki Capri - $43.99

www.shopmama.com

Urban Outfitters Light Brown Macrame Sandal - $19.00

www.urbanoutfitters.com

Forever 21 Leaf Necklace - $5.80

www.forever21.com

Total Outfit - $104

Classic/Trashy?

In the artificial lighting at work, my nude shoes looked less like classic simple heels and more like 'hooker shoes.' The platform and high heel reminded me of stripper heels. Although, they are not hot pink or zebra print with a clear heel so they are not true hooker shoes. The nude subtle color keeps them classy and not trashy. I've only worn shoes with a clear heel once and I will never live that down. Not a good choice, but we all make mistakes.
I decided to wear my blue striped shirt dress with my nude heels and it was a match made in heaven. Not only was I a foot taller, but my legs looked amazing! Even though towards the end of the day I started to walk with a limp because of the pain, it was so worth it. I'm still very much in love with my nude heels and even though I may complain about the pain, I was still the cutest person at work that day!

Like something out of a movie...

There is an episode of Sex and the City where Carrie receives a package in the mail of Manolo Blahnik's (amazing shoe designer, for those who don't know), Season 6, Episode 9. Yes, I'm obsessed. When she opens the box, the shoe box fits perfectly in the shipping box like it was made for the shoe box. She then opens the shoe box and the shoes look as though there is a spotlight on them making them glow. If you listen closely you can almost hear her gasp when she opens the box.

This is exactly what happened to me when I opened my Charlotte Russe package of nude pumps. I think I would do more than just gasp if I opened a box of Manolo Blahnik's. The paramedics with the thingies to restart my heart might show up at my door. They are even better than I remember seeing them online. They make my legs look amazing and the style  is exactly what I was looking for. The only regret I have is that they are a little small, I should've went with a 7 1/2. I will always sacrifice pain for fashion.

Of course I am wearing them on Tuesday, with one of the outfits I've been thinking about with nude heels forever. I'll take pictures, I'll get compliments and I'll report back.

My Love Affair with Shoes!

My new favorite trend in shoes are nude heels. I have been waiting and looking for the right pair that are not too expensive. I found a pair I'm in love with from Charlotte Russe for $38.00, for that price they're basically giving them away! I ordered them only 3 days ago and they cannot come fast enough! I'm already finding outfits that I'm excited to wear them with! My pink pinstripe skirt, a blue button down top, and a casual white top with jeans to name three. The moment after I hit 'accept' on the online order, I couldn't stop smiling! I had bought a key piece of my wardrobe. Elizabeth Taylor may have had A Love Affair with Jewelry, but I'm having a love affair with my shoes. I'm sure the jewelry one will be next.

Nude heels are everywhere for Spring/Summer 2011. On the runway, with a casual look, on celebrities and in retail stores. It's easy to see why they are so popular since they go with any outfit. If you are planning a look and cannot decide on the color or type of shoes, chances are if you tried nude pumps/sandals they would be perfect. Nude heels give the illusion that you're not wearing shoes and makes your legs longer and fits any woman's body shape.

Lanvin Runway Spring 2011 - Nude Bootie

Supermodel Miranda Kerr - Nude Pump

Timeless Beauty - Sarah Jessica Parker - Nude Sandal

Typically, the ankle and foot are the smallest part on your body, so why not accentuate them by continuing the line. Full-figured, older and in your 30's all look pulled together and chic with nude heels. If you haven't bought a pair by now, check out this website! Not only do they have amazing shoes, but the clothing, jewelry and accesory selection is great too!



Charlotte Russe - Basic Almond Pump

www.charlotterusse.com