Monday, July 18, 2011

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

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

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


 Banana Republic Skinny Jeans - $44.99
Banana Republic Pewter Sandal - $69.50
 
Forever 21 Earrings - $1.50
 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
Forever 21 White Sweater - $16.99
 Banana Republic 'Love' Necklace - $29.50
Charlotte Russe Basic Almond Pump Nude - $28.00
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

Hot Mama Khaki Capri - $43.99

Urban Outfitters Light Brown Macrame Sandal - $19.00

Forever 21 Leaf Necklace - $5.80
Total Outfit - $104

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

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!

Sunday, July 3, 2011

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.