Rate My Look- Another Sunday Best

Today was the last day I'll be working Sundays until next year, and it was also the first day since the official start of spring that it actually felt like it. In celebration of these two things, I decided to break out a dress I purchased over the winter. I got it at a bargain price and knew I was going to have a wait a few month to wear it.

I wore the dress with all sorts of other fabulous accessories including my new Coach bag, my favorite snake skin heels, my new Audrey Cluster Bracelet from Stella and Dot and my super gorgeous earrings that Beth gave me for Christmas this year. I was really pleased with my outfit when I got dressed this morning, but then when I got to work, I received such huge, enthusiastic compliments from all my coworkers, I realized I'd struck outfit GOLD! It's not often that I wear beige, but I might have to start wearing it more often after the reactions I got! 

And the best part is that the dress, shoes and bag were all HUGE bargains. Obviously, you know the story of the bag, since I just got it last Wednesday. The shoes were a super bargain at $5.99. And the dress was less than $40 at TJ Maxx. However, it is currently available at Nordstrom (in the store and online) for $158! If you like it, it can be yours, but I'm afraid you can't get it for quite as good a price as I did! It's currently available in navy or black. It's an extremely comfortable dress, and even at $158, it's worthwhile for the quality materials, design and construction. 

I know it's a dress I'll wear a LOT this spring and summer. Since it's a neutral color, it will be easy to pair it with all sorts of accessories to create different, unique looks. I promise to take pictures of any particularly good combinations I come up with. In the meantime, please feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think of my neutral, but chic outfit. 

Shoesday Tuesday- Suede Pumps!

Remember my post from last week about grey suede pumps? Well, I took my own advice and got myself a pair of gorgeous suede pumps in a rich taupe-grey. The funny thing is that back when I bought my bright purple pumps, I saw the grey pumps, too and at first I considered getting them. But since I'm a sucker for shoes that are bright and colorful, I couldn't resist the purple ones, so I left the grey ones behind. Well, last week, I was out shopping with some girlfriends and I happened upon the same pumps I'd left behind so many weeks ago. They were still available in my size and they had been reduced to 80% off the sale price. Originally, $99, they'd been marked down to $73.99. At 80% off, I only paid $14.80 for them! Can you even believe that? I was SO happy! They don't have the platform like the pumps from my post last week, but they have something even better- a beautiful cut-out detail that will take you breath away:

Honestly, could these shoes be any prettier? I love them! Not only are the cut-outs beautiful, but I love the shape of these shoes- from the heel to the arch right down to the rounded toe- they are perfection to me. Now I just need to remember to get the suede-protecting spray for them so that I don't ruin them when I go out. If you like these and want some for yourself, they are Victor Alfaro- the style is called "Swan" and the color is called "Mushroom" but they were also available in black leather. I bought mine at Bonton. Happy shoe hunting, lovelies!

Shoesday Tuesday

A lot of people have been asking lately about clothing and shoes that are better for the environment- organic fabrics, vegan shoes, fair trade manufacturers and distributors, etc. It's obviously an important aspect of shopping for quite a lot of people. It can be difficult to find clothing and shoes that are both affordable and green. Until the practices used on these items become more commonplace, you can expect to pay a little bit more, but as green clothing becomes more mainstream, you will see the prices come down a bit.

Today's Shoesday Tuesday focus is on Madden Girl the vegan shoe line by Steve Madden. It's a positive sign that established designers are jumping on the green bandwagon, even if it is in small doses. You can find Madden Girl just about anywhere, but today I'm bringing you four Madden Girls shoes that are not only perfect for fall, but they are all available at Zappos for around $50. In addition, Zappos offers free shipping both ways nearly all the time, so there is no risk involved when placing an order. First up are a pair of fabulous black heels with the trendy cut-outs I mentioned a few weeks ago ($49.90):

What I love about these is that they're simple, but edge-y at the same time. Also, the criss-cross detail on the front can be eye catching or subtle depending on how it contrasts against your skin or colored tights, or if you wear the shoes with a pair of opaque black tights.

Next up, a super cute pair of peep-toe ankle boots ($49.90):

Once again, these could be paired with either bare legs, opaque black tights or trendy brightly colored tights. It all depends on your personal preference and the occassion. I also love the buckle detail and the interesting "pleating" on the front. The heel is substantial enough that you could even wear these to work provided the rest of the outfit is toned down a bit.

Next, are the most expensive of the day at $54.90, but I think they're worth it.

What trend ISN'T covered with these fabulous shoes?

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  Metallic? Check!
  
  
  
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  Ankle boot style? Check!
  
  
  
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  Cut-outs? Check!
  
  
  
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  80's throwback? Check!
  
  
  

You'll really cover the gamut of trends with these shoes. Personally, I'm a huge fan of the pewter metallic finish- it's so sophisticated, but not flashy, like so many metallics tend to be. I think I just talked myself into ordering these.

Wrapping up this post is another fabulous combination of sweetness and edge ($49.90):

I just love the deep, saturated color of these, but just like the pewter booties above, they are also available in black. What's interesting about these is the 40's style rounded toe, mixed with the oversize buckle and the almost Escher-like swirling detail in the front. It also kind of reminds me of a Celtic knot. Either way, I love them and I hope you do, too.

And the best part for all you vegans out there is that none of these shoes use leather of any kind- they are all man-made materials. Talk about guilt-free! And for those of you who are hesitant to shop for shoes online, you're in luck. Not only are there plenty of Steve Madden stores all over the country, but most major department stores carry the line as well including Bon-Ton, and Boscov's. You can also check Marshalls & TJ Maxx as well- the styles might be a little older, but the prices will be fabulous.