Shoesday Tuesday: Around Town

It's amazing how easily I can get distracted when shopping- online or in stores. For example, earlier this morning, I was on a search for a new pair of black knee-high flat boots. I need them for work. Well, "need" is a strong word, but you get the picture. Anyway, in my search throughout the interwebs, I of course stumbled upon a pair of absolutely awesome and completely impractical high-heel mary-jane-style pumps from Nine West called "Around Town." They are available in five colors and I think I could make good use of all five:

Natural

Black Suede

Dark Pink Suede

Teal Suede

Teal/Grey

Can you guess which one is my favorite? Leave a comment or tweet it with our standard hashtag #ShoesdayTuesday. Well, I suppose I ought to get back to boots... 

I'm Back

If you visited my blog over the holiday weekend, you may have noticed a distinct lack of posting. I decided to give myself a little bit of a vacation over the long weekend and didn't even think about blogging. Actually, that's not true, I thought about it a lot, but every time I did, I decided to think instead about what I was doing- which was spending time with family and friends. Everyone deserves a little vacation every now and then, right?

I had an excellent, relaxing weekend spent at a BBQ one day and at the beach the next. I even got a little bit of sun- just a little. I even had an accidental shopping spree. I swear it was a complete accident. Honest! My bank account isn't impressed, I'll tell you that much. On the drive up to northern New Hampshire to visit some friends, I stopped to get gas. I just so happened to be getting gas off an exit that also boasts the state's best outlet mall. It appeared from the crowds that there were some major sales going on, so I decided to just "pop in" to a couple of my favorite stores. An hour later and I had a shopping bag from Nine West, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor LOFT and Coach. Yup. I did some serious damage in a very short amount of time.

I'll be posting outfit photos so you can see the great pieces I got, but just to be clear, I walked away having spent almost exactly $200 and I had quite the haul on my hands- a total of 8 new items. No joke. The hardest decision was when I was in the Coach outlet. The entire store was 30% off. I saw an amazing bag on a table that was labeled "50% off." I asked a sales person about that and she informed me that the 50% discount was IN ADDITION to the 30% discount. Honestly, at that price, how could I NOT get the bag? Trouble was, I couldn't select a size. Here are the two- side-by-side:

They may appear similar in size in the photo, but I assure you, the bag on the left is significantly larger than the bag on the right. I fell in love with the shape and the color and the fact that both bags have an unusually high number of pockets. You know I love bags with pockets, right? For the organizing, of course.

So, while you wait with bated breath to find out how I managed to score 5 tops, a skirt, a pair of heels and a Coach bag all for just $200, why not leave a comment guessing one of the following three things:
1.) Leave a comment guessing which bag I purchased.
2.) Leave a comment guessing what I paid for the bag. Seriously, you'll be in awe when I tell you!
3.) Leave a comment telling me about your latest and greatest bargain shopping spree.

Rate My Look- Worthy of a Misdemeanor?

Have you guys seen that new movie "Bridesmaids?" First of all, it is SO hilarious- I haven't laughed that hard at a movie in a looooooong time. Kristen Wiig is beyond funny in that movie- actually, just about everyone is beyond funny in that movie. I laughed so hard when I saw it, I decided to see it again. This week, I met up with my friend Stephanie to see it for the second time. As funny as the movie was, I found myself not only laughing hysterically again, but I also found myself crushing even harder than the first time on Chris O'Dowd, a.k.a. "Officer Rhodes." Seriously, after seeing that movie, I'm tempted to break my tail lights and drive around until a cute cop pulls me over. It worked for Kristen Wiig's character Annie and we're not all that different, you know.

We both have sassy short hair cuts.
We both like to wear cute dresses that show off our fabulous legs.
We both are maids in a wedding this summer.

See? We're practically twins. So why shouldn't I also have an adorable cop pull me over and then turn into my boyfriend? Right? I suppose I ought to start by wearing an outfit that will be the perfect "getting pulled over" outfit. Good thing, because I've already got that part figured out:

Dress: Gap

Shoes: Nine West

Belt: J. Crew

Necklaces: Vintage & Forever 21

Ring: Stella and Dot

Seriously, when I got dressed this morning, I thought to myself, "I really shouldn't be wasting this on work." No offense to my coworkers, but this is a fabulous look that says, "I am adorable and totally date-able." And since it is a great date outfit, I really think I ought to wear it out on a date. So to score a super cute cop, I suppose I'll just have to start off with this outfit and then do a few extra miles per hour over the speed limit, maybe run a few red lights, and of course break my tail lights. Honestly, this outfit even looks cute when I'm "walking the line," don't you think? 

Let's be honest- what cute, single cop in his right mind wouldn't be handing me a phone number instead of a ticket? Am I right? Of course I am- I'm not blind. I can see my legs in that photo. 

Please leave a comment with suggestions for minor violations I can commit that will put me in the path of an adorable cop but that won't cause me to face any major consequences such as tickets, fines and/or jail time. Prison uniform orange is not my color. 

Rate My Look- How to Wear Ankle-Strap Shoes

You know how I'm always preaching the value of a great nude shoe? One of the primary reasons is because a nude shoe continues the leg line and has a lengthening effect. Conversely, a shoe that is a contrasting color can have a way of stopping the eye. Sometimes this is good- like when you want to wear a pop of color at your feet. But other times- like when there is an ankle strap involved- it is not good. A shoe with an ankle strap will always be harder to pull off than one without, but there are ways to make it look good. Kind of like this:

I felt like such a babe in this outfit. 

Seriously, the dudes at the grocery store were giving me the eye. 

There are a few general rules to follow when attempting to wear an ankle-strap shoe. The Nine West ones pictured above have a special place in my heart. I've owned them for years and I plan to keep them around for at least another decade or so. I bought them at TJ Maxx for around $5- no joke. They were missing the ribbon tie that is designed to hold the two side straps together, so they had been drastically marked down. Fortunately, there was a small arts and crafts store next door to the TJ's, so after I bought the shoes, I popped in there and bought a bunch of ribbon. And by "a bunch of ribbon," I mean a yard in just about every color in these shoes (which is a lot of colors). Honestly, had the shoes not been missing an essential piece, I might never have done that and therefore never owned what is actually a really versatile pair of amazing heels. On this particular day, I chose to wear them with a bright purple organza ribbon: 

See all the great colors there? I've got purple, pink, green, yellow, black, and brown to work with, and my ribbons are even more varied- there are sheer organza ones, satin ones, even a grosgrain ribbon or two in the mix. When I wear these shoes, it's often hard to pick which ribbon will work the best. But I've gone completely off topic now, haven't I? I have. The point of this post is the ankle strap. I chose these shoes to demonstrate how to do it well for a couple of reasons:

1.) The ankle strap itself- both the actual shoe ankle strap and the ribbon I've selected- are delicate and light.
2.) The ankle strap hits at the smallest part of my ankle and also has a slight downward direction.
3.) The heels are nice and tall.

These are all key factors in selecting a pair of flattering ankle-strap shoes. Of course, if you are a supermodel with thin, shapely legs, these things might not matter a great deal to you. If, however, you are like the millions of other women around the world with less than super-model-esque legs, these reasons will matter a great deal.

First, the size of the strap- how dainty and delicate it is- makes a difference. It contributes to the overall "weight" of the shoe. A thick, heavy strap will make the shoe (and the wearer) look thick and heavy. A thinner, more delicate strap will have the opposite effect. Keep in mind that thin and delicate are all relative- a 1/4 inch wide strap might be ideal for one person and be entirely too small for someone else. Be objective when you look in the mirror and choose a strap that is in proportion to your body. Also make sure the fit is right, particularly that the straps are not too tight. Even the thinnest person will look sausage-y if the straps are cutting into your skin too tightly.

My next point addresses not only where the ankle strap falls, but the direction it falls as well. A straight-across ankle strap will never be as flattering as one with a bit of a "V" shape or dip in the front. For this reason, T-strap shoes are often much more flattering than just an ankle strap alone. But if you aren't a fan of t-strap, look for an ankle strap that will hit at or below the smallest part of your ankle. If the strap cradles that "sweet spot" of your ankle, it will be more flattering.

Finally, an ankle strap will always- yes always- be more flattering in a high heel than in a flat. This is for the simple reason that high heels cause the muscles in our legs to flex, which makes them appear more toned and shapely. They also help elongate the leg because they are literally adding inches. In short, high heels give us longer, more toned legs, which is why we suffer in them. Beauty hurts.

So now that you understand how to choose the most flattering ankle-strap shoes, let's talk about the best way to wear them as part of an outfit. You can see in the picture above that I've selected a sleek pencil skirt that hits above the knee, and that has a very high waist. This is no accident. The high waistline elongates my leg line even further- this is a wardrobe manipulation I have talked about many times, so if you are a regular S...tNB reader, you should already know about this trick. Second, the slightly shorter hemline allows for more leg to show so that when it is finally cut off at the ankle, there is still quite a bit showing. A longer skirt paired with an ankle strap shoe would make my legs look stumpy, even if they were 5-inch heels. Finally, the shape of the skirt creates a long, thin silhouette- I would not benefit from a full skirt with this type of shoe. When trying to look tall and sleek, volume is not your friend.

So, there you have it- a crash course in pulling off the ankle-strap shoe. It might not be for everyone and that's okay. Honestly, if your legs are not something you like to feature, then the ankle strap shoe might not be a good choice for you. Instead, figure out what part of your body you DO want to showcase and choose clothing and shoes that will bring it out.

As always, comments are welcome!

I Need a New Handbag! Help!

I don't know if it's that I truly need a new handbag, or that I'm simply suffering from seller's remorse, but lately all I can think about is how much I need a nice, new handbag. I've been sporting medium to large handbags for several years now and I don't see that changing anytime soon. This past weekend at my yardsale I got rid of all but about half a dozen of my bags and I'll be honest- the ones left aren't really thrilling me. It's not that I don't like them- I love them. That's why they made the cut and weren't sold. It's more that I'm just in a place where I need a fresh perspective. I'm about to pack my life up and move it more than 400 miles away and what better way to commemorate that than with a new bag?

I went to the BCF the other day and they had two large displays of Nine West bags in gorgeous metallics and blacks. They were really lovely bags, but upon closer inspection I decided they would not function in the way I need a bag to function. For example, they were entirely open inside with only one small zippered pocket inside. I need multiple pockets and I prefer a bag with sections. I carry a lot in my bag, but it's mostly small things, so I need compartments and pockets to keep it all organized. I am also a huge fan of bags with a key leash. I only own one bag that has one and I love it. Anyway, the point is, I need to keep shopping. Whether around town or online, or maybe I should just wait until I'm back in New Hampshire and then Beth can take me handbag shopping. She is the master of handbags.

Anyway, I kind of like these bags:

Jenna Four-Poster Shopper in "Pebble," Nine West, $49.99

Lovely, right? It's also available in black, but I like the "Pebble" color. The only problem with the pebble color is that I'll get it dirty in about 5 minutes and then I'll be mad at myself. Other than that, it's a lovely bag and according to the online description, there are three compartments as well as a zippered pocket and two small slip pockets. Sounds ideal.

Erica Shopper in "Nutmeg," Nine West, $59.99

I love the buckle details on this one and the faux-leather looks really rich and luxurious. But doesn't that bother you? Nearly $60 for a bag that's synthetic? I understand leather is a LOT more, but this bag was originally $109, which seems like a price you might pay for leather. Anyway, I also love how this bag is shaped and once again the description claims there are a lot of compartments and pockets. Unfortunately, the front pocket has a magnet closure. Ever since I ruined a phone by putting it next to the magnet closure in a clutch, I've avoided magnets in handbags. I've got a smartphone and an iPod to think of.

Tanya A in "Light Navy Blue," Etsy, $145

There are just so many gorgeous bags out there, but I especially like the idea of buying one on Etsy because I can know whether or not I'm supporting an artisan versus a sweat shop. This particular bag even has a picture of the inside posted with the listing:

Now THAT'S the kind of interior I'm talking about. Although, it is a tad deep. I really like the idea of a more shallow bag, but one still with a lot of fullness to accomodate all my stuff. I hate being that person who's constantly digging through her purse looking for something. I tend to carry large bags that seem to be bottomless, especially when I'm looking for something! I also like the idea of a bright, fall color like mustard yellow or a deep pumpkin.

Shiraleah Harper Zip Satchel in "Orange," Target, $34.99

The color on this one is perfect, but I think the vibe is off. It's a little too stiff. Well, I suppose I'll just have to continue my quest for the perfect handbag. In the meantime, if you see any amazing ones, please let me know!

Shoesday Tuesday- Shop Out of Season

One of the keys to bargain hunting is being willing to shop out of season. It can be really hard to try on a wool skirt in July or a pair of short shorts in October, but if you're willing to do it, you can find some really amazing bargains. Just last month, I happened upon a grey wool skirt at the Ann Taylor Loft in town and scored it for only (drumroll, please)... $4.77!!! For about the same price as a venti latte, I got myself a perfect fall/winter staple item for my wardrobe. It's going to be perfect with just about every pair of tights I own, and I'm really going to enjoy pairing it with other neutrals as well as some jewel tones. I've been dreaming of all the ways I'm going to use it, but you'll have to wait until the weather gets a little cooler before I start putting outfits together with it. Don't worry- in the meantime, I'll keep you satisfied with appropriate summer outfits!

My point is this: if on that hot July day, I'd only allowed myself to be focused on lightweight cottons, linens and chiffons and bright summery colors and prints, I would have missed out on an absolutely amazing bargain- quite possibly the best bargain of the year! Yes, shopping out of season requires a little more patience and fortitude, but you can do it! Ok, I admit, "fortitude" might be a bit dramatic, but I'm trying to impress upon you the amazing benefit of buying sweaters and mittens in the height of summer and scouring the shelves for sandals and tank tops during a blizzard.

I recommend buying staple items off season- wool and cashmere items like sweaters, overcoats and skirts in neutrals like grey, black and beige are perfect off-season items for the warm months. Chiffon sundresses, silk scarves and bright open shoes like sandals, slingbacks and peep-toes are ideal bargain finds in the winter. Of course, if you live in a climate that doesn't have four seasons, the off-season shopping will be a bit harder for you. But don't despair- I promise the bargains will still be had. Avoid buying anything too trendy if you're shopping off-season because the chances of it being in style in nine months or a year down the road aren't always so good. Stick to basics and wardrobe staples and you won't go wrong.

Since it's Shoesday Tuesday, I'm going to focus on some bargain off-season shoe finds for you today. For starters, look for sales in addition to the discount prices. For example, while shopping over this past weekend, I went to Nine West. They had an amazing pair of summer heels marked down from $59.99 to $39.99 PLUS they were offering an extra incentive- buy one, get one half off. So, for a little less than $60, I could have two amazing new pairs of shoes. I managed to exercise restraint, but it was pretty hard considering what amazing shoes these were. I can't find them online, and I didn't take a picture in the store, so you'll have to trust me when I say these were not only fierce strappy sandals perfect for just about ANY summer outfit, but they were incredibly comfortable- seriously, they were the kind of shoe I can stand/walk in ALL DAY without major pain. Just talking about them now is making me regret not getting a bright, colorful pair and a neutral. Honestly, what was I thinking! The only thing that will rectify this situation is if you all manage to find amazing off-season bargains to make up for my loss!

To start, check out these metallic sandals from Nine West for sale online for $34.99, plus an additional 20% off at checkout!

Stunning, right? Also available in white/buff and black, all of which would make excellent staples for next summer's wardrobe. They also still have plenty of sizes and widths available (narrow, medium and wide), but they probably won't last too long. Depending on where you live, a style like this might even get you through Halloween or Thanksgiving.

Another great spring/summer shoe is the hurachi. Payless' open-weave ballet flat style is perfect for warm weather:

At $13.99, it's hard to pass them up. But with their current BOGO sale, you could get these hurachis, PLUS these fun faux-snake skin strappy heels for less than $20 TOTAL! (Only $17.49, in fact!)

These snake skin heels are a mere $9.00 right now, and as if that isn't good enough, after the BOGO deal, they actually end up being only $4.50- even less than my fabulous new Ann Taylor Loft skirt! Take advantage of any additional discount you can find. Look at the Sunday paper to find out when the sales start. Don't throw away your coupons, either- you'll regret it in the end. It's always so satisfying when you can get an additional 10% or more off your already discounted shoe choice! DSW is great about sending out coupons, and they have a lot of great shoes that are heavily discounted right now. With an additional 10%-25% from your coupon, these shoes are less than a lunch out with your girlfriends:

Who doesn't love a Madden Girl embellished faux snake skin wedge? At this price ($14.94 marked down from $60)? Crazy people, that's who! And what about these lovely flat gladiator sandals?

Combined with the wedges, these girly gladiators aren't even enough to get you the free shipping option on DSW.com because you have to spend $35 to qualify! ($14.94+ $19.94= $34.88 BEFORE your coupon discount!) Oh well, I suppose you'll also have to get these lovely (and bright) wedges so you can take advantage of free shipping:

Also available in hot pink and black, these CL by Laundry wedges are an ideal summer staple. Get 'em in all three colors if you like! I promise you'll wear them!

Once you've filled your closet with summer shoes, mark your calendar for six months from now and then don't forget to remind me to write a blog post about winter shoe bargains!

Happy Shoesday Tuesday, everyone!

Shoesday Tuesday- Fancy Flip-Flops

I have a ratty, gross pair of purple flip flops. They are hideous and old and I should probably throw them in the trash. I can't bring myself to do it, though. They are SO comfortable. I just love them because they are probably the only pair of shoes in my closet that have never done a single thing to hurt my feet. And I love that they are flip-flops becaue they are open and my feet can actually breathe in them. I have other flip flops that are in better shape and a lot prettier, but I rarely wear them because they just aren't as comfortable. My advice with flip flops is that once you find the perfect, comfortable pair, stick with them. Take care of them and they will take care of you. Until then, wear pretty ones like these:

Molano, Aldo Shoes, $19.98-$30

Vacchiano, Aldo Shoes, $60

Gemma, Target, $12.99

Rhosolyn, Nine West, $49

Because if you can't be comfortable, at least be pretty.

Reese's Style for Under $100

I love Reese Witherspoon. I have not seen a movie of hers that I didn't enjoy, or at least her performance. I loved Legally Blonde, Sweet Home Alabama, Pleasantville and Election, but I thought she was especially good in Walk the Line. She is also one of those celebrities who nearly always manages to look great- on the red carpet and off. Two of my favorite looks of hers:

And here are those same looks for under $100 each- just for you. Yes, you can leave a comment to thank me.

Stretch Tank, Old Navy, $10

Print Skirt, JC Penney, $19.99

Cross-Body Bag, Nine West, $29.99

Oversize Sunglasses, Sunglass Shack, $17.99

Total: $85.98

For this outfit, I chose to focus on the shape of the pieces and the overall color scheme. The navy scoop-neck tank is pretty spot-on, (in my opinion) and while the skirt is not the same type of print, the silhouette is still flowy and breezy, like Reese's. For the bag, I chose to depart from Reese's white color choice because of how much white is in the skirt in my set. Unfortunately I couldn't find one with brown detailing like hers (which helps off-set the white), so I chose to go with a metallic instead. White would have been too matchy-matchy for my set. Finally, the oversize sunglasses finish off the look and there's enough left in our $100 budget for an inexpensive pair of flip flops or ballet flats. Next!

Organic Tee, Fair Indigo, $15.50

Skinny Ankle Jean, NY & Co, $14.95

Oversize Sunglasses, Forever 21, $5.80

Slingback Flat, Payless, $17.99

Large Hobo Bag, Target, $24.99

Branscombe Necklace, Aldo, $20

Total: $81.23

This look was deceptively difficult to recreate for under $100 because it is actually a LOT of pieces. At first glance, it's a charcoal grey top and a pair of white skinny jeans, but when you look a little closer, there's a necklace, a large handbag, sunglasses and shoes. There's also an iPhone, but I didn't count that towards the fashions. It would have put me WAY over budget!

Happy weekend, everyone!

It ain't easy being... beige?

One of the perks of my job is that I get to spend a lot of time shopping- both online and out in real stores. Unfortunately, I'm often searching for very specific things, but just to make sure I'm aware of what's out there, I try to take in a quick survey of the stores I visit. Today I happened across several beige cotton dresses that really caught my attention. I know, I know- the queen of bold floral prints in bright color combinations is excited about a BEIGE dress? BEIGE?!?!? It's true, though. I'm sure you already know that neutrals are "in" this season and that includes beige. How much beige do I currently have in my closet, you ask? I think I might have one top and one pair of beige wedges. I hate khaki pants of any kind, but a dress? Now that's something I can handle. Unfortunately, none of the dresses I tried on tonight were 100% to my liking. Fortunately, I have access to fabric stores, so I'll likely figure something out that works for me once I have time to sit down at a sewing machine. For those of you less inclined to make your own dress, I offer you these fabulous beige dresses to add to your wardrobe:

Judy or Madeleine Dress, Modcloth, $129

Shore Leave Dress, Modcloth, $47.99

Beach Picnic Dress, Modcloth, $99.99

Drawstring Shirtdress, Gap, $17.99 (Sale)

Babydoll Smocked Sundress, Ebay, $19.99

Tie-Waist Shirtdress, Ann Taylor Loft, $69.50

Perhaps you already have a fabulous beige cotton dress in your closet, but you aren't sure how to style it. Try it with these:

Steve Madden Fez Black Espadrilles, Amazon, $29.99

Printed Gauze Scarf, Old Navy, $12.50

Navy Lovergirl Satchel, Nine West, $39.99

I know what you're thinking, "Renee! You've lost your mind! A beige dress with black shoes and a navy handbag? You are breaking so many rules!" Well, freak out if you must, but when you've calmed down, come back and read on. Navy, beige and black are all neutrals and nuetrals go with everything- including each other. In fact, the whole idea of matching shoes to bag to belt, etc. is very outdated. So mix it up whether it's with a beige dress, or khaki pants, or anything neutral in your wardrobe. But don't forget the pop of color. With summer right around the corner, even a lightweight gauze scarf like the one pictured above might be too much. In that case, wear bright jewelry like a pair of turquoise earrings or some colorful bangle bracelets. Or tie the scarf around your waist instead of around your neck. The possibilities are endless, really.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a beige dress to design...

Romper Rave

My fabulously stylish friend Amy emailed me today about some super adorable rompers she recently added to her wardrobe and they were far too cute for me not to share them on the blog. First, the rompers:

Silence & Noise Knot Front Romper, and BDG Strapless Tie Front Romper

$48 each at Urban Outfitters

She wrote:
"Any thoughts on accessorizing the first one? I'm thinking maybe a belt around my waist...I'd like to be able to do some casual stuff and have a few dressy night-out options w/ it for the summer... Do you think the romper trend is heinous?? I know you don't support the 80's style revival but...some of them are so cute!!"

Ok, for the record, it's not that I don't support the 80's style revival, it's that 1.) We should only be reviving the style choices of the 80's that were actually good and 2.) We should be updating and modernizing them, not just regurgitating them. And now I'm stepping down off my soapbox...

To answer Amy's question, I decided to make a couple of collages.

On-a-casual-afternoon-date:

Gladiator Sandal, Flirt Catalog, $34.50

Skinny Faux Leather Belt, Forever 21, $4.80

Jenna Hobo, Nine West, $39.99

Stringy Chain Earrings, Forever 21, $3.80

Blurred Bangle, Forever 21, $5.80

This may seem like a lot of accessories, but they are all pretty neutral and therefore allow the amazing detail on the neckline to really be the star of the outfit. That's also the reason I've left out a necklace as a styling option. With such a strong detail like the super cool pleated knot on the bodice, it's important to let it be the star and not wear anything that will compete with it.

Hipster-at-the-farmer's-market:

Metallic Stripe Ombre Scarf, Old Navy, $12.50

Joan & David "Zena" Flat, Nordstrom, $99

Kurt VonnegutPop Art Canvas Tote Bag, Etsy, $16

Ok, so maybe the only thing that make this outfit hipster-esque is the Vonnegut tote bag, but I couldn't resist. Sue me.

Night-out-on-the-town:

Drop Earrings, Aldo, $10

Metal Bangles, Old Navy, $9.50

Textured Platform Pump, Make Me Chic, $26.70

Alligator Pattern Front-Flap Clutch, Stacie's Gifts, $37.50

Once again, the romper is the star of the outfit- every accessory is neutral without being too match-y. The simple gold jewelry glams up the oufit and in those platform heels, your legs will look amazing.

What do you think of the romper trend? Love it? Hate it? Have a million in your closet already?

Thanks to Amy for the inspiration for this post. I'm looking forward to seeing a picture of her in her romper to post on the blog! No pressure, Amy, but I think we'd all enjoy it!

Shoesday Tuesday- Adorable Cowboy Boots

Remember Andrea's fabulous little cowboy boots? Well, I just got these in my weekly "Shop it to Me" email:

Gertrude, Nine West via Piperlime, $89.99

Are they gorgeous or what? They have the fabulous front "V" that is so flattering and delicate cut-outs that make them oh-so feminine and pretty. They're a fabulous and the price isn't bad for a nice pair of boots. I'm very tempted...

Brunettes have just as much fun as blondes...

And I would know because I was once a blonde and now I am a brunette. I was born with the blondest of blonde hair and it stayed blonde all the way through college. Shortly thereafter it started to darken up a litttle bit, but then three years ago I went for the dark brunette look and I haven't regretted it once.

It seems like whenever the subject of a cute brunette comes up, the immediate response is to mention Zooey Deschanel. It makes sense- she's basically the cutest person alive with a unique but accessible sense of style. She wears vintage in a way that looks modern and fresh. It's understandable why everyone loves her. And her music is catchy, too! But today I want to focus on some other adorable brunettes whose style is just as cute and accessible as Zooey's.


For starters, let's talk about Katie Holmes. Despite the drama and rumors surrounding her marriage, I think she is just so precious. She has a great sense of style and looks so put together so much of the time. I am in love with this look:

It translates beautifully into spring as well- a more open-toed shoe and walking shorts instead of jeans and it's a perfect spring outfit. The success of this outfit hinges upon the flowy, uber-feminine lace tiered top juxtaposed against the structure of the fitted pants and of course the menswear-inspired military jacket. Below are two options for putting this outfit together for yourself- the left is a cool weather option, the right warm weather and the center pieces are what would be used for both outfits.

Tiered Lace Knit Top, Forever 21, $19.80

Sunglasses, Aldo, $12

Cool weather options:

BB Dakota Delaine Sarge Jacket, Piperlime, $84

Martin Skinny Pant, Banana Republic, $89.50

Trikki Oxford, Steve Madden, $99.95

Warm weather options:

Denim Cadet Vest, Forever 21, $24.80

Bermuda Short, Banana Republic, $49.50

Adalie Flat, Nine West, $110

Another favorite brunette of mine (for her style) is Emmy Rossum, most known for her role in the film version of The Phantom of the Opera. Here she is wearing Christian Siriano (of course I have to love her for that):

Is she adorable or what? And while she can certainly rock the glam look, she's equally fabulous-looking in something far more casual and breezy:

This is another simple outfit to recreate:

Square Neck Dress, Old Navy, $12.99

Prime Denim Jacket, Forever 21, $26.80

Caryssa Platform Pump, Steve Madden, $99.95

Vintage Grommet Belt, Gap, $24.99

Double Circle Chain Necklace, Buy.com, $56.40

Finally, the last brunette I'd like to feature today is Vanessa Hudgens. I absolutely adore this casual look- it's obviously super comfy, but also super chic.

Here's the last style collage of the day- an attempt to recreate Vanessa's fabulous casual look:

Crinkle Shirtdress, Banana Republic, $120

Straw Floppy Hat, Target, Available in store only- call for price and availability

Chicles Fabric Belt, Aldo, $25

Ambrozia Sandal, Nine West, $59

Black Hobo Handbag, Purse Boutique, $29.95

So that's my case for why brunettes can have just as much fun (and be just as stylish) as any blonde out there! Leave a comment to tell me what you think of the celebrity style or my versions in the collages, or anything else that comes to mind! Have a great night!