Shoesday Tuesday: Bows!

A couple of weeks ago, one of my coworkers showed up wearing these:

I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!

Of course I told her this, but it was pretty obvious how much I loved them when I squealed as she walked in the door. She knew immediately why I was squealing and said, "I thought of you when I bought these!" While I'm happy to inspire someone's sartorial choices, I have to admit I was a little jealous that these bad boys aren't in MY closet. Then she told me that they were also available in a cobalt blue: 

It's like a knife in my heart that the only size left on DSW's website is 6.5! If that's not tragic, I don't know what is. Well, actually, I do understand that a shoe not being available in your size is actually the furthest thing from being truly tragic, so forgive my melodrama, friends. But can't you just see those amazing heels in my closet? I think I would actually prefer the black ones- I'd get a lot more use out of them. But I suppose it's not meant to me. Seeing these shoes did make me go on a hunt for anything with an amazing bow on it.

I thought these were pretty fabulous:

Mojo Moxy Bettie Pump, DSW, $49.95

And then I found all of these: 

BOWS! by rtboo featuring red boots

And then I remembered that these are already in my closet:

You may or may not remember them from Beth's wedding. They were excruciating, but worth the pain for sure. Also, as far as bows go, these are far and away the best bow I've ever encountered on a shoe and after realizing that, I felt surprisingly content despite not being able to buy the ones from DSW above. Shocking, I know. Although, I can't promise that I won't be stalking those shoes online for the next few months, hoping and praying that they become available in an 8.5. Don't judge me. 

Happy Shoesday Tuesday everyone!

Shoesday Tuesday: For the Guys

I realize that I tend to neglect the handful of male followers that I have on this blog, so in a small attempt to make it up to you, I've decided to do a Shoesday Tuesday blog post for GUYS!!! Ladies, keep on reading, you can always get some good ideas for shoes for your man. Enjoy!

Antonio Maurizi Naldo Double Monk Slip-On, DSW, $299.95

These bad boys are SLICK. 

Reef Men's Smoothy Sandal, DSW, $39.95

If you absolutely MUST wear a "man-dal," make it a simple, leather choice. 

Mike Konos Wallaby Oxford, DSW, $129.95

Rugged and cool. LOVE. 

On the whole, mens shoes can be quite dull, (at least in my opinion). Keep it interesting and look for something different the next time you're shopping for shoes! 

Have a great SHOESDAY TUESDAY, everyone! And as always, thanks for reading! 

Shoesday Tuesday: Mint Oxfords

I have a new pair of shoes that are making me ache for spring to arrive:

Isn't the color just the most fabulous shade of creamy, delicious mint? And check out the super cool cut-outs on the sides:

I am absolutely DYING to wear these precious brogues, but it's still just a little too cold. Maybe soon, though...

Happy Shoesday Tuesday, everyone!

Shoesday Tuesday: Simple Beauty

I am a huge fan of over-the-top, stand-out things. Clothes, accessories, shoes- you name it. If it's bold a a little out-there, then I love it. But despite my love for all things borderline garish, it all stems from an initial love of simple beauty. Clean lines in neutral colors can stand out for their simple beauty even more than a busy pattern or bold color. And the proof is in the pudding:

Jimmy Choo "Vikki" Platform Pump, Nordstrom, $575

Kate Spade NY "Licorice Too" Pump, Nordstrom, $298

Prada Round-toe Platform Pump, Nordstrom $750

There are so many simple. but beautiful shoes out there, but I think I'm going to spend the day drooling over these. I hope they make you drool as much as I do. Have a great day, everyone! Thanks for reading! 

Shoesday Tuesday: Seychelles Boots

Last week on Shoesday Tuesday, all I could think about was bright, open-toe summery shoes that I couldn't possibly wear amidst all the inches and feet of snow that has been dumped on New England these last few weeks. Today, I'm a little more grounded in reality and I've decided to feature an awesome pair of boots on this Shoesday Tuesday! But the connection is this: they're also from Seychelles and they're a fabulous bright color that will brighten even the gloomiest of winter days:

Meet Me in the City, $220

Can you even handle how fabulous these are? The red is to die for! I love how simple and flattering they are and the color just can't be beat. They are available in three other colors, but the red wins every time. 

Happy Shoesday Tuesday, folks! 

I'm Not Waiting Until Shoesday Tuesday

Over a year ago, I lusted after Sadie's Fergilicious boots in the loviest tan suede. The boots were so beautiful and flattering, not to mention well-made. The heel was short enough that she wore them to work all the time. Lindsay, our front desk person AND a current fashion school student, loved them, and owned them too. Then, just a few weeks ago, Juhree showed up to work in them! She'd found them on sale at a huge bargain, PLUS they were a really dark shade of grey- almost black. They once again caught my eye and even though I'd seen Sadie and Lindsay wear them over and over, they were still so striking that I couldn't stop staring.

Of course, now that I absolutely MUST have these boots, they're basically sold out everywhere. I was in Famous Faootwear last night with a couple other gals and I saw the non-leather version of them and of course fell in love! I would prefer the real suede version, but even the faux leather is fabulous.

The faux-leather isn't as shiny in real life as it is in this photo, but that's also part of the reason why I'd rather the real leather- it's more of a suede finish, and the dark grey is almost black. I really missed the boat on these and now I wish I'd bought them when they were still available. Anyone out there a size 8.5 who wants to sell me theirs? I'll be forever grateful. 

Shoesday Tuesday: Seychelles Awesome-ness

In case you didn't know, New England has been getting covered in snow the last couple of weeks. Last Friday and Saturday, most people were covered under anywhere from 24-36 inches. Since then, we've had two more storms and another 6-10 inches, depending on where you are. So of course the only thing on my mind is springtime and beautiful open sandals, wedges and heels. You know, the kind of shoe that you wear with a cute little floral sundress or a pair of shorts and a fun, colorful top. I think that dreaming of shoes like these is what will get me through the winter. And no one does colorful, fun shoes better than Seychelles:

Freesia, $90

Apology Accepted, $90

Stop Traffic, $120

Down to the Wire, $110

For those of you a little more grounded in reality and who may have wanted to see some cute winter boots this week, I wish I could say, "I'm sorry for disappointing you." But I can't. Happy Shoesday Tuesday! 

Shoesday Tuesday: Hummingbird Pumps

I was flipping through the newest In Style Magazine over this past weekend. Let me set the scene: Outside, the snow continues to fall and pile up all around New England. It's freezing cold outside, with huge gusts of wind stirring up the snow. Inside, I'm bundled up in a warm blanket and my wool slippers with a pile of fashion magazines and a cup of hot coffee. Naturally, the one thing that caught my eye more than anything else was a pair of glittery floral heels with a hummingbird design:

Etta Glitter Heel Pumps in Hummingbird Floral, J. Crew, $278

What I wouldn't give right now for a warm, spring day where I could don these gorgeous heels and a light, girlie sundress. The groundhog did not see his shadow earlier this month, which means we're due for an early spring. It can't come soon enough. 

Shoesday Tuesday: My New Glitter Flats

Remember my Newbury Street Shopping Spree last week? Well, I decided to hold out until Shoesday Tuesday to share my fabulous new shoes that I scored at The Closet:

How fabulous are these? I believe they're by Madewell; the "1937 Footwear" stamp is my clue to that. I've never purchased any shoes from Madewell, so I'm assuming this. If you think I'm wrong, feel free to correct me. For those of you who aren't aware, Madewell 1937 is an off-shoot of J. Crew. The prices are slightly less, and the style is slightly more quirky. Regardless of their origin, I'm in love with these sparkly flats. I know I'll wear them to work a whole lot! They will also make a great "second pair" of shoes for fancy events that might start in heels. I always have a pair of sparkly flats when I go to weddings and other events where it's appropriate to wear heels, but with all the mingling and dancing, my feet long for flats before the end of the night. 

Well, I guess that's it for Shoesday Tuesday today. Thanks for reading. Feel free to comment if you like. 

Shoesday Tuesday: TOMS

I have long hated the look of TOMS. I've always thought they were a little frumpy and plain looking, kind of a grandma shoe, you know? And I hate that I feel that way because for every pair of TOMS purchased, they match the purchase with a donation of a shoe to a child in need. How can I not get behind a company like that? I suppose charity and fashion don't often co-mingle. But then I met a bride over the weekend who had a pair of bridal wedges from TOMS! And they were cute! Suddenly, I started to think that maybe they weren't so bad after all.

Ivory Glitter Wedges, TOMS, $80

Ivory Grosgrain Wedges, TOMS, $80

They're not the prettiest shoe I've ever seen, but they're also far from hideous. And they are even available in a lovely petal pink as well, not to mention plenty of other non-bridal colors and prints. The price is reasonable, the look is simple and everyone says they're the most comfortable shoes ever. All of that coupled with the amazing charity work they do and I say, "Get 'em!" I could see these shoes at a casual barn wedding or a backyard reception. And while I personally still can't get behind the look of their flats, I think the line of wedges are just adorable! There may even be a pair in my future like these, perhaps: 

Serena Wedges, TOMS, $69

What's your take on TOMS? Do you love them? Hate them? Are you ambivalent like me? Leave a comment- I'd love to know what you think. 

Shoesday Tuesday: Joann's Heels

We have a handful of amazing new stylists at Madeleine's Daughter these days. You've already met Ashley, but we also have another Ashley as well as Jessie and Joann. All three are super stylin' ladies who will now doubt all end up on the blog at some point. Today it's going to be Joann because she wore the most fabulous pair of heels to work the other day and I was drooling over them.

What a babe! Am I right? Of course I am. 

Joann is one of those women that just makes you feel great when you're around her. She has a light hearted, warm presence about her that I just adore. She has been at Madeleine's for a little over a month and I'm already so impressed with how quickly she's caught on, how well she works with brides and just her overall demeanor. I'm a fan. 

Now, for a closer look at those pumps: 

At first glance, you might think those were just a pair of basic black heels. But then you look closer and you start to notice all the amazing details- the ombre heels, the fabric bow on the toe- aren't they fabulous?

I want to also point out (and I hope Joann doesn't mind), but she wears about a size 10 1/2, which admittedly is a difficult size to wear. Shoes that are adorable when they're a size 6, often look less and less cute the larger the size. And I can't tell you how often I've heard women with larger feet complain about how it's so impossible to find anything cute over a size 7. Well guess what- Joann does. Joann finds fashionable shoes and she wears them to work every day. I've seen cute leopard print flats, stylish boots, and then these gorgeous pumps. So for all you nay-sayers out there who say that there isn't anything pretty in those hard-to-find sizes, I say, "You're wrong. Look a little harder."

We all have a body part that is difficult to dress, something that makes shopping more of a chore and that often throws a wrench into our perfectly planned outfit ideas. There is no denying that if you have a size 5 or 11 foot, then finding good shoes will always be harder for you than it will for me and my size 8 1/2's. Maybe that's not fair, but Joann is a shining example of someone who clearly didn't let anything get between her and a fabulous pair of shoes. Isn't that inspiring?

Happy Shoesday Tuesday, everyone!

Shoesday Tuesday: Perfect Bridal Wedges

At Madeleine's, one of my jobs is to "finish" the bride's overall wedding day look. She'll set up an appointment to pick out accessories and I'll help her create the head-to-toe look, starting with undergarments and shoes and working our way through veils, jewelry, headpieces, purses, everything. It's a blast. And if you remember, my stellar selling hair makes it that much more enjoyable for me lately.

Anyway, one of the tricky parts can be shoes. We carry a decent variety of shoes at Madeleine's, but it's impossible to please everyone. One thing we can't seem to find for our store is the perfect pair of wedges. In New England, tons and tons of brides get married outdoors- golf courses, country clubs, beaches, barn yards, backyards- you name it. It's pretty picturesque here, so it makes sense to make the most of the natural beauty around you for such a special day. Anyway, as you all know, formal shoes and high heels in particular are the WORST when you're outside. Whether it's gravel walkways, cobblestones, grass or sand, there is no faster route to a sprained ankle than high heels outside in New England.

So often a bride will say, "I'm probably going to have to wear wedges." See, the thing is, she wants a pair of dressy shoes, but wedges are typically a very casual shoe. It's a conundrum, for sure. Even at Madeleine's, we only have a handful of options and while I think they're pretty fabulous, they don't cover every style for every bride.

Why the rant about wedges? Well, ladies and gents, I happened to hop on over to Shoe Dazzle a few days ago, just out of curiosity. And what to my wondering eyes should appear, but the most fabulous, lovely pair of wedges fit for a bride. They're called "Lucie" and I think they are flawless:

Can I get a little love for finding these precious little darlings? The pale nude color is practically ivory and would look amazing next to just about any bridal gown. And the lace! What better detail could you possibly hope for? The peep toe and delicate ankle strap are so feminine and flattering, too! I kind of want to get married outside just so I can wear these gorgeous wedges! I'm so in love! They do look pretty high, but I've always said that beauty hurts and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.

I don't know where else you could find these, other than Shoe Dazzle, but they have dropped their monthly membership price. Plus, you could always join just for these bad boys and then cancel afterwards.

So, what do you think? Am I right about how amazing these wedges are? Did you get married outside? What was your footwear choice? Leave comments, friends! And Happy Shoesday Tuesday!

Shoesday Tuesday- Must Haves

Do you sometimes find yourself looking through your closet FULL of shoes and thinking, "I don't have anything at all that works with this outfit!" Do you find yourself shoe shopping for every outfit, particularly when there is a special occasion to consider? Every woman needs a certain arsenal of shoes for various life situations. Work, dinner out, cocktail attire, etc. At a minimum, every woman needs no less than seven pair of shoes, but they are seven very specific shoes. These are her "must haves," the shoes that are the bread and butter of her day to day needs. Make sure you have these seven shoes and you'll never be unprepared for any occasion or find yourself suddenly having to shoe shop on your lunch break because you just don't have anything that works. After all, shoe shopping should be fun, not stressful.

Black pumps- Open or close toe, full pump or D'orsay, patent or matte leather, suede or even fabric. A pair of black pumps will work with just about anything from a pair of jeans to an LBD. Choose a classic pair in a textile that works for your lifestyle. If you don't attend a lot of formal events, forgo the satin and stick to leather.

Via Spiga Yara Pump, DSW, $129.95

Nude pumps- Just like the black pumps, your nude pumps will work with nearly anything. Not a fan of wearing black with brown or navy? Then that's when you break out the nude pumps. They're neutral and flattering 100% of the time.

BCBG Paris Jaze Pump, DSW, $59.95

Nude dressy heels- Wearing a sparkly cocktail dress to a party or a fun, floral dress to a wedding? The one and only pair of shoes that will work with every single cocktail or semi-formal dress you will ever own is a pair of dressy nude heels. What makes them dressier than your basic nude heels is up to you- it can be the fabric, the embellishment, the more open, strappy design- whatever says "formal" to you.  Choose a style that is classic, elegant and comfortable and you'll have them for years to come. You can spend many an evening dancing the night away in these.

Michael Antonio Torio Sandal, DSW, $39.95

Dressy flats- For wearing with a sun dress to a more casual wedding, or with a pair of capris while out shopping with your girlfriends. Dressy flats help dress up a more casual outfit, but they also tone down an LBD or other more formal dress. What makes them dressy is the fabrication and the embellishment. Whether a neutral color like black or a pop of color like red or fuchsia, dressy flats work with many different looks.

Vogue Star Quality Flat, DSW, $99.95

Casual flats- Running errands and going to backyard BBQ's shouldn't always involve a pair of sneakers. As a general rule, beyond the age of 13, sneakers are no longer a style choice. Always have a pair of casual flats in a neutral color like black, grey, brown or nude.

Rocket Dog Monica Linen Flat, DSW, $34.95

Sandals- These can double as your casual flats, but they can also be heels or wedges- whatever suits your lifestyle is what matters most.

Unisa Kami Wedge Sandal, DSW, $49.95

Boots- Brown boots look great with everything, as do black boots. Grey is another great option. Find a pair with a heel height  and look that suits your lifestyle. Invest in a high quality pair and they'll last for years. Cowboy boots, biker boots, riding boots, flats, wedges, heels- these are the details you need to determine based on what works in your own wardrobe. Skip anything trendy and you'll be safe.

Audrey Brooke Adore Suede Riding Boot, DSW, $139.95

So there you have it- your seven must-have pair of shoes. With these shoes only, you would be prepared for literally any outfit opportunity that presents itself. Do I recommend having ONLY these seven shoes in your closet? Of course not! But if you're a recent college grad thinking about how you need to make your wardrobe more mature, or if you've decided to give yourself a What-Not-to-Wear-esque make-over, or if you just want to know what shoes are truly necessary in life, this is where you should begin. Once you've got these basics covered, then you can move on to other less basic and more fun shoes. But if you don't have these shoes in your closet RIGHT NOW, then stop buying the bright red heels and the platform paisley wedges. Rein it in, sister! 

Finally, you may have noticed that I used the same phrase repeatedly in this post, "suits your lifestyle." This key. I love high heels as much as the next person, and at AMT, I wore them all the time. They suited my lifestyle then. These days, with my job keeping me on my feet for ten hours or more, they just don't work any more. Remember those words when you are shoe shopping and you will avoid wasting your money on shoes you'll never wear. 

Didn't you just LOVE this Shoesday Tuesday post? I thought you might. Leave a comment below to tell me how much you loved it. Or better yet, tweet it to all your friends so that they can also experience the fabulousness that is Shoesday Tuesday. Thanks for reading and don't forget to come back soon!

Shoesday Tuesday: Ankle Strap Pumps

I don't know about you, but I am in LOVE with this new ankle-strap trend. It can be tough to pull off if you don't have nice legs, so I'll be honest with you that it isn't for everyone. What makes it tough is that it cuts across your leg and can be unflattering as a result. Try this trend if you have shapely legs with small ankles. OR strangely enough, this trend can help a girl who doesn't have much shape to her legs by giving them some definition at the ankle. My advice: try on lots of styles- thick strap, thin strap, open toe, closed toe, wedge, heel, bootie, etc. Try lots of different versions of this trend and see what works on YOU!

Here are some of my faves:

Zigi Soho Radar Pump, DSW, $49.95

These would be great for the office- not too tall, sensible closed toe, conservative color and just a little detail of a trend in the ankle strap. Am I right? Of course I am. 

Envy Iris Wedge Pump, DSW, $59.95

I adore the rich teal color and suede texture of these pumps. I think they would be another great choice for the office, especially due to their dainty wedge. 

Bandolino Gillian Pump, DSW, $59.94

Can we talk about the amazing, rich, gorgeous color of these shoes? I'm in love! 

Nine West Ivorie Pumps, DSW, $74.95

If the bold color in addition to the high platform and super thick strap are too much, try them in a different color. They're also available in black. 

What do you think of this trend? Love it? Hate it? Let me know what you think in the comments! 

Shoesday Tuesday: Glitter Booties!

You guys have heard of the blog Kendi: Everyday, right? She's basically this adorable Texan who started off writing a fashion blog, then ended up quitting her day job and earning her living blogging. Well, that and opening an adorable little boutique called Bloom.

Well, I read her blog and so it goes without saying that I love most of her outfits. Not too long ago, she wore the most fabulous pair of ankle booties with a gold glitter detail on the heel. I fell in love. They were so freakin' awesome, I just had to have 'em. Fortunately for me, they were available in the online Bloom shop, so I ordered those bad boys and I'm dying to wear them. Check 'em out!

Gold Glitter Booties, Bloom, $90

At nearly a hundred bucks after shipping, they were a bit of a splurge. However, I plan to wear these puppies a whole lot. They better be comfy because I can see them with about a gajillion different outfits. I bet you didn't know that gold glitter was the new black, right? 

Let's take another look, shall we? 

I can't wait to wear these! Boots like these are the reason Shoesday Tuesday exists. Am I right? Feel free to give these boots (and me) a shout out in the comments. Tell me what you think- love 'em, hate 'em, want 'em, need 'em. Whatever your feelings, express yourself. And thanks for reading! 

Shoesday Tuesday: The New Red

Oxblood, poppy, blood orange, coral- have you heard these color names recently? It seems in the last few seasons, red has been redefined. Any one of these is "the new red" for fashion and personally, I'm a fan. I love red in every shade and I love it in my wardrobe- dresses, shoes, jewelry, everything. I'm a fan.

Since it's Shoesday Tuesday, I'm going to feature shoes of these colors for you. Get ready for some eye candy!

Steve Madden "Vegass," Piperlime, $54.99

These flats are scrumptious. I love the pointed toe and the rich color. Wouldn't they be fabulous with a little navy natural-waist dress and maybe some nautical accessories? Or even with a casual LBD. Honestly, I think they'd work with just about anything. 

Marc by March Jacobs Riding Boot, Piperlime, $369.99

What is it about rich, burgundy boots that just makes me swoon? I'd love to wear these with my dark wash skinny jeans and a cashmere turtleneck. 

Lucky Brand "Tablita," Piperlime, $109

These boots are so delicious, I'm literally drooling right now. I love the idea of this color peeking out of the hem of some boot-cut jeans. 

Juicy Couture "Elise," Piperlime, 228

HOT! These shoes are SO hot!!! What great date shoes, right? I would love to slip into these and my sleekest LBD for a fancy dinner out with my BF. I love that they have a small platform, unlike the crazy platforms of so many pumps over the last few seasons. It's refreshing, really. But seriously, I think I need these shoes. They're just so HOT!!! 

Franco Sarto "Cicero," Piperlime, $69.99

If you are looking for the perfect pair of classy red heels for fall and winter, I believe I have found them for you. The heel height is practical, the color is luxe, and the price is so reasonable. Get them. Now. 

Envy Footwear "Lyka," Piperlime, $49.99

Wedges are perfect for fall and winter, but finding ones in such an incredible shade of red is so unexpectedly fabulous. Wear them with jeans, with a skirt, with tights, with just about anything. 

So, what do you think of "the new reds?" Do you have any of them in your wardrobe yet? Shoes? Bags? I know I'll be breaking out my reds right away and not just because of the holidays. 

Shoesday Tuesday: They'll Always Haunt Me...

For months and months, I found myself stumbling across the same pair of ridiculous heels at Marshalls. It was like they just wouldn't leave me alone. They were by Steve Madden and they were so cool-60's-mod, that I knew they would work with plenty of outfits and dresses in my closet. Here's proof:

Just look at that heel!!! The color, the shape, everything about these shoes just screams my name. But guess what- I never bought them. Every time I saw them on the shelf, I put them on. I walked around the store. I showed my friends. I showed my other friends. I showed strangers. I just couldn't pull the trigger. You see, they were unbearably painful to wear. They are the kind of shoes you wear to sit down all day. Guess what I never do. That's right- sit down all day. (Unless you count my lazy days off spent in sweat pants on the couch.) I just couldn't justify them. I thought, "These shoes deserve to belong to someone who will not only love them, but who will WEAR them." That person just isn't me. 

I know what you're thinking, "What about wearing them out on a date?!?" I know- that thought crossed my mind. But my boyfriend lives in the mountains of North Carolina. Shoes like these just don't work in the mountains. I'd break an ankle just walking from the front door to the car. No joke. It would NOT be pretty. And isn't that the point of shoes like this? To look and feel pretty? 

I suppose they'll forever haunt me as "the ones that got away." At least I have them documented here and I can look at them any time I want. And now, so can you. You're welcome. 

Happy Shoesday Tuesday! 

Shoesday Tuesday: I Finally Found Them...

For as long as I've been employed at my current job, I've tried and tried and tried to find the perfect pair of black boots. I wanted something vaguely western, with just enough of a heel to give a little support and definitely enough comfort to wear on a 10-hour day. Last year I was SO close. The boots I found were the perfect look, but my size wasn't available. I tried to squeeze into an 8 when what I really needed was an 8.5 or 9. In the end, I gave up and turned the boots over to my mom. They don't hurt her feet like they did mine.

This year, I was surfing the interwebs, trying once again to find the perfect boot. I'd already been to Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Aldo, Nine West, etc. both in stores and online. I found either completely flat, or heels that were way too tall. If the heel was right, then the boot was ruined with all sorts of chains and studs making them way too edgy for me. Finally, of all places, I went to Charlotte Russe and it was there that I found my perfect boots. Check 'em out:

Distressed Mid-Calf Riding Boot, Charlotte Russe, $40

I actually bought them in BOTH the cognac pictured above AND the black. I've worn them nearly every day since I got them and they are quite possibly the best boots I've ever owned. LOVE. At $40, I don't expect them to last beyond this season, so I'll be on a similar quest in a year, I'm sure. I would be happy to spend $100-200 on a high quality pair of boots, but I have yet to find ones that meet all my requirements. These are the right look, the right heel height, the right everything. 

What's your latest shoe quest? Leave a comment- I need to know I'm not alone! 

Shoesday... Wednesday...

Hey all! Is it a gorgeous day out today or what? I have the day off and I have been thoroughly enjoying myself. Over the last few months, my life has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. First, in February, one of the seamstresses who works at MD fell and broke her arm. The weeks following were a scheduling nightmare as I tried to reassign all of her brides to the remaining seamstresses. I even had to call in reinforcements and ask a couple of our contracted seamstresses to start much sooner. I remember when it happened, it was stressful, but everyone kept saying, "At least it didn't happen during the peak season!" (Peak season for bridal alterations is generally defined as April through October.)

Well, just when I thought we'd recovered and were on our way to a nice, smooth, well- organized summer in the alterations department, another seamstress suffered a major health issue- she had a stroke. Unlike the broken arm incident, this was incredibly emotional for everyone at the store. A stroke is such a serious thing and all I wanted to hear from anyone was that she was going to be okay. And fortunately, that's exactly the news I got- almost immediately. Even though I know she's fast on the road to recovery, there is still a piece of me that feels sad every morning when I go in to work and see her sewing machine without her smiling face behind it.

So what does a bridal alterations manager do when it is in fact PEAK season and she tragically loses a key seamstress? Well, she hops behind the sewing machine herself, of course! And she pins the brides gowns herself at their fittings. And she does her best to keep everyone's spirits high despite the enormous influx of additional dresses to sew. It was about a month ago that the stroke happened and I'm proud to say that not only has the seamstress made great strides in her recovery, so has the alterations department. Because after all, the weddings are still going on as scheduled- whether I have a seamstress to sew the dresses or not.

It's been an emotional ride for all of us involved, and there have been some tough decisions made, but I'm happy to report that despite all the craziness, I think we're starting to get ourselves out of the weeds.

"Why haven't you replaced her?" so many brides have asked this question. Honestly? Finding a truly skilled bridal seamstress is difficult to do in the off-season. In the middle of the summer? It's impossible.

So here I am on my day off, finally starting to feel as though I can take a breath and relax and all I can think about is my outfit that I'm wearing to a friend's party this coming weekend. Who knows where the idea came from, but my friend Juhree is throwing what she calls "The Sailor's Garden Party." Where do I begin?

Why "the sailors?" you ask. Well, my boyfriend came to visit for my birthday a few months ago. We went out on the town with my very beautiful and very stylish coworkers and friends. At the end of the night, he remarked to me, "Your friends are just the prettiest bunch of sailors I've ever met!" When I looked at him quizzically, he explained, "Well, you know- with all the drinking and cursing." They embraced their new nickname with enthusiasm like I'd only seen when they're cracking open a fresh bottle of wine.

The "Garden Party" seems pretty straightforward- an outdoor affair with lawn games like croquet and badminton, right? Well, somewhere in the midst of all the planning, there came a discussion of appropriate attire for such an event. Effie Trinket served as the inspiration and guests have been encouraged to wear colorful, outlandish clothing, and to be sure to complete their outfit with a stylish hat or fascinator.

I've decided to wear a white dress that I made for myself a couple of years ago when I still lived in Pennsylvania- it's a perfect dress for an afternoon party:

Instead of the blue sash, I spent this morning creating a bright pink one with an enormous bow in the back. I also ordered a raspberry colored full-skirted petticoat from Petticoat Junction to really pump up the volume on the skirt. As for what hat to wear? Well, that's a surprise, but I'll tell you this: it's going to be a borrowed pieces that LITERALLY walked the fashion runway very recently. 

Unfortunately, even with the haute couture headpiece, it was all looking a bit too sweet- there wasn't enough of a funky edge to the outfit. Then I found these and it all came together: 

Enigma Floral Oxford Booties, DSW, $49.94

Only available online, I had to take a chance and get them. I think they are the perfect finishing touch to a zany look that I believe will be just right for this silly event. I'll be sure to take lots of photos and post them here or on facebook and twitter for you all to see. 

Have you had any fun parties to dress up for in the last few months? Leave a comment and tell me all about it!