Shoesday Tuesday: Spurge v. Steal

Happy Shoesday Tuesday, everyone!

With Christmas just around the corner, I'm sure your bank account is, much like mine, feeling a tad depleted. And so in the spirit of saving money, today's post is all about the spurge vs. steal gimmick. Also known in some circles as the "Look for Less," it's a fabulous trend/price comparison for the savvy shopper. Let's all save a buck while still looking totally fabulous, shall we?

First up, these gorgeous pumps by Fendi- the bow detail at the toe is so sculptural and pretty and as for the color, well, you all know how I feel about a nude shoe. If you don't yet have a fabulous nude shoe, these would make a great choice:

Of course at $685 (available at Nordstrom here), they're a bit on the pricey side, wouldn't you say? Fortunately, there are other great platform pumps out there also in nude and also featuring an interesting sculptural bow detail in front. Like these by Paris Hilton available at Zappos for just $88.95 (here). 

On a completely different note, these work-boot style heels by Dolce & Gabbana are all the rage right now. Unfortunately at $655, they are far from attainable. (At least to me, but you can buy them here at Bloomingdale's if you like.) 

Don't despair, lumberjack ladies, a VERY similar pair of "Ranger Booties" by Ralph Lauren is ALSO available at Bloomies (here) for a fraction of the cost of the D&G's. At $104.30 (sale price, marked down from $149), these are a pretty great substitute: 

Personally, I really love the idea of glittery shoes for a party, especially New Year's. Jimmy Choo knows exactly what I'm talking about with these gorgeous slingbacks available at Nordstrom for about $665 (here).

They sure are pretty, but for a girl on a budget (like me), this festive version from Make Me Chic is a lot more affordable at just $29.68 (here).

I hope this post has inspired you to look for the bargain version of the trend. You really don't have to spend a lot to look great- these shoes are all proof! 

Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy day to stop by my blog- I really appreciate it (and the comments, too, of course)! However, I'd like to ask you to take another moment or two out of your day for me. Please hop on over to Twitter and tell me (in tweet form) about a shoe bargain you know of, or experienced, or hope to find. Please include the hashtag #ShoesdayTuesday or I won't see it. Thanks so much and Happy Shoesday Tuesday, everyone! 

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!

Bargain Shoe Find!

Remember Sylvie from Shoe Dazzle? Well, I just found these here:

Other than the color- they are SPOT ON! And at $20.50, they're half the price of the Shoe Dazzle version. What's a girl to do?

Shoesday Tuesday- Trends on the C-H-E-A-P!

I've talked a lot about shoe trends on this humble blog and the other day I stumbled across a site that had a TON of them uber cheap! And so I present to you: Make Me Chic!

TREND: High heel boots with cut-outs:

$20.50

TREND: Boots with zipper trim details:

$38.00

TREND: Stud details

$14.50

$23.25

TREND: Booties with embellishment

$24.50

TREND: Oxford Lace-up

$21.50

TREND: Over-the-knee boot

$27.00

Unfortunately, nearly all the heels on this site are of hooker-esque proportions, so beware the twisted ankle should you dare attempt to walk in them. There are plenty of more reasonable heel heights without the 2 inch platform as well.

Since trends tend be well... trendy, spending a lot of money on them seems awfully silly, doesn't it? So it's nice to find cheaper versions of the trends you like because participating becomes a lot more manageable. Enjoy and leave a comment to tell me what you think!