Shoesday Tuesday- Wish List

Recession? What recession? I know, I know- we're still in an economic crisis, but I don't think that means we can't even look at what's out there. Just because you're on a diet, doesn't mean you don't look at the menu, right? So here is my fall shoe wishlist with no consideration for price or availability:

Since money is no object with this list, let's start with the most extravagant, Christian Louboutin:

I have no words for these shoes. Well, maybe one word: art.

Moving on before I start obsessing over Louboutin, don't you just die for these boots from Bakers?

I don't love the over-the-knee trend, especially when the heels are sky-high, but I do not have the legs to pull off an over-the-knee flat boot, so I feel like these are a good compromise. You can actually convert the top to be below-the-knee as well:

I'm obsessed with grey right now, too. It's my new black. Alright, moving on, but still sticking with Bakers- you know I'm in love with the ankle boot trend and that combined with my love of ruffles brings me to these lovelies:

Super cute! The ruffles are actually more like tiny little petals- it's like a perfect feminine detail against the harshness of black leather- so cool. Contrary to popular opinion, I do not always wear heels. It took me a little while, but I finally got on the ballet flat bandwagon. These from Nine West make me happy because of the bright jewel tone color:

But for those days when I want bright color on a heel, I'd love to sport these gorgeous pumps, also from Nine West:

Or these, also from Nine West, because who doesn't love a great platform cut-out bootie?

That's enough of a fantasy shoe wishlist for now. What are your dream shoes? Do you imagine sky-high platform heels? Or super feminine flats? Edge-y leather boots? What makes you drool?

Rate My Look- Black & White (and a little pink)

I was on my way to work when I took this picture, so I didn't spend a lot of time making sure it's fabulous. Forgive me my quick photography. Anyway, I have had this skirt for AGES and I love it. I got it at a thrift store for $1. The top is Old Navy and I got it for $4. The scarf was FREE when I made a purchase at Wet Seal. The shoes were $5 at Deb Shops and the ring is from Etsy and a bargain at $8. It's actually a button ring- I gave you a little sneak peek a few days ago. Here's the picture from ShopKim's Etsy site:

It's actually 2 buttons- the black one frames the green one. I love the metallic detail on the inside of the button holes. The ring and the scarf are my little splashes of color on an otherwise all white and black outfit. What do you think? I like. Do you?

I'm joining the 21st century....

Yes, it's true- I've decided to join the 21st century. I've added a shopping cart to my official website so now you can purchase gift certificates and closet consultations ONLINE! Whoo-hoo! Isn't that exciting?

I chose to only include closet consultations (Single or couple) and gift certificates in $25 incremements because the other services I provide can vary more in price. For example, a style party with only 4 people would cost less than one with 6 or 8. Also, corporate events can vary in price depending on how long you'd like me to present and whether or not I'll be doing individual evaluations. For those services, please email me for more information or to schedule an event.

The good news is that with Christmas fast approaching, you could very easily get all your stocking stuffers out of the way with a handful of gift certificates from yours truly!

Feel free to stop by the website anytime as I update it whenever there is something new and exciting to share.

Amy & Aaron's Wedding

So today was the big wedding day for Amy & Aaron. The weather was spectacular which was a total surprise since all week long they'd been predicting rain. Instead it was about 10 degrees warmer that it has been all week and the sun was shining all day. It was gorgeous.

But the weather doesn't have a whole lot to do with my fashion dilemma. As you all know, I really WANTED to wear this outfit to the wedding:

I wasn't totally convinced that it was appropriate and pretty much everyone who offered feedback recommended this outfit instead:

In the end, I got to wear both outfits- the first one to the rehearsal and dinner which was followed by a party at Amy & Aaron's house. The next day I wore the black dress, but I decided to change up the shoes and wore these instead:

The site of the ceremony was in the groom's brother's backyard, so I thought a more substantial heel and an ankle strap was more appropriate than a satin stiletto pump. They totally worked. In the end I'm really glad I went with the black because Amy actually had a gorgeous corsage for me which would NOT have worked with the polka dot dress. Here's a lovely photo of me with the blushing bride. Isn't she stunning?

I have to tell you guys that the necklace I wore got SO many compliments. It was only $7 at Forever 21, but every time I wear it, people ask if I made it out of vintage beads or if it's an antique- it fools everyone every time. I think it works really well with that particular dress- the neckline is perfect for it. Every time I tell people the price and where I got it, they just about die. But enough about me- doesn't Amy look spectacular? Her dress was so pretty and I just love the orchids in her hair.

If you have any particular thoughts or questions about my outfit or Amy's outfit or wedding outfits in general, just leave me a comment and I'll address it in a future blog. Talk to you later!

Ring-a-ding-ding

Did you guess what the fabulous Etsy purchases were? I know you can't be held in suspense for too long, so I'll show you. I got two fabulous cocktail rings from ShopKim:

Aren't they fabulous? I love the way the beads are strung on the first one- kind of like petals around the center orange bead. Also, I really like that the bead facets are cut in an asymmetric, sort of uneven pattern- it makes the whole ring so much more interesting. And what about that chartreuse button ring? It's so whimsical, but the color and the metallic detail on the button holes along with the black frame keep it sophisticated- not too cute-sy.

I wore the beaded ring to Amy's rehearsal dinner tonight. I have to admit, I was a LOT overdressed. I've always thought of wedding rehearsals and the dinners that follow them as slightly dressy affairs. That wasn't really the case tonight. Don't get me wrong- I'm completely accustomed to being the most dressed-up person in a room- I pretty much ALWAYS overdress. It's kind of my signature, I guess. I suppose my concern this evening is that I'd hate to take any attention away from the bride & groom. I don't think that I did, and I fully stand by my outfit choice.

As for the wedding itself,  I think I have my outfit all figured out. What I can't decide is how to do my hair. I actually wore one of my fake hair pieces tonight, but that was mostly out of necessity. I didn't  have time to fix my hair and make it look nice, so I went for the easy solution of throwing some fake hair up on my head. Worked like a charm. Always does, actually. Maybe I'll do a post on using fake hair again. Would you guys be interested in learning more about that? I'm not talking about giant wigs or anything- just add-on pieces meant to be incorporated into your own hair. Let me know!

Sooooo much!

I feel like I have SO much to share with you guys that I could literally post 5 times a day and still have more to say. So please let meknow if there is anything specific you'd like to read about- I'll be happy to oblige. In the meantime, I have some fun things to share. First, a combination of two recent posts: Fair Indigo and cameos. They've come together in this fabulous outfit:

I'm sure most of you have been thinking that I wear nothing but dresses and you wouldn't be too far off. I do pretty much live my life in dresses whenever I can. They're more comfortable than sweat pants most of the time but they look so much better. I do, however, know how to rock an outfit that does not involve a dress. Like the one above- I'm really happy with it. It's stylish, comfortable and inexpensive.

The breakdown:

Cowl neck top: Fair Indigo, $22.50 (on sale)

Cropped swing coat: Target, $13.98 (on sale)

Jeans: Old Navy, $19 (on sale)

Shoes: Target, $19.99

Cameos: Various antique dealers, total for all six was probably about $20

Total: $95.47

Under $100- not bad considering all those cameos. I like the cluster placement and I got a lot of compliments on the idea today. A lot of people looked at me with fairly quizzical expressions, but ultimately the response was good. I think it's a clever, creative way of wearing what could be a very dated-looking accessory.

Speaking of dated accessories, today was also a good day for some fabulous vintage jewelry finds, but I will save them for a future post. I also received a package in the mail from ShopKim on Etsy. It had some really cool goodies in it. Here are a couple of sneak peeks:

Can you tell what they are? Leave a comment to venture a guess.

Project Runway- Episode 7

I am SO happy that Michael Kors is back! "Disco Pumpkin!" Hilarious! But where's Nina?

Ok, on to the good stuff.

WIN: Irina
AUF'd: Lousie

I pretty much agree with the judges this time. My biggest complaint with the majority of the designers is that so few chose to use a print. The challenge required blue, not boring! And that's why I agree that Irina should win because she created an interesting print. I got a little sick of looking at flat solid fabrics after a while!

As for Louise, it was time for her to go. She never really stood out to begin with and now the last 2 weeks, she's been a total disaster. What was with that light blue fabric choice? And the craftsmanship was horrific! Did you get a look at that hem? O.M.G. Scary.

I felt terrible for Christopher. I agree that his designs were a bit of a mish-mash, but when Heidi described the ruffle at the neck as a folded up lobster bib, I just about died! I hated watching him break down like that. It reminded me of Andre's crying breakdown from a few seasons ago. Hold it together, Christopher! You can do it!

Overall, I'm much happier than I was last week after all that judging craziness. Hurray for Michael Kors!