Random IG Outfit Post Pics

I have totally been slacking on taking outfit pics.

 SO I thought I would share a few looks that I have put on Instagram. I apologize if this is repetitive for some of you!

 I wore this to dinner a couple of weeks ago

Chambray top: Old Navy

Mint Denim Skinnies: Mossimo

Nude Leather Flip Flops: Gap (similar)

 DRessed down for work

Chambray: Trouve, old (similar, similar)

Camo Tee: Mossimo, from men's dept. (similar)

Denim: Old Navy 'Rockstar'

Shoes: Toms

Bags: Stella and Dot 'I Don't know how she does it' // Chanel

Sunnies: Michael Kors 'Marissa' (SUPER similar 'Jemma')

 My outfit for the Fourth of July

Hoodie: Old Navy 'Dip Dye'

Shorts: Mossimo 'Americana'

 Worn with a white tank

Drapy, burn out tank: Rubbish from Nordy's

Bathing Suit: Victoria's Secret

Sunnies: Dita

A couple more work outfits. I am lucky I can wear jeans!

Left Outfit:

Wildfox Baggy Beach Jumper (London Skyline)

Denim: Gap Distressed BF

Sandals: Sam Edelman 'Gigi'

Right Outfit:

Blouse: Lush, old (Similar)

Denim: Gap Destroyed skinnies

Sandals: Valentino 'Rockstud' (same style, diff color)

Necklace: Kendra Scott 'Rayne'

What I Wore: Chambray Pants

You guys!

When I find something that I LOVE I have to share it with you. I mean, I must! I picked up these pants at Target the other day. Chambray and Boot cut, I had NOTHING like them in my closet. I think that they are the perfect pair of pants for Spring! I am obsessed with Chambray anything because of the versatility of the color/fabrication.I rolled them up to wear with sandals but they are long enough to be worn a little dressier with wedges. They are so comfy. Plus I forgot how flattering boot cut can be (I LOVE my skinnies and extreme flares. Boot Cut has not been worn in at least 2 years! Craziness!). I imagine wearing these pants with a strappy white embroidered tank, or with a sheer white button up and a fedora. So many ideas for these new pants!

I paired the pants with my go to tee. Are you sick of seeing this tee in every color variation yet? For $8... It really is a no brainer. I recently picked it up in a neon coral and pastel stripe. And I own multiples in white and gray. Since the tee is so plain, and the pants are plain I sassed up the look with a scarf and bold gold accessories. Simple, yet chic. 

Chambray Pants

What I Wore:

Top: Mossimo V Neck (MY FAVORITE EVER)

Pants: Mossimo Chambray Boot Cut

Sandals: Valentino 'Rock stud', last years color (Same sandal in bronze)

Scarf: c/o World Market

Watch: Michael Kors 'Large Runway'

Necklace: Lisa Leonard 'Chevron'

Belt: BP, SOOOOO OLD!

Spring into Sandals

It is OFFICIALLY Spring....YAY!!

The sun is out longer, everything is turning lush and green and it is starting to really warm up. I love the transition.

You all know that I am a shoe whore. I am always looking for a great, new, funky pair of shoes that will make the outfit. In the Spring and Summer I am a huge sandal fan. While my wedges, heels and platforms always make an appearance there is nothing like a pretty sandal to complete the look.

This year I am working on completing my sandal wardrobe. I was in need (yes need, I have worn out a couple pairs) of a basic black pair, a pair in a bright, fun color and a simple/classy metallic pair. You counted correctly. Three pairs. That may seem a bit excessive but you have to keep in mind that I live where I can wear sandals year round. And I do.

I think that every shoe wardrobe should exist of the following:
Basic Black, Neutral, Pop of Color, Metallic and Animal print.

Taking it a step further...you should own those five colors/shades in the following types of shoes:
Flats, Sandals, Heels, Wedges/Platforms

Which means TWENTY pairs total.
Crazy? A bit much? Too many?
Maybe...but I honestly don't think so.

Back to the sandals. These are my top picks (some are currently sitting in my closet) for the Season{s}.

Basic Black

 Sam Edelman 'Gigi'


This sandal is my go to. I have bought a pair every season for three years. It is simple, chic and goes with everything. The shoe is comfy and easy to wear. 


Pop of Color

Dolce Vita 'Archer'

I have been dying over these since seeing them in the Nordy's catalog in January (Feb?). I love the Jewelry like detail. The gold accents make the shoe look rich. This shoe runs big so size down!


Neutral

Valentino 'Rockstud' Gladiator


These are an investment piece. They are NOT cheap. Valentino makes the most perfect patent nude color. The studs give the shoes a slight edge, trend aspect but will definitely carry on from season to season. Patent leather can last a VERY long time if taken care of. Wearing any nude shoe will elongate your legs. 


Metallic

 DV by Dolce Vita 'Ilana'

Every sandal should have that extra touch. I love the tassels and knotted leather to give the sandals a chicness. Metallic sandals can stand out on their own. They look incredible with dresses and really pop with a tan.

I will be wearing THESE also.


The Flip Flop

Tkees 'Foundation'

Havaiana 'Slim Crystal Mesh'

The flip flops. I know most people have a love/hate relationship with them. I LOVE them. These are my two top choices. The Tkees pair is a more sophisticated look. They come in a variety of colors to match your skin tone. They elongate your legs and are super comfy. Havaiana's are a no brainer. They are the most comfortable, long lasting flip flop out there. They come in a bazillion colors and prints. My favorite is the crystal pair. An update to the basic black. I own about 10 pairs of Havaiana's. I swear by them.


Well, my friends, those are my picks. I hope that you all have a fabulous weekend. Keep these shoes in mind while you are out shopping. If the weather isn't so fab where you live...then click on the links and shop from home. I own or have tried on every pair featured so I can give you any insight or answer questions you may have!


TGIF

Shoe Love: Valentino 'Couture Bow d'Orsay Pump'

How do I love shoes?

Let me count the pairs...

If you have been a follower of the blog for awhile you will know that I love shoes. I am always looking for new pairs and you can often find my latest lust worthy pair in my What I Want Wednesday or What I Wore posts. After my Shoemint review and a few pics of my closet on Twitter I had quite a few of you comment that you wanted to see more of my shoes. Well, my friends, I am going to show you! This will be a post every week or two. I would love to hear from you what you would like to know about the shoes or designer. All shoes are NOT made equally so ask away!

I am not a classic dresser. I often favor a slightly edgy, California casual look. BUT I do believe that you should own classic pieces in your wardrobe...shoes NOT excluded. My Valentino Bow Pumps are not only classic in shape and color but they are a classic piece in the Valentino collection. These shoes are the epitome of what Valentino stands for. Valentino believes that the only color after Black and White is red. His collections were feminine, flirty and girly. You will see bows and roses in a majority of his pieces. Knowing that about the famous designer and longstanding design house I knew that I had to own a classic. This is the first pair of Valentino shoes that I bought back in 2008. I chose to buy them in red to own a pop color and to have a really sexy pair of shoes. Red is such a sexy color and I feel sexy when I wear them.

Valentino 'Couture Bow d'Orsay Pump'

Designer: 
Valentino

Fit: 
Valentino runs true to size for me in their pumps. This pair is a size 39 (US 8 1/2-9) and fits perfectly. Open toed heels always feel a little big because there is room for your toes to move around. Valentino makes shoes in many heel heights. These are slightly on the shorter side (especially for my shoe wardrobe). I have a few pairs of sandals and they run a half size big. All my sandals are 38 1/2.

Wear: 
I have definitely babied these shoes. I have not worn them outside. I wear them inside and have worn them for hours. I add a padded insert to the back of the heel to prevent sliding. Due to the open toe and side cut out the can slip off easily. I wore these shoes to work a lot and to a few events. They look great with a simple dress and totally punch up your basic jeans and collared button up.

Comfortability:
These shoes are comfortable for about four hours. Any longer than that I would definitely add inserts like foot petals or Dr. Scholl's. The sole is on the thinner side and there is no platform. They hug your toes but don't pinch.

*** This is where your questions come in. I will add to this section if you all want to know more. I appreciate the feedback***

DISCLAIMER: I feel more comfortable in HIGH heels. I worked in Retail for 8 years. YES, I wore HIGH shoes every day so I am used to being in them!

Wisdom, Wit and What I Want Wednesday {24}

I have a whole new outlook for 2012.

While I am totally excited about it, it is going to be a slight challenge.

I am having to teach myself new habits and there are some growing pains.

I am speaking specifically to shopping.

As in, I can't. 
Or can't like I used to. 
It sucks.

I was complaining to my mom about it and she said to just stop looking. Right.

I then explained how I would have to give up blogging (and Pinterest) and there was no way that I was going to do that. You see, every time I open my laptop up I find something GREAT and AMAZING that I HAVE to HAVE! You all find the most amazing things, it tempts me to bust out the credit card (which I REALLY can't do). I then realized that my What I Want Wednesday posts are doing the exact same thing. BUT the worst part, is that I am actually searching for things to lust and covet. I decided that I have to put this series on hold for the time being. Be smart. Making a wise decision.

Doing this leaves a gap or void. I like having different "series" to fall back on when I do not have an outfit post. So I need something to take What I Want Wednesday's place and I am kind of stumped.

 - Do I move my *new* series Fashionista Fitness to Wednesdays making it a weekly post instead of a monthly post?

- Do I use Wednesday's to get a little more personal and share my heart? (This scares me as I do have a dormant personal blog that I could re open. PLUS I love that this is a blog about style, specifically mine, without tying a lot of personal ish in.)

- Do I focus on "beauty" type things...make up, products, hair, nail polish reviews?

- Do I continue my "Shoe Love" series on this day?
- Do I focus on accessories and how to wear them?
- Do I take any of your fabulous suggestions and grow them?


SO. MANY. Choices!
Good thing I have one week to figure it out. 


As for my photo shoot...it's today. At 3pm.
I believe that I have settled on outfits Two (my top choice), Four (YOUR top choice) and Six (the "iffy" look due to the Chevron print). But I may also bring Look One as well becuase these pics will all be outdoors, in nature and wearing short skirts might not be so easy to manuver in. I am so indecisve these days. Haha. I just know it will be a very fun afternoon! Wish me luck!


What I Want...
I have to post one last thing. I am OBSESSED with these shoes. They aren't cheap. But what designer is? I think that these would be PEERRRRFFFEEECCCTTTT for my 30th birthday and possible Cabo trip. Right?


Valentino Rockstud Gladiator Sandals

Aren't they pretty?
Who wants to buy them for me? HECK... you all can pitch in ;)


This was a wordy post! 
Any thoughts or suggestions are always welcomed.
Happy Hump Day!

What I Wore: Mini Outfit Post

I am kind of embarrassed to post these pics.

If you follow me on Twitter you will know that I asked if ANYONE in their right mind would post pics of themselves without a drop of make up and their hair not done.

Well...let's just say that I am a little crazy.

Miss Leanne said that she would post pics of her without make up as long as her hair was in a bun or ponytail.

Red Headed Rachel said NO that it wouldn't look good.

HAHA. Her comment made me laugh out loud and I truly love her honesty!

I wore this outfit to grocery shop.

Other than that I was in work out clothes.

Cleaning and organizing is NO fun! NONE!

I wish I was OCD about cleaning.

But I am not. We all have flaws.

This is mine!

{the pics will remain small so I don't scare you!}

I am getting quite REAL on the blog.

I try to keep up the illusion of this put together, fashionable girl.

Truth is...I'm not always.

What I Wore:

Dress: Mossimo at Target

Jacket: Old Navy

Sandals: Valentino (no longer available) Seen here



My Spring Shoes 'Must Have' list

I have Spring Fever.

And luckily the California weather is obliging my wishes for lots of sun.

It is warm, dry and sunshiny!

I love shoes and I am so excited for all of the Spring Trends.

The seventies are back with SKY HIGH wedges.

We are still seeing a neutral color palette.

A lot of booties and touches of embellishment.

YSL Woodstock platforms

What a throwback these heels are!

The chunkiness is perfect with high-waisted, super flared jeans with a flowy tunic or tucked in tee!

Pierre Hardy Wedges

I am truly obsessed with the black patent and black suede version but I think these are fun for spring. I think the ankle strap is a fun addition. I would wear these with a floral dress or some cut off jean shorts and an embroidered tunic.

Christian Louboutin Mary Jane Pumps

These shoes are insanely high. I love the neutral snake print and the hidden platform. These shoes can be worn with a suit, sheath dress or dressed down with jeans and a cute blouse.

Valentino Studded heels

Oh Valentino, how I love thee! You find a way to be romantic and tough all at the same time. I am enamored with the chain strap detail (although it probably hurts to wear) that is dainty and pretty. These shoes would look so pretty with a mid length flowy skirt, tucked in tee and belt.

{all images via style.com}

YSL Python Wedges

Last but most certainly NOT least.

My favorite pair of shoes. Ever.

If I only could buy ONE pair of shoes until July (when Fall starts to hit) it would be these. The color is vibrant, the straps are dainty and sexy and the wedge is INSANE. I would wear these with everything. In fact I would sleep in them.

What shoes are you most excited about for Spring 2011???

330: Valentino "Resort" shoes

{images via Nordstrom.com}

Alright, I give you my two favorite shoes for Resort (December thru February my friends. It's a season. A FASHION season). And they both happen to be from Valentino, and Nude. Hmm....

Many of my friends think that I sleep in my heels.

That I only wear heels every where that I go.

This is only partly true.

(I have multiple pairs of Haviana's and a few pairs of flat sandals and ballet flats. REALLY, I do)

While both of these shoes are by the same designer and just so happen to be in the same color, they are two very different styles. I am happy to showcase my love for flip flops, beyond the heels :)

The lace bow sandals are girly and comfy.

These can be worn with everything from jeans and a tee to summer dresses.

I am picturing myself wearing them with a green, silk romper with lots of gold jewelry.

I am addicted to the bow and I am so NOT a bow girl.

And the nude t strap heels with the beautiful rosette makes me swoon.

I love the different textures in the flower and the nude, napa leather is smooth as buttah!

The peep toe is slight and pretty!

329: Valentino Poster Child

{image via starstyleinc.com}

{image via justjared.com}

Jessica Alba's designer of choice is more often than not Valentino. She has worn come of their most amazing dresses. These two really stood out to me.

Valentino believes that Black and White are the two most important colors followed by red. The house is known for bows, rosettes and lace...very feminine detailing.

Both of the dresses featured embody the House and Valentino's vision. They look AMAZING on her!

I would give my left foot to own BOTH of the dresses.

They look different and stand out for different elements.

<3<3<3

306: Pops of Red

I, like Valentino himself, am enamored with the combination colors: black, white and red.

When I saw this picture of Sienna Miller I smiled SO big.

My eyes were first drawn to her fur shrug.

It fits her perfectly and looks chic.

pairing it with basics and letting her accessories shine was key.

Her RED lipstick and fingerless gloves complete the outfit.

And, YES, lipstick IS an accessory.

{image via justjared.com}

P.S. Her perfectly piecey, straight hair looks amazing. I could only dream to achieve such perfect hair.



Two hundred EIGHTY five: Ladylike Luxe

Nothing SCREAMS ladylike louder than Valentino.

Bows, florals, rosettes, strappy, neutrals, ruffles etc.

The House of Valentino is one of my favorites.

It is usually the first show I look at when they hit Style.com.

Everything is always so pretty.

{image via peoplestylewatch.com}

Speaking of REALLY pretty...

Anne Hathaway is gorgeous. Flawless.

She is wearing a white Valentino frock and it is every bit of ladylike that you can imagine.

I love the BOW.

The lace is not overtly sexy.

And the ruffles are demure.

Obsessed with this whole outfit.

Can we talk about her hair for one second?

Shiny and perfectly coiffed.

Naturally radiant.

I actually think I hate her ;)



Seventy Eight: Denim Dreams

I am in desperate need of new flats...

Flats that are a little dressier that I can where to work.

I fell in LOVE with these.

I don't think that I can wear them to work,

BUT I can definitely find someplace to wear them.

Valentino Denim Rose Flats.

So Pretty.