Tag Archives: Shoes

Work Day Woes

Good morning, fashionable friends!

After a very long work week last week, the dawn of Monday morning was not exactly welcome. Still, I forced myself from my comfortable, cozy bed and made my way outside for an early run.

I always look forward to that morning time that I reserve for myself. My morning workout is a great time to reflect and recharge. Despite my high expectations for that quiet hour on the lake, the weight of Monday morning squashed my hopes of renewal. Instead, I returned home even more desperate to crawl back into my bed and snooze for the rest of the day.

At some point between waking up the kiddo and showering, I realized that my negativity was slowly starting to take over the remainder of the day. A pity party on a Monday?! Really?! That is NO way to start a week. Immediately I began searching for ways to bail myself out of the negative mindset.

I started in the kitchen. I made myself a healthy green smoothie full of fruits and veggies bound to lift my spirits. I thought for sure I would feel better after I had eaten; however, rather than feel my “spirits lifted”, I managed to get celery seriously stuck in my teeth. Not cool, celery. Not cool.

At this point, I was running out of time and rushing around for a remedy while I also maneuvered floss through my incisors. I threw on some makeup to cover up the eye baggies and I desperately ran to the closet. That was my last chance to lift my spirits before I walked out the door…

My closet did not fail me. The first thing I saw when I opened those doors – shoes. A wonderful selection of shoes.

When nothing else seems to fit, my shoes always do. No matter how bloated, broken out, or gross I feel, I can pick up any pair of shoes in my closet and expect them to fit just as perfectly as they day that I bought them. Is this not the real reason every woman so desperately clings to her love of footwear?

Anyway, I grabbed my favorite pair of heels – sky-high, classic shape, and a touch of snake skin on the heel. With shoes like that, the outfit was easy. I grabbed my favorite blazer, black skinnies, and a white button up. I threw on a few easy accessories and bolted out the front door barely having time to smooch my family on the way out.

Thanks to my awesome shoes and the work-wear version of yoga pants, I made it to work on time and was feeling pretty damn good about myself. Over the course of the morning, my negativity faded and I slowly began to feel like myself. I was glad that I didn’t sacrifice the precious “sick day” to avoid having to face a Monday I almost felt too tired to begin.

I’m sure many of you had a similar experience. I can only hope that Monday didn’t squash your positivity and that you fought back against the exhaustion and self-loathing that often accompanies an uninvited early morning.

Cheers to a great week, fashionable friends! We got this.

Fashionably yours,

The Good Girl Who When Broke

Celebrity Copy Cat – Classy Casual

Hello again, fashionable friends!

I’m sure most of you have caught on to the “classy casual” trend that seems to have swept through popular blog posts around the world. SincerelyJules and Kature have even been known to even strut down a red carpet wearing a Chanel jacket and Jimmy Choo pumps styled with unexpected deconstructed denim trousers, minimal makeup, and beachy waves. We all love it, right? The juxtaposition of the classic with the edgy is exciting; however, the cruel irony of the seemingly downplayed, popular look is that it is pretty damn difficult to pull off.

So, where do we start? How do we mimic those fashion icons without looking like Modonna and Jackie Kennedy’s wardrobes had a dysfunctional lovechild? Even more, how do we do it without breaking the bank on some of the items that seem almost essential to the look (i.e. Valentino studded heels)?

Let’s take a little inspiration from our friends over at SincerelyJules and Kayture (both fabulous – check them out)…

Credit: Kayture.com

Credit: Kayture.com

Credit: SincerelyJules.com

Credit: SincerelyJules.com

Now…to mimic the looks without gawking at the price tags.

Firstly, both classy casual looks have one thing in common – those incredible Rockstud heels from Valentino ($995). I don’t know about you, but my “mom status” puts me more in the Nordstrom Rack roaming section rather than the Saks “hand over your kid’s college tuition” section. One of the best look-alikes I found is by Loslandifen and is a mere $39!

Secondly, we need a structured jacket. Fortunately, the classic fashionista usually has one or two of those somewhere in her closet. In case you are looking for something new, I am loving the Mural Slouchy Blazer. I own it in almost every color and I adore all of them.

Thirdly, minimalist accessories like the Long Necklace Gold Bar from Layered and Long and a classic structured tote make this look understated yet fabulous.

Finally, pair an unstructured top like a the Zara loose t-shirt  with a basic pair of bottoms. Based on the two inspiration pictures, I included a white denim option and a great black short option. Both are affordable and would look great with your blogger-inspired look!

Fasionably yours,

The Good Girl Who Went Broke

SincerelyJulesLookAlike

Flats for the Office

Good day, fashionable friends!

Most of you get up every morning, don your work-wear essentials, and step out the door to face the day in some version of an office environment. What’s the best thing about working in an office? You guessed it – dressing up a bit.

I often think about my office wardrobe and picture my well pressed pencil skirt paired with a nice nude pump. Sometimes I consider my wide-leg trousers and swoon over the mental image of them accompanied by an adorable platform. Recently though I’ve taken a keen interest in French fashion and I’ve noticed a surprising trend – flats. French women seem to pair flats with everything and it always looks FABULOUS!

Being “vertically challenged”, flats used to give me a great deal of anxiety. I always felt like the executives of my professional halls towered over me; however, inspired by the French, I have recently overcome my fear of being a bit stumpy and I’ve never been happier!

So, friends, let’s take a cue from those fabulous French ladies and appreciate the versatile, stylish flat.

Fashionably yours,

The Good Girl Who Went Broke

Raphaella Booz Jeweled Prinnia Slingbacks ($128)

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BCBGeneration ‘Brisk B’ Perforated Oxford ($97)

Jeffrey Campbell ‘Vionnet’ Pointy Toe Flat ($99)

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Yes, Bow, Maybe So Flat ($29)

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Kate Spade New York Jove Ballet Flats ($98)

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Carvela Kurt Geiger Lad Oxfords ($79)

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Melissa Christy Jason Wu D’Orsay Flats ($110)

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Wear White While You Can…

Vogue’s Best Dressed list was full of white ensembles this week. I love every one of them. White is so perfectly flattering on just about every skin tone and creates a sort of minimalist backdrop to show off those well-maintained locks.

To be honest, I don’t really believe in the old “no white after labor day” rule. I think that some of fall and winter’s best looks have been all white ensembles. However, to appease the crowd of traditionalists, here’s a great guide to wearing white before Labor Day arrives and before the color is no longer (traditionally) fashionably acceptable for fall.

For a little celebrity inspiration, visit this week’s Best Dressed list by Vogue.

For those fabulous ladies on a budget, here are some of the week’s best deals on one of my favorite wardrobe colors:

Quilted Rucksack ($69)

Image 1 of QUILTED RUCKSACK from Zara

Maia Zipper Detail Stretch Pique Sheath Dress ($88)

Zipper Detail Stretch Piqué Sheath Dress

Free People Star Slipdress ($98)

'Star' Slipdress

Halogen Linen Blend Jacket ($46)

Linen Blend Jacket

Crepe Collarless Moto Jacket ($105)

Crepe Collarless Moto Jacket

Zara Checked Shirt ($69)

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Hue Ankle Zip Skimmer Leggings ($44)

Ankle Zip Skimmer Leggings

Asos Column Pencil Skirt In Leather ($110)

Image 1 of ASOS Column Pencil Skirt In Leather

Soft Slipper ($39)

Image 1 of SOFT SLIPPER from Zara

Fab & Frugal Deal of the Day

Hello again!

This Anthropologie basic is ideal for any layering junkie. I try to buy this tank in every color every time it comes on sale because I love it that much! The colors range from red to neon yellow. I included two of this season’s new colors below.

If you’re looking for some wardrobe basics to layer beneath those winter duds or a great summer time top to pair with those cute cut-off shorts, this is your tank.

Anthropologie Basic Layering Tank ($9)

Tank 1 Tank 2

Red Dress Fashion Show – Day One

Hello, fashionable friends!

The Red Dress Fashion Show was a huge hit this year! In honor of that program, today’s post contains tons of awesome pieces in…you guessed it…RED.

Red has long been considered a wardrobe basic and continues to adorn runways across the seasons. Blonde, brunette, or ginger – red is your color! Enjoy this collection of chic, affordable red items and show your reddish hues in honor of those powerful individuals whom have battled heart disease and to create awareness for those who may still be at risk. In addition, keep a sharp lookout for multiple Red Dress galleries as the week goes on.

Happy shopping!

P.S. If you want more information about the Heart Truth Campaign, click here.

Marissa Dress ($89)

Red Dress 1

Babaton Freddie Dress ($75)

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Babaton Chaplin Blouse ($95)

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Lena Wrap Dress ($69)

Red Dress 2

French Knot Cardigan ($29)

Red Day 3

Wilfred Free Rollinson Blouse ($95)
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Roseland Dress – Anthropologie ($189)

Red Dress 4

Ralph by Ralph Lauren Matte Jersey Dress ($89)

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Fab & Frugal Deal of The Day

Good morning, fashionable friends!

These shoes are certainly fabulous and most definitely a deal! I fell in love with these lovely platform wedge sandals the moment I saw them. I shrinkingly clicked on the link assuming the price point would be near $200, but was happy to find a mere $79 price tag. These sandals are spring/summer wardrobe staples in fabulous neutral colors and have tons of personality.

Go. Buy. Wear when the sun shines.

Dolce Vita Platform Wedge Sandals ($79.00)

Dolce Vita Platform Sandal

Dolce Vita Platform Sandal

Pin-spiration: Black & Crystal

Minimalist ensembles and statement accessories are everywhere right now and I must’ve spotted this look on Pinterest a million times.

While this girl’s look is rumored to be priced well over $300, I’ve managed to pull together the pieces for less than half of that.

Happy shopping, fashionable friends!

Pin-spiration:

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Look Alikes:

Silk Layered Black Top ($49.90)

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Classic Black Pants ($29)

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Zara Statement Necklace ($49)

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Textured Clutch ($23)

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Black Pumps ($30)

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Fall Fashion Trends

Fall fashions are hitting magazines and blogs everywhere as designers roll out their most outrageous runway looks. Trends from Summer 2013 fade away as neon colors and feminine prints transition to jewel tones and masculine patterns.

Want to know how to have your closet ready for this season’s cold weather looks? Check out my picks for the Top 10 Fall Wardrobe Staples.

Happy shopping, fashionable friends!

The Biker Jacket

This trend is HUGE right now! If you’re going to opt for the masculinity of a leather jacket, be sure to complement its jagged edges with some flirty details. Pair the piece with a great floral pencil skirt of some jewel toned heels to add some feminine flare and keep on trend with this fall’s most popular runway item.

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Jewel Tones

Jewel tones are everywhere! The problem with this trend can be figuring out how to keep it modern. I love jewel tones, but I recommend keeping them current by putting them in unexpected places or pairing them with something bright to balance the almost too classic nature of these tones. Throw in some great yellow heels with that emerald green skirt or maybe add an edgy leather jacket to modernize those mustard trousers.

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Bright Shoes

This trend has carried over from summer, but the tones have changed slightly. Shoes are the best and most versatile accessory for any outfit. I love the idea of taking an otherwise bland outfit and adding a mustard shoe (also in keeping with the jewel tone trend) or a rich red pump to take everything to the next level. Besides, no matter how many holiday pounds we accidentally put on, our shoes will never let us down!

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The Classic White Button Up

This top will be in every wardrobe staple feature for every season…FOREVER. Classic white button up tops go under things, over things, by themselves and even tied in a knot around your waist. Always have at least two in your closet and don’t be afraid to be adventurous with how you choose to style it. Also, this style goes perfectly with either the popular masculine looks for this fall or with a glitzy, girly necklace for the ultra feminine looks we’re seeing.

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Statement Jewelry

This trend, like the white button up, has been around for a while. This fall’s runway version of it, however, has taken statement jewelry to a whole new level. Pair extremely understate ensembles with over the top feminine pieces. The more sparkly, the better. Check out this one by Zara:

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Plaid

Can you believe it? Plaid has made its comeback! Everything from Scottish inspired tops to plaid suits were seen strutting the runway this season and, ya know what, I LOVE IT! If you choose to indulge in this season trend, don’t go overboard with the accessories and keep an organized color scheme to help maintain your put together appearance. We want feminine and polished – not punk rocker with a mohawk from the early 90s.

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The Structured Jacket

This trend has been around for a long time and will probably always be around. I recommend splurging on a jacket you love and just planning on keeping it around for years to come. My favorites come from Zara.

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Punch of Color Purses

So let’s say you go with a monochrome look for fall (which is huge right now)…how can you dress it up? Add the perfect purse. I love the idea of pairing a blue purse with an otherwise all black ensemble or picking a green clutch to go with those creme styles. Have fun with this accessory!

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Metallic Details

This trend might be a little edgy for some of you more conservative shoppers, but it’s a fun trend to play with. If you’re not ready for some metallic details on your coat, maybe find some shoes with a great metallic toe. Play with monotone metals for your jewelry or add a metallic headband for a little pizzaz.

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The Bow

You heard me, gals. Bows are everywhere! I sometimes have a hard time with this trend just because it is just SO reminiscent of my outfits from my early, early childhood. I’m discovering, however, that bows are feminine, but that they can be very vogue. I’m starting with my shoes, but I also love the idea of adding them to structured pieces like a great jacket or hat. No matter where you decide to put them though, please do NOT tie your hair into a bow. Lady Gaga should not be a trend setter and I strongly advise against mimicking her fashion choices (Moms of the world unite! Haha).

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In addition to some year round basics such as a fabulous scarf, great layering pieces and some classic riding boots, the pieces listed about should have you on trend for Fall 2013.

Enjoy!

Fab & Frugal Deal of the Day

Looking for some seasonless styles that can transition your summer wardrobe to fall? Well, today’s two AWESOME deals will not only have you ready for the changing seasons, but have you channeling Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly any day of the year!

Pointed Flat Shoes ($35.90)

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Two Tone Bowling Bag ($79.90)

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Pin-spiration

This post is meant for all of you savvy Pinterest addicts out there. I, like you, love to browse Pinterest, it’s many inspirational trends and fun finds. So…in addition to my celebrity trend look alikes, I will occasionally pull a trending ensemble from Pinterest and put together a look alike for a fraction of the cost of the original. This whole outfit was originally thousands of dollars, but you can get the entire outfit PLUS all of the accessories for less than $200.

Keep in mind that the minimalism of this outfit with an added punch of blue is what keeps this classic style flowing and brilliant. Style hair casually to play down the structured jacket and add a smoky eye for a touchy of mystery.

Enjoy, fashionable friends!

Today’s Pin-spiration:

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Look Alikes:

ASOS Wide Leg Pant ($20.25)

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ZARA Racer Back Tank ($7.90)

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Aryn K. Zip Pocket Blazer ($49.97)

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ASOS Metal Keeper Super Skinny Waist Belt ($10.13)

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New Look Madrid Metal Plate Croc Bag ($26.98)

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New Look EC Ankle Strap Court Shoe ($33.74)

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Nordstrom Classic ‘Seasonless’ Slouchy Knit Cap ($35.00)

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Fab & Frugal Deal of the Day

Good morning, fashionable friends!

Today’s Fab & Frugal Deal of the Day features an adorable Tinley Road dress with a wildly feminine print and touches of sheer paneling to add a hint of sexy detail. I love this dress that could transition seamlessly between a day at the office and a night out with friends. Pair this cute number with some flats and a top knot and you’ve got yourself a comfy day out on the town. The possibilities are endless and the price is just right. At $54.99, this piece is a steal. 

Happy shopping!

Tinley Road Printed Inset Mini Dress

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