Outfit: Saddle(shoe) Up!

I wore this outfit last week for my little sushi and martini date with Brad. I thrifted this skirt sometime before Halloween, and it’s been sitting at Brad’s ever since I gave it a good wash. I’m glad this is one of the things I kept at his house. It pretty much goes with anything. The Houndstooth pattern can be a little dizzying at times, but I love the swing of the skirt and the easy black-and-white palette. I definitely got the idea to pair a mostly black and white outfit with green tights from one of my favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess. This is not the first time I’ve used the color combo and it most certainly won’t be my last. It is a reminder, however, that I need to go out and buy tights of every color.

It just occurred to me that I have had these shoes for almost 2 years. I’ve worn them countless times. And yet, this is the first time they are showing up on the blog. You can tell they are a little beat up. I should definitely give them a good buffin’ or something. For a while, I was obsessed with finding a great pair of oxford or saddle shoes. When I saw the Sophie Shoe by Vans, I automatically fell in love. Luckily, they still make these! I’d highly recommend them if you’re in the mood for a modernized pair of saddle shoes.

Sweater – Old Navy/White Blouse – H&M/Necklace – Fred Flare/Skirt – Thrifted/Tights - Target/Shoes – Vans

Apologies for the not so fabulous picture backgrounds here and there. It’s so hard to shoot outfits when it’s pitch black by 5 PM.

5 Days! Here’s a cheesy Christmas song I loved growing up, by my then-favorite band HANSON!
Don’t mind the cheesy Zac Hanson photos, it was the only video I could find that wasn’t a live performance.

Outfit: Cardigans, Converse, and Comfort

I think one of my favorite places in the world is the big Salvation Army I frequent. I have found so many incredible articles of clothing there. And there isn’t a time I go where my arm isn’t sore from carrying all the cool things I find. I purchased this oversized cardigan last Wednesday, when I was hunting for my ugly Christmas sweater. I definitely picked up a few more items you’ll see later on.

I’m definitely a big proponent of Converse sneakers. I believe everyone should own at least one pair at all times. I myself have 3 (High Tops>Low Tops). Magenta, green, and the CLASSIC black, which gets the most wear. I don’t wear them as religiously as some people (I think it’s cool that a lot of people have to get a pair annually/bi-annually due to hard wear), but they are comfortable and go with everything. Basically, you are automatically cool if you own Chucks. I don’t care who you are. Your awesome-factor will climb the charts. Just saying.

Cardigan – Thrifted/Tee – American Apparel/Jeans – PacSun/Sneakers – Converse

Outfit: Something Blue

Despite the fact that it was the first weekend of fall, we had some pretty hot and humid weather in NEPA. As much as I love sunshine and warmth, I had begun to mentally prepare myself for cooler weather. Since I spend my weekends away with Brad living out of a bag, I am lucky I prepared for both heat and chill. This outfit kind of complimented both.

On Sunday, Brad and I had an unofficial, unpaid photography job for a Victorian Fashion Show/Tea Party. Interesting, right? Expect pictures in the next few days…I have so many to go through! Anyway, I had yet to do a sort of important photo job…I was so nervous. Imagine my fear for this coming Friday, when Brad and I actually do a paid wedding photography gig. I also have an engagement shoot (for a friend) and family photo lined up in the near future…NERVES. Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself.

Anyway, this was my outfit compromisation, as I didn’t know what to expect. This top is one of my favorites ever. It’s more like a tunic, and the frilly collar is to die for. I got the corduroy shorts from Old Navy for a steal…probably about 3-4 dollars. I also own a pair in hunter green. They are excellent for tucking tops in, are the perfect length, and will transition well in the coming cooler months. Not gonna lie, I felt a bit like a fool, surrounded by Red Hat Society ladies and woman in full Edwardian/Victorian/Titanic-era dresses and skirts with bare legs, knees, ankles…the whole gambit. I felt like everyone was staring at me, but it turns out most of them loved my shoes. And so do I!
So, I’m cool with that.

Cardigan – Target/Shirt – Forever 21/Shorts – Old Navy/Shoes- Bass

Bass Shoes

This past Sunday, Brad and I decided to skip the final day of Oktoberfest and head to Tannersville for some outlet shopping. It was a gorgeous day, perfect for wandering around the outdoor shops. Besides, we were a little ale-d out. For some reason, I was drawn to the Bass shoe store. I don’t own a single pair of Bass shoes. Most of my shoes, in fact, are from Payless, Target, and Forever 21 (i.e., they usually never cost more than 25 bucks). But there I was, standing in the store, when I noticed the signs. Buy 1, get 2 free.

You’re reading that correctly, I swear! When does that ever happen? I’ve seen Buy 1, Get 1 1/2 off. I’ve seen Buy 2, Get 1 free.
But Buy 1, get 2 Free? I didn’t believe my eyes. Thank God, they were right. I got these 3 beautiful, classic pairs of shoes for a steal!

The Weejuns sealed the deal. These classic penny loafers are currently celebrating their 75th anniversary, and rightfully so. I bought them in Burgundy, but it’s such a beautiful, understated color that will go with anything.

I’ve been daydreaming about a pair of duck boots for a while now. They are both incredibly functional and incredibly cute. They were the final choice I made when hunting down my 3 pairs, but I’m so glad I did. The lining is insanely soft, and I know they will keep my toesies warm on cold, rainy, snowy, icky days.

You can bet your bottom dollar these grey lace-up wedge booties will be a staple in my wardrobe. I am so in love with them. I’ve been daydreaming about them all week. I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been slowly adding height to my shoes. And these are comfortable and easy to walk in, so…YES PLEASE.

I didn’t intend to spend my money on shoes (I actually went in search of fall sweaters), but how could I not? Each pair is a classic, especially the penny loafers. I can’t wait to break them in and wear them for years to come.

Five Fingers

Click picture for link to source.

I am not an athletic girl. I never was, and I never really will be. Sure, I did cheerleading and basketball in elementary school, when you didn’t have to try out…you were just part of the team. And I’ve gone on fitness kicks (very short ones…) here and there. I never really had much need for serious sneakers. In fact, when I first went to college and realized I would have access to a gym, I settled for a crappy, cheap pair of sneakers at Payless. That was back in 2005. I was still wearing them just a month ago, in near-mint condition because of how rarely I used them. But I knew I would have to go for something more.

Brad quit smoking as a birthday present. It’s really all I wanted. And with that, he ultimately became interested in being healthy overall. We definitely had “relationship guts.” We just didn’t care what we ate (so we ate a lot of Chinese and a lot of wings). Needless to say, when you start to gain weight, you don’t feel so great about yourself. So Brad went primal, and suddenly got interested in a pair of Vibram Five Fingers. I hadn’t heard about them until he mentioned it, but now they seem to be popping up everywhere.

When he went to go pick up his pair, I was sort of teasing him. The shoes are a little silly looking, you have to admit. I thought for sure that the workers at the shoe store were going to laugh behind his back. (I’m cruel, apparently.) But everyone is so excited about these sneakers. So Brad got his and then convinced me to try on a pair.

I needed new sneakers, and these seemed simple enough. Barefoot technology. There aren’t as many options so it’s not so scary or confusing. When I finally put on a shoe, it fit like a glove. I love the feeling of being barefoot, but with the support and traction of a sneaker. Now, Brad and I go to the gym a few times a week. It’s a small start to a life of fitness and healthy eating and being aware of my behavior. But I can feel improvements already. I love the challenge of cardio and of weights (Thank you, Planet Fitness!). I just feel better, and I keep getting better. It’s silly, maybe, but I kind of have to thank the Five Fingers. And Brad, of course.

I own the Bikila shoes (I just had to get the loudest color). Brad has the KSOs. We are both obsessed. No turning back here.

Shoe Lust : ModCloth

For many, shoes are a guilty pleasure. There are girls who will fess up to owning more pairs than they need, spending obscene amounts on pairs that they’ll never wear again, and needing extra closet space just for their shoes. I have never been this way. With that being said, I do adore shoes. It’s just that I’ve always stuck with basic colors and styles (simple flats, Chucks, and a few different neutral boots) that go with any and everything. Okay, I DO have a few guilty pleasure pairs (not very practical, I know). And I certainly long for some shoes that I’ll never have, that I can’t afford with my kind of budget. ModCloth’s shoes are somewhere in between.  They aren’t Louboutins or Jimmy Choos by any means (we’re talking hundreds+ dollas for them suckas), but they aren’t Payless or Target, the stores I frequent the most for shoes under 30 bucks (what can I say? I’m a bargain hunter, I still live at home, and I’m extremely far from rich). It’s hard for me to spend more than 50 bucks on a pair of shoes, because I won’t even spend that much on a pair of jeans that I’d wear everyday (again, I’m cheap!).
But they’re more attainable. And cute. And seemingly comfortable and…well…that’s what window shopping is all about.

Sensing a pattern here? Easy breezy cutesy shoes, with comfortable heels, and an affinity for t-straps. If I got any of these shoes, I’d probably get the last pair because I know I would wear them. But I love heels. I feel so feminine in them, and I adore them on everyone else. Unfortunately,  I’ve always felt too tall, awkward, and uncomfortable over time. Above, the heels are mostly thick, seemingly everyday. My favorite pair? Numero uno. They would go with any and everything. Maybe one day I’ll feel confident enough to treat myself…

Click on each photo to get linked to each page/purchase/get more info!

Laced Up

Within 24 hours, I got two new pairs of shoes. Aside from sneakers,  I don’t wear shoes with laces, but I am so excited about these. The ones on the left are from a vintage shop in Jim Thorpe. They were 10 dollars and fit so I couldn’t deny them. I already told you about the others. I love shoes. I love clothes. So much to wear, so little time.

On a side note, I took advantage of the capability of a half day at work. I need this. I am lounging in bed on a rainy, icky day, listening to music and looking at pretty things online, and eventually laying down, baking something sweet, and getting tacos with my bros. People should never underestimate the power of time off. Mental health is super important. And I have been ripping mine to shreds running around and being a billion different people, letting everything get to me and worrying about everything under the sun. So…I’m happy now. Even though I’ll be back to the grind for the rest of the week…

Saddle Up

After weeks of longing for the perfect pair of oxfords/saddle shoes in my price range, I finally settled on Vans Sophie Shoe. They are adorable, classic, and I’m assuming (because of the classic sneaker brand name) that they will be comfortable.

I love the classic yet casual look, and I love that I will be able to rock them with jeans and a tee or dress down frilly skirts and dresses just as easily. I cannot wait for them to arrive in the mail. I love online shopping. The wait sucks, but receiving packages in the mail is a very satisfying experience and, though expected, always a pleasant surprise.

Flyin’ High

I don’t wear heels. I have two pairs, and while they have gotten some use (one a pair of booties, the other knee-high boots), I just never want to wear them. Everything I wear is flat. Ballet flats, sneakers, even my boots have less than a 1” heel if anything at all. But I kinda fell in love with a bunch of cut-out booties and gladiator heels (thanks to an article in Seventeen Magazine, and the website Urban Original).

The few times I do wear heels…well, there’s something about them. I usually tower over everyone (one of the few reasons why I don’t wear them), but the way you have to walk in them and stand…it commands confidence. It’s hard not to feel sexy or strong or womanly (unless they are super-uncomfortable). I don’t think I’ll be filling my closet anytime soon. But a killer pair wouldn’t hurt…and all of the shoes I liked from here were very much in my price range.

Budding Romance

I know we just met. It was brief. But I couldn’t wait to see you again today. And now I know for sure, this is really it. When I’m with you, I feel comfortable. Happy. Maybe even a little sexy. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this way. I was weary at first. I don’t usually look for these types of things over the internet. You never know what you’re going to get. But I’m so glad I did this. Because this is the start of a very beautiful relationship.

I am, of course, talking about my new Chinese Laundry Trust Me boots. Black leather. They are the most money I’ve ever spent on a pair of shoes in my life so far and I’m so happy. You can’t go wrong with black leather boots. And I’ve been wanting a pair that go over-the-knee forever now. So this girl is head over heels.

Time to Relax

So glad it’s the weekend.

I can’t believe it’s been a week since Philly.
I’m just thankful to have some time to myself to do whatever. I’m probably going to do some Christmas shopping and then watch movies and Taylor Lautner on SNL until my eyes bleed.

Before I started my new job, I was convinced that I would never see my friends and I would never have a life again. That was very wrong of me. In fact, I feel like I never have time to myself with this job because I make damn sure I’m always out having a good time. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love being around people I love, the people I can always rely on to have fun with. I’m glad these people are my friends.

On a side note, I failed to mention that I finally got a pair of Nike sneaks. In fact, the exact pair I wanted just a couple of months ago. If you squint, maybe you can make them out in the picture. Very comfortable and on sale, so I snagged them up before everyone else did.

Still…

I’ve talked about the some of the following items more than once on the blog, and I just wanted to let you all know that there is still a warm and fuzzy spot for them in my heart. That’s how you know you really do want something…when the feeling doesn’t fade and you’re still thinking about it weeks, months, or sometimes even a year later…

Over-the-knee boots

Nike High Tops
 
Sequined Beret

A badass bodysuit

And, of course, a new DIGITAL CAMERA ALREADY!!!!
 
…and a tripod for it would be nice.

I like a good deal.

Haircut went well yesterday. But the black is really makin' me look pale. I want my brown back.

Today I chose an outfit well-worn around this time of year.
But I topped it off with a pair of new sneaks I purchased for 5 dollars (!) at Wal-Mart.
I know what some people say or think.
But I stand strong by Wal-Mart.
That's all I have to say about that.
But I fell in love because shoes like these sold for around 20+ dollars at Urban Outfitters last year.
And that's rediculous, because I'm pretty sure my grandmother gets them in white every year.
They had all different colors, so if you're pro-Wal-Mart and pro-cheap cute shoes, head on down!