Sunday Lusts!

I'm attempting to simultaneously blog and tweet about the Emmys, so if this post is a little scattered, you'll have to forgive me. If I ever get to walk a red carpet in a designer gown, I will die a happy girl. A very happy girl. And if I ever look as amazing as Sofia Vergara, I'll die even happier. I'll leave all the Emmy talk for later this week though, and get straight to my weekly lust list.

1. Lace Up Boots- Forever 21:

I mean, really, how much more effortless can these things get? If I had smaller feet, I would totally rock those  flat chukkas, but considering I was blessed with gigantic clown feet, I look ridiculous in them. You can check out all of Forever 21's lace up boot selection and pick your own favorites!

2. High-Low Scarf Print Dress- Forever 21:

This is a great example of how to bring the high-low trend into Fall. You can pair this black and gold dress with tall boots or heels, add some tights for those cool nights. I also think a colorful belt (like hot pink or red) would look fabulous paired with this dress. Snatch it up here before they're gone!

3. Polka Dot Tights- GoJane:

Aren't these just fab?! They're very 1920's boudoir-so very sexy and understated! I love these with red or black sky high stilettos and a LBD. Slightly obsessed, and they're under $10, so there's really no reason why these SHOULDN'T be in your closet.

4. Scalloped Lace Dress- SheInside:

(Photo Credit)

For all my Kate Middleton fans, check out this gorgeous champagne lace dress from SheInside. It is the perfect dress for a Fall/Winter wedding or any other semiformal event you may need to attend. Best part? It's only $39.90 and can be pulled off even if you aren't British royalty. 

5. Leopard Peplum Skirt- Apricot Lane Peoria

I probably have too much leopard print in my closet, but I really don't care. It will never (in my eyes at least) go out of style, and you can pair it with pretty much anything. It's one of my favorite (and sassiest) neutrals! This peplum skirt from one of my favorite boutiques will look fab paired with just about anything. Black, red, pink, blue, green, brown-see a pattern here? Leopard looks great with everything. I need more skirts in my wardrobe, and you're killing two trends with one piece here-leopard and peplum. Check out Apricot Lane Peoria for this skirt and more cute looks!

That's it for tonight, folks. I've been tweeting/blogging/FB'ing since about 5:00, so I need to spend some time with my fam, get ready for tomorrow, and study some more for my accounting exam! Enjoy your week and don't let Monday get the best of you! ;)

Happy Shopping!

Reader Request: How To Pair Cowboy Boots With Any Outfit!

One of my fabulous readers, Stephanie, recently asked me if I could make a post about cowboy boots. I will admit, I don't own a single pair of cowboy boots nor have I ever even worn a pair. I grew up in Minnesota, and the only boots we wear there are snow boots (a la Napoleon Dynamite), so I'm a bit of a "cowboy boot virgin" if you will. Being the awesome blogger that I am though, I took the challenge and must say, I'm considering buying myself a pair now. I just need to nail down the accent and a bit of that "Southern swag" (you all know you're jealous of those Georgia peaches) and I should be set. Until then, check out some of my favorite looks and let me know what you think and what you (if you're cooler than me and own a pair) wear yours with!

I really love the look of skirts and cowboy boots. If any of you remember, I did a "Steal Her Look" post about Carrie Underwood where she was wearing a full mini skirt with boots (so see, I was ahead of the times!). It was an absolutely adorable look, and I think these skirts here would look equally awesome paired with your boots. I love the look of the high-low skirt, and think it would look great with a pair of worn in boots. Almost like a "grunge" look, but still girly and feminine. You can pair just about any tank with that skirt, but I'm kinda diggin' the loose cropped look. Layer some long necklaces and bangles to complete your look. Obviously, a chambray top had to be featured-this blog post wouldn't be complete without it. I am in love with the skirt it's paired with as well. You don't get much more Southern Belle without a giant pink bow, right? To make this look look balanced, keep your skirt looser and your top a bit more fitted. Have fun with colors and patterns (one or the other; top or bottom) too, if you have a little bit of turquoise or red in your boots, bring those colors up to your skirt or your top. And as always, you can't go wrong with a horse tee (how cute is that?!)!

I think one of my favorite looks paired with cowboy boots is a dress. It's so very chic, and definitely an easy to throw together option. You can pretty much get away with any dress, but the length and the style are very important. As you see, I've paired a red lace dress (unexpected, right?) with the boots, but I've also added a Western inspired belt to add a little bit of country to it. I absolutely love the look of the sundresses with the slouchy cardis, so comfy and easy! You can also belt just about any dress in your closet, a simple blue shift shirtdress gets bedazzled with another Western inspired belt. Keep your accessories simple here, a touch of sparkle in your ears or some big gold hoops will help you look polished and pulled together.

Probably one of the easiest, and most common combos are jeans and shorts. I think just about everyone makes the connection of cowboy boots and Daisy Dukes. You can always wear your denim with your boots, but there are ways to switch it up a little when you're in a rut. Instead of going to your trusty blues, try a colored denim in rust or red-that pop of color will give any outfit a boost. Or, you can try a pair of corduroys, they're back this season and in a multitude of colors. I prefer my boots with skinnies tucked in, but if you aren't down with that trend, try a bootcut or flare (but the whole point is to show off your boots, right? So take a risk and tuck 'em in). I love the "Skinny Kick" from AE, they're skinny on the top so you can tuck them into your boots, but have a slight flare at the bottom so they can be paired with flats. With jeans, a printed top in an unexpected pattern (skulls with cowboy boots? Whoda thunk?!) and scarf give off a super bohemian vibe, will a flowy sweater and layered necklaces give off a more feminine vibe. For added warmth, throw on a pair of leg warmers over your jeans and let them peek out the top of your boots.
For shorts, a flannel with your Dukes will make you look sexy, but still laid back (isn't that what every girl wants?). Extra points if you tie it at the waist, throw on a cowboy hat, and add aviators-but that's up to you. I'm also obsessed with lace/crochet shorts this season, and they are the perfect addition to your boots. For an unexpected twist, I paired them with a vintage rock tee and art deco inspired earrings. Think of it as "Cowgirl Grunge". I think that's my favorite look at all-totally effortless, yet suuuuper cool.

So there ya have it, my best attempt at styling around cowboy boots. Hope I did the South proud, and while you're shopping, here's my favorite cowboy singing ya'll a little tune.

Thursday Lusts

I am in a shopping mood today! I am forcing myself to wait to buy anything because I haven't even been able to wear half the new fall things I've already bought. I have so many new cardigans and sweaters that still have the tags on them (shhh, don't tell my hubs), so I'm going to practice some self-restraint and just stick to browsing. The only exception is the skull bracelet I just scored on eBay for less than $2. DEAL.

GoJane

I always love a good pattern, and this one definitely caught my eye. I had to look at it for awhile to decide if I liked it or not, and the verdict is yes, most definitely. I love how it looks like an old, worn in blanket, and the studs add a bit of drama to what could otherwise be another boring cardigan. Pair this with a black tee, jeans, and some combat-style boots. Gold jewelry will finish off the look perfectly! 

I. Am. Dying. Totally, completely, and utterly in love with these heels. I prefer the white ones over the other colors (although the neon green ones are pretty hot), but there is nothing NOT killer about these heels. Wear them with just about anything, but I like a pencil skirt and blouse-the cutouts will up the sex appeal of just about any outfit. BRB, need to wipe the drool off my mouth. 

Remember midi rings? They were a super trend back in the 90's, and now they're making a comeback, along with just about everything else from that decade. I love how delicate this ring is, and how it really can put a spotlight on a fab manicure. I would love just a simple gold or silver band, but the bird adds a bit of personality to it. 

Forever 21:

Ahhh, how adorbs is this black and white striped shirtdress?! I used to hate mixing black and brown, but now I can't get enough. This can easily be transitioned throughout the seasons by adding tights or leggings and pairing it with knee high boots. 

I think every girl needs a chunky sweater in her wardrobe. It can be worn so many different ways and, like the model shows, can either be super masculine (when paired with a button up and jeans), or super feminine (paired with a cami and skirt). Either way, it's great to have such a versatile piece in your closet. Or, keep it in your car/backpack for when those chilly days sneak up on you. It will seriously look chic over everything.

I may need to break my "no shopping" rule for this tote. It's so simple, yet so incredibly chic. Plus, it's big, so it can fit a whole lot of stuff in it (and by "stuff", I mean monster trucks, diapers, and snacks). I'm wondering if I can sneak this by J without him noticing...probably...

Tobi:

This top is so...pretty. The taupe and silver combo is gorge, and I really dig the sparkle detail on the shoulders and the collar. This top can be paired with simple black skinnies or even dressed up with a lacy skirt. Keep your accessories delicate and sparkly, rhinestone studs would be perfect. 

There's a look going around on Pinterest that has a low back "dress" with a full skirt. In reality, it's actually a leotard from American Apparel (which will probably run you about $40 if you can find one) and a little mini skirt. This tank would be perfect for pulling off your own version of the look-just add a cute skirt (I'm partial to this one, but you can definitely find your own) and you're set!

I love one-pieces. They look great under skirts, trousers, and even skirts. You don't have to worry about your shirt coming untucked, and they give a polished and smooth appearance. Don't pair this top with jeans, or you'll end up looking like you're straight out of Kids, Inc. (and if you catch that reference, you're officially as old as me, and that makes me feel better). My personal fave is the gray jumper on the end, but you can find a ton more here-so go choose your favorite!

Alrighty, Glee is distracting me and I have a snoring (and sick-poor baby) toddler next to me, so I'm off to finish my show and then crash. If you're luckier than me and have a little extra to shop with, try not to rub it in too much! ;)

Happy Shopping!

Oh My, How I've Missed You!

Whew.

It has been a caaah-razy past couple of weeks! I started school, got the Nugget all situated in daycare, and then went on a mini-vaycay for Labor Day weekend (13 hours in a car from NY-NC and back is not as fun as it sounds). I think we're still catching up on our sleep! I'll just say one thing; I'm looking forward to having a very boring next couple of weeks-nothing big planned, and lots of lounge-filled weekends (after this one, we are purging the bajeezus out of our house and cleaning top to bottom).

Am I the only one who is constantly checking the weather to see when it's going to start getting chilly? It's like 65 and rainy today and I am TOTALLY relishing it. Monday says it'll be a high of 68, so that means I am officially breaking out the boots (or maybe the flats, I haven't decided yet). I am so wishing I had a sweet pair of combat-style boots to rock this week with my leggings. I am totally digging the Breckelle Georgia Military Lace-Up Boot from Urbanog. Would these be adorable with some leggings and a long tunic?

  

Indian Trails Sweater Tunic | Cotton Blend Knit Leggings

Seriously, so obsessed.

If you've read any of my previous posts, you'll know that I'm kinda in love with the look of loafers this season. I think they're so fantastically retro, and can be paired with just about anything. With these Dollhouse Snazzy Tassel Loafers, I like a cropped pant and a printed blouse. This look is perfect for the office!

  
Cotton Blend Pleated Trousers | Solid Tie Neck Blouse

I got ridiculously excited when I saw this Hello Kitty Juniors Embossed Pleather Skirt at Target. I've been searching for one for awhile now, and was thrilled when I saw it on the racks. Unfortunately, the one I found was in North Carolina, and they (of course) don't carry it at our tiny little Target. Thank jeebus for online shopping! This skirt is great for GNO, and would look fabulous when paired with a plain tank, statement heels, and a killer necklace.

 
 
Mossimo Supply Co. Long and Lean Tank | Qupid Neutral Snake Studded Platform Pump
Beyond The Horror Necklace | Braided Snake Chain Bracelet

So I think that's it for right now, I've got looooads of homework that needs to be finished, and the hubs and I are having a much needed date night-in.

As always, Happy Shopping!