We all love gettin’ a little booty, and the movers and shakers of the fashion world are taking that to heart. The Bootie is everywhere. It is more than a shoe, but less than a boot. You’ve seen it paired with everything from skinny jeans to skirts. It is all the rage on the Fashion Week runways right now.

But what do you think? Can everyone pull these off? Can you?

Booties: Love em or Hate em?

Okay, so I’ll admit it; when it comes to shoes, I have a problem.

I can’t stop buying them.

I love all kinds of shoes, from flip flops to stilettos to my trusty Chuck Taylors. I love my tried and true (black pumps, ballet flats, etc.) and I love finding fun and funky shoes to add a lil’ oomph to an outfit. I have shoes ranging from Payless and Target to Steve Madden and even a few beloved pairs of designer shoes (that were all purchased in outlets or amazing clearance sales, I must add).

The best thing about shoes is that trends come in cycles so you can save your favorite pairs and use them for more than one season.

This season there are six major shoe trends emerging, although a couple of them are old trends re-surging, so I’m here to let you know what you’ll be seeing on footsies in the next few months. Read More »

Since I was starting my Friday evening at a lounge with friends, I was aiming for dressy-casual as I rifled through my closet. About half an hour later, my mind was made up: leggings, dress, and of course, the new slingback stilettos in lieu of those I ruined on my last “date” (RIP, Nine West pumps. I think of you often).

I don’t feel completely dressed without a pair of heels, and I couldn’t care any less that I’m six feet tall without them. I love their ability to make my jeans look a little dressier and my legs look longer, and overall, I feel empowered in them. I love my stilettos and consider them buddies who see me through good times and bad. No matter how much my feet hurt, I know that they only want me to feel and look pretty.

This particular evening, like so many others, there was no question what shoes were making the trek downtown with me.

I was approximately two drinks and three hours into my night when my friends and I finally found a table at our second venue. Our table was in the middle of the bar, one of those that doesn’t really allow for much more than a few martini glasses. I happily pulled up a barstool without a second thought. Read More »

I hit the mall the other day and witnessed a wonderfully beautiful sight: Spring clothing. The racks of shorts, tanks and skirts were like the (bright, patent leather) light at the end of a cold and dreary tunnel. I felt euphoric, giddy and a need to spend. I grabbed my friend’s hand and together we skipped from store to store taking it all in.

The colorful shoes.

The exotic prints.

The dresses.

The bags. Oh boy, those bags.

I would have loved to give my credit card a workout and my wardrobe a much needed pick-me-up – as I have found myself wearing only grays and blacks these past few weeks – but the price tags at Nordstrom, etc. were just way bigger than anything I could afford. I pitied myself and my dwindling bank account for a moment, but instead of throwing in the proverbial towel and heading home to sulk in a pile of black sweats, I went in search of equally fabulous, yet far more affordable, Spring pieces.

It was a cinch. Spring trends are all about bright colors, patent leather, and new shapes. Luckily for me and any other lady on a budget, these elements are all very easy to find at any price point. I scoped out my I Have to Have Them But In No Way Can I Afford Them pieces, admired and drooled over them, and then snapped back into reality and went in search of their less expensive brothers.

What I Lusted: Marc by Marc Jacobs “Posh Turnlock” Convertible Clutch

Price: $298 (Ouch.)

This bag adds much needed drama and excitement to the bar-standard black dress or shirt.

The leather is soft, the colors (I prefer yellow) are bright without being too much and the bag is perfect for going out – both in the fact that it will hold everything and can be worn as either a clutch or on your shoulder.

What I Got: Xhilaration (For Target) Envelope Clutch

Price: $17.99

This bag has so much in common with the one by Marc – the perfect size for going out, the perfect color to pop a typical ensemble, the ability to be worn both as a clutch or shoulder bag – for a fraction of the price. Just think about how much better you will feel about spilling beer on an $18 bag versus one for $300. Read More »

Every girl knows that shoes can make an outfit.

Right this very moment I’m staring at my sisters cream and navy Marc Jacobs patent stacked heels just wishing I didn’t have to strap on my cowboy boots for my night time hostessing job.

Cowgirl chic is not an easy to look to pull off.

In college, it is all about comfort and when the weather gets too cold for your rainbows and your Uggs are well, fug, it’s nice to have a few warm standbys.

This season, instead of my All-American chucks, I’m eyeing a pair of high top sneakers. I tried to convince my boyfriend that this style was totally him but he wouldn’t take the bait, so I’m going to. This pair from Nine West are more lady with an edge than rockabilly hipster, which I’m digging for fall.

The only shoe I fully rely on come fall are my flat boots. No girl can live without a warm and comfy pair to pull on at a moments notice.

Jeans, dresses, skirts, the flat boot works with every article of clothing. And finally affordable shoe designers are making them with some darling details. I can’t get enough of the buttons on these Steve Madden’s and the zip off tops of these Abaete for Payless. Read More »