Nordstrom sale shoe picks

Whoa California - bi-polar weather much? Not that I'm complaining, but summer is giving us one more run for our money with temps in the 80's today. Sadly being stuck in the office is no fun and the ones really complaining are the chinchillas who hate the heat.

This past weekend while DH was away I had lunch with a friend downtown and then we checked out the Nordstrom half yearly sale. I wasn't expecting to get anything but I ended up coming home with the two pairs of shoes below...

Steve Madden Chaufur flats via Nordstrom. Once again, loafers. I know, I'm totally on this menswear flat shoe kick and I'm loving it. Plus Ms. Rosie wanted in on the action - I think she got excited over the crinkling of the tissue paper and thought she was going to get a treat but here she is photobombing some of my shots. These flats are actually really comfy - I'm not wearing them today because its too hot but I can't wait to wear them after the heatwave is gone. And the price wasn't bad, either!

 Steve Madden studlyy flats in black, also via Nordstrom. I still love spikes. I think I had actually blogged about these earlier in the year but passed on them due to price. But when I saw them for sale on Saturday, well I couldn't help it. But note - size up! These run small. I'm normally a 7.5 but had to take these in an 8. The backs are also a bit stiff but I'm hoping with a heel liner and walking around the apartment that I'll be able to break them in. Plus there's sparkle. What's not to love?

There was a cashmere sweater that peaked my interest at the sale, so perhaps I will add it to my holiday wish list. And since I had a 75 gift card I paid less than a whole pair of shoes out of pocket for both pairs. Gotta love it!

And tomorrow is November 6, election day - so get out and vote!

Did you pick up anything from the Nordstroms sale?

Casual Thursday

I have to admit that today I just wasn't in the mood. Perhaps its been the few hours of sleep I've been missing the past few nights by laying awake contemplating everything from work to the wedding, or maybe its the fact that when I check the weather at night before bed it says one thing and then drastically changes when I wake up in the morning.

Jeans: Banana Republic; Blazer: Frenchie; Blouse: JCrew; Necklace: Franchesca's Collection; Scarf: Gift

Regardless, today I just decided to err on the casual side, especially since I have a meeting at our wedding venue after work (and I have to put up with air conditioning blaring down on me for 9 hours a day at the office so layers are always nice).

I have to tell you that I'm really excited over this scarf. It was a gift and I had ordered something just like it a few months ago and then bam. It was lost in the mail. So imagine how thrilled I was when this popped up!

I also feel as though I took a bit of a chance on the beaded necklace. It was on uber sale for 9.00 and I don't normally gravitate toward orange but I really like this combo. It's the first of a big chunky necklace kind that I've purchased and I really like it. I'm hoping to branch out a bit more with statement necklaces/chunkier pieces to add a bit of pizazz to my outfits. That way, I can mix and match and feel as thought I can turn an old favorite outfit into something new.

This weekend is my bridal shower... I'm so excited! I can't believe that it's almost July. We've started to get more and more little pieces of things in the mail for the wedding and the RSVP's are still trickling in.

So... talk to me about accessories. What's your current favorite piece and why? I do have a necklace coming in the mail from etsy that I'm so excited to have come and that might be my new favorite piece. :)

Spiked motion

I've noticed lately that spikes seem to be huge this spring, particularly on shoes. And well, I almost can't help myself. I really want a pair of something awesome. So I've rounded up a few pairs that I'm lusting after. Help me pick a winner!

Via Nordstrom.com

 I tried this pair on this weekend and these are my front runners. The Sam Edelman Beatrix flats come in an array of colors and I know will give my outfit the bit of badassness it needs. But.. the only thing that's holding me back is the price point. Perhaps I just have to bite the bullet on this one and just do it. Available at Nordstrom, 129.95.

Via SteveMadden.com

I also spied this pair while out shopping but I'm a little undecided on it. I can't tell if I love it or hate it. These from Steve Madden are in a similar price range to the Sam Edelman pair but I'm not too sure how keen I am n the heel and the masculine shape of the shoe. Regardless, they are pretty punk and awesome. And they also come in leopard print, too! Steve Madden Melter shoes, 139.95.

Via Bergdorf Goodman

Okay okay. I know, I'm a geek. But I LOVE these. How cute are they? A new updated twist on MBMJ's mouse flat... spikes! And studs! This little guy is hardcore. I know that I've seen these in black and also cream. In case you really want to take a walk on the wild side... I adore these too. Marc by Marc Jacobs studed mouse flat, 250.00.

From Neiman Marcus

And of course, the granddaddy of them all. Christian Louboutin knows how to make a girl drool over some shoes. I don't think I can put into words just how awesome these are. Loafers. A crest. Spikes. A bit of patent. Now if only I had won the megamillions lottery..... Christian Louboutin Intern spiked toe crest velvet loafter, 925.00.

Whew! Well now... I guess the hard part is deciding which pair to get...although I have a hunch what they may be.

And so this isn't entirely about shoes, here's yesterday's outfit from the Banana Republic fitting room. Skirt and blouse, Banana Republic. Shoes: Jcrew. Cardigan: Gap. Vintage Scarf: Ferragamo via ebay. Wrinkles: Sitting at your desk for 9 hours straight.

Have a good Tuesday!

Green Challenge!

It's time for another Everybody Everywear challenge - and today it's green! Since the majority of the shades of green look not so great on me I decided to dress up a drab outfit today with a green scarf. It's pouring rain and dark here in San Francisco today so the bright pop of green helps brighten up my outfit.

Closeup of the scarf print.

Oxford shirt & Scarf: H&M. Skirt: Gary Graham. Blazer: Banana Republic. Shoes: JCrew.

I also have to say that I'm pretty jealous of people who can rock green in more than just an accessory. For some reason it doesn't bode well for my skin tone. D'oh.

Since St. Patrick's day is right around the corner... what's your favorite piece of green to sport?

Black Friday/Why i cannot shop anymore

I got up early, I braved the lines, I conquered Anthropologie's Black Friday sale. In 32 minutes. And got everything I wanted. So here's a roundup of everything that I got this past Black Friday/Bargain shopping weekend.

From Anthro:

the item that I wanted the most was the Ihrin shirtdress. While everyone was mobbing over shoes (i have never seen anything like it in my life) I nabbed two sizes of this to try on. I did have to size up since the 8 seemed a little tight in the bust area but grabbed this is a gorgeous purple hue. Love! Sale price: 49.99 on Black Friday, item 22806756 (check stores).

i'm fairly sure this is the instant class tee in stripes, but i may be wrong. saw this on my last browse through the sale room and nabbed it like it was going out of style. purchased in a size M for 14.95, item 22519847.

tried this on and grabbed it without thinking twice... so i'm not sure if this will stay or not but i think the pattern is adorable and something a bit out of my comfort range. also unsure of the name of this but purchased in a size small for 19.95.

accessories:

looksmart ipad case and passport holder (19.99 and 9.99), raccoon ring holder (3.99), and grove new york goats milk lotion (4.99). I have to tell you... the raccoon ring holder was the second item on my list. i was so happy when i saw an abundance of them at my local store. i also love the pattern on the ipad and passport case... i love matching items. and the smell of the grove lotion is amazing! 

Plus look at how adorable he is close up!

After I finished up at Anthro I made my way back home and straight to bed. Gap was a madhouse and I couldn't stomach  much more than a few minutes there.

Macys.

I had seen this out with my mom in law, sister in law, and best friend. Alas, none in my size. Until I saw this at Macys. For 50% off. And I had an additional 20% off coupon. MINE! Michael Kors toggle front cardigan. 60.00 at Macys, check stores.

Later on that day I headed over to Nordies..

Once I saw this and then tried it on I really had a hard time taking it off to ring it up. I've been searching for something similar to replace some of my older end of life items in my wardrobe and this warm wrap totally fits the bill. I was torn between the grey and the cream but ultimately the grey won out. Bobeau asymmetrical wrap cardigan - 39.90, nordstrom.com or check in stores.

In case you haven't heard, I adore sweaters. I kinda live in them. Especially because I'm normally one of those people who are constantly cold. I saw this and when I first tried it on I wasn't thrilled. Until I paired it with the long sleeved shirt I was wearing and then I loved it. Kensie cowl neck fair isle sweater, 49.90, in stores and nordstrom.com

I kinda have a thing with shoes. I tend to wear the same few pairs over and over again. I had tried these on with a friend and passed. Then I saw them marked down more this weekend and pounced. I love that I can wear these to work as well as with jeans on the weekend. Corso Como Vineland flat in pewter (the black is also a great color!), 72.90 in store and nordstrom.com.

After seeing this pair on a friend I decided that I needed these. Once I saw them marked down I knew I really needed them. Plus a nude patent flat - who doesn't need that in their wardrobe? Very excited to break these in..... Vera Wang Lavendar Lillian patent ballet flats. 96.90, in stores and nordstrom.com (also in black!).  *Thanks Mom!

Black pumps... not something that I really own. I mean, I have two similar pairs in patent peep toes, but nothing plain... nothing I can depend on. Then I saw these. Love. Now here's to hoping that I get over my fear of wearing heels and make these a staple. Cole Haan Air Talia mid pump in black leather, 129.90, in stores and nordstrom.com (and in brown leather, too!)

And another fun pair of black pumps. Mom saw the price on these and since they fit couldn't resist. Love the detailing on the front and the thicker heel. So excited to wear these out! Miz Mooz Felicity pump in black. 59.90, in stores and nordstrom.com (also in purple and grey!)

Major congrats if you've gotten this far. And now, I am banned until sometime next year and desperately praying for a holiday bonus. Or a money tree. Yanno, whatever comes first. Feel free to share your black friday/cyber monday goodies!

Shoes galore! Reveal(s)!

After what seemed like ages (okay, it was really 6 days..) I got my jcrew shoes in the mail. Modeling photos below. I think once I break in the toe box area that they will fit great. I love them and am so glad I not only waited to get them on sale but that they are going to work out!

Oxford flats, Jcrew. Selected sizes online, check stores.

And my long awaited reveal of my perfect leopard print flats! I've already worn these and while they are just a smidge big I think its something that a heel guard will fix. These are seriously so comfy - I feel like I'm walking on air with these on.  So glad I got them.. and almost wishing that I got these sooner! Plus I LOVE the bow detailing on these!

Denise bow flat, Banana Republic. Online for 98.00; in stores check for promos.

And the biggest reveal of all... my wedding shoes! I've hemmed and hawwed over whether to keep the pretty heels that I bought... but once I saw these my mom and sister and I shouted a YES in the middle of the BP shoe salon. I cannot wait to wear these under my dress... Presenting the Steve Madden I-Dreemy ballet flat. (And now available in other colors, too!)

Available at Nordies for 99.00, online and in stores.

And of course, my furry best friend who kept wanting to get in the photos (or just play with shoes, cause she's a shoe queen..) Rosie.