Inspiration - Jeans and Heels

I've been in love with the look of jeans and heels for some time now. The beauty of this look is that you can so easily change it up and make it your own. Dress it up or dress it down. The coolest part is that when you throw on some heels (high or kitten) and add a great accessory or two it elevates your jeans and gives them new life.

 

 

photo credits: WhoWhatWear.com, Lovely-Pepa.com

Jeans, heels and a dressy jacket is one of my all time favorite looks. Those distressed jeans that you used to throw on with your ratty sneaks are now more sophisticated with some great heels and a jacket. Bonus, they are still just as comfy.

photo credit: afterDRK.com, devonrachel.com


A biker or a baseball jacket also make great additions to this simple look.

photo credits: walkinwonderland.com, thecourtneykerr.com, trini-g.com, thecourtneykerr.com


Sometimes simple is best. A graphic sweatshirt, a baseball shirt, a simple white button down, or even a Texas tuxedo all seem a little more special with the addition of a pair of heels.



You don't have to don sky high heels. Pick the height you like best and go for it. I gravitate more toward lower heels these days but any heel will do. I tend to prefer a simple, pointed toe pump but just Google "jeans and heels" and you'll find lots of additional inspiration.

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Silver Shoes

Currently I own six pairs of silver shoes and frankly I want more. Yeah, I'm nuts. I wear most of them often. They are my go to neutral shoes. The pair that get the most wear are my silver oxfords. I LOVE them. So much so that they need to be resoled. I've searched for another pair but haven't found any that I like quite as much and are available in my size. I purchased mine over two years ago. They are so popular now that if you see a pair, you should grab them. I've found myself wanting some flats and a pair of dressy sandals.

 1 /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5  /  6  /  7  /  8

I'm thinking that number four and number six are my next go to buys but seven and eight are also on my radar. Definitely color me obsessed with silver!

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Trend - Kitten Heels

Kitten heels were declared a spring trend but they are definitely flowing over into fall.  I may be in the minority in my love of kitten heels but I know I'm in good company. Marc Jacobs showed them for his line and for Louis Vuitton. It just so happens that his long time muse, Sofia Coppola is a fan of low heels. Many stylish women, including First Lady Michelle Obama, First Lady of France Carla Bruni, Alexa Chung, Mary Kate Olsen and even Princess Kate. Michelle Obama was even photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue wearing kitten heels.

I LOVE high heels but unfortunately for me, my battle with Rhuematoid Arthritis makes them difficult to wear.  I favor lower heels, wedges and flats, on a daily basis. I'd planned to wear high heels on my wedding day but {msL} asked me to wear lower heels so that I wouldn't tower over her. I gladly obliged when I found a pair of Manolo Blahniks for a steal. It's great to see that they are making a comback. I'd wear them anyway (popular or not) but I'm happy because that means a better selection. Here are just a few styles I love (affordable and not so affordable).

Click the photos above for buying details.

What do you think of kitten heels?


photo credits: Vogue, AP, AP, Rex, wireIMAGE, wireIMAGE

Fall Shoe Wishes

Zara always seems to have the most incredible shoes and for some reason, I've never purchased a pair from their site or the store. I don't really have an explanation but hopefully I will remedy that this fall.  I'm loving lots of their fall styles. Each of the pairs have qualities that I love in shoes.



Click on the photos for buying information.

From the top left...

 

• Low Heeled Pointed Toe Ankle Boots - I love low heeled ankle boots. They look great with pants and skirts and this suede version is dressy enough for the office.

• Ankle Boot Sandal - A funky take on a sandal. These ankle boots have a cool rocker edge to them. The ankle straps and chunky heel are sturdy and the wide toe strap will hide my pinky toe that insists on sticking out when I wear strappy sandals.

• Red D'Orsay Flat - You know I'm loving D'Orsay flats this fall. Red ups the pretty quotient on this version.

• Nude Pointed Toe Ballerina Flats - Nude flats are so versatile. I prefer pointed toe flats to round toe flats because they lengthen your legs.  The ankle strap adds sophistication.

• Black Leather D'Orsay Kitten Heels - The cut of these D'Orsay pumps is unique. I also love kitten heels for those days when you don't really want to wear a sky high heel.

• Combination Ankle Boots - The cut out, the color blocking and the low heel of these ankle boots (yeah, you get it, I love ankle boots) create a not so typical boot. I'd wear these on the weekends, with jeans or a winter maxi skirt.

Do you have a wish list of fall shoes?

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Mirror Metallics

My love of silver and other metallics is no secret. I even painted a table silver. A pair of bedside tables are next. I'm especially in love with mirror metallics.  I love how they stand out, make a statement but still go with everything.  Metallics are neutral.  You would never think of whether or not you can wear a silver or gold necklace with a specific color top or dress.  It's the same with a metallic shoe or bag.  I wear my mirror silver oxfords constantly and I'm dying for a pair of flats or a cute low heel.

Click above for buying information.

You can even wear silver mirror nails. I love the version by Jamberry. I did a review of them in September. I love that they last a long time and don't dry out. You can get several manicures from one set of Jamberry nails.

More mirror metallic items are on my want list.  I'm loving the ankle strap low heels and the mirror clutch.

Costume for a New Year

I'm finally back.  I took a much needed break over the holidays.  Using some of my vacation time, I spent time with family and friends, made Christmas presents and rested. Work and wedding planning have been my focus this week but I'm back in the swing now. We hosted a New Year's Eve party at our house for a few friends.  This year we decided to have an 80's themed party.  Everyone dressed as their favorite 80's icon.  We listened to a fantastic 80's playlist, compiled by my friend and music maestro Carl and even drank Bartles and James wine coolers. I decided to dress as Madonna.  I knew I had a few pieces I could use but I wanted to buy some new ones that I could wear after the party and into 2013.

1) Contrast Moto Jacket - F21, Leggings - Torrid, Rhinestone Necklace - F21 (no longer available online), Bangle Sets - Nordstrom Rack and Bloomingdales, Sam Edelman Peyton (no longer available, similar here) - Nordstrom Rack

 
My friends at Potomac Mills Mall invited me to come to the mall and shop in the Fashion District.  They have great stores like Nordstrom Rack, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Forever 21, Torrid, Bloomingdales, and TJ Maxx. They gave me a gift certificate to use during my shopping adventure.  I was thrilled to shop in some of my favorite stores.  You've read about my amazing finds from Nordstrom Rack and NM Last Call. It was so hard to choose my items. It was sensory overload and I kept finding all sorts of other great items. Staying focused was hard. I knew I wanted to get some great pieces that I could wear over and over and I had to keep my eye on the goal.

This is a photo heavy post. You can see and read more after the jump.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Fall Lust List

Today I'm taking a break from the fall trends to tell you what is on my list of wants.  Some of the items are trends and some are just things I love.  Not all of the items are frugal buys but I will tell you how I plan to get them for a bargain. Today I'm also linking up to Friday's Fancies on Long Distance Loving.

Click on the pictures above to see the details.

Navy Blazer - This classic item will take me everywhere.  I can dress it up or down and it will never go out of style.  I'll be hitting all of my favorite thrift stores and discount stores to hunt for a classic navy blazer.

Leather (Faux Leather) Skirt - A pleated leather skirt has been on my list for a couple of seasons.  Leather is a huge trend this fall.  Faux leather is affordable and if you choose a classic style like pleated or a pencil skirt you can keep it for years. I will be using a discount code to get a great deal on this skirt.

Colored Skinny Jeans - These Bordeaux colored skinny jeans are right on trend.  I scored these NYDJ at Nordstrom Rack for $60 earlier this week! The rich color is great for fall and a fun alternative to blue jeans.

Statement Necklace - I'm in love with the Pegasus Necklace from Stella & Dot.  The layered feathers are beautiful and an unexpected way to do a statement necklace.  I will be using some of my trunk show credits for this fantastic necklace.

Leopard Accented Bag -  Black and leopard combined with the school bag tote style of this bag is perfect for me.  I'll be able to stash all of my essentials and it will still look great.  Even better, this bag from Urban Outfitters is on sale right now!

Statement Cocktail Ring -  If you aren't in the mood to wear a ton of jewelry, a fantastic cocktail ring is the ticket.  There are so many things to love about the Stella & Dot Starstruck ring.  This one is definitely on my list of wants.  I'll be spending some of my trunk show credits on this ring.

Studded Ladylike Pumps - The studs on these ladylike pumps are unexpected. The shoes are very similar to the Valentino studded pumps but at only $100, I can actually afford them! 


Hope you have time to hit up some early fall sales this weekend.  I'm attending fashion even number three of the week, on Saturday.  I'll have recaps next week.  What is on your fall wish list? 

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Inspiration - Silver Accents

My love for all things silver is pretty obvious.  I've done many posts with silver jewelry.  I always gravitate toward silver over gold. I just love the way it sparkles.  Here are just a few of my silver loves and inspirations.

Thrifted Watch Band Turned Bracelet

DIY Upcycled Tray, Spray Painted Silver

My Stella & Dot Alexandria Necklace

DIY Silver Skull

ASOS Paris Metallic Pointed Heels only $20.44!

Coolest DIY Silver Leaf lampshade from Design Sponge

DIY Silver Leaf Chest from Little Green Notebook

ASOS Spike Stretch Bracelet

My thrifted tray and after Halloween sale, skull became great home accents.  A thrifted watch band has become one of my favorite bracelets. I'm in love with my Stella & Dot Alexandria necklace (c/o). It's in regular rotation and I get compliments every time I wear it. A pair of silver pumps are on my list and these are on sale for only $20.44 at ASOS!  I love simple DIY projects and this black and silver shade just that. Some silver leaf will transform a blah black shade. There is a brown buffet sitting in our dining that I bought via work list serve many years ago.  I've been debating about what to do with it and couldn't decide. Then I spied this silver leaf DIY on Pinterest and I knew I'd found the solution. DIY here I come! I can't resist a spiked bracelet. The gunmetal version is one of my favorites and I definitely need to snatch up the silver one too.

What's your favorite accent color?

Olympic Style 24/7

There is always a ton of discussion about Olympic uniforms, how they look, where they are made, who is designing them, and on and on.  The uniforms are interesting but I am always fascinated by the personal style of the athletes, in and out of competition. Even though uniforms are the order of the day during competition, many still find a way to express their personal style.

Natalie Coughlin kept dry with this stylish hooded leather jacket and in the process toughened up her super girly dress and heels. Michael Phelps and his girlfriend looked polished on the red carpet.  Ryan Lochte showed off his gold medal and his diamond grill while receiving his medal.  Sanya Richards-Ross wore printed arm warmers, a patriotic manicure and Chanel earrings as she ran for her gold medal.  Missy Franklin sported a pretty red, white and blue mani, in the pool and on the medal podium.



photo credits: zimbio.com

Virtual Shopping - Talbots

There are two qualities I love in a store, quality merchandise at a reasonable price and items that come in all sizes (petite to plus).  There is nothing worse than finding a great item and then discovering that it doesn't come in your size.  I hate that!  Those two qualities are the main reasons I LOVE Talbots.  They have beautiful clothing at reasonable prices.  Sometimes, like this past weekend, you can find amazing bargains.  Like the skirt and top I got for 75% off.  I only paid $25 for both items!!

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Cap Toe Shoes (metal and neon)

In today's edition of I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much (a quote from Kirby in St. Elmo's Fire), I will tell you all about my love of cap toe shoes.  Right now, I'm especially loving the metal cap toes and the neon cap toes.

The shoes above come in all price ranges.  The cap toe give pizazz to a basic pump or flat.  It makes a Mary Jane look more rocker girl and less school girl.  They come in every style and color, even some stripes and snake skin.  So many possibilities.  I'm not limiting my love to only heels. The flats are awesome too.  Of course I won't be purchasing a pair of Manolos anytime soon but I know with a little spray paint and some tape, I'll be creating a pair or two from some of the dusty shoes I have stored away.  Look for a DIY soon!!

Trends - Spring Pastels

The warm weather we are having in DC this week is making me yearn for lots of fun new spring ensembles. Nothing says spring to me more than the pastel trend that is everywhere right now. Maybe it's the memory of getting a new dress for Easter or the fun candies that always filled our house this time of year. This weekend I'll have to go through my spring and summer clothes to pull out a few on my fun pastel items.  Pastels are an easy trend to wear no matter your coloring or body type.  The colors are popping up in clothes and accessories.  You can incorporate a little or a lot of spring pastel color into your outfits.  Try mixing and matching colors or pair one items with a pastel print.  Don't want to go all out? Try a neutral all over and add accessories. Here are a few items I'm loving right now.

I'm going to sport a few of these items with the new mint shades that I created!

How are you going to wear the pastel trend?

Frugal Fashion Friday - My Spring Short List

I know I told you all that I'd be guest blogging on the DC Goodwill Fashionista today, well there was a bit of a mix up and I'll be guest blogging there next week.  Each season I create a list, a short one of items I really want to purchase.  The items may be a trend piece or a hole in my wardrobe. I keep the list in my phone. I can refer to it when I'm shopping and it helps me stay on track and reduces my impulse buying.  Also, if I know what I want, it's easy to keep an eye out at thrift stores and for online sales.  If you don't know what you need then it's hard to wade past all those wants and "Oh Those are Cute!".  I also include items like bras, undies and other foundations on the list, even though they aren't exciting. Here is my short list for spring 2012.  I've already snagged the pants, during my vacation this past week.

1) Yellow Blazer - I love the bright pop of color for work or play.
2) Wedge Sandals - I have a tan pair of sandal like, wedge, shoes (seen here) that I wore often last summer. I'd like another pair in a different style.
3) Studded and spiked bracelets - They toughen up a sweet summer look, especially pastels.
4) Bright pants - I wear black pants and jeans often.  A pair of brightly colored pants will brighten my wardrobe.  I found a pair almost this color last weekend at Goodwill!
5) Leopard heels - I have a pair of low leopard wedges. I'd love to find a comfy pair of heels that I can use to switch things up from my usual black.

What's on your short list?

Happy Friday Real Girls!

When Life Gets in the Way

As much as I hate to admit it, this has been a bit of a lack luster this week here on RGR. We got home from vacation on Monday evening and my paying job has been non-stop ever since.  I've been getting home late from work and haven't managed to get to bed until late every night, trying to catch up on personal things.  I've also been working on a guest post I'll be doing tomorrow for the DC Goodwill Fashionista. These are pathetic blogger excuses, I know and I promise to make it up to you all next week.

Because of all of this craziness I was inspired to talk about getting dressed in the morning  Since I've been blogging and folks know I have a fashion blog, I feel a little more pressure to pull off great daily outfits. That being said, there are days when I'm just not feeling creative or fashionista like. I've gone to bed without a thought of my outfit for the next day.  I get up late or I'm in a hurry. To avoid the boring old office uniform of a black skirt and white blouse, I've devised a couple of quick dressing strategies.

Pick a Simple Base
I have a couple of dresses that are like a blank canvas. They are solid colors, gray, blue, raspberry, etc.  A great fitting dress can take you from day to night and you only have to grab that single item to get started. If you aren't feeling the dress, use a monochromatic, pants and top base.  The top and pants don't have to match exactly but the same color range helps.  And bonus, a monochromatic look is slimming on all figures.

Spice It Up With Accessories 
Adding accessories doesn't just mean jewelry.  With a basic dress, you can add an interesting or contrasting belt, standout shoes and a colorful bag.  You can also never go wrong with a statement necklace and an arm party of bracelets.


Choose a Great Topper
If it's still cool outside, you can pick a jacket or coat that will get you noticed. I'm a big fan of print coats in bright colors.  If your dress is a neutral, you could choose a bright colored trench.

Using these three simple ideas, it makes getting dressed a bit easier. When I'm in a rush or feeling uninspired, it keeps me from losing my mind.

Do you have quick dressing strategies of  your own?  I'd love to know what they are, please share.