Spring Picks - Neutral (But FUN!) Flats

I have a confession to make. I don't think flats are sexy at all.  My sister and I were discussing this the other day.  Flats are cute, they are fun, they are interesting but not sexy. Even the peep toe ones aren't sexy.  Even though I feel this is true, on most work days I gravitate toward my flats.  Unless the heels are super comfy I leave them in the closet. I don't like commuter shoes but sometimes will wear a pretty pair of flats and carry my heels.  I don't like to do that because I feel like, if I choose heels, I want to wear them all day with my outfit.

I've noticed that my stash of flats is becoming worn and frankly kinda stinky. I wear my flats without socks, hose or footies. Because of this, the curse of stinky feet that I inherited from my mom, can render some shoes unwearable. I've tried insoles and they only work temporarily.  I'm also really hard on shoes. I wear the toes down, scuff them, and nick them. If the shoes are of high quality, I will have them repaired. If not, they are either donated or trashed. Spending $20 to repair a pair of $15 shoes isn't usually worth it. The neutral shoes are the ones I wear the most.  My bright colored flats are fun but I don't mix them in as often.  Almost all of my neutral flats (black, nude, and metallic) need to be replaced but I don't want them to be boring. I went searching for flats that had a price tag of $100 or less. 

Click on the picture to get purchasing details on the flats above.

1) These silver flats have a cool zipper detail that sets them apart from your average metallic flat.
2) I like the t-strap on these nude flats. It adds a girly vibe.
3) The mixed metals of these metallic flats give them an interesting twist that I love.
4) I love the classic and girly bow on these flats. It gives them a Ladies That Lunch look.
5) I feel like the horse buckle on these black flats ensure I'll fit in at the country club. I might need to buy a polo shirt too.
6) Many might not consider glitter a neutral. Silver can be a neutral.  I think the glitter mixed with the silver studs is both tough and cute. 
7) These flats have so many great details.  I love the d'orsay cut, the nude and black mix and the ankle strap.   
 

I think numbers four and seven are my favorites.  It's funny because I started hunting for silver and gold flats and the ones that I ended up loving aren't even metallic. 

Which flats do you like the best?

DIY - Holiday Decorations, a Recap

As you all know I took a little break over the Holidays. I didn't post much between Christmas and NYE. I think I needed a little techno break and I was nursing a terrible cold during that time as well. With all of the Holiday prep and scrambling at work, I was toast.  I didn't get a post done showing you all my Holiday decorations.  I grabbed some items from the thrift store. I also purchased a few inexpensive items from discount retailers like Target as well as some spray paint (of course). Combining them I created some unique decorations that didn't bust my budget.

Tray and candle holders from Goodwill

Supply List

• Candle holders from Goodwill
• Tray from Goodwill
• Christmas lights (two strands)
• Christmas ornaments (balls - glitter, metallic and snowflake ornaments)
• Ribbon (one roll 2")
• Spray Paint (Krylon Chrome and Glitter Blast)
• Candles (tapers and votive)

In an earlier post, I told you about this year's blue and silver theme. I wanted to do things a little different and I liked the idea of blue and silver.  The snow and icicles make for a pretty combination. Plus, I LOVE sparkle but you all know that too.

 We have a large staircase railing and it needed a little something. I took a roll of ribbon, one strand of lights and 2 packages of snowflake ornaments (4 snowflakes per package at $1 each) and decorated the railing.

Staircase railing - 1 roll of ribbon, 2 packages of snowflake ornaments and one string of lights that we already own

We have a shelf in our entry area that holds our charging station, boxes of scarves and our keys.  It is usually decorated with a large red vase with reeds.  I grabbed a clear vase from the cabinet, stuffed it with one strand of blue lights and topped it with glitter ornaments. I ran the chord behind the vase and plugged it in.

Entry way Decoration - Clear vase that we already own, a few ornaments and one string of blue lights

Using the Goodwill candlesticks and a couple we already own, I spray painted and glitter painted some of them.  I have to say, Krylon Chrome and Glitter Blast are some of the coolest DIY items on the planet.  They transformed some of the sticks. My friend the DC Goodwill Fashionista says that I'm the queen of spray paint.  I have to say, that I don't think there is much that can't be improved with some great spray paint.  Check out the before and after of the candlesticks and I'm sure you'll agree. The dark glitter stick right front in the picture below was transformed from a chipped frosted glass stick that I grabbed at Goodwill.  The chips were eliminated by the Glitter Blast paint. You can't even see them now. 

NYE Decorations - Goodwill candlesticks (some painted), A few candlesticks we own (spray painted), Christmas ornaments, Candles from the dollar store, and one candle that was a gift

 I think I amazed myself a bit with the transformation of this tray.  It was a blah wood tray and now it's a WOW tray.  I love it!  This one will stay on our coffee table for many months to come.  I added a few ornaments and the holiday theme continued. A $3 tray and a ($4, originally $7.99 before coupon) can of Krylon Chrome became a great coffee table focal point. 

Using some tape and the same glitter and metallic ornaments I used on the entry way, I created a decoration for our entertainment cabinet.  I stuck the ornaments together, using the tape and placed them on the cabinet.  The ones hanging are attached using the strings that came in the box.

The Tally

• Candle - Goodwill  $9
• Candle holders (own)  $0
• Mosaic candle (gift)  $0
• Vase (own) $0
• Tray - Goodwill $3
• Christmas lights (two strands - one purchased) $4
• Christmas ornaments (balls - glitter, metallic and snowflake ornaments) $14
• Ribbon (one roll 2") $3
• Spray Paint - Krylon Chrome and Glitter Blast $8 (with coupons)
• Candles (tapers and votive) $5

TOTAL COST -  $46

The bonus is that all of the items can be used again. I also have enough spray paint left for other projects. For less that $50 I decorated the entire house for Christmas and New Year's Eve. You can find great buys at your local Goodwill or thrift stores.  With a little spray paint and some creativity, you can decorate your home any time of year.

I have more DIY coming soon.  What's your next project?

Brights and Sparkle to Warm Your Winter - OPI Nicki Minaj Collection

OPI is partnering with flamboyant singing sensation Nicki Minaj for their January collection.  Nicki's style is bright, sparkly and over the top. She has a penchant for brightly colored wigs and crazy costumes.

The collection suits her style well and will bring some brightness to those dark winter months. It contains six shades, including two glitter shades and a new shatter shade.

Purple Shatter

Did It On 'Em

Fly

Metallic 4 Life

Pink Friday

Save Me

My personal favorites are the Purple Shatter, Fly, and Metallic 4 Life.  I love the idea of layering the Purple Shatter over silver.  The charcoal glitter of Metallic 4 Life will be a staple in repertoire and Fly is a fun new take on the teal/aqua trend.

Moment of Lust - Vince Metallic Sweaters

Early this season, I published my picks for Spring and Summer. A sheer sweater for layering was on the list and is one of my faves. I'll be taking a few to the beach with me this summer for those cool evenings. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Vince metallic sweaters as a sheer sweater option. Summer sheer and shiny, how could you not love it?

Vince Metallic Sweaters - $320 and $199

With prices (even on sale) starting at $199, I doubt I will own one anytime soon. Of course that means I had to go in search of a budget RGR alternative. I didn't find any exact matches in my search but this option from Alloy is the perfect option for me and at $9.99 is $190 less than the least expensive Vince sweater. SCORE! The loose poncho style sweater top is also a breezy summer option. Throw it over a tank or even a bathing suit and you are ready to go.

Alloy.com Lillian Angel Top - $9.99

Silver Summer Accents

Summer always brings out the gold accessories.  I know gold looks great with a tan but personally, I love silver.  I've always preferred it to gold and that doesn't change for me in the summer months.  In about a week and half we are leaving for our annual summer beach trip.  I've started thinking about the things I'm going to pack and how I want to be more simple than in years past. A few great accessories can carry me through the whole week. These silver beauties fit that bill perfectly.

1) Stella & Dot Valen Pendant Necklace, $39 - This necklace is the perfect mix of class and beach.  The coral like branches are pretty but not over powering for a beachy outfit.
2) Wayfarer Style Sunglasses with Metallic Finish, $5.99 - A fun alternative to the traditional black wayfarers and so affordable you can buy them in more than one color.
3) Stella & Dot Devi bangles, $44 - These are the perfect compliment to the necklace or you can wear them alone with shorts and a tank.
4) Nars The Multiple in Copacabana, $39 - Make up that does double duty is a must for me at the beach. I never wear foundation and like to only carry a few products with me. This can be used for eyes, lips and cheeks and it has a pretty sheen to it that brightens your skin.
5) Silver Sequin Canvas Tote Bag, $20 - A roomy but pretty beach bag is a must. The house we rent is about a block from the beach. I always cart my book, towel, sunscreen and water with me.  This bag is perfect.
6) REVLON Colorstay Nail Enamel in Sequin, $4.40 - I love this metallic silver polish. It's neutral and it's long wearing, which means it will survive the week on my toes, fingers or both.
7) Candie's Thong Sandals, $36 - A great silver sandal is my perfect beach footwear. You can wear it to the beach during the day or out to dinner at night. 

As I get closer to leaving for our beach trip, I'll tell you more about what I'll be taking with me.  What are your favorite beach accessories?

Frugal Fashion Friday - Loafers

I've featured loafers in a two of my posts recently (Five Ways to Update and Just One Item). I love the high heeled versions but I also love the low ones too.  They are a classic shoe that will never go out of style. You can't go wrong with adding a pair to your wardrobe.  Luckily,  I already own a few pairs of loafers (high and low).  I'd love to add these Alexander Wang Anais heeled loafers to my collection.  The metallic finish is modern but the style and cut are classic.  At $650 they are way out of my price range.

I went in search of a few alternatives. I love the metallics but I know they aren't for everyone.  Loafers can be found in all colors, heel heights and price ranges.  These are my favorites.

Loafers for All by realgirlrunway featuring high heels

I don't currently own any metallic loafers.  They are on my hunting list but I'm looking for just the right pair at the right price. Are you going to be wearing loafers this fall?

Happy Shopping Real Girls!

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Rose Gold

I've found myself reaching for my few rose gold pieces often. I'm loving that they mix so well with silver or gold. The pretty pink color is so warm and summery and you know how I love metallics. I have found myself wanting a few more rose gold items to add to my collection.

Click on the items above for buying information.

I saw these fantastic Ray-Ban aviators on some fellow bloggers. Then I lucked out and found them on amazon. They were a great price and I love them. It's hard to tell but they have the most amazing rose gold mirror lenses (even though they are called Copper Flash). The rose gold Stella and Dot Renegade bracelet has been on my must list for a while. I'd love to get a rose gold monogram necklace. This Rebecca Minkoff cross body bag would be a fun addition to my summer wardrobe. Essie polish in Penny Talk is a fun metallic to add to your collection. Just be sure to use a ridge filling base coat because the metallic finish shows every ridge and flaw. I love the geometric shapes of these rings. This belt would look so pretty on a white dress. You know my obsession with oxfords. These by Cole Haan would be a perfect addition to my collection. The Manolos are a pipe dream but I love them. The flat sandals are a pretty and more realistic option.

Do you love rose gold as much as I do?

Racing Stripe Manicure - Using a Sharpie

A few months ago I discovered a fun new way to add art to my nails...metallic Sharpies! I've done a few different manicures using my metallic Sharpies. I just pick a solid base, I prefer creamy colors, instead of frosted colors but I am going to try lots of options.

I chose L'Oreal Paris, Not a Cloud In the Sky as my base. The pretty aqua color is perfect for spring. Then I grabbed my silver Sharpie. I also have a gold and a bronze version.  The gold would have been great too. I snagged my Sharpies at Target in a 3 pack, one with each color.

The reason I love using a Sharpie instead of polish to create art, is the F#@! factor.  If you screw up and say F#@!, all you need to do is wipe your nail with alcohol and start over. You don't have to repaint your base color!

I decided to only do one nail this time.  I wanted racing stripes and I had a few extra cups of coffee, so my hands weren't as steady as they should be.  Two tiny stripes on my ring finger completed the look. I added top coat and I was finished.

 

As you can see the ridge in my nail, creates a bit of a wave but I still like the effect.  I've also done bronze hearts on a nude nail and gold dots on navy nails. The possibilities are endless. 

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.

Frugal (Home) Fashion Friday - Buffet Makeover

When I moved into the house we own now, I did lots of redecorating and slowly acquired new furniture. It was a move from the town house I'd owned as a young 20 something to a more grown-up single family home. I wanted it to look stylish and sophisticated. My budget was tight so I purchased some second hand pieces from thrift stores and individuals. This buffet was one of those pieces. I bought it for about $30 from a colleague. It's a solid, well built piece (solid wood, dove tail drawers, good quality). The finish was worn in places and the drawer pulls had been replaced with some polished silver pulls that didn't work so well with the style of the piece. It's been on my project list for years. I finally decided to check it off the list.

My first try at painting was a disaster. Even though I cleaned the dresser with denatured alcohol, the paint bubbled and looked awful. I wiped it off and sanded it down. One day I was reading my favorite design and DIY blog, Little Green Notebook. Jenny wrote about the primer she uses when painting furniture (Zinsser primer). I used the water based primer since I was planning to use spray paint for the buffet. I primed the entire buffet (with the exception of the inside and the inside of the drawers. I used a roller on the flat surfaces and a brush on the spindles.

Once the primer was completely dry, I began painting. I should have taken Jenny's advice and gotten the primer tinted. That would have helped to cut down on the number of coats I needed.

I searched for hardware that I thought would look good but in the end I just decided to paint the hardware I already had. Once again I turned to Jenny for advice. She paints hardware often and I used her tips. Instead of the gold spray paint she uses, I used, Rust-Oleum Britght Coat Metallic Finish in Gold. It gives a great color, not too yellow and a bright metallic finish. I primed with Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer first. Once it was dry, I followed with several coats of the Rust-Oleum gold, until I got the finish I wanted. Then I finished with a two clear coats for protection.

I love spray paint because as long as you shake well and use even strokes, it is pretty much fool proof. It's forgiving. If there is a drip, you can wipe it away quickly and then even it out with the next coat. I decided on a deep red and chose Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover 2x in Colonial Red. I wanted a glossy finish and it delivered.

I decided to add a clear gloss coat to the top of the buffet and the lower shelf. Those areas will get the most wear and I thought they needed extra protection. It gets tons of use when I throw parties. I use it for serving drinks and appetizers. Once the hardware was dry I reattached it and I'm thrilled with the results.

A little paint and a boring buffet has new life. My total cost was about $65 with plenty of paint leftover for other projects.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

 

 

Note: I did not receive any compensation from Rust-Oleum. I just like their products and wanted to pass on these tips to you.

 



DIY - Black and Gold Sunnies (nail polish diy #2)

Last year I did a little DIY sunglasses post using nail polish.  It's one of my most popular posts to date. After lots of requests, here is nail polish sunnies DIY, number two.  I spied these sunglasses and knew they were just begging for a DIY. I found a pair of black, plastic sunglasses and grabbed my gold nail polish.

photo credit: eatsleepwear

SUPPLIES

Sunglasses $9.99

Gold nail polish $.50 Full bottle $3 (already owned)

Clear nail polish $.50 Full bottle $5 (on sale but already owned)

Nail polish remover

Cotton swab

_________________

TOTAL $10.99 (with tons of polish left over)

Kenneth Cole Sunglasses       $90

SAVED $79.01!!

I've searched high and low and can't find the inspiration sunglasses anywhere.  Kenneth Cole sunglasses average about $90 a pair.  With a little nail polish and about an hour of your time, you can create your own!

I started by taping off the frame with blue painter's tape.  You could use any type of tape that you have, as long as it's not super sticky. I think painter's tape is best because it doesn't leave any residue.  After taping off the frame, I wiped the area I wanted to paint with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover.  This helps the polish to adhere better. Then I started painting.

I applied three very thin coats, using Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear polish in Golden-I. It has a great metallic sheen without being glittery.  Once I was happy with the coverage of the gold polish and it was dry to the touch, I painted two coats of clear polish and removed the tape.

I'm very happy with the result. My DIY sunnies look very similar to the higher end pair and they will definitely be coming with me on my beach trip next week.



inside shot



full sun shot (lipstick - Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Shocking Coral, Necklace - Target no longer available)

Frugal Fashion Friday - Bedroom Makover Under $150

I've been feeling the need for change lately. We haven't done any redecorating in our house in years and that along with the need to refresh and declutter, has pushed me to do a bedroom makeover. There are statistics that say we spend about one third of our life sleeping. That time in addition to relaxation time before we sleep means that we spend tons of time in our bedrooms. Having an inviting and relaxing space is important. I didn't want to change our wall color. It's a soothing blue (with a lavender undertone) called Paris Evening. Our budget was no more than $200.

photo credit: Little Green Notebook

The ideas started last March with this post on my favorite decorating and DIY blog, Little Green Notebook. I saw the DIY tutorial for the silver leaf bedside tables (above) and I knew I had to do the same thing in our bedroom. As luck would have it, I found two bedside tables at Goodwill for $50 (more than a year ago). I bought them on the spot and they've been sitting in the garage ever since. I promised {msL} I would wait until after the wedding to work on them. Then I was swamped with work. The warm weather lately is a good sign. It's time to open the garage door and get going. The rug we had in the bedroom was the final catalyst I needed. It was worn and looked terrible. I purchased it about six years ago at Wal-Mart for about $30. It wasn't a good quality rug and it needed to be replaced. I read about esalerugs.com on Little Green Notebook. When I got a notice about a 50% off sale, I took a look and found a fantastic rug (below) for $75. We have a faux leather storage bench at the foot of bed that is looking worn on top. The bones are still good and recovering the top is also on my project list. I'm not big on matchy matchy.  I'd looked at possibly buying a gold rug (bright yellow, not metallic) but found the purple one instead. I found some great gold velvet on fabric.com (and it's on sale!). I'll be ordering that to reupholster the bench. The whole redo process will take a few weeks but I will post pictures when we're finished.

 

The good news is that the final total will come to less than $150. Since I've already purchased the bedside tables and the silver leaf supplies (more than a year ago), they aren't part of my current budget total.

Rug                        $75
Bed Linens             $32
Curtains                  $19
Wall Lamps            $16
Fabric                       $7
TOTAL               $149

Even if I include the beside table DIY, the total cost is still less than $250. A great frugal redo! I can't wait to show you all the finished product.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Don't forget to enter to win your very own Stella and Dot Rory necklace!  Click here to enter!

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?