Moment of Lust - Vince Brigham Booties

In my mind, the Vince Brigham booties, are the perfect addition to my fall wardrobe. I am obsessed. My bank account however, is laughing at me. They are great shoes and I love them but let's face it, they're trendy. My philosophy is never to pay full price or the amount of a car payment on a trend item. I want that money to be well spent. If I'm spending that much, I must be able to wear it for years to come. Of course that doesn't ease my desire for a pair of black peep toe booties. I knew there were some great alternatives out there.

Vince Brigham Booties

Chinese Laundry Bizarre Booties

Breckelles BE37 Booties

The Chinese Laundry booties are a good alternative. They are leather and have a great heel. They also have an ankle strap, which is part of what I love about the Vince pair. At $350 less than my lust pair, they are a great option. The Breckelles are the bargain option. They aren't leather but they do have the full wrap look of the Vince pair. I'm definitely leaning toward the Chinese Laundry pair but I'm still looking.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Moment of Lust E & J Bootie

Chilly weather always makes me look for warmer footwear. I pull out my closed toe shoes and boots. Lately fun booties have been on my radar.  I love their versatility. They can be worn with pants, dresses or skirt. You can dress them down or up. The Peri Ankle-Strap wedge booties by Elizabeth and James are fantastic. They have a simple line but the cut our and decorative ankle strap give them visual interest. I think they are the perfect fall/winter bootie.  However, the price tag is a bit more than I usually like to pay for shoes. I went in search of alternatives.

Elizabeth & James Peri Leather Ankle-Strap Bootie

Sam Edelman Dalton Platform Wedge Bootie

2 Lips Too Too Coupe Wedge Bootie

The Sam Edelman booties are good option but I'm not a huge fan of platforms.  My wobbly arthritic (I have RA.) ankles don't love platforms.  The 2 Lips wedge bootie is a frugal alternative to the Elizabeth & James wedge. The only drawback is the red buckle.  For $59 I could do a little fixer and dye the buckle black.  I could also spend a little money and take it to the shoe repair shop and swap the red buckle for a silver one.  This might up my cost to about  $100.  That is still much less than the $375 price tag of the E&J booties. Which ones do you like best?

I'll be doing some wedding planning this weekend.  Wish me luck, we are in search of economical bridesmaid dresses and we're looking at rentals as well.

HAPPY FRIDAY REAL GIRLS!

Moment of Lust - Christian Louboutin Morphing Leopard-Print Bootie

There are so many things that make the Morphing Leopard-Print Bootie from Christian Louboutin perfect. Is it the interesting heel? Is it the leopard print? Is it the ankle boot style? For me it's all of the above. The only thing I don't love is the price.

I searched and searched and didn't find a bootie exactly like the Loubs but I found a few decent options for the thrifty girl.  This first version by Steve Madden is a tad western but still a cute option.

This version from Charlotte Russe has a much more stiletto like heel than the Loubs but it's a steal at $17.99. Perfect if you think this will be a passing fancy for you.

This bootie happens to be my personal favorite.  I know it's a peep toe and a wedge. Both of these facts keep it from coming close to being a substitute for the coveted Louboutins but I love it!  The wedge is perfect for me, the peep toe means I can wear it for many months. This one is on my list. I may have to use my DSW certs and cash in to get a great discount.

Shop Now, Wear Forever - Via a Nordstrom Sale

It seems strange to think of spring now but retailers are beginning to get their new merchandise, which means markdowns.  You can cash in on their need to clear their racks and score a great deal.  Some of the items on sale can be worn now and into the spring. If you choose wisely, you can find some classic pieces and some trendy items for a bargain. I've had my eye on a great pleated chiffon skirt on Nordstrom.com and since it's half price I decided to order it right away.  My online shopping excursion got me thinking about the great sale items that you all could buy now, on sale, and wear forever. Nordstrom has free shipping and returns and the quality of their items is top notch. You know me, always looking for quality at a great price.

Solid V-Neck Cashmere Sweater
One of my favorite Christmas gifts was a crew neck cashmere sweater in fuchsia. I've been wearing it constantly.  Cashmere is timeless, it transcends seasons and can be dressed up or down. A v-neck is flattering on all body types. It will never go out of style. $50 is a bargain for a cashmere sweater!

Women's V-Neck Cashmere Sweater $49.90 and Plus Size V-Neck Cashmere Sweater $54.90

Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt
When I first spied this sheer cobalt blue chiffon maxi months ago, I was smitten.  As you know, my clothing budget is tight and $54 wasn't in the cards.  On top of that, I couldn't decide between the blue and the black. I know that some of you ladies don't feel maxis flatter you.  This semi sheer version could be your chance to change that way of thinking.  The under skirt is knee length but the sheer overlay won't make a petite woman appear shorter and it's sexy.  The micro pleats at the top of the skirt flatter a woman with curves. It could be dressed up with heels and dressed down with boots or flats. You could wear it now with a sweater or jacket and into the spring with a tee or a tank. When I realized it was now 50% off, I had to take the plunge. 

Women's Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt $33.90 and Plus Size Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt $26.90

Low Heeled Booties
I love my heels but it seems that my lower heel shoes get the most wear.  I also love wedges because of their stability. A 3 inch wedge doesn't feel as high to me as a 3 inch stiletto. This winter I've been gravitating toward my booties.  They're versatile and also stylish. They look fab with a pair of slacks or jeans and also great with a skirt or dress. Nordstrom is known for their shoe selection.  These are both available in two colors.  The Clarks booties come in sizes 4 - 12!  They are a bit on the pricey side for sale shoes but they are leather and their understated, classic style means you will be able to wear them for many years.

SamEdelman Wilma Bootie $86.90 and Clarks Water Row Bootie $86.90

Interesting Cuff Bracelet
A metal cuff in an interesting design can be worn with all types of outfits.  It can dress up a tee and set off an LBD. The rose gold of this one is on trend but timeless (it also comes in silver). I love the curves and the diamond dust finish. For only $24.90, it's a great buy.

Diamond Dust Cuff $24.90

Leather Tote
Studs, buckles, sequins and embellishments are fun but there is something to be said for simplicity.  A leather tote in taupe or black can be worn with everything in your wardrobe.  It can go with you on your weekend errands, carry your laptop to work, and serve as your carry-on for a flight. This tote has classic lines and leather can last you a lifetime.  It's a bargain for only $48.90. It's available in taupe and black.

Halogen Everyday Tote $48.90

All of these items are available from Nordstrom.com and you'll even get free shipping. You can also shop Nordstrom Rack online via the same site. I've already ordered the Pleated Chiffon Maxi in cobalt blue and black.  I couldn't pass them up at $26.90 each.  Two skirts for the price one cost originally. With a little searching you can find some great deals on items that you can wear for years to come. I may have to recheck my budget and do a little more shopping.
 

Spring Picks for the Budget Girl - The Mix

The beauty of the Spring Picks list is that you can mix and match these items to create outfits for all occasions. The March cover of Elle showed Katy Perry wearing some of the items on the list. If this outfit is too much of a mix of colors for you, try just one brightly colored piece.

Bold Colors, Obi Belt

Take a few classic pieces but give them a modern twist by adding a funky bangle and neutral booties.

White skirt, Breton Striped Top, Bangle, Cat Eye Sunglasses,
Lady Like Bag, Neutral Booties 

Keep your outfit from looking dated or like a costume by mixing eras. Your bohemian 70's inspired peasant top becomes edgy by adding some big metal bangles and wedge booties.

70's Inspired Top, Wide Leg Jeans, Biker Jacket, Bangles, Neutral Booties

Neutrals like a shirt dress, pants or skirt can take you anywhere. Your shirt dress can be summer office appropriate but dressed down for a backyard BBQ by adding flat sandals and tying the scarf at your waist.

Neutral shirt dress, Bright Scarf, Rose Gold Watch, Lady Like Bag, Bangles, Neutral Booties

A sheer sweater can take a short sleeve or sleeveless dress (or top) from day to evening. By adding an obi belt or sash, it can look intentional instead of like you are just cold.

Bright dress, Sheer Sweater, Rose Gold Earrings and Bracelet, Neutral Booties

By adding a biker jacket to this flowy maxi, it went from "sweet and girly" to a "tough and rocker".  The contrast lends a sense of modern cool to a sophisticated skirt.

Biker Jacket, Maxi Skirt, Neutral Tee, Scarf, Lady Like Bag

With just ten basic pieces and some inexpensive accessories, you can have a spring and summer of mix and match outfits. One of the things 30 for 30 reinforced for me was to be more adventurous. Try new combinations and test your style limits.

Spring Picks for the Budget Girl (part 2)

The second part of our Spring Picks list includes some truly timeless pieces.  Neutrals, white, a Breton striped top. Bold colors that scream Spring and Summer. Neutral booties to give you the illusion of super model, long, legs.


TOP SPRING PICKS
1. a solid color flowy maxi skirt
2. wide leg jeans
3. anything 70's inspired
4. biker jacket (leather or faux leather, whatever fits your budget)
5. a sheer sweater (for layering)
6. neutrals in pale tans or blushes (pants or skirt)
7. a Breton striped top
8. bold color tops and bottoms (vary this depending on your life)
9. a pair of neutral booties that can be dressed up or down, heel height is a preference
10. white pants, skirt, or dress


EXTRAS
1. cat eye sunglasses
2. big bangle bracelets
3. anything rose gold
4. obi belts or wide sashes
5. colorful scarves
6. lady like bags

To view the buying information for the options, click on the picture. It will take you to a site where you can click on each item and get the details.

Neutrals can be worn forever, if you pick smartly tailored and basic pieces, like a pencil skirt or a wide leg trouser.  A light blush can be a neutral because it can be worn with some many other colors.

Coco Chanel made the Breton striped top popular more than 60 years ago, talk about timeless.  You can find Breton tops in many colors but I prefer the traditional navy and white.

A colorful item can be mixed with basics to brighten any outfit. They make me feel like Spring.

Many times darker booties can make your legs look shorter. A neutral bootie can actually lengthen your legs and make them appear longer, if you have lighter skin. If your skin is darker go for a brown or cocoa colored bootie. There are options in many heel heights. Pick one that fits your lifestyle and preference.

A beautiful white dress in a simple silhouette is a girl's best friend. It can be worn to a party, a summer dinner or in the evening with a bright cardigan. Despite popular belief, white can be flattering on every body type. Fit is key. make sure the item it's too clingy and that you wear the right undergarments. Nothing will ruin a great outfit more than visible panty lines. Embarassing.

Next up, the extras. You know how I love accessories. Stay tuned...

Moment of Lust: Christian Laboutin

I see that red sole and I can't help myself. I think of taking out a second mortgage or getting a second job. I love the military look of this bootie along with the platform. I don't love the price, $995. It's definitely not in my future.

I always wonder when I go in search of alternatives, I wonder if I'll find anything. This time I found two great options.

alloy.com Riana Bottie $39.90

urbanog.com Liliana Joyas Military Bootie $27.50

I didn't find any military button booties with a peep toe.  The closed toe of these two less expensive options may be better for cold weather.

NEW FEATURE! Moment of Lust

This is the beginning of a new quick feature that I'm titling, Moment of Lust. I'll profile an item I love. I will also profile a less expensive option.

My Moment of Lust today focuses on the bootie. I know, I know, I've already done a bootie post. I saw these booties today and fell in love. Maybe it's the cold weather that is spurring this obsession, maybe it's all of the fashionable women I've seen lately wearing them.

Cole Haan Stella Air Bootie



They are on sale on one of my favorite shoe sites, zappos.com for $355.46. The trim and the artistic heel inpired my lust and the Nike Air technology sealed the deal.

Sofft, also known for their comfy heels, makes a pair that is close to the Cole Haan booties. The Soft Gala Bootie has some artistic touches as well, including the contrasting trim and the subtle bow at the heel.



I would have preferred that the upper sit just below my ankle bone but at the sale price of $80.00 (40% off) at shoes.com, the price can't be beat.

Booties Aren't For Babies

My latest obsession comes in the form of booties. Specifically peep-toe booties. They can be found in many styles, materials and colors. They are even showing up on runways, red carpets, and tv screens. These coveted shoes can also be found in many price points. The weather is getting colder and there are closed toe options available as well. You can even wear your peep toes into the colder months by wearing them with tights.

I love the look of the suede bootie with a black tight. It works well right now for cooler weather. You can mix it up and wear a lighter color bootie with the black tight or go with a long lean leg look and wear all black just like Nicole Ritchie.



If you wanted to mix the black tight with a lighter colored boot. You could try the Steve Madden Midory Ankle Boot in Khaki Suede.



My current lust are these Fendi Peep-Toe booties with a gladiator edge. They have a bit of a platform and are black suede. You can get them at Saks for the lust filled price of $770.00.



Of course there are less expensive alternatives to be found. Endless.com has quite a few great styles for less than $150.00. The Luichiny Sima Bootie looks like the Fendi and it can be yours for $125.95.



If you'd like a closed toe option, Bouique 9 and Franco Sarto have two great options.



Boutique 9 Santani Boot



Franco Sarto Enemy Boot

If your budget is really tight there is also my treasure trove of budget fashion, Target. The Mossimo line has a great peep-toe bootie available for $26.99 in three colors.





With a little hunting you can find great options in the season's hottest shoe, the peep-toe bootie.