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.

Springtime Wishes

Another busy week full of work and wedding.  I'm pulling together posts about our amazing wedding ring DIY and about a fun fashion event I attended on Sunday.  I'll have them up soon. In the meantime I thought I'd share a few of the items on my spring wish list.

The week before our wedding {msL} and I will be going to the courthouse in DC to get a legal marriage license and take our vows in front of the Justice of the Peace.  You see we live in Virginia where our marriage will not be legally recognized.  Luckily for us we live close to DC and Maryland where marriage equality is in place. Laws and minds have come so far but there is still a long way to go. Please support marriage equality in your state.  Hopefully one day soon our marriage will be recognized in every state. I want a pretty dress to wear to the courthouse and I love this polka dot dress from Coldwater Creek.

I've been waiting until after the wedding to make any changes to my hair.  This is killing me. I change my hair often and I'm sure I'll be doing something like adding an ombre look or cutting it shorter.

I wear my flats much more than my heels.  My flats are starting to look a bit old so I'm on the hunt for fun new flats I can wear all spring and summer. These mirror silver flats from ASOS are great. I love the pointed toe and the ankle strap.

A leather skirt has been on my list for some time.  Leather is hot this spring and I'm going to get myself a great skirt.  Pencil skirts just don't work on my curvy body. This full style is perfect.

Crystals, pearls and skulls, FANTASTIC!  One of my favorite things is to mix tough with pretty.  This statement necklace is a dream for me in that department.  I definitely need this one on my wish list.

My handbag collection is a bit nuts.  This spring I'm planning a closet clean out. I'll be purging the bags I never use and replacing a few of them with classics that I'll use often. This tan tote from Zara is the perfect replacement. It's large enough for work but sleek and polished.  The tan color will go with everything this spring.

What items are on your wish list?

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Bordeaux

The beauty of the bordeaux trend is that it looks great on all skin types.  It's a flattering color. There are so many items to be found in this rich, deep red.  You can take your pick. Select a little with a scarf, shoes, or a top or go all out with a dress, or skirt.  Try a hint of bordeaux with deep red lips or nails. It's simple to make this trend work for you.  I'll be embracing the bordeaux trend every weekend during football season.  My favorite team, the Washington Redskins, is all about the burgundy and gold.  If you still own a vintage Etienne Aigner bag or shoes, now is the time to pull them out.

Express Ruffle top / Asos Peplum top / Ann Taylor skinny pants / ASOS lace skirt / Chinese Laundry platform heels / Elie Tahari smoking slippers / ASOS cross body bag / ASOS studded clutch purse / Vigotti ballet flats / Asos Textured Knit Snood / Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, Crush / L'Oreal Polish Haute Couture Red

I selected a few items that are perfect for fall.  They are an affordable way to embrace the trend without blowing your budget.  You can select an item or two and still have money left to try out the other fall trends, I'll be featuring this week.  Go girly with a lace skirt or stay menswear comfy with smoking slippers.  A simple top is an easy way to wear bordeaux.  Just throw it on with your favorite jeans. Work or weekend, everyone looks great in bordeaux.

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!!

Frugal Fashion Friday - DIY: Cap Toe Flats

I just knew my obsession with cap toe shoes would lead to a DIY or maybe two. Sitting in my closet and on their last heel tap were a pair of gun metal flats. They were destined for the trash but I decided to try a little DIY love and give them a second life. Some spray paint would do the trick.

I started by collecting supplies.

SUPPLIES

Shoes
Pink Neon Spray Paint
Clear Glaze
Tape
Alcohol and cotton pads

I measured the toes of the shoes and taped them off. Then I taped off the soles in the front and the full shoe to avoid any paint spatter.

I cleaned the toe areas with alcohol. I used plain rubbing alcohol and allowed them to dry. This isn't mandatory but I think it helps the paint adhere better.

Then I sprayed multiple thin coats on the shoes until I achieved the color I wanted. I allowed the shoes to dry completely between each coat.

Then I gave each shoe a single coat of Krylon Clear Glaze. This protects the shoes and gives the toe a shiny finish.

I'm happy with the results. A Goodwill trip is on tap for this weekend. I'm sure there is another pair coming soon.

Happy Holiday Weekend
Real Girls!

 

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!!

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?

Sandals for Everyone - aka FU Mother Nature

Last week I was running around sporting my cute new silver Nine West wedge sandals. On Monday morning I woke up to a freezing house and the weather report saying that the DC area would have highs around 46 degrees for the day.  Folks living in western Maryland and West Virginia could look forward to snow!  It's April Mother Nature! Are you giving us the finger? Are you laughing at us mere mortals who are packing away our winter coats? The weather was absolutely beautiful on Saturday.  Sunday we got rain and then Monday, BRRR! In honor of my love of warm weather and my wish that it will be warm again soon I've picked some of my favorite low priced sandals of the spring and summer. Wishful internet shopping all around!

1) Kelly & Katie Sydney Sandal: DSW - $34.95

2) Exclusive Flat Sandal Gold: Target - $16.99

3) Mossimo Supply Company Whilhemina Flat Sandal: Target - $19.99

4) Mossimo Flat Gladiator T-Strap Sandal: Target - $19.99

5) Rosette Sandals: Forever 21 - $14.80

6) Serpent Sandal: Alloy - $14.90

7) Mrkt Holly Suede Sandal: DSW - $69.95

8) Xhiliration Teresa Espadrille Wedge Sandals: Target - $24.00

 9) Mootsie Tootsie Tinsy Platform Wedge Sandals: Kohl's - $34.99

During the summer I live in flat sandals.  I have to admit, I'm not a flip flop girl.  Flip flops are great at the beach but I don't wear them unless I'm around the pool or the ocean.  I prefer sandals with straps.Just because I love the flats doesn't mean I forgo the drama.  Extras like fun colors, tassels, rosettes, metallics, animal prints, and embellishments give me the fun without a heel. 

I hadn't planned to include any heels in this post.  My heart always gravitates toward the beautiful high heels but when I go to my closet, I come away with the flats.  That's why I love wedges and small platforms.  They feel higher but with more stability.  I can't do the 2 inch plus platforms.  My weak ankles take those as an invitation to kiss the ground.  I roll my ankle every time. But I thought I'd show you girls who love the flats, what I use as a compromise.  

I also hadn't planned to feature any shoes over $50 but I just had to include the Mrkt Holly Suede Sandal.  I bought this very sandal last summer in nude.  I love it!  The foot bed is soft, the platform and heel are forgiving which make them easy to walk in and stay in all day. This season DSW has them in cobalt and fuchsia. 

Are you buying new sandals this spring?  What is on your list?

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?

Weekend Casual

This weekend I was thrilled to attend my first plus size clothing swap. Thanks to my blogging buddy, Curvy CEO for hosting such a wonderful day. As you know I love going to clothing swaps.  Unfortunately, many times, my choices are limited.  I think most curvy girls stay away because they think they may be the only girl bringing plus size clothing. It was a treat to have so much to choose from.  I'll be posting my great finds later and I'm sure I'll be wearing items in future posts. When I picked out my outfit, I wanted something chic, comfortable but easy to shed if I needed to try on something. I picked one of my favorite weekend casual outfits, a tweed blazer, cargo pants, a gray t-shirt, flats, and my trusty Coach Willis (cross body bag).  I added my tiniest cubic zirconia studs, a chunky chain necklace and my silver monogram necklace.  I also threw on a couple of rings for good measure. I took a few photos with my camera phone but as you can see the quality (due to lighting) isn't the best.

Jacket - Kasper, T-Shirt - Target, Cargo Pants - Avenue, Shoes - Marc Jacobs via Saks off 5th, Bag - Coach, Earrings - ??, Necklaces - gifts

I wanted to add pictures of some of my blogger friends from the swap but I only took three photos. They went like this.  First one Bisi looks great, I look drunk.  Second photo, I look pretty good and Vivi has her eyes closed. Third photo, Vivi looks great and I have my eyes closed.  It's an unwritten fashion girl rule that you don't post "not so great photos" of your girls.  But you can see photos of the beautiful Bisi and Vivi in the Curvy CEO post. Bisi blog is Fatshion and Fattitude.  Vivi's blog is Heart, Print & Style. She won the Goodwill giveaway I ran a while back.


Many of the items I'm wearing are no longer available but you can wear similar items. I pulled together this little collage on Polyvore for your viewing pleasure.

J Crew crew shirt, $39
Tweed jacket, $59
Jessica London cropped tweed jacket, $31
Cargo Pants, $69
Flats, $70
Coach Willis bag, $298 (I paid $40 at Goodwill)
Monogrammed jewelry, $210
Cubic Zirconia earrings, $12
Chain necklace, $5.80

If $298 is out of your price range for a Coach Willis bag, never fear.  I found mine at a Goodwill store in NYC.  I've found several Coach bags at Goodwill stores in the DC area.  You can also search on ebay.  There are lots available in every price and quality. It's a great investment bag. I use mine often on the weekends and love that it has a shoulder strap and a top handle. The monogram necklace is also a pricey piece but I found it in lots of sizes and price points. Mine is sterling silver but I've seen them in other metals.

I love this outfit combo because it's easy and chic.  The tweed jacket and jewelry elevate the casual cargo pants and t-shirt.  The flats make shopping and errands comfortable and the bag keeps your hands free.

What's your favorite weekend casual outfit?

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!

Flats fit for Weddings

I'm thrilled to have Bree of Capitol Romance guest blogging today! As you all know I'm wedding planning and have been looking for some flats to change into later in the evening. Bree's blog is full of fantastic ways to make your wedding unique and special. I'll be guest blogging on Capitol Romance next week.  When you finish reading Bree's post, be sure to pop over and check out her blog, including pictures of her own wedding. Bree and her husband Andy are two of the coolest people you'd ever hope to meet.  I promise, you'll love her blog, even if you aren't planning a wedding.

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When it came time to find my shoes for my wedding this past November, I really only had one thing in mind: comfy flats. I have never been much of a heels girl (how do you walk in them ... let alone DANCE in them?) and I was always big on having all the attire and accessories in my wedding be reusable and able to be worn again. My bridesmaids got to wear whatever LBD they wanted and the groomsmen bought some sweet grey Volcom suits to match their black chucks, of course.

All the wedding attire was falling into place, but I had yet to find my shoes! I began my search while images of my sister's lonely white heels, lying in my parent’s spare bedroom for the past 3+ years started swimming into my mind. This only confirmed my notion that I wanted flats in a color and style that I knew I would wear again.

For the non-heeled brides like me, I figured it might help to find some inspiration pictures and other flat suggestions for my fellow flat-shoed friends to use in their search for the perfect wedding flats!

1. DC Bicycle Built For Two

One day I happened to be sale shopping (the only sort of shopping I do) at Free People and South Moon Under and found THE PAIR! Finally, the most adorable, satin-y flats for my own wedding! Behold, BC's Bicycle Built For Two. (ps- how adorable is that shoe name ... and pps- is it sad that sometimes I buy shoes for their names? Case in point, I bought a pair mainly because they were named ‘Breeann’ – my name...) They were PERFECT! Another bonus is that they also come in even more adorable shades of: purple, teal, or black.

2. Green Anthropologie Flats

Love me some Anthropologie flats in the most adorable shade of green. How perfect would these be if your flowers were sunflowers? They would match to a "T".

3. Multi-colored and varied patterns with a fantastic price!
Wedding-appropriate flats at DSW with a great price tag? Say no more:

4. Toms!!
And the bride wore ....TOMS! (and her bridesmaids did too!). Photo courtesy of Natalie Gibbs Photography. For more pictures of this awesome wedding & the Toms, see our feature here.

5. Something Blue

Check out these beautiful blue flats! (via Roman Grinev Photography)

Or some extra sparkly blue flats, courtesy of James Reyes Photography

6. They Call Me Mellow Yellow
These yellow flats are adorable, perfect, and look so comfortable! The entire wedding is also something you most definitely want to take a look at, courtesy of Leo Druker Photography.

7. Pretty in Pink ~ Madeline Brand Flats
I love Madeline brand shoes – I own a few myself (super comfy) and actually made my bridesmaids buy these awesome hot pink Madeline shoes (they were heels … but they were all ok with that!).  How adorable are these “Wonderful Day” practically-flats which are also available in Navy! Love.

8. Blowfish is code for COMFORT
If you don’t own a pair of Blowfish shoes – then you are missing out. They are seriously some of the comfiest shoes I have ever owned. Here are some of my fav flats from them:

Skass

Scoodle

Skarla

And finally ~ these nautically themed flats (Sandbox) would look amazing on a boat wedding!!

9. Polka Dots
I must admit that I searched for HOURS for polka dot flats for my own wedding before I found my satiny grey beauties mentioned earlier. I gave up after never finding any that fit what I was looking for or my budget. Now as I search for this post, I have found PERFECT polka dot flats for a wedding. How amazing are these by way of Rocket Dog??

10. Vintage meets Budget
This incredibly gorgeous vintage bride (and wedding!) went with flats from Charlotte Russe! See – you don’t need to spend a fortune on your shoes to look good. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Anne Designs and shot by Rebekah J Murray.

Hope you all enjoyed my ideas and inspirations for wearing flats for your wedding day!  Be comfortable all day on your big day, but still be stylin’!

Thanks so much to Deb for letting me guest post on her awesome blog! Best, Bree of Capitol Romance

Sometimes You Just Need Flats

Many of you know that a few years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I'm managing it with medications, diet and exercise. However, pain is a part of it and some days I just don't feel like wearing heels. Luckily there are lots of great flats available.  My love affair with heels is deep and many days I'll wear flats into work and change into heels once I get there. Then change out of them when I leave. I'm not one to wear sneakers with my dress so I'm always on the hunt for stylish flats.

My friend Kim of the Frugal Fashionista and fabulous clothing swaps, asked me where she could find some cute and affordable flats. I went searching and found some favorites. They are all under $50 and many are under $30.


Click on the pictures to get "where to buy" information.

I've found some great Spring and Summer styles.  There are some work appropriate shoes as well as fun casuals and sandals.  There are even some flat sandals that are a great alternative to flip flops.