Cute, Comfortable, Hippie Shoes!

Photo courtesy of Zappos - Love them, too!

When I travel, I only pack two pairs of shoes - a pair of light hikers and a comfortable walking sandal.  So, with just two pairs of shoes for ten days, I am extremely picky.  The shoes have to earn their keep and be very, very versatile and very, very comfortable, and I like for them to have a bit of style, too.   While shopping this summer, I came across this pair of Dansko Sigrid sandals.  Perfect!  Yes, they were comfortable, even after walking hours and hours on cobblestone streets.  The adjustable buckle provided a bit more security and stability compared to a more common slide-style on the uneven streets.  Yes, they were versatile, I wore them with everything from khaki shorts during the day, to jeans and a cardigan for a casual family dinner, and even with a black dress and a bit of sparkle for a romantic dinner alone with B.  The black leather upper with natural wood tone outsole made it easy to dress them up or down.   And I think they are cute in a retro-hippie kind of way.  Even now at home, I still find them wearing them at least several times a week.  Expensive, just a bit - but cost per wear will be very, very low.

Perfect!

Finally found 'em ~ the perfect fall capri's!  I have not one, not two, but at least three pairs of white capri's in my closet.   No, not exactly the same - they are all different lengths and fabrics, and I do wear all three pairs, so that is not the problem.  The problem is late August and early September.  It's too hot for jeans, but too "fall" for white capris.  I took a chance ordering these Cotton Capri Pants with Tabs from Ann Taylor last week during one of their many sales.  Mostly cotton with a touch of spandex and cute little adjustable tabs at the waist.  The color is called "pine cone" ~  a nice cross between olive green and dark gray.  The fit = perfect.  The length = spot on.  Now I am all set for those early fall football games!  RDP and Boiler Up!

I Can't Believe I Did This...

I have not one, but TWO of this dress... the Notch Neck Shift from Boden.  I ordered the navy blue dress this spring.  And after the first time that I wore it, I was in love!  So easy to wear, comfortable but flattering style, modest coverage, and the nicest slubby cotton fabric.  A great dress to wear all day, no matter where your day takes you.  Nice enough for church or Bible study, but not too fussy for a trip to grocery store.  The slubby cotton fabric is substantial - it doesn't cling or wilt, even on the stuffiest of days.  So the next time I received a discount code from Boden, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to order another one of the exact same style (!) - but in a completely different print and color - hoping that no one will notice that I have two of the same dress, or if they do, they will be kind enough not to mention it.

Long & Lean Reign Supreme

This Pearl comes from my friend Andria.  She tipped me off to these jeans last year and they have been my favorites ever since!  Long & Lean Jeans by Gap.  What's so amazing, is that these jeans are perfect for both of us, and Andria and I are total opposites when it comes to body shape and size.  The second most amazing thing is the price - $59.50-$69.50 depending on the wash, but with Gap's frequent sales and promotions, I've never paid more than $40.  Much better than the popular designer jeans!  Most days you will find me in one of my pairs of Long & Leans... they are just that good.

I may have outgrown Barbie dolls...

... but I still like to play dress-up.
As a mentioned in my last post, I love my new iPhone, but my iPhone seemed a little bit cold and a little bit exposed.  It wanted a cover that would protect the phone and also something pretty that would be easy to find in the depths of my bag.  I looked at a LOT of options, both on-line and in the stores.  Nothing was quite right - until I discovered these adorable cases. The Speck iPhone covers are sold through the website Zazzle.com.  (Note ~ Zazzle is also the website I used for the Calling Cards ~ see March 2009).  They have hundreds or rather thousands of cute designs to choose from.  You can tweak the design to get exactly what you want, and then personalize it with your name in your favorite font.  I had such a hard time picking just one, that I didn't - I picked three.  Fortunately, they were running a special last week!  Although I have long outgrown Barbie dolls, I still like to play dress-up ~ only now it is with my new iPhone.

A Fun Surprise!

A surprise package was waiting for me on the steps last week - the Pearl and Chain Necklace Tee from Ann Taylor Loft!  It was an early birthday present from my thoughtful daughter, who seems to think I need to add a little more bling to my wardrobe.  I paired this with a black ruffled cardigan for a birthday dinner at the Bistro.  So cute, and so fun!  Thank you, Heike!

The Hunt is Over!

I've found it!  All summer long I have been looking for the perfect warm weather handbag.  Two Rules:  1)  Zipper top  and  2)  Light weight,  and preferably in a luggage tan leather.  Last week, when I breezed through Macy's on my way to the car, I found it!  The MICHAEL Michael Kors Large Tote (which really isn't that large).  The price scared me a way for a bit, but then I decided to go for it.  You see, I'm not one to switch bags every day.  I generally use the same bag all season long.  I started the spring with a white patent bag from last year, but was totally frustrated in that I kept spilling my "stuff".  I had broken Rule #1 - Zipper Top.  While the white bag did have a zipper section for my wallet, the main closure was magnetic.  Never again.  I ditched the white bag for an orange satchel from a few years ago.  While the color was fun, the straps soon began to lose their stitching and it started looking kind of ratty.  Added to the fact that all my "stuff" ended up in a clump in the middle.  The hunt continued.  Taking a quick spin through Macy's, I weight tested a few bags that caught my eye - picking each one up to check how heavy it was.  This luggage brown leather tote was the answer to my quest.  Zipper top.  Light weight.  Soft luggage brown leather.  An outer pocket on each end - one for keys, one for sunglasses.  Four open pockets in the inside, for pens & gloss, phone, a pack of gum & my clip of cards.  One inside zipper pocket.  It holds its shape and keeps everything from ending up in a clump in the center.  Not too big but holds the essentials.  In a pinch, can hold a bit more.  Out running errands today I added a prescription, a book, and a water bottle.  A bit heavier for sure, but still looking good.  The straps are just the right length for looping over your shoulder or carrying at your side.  I'm not big on logos, so I removed the MK hanging logo charm.  I don't need to impress anyone or advertise for free. I love, Love, LOVE it!

Back to Basics

After flirting with other, trendier, beach bags over the last year or two, I've gone back to a tried and true basic... Lands End Zip Top Canvas Bags.  The classic style is here to stay.  The zip top means my stuff doesn't spill out and roll around the bottom of the boat or into the pool.  The inside pockets let me find my cell phone quickly when it starts to ring.  The outside pocket keeps my lip balm handy.  Big enough to hold the essentials - towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, phone and lip balm and a good beach read.  Don't be tempted by fleeting trends - stick with a classic.

Pretty Pins....

Yes, these are bobby pins and that might seem a little dull, but let me explain what makes these special.  These bobby pins are a bit longer, a bit stronger, and have a cute ruffled look.  Plus, they come in different colors to match, or contrast, with your hair color.  I picked up a package of the blond collection at Walmart last week and have been wearing them almost every day since then - to control a stray curl or keep the bangs out of my eyes during a tennis match.  Excellent hold and a bit of metallic sparkle.  I really like them.

New Shoes!

Aren't these shoes cute?!  I recently ordered this pair of Fidji 903's from Nordstroms.  They are so cute, so comfortable, so stylish.... and they were on sale.  I love the go-with-everything bronze color and the little bit of heel.   Unfortunately, they are no longer available on the web site but I noticed my were actually shipped from a store so they may still be available from Nordstroms.  But if you can't find these, check out the other cute styles from Fidji.  Their style names leave a little to be desired (903?!), but the shoes are really, really cute.

Perfect Spring Hoodie

You are going to love this light weight hoodie from Gap.  It's called the Vintage Roll-up Hoodie, comes in white, light blue or tan and is $34.50 (but watch for deals & promos).  It is SO soft and very light weight - perfect to throw on over a t-shirt when the sun goes down.  The best part is the roll-up sleeves giving you an extra bit of style.  I really do think you'll love it!

10-Scarf Hardwood Hanger

Scarves are popular - but how do you keep them neat, tidy, and accessible? This scarf hanger is the answer. Made of sturdy wood with very smoothly sanded holes - just slip your scarves through. These hangers are available at the thecontainerstore.com for $9.99. Now your scarves will be easy to see and easy to store. Love it!

Latest, Greatest Target Finds

Can't wait to tell you about my latest, greatest Target finds. The top T is C9 by Champion. It is made of duo-dry fabric, which feels like cotton but its moisture-wicking, comes in basic black, white & gray along with a bright turquoise and pink, and sells for only $9.99. Best of all - it's a little longer than a lot of excersise t's which means my middle stays covered in tennis when I'm reaching for an overhead! (the picture doesn't do it justice)

And have you seen the cute Graphic T's at Target lately? So cute, so fun, and the price can't be beat. I picked up two this fall - a light blue with a little purple bird decorated with beads and sequins and another in a abstract soft gray with a beaded embellishment, both in a textured slub cotton. And the price....only $12.99 - maybe one-quarter of similar styles sold at J Crew! I like to wear them with jeans and a jacket or cardigan - kind of my casual, work-at-home uniform.

What is your latest, greatest find from Target? Please, share!

My all-time favorite shirt(s)!

Boden Crinkle Jersey Shirt

The style of of shirt, the comfort of a T - what's not too love?!

I first came across this shirt several autumns ago in a rustic red print. The following spring, I just had to have the 3/4 sleeve version in a bright blue and crisp white. I thought that was enough, and perhaps it should have been, but this fall I couldn't resist this blue and purple circle print. So comfortable, so cute, so easy! There are several other colors and prints to choose from - check them out at www.bodenusa.com and watch for free shipping and/or 15% off specials.