Leslie + Flat Sandals?!?!?

FLATS: Mossimo at Target

Yes, you are not seeing things. That is me wearing -- I can't believe it either-- flats! I finally have a single pair in my closet (not counting my Old Navy wedge flip flops which I don't truly count as "flats").

I know it seems crazy but I wear some sort of heels all the time. I own one pair of sneakers and that's it. And no flat summer sandals. It really goes back to a body image issue and mental issue -- I typically feel short and squatty in flats and heels just make my posture better, make me feel sassier, etc.

However, when I came across these flats, I thought they were cute enough that I may be ready to take the plunge against short and squatty and try them out. I'm so glad I did--I think they are adorable, they are obviously comfortable, and I do really feel good in them! I think maybe I need the other pair in turquiose. Maybe.

But this still doesn't end my love affair with 3 inch heels. Just so you know. Just makes me know that I may survive the trauma of no longer being able to wear heels when my back gives out eventually from wearing them non-stop for years.

Word of the Day

Let's play a word game. Here are your clues:

8 letters

4 vowels

If you do the standard "R, S, T, L, N, E" there is one "T" and one "N"

It's a "holiday" all right

.

.

.

Did you guess? The word of the day is VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!! Let's hope I am not nearly as sick as I was last year on vacation where I laid under the umbrella knocked up on narcotics for a week.

That's right folks, in 24 hours yours truly will be en route to Hilton Head for the yearly pilgramage to the beach, bubbly pool, fried food, 8 calorie ice cream and outlet malls. I absolutely cannot wait. I need to get away and have a change of scenery for a few days in a desperate sort of way.

If I have anything semi fashionable at all to show during vacation, I will take a picture and post later. But in the interim, I have back dated a few posts so you will still have entries to read while I am out of commission.

Lime, Red and Pinstripes

As I've said before this lime-ish color is a new addition to my wardrobe--something I had nothing of until this spring. I've had a great time pairing it with blue--and thought red may also be a fun combination and I'm very pleased with the result! I'd prefer to be wearing my white jeans but since I can't wear those at work, these white pants will achieve the same look. I'm also thinking this would work well with dark denim jeans. The necklace has lime and red both in it so pulls the look together.

This is one of my favorite "summer professional" combinations I've put together. My only struggle all day has been with the cardigan and trying to keep it it place so that it hits right at the waist and borders the jacket nicely--it's not easy! It's super thin and keeps wanting to shift around on me! I call this a great "photographable" outfit--but isn't necessarily great for being active in all day. Does that make sense? Either way, I'll take it!

Ally- Payless pewter shoes

I pulled a Leslie today and every piece was from the same store. Like her, it wasn't intentional and I realized it mid-day. I was gloating to myself about how cheap my outfit was (under $40 for everything including shoes) when it clicked.
Python print cardi: NY&Co.

Ruffled shirt: NY&Co.

Pencil skirt: NY&Co.

Shoes: Payless

Necklace: gift










While cute, these shoes are definitely a trend and this will be my last time wearing them. I've worn them a total of two times and fortunately I only paid $10 for them. I'm going to be doing a MAJOR closet clean out and am considering selling them for WAY cheap (basically just covering postage). It'll mostly be shoes, purses, and a few clothing items. Does that sound like something any of you would be interested in?

Polka Dot Dress Sighting

Dress: Target

Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

Belt: Limited

Necklace: Just Jewelry

Pumps: Steve Madden

You all know Ally and I both have this dress and love wearing it-- it is comfortable, loose, breathable and looks great with a cardigan over top it!

Well I was at Half Price Books earlier this week and saw on the rack a new novel by Elizabeth Bevarly. She lives in Louisville and writes romance novels, a series of which are based in the city around Derby time.

As I'm looking at the cover, I thought, OMG that's my dress!! How funny is that?!?!? Everyone loves the polka dot Target dress I guess! Check it out here on Amazon.

Ally - Target floral flats

The weather has been HOT lately and today was no different. I'm not tropical and can't WAIT for snow. That's right. I said it.

Wrap/tie top: NY&Co.

Green tank: Target

denim pencil skirt: Lands' End

necklace: Sarah Balmer via Scout

flats: Target








Last September I scored these flats for under $6 and I've definitely gotten my money's worth! E at Academichic has the closed-toe version of these. They're so versatile!

I'd say the cost-per-wear of these is below $.25 at this point. What do you have in your closet that you've really gotten your money's worth from??

Just imagine the cost-per-wear you can get out of shoes and other clothes when you buy wholesale clothing. The prices are such much lower when you buy multiple items! 

It's like working in pajamas!

I've mentioned the fact that hostesses have the first-dibs opportunity to buy items off the sample rack at the end of every season. I've always bought straight traditional "work" clothes or for the most part so had never tried any of the knit wear, but when I saw in my size a week ago, decided to give it a try. I know a few people who love it (they usually have a similar style, different design each spring) so figured it was worth a shot.

Let's just say I'm in love and have worn 3 out of the first 5 days I had--to a casual dinner one night, running errands another day and to work another! It's quite literally like sitting in PJs it's so loose and comfortable--doesn't wrinkle but looks cuter than ratty sweats. But what I am also loving is the fact that I can put on heels and it's work appropriate for a "desk-day" at the office!

Yea for comfort -- and a great vacation outfit for sure- it's my "travel outfit" for being in the car for 12 hours straight -- the sleeves will keep me warm but if I get too warm there is a tank underneath and I can slip on flip flops and be perfectly content!

And the winner is... !!!

Black and White Floral Print Skirt - Cato

White blouse - Cato

Black cardigan - JCrew Jackie

Long silver necklace (that you can't see in the pic) - Forever21

Red heels - Gucci via Saks Off 5th












I'm a little late posting this, but here is the outfit that I wore on my 1st day at the new job. I was in a rush and only snapped one picture, but you get the idea of it. The JCrew Jackie Cardigan is my absolute favorite cardigan out there. I think it's perfection and if I could afford it, I would own several more. They hold up very well. This is my 2nd year with this one. Strange thing though, the ones you buy at the outlet are crap. I guess you get what you pay for sometimes!!
And I know the shoes aren't "cheap", but I did get them well below retail at Saks Off 5th Outlet.
I'm also wearing a long silver, multi strand necklace from Forever121, but it doesn't really show up in the picture.
I think the next time I wear this, I'll try to throw in a little more color up top. It's kind of snoozeworthy til you get to the shoes :)

So, now for the giveaway winner! Drumroll, please......!!!










































It's Kayla from over at Internal Sequin Issues! Congrats, Kayla!! I hope you enjoy everything :)

Back of the drawer discovery

Top: The Limited

Scarf: Who knows?

Pumps: Pleaser

Digging through my drawer this morning for some sort of scarf to put on to jazz this outfit up some. Didnt want to wear the polka dots, wasn't in a floral mood, the pinks didn't match on my shoe scarf....I was really striking out. Then I found this one at the very back corner wadded up. I normally never wear it because I feel like the black and gray are sort of "blah" and I've been blah enough this week without adding it to my wardrobe. But with a fuschia top--it no longer felt blah! The color in the scarf matches these pants perfectly. I now can't wait to incorporate this more often!

Ally - Cole Haan Low Air Fiona & Zappos outlet sale!

Today's outfit is simple and comfortable. My coworker is out on maternity leave, so it's been super hectic in the office. I'm doubling up on work and hoping I don't break soon!

Silk top: Banana Republic

Pants: Old Navy

Necklace: Sarah Balmer via Scout

Shoes: Cole Haan











I still love these shoes to bits and if I had more disposable income, I'd buy more at retail. They're so so comfortable and are wearing great. The leather is still shiny and the sole looks good too. A+ Cole Haan!

Zappos.com is having a HUGE SALE at their outlet in Shepherdsville, KY starting this Friday June 19th thru Sunday July 5th. The last few times I've been I've gotten some AMAZING deals. My advice is to go up and down the aisles in you size and the half size above and below that. Grab all the high end (Weitzman, Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, Cole Haan etc.) shoes you even remotely find attractive. Take your finds to one of the couches and take your time trying them on. I've had much better luck when I'm not rushed or teeter-tottering on one leg in the aisle.

From the email I received:

Receive 50% off the lowest marked price of almost every item in the store!*

In Addition: All Robert Clergie, Stuart Weitzman, and Sigerson Morrison merchandise is 70% off!

Lesson Learned

Dragonfly Sweater: Old Navy

Floral Shirt: Old Navy

Chino Skirt: J Crew

Heels: Fioni by Payless

I'm glad there isn't a lot of natural light happening in this picture so you can't see the mess that is my legs. I've been wearing pants for a few days straight for a reason. All I can say is you know how they tell you to not use sunless tanner if it's more than a year old because the color may be blotchier or not as good? Well, I had never abided by that. My lotions had always been fine. But I pulled out my Loreal Sublime Glow spray (was my favorite last year and they stopped making it) and let's just say it wasn't real good after a year. Lesson learned. Sprays are fickle. Fading is almost complete.

If only I had time for real sun....

Vacation is soon enough though and that will be lots of real sun...I'm putting together my list of beach reads/summer pool time reads. If you have any suggestions for me leave them in the comments section. KT has already advised me of the Luxe, Rumors and Envy series which are on their way to me via Ebay but I need more!

Ally - Nine West pumps

While I do a pretty good job finding cute jewelry at Forever 21, I'm also not a stick-thin 15-year-old and most of their clothing doesn't even come close to fitting me. I've not tried ordering from their other lines online, but what I've seen is very nice. The quality isn't the best, but it is a good source for something cute and trendy.

On a recent shopping trip with Tracey (see a pattern??) we swung by to see if anything would catch our eye. I made round after round in the store and FINALLY saw this top right before I left. I tried it on because I hate their return policy and much to my surprise it fit. Not only did it fit, but it's kinda too big in spots. It's really flowy and REALLY low cut. For what it's worth, I got the large. Usually a large at F21 is WAY TOO SMALL in the chest department, but I think their sizing is so skewed it's a crap shoot.
Polka dot top: F21

red tank: Target

pants: Old Navy

red pointy toe shoes: Nine West

bracelet: Walmart

Giveaway reminder and Manjoyment Monday returns!

I just wanted to remind everyone to make sure to enter for the giveaway. Read about it HERE... I'm going to extend it for a few more days. I'll draw the winner on Thursday June 18th. Thanks to everyone that has already given me ideas. They were great and very helpful. Keep 'em comin!

Also, per KT's request, Manjoyment Monday is back!! This week's featured hunk is Bradley Cooper. I love his smile! I saw The Hangover this weekend and it was hilarious! Funniest movie I've seen in a while. Enjoy. :)

It doesnt get much more comfortable than this

Mesh Top: CAbi (Spring 2008)

Stretchy Skirt: Chicos (stolen from my mom's "giveaway" pile)

Shoes: Steve Madden

Desk day means comfort is key. It doesnt get any better than this--a mesh top and a skirt so stretchy and soft it can literally be wadded up and worn. I typically don't wear long skirts being shorter and since my legs overall are one body part I don't mind highlighting but when they are this comfy, I'll make an exception!

Ally - Kate Spade mary janes

I might've mentioned a time or two how much I enjoy horse racing. It's my favorite way to spend a spring day with my girlfriends. Leslie, Tracey, and I (along with all our other friends) have been going together for years.

As much fun as Derby and Oaks are, going on a regular day is best. It's not crowded, the beers aren't $8, and we can afford Millionaire's Row. One of our friends and her awesome boyfriend visited and we spent the afternoon at the track.

Dress: Target

navy and green enamel bracelets: Old Navy

Sunnies: MaxStudio

Yellow sticker: Pass for our seats :)








My photographer didn't get my shoes in the shot, so do I get a free pass for today?? I'm wearing my nude Weitzman's just in case you're keeping track.

Every time I wear this dress, I get a lot of compliments. It's super comfortable and I really like how it looks on me. The best part? It was $24 at Target. I can't find it online and I've only seen it in one store. It's super cute, ties at the neck, and is navy and white.

Since I'm depriving you of a shoe-shot today, I'll show you how I last wore this dress:

I wore it on Mothers' Day when we met up with my parents and Tracey for brunch. We were on the "sunny side of Louisville" so there's a great view of the skyline behind us.

There's my sweet Al and my super sweet parents :) They are all Cute on the Cheap too - that's how we roll!

The best and cutest part of this picture?? My patent iridescent pink Kate Spade mary janes. A close up is below. They're perfection.

My bag is Goldenbleu. I snagged it right before they closed up shop - a total deal!






You can read all about these on the Zappos haul post. These were a steal at under $45!!

Welcoming the late 20's

Trench: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Scarf: The Limited

Wrap Tee: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Crop Pants: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Peep Toe Pumps: Steve Madden

Am I the only one that always gives a little extra thought to what I wear on my birthday? It's the one day of the year that's all about you so of course I want to look my best. Plus everyone starts asking how old you are so you want to make sure your outfit conveys that, while you may be a year older, your clothes aren't!

I'm officially welcoming my late 20's by pairing together some of my favorite items in my closet-- a fun neckerchief, bright lime, a wrap tee, black pants and the highest heels I own!

No big plans...grabbing dinner with some friends and family this weekend.
Next week is night racing at Churchill Downs so I am going out with some friends that evening for a late celebration. Maybe I'll have better luck than the last time I was at the track!

New Beginnings... and a giveaway too!

Blouse - Carole Little brand, Marshall's

Jeans - Gap Essential Fit

Nude heels - Apt 9, Kohl's
















Today is my last day at a job that I've been at for 11 years. While I've grown very tired of the stress and frustrations of the job, I've come to love a lot of the people I work with, so it's very bittersweet for me. I'm sure there will be plenty of tears when I finally walk out the door. Not only am I leaving a job, I'm leaving an industry that I've been in in one capacity or another for pretty much my whole working adult life. It's very exciting, but also a little scary!

In honor of my new beginnings and fresh start, I'm vowing to get things organized and get a fresh start in my personal life as well. Part of that is cleaning out the things that I don't use or need anymore. Ladies, my loss is your gain! I have a few gently used and new items that are up for grabs. So here is the dealeo... I'm looking for ideas for my "1st Day Outfit". My new career is in a very creative field, and I will have a front office position, so I need some ideas on fun creative outfits that still look professional and give a good 1st impression. Post your ideas in the comment section and on Monday June 15th I'll choose a winner!

Like Ally's giveaway from before, if you post this on your blog with a link back to this post, you'll get another entry. Be sure to email us with your link so we can be sure to count you!



















2 Forever21 necklaces
1 Old Navy necklace
set of 3 sparkly bracelets
1 Gap faux patent leather red clutch (never even carried!)
1 Target faux leopard print frame clutch (Used once!)
And who knows, by the time it's mailed off to you, I may throw some more stuff in there! :)

30% off New Arrivals at The Limited

Today only: noon - 2 p.m. EST, all New Arrivals at The Limited are 30% off by entering Code 290 at checkout.

We all know how I love The Limited so I'll absolutely be checking it out!

Ally - Steve Madden almond toes

Did y'all see us on Corporette.com? Pretty exciting stuff. If you're coming here from there, welcome!

As you may know, my fiance's name is Al. I *might* have a slight Southern accent (Kimberly, KT, Erin...it's your call. haha) so some words aren't pronounced the way The Queen would. When Tracey and I went to Forever 21 a couple weeks back I saw this adorable owl necklace and I just had to have it. It occurred to me right then that I say "Al" and "owl" exactly the same way. *sigh*
Lime tshirt: Old Navy

black tank: Old Navy

pants: JCP

Al Necklace: Forever 21

shoes: Steven/Steve Madden










Isn't he the cutest little guy??? I didn't realize his little eyes were jewels until mid-afternoon - too darling.

I do need to buy an extender for him though b/c he's on the last hook and it hits at the worst spot on me. He gets "nestled" and that's just no good.












*note* I think I need a cami/tank that's not cotton with this shirt. It's clinging and lumping and jumping and ugh. Suggestions?

I've gotta leave this town....

White Denim Jacket: Gap Outlet

Wrap Tee: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Crop Pants: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Peep Toe Heels: Steve Madden

Is it the weekend yet? It's really not even the week that is making me ask. I'm just so ready to leave this town and go on vacation! The countdown for the yearly treck to Hilton Head has begun. Beach...pool....8-calorie ice cream every single night...real fried shrimp....sleep....fresh air....maybe not looking goth white anymore....Pool Bar Jim...outlet malls...did I mention 8-calorie ice cream every night...vacation....

I can't wait....and apologize in advance for all my pre-vacation whining until the time comes to leave. I just get so ready to go that I can't think of anything else!

A loud sneezing, roaring start to the day

Jacket: CAbi (Spring 2008)

Wrap Tee: CAbi (Spring 2009)

Necklace: Just Jewelry

Skirt: Express

Pumps: Rampage

If I look a little less put together than normal, it's for good reason. I had a 7 a.m. meeting which means I have to leave home at 6:30 to be there on time. Well, miracles do happen and at 6:25 I was running early and putting my necklace over my head when I felt the Ohio Valley allergies I had been fighting all morning start to take over. I let out a massive sneeze I had been holding in since the moment my feet hit the ground....and when I did my burglar alarm went off.

Yeah, seriously. So I run and turn it off and it is flashing a #4 which means "master bedroom glass break." Well glass breaks are actually triggered by a change in the airwaves of a room, not by the actual shattering of glass. So in other words, my sneeze was so massive that it changed the airwaves and triggered as a glass break.

So much for being early. I then had to wait almost 10 minutes for the company to call and ask if I was ok and if I needed a police officer sent. No thank you, I just need Allegra.

I took my photo while I was waiting on the phone to ring so if I look a little glassy eyed and less put together it may have something to do with the fact that it was 6:30 a.m. and I had managed to set off an alarm with my sneezing fit and undoubtedly make my neighbors very pleased with me.

Ally's retrospective

I had a really hard time picking just five good and five bad. I found my bad ones first and then went to the good. Fortunately, for me, the ones I really liked outweighed the bad. So, in the interest of being positive, I'm posting more good than bad.

Click on any of the pics to be taken to the original post for details and a bigger pic.

Good:
This is one of my very favorite dresses. I love that it's versatile and I can wear it all year. It's a smidge too long and needs hemming, however.









I'm SO GLAD I layered two summer dresses together for this outfit. Before this blog, I would have let these two babies live in the guest room closet for the fall/winter. I also never would have worn tights with sandals.







When I left the house in this, I thought it was just okay but after seeing it in pictures and hearing your great comments, I was sold. It's amazing what taking pictures of your outfits will do for your "eye."








This was a last-minute outfit for sure. I don't keep "special occasion" dresses on hand but I was able to make a regular dress something special with the right accessories. I felt pretty and dressed for the occasion.








Gosh! I miss the fall already. We all know my love of cooler weather. I've worn the heck out of this skirt from Lands' End. It was worth every penny ($35) and in the year-ish I've had it, it's not worn and looks new still. I really like the brown and orange w/the denim.






This is another dress I'd written off but made it work thanks to reading all your fabulous blogs. I had never layered dresses quite like this before and I never would have worn so many colors together.







And now for the bad. Bwahaha What's funny about this is there are several other outfits that were just too bad to post. Maybe one day I'll make a post devoted to those!

Bad:
This dress just does not fit me right. It's too short and the material is horrible on me. It does, however, make for a very comfortable "house dress" and night gown.








I love this scarf, but it just didn't look great tied to the side. I just don't care for this at all.









I tried really hard with this one, but it's just not my style. My parents summed it best when they called me Gravel Gertie and told me my slip was hanging out.








I remember the day I wore this so well. I had a particularly crappy day at work and I was sick on top of it all. I think the proportions are all off because of the cropped cardigan. Those just aren't for me.







I know there are a LOT more bad ones, but I wanted to pick the ones I thought were particularly bad. I find it interesting all my favorite outfits were dresses or skirts. I wear pants a LOT too so it seems either I need to make those work or I need to just give up and wear more skirts/dresses.

I emailed Leslie and Tracey to suggest more bad ones and like good friends, they obliged. Fortunately, we all hated most of the same ones. Whew!!

You ladies (and dudes) have been so sweet and kind and have left some of the nicest comments on my outfits. After I picked my favorites, I went back and looked at the ones with the most responses - there wasn't much overlap - weird!!

Your favorites:
Y'all loved this necklace and with good reason - it's awesome!! I still really dislike this top and am totally serious when I say it's up for grabs.








I wear this dress a LOT and have found a lot of ways to accessorize it - great deal for $12!! This belt is also a sure-thing. It's perfect.








I wasn't sure about this (and still think it's too long) but you really liked it. It made me feel 100% better about it.








A lot has gone on in my personal life this year, and you were here for it all:

• I'm getting married!!!!

• Maddy had surgery to remove a tumor and I cried a lot over it. She's totally okay now and you can't even see her scar from the surgery.

Manjoyment Monday seemed to be super popular for some crazy reason. Maybe we need to bring it back??

Thank you all for coming here every day and for linking to us. It blows my mind when I think about how just a year ago we didn't have this network and all these great friends. I <3 you all!

Reflection of a Year -- Leslie

I can hardly believe it but it's been a year since we started this blog! It's been a fun foray into fashion. I've always been a fan of fashion and dressing well--but I tell you what, it's a whole other level when you are accountable to taking a picture of yourself most days! It's also been interesting to really see what my favorite stores and trends are--I know it deep down but when you have a tracker to see, well, that makes it more clear. I'm a CAbi and Limited addict who loves pointy toe heels, tall boots and pencil skirts! I've also been happily surprised in how taking pictures has really encouraged me to use more color in my wardrobe and not gravitate to black as much.



With those disclaimers, I've decided to rank my top 5 favorite outfirs and top 5 worst outfits for the past year. Give me your opinion-- do you agree? Or is there another outfit that didn't make the list that you think should have?

Favorites:

#5: This outfit combines some of my favorite items from the year--a wrap tee, pencil skirt, edgy leather and tall boots. I especially like the patterned tights which is why they made the list. I had never worn patterned or colored tights before and it was fun to experiement with them last winter.










#4: I can't not include the flapper dress, because it doesn't get much more fun than having an excuse to go around and twirl all day long. The dress has a very "cocktail" feel but I'm pleased that I found a way to make it everyday work appropriate as a jumper.










#3: Certain items become wardrobe favorites and this outfit has a few of them. I love my ruffle wrap shirt and the air of femininity it gives; white pants are always in fashion for the summer months; and my floral shoes were my favorite shoe purchase of 2008!










#2: This outfit is a favorite because of all the details-- the leopard lining, the patent belt and the ever predictable pencil skirt and peep toe pump. I also like it because it was perfect for a "corporate casual day"-- I felt professional and powerful--but ready for happy hour with my denim and highest heels on!











#1: And my all time favorite outfit for the past year is my Oaks Day ensemble. The reason I picked this is because I love the mixture of bright colors. If this blog has done any one thing, it's forced me to be more experimental with my warbrobe and mix and match with colors moreso than I would have ever done before.











Now with the good comes the bad, so below are my least favorite looks from the past year. What can I say--when you experiment you can't be expected to get every single day right!

Least Favorite Looks:

#5: Love the jacket. Don't love it belted.















#4: Again, love the pieces individually (the scarf, empire waist sweater and skinny pants) but when paired together, the proportions were all off.















#3: Tried the vest trend. It didn't work for me. My sister said I looked like an ice cream scooper here. Enough said.
















#2: This was my first day into attempting patterned/colored tights. It was immediately evident that patterned or colored tights need an above-the-knee skirt. Later in the season, I wore these with a short khaki skirt and black blazer--and loved it!













#1: And the #1 least favorite outfit of 2008-09 is the ever controversial rainbow of colors outfit. Some people loved, some hated. I stand by the fact that if I had worn plain brown pumps it could have potentially worked, however, the giraffe print pumps did the look in.
















And outfits aside, my favorite posts to write for the year were my Ryder Cup fashion analysis and my "Welcome Fall" posting.



So what do you think? Agree or disagree?



Thanks to all our readers for always challenging me and offering advice and insight!