Icy Ally

Well, if you've not heard (or care) Louisville and most of Kentucky/Southern Indiana got hit with a major ice/snow/sleet storm earlier in the week. Yesterday morning a little over 200K folks were with out power. Guess who was one of them? That's right. This gal :)

Al and I stuck it out at our place for as long as possible, but when it hit 55 in the living room, I had to throw in the towel. Fortunately, my parents had power (and cable and internet) so we packed up Maddy and moved the party.

Cashmere hat: Banana Republic

Green sweater: Izod

unseen tshirt: Target

unseen wool sweater: Old Navy

black turtleneck: Old Navy

Jeans: Gap

tights: Walmart

Socks: two pairs from Target, one pair hand knitted by yours truly

Mittens: Old Navy

Wine: Trader Joe's

Even with all that clothing on and under a blanket (and drinking!!) I couldn't stay warm. It wasn't cute and probably wasn't cheap, but it is what it is. :)

Tracey doesn't have power so she'll be MIA, but Leslie planned ahead and has some posts scheduled, so come back for new posts! I've been working this week but the outfit pics I took are on my lap top and that's at home and well, you know the rest of that story. It'll be some time next week I'm guessing.

In the mean time, enjoy some pics of the mess that is Louisville:



Our balcony where many outfit pics were taken in warmer weather.














Walking to work. Luckily the company I work for has a few properties in town and while I don't live where I work, I did work here a few years back so I can hold down the fort when no one can get here or if I'm stuck! I miss the days of walking 3 minutes to the office!








Ice, Ice, baby...too cold, too cold.













Oh and if this isn't enough, we're supposed to get hit with a major snow storm on Monday and they said "12 inches" one time too many.

Tweed Pants: Ann Taylor

Green Cashmere Sweater: J Crew

Purple Cami: Old Navy

Boots: Maripa

Feeling a little Mardi Gras wearing green and purple together today but I just didn't want to wear a "normal" color underneath. It's kinda fun to have an unexpected pop of color.

These pants are so drapey, which I never realized until I started photographing my outfits. For maximum flattering and effect, I think they really need a tucked in shirt with a belt. But sometimes, as we all know, it isn't about what is the number one most flattering--it's about what is the most comfortable. And this outfit was indeed that!

Layering without bulk

Red Cord Jacket: Mossimo (appox $20)

Black Wrap Tee: CAbi ($54)

White Shirt: Banana Republic (approx $20)

Camel Pants: Ann Taylor (approx $80)

Boots: Payless (approx $15)

It's hard to layer without looking bulky but it's a necessity when it's bitter cold! Today was a perfect example. I hate being cold in my office and my space heater has died a slow death so I wear as much as possible. Two shirts and a jacket with wool pants keep me very comfortable! (I even had a zebra print scarf to wrap around my neck when needed--I am cold natured!) The hardest part is finding a piece of outerwear to wear overtop of all this!

This outfit does a good job of slim layering though because all the layers are so very thin. The white shirt is basic, the black tee is a hanky tee meaning it's very thin and the wrap feature gives some shape to the shirts under the jacket and the jacket has some shape to it and is cropped. All in all, I think the effect is one of extreme warmth all while staying chic!

Pricing it out

Tie neck blouse: The Limited

Cashmere Sweater: Brooks Brothers

Black and Camel Pinstripe Pants: Banana Republic

Boots: Chinese Laundry

I was asked to start posting the price of some of my items because not all of them are "cheap" per say (i.e. Banana Republic). The issue with that is that some of my items are so many years old, I have no clue what I paid for them, except that I never shop at places like Banana except on the clearance rack.

I really buy a lot of investment pieces that last for years. Take this sweater, my first piece of cashmere which my parents got for me for Christmas 7 years ago. It still looks literally like it did the day it came out of the box. I don't think it was on sale when they bought it--but whatever the price, after 7 years, it's been worth it!

These pants were a day after Christmas bargain either 3 or 4 years ago. If I am remembering right, they were $19.99. But they are basic and never go out of style--and I like them even more because they cost less than the price to get dinner and a movie!

I will make an effort to put prices on more expensive brand items as we go forward if I remember them just to give you an idea--but remember, price isn't everything. This sweater is a perfect example of that!

Weekend -- Ally

Well, Maddy must be feeling better because she's up to her old tricks :) I never thought I'd be excited for her to be underfoot in the kitchen and trolling for food, but I didn't mind!!!
Cardi: NY&Co

Plaid cami: NY&Co.

Jeans: Gap

Flats: Liz Claiborne












The jeans:



The shoes:



The cutest doggie I know:
I was cooking dinner tonight and felt that I had company - and I did!! Someone had hopped out of her chair and joined me :)

If you look on her right side, you can see part of where they shaved her. It goes all the way down to under her stomach, as does the incision :( Poor Maddy!!!!

TGIF - Ally

I can't BELIEVE it's 59 degrees right now. Last Friday it was below zero when I got up...just insane weather here.
Cardi: Target

Pink tshirt: H&M

Black pants: Old Navy

Grey patent shoes: Sofft

silk scarf: vintage Vera via ebay










If you look very carefully to the right, you'll see a certain someone's cute little nose edging into the shot. I can never get Maddy to sit still for a pic but she'll certainly get in the way!!!
I LOVE this scarf. It reminds me of winter and bare trees and cold air. I scored this in one of my ebay scarf auctions from several months ago and it's one of my favorites.

Tonight I'm meeting Tracey and Leslie and our friend Kim for a VERY belated Christmas dinner and to celebrate Kim's birthday. It's been a while since we all got together :)

I also have a very sick doggie at home. I found a lump on Maddy almost two weeks ago and she had surgery to remove it this morning. All I know right now is the surgery went well and she was waking up. Al is at the vet's office as I type this so when I get an update, I'll be sure to update it on this entry.

She'll be pretty wobbly and sore from the surgery, but I'll just be glad to have my girl back at home. To all who've emailed or called to check on me today, thank you. It meant more to me than you could ever imagine. I never thought I'd make such great friends through this blog, but I really have and I'm grateful for you all.

UPDATE: Maddy is home and resting. She has a HUGE shaved patch on her side an an 8 inch incision. It's pretty gnarly and SO pitiful. She just feels awful and wants nothing but to be petted and snuggled. That I can do!! We'll find out in about 5-7 business days what kind of tumor she had, and I'll be sure to let you all know the prognosis. I'd post a picture of her, but to be frank, she's kinda gross looking. However, I will share pics of Al and I trying on her E-collar/cone:

Cold days and getting back into routines

Purple Turtleneck: Kohl's

Black Leather Jacket: Ann Taylor

Pencil Skirt: Express

Argyle Tights: The Limited

Boots: Chinese Laundry

We are entering a major cold snap in the Ohio Valley--as in wind chills below 0! Yikes! Therefore, when my new argyle tights that I had been cyber stalking for a sale arrived in the mail, I decided to wear them immediately. As cold as it is (it's about 25 degrees right now) it's going to be even colder in the next few days which means there is NO WAY I will wear a skirt. Seriously, a girl's legs can only be asked to endure so much.

Other news to note is that I'm going to be getting back into the habit next week of working out. I'm serious enough that I have scheduled 4 days on my calendar! In the spring, I'm really good about going for walks but I don't walk in the bitter cold or when it's dark outside (and lately I leave home when it's dark and come home when it's dark). What I do enjoy doing, and find very relaxing after a long day at work, is pilates. And let me tell you something, if you do it correctly, it works! I did really well for a while and then just got out of the habit so I am going to get back into routine. I know it will not only make me feel better about myself (and maybe help me not regret my 7:30 a.m. chocolate binge this morning as much) but also give me more energy to get through the day. I get up at 5:50 a.m. every morning and by 9 p.m. I'm ready to fall flat on my face. I think even a half hour workout will help energize me a bit more--seriously, when I'm falling dead asleep before American Idol even goes off, we have a problem!

Thursday -- Ally

It's currently 52 degrees as I type this...I can't believe it! Wasn't it just 5 not that long ago?? I ran a quick errand to the post office earlier and left my coat in the office. Now I have Spring Fever!!!
Purple ruffle-neck cardi: Old Navy

Polka dot dress: Target

Tights: Walmart

Croc belt: Nine West

Croc slingbacks: Nine West

Necklace: gift

I took this before I left for work this morning (a habit I'm trying to start) so you'll have to excuse the partly wet hair and lack of makeup. I'm a bad girl and usually slap on mascara at my desk or a red light.

I've not worn this dress in months, but it's still one of my favorites. I'm pretty sure it'll always have a place in my closet. Don't forget, Leslie has it too and always does something cute with it!

Wednesday -- Ally

The look you see on my face is exhaustion from a long day at work. I promise I didn't stay up too late celebrating with friends :D Today was a "uniform day."

Cardi: NY&Co.

Cami: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Tights (unseen): Target

Shoes: Ralph Lauren

Scarf: via Athena







I LOVE this scarf. I'm not one to wear yellow as it usually looks like garbage on me, but this shade is just orange enough to not make me look dead.











So yesterday KT was smart enough to predict Mrs. Obama would be wearing gold and I must have channeled Malia b/c we both wore blue and black. I have a Sasha accessory in mind for next week so stay tuned!

Item Stalking Pays Off!

Turtleneck: Apt 9/Kohl's

Necklace: The Limited

Tweed Pants: The Limited

Pumps: Pleaser

This necklace was a perfect example of stalking an item. I saw it several months ago for $38, but there was no way I wanted to spend that. There were sales for Buy 1, Get One Half Off....but I still didn't want to pay that either.

When I was shopping a couple weeks ago, imagine my delight when I see the necklace-- but now marked down to $14.99! Success!

I like it because of the mix of pearls and metal and the pins on there--it's very Victorian. There is a larger picture below so you can see and appreciate!

Tuesday -- Ally

I'm so PUMPED UP about today, y'all. It's so historic and so special and I can't WAIT for this evening when our friends come over for a little Inauguration Par-tay! The champagne is chillin'!!
Blue top: Old Navy

Black lace cami: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Maroon patent Mary Janes: Target

Vintage Vera scarf: ebay

I'm quite the Old Navy fangirl today, huh??








Remember when Sal taught us how to tie scarves? I remembered how!

When I'm tying it, I always call it the "Pretty Girl Sal" bow. So it has a name now :)














Candice made another sweet comment about my weight loss and what secrets I had. Well, there aren't any secrets and I'm at that point where I'm pretty OVER dieting. I've been following the general principles of The South Beach diet (I recommend checking out a few of the SBD books from your local library) all while counting points with Weight Watchers. If I were truly doing SBD the right way and not being a picky eater there'd be no need for points, but I need more structure than that.

If any of you want more information on the specific foods I've found that are low point and work with SBD, please email us (link at right) and I'll get back to you. I don't want to turn this into a weight loss blog or The Ally Show :)

Brrr.....

Red Cashmere Turtleneck: Kohl's

Zebra Scarf: Local Boutique

Black Cords: The Limited

Boots: Chinese Laundry (via Zappos)

I couldn't get warm today. Even with cords and cashmere and a scarf I shivered in front of my space heater all day. In fact, my poor space heater is so overwhelmed that it only runs for about 3 minutes at a time, then I turn it off and shiver for 10, then I turn it back on and it works again for another 3 minutes, then the whole process starts all over again.

This sweater is one piece of my cashmere collection I've talked about before...I've actually been quite pleased with my Kohl's cashmere!

Weekend -- Ally with Friday bonus!

I've been particularly lazy this week with regards to looking cute. Louisville had some record cold weather and it sucked the life out of me. It was below zero when I got up Friday morning and I know that's not cold for you Minnesota girls or even the crazy weather Indy got, but for here that's COLD. Hadn't been this cold in over 5 years.

I surprised Al tonight with a surprise birthday dinner with all our friends. I remembered I had promised you ladies a dress this week and I wanted to look special for tonight.

Lime cardi: NY&Co.

Navy dress: Target

Lime dress: NY&Co.

Brown belt: Walmart

Tights: Walmart (wearing black under the brown for warmth and to darken the brown)

Shoes: Michael Kors via swap

Michelle Obama pearls: Walmart




Leslie's been talking a lot about coats and outerwear on here and I've not had much to say since I wear the same coat all the time. I did buy that cute pink one at Old Navy but it's been WAY too cold for that. I have others but I love this one SO MUCH that I just can't possibly be bothered with wearing anything else.

I spotted this at Target last year a day or two before Christmas. I figured I'd be SOL because Santa shops early, but somehow he (um...she) knew and got the last one in my size!

The flash makes it look as though I'm missing a button, but I'm not :)

It has a cute Peter Pan/rounded collar and some pleats under the bust at the waist. My only complaint about the coat is it doesn't snap or fasten below those six buttons at the top so the wind and cold always blow it open. BURR!

My gloves are the same ones I wear all the time. Etienne Aigner and cashmere lined. Santa got those for me too :) Spoiled? Nah!






Close up of shoes:














Last week, the lovely Athena held a giveaway and I was one of the winners! Friday morning I received a big box of scarves!! I couldn't believe how generous she was - there are over 20 in there and they're all so pretty and so nice. Thank you SO MUCH, Athena! I can't wait to show them off on the blog on the next coming weeks.
The one on top caught my eye immediately so I decided to wear it to work!












I look so rough in this picture that it didn't justify its own post. I took it at 6pm right before I left work for the day so you'll have to excuse the "wings" of hair sticking out the side of my head. Those suckers will NOT lie down no matter what I do and when it's windy out, there's no use of even trying.
Teal sweater: Target

Black cami: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Grey heels: Old Navy

Ann Taylor scarf: from Athena

There were black fishnets down there somewhere but you certainly can't see them in that pic. I also had on a sick Calvin Klein belt - it's silvery gray metallic Python. I got it for right at $22 on clearance...LOVE IT. I'll post a pic soon.





Isn't it pretty???













I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend and STAY WARM!! It was 40 here this evening and compared to the past week, it felt like a heat wave. We're supposed to be done with the crazy cold, so cross your fingers!

So where do your toes go?

Scarf: Contest gift from Kimberly

Cashmere Sweater: Lands End

Gray Wool Pants: Banana Republic

Camel Boots: Payless

You've probably noticed that, more often than not, I'm in pointy toe shoes of some sort. They're sort of a trademark-- I have peep toes and a pair of round toes, but nothing makes me feel more confident than a pair of pointy toe shoes.

I've had these boots for years--since college actually (and for the record, I graduated in 2003 if that tells you anything)--I run down nice boots in no time but cheapy Payless boots last forever! Anyhow, these were one of the first pointy toe shoes I ever bought. I'll never forget walking into the Greek Lounge (Delta Gamma here) one day and there were some fraternity guys I knew hanging out. Well I see them all whispering to each other and kinda looking at me and the ground and I was starting to really get a complex! I finally asked them if something was wrong and one of them looked at me completely seriously and said, "We're all just wondering where your toes go in those."

Haha! I showed them that my toes didn't go all the way to the top but it cracked me up that they were so perplexed!

Bye bye legs...see you again when it's Spring

White Shirt: Old Navy

Black Wrap Tee: CAbi

Camel Pants: Ann Taylor

Red Boots: Maripa

Long pearl strand: Christmas gift from my sister

Just a general announcenment to make....in fact you may have already noticed. My legs disappear during the coldest winter months. You know all those cute skirts I have? They sit abandoned in my closet. If it's below freezing when I leave for work in the morning, I refuse to let my legs see the light of day.

I will say that the one hope for my skirts is the fact that my grandparents gave me an automatic car starter for Christmas. This means no more scraping snow and frost in the cold and when I make it to the car, it's toasty warm and awaiting me. That said, there may be some hope for the skirts after all.

Monday -- Ally (and weekend bonus!)

I'm feeling a little frumpy today with all my layers, but I'm warm so that's gotta count for something, right? I really hate wearing a coat in the winter (Al's constantly making me wear one) and while it was coldish today, it wasn't windy so it really wasn't THAT cold. So I layered up and skipped the coat. I totally get this from my mother, by the way, who visited me at work today and was wearing layers (and no coat) to keep warm too :)

Cardi: NY&CO

Purple ruffle-neck top: Gap

Black turtleneck: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Flats: Liz Claiborne

Necklace: gift







Close up of the neck/layers:



















Shoes:


Al and I were pretty busy this weekend with errands and shopping and eating. Since I'd be doing two of my favorite things (eating and shopping) I had to be comfortable. It was also super rainy and icky out so nothing TOO cute was worn b/c in no time, I'd look like a drown rat.

V-neck tshirt: Old Navy

Sash/belt: Vera Bradley (via trunk sale for $1)

Jeans: Levi Strauss Signature

Shoes: *cough*crocs*cough*

These jeans are one of my dirty little fashion secrets. I know they don't look good on everyone and some of you are too good to wear jeans from Walmart, but for $20, they fit well, wear well, and serve their purpose.

They're also perfect if you're losing weight and nothing fits right :)

And the shoes. The shoes are comfortable and it was raining and I have a tendency to fall. All things considered, they're not the worst thing I could wear. Besides, at least I'm not boiling them, right??

Schoolgirl Chic

Blazer: Ann Taylor Loft

White Shirt: Brooks Brothers

Brown Pants: Banana Republic

Necktie Worn As Belt: Ralph Lauren

Pumps: Rampage

Prep school blazers have been all the rage in the fashion magazines-- and on Gossip Girl (and we all know how I love copying Blair Waldorf). When I saw this one on the clearance rack at Ann Taylor Loft, I immediately told Santa who obliged me with the jacket on Christmas Day. I decided to wear it in full-on prep school mode today with a basic white shirt and striped tie belt.

2 random news of note:

#1- Like many people I have multiple white shirts in my closet but non I'm really crazy about. Most of the time they are too fitted on me--I want shape but not too much. It got to the point where money was no object--I didn't care if it fit great. I went off in search of the perfect white shirt and found it with the Fitted Cut at Brooks Brothers--I highly recommend!

#2 - I thought I could get by not hemming these pants--but seeing these pictures, even though my knee is bent, I think they need to be hemmed an inch or half inch. Don't you hate it when that happens??!?!?!

TGIF - Ally

Goodness it's cold! I just cannot get motivated to wear tights (two pairs probably!) and a skirt when it's under 25 in the morning. I know, I know. That's not cold to you gals up north (I'm looking at you, Erin!), but for these pale white legs, it's COLD. I going to make myself wear a skirt or dress next week, so cross your fingers my legs don't snap off from the chill!

In the meantime, pants!

Wrap shirt: JCP

black cami: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Sofft via Zappos.com outlet

Necklace: gift










So I've lost about 10 lbs this past month and now my pants look pretty terrible. I've not lost enough to get a new size (of course not, that'd be easy!), but just enough that I need a belt (which I forgot today). If a baggy crotch isn't motivation to lose more weight, I don't know what is!

This shirt was fished out of the Goodwill pile earlier this week. I was off work Monday so I cleaned out our guest room closet and pulled out alllllll the clothes we need to donate, stuff to sell on eBay, stuff to consign or swap, and stuff that needed to be recycled (boxes, etc). It didn't take as long as I had expected, so while pulling out Goodwill stuff, I had time to go through stuff I had set aside months (maybe years?) ago. This shirt was in there and I didn't know why. It was in good shape, still fit, and was a good color red for me. A lot of reds don't look good on me, but this one does. It photographed more orange than it is IRL because it's actually a blue-red.

Speaking of eBay, I'm going to take this moment for some shameless self-promotion. I'm selling some good stuff, ladies. Some of it pains me, but Al and I have both promised each other we'd not only downsize (get rid of at least 25% of what we own), but we'd also "raise" money. We're looking to buy at house at the end of the year so every little bit helps!

I've got Stuart Weitzmans, a Goldenbleu clutch, Etienne Aigner boots, a BCBG bag, and a few other things. I'll be posting more as the week goes on, so add me as a favorite seller and keep an eye on things!

Click HERE and then click on "items for sale" on the left toward the bottom. Thanks!!!!

These boots were made for walkin....

RED Boots: Maripa (Rack Room Shoes for $20!)

Black Skirt: CAbi

Black Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater: J Crew

Black Leather Jacket: Ann Taylor

I've been on the hunt for months for tall red boots--they were everyplace last year and no place this year. Imagine my surprise when one of my co-workers tells me that Rack Room Shoes has my boots that I already have in black and brown on clearance in RED! I went the next day! I decided for their first wearing that they should be the statement and wore all black so they would stand out. I didn't have it for my picture but my purse is a patent red Beijo bag with my red, white, brown and black scarf tied on it.

I took the picture with my coat on this morning--I'm not wearing it all day because I think it's bulky with the turtleneck sweater, but I had already gotten bundled up and didn't feel like taking it off just to snap a picture. Oh well, I figure it just adds to the outerwear addiction show.

Go Norse!

Wrap Tee: CAbi

Scarf: The Limited

Charcoal Pinstripe Pants: Meet Polly

Pumps: Nine West

Had a few requirements when getting ready this morning....A) Have an outfit where all I needed to change was into jeans after work--the rest would work without having to change, B) was Black and Gold in nature since I am going to the NKU game after work and C) therefore also went and coordinated with my new favorite piece of outerwear, also in NKU colors. This fit the bill!

A few of the Louisville area NKU alumnae are meeting up for pizza and then heading to Bellarmine to cheer on the Norse. I rarely get to see my alma mater play in person and it's always great to catch up with the college crew!

Casual Desk Day

Denim Jacket: Gap

Red Shirt: Brooks Brothers

Flannel Cargo Pants: The Limited

Heels: Rampage

I debated on even posting today because I feel like I look pretty plain jane. But there is a reason I do. Today is a true "desk day" meaning I have no meetings, have a ton of writing to do and will literally be held hostage to my desk all day. As I was getting ready I was looking at some cute blazers to wear and then I thought, "No one is going to see me, I'm going to be typing and researching all day long...I may as well just go for basic comfort." So that's what I did.

I do have on my cute earrings though I received about 10 years ago from my friend Jessee. I still love them as much as I did when she gave them to me! They are a little squares with a black bead in the middle and then surrounding various colors all around. I tried to take a picture but my camera wouldn't zoom in and focus on them. I just feel the need to let you know that my outfit isn't 100% completely boring, thanks to the earrings!

Weekend -- Ally

I hope everyone had a few days off this week - I've been off most of it, hence the lack of posting. Today's outfit is very boring and very typical of what I wear 80% of the time. If I were at work and it wasn't a Saturday, I'd wear slacks and heels with this cardi/cami combo. I really need to shake up things for '09!

Cardi - NY&Co.

Cami - Old Navy

Trouser jeans - Walmart

Flats - Liz Claiborne












Al and I had our first date on New Year's Eve 2006. We met for brunch and it turned into the Longest First Date Ever :) We sat for five hours talking about everything in the world and I was instantly smitten. We had our second date the next day, our third the day after that, and well, the rest is history!

I don't think we really got each other presents last year for our "dateaversary" but this year, he really outdid himself. The chain on my horseshoe necklace had broken for the 2nd time (already had it fixed once) and he was sweet enough to take it to a jeweler and have a thicker, heavier chain put on it. I didn't even realize my necklace was gone - he's slick! Now I can wear it w/out fear of it falling off. Mama and Daddy got this for me for my 27th birthday and it's one of my favorite pieces of jewelry.














Speaking of favorite pieces of jewelry...
We're ENGAGED!!! :) In the midst of the Best Christmas Ever and our Second Dateaversary, Al managed to shock the hell out of me and propose. Of course, I said yes!

In the words of the great Clark Griswold, "If I woke up with my head stapled to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised."

We're planning to run off in the fall, get married, and come back and have a very small reception with family and friends. Neither of us are into a big wedding, so it'll be just perfect for us.

I promise not to make this a wedding blog - frankly I'm so indifferent about it all, I don't have the energy TO make it a wedding blog! I just want to be married to Al. We both know it's not about the ring, 3 month's salary, a big dress, or flashing daddy's money. It's about a marriage and that's far more important and far more difficult than obsessing over what color shoes to make bridesmaids wear.

Simple Black and White

Jeans - Gap Essential Fit

Cami - Old Navy lace tank

Military Jacket - Martin and Osa

Zebra scarf- NY & Co

Shoes - Gucci via Saks Off Fith Outlet

So, I debated on whether or not to post these shoes. I know they aren't "cheap". I decided to go ahead and post them because I wanted to show that you can wear Gucci with Old Navy, Gap, Target, etc. It's perfectly acceptable! Plus I just love these shoes. I would marry them if I could, because I'm pretty sure they'll outlast any man I'll ever meet. They are the 1st high end shoe I've ever bought and I think I'm hooked. In fact, it makes me think twice now before I buy shoes because I ask myself if they aren't as awesome as these, then what is the point? I've probably actually saved money lately because I can't find any shoes that live up to the standard that these have set. I've been buying nice, mid price shoes for years now, and I have to say, for me there isn't much difference in the comfort level between a $100-$150 shoe and a shoe from Payless.. but these...these are devine. I feel like I could walk around all day in them. Plus keeping within my thrifty nature I did get them well below retail at the Saks Outlet.

I could talk all day about my shoes, but I did want to mention one of my new favorite stores, Martin and Osa. It's a new store that is owned by the same people that run American Eagle. It's their more upscale, grown up brand. I find the style similar to J Crew, but so far I prefer the quality of M&O. Right now they have an additional 25% off all clearance with free shipping and returns. If you search around you may be able to find an additonal percentage off code. The codes are stackable. I paid under $40 for my jacket, original retail was $150.
Go check them out if you haven't already!!