Grey and totally out of my comfort zone

So far, my ploy to get myself to post more often is working! If I was already taking a pic of my shoes, why not the whole outfit, right?

Sequin cardi: Vera Wang for Kohl's
Striped tank: Lands' End
Grey legging? Grey slim pants? Dana Buchman for Kohl's
Pewter pumps: Cole Haan

Okay so these pants? I'd normally never pick them up or even think "Hey, super tight pants would look great on my cellulite!" But at 80% off? I'll give 'em a whirl. These were $8.80 and at that price, if they didn't work for work, they'd be great around-the-house pants. They're a nice, thick fabric and it doesn't cling to my fat - success! They also have some well-placed seams so they're almost slimming. The only thing I can't get out of my head is Michael Kors on Project Runway lamenting how insane the crotch of a pair of pants is. The crotch is super wonky on these. It gives me faux-toe if I'm not standing just right. Classy.

I did buy them two sizes bigger than normal and I'm 100% certain that's why I'm comfortable in them. They're fitted, but they're not too tight and don't pull. Also probably the main reason the crotch is baggy and sketchy. These are similar to what I bought, but not exact.

Have you worn anything out of your comfort zone lately? Details, please!!

Day 2: Favorite Shoes

These aren't my absolute favorite shoes (those are the Louboutins I wore at my wedding), but they're my favorite wear-to-work shoes:

They are Cole Haan Carma OT Air Pumps in pewter. I snagged them at the Zappos/6pm.com outlet for $50 or 60. I wish I had them in every color and that they'd always be $50 :)

If you ever are in the market for a well-made, comfortable pair of heels, I highly recommend Cole Haan w/the Nike Air technology. I stomp around in these for a full work day and they've yet to ever hurt my feet.

Tights for short gals?

Am I missing something? Are there no tights for short ladies? I'm 5'3 and wear a size 14 and I can't find a damn pair of tights to fit me. If they're the right size for my booty, they're WAY too long. It's like they assume all big girls are also tall girls and all short girls are also small girls. This isn't the case, yo!

My patterned tights are SO CUTE yet you can't see the pattern except on the very top of my thighs (that my skirt covers thankyouverymuch). I'm constantly pulling them up all day just so I can see the pattern and justify paying more for them.

Rant over. Bring on the picture:

Top: Dana Buchman via Kohl's

Skirt: Kohl's (another one of Mama's purchases for me)

Tights: George via Walmart

Shoes: Cole Haan

Best way to start a new year...

...is with a new job! Without getting into details. let's just say I'm THRILLED to be starting a new job in 2011. I've been with my current company for seven years and was super nervous to interview with a new company. Totally different field, etc. I had to have a professional outfit for the interview and after agonizing for days (and emailing my friends constantly) I found the perfect outfit at Kohl's!

I almost match our shower curtain!!

Dress: Chaps
Blazer: Sag Harbor
Hose: No clue
Shoes: Cole Haan
Pearls: Gift

I'm in love with this dress. It's sooooo comfortable. Note I'm just under 5'3 and it hits just at my knee. If you're taller than me at all, it'll be on the short side. 

It's way dressier than my usual daily outfits and I'm sure I'll be dressing more like this now. We'll see how it affects my blogging. I can't possibly be more absent than I am now so let's hope it inspires me to post more often!

Happy 2011 everyone!!! xoxo

Unseasonably warm

It's 50 in Kentucky today. That's nuts considering it's been in the teens recently. It was so nice to leave my coat at home this morning!!

Cardi: Lands End
Tank: Lands End
Pants: Worthington via JCP
Belt: J. Crew
Shoes: Cole
Necklace: gift

Pants!

We are finally having some beautiful fall weather here in Kentucky!!

Cardi: Target
Tank: Banana Republic
Pants: Worthington ($17 @ JCP)
Heels: Cole Haan Fiona
Necklace: gift

Liberty of London for Target Peacock top

I went to Target right after work Monday night in hopes of scoring some of the fabulous Liberty of London for Target designs - I lucked out! My store's Liberty of London selections had barely been touched. SCORE! The first thing my eye fell on was the peacock halter top. The other tops didn't really appeal to me as much, but I did buy another top. I've not tried it on yet so we'll see if I keep it or not.

Tracey and I are meant to be BFF b/c I just saw her post and she bought the same top too! She's into all things peacock so I knew she'd be all over the housewares too :)

Peacock halter top: Liberty of London for Target

Cardi: NY&Co

pants: Old Navy

Heels: Cole Haan

Bracelet: Coach





A lot of the reviews online about the Liberty of London stuff complained about the shirts being polyester. When you're buying a $20 shirt at Target what the heck do you expect? I know...natural fibers are awesome blah blah blah. This top would look terrible in cotton and would cost a fortune in silk. You either get a fabulous design, a natural fiber, or a cheap price. Pick two.

How cute is the ruffle at the neck? The back has a little button and a keyhole opening. I'm not gonna lie: I had to put the shirt on backwards, button it, then turn it around. I was all thumbs this morning.

I didn't try on any of the clothing so I don't know about the sizing but I did go up a size (this is the XL) because I was worried about how it'd fit in the hips. Good thing b/c it's snug at the bottom and a little loose up top. I'm not displeased w/it, but I did find myself making sure it was pulled down all day.

I really love all these fun prints and can't get enough of the great, bright designs. I picked up a bedding set (which I'm not 100% on, but didn't want to regret not getting it later), a picture frame, and want to go back for those darn prep bowls we're all crazy about. Did any of you check it out in the store? It's all online, but sold out for the most part.

Tahari and Marshall's? Yes, please!

A few weeks ago, the fine folks at Marshall's sent me a gift card to use at their store. How exciting is that?! Marshall's is one of my go-to stores for unique pieces and great deals. I'm a sucker for a cute cardigan and have loved the look of the open-front, drapey ones, but most are just too long for my 5'2 stature. I was so excited when I found this cardigan in a fun print and the right length. The best part? The price tag. $35! Not bad for a "designer" label, huh?

Cardi: Tahari

Rose top: Not sure of the label, but picked it up at Marshall's for $16

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Cole Haan

How adorable is that top? It's a pretty, deep pink and the roses/flowers/ruffles are satin and the rest of the top is a super soft cotton. It's sleeveless but the straps are really wide and comfortable. Love it!









Thanks to Marshall's for the opportunity to find this terrific sweater.

Headless horselady

Ever have one of those days when you just want to remove your head from your body? That's the kind of day I had. My sinuses are killing me and I look like a goofball. So I removed my head :)

Ikat print top: dressbarn

lime cardi: Target

Wide-leg jeans: Old Navy

Peep-toe heels: Cole Haan


Not a whole lot to say about this. I liked the outfit and was really comfortable in it. I wish I had a dozen more shirts like this. It zips up - no buttons to gap or be wonky. Brilliant!

Gravely and cool

We had a cool snap recently (though I guess it's not a "snap." It's November after all) and I ended up dressing like the weather: Dark and sleepy.
Dress: Target

black/white scarf: vintage Vera

Green Tajmina: Target

Gray tights: Walmart

Pewter heels: Cole Haan

Bracelet: gift







I had originally photographed this outfit earlier in the day at work but you couldn't tell my tights were gray, so I took this when I went to visit Al out at the house. He's been working until after midnight every night and we're close to being ready to move in. Now, we will be sleeping in the kitchen for a while, but at least we'll there!
I love this scarf SO much. It's probably one of my very favorites. I scored it on eBay a year or so ago for a few bucks.

















This bracelet is one of my prized possessions. Before the wedding, I'd asked Al if he had any jewelry that was his mom's so I could wear it at our wedding. I was going to wear a bracelet of my mom's and I thought it'd be nice to wear something that was his mom's. She passed away several years ago and I wanted a way to pay tribute to her without being too morbid.

Al didn't have any but called his sister. She called me and said their mom didn't dress up much but that she had this bracelet and necklace that had been given to their mom by her grandmother. Al's sister said I probably wouldn't like it but gave it to Al for me to wear. She told me I could keep it since she never dressed up and it was way too flashy for her. Well, you know how I feel about flash :) I bawled a little (I pretty much cried the whole week before the wedding. Overwhelming emotions, y'all.) but was so honored and thrilled that she wanted me to have this jewelry.

When Al came home with it the tears started flowing again. It was perfection. It was totally my style, totally matched what I was going for jewelry-wise for the wedding, and would be the perfect compliment to my mom's bracelet.

The necklace is just like the bracelet, only longer. I need to get the clasp repaired, but I probably wouldn't wear it b/c I'm so afraid to lose it. The bracelet is too big and gets hung on stuff, so I'm going to reserve it for special occasions too. Wearing it all day made me a nervous wreck and I fiddled with it constantly.

Sorry I've not shared any wedding pictures yet. I want to make sure the photographer is okay with me posting them (they're not released to us yet), and I've been forgetful about asking. In short: the photographs are amazing and I can't wait to do a wedding wrap up on how I blew my wad on shoes (imagine that) and managed to make it all come together in spite of that.

Teal & Lime

I've been watching a lot of HGTV now that we're homeowners and one of the shows is about how you should decorate your house in colors/themes you find in your closet. Today, I decided to do the opposite. I love teal and black and lime green in home decor so why not wear it??

Cardi - NY&Co.

Ruffle tank - Target

Pants - Old Navy

Shoes - Cole Haan

Necklace - Sarah Balmer via Scout










I snagged this cute ruffled top at Target for $10 last night. I never thought myself as a ruffles kind of gal, but it seems I am :)















Do you have an item in your house that you'd love to dress like? A rug? A sofa?

Closet update!!

You wanted shoes and shoes, my loves, I have provided! I listed a TON of new items to the Cute on the Cheap Closet and there are several pairs of shoes listed as well. I'll be putting up scarves and other accessories over the weekend and even have some fun, almost-vintage things too!

I'm shipping out items the same day as I receive payment, and I don't even charge extra for the hug I give each package before the mail lady takes them from me. You can't get service like that just anywhere... :)

Cardi: Old Navy

Ruffle shirt: Gap

Pants: Old Navy

shoes: Cole Haan












Nothing special or fabulous about today. Well, my shoes are awesome, but the rest is very pedestrian. My darling coworker will be back from maternity leave Monday, so maybe I'll have more time for morning pictures!

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!

Thursday -- Ally

Is this week over yet?! Geeze. I hate to complain (ha!) but I don't think the weekend will ever get here. I work Saturday so I'm looking forward to Sun/Mon. I'll take what I can get!!

Cardi: NY&Co.

Flower tank: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Cole Haan

horseshoe necklace: gift from parents

Bracelet: gift from KT







So probably six months ago I emailed KT a blog post that had this fab bracelet in it but the bracelet was hundreds of dollars. I'm pretty sure I told her to hurry up and win the lottery so she could buy it for me. See? I'm a caring friend. Anyway, about two weeks after that, I get a package in the mail from Miss KT. What's inside? This bracelet. What's it look almost identical to? That spendy bracelet. It's too bad KT didn't win the lottery, but it's great I benefited. KT, thanks again. You're the best.
After fiddling with this, I've concluded the beads are actually beans. KT - shed some light on this for me b/c the card you sent with it is living in a recycling bin somewhere.










This tank was one of the purchases from The Great Shopping Event with Tracey. Per usual, Old Navy had one of those "2 for" deals so we both got a tank and saved a buck each. Sweet! I can't find the top on their website (go figure), but if it comes up, I'll update.

*****

Sara at Unwrap Life is celebrating her One Year Blogoversary! She's offering up a terrific giveaway too so be sure to check it out!!

Tuesday -- Ally

Have you noticed with the exception of this past weekend I've had a serious lack of outside photos? I'll be sharing why later in the week. Let's just say it's a REALLY CUTE REASON :)
Cardi I wear too often: Old Navy

black lacy cami: Old Navy

Pants: JCP

Shoes: Cole Haan

Scarf: vintage Vera










I've been itching to wear this scarf ever since I scored it on eBay. I love blue and green together but until today, just hadn't had the right outfit. I like to pair a pretty scarf with something simple outfit-wise. Granted, I'm pretty simple most days, but I went super simple so the scarf can be the main attraction.

So so pretty and tied in the Pretty Gal Sal bow :)

Tuesday -- Ally & a new 'do

I hope you all had a great weekend! Easter is one of my favorite holidays and it's mostly because I hate casseroles and most Thanksgiving/Christmas food but LOVE ham and chocolate bunnies!

Cardi: Old Navy

Pink tshirt: Target

Pants: Old Navy

Perfect shoes: Cole Haan

Michelle Obama pearls: Walmart

enamel bracelets: Old Navy







While the 'do isn't really new, I did have six inches cut off the length and the bangs shortened. My hair goddess about had a heart attack - said I'm her only bride-to-be who ever asked her to whack off her hair instead of just trimming so it'll be long long long. To me it's just hair. It's been shorter and Al still loves me.

I looooove this cardigan and wish I had it in other colors:


The shoes are delicious. They're insanely comfortable (wore them 11+ hours the first time out of the box) and look great.














I'd love to have another pair in the champagne patent. My Weitzmans are my only bone/taupe shoes and I really would like another pair:


I'm not quite the Coat Collector that Leslie is, but I did need a lighter coat for spring/fall. I'd been eyeballing this coat at Target, but I just wasn't ready to drop $40 on it quite yet. I was at Target a couple of weeks ago shopping for a baby gift and after 20 minutes in the diaper aisle, I had to cleanse the palette and do a little shopping for me. I spotted the coat on the clearance rack for 50% off, in my size, and the last one. I couldn't say no!

They still have it online for $28 and it's absolutely worth it. The lining is adorable (orange with white polka dots!!!!!) and I wish I had snapped a shot. I'll do it soon.















Speaking of wishing, I wish I had bought more of these bracelets when they were cheaper! I bought them in black and green:

Don't forget to enter our giveaway! Last day for comments is Friday, April 17th.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to ME!!

So Tracey and I had lofty plans for beer and celebrating today, but we quickly realized we'd much rather go shoe shopping and grab dinner together! I'm so glad we did!

As I've mentioned the Zappos.com outlet is about 15 minutes from Louisville, so I get some AWESOME deals. Today was no exception and I think it might be my best haul ever. We usually try to get a 20% off coupon out of a local magazine, but there wasn't one this month. Fortunately for us, there was a big "50% off everything, no print coupons" sign on the door. SWEET!

The haul:
Lauren by Ralph Lauren $108.95 retail $27.50


Clarks Ericka $85.00 retail $21.50


Cole Haan Carma OT Air Pump $274.95 retail $69.00















Kate Spade Elsie $327.95 retail $49.20
These are in a shiny gold, not ivory/white. I can't find a pic of them in the gold, but trust me, they're FAB.


















Kate Spade Katie $294.95 retail $44.40



















Hunter Festival tall boots $144.95 retail $36.50


I spent a total of $262.99 (including tax) and saved...are you ready...$988.65!! Now, I'd never EVER pair retail for all of these shoes, but I ended up getting everything 80% off retail...heck of a deal if you ask me!!!!!! If you're near Louisville or will be soon, I recommend hitting exit 116 off I-65 and visiting Zappos.com!!!

We also went to T.J. Maxx and I found my Derby hat. However, that'll be kept under wraps until the First Saturday in May :)

Getting at least one wearing in this season...

Winter White Jacket: Banana Republic

Black Turtleneck: The Limited

Black Pants: Harold's

Giraffe Print Pumps: Nine West

I rarely wear this jacket because it has a wonderful suit skirt that is stunning and looks great with a black turtleneck and tall black boots...but about 15 lbs ago. It depresses me to not be able to wear the suit so I just don't wear the jacket too. However, there I stood in my closet on a rainy morning in all black and needed something to punch it up. I considered going the route of the red heels and denim jacket again but then saw this jacket and my giraffe shoes and decided I'd get a wearing in of this jacket before spring officially came. Truly, I need to consign the suit and make some money on it. It's in great condition and gorgeous. I just can't seem to make myself do it because what if I get the flu, lose 10 lbs and fit back into it? I would really miss it then.

Side note--how is it that your hair KNOWS it's raining and refuses to coorperate--before you ever even walk outside for the day??? I just don't understand.

Tuesday -- Ally

I've never really liked wearing turtlenecks. I think it's because they make me feel like I'm slowly being strangled and that's never a good thing. However, I'm trying to try new things and Old Navy had these thin turtlenecks for way cheap ($6) so I got one. If it didn't go well, I knew I could always just donate it or set it on fire.

Cardi: NY&Co.

Turtleneck: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Trouser socks: Walmart

Shoes: Cole Haan

Necklace: Gift








So the turtleneck....it doesn't suck. It's super super thin and ends up mushed down my neck so it doesn't choke me. However, it's so thin that it looks slutty and inappropriate unless you layer over it.

This pretty grey pearl necklace was a gift - I love it. I really like how it matches the buttons on this cardi.











The turtleneck:



The pants - on sale for $20:



The cardi:



The shoes:

TGIF - Ally

You know who's ready for the weekend? This gal!

V-neck t: Old Navy

Lacy cami: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Cole Haan

Grey fishnets: TJ Maxx

Bracelet: Walmart

Necklace: Sarah Balmer via Scout






I really wish I had bought another pair of these pants when I got these. They are SO comfortable and look good and damnit if they're not sold out in my size!

I picked up some fishnet kneehighs and trouser socks the other night at TJ Maxx with Tracey and they're really comfortable. The top band is really wide and doesn't dig. A winner for me!