Outfit of the Day: Splashing around

I finally found my second swimsuit of the season through the suggestion of Reiko from God's Favorite Shoes.  She was looking for a retro swimsuit and told me that she got hers from Wal-Mart.  I decided to pick up one as well.   I am always looking for ways to spruce up my one pieces since they can plain and boring.  The linen blazer was a great way to to stylishly cover up up your swimsuit.   Linen is a great summer fabric and I have thrown it over just about everything.  And don't worry about how easily linen wrinkles...to me adds to the charm of the fabric.  This blazer has probably been my most favorite and most worn items of the summer.   I had the it taken in a bit on the sides to try to give it a little more shape, but overall it looks great with just about anything.  The turban is a great substitute for the swim cap, but I wouldn't swim in it.  It does give a sophisticated look and it can stylishly cover up any bad hair days.  

Outfit Logistics
Swimsuit - Walmart $32 (sold out) Similar suit from Target
Turban - Asos $11
Blazer - One Stop Plus - $30 (on sale)
Lipstick - MAC Girl about Town $14.50

On this particular swimsuit you have the option of tucking the straps and making it strapless.  For bust challenged ladies like myself, the straps can actually add a little extra boobage...LOL.  Another plus of the swimsuit was that the rushing skirt portion was only in the front.   When you are hippy attached swimsuit skirt tend to ride up, this particular couldn't ride up because of the design.  

Now one might ask, "do you really wear all those clothes when you go swimming?" Sadly, I do...ask my nieces and nephews.  We went to the beach recently.  I am a woman that loves to go overboard...LOL. Anyways, did anyone else have any great swimwear accessory finds this season?

Neiman Marcus has got me in the mood....

Its been one of those 100 degree weather week in Dallas, but Neiman Marcus has got me think of cool fall weather.  Every summer I get the same feeling.  I'm ready for change and new inspiration for the season upcoming Fall season.  Neiman Marcus put out their trend report and I have been inspired by many of the pieces and I have composed my own personal mood board and pieces that will inspire my fall purchases. 

Oscar de la Renta Tie Waist Leather Full Skirt - $2690, Gucci Fur Scarf - $2600, Donna Karen Shearling Draped Cuffs - $595, 


LEATHER - I love this high waist flare skirt in leather.  With leather I would be afraid of getting hot and I am even more afraid of perspiration that might accompany wearing such a material. The flare structure of the skirt actually give breathe-ability to the material, so this is definitely a piece that I will be keeping my eyes peeled for.

FUR - It's so pretty and soft, but it my conscious says NO!   Besides a fashion lover, I am also a animal lover.  I have a rescue dog that is special needs...she pretty much doesn't walk in a straight line.   So what does one do when all she wants is to drape herself is a fur stole or a luxurious muff.  There is always the option of faux fur, but generally is looks cheap and as we discussed before...even if something was cheap in price it should not look cheap.  My solution is buying vintage or thrifted fur.  In my mind, I feel like I am not contributing to the supply and demand and an animal didn't die for me.  They died for somebody else.  I'm not sure if that logic makes sense...but it does to me. 

Oscar de la Renta Brushstroke Pintuck Dress - $3500 , Stella McCartney Lace Full Skirt Dress - 14K, Oscar de la Renta Texutured Chain Bracelet - $329, Valentine Aphrodite Leather Bow Bag - $1845, Donna Karen Opera Goves - $695

Other noteworthy trends are COLORBLOCKING, LACE, HANDHELD BAGS, GOLD.  On the top of my list of things to add to my fall/winter wardrobe are lace & fur.  I have been looking for the perfect lace piece for a few years now, so the search continues.  

What do you want this fall?

Outfit of the Day: In my B-Boy Stance

A little leopard anyone?  I ran out to dinner with my fiance and decided that I was feeling my inner lioness.  I have worn this skirt 1000 times, but I think it poses a great lesson in buying a timeless piece that you can wear every year, season to season.  Anywho,  I was trotting off to get my favorite fish tacos from Rockfish.                                      

Outfit Logistics

Top - French Connection for Kmart - $12.99

Skirt - JIBRI similar 

ShoeDazzle - Nude Pumps $39.95

Lipstick - Mac - Girl About Town  $14.95

Necklace - Archive Vintage (here is Dallas) $25 - Its the most amazing vintage shop I have ever been too ---it's like a museum...a fashion museum.
Watch - Michael  Kors $180
Bag - Kate Spade $135

I think I am starting to get spoiled with ShoeDazzle.  I got the most perfect nude pumps from them.  I usually like to stick to certain rules when buying cheap shoes and thought I would share with you ladies, since I have apparently being riding the ShoeDazzle train frequently.  .  

If your shoes are cheap, they shouldn't look cheap.  The key to buying cheap shoes is good taste.   If I go for a shoe that is supposed to be leather, faux patent leather is the safest and looks almost identical to real patent leather.  The next in line is faux suede.  I think faux suede looks cheap, but looks like real leather from a distance and because people aren't going to have their eyeball that close to your shoes it is still "getawayable."  Faux smooth leather is just awful.  I can spot them from a mile away and so can everyone else.  

Keep it simple. The shoes that look terrible are the elaborately designed shoes made out of substandard material.  The insane shoe is usually a knock-off and for the most part those look terribly cheap.  Go for a simple design.  

Stay away from the rhinestones.  In 2011, I still see people wearing shoes with rhinestones......WHY!?!?! If you just have to have some sparkle try glitter shoes instead.  

Canvas is consistent.  Shoes made out of canvas, expensive or not, almost never looks cheap. 

Get your cheap shoes repaired.  I see it all the time...the girl in the shoes that have (GASP!) turned over. I think I am starting to get spoiled with ShoeDazzle.  It doesn't matter how much your shoes cost if you love them get them repaired.  I usually get my shoes re-heeled and re-soled.  It's actually amazing to what shoe repair guy can fix.  Your shoes should never do the gangster lean.  

Don't over wear your cheap shoes.   Just like cheap clothes....your shoes can lose their luster and can quickly look run over.    Wear them sparingly.  

Get your size!  I have seen girls in Christian Louboutin with their toes hanging over the shoe and it makes the shoes look horrible and cheap.  Get your toes off the ground by purchasing your correct size.  If they don't have your size then that means you don't purchase.   Your feet will thank you.  

Any "cheap shoes" buying tips that you would like to share?