Blue Suede Shoes (For Less)

A little unexpected pop of color can really make an outfit.

I love the look of a black outfit with bright blue heels.

Beyonce with bright blue pumps

LC with a one-shoulder top and blue pumps

1.) I found a cute pair at Nordstrom:

Rachel Roy Pumps, Nordstrom: $225

2.) Then, found a pair for less at Piperlime:

Jessica Simpson heels, Piperlime: $79.00

3.) Then, a look-alike pair for even less at Kohls:

Rock and Republic for Kohls: $34.97

What a steal!  I'd pair them with black skinny pants and a black top like LC did above.

I've never tried it, but I'm sure just wearing bright blue shoes would brighten anyone's mood!

Neutral and Noteworthy

Some people may feel that beige is a little boring.

Not me!

I feel the look of simple, understated neutrals.

And the fact that a solid, neutral dress or shirt can be worn again years from now and not look "out".

1.) Classic tan dress:

Dress, J.Crew: $180

Dress, J.Crew (old)

2.) Similar for less:

Dress, Forever 21: $27.80

3.)

Cardigan, Gap: $49.95

4.) For Less:

Cardigan, Target: $19.99

5.) 

Nude Pump: Nordstrom, $128.95

6.)

Nude Pump: Target, $29.99

Plus, neutrals can be worn with any color in your wardrobe.  They look especially nice with a bold necklace or layered with a brightly colored top.

Must find this sweater (for less)

Recently, I was browsing Pinterest, when I came across the most amazing fall sweater, and decided immediately I had to have it.

I am constantly on the search for clothing that is cute yet comfortable.  (This blog may be more about comfortable clothes than fashionable clothes I've realized...)

This sweater stood out at me on Pinterest and it fits the bill perfectly.
It would feel like you're wearing a blanket all day!  How amazing and cozy!

Souchi Cashmere Cowl Neck Sweater, $686

Hold up.  The price tag just about did me in.  $686 for this dreamboat sweater.  Well that's about $600 too much for me.

So, I began a search.

I hoped to find the exact sweater but cheaper somewhere (possibly in merino instead of cashmere).  I searched high and low.  I'm still searching now...

Here are the closest options I've found (so far!):

1.) 

Rest Day Pullover: Lululemon, $88

2.)

Cowl Hooded Sweater: Athleta, $89

3.) 

San York Alpaca Pullover, Sierra Trading Post: $59.95

4.)

Cowl Neck Tunic Sweater, Ann Taylor: $68

All the above sweaters/sweatshirts are just adorable.  My favorites are the top two.

I haven't given up the search yet though!

Tucked Into Skirts: The Easy Way

Right now everywhere I go, girls are tucking their shirts in.

Picture found here

They're tucking shirts into jeans, into skirts, some even into shorts.

For the most part, it looks great!  Tucked in shirts look so much cleaner for some reason, and definitely can pull an outfit together.

For some reason, the art of "tucking in a shirt" is one I'm still learning.  So, when I see 2-in-1 combo dresses that give me the "tucked-in" look without the hassle, I'll take it.

Here are my favorites:


1.) Perfectly work-appropriate:

Half Stripe Sweater Dress: The Limited, $89.90

2.)  Since I love black and white combos, I had to include the one above and these two below:

Accidentally In Love White Blouse Dress: Piperlime, $59.

Colorblocked Dress, Forever 21: $19.80
Probably best for a night out on the town, but not to work!

3.) With an edge:

Gap Mixed Fabric Dress: $79.95

4.) Girly-girl:

CLuce Polka Dot Dress, Piperlime: $64

5.) Fun and pretty:

Navy Yellow Dress: Shabby Apple, $86.

You may be someone who prefers to buy separates and tuck them in on their own for the look.  If it looks good on you, go for it!

These dresses just make it a little simpler by already combining the two for you.

Unfortunately there is no 2-in-1 combo item of clothing for tucking shirts into jeans.  For that, we're on our own!

Look for Less: Basic Black Dress

I believe that no one can ever have too much black in their closet.  It's slimming and goes with everything.

The dresses I chose for today can be office appropriate, dinner date appropriate, or even wedding guest appropriate.    You honestly cannot go wrong with a LBD!


1.) A basic Kate Spade dress (Yes, Kate Spade does make clothes, not just purses and jewelry!):

Dress, Kate Spade: $358

2.) Below, a cute option for less from Gap:

Dress, Gap: $59.95

3.) Below, another cute dress for even less at Kohl's:

Dress: Elle for Kohl's: $45

If you haven't been into a Kohl's in a while, I highly recommend heading in!  They have some really cute clothing lines: LC Lauren Conrad, Simply Vera Wang line, and even Rock and Republic now.

Now, if only I could find more items of clothing that are as versatile as the LBD...

High Waist Jeans

Why is it that American Apparel models (or any models) can make certain clothes look amazing?

Even though I know those certain clothes would not look amazing on me?

Case in point:

High Waist Jeans: American Apparel, $72

My brain says: "These are not a good purchase for you.  The waist is way too high for your short-waisted self."

My heart says: "But 98% of the reviewers recommend them!  The reviewers say they are comfortable, flattering, and they even use the word perfect!"

My brain says: "Just, No."

Well, if the AA jeans aren't for you (or me), here are a few other high-waisted options:

7 For All Mankind High Waisted Skinny Jeans, $132

BDG High-Rise Jean, Urban Outfitters: $58

Style Makeover: Classroom Edition

I thought I would show a little bit of my "classroom style" today.

In June, the classrooms get emptied out, cleaned out, and end up pretty barren.
So, I've spent much of my August fixing mine up for the school year.

I'm proud of how it turned out and I'm excited to have it full of my new fourth grade kids.

Here are some before/afters:

Front of Room (Before)

Front of Room (After)
Notice: Curtains, bulletin boards, and white paint.

Back of Room (Before)

Back of Room (After)
Notice: More white paint, more bulletin boards, books.

I will still be tweaking the room a little as the year starts, but for now that's probably most of it.
I'm so thankful to awesome women who helped me out greatly, Mary Kay and Lynn.

I can already tell it will be a great school year!
Now to enjoy sleeping in just a few last days...