Eye Spy: Shoe news and shoe porn!

Do you like Rachel Bilson? Do you like shoes? Well get a load of this...

My Shop Suey bag looks a lot like this here bag Rachel is carrying

The word on the style blog streets is that Rachel Bilson is the latest celeb to hop on the "Mint" monthly club trend. What will she be selling us? SHOES!

This is supposed to be the first selection for Shoe Mint. Would you buy it? *Image via ShoeMint.com

Yep, Rachel is teaming up with her celeb stylist friend Nicole Chavez and none other than Steve Madden to bring us a monthly shoe club called Shoe Mint. Slated to launch this month, Shoe Mint will bring us a new shoe every month for $79.99. So what do you think? Interested? I am, I already signed up, lol. If there's one thing I like, it's shoes! Speaking of which...

I LOOOOOVE this video...and shoes of course, lol! Use discretion when viewing because the vid contains strong language. Now moving on to the shoe porn.

I love shoes (and blush) so much that a while back when I had some extra cash on hand, I treated myself to a bunch of both. All of the shoes were absolutely gorgeous! Here are the wedges:

Dolce Vita for Target on the left and DV by Dolce Vita on the right.

 

Unfortunately, I only kept the brown Dolce Vita for target wedges. I’d actually bought two pairs of the Dolce Vita for Target wedges, but I returned the nude pair because they were very cheap looking and feeling. Instead, I bought the tan leather DV for Dolce Vita wedges online. I wound up returning them also because they were too big in the ankle area. I did score this pair of nude suede DV by Dolce Vita wedges though:

DV Toni by Dolce Vita

They were a near perfect fit and absolutely gorgeous! I wore them with this dress that I bought from GoJane.com:

And here I am wearing the dress: 

 

Unfortunately, better pictures of me wearing the dress aren't available :-(

On to the other shoes...

All of these gorgeous Chinese Laundry pumps also went back because they wouldn’t stay on my feet when I walked (no matter what kind of inserts I used). I really really loved all of these pumps but alas, it was not meant to be. Here are more pics of them:

Nude suede with leopard print interior!?! Looooove! Too bad they didn't work out :-(

This color gave me sooo much life! Again, so sad they didn't work out :-(

You just can't go wrong with a basic black suede pump...unless they refuse to stay on your feet when you walk :-(

Now about the blushes…*sigh*

As lovely as these La Femme blushes looked in the pan and as many great things as I’d heard about them via beauty bloggers and Youtube gurus, they had to go back. Why you ask? Well, because they contain mineral oil and parabens. Yes indeed they do. With my sensitive seriously acne prone skin, I wasn’t taking any chances. And may I just say that I will NEVER EVER in life spend money with MakeupMania.com again. They didn’t have a problem taking my money but they certainly had a problem giving it back. It took several phone calls and e-mail complaints to get a refund despite me being well within my rights to a full refund. I was not a happy camper. 

That does it for me. Have you bought anything new? Let a sistah know!

Everyone loves the drugstore!

What's not to love? You can buy food, reading material, personal sanitary items, makeup, etc. all in one spot...plus they have great sales! Am I right or am I right? 


I stopped in my local Walgreens recently because I was notified of their BOGO on Shea Moisture products and a coupon for a dollar off the latest issue of InStyle magazine. I'm as thrifty as they come, so you know I wasn't going to miss out...and I didn't...

You may not have noticed, but I also picked up the new Maybelline EyeStudio Master Drama Cream Pencil in Midnight Master. 

Just in case you don't want to click the link, here's what Maybelline says about the new liner:

Product Details

Why You'll Love It

Experience the new generation of liner:            
• Oil-free cream formula holds the highest concentration of pigments for more intense eye drama.
• Smudgeproof and waterproof for 16 hours.
• Most intense line for lasting drama.                                                  
• Safe for sensitive eyes and ophthalmologist-tested.
• Contact lens safe.

For Best Results

2 SIMPLE STEPS:
1. Start at inner corner of upper eye. Extend beyond top lash line.
2. Extend lower line inward so lines meet in the inner corner of eye.


The product page also offers a tutorial on how to achieve the signature look from the t.v. commercial. You'll have to click the link to see it though because I haven't figured out how to embed it. Honestly, I'm not sure how this liner is going to work out. I swatched it on my hand and then rubbed my finger over it and it faded immediately. It didn't run or smudge, but it did fade. I'll try it on my eyes one my current liner runs out though. Sidenote: The package said this liner would last up to 24 hours but the product page says 16 hours...which is it Maybelline?



For those interested in the Shea Moisture BOGO, the sale ends Friday. Get it while the getting is good! What's your favorite drugstore brand? Let a sistah know!

Bright Color Trouble

And by that title I mean the lack of. As stark as the above picture is, it's just as beautiful to me. I have a thing for landscapes be they lush and green or stripped and stark. I also have a thing for neutral colors that I just cannot seem to let go of...

Browns, tans, greens, khaki...I just can't get enough! I wear neutrals and earth tones allll the time despite the fact that yellow and orange look awesome on me. There's just something so effortless about neutrals and Cheetah/Leopard print though. I'm also guilty of matching my makeup to my outfit...

Eye shadow look features Maybelline's Enchanted Forest quad

I love neutral/natural makeup. Too much color on my face makes me think I look like a clown. Perhaps because I haven't mastered colorful makeup yet. What I have mastered is moss green and brass! I LOVE that combo...

I've also pretty much mastered my eyebrows and blush application...
 

Lancome blush in Rouge Glow

Make Up For Ever Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector (Fawesome stuff!)

Most of all, I'm learning to master my self. I can be very self-critical and more often than not, I don't give myself nearly enough credit. Though still in my box of neutrality, I love this look and think the colors are quite complimentary. This look won't win any street style awards for being daring or avant garde, but that's okay...I'm still learning. In the meantime, I'll keep working my way closer to that "edgy style" precipice and eventually jump off...

Outfit details


Tunic - Target
Jacket - Gap
Jeans - Delia's
Glittery belt you can barely see (but is awesome up close!) - Gap
Cheetah wedges - F21
Bag - Shop Suey
DIY Ankh necklace
Multi-chain brass necklace - Target
Multi-bangle bangle (funny, hee hee) - Cost Plus World Market
Wooden bangle with brass/silver discs - Alloy (or street vendor, can't remember which)
Cheetah print earrings - Gift from my bestie
Rings - Crossroads Trading Co, F21 & Charlotte Russe

Photographs taken by my daughter. She's pretty good :-)

Meandering in Milwaukee...

Did I forget to mention all the time I spent in Milwaukee this year? Well spend it I did! I went to a totally fawesome Deftones concert, I roamed the streets of Cathedral Square during Bastille Days, I attended the Garfield Days Street Festival, I went paddle boating on a pond (what a work out) and I visited the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory also known as the Three Domes.

The Deftones concert was one of the highlights of my Milwaukee adventure! Though I was nearly crushed to death by a teeming crowd of screaming moshing metal fans, it was one the best experiences of this year. Here are some pics of me pre-concert...

I wore a plain gray t-shirt, a multiple chain necklace, Miley Cyrus leggings, black Frye boots and a little black studded bag.

Here are some pics during the concert...

This is one of my fave bands of all time!

And here is an after concert pic...

Don't let the pretty smile fool you, I was in serious full body pain, lol. Here's the after concert reaction video from my BFF and I (beware strong language, so don't watch at work or around young children)...

Funny story about this video, the lead guitarist for the band Dillinger Escape Plan loved this video and posted it on his Twitter and Tumblr page. I was pretty honored, lol.


Now onto the rest of my Milwaukee meanderings. Admittedly, when I hear Milwaukee, the first thing that comes to mind is beer, lol. I don't really associate the beer capital with amazing festivals and beautiful nature attractions...but Milwaukee certainly has plenty of both.


According to easttown.com, Bastille Days is North America's largest outdoor French themed festival held in downtown Milwaukee in Cathedral Square Park. The festival began in 1982 as a way to promote the downtown business district and encourage visitors to explore this neighborhood. I had some of the best food and heard some of the greatest musicians ever while wandering around beautiful Cathedral Square park. There were also tons of vendors hawking handmade jewelry, clothing, bags, fine arts and other wares. I scooped these lovely earrings...

Here are two random pictures from Bastille Days and a picture of me in the paddle boat...

And last but not least, pics from the beautiful Three Domes...

There are three domed conservatories in all, each one with a different theme. There's the tropical dome, the desert dome and the show dome. The above pictures are from the show dome. I'm pretty sure the next two pictures are from the tropical dome...

That beautiful tree (the picture doesn't do it justice) is called a traveler tree. I'm not sure what species of bird that is. He was cute and pretty tame though.

The above pictures were taken in the desert dome. I was awestruck by much of what I saw...can you tell, lol? My OOTD consisted of:


Striped Merona 3/4 shirt (Target)
American Eagle mini skirt
Vintage Coach mini satchel bag (thrifted from Salvation Army for $5!)
Black suede Converse hi top sneakers (from Delia's)


Okay, that's more than enough pictures and whatnot, whew! Have any of you gone out of town/traveled to distant lands? Let a sistah know!

Thrifty Thursday!

When I got word back in the beginning of August about a job offer, I knew I had to stock my rack with some office appropriate outfits. In my previous positions office attire was so casual that I could wear just about anything (and I often did). Not so much with the new job (that I still haven't started). So I cashed in my pennies and headed to Crossroads Trading Company and Goodwill. Let me tell you, I scored better than the captain of a winning football team on prom night! Check out my loot:

J Crew Pinstripe Blouse = $10 (Crossroads)

Button front pinstripe blouses are an absolute must in the business casual wardrobe if you ask me. This blouse can be paired with just about anything...which is why I bought it, lol.

Express Tee = $3.25 (Crossroads marked down from $6.50)

I've had a love thing for stripes for a few years now; horizontal, vertical or diagonal...it doesn't matter. This shirt is actually kinda big on me so I'll have to belt it or something.

Kate Hill Casual Blazer = $13.50 (Crossroads)

I have been looking all over for a cute khaki blazer that hit me at the wrist and goodness gracious was I overjoyed when I found this! I'm 5'10 with loooong arms and legs so sometimes shopping is a hassle I'd rather not endure. This blazer made my day though.

Truly Madly Deeply Tee = $12 (Crossroads)

Here's another tee that fits me kind of big, I loved the Goldenrod color though (it looks amazing against my complexion) so I had to have it. I may alter the neckline a bit so it'll fit better.

BDG Tee = $9.50 (Crossroads)

The color combo and the stripes sucked me in on this one. I haven't worn it, yet but I'm hoping the fit is decent.

Mossimo Blazer = $6.00 (Crossroads marked down from $12)

Although this one isn't a perfect fit I just had to have it! It's a tad shy of hitting me at the wrist but I loooooves it! It's a tweedy fabric with a beautiful purple/gray/tobacco/tealish green colored plaid and it has a nice feminine shape. It's not quite cropped but it doesn't hit the hip either. I LOVE this blazer!

Gap Tee = $8.50 (Crossroads)

Again, kinda pricey for a used t-shirt, but that's just how it is at Crossroads. I really like the color and soft as silk texture of this tee so I grinned and bore it.

Apt 9 Blazer = $6.99 (Goodwill)

 I cannot stay away from earth tones, I just can't. Browns, rusts, tans, mosses, etc. This blazer has a nice feminine shape too thanks to the construction on the back. I'm going to add more bright colors to my wardrobe though and soon...

Josephine Blazer = $4.99 (Goodwill)

Color! My thrifting buddy Naimah actually found this beautiful yellow, cropped 3/4 sleeve blazer (and an identical pink one). I love Love LOVE this blazer! From the silky pinstripe lining to the weave like texture, it is just fab! The buttons are also covered in the same fabric...it's all in the details :-)

Anne Klein Blazer = $6.99

 The minute I laid eyes on this blazer I knew I had to have it! I love the navy color, the electric blue lining and the amazing cut! This blazer is just..it just IS! I can't wait to pair it with a Chartreuse or Fuchsia blouse, it is going to be the bees knees!

Jones New York Blazer = $6.99

 This this this! Before I even went to Goodwill I knew I wanted a blazer that was Chanel like. When I saw this cute little tweed number, it was love at first sight! Now, it fits like a 3/4 sleeved jacket and it's a tad tight in the shoulders, but ask me if I care? I am going to hunt up some gorgeous fancy buttons and rework this baby and then WERK IT! Ya heard?

AK Anne Klein Blazer = $6.99 (Goodwill)

Again with the earth tones...but look at it though. This is an awesome blazer! The contrasting piping on the front and back cinch it in and give it a great feminine shape and it is really well made. This is going to look perfect with some dark wash jeans, satchel bag and riding boots.


Not pictured is the Chartreuse Gap tee (in the dirty clothes hamper) that I picked up from Crossroads. It was an overpriced $7.50. It was brand new with a tag but it had a small hole in it. Yep, I bought it anyway because the color was everything I live for. 

Here's a picture of my Autumn/Winter wardrobe rack:

 Notice the lack of color? Yeah, I'm gonna rectify that soon. 


That's it for this edition of Thrifty Thursday, I hope you enjoyed my finds. When's the last time you scored a great thrift haul? Let a sistah know!


P.S. I went a little overboard with the exclamation marks right? What can I say, I was excited! ;-)

Eye Spy: Lita, is that you?

Image via Google Images. Click image to purchase JC Litas via Solestruck.

I'm sure most of you fashion and personal style blog loving ladies are familiar with Jeffrey Campbell and his luscious Lita, but how many of you can afford or want to invest in what some are calling a fad shoe? Trendy or not, faddish or not, I want a closet full of Litas! Unfortunately, unemployment isn't conducive to my luxe shoe desires. That is until I came across these...

Image via GoJane.com. Click to purchase.

And these...

Image via GoJane.com. Click to purchase.

And all these...

Images via GoJane.com. Click to purchase.

And Ohhh Emmm Geeee golly wow, these bad gals!

Leopard. Print. Camo. Wannabe. Litas. Now I really do not like cheap shoes, I mean my poor feet HATE cheap shoes....but these? THESE!?! I had to have them...and so I got them! Yep, sure did.


As soon as they arrived (shipping was quick, just a few days) I snatched them out of the box, put them on my footsies and stomped down my hallway like I was Naomi Campbell. I freaking love these shoes! I wore them out and about for 6-8 hours and strutted on carpet, concrete and hardwood floors and got nary a blister. Now, my feet did hurt after I removed them but that could be because I'm not used to wearing heels anymore. Not to say they're the most comfy shoes I've ever worn because they're not, but they were a lot more comfy than I expected. Here are the pros:


They're a reasonably priced dupe.
They're pretty light weight despite their chunky/clunky appearance.
They can be paired with just about ANYTHING.
They're GORGEOUS (IMO), not incredibly cheap looking.
Did I mention a fraction of the cost of JC's Litas? Yeah, that.


Cons:


The fabrication is not at all durable. Mine came with a spot on them and when I tried to clean it off, I scrubbed a light patch onto the shoe. Treat these babies with a protectant of some sort and DO NOT GET THEM WET/DIRTY.
They will probably hurt your feet if you aren't used to wearing 5 inch heels. Get some Dr. Scholls gel inserts.
There is no grip on the bottom of these shoes and you just might slip and fall on slick surfaces.






These are mos def transitional/test shoes as they aren't durable enough to last as long as authentic JC Litas. All in all, I recommend these babies to anyone with Lita dreams living on a Walmart budget. Oh, I also found the same Leo print booties for a little less here, the black faux suede here, the black faux leather here and the strappy black faux leather here. Actually, MakeMeChic.com has lots of JC dupes and a bunch of other cute stuff. It's a paradise of cute inexpensive shoes/clothes. Now if only I could find a dupe for these babies...

Image via SoleStruck.com. Click image to pre-order.

Absolutely breathtaking right? That my dears, is the new JC Lita Spike. It is now available for pre-order at SoleStruck.com. Please note, your card will be charged at the time you place your pre-order although the shoes won't ship until October 30th. Oh, shipping is free :-)


And that's it for this edition of Eye Spy. Have you spied with your little eye any interesting finds? Let a sistah know!