A Birthday and Total Awkwardness

Yesterday was a milestone birthday for one of my most favorite ladies in the entire world.  We have been buds since my freshman year of college and were pledge sisters in our sorority.  We have been in each other's weddings, watched each other's babies come into this world, made some crazy traveling memories {most recently, our Vegas trip}, laughed and cried together and most importantly have been by each other's side through our most trying moments.  I consider her more of my sister than my friend.  So, this post is dedicated to her.  I am so lucky to have shared your birthday with you, and for those who know the story...she likes to party like it's 1998! 

 

Before dinner I had the Hubs snap up a few pictures of my outfit.  Okay, I must say, this was total AWKWARDNESS!!!  If you have been reading my blog, you know that most of my outfit posts are taken in the comfort of my backyard.  WOW!  I give props to you ladies that go out and shoot pictures in public.  I am not a shy or introverted girl, but I felt like a HUGE DORK posing on the sidewalk in downtown Austin.  People were seriously staring and giving us the, "you are so shallow for taking all these pictures of yourself look." All I wanted to do was shout out, "This is for my blog, people!!"  Oh well, at the end of the day, who really cares, but I will say again, big high fives for all of you that do this all the time...I think I am going to head back to my little piece of privacy.

Dress: c/o Strut in Austin | Blazer: Lauren Conrad for Kohls | Shoes: Steve Madden | Jewelry:F21

   

Can you tell that I look a little nervous in the pictures? Through my super fake smile, I was telling the hubs to hurry up and keep snapping! God love him for putting up with me. I know most of us bloggers depend on our devoted {and annoyed at times} better halves to be the men behind the scenes! Let's all go home tonight and tell them that they have been promoted to co-producer.  Do you think they would accept or decline the offer? 

Cheers to birthdays, backyards and better halves!

A Little Ray of Sunshine

So, I have been posting about some of my Jason Wu for Target finds over the last few weeks {here} and {here} and we are now on Round 3.  This is my most fave find, the yellow peplum top.

I can say with all honesty, that I did not get lucky enough to grab this from the store or website. I actually have to give all the props to my blogger friend,  Tara from fabulous but evil.  She let me in on the Jason Wu  Facebook group called Jason Wu for Target :: WuSistas & Mistas Exchange.

If you missed out on the Jason Wu craze, just click on the link above and ask to join the group.  I was accepted immediately.  I guess it's because I am "cool" like that. No, really, anyone can join! 

There are are almost 750 members of this group. It's people looking to buy or sell his merchandise.  The sellers aren't looking to make profit like those eBay scoundrels!  I got this top for retail cost, plus shipping.  If you have some stuff to sell or just want to buy, create a post and voila, people will start responding ASAP.  I posted that I was looking for this top and had 4 people respond to me in a matter of minutes.  Oh, the joys of Facebook!

The girl I bought the top from sent it to me immediately, and of course I had to wear it IMMEDIATLEY!!  I call this outfit a "Little Ray of Sunshine".  It’s bright, cheery and perfect for the warm weather we having been experiencing in Texas. Plus, can we say color blocking? Loving this trend...it let's us all be creative with our wardrobe!!

Top:Jason Wu for Target | Pants:Express | Shoes:Target | Jewelry:Forever 21 | Clutch:Forever 21

Are you tired of my Jason Wu for Target posts yet?  I hope not, because I still have a few more!

Cheers to a little ray of sunshine, the Jason Wu Facebook group and tips from other bloggers!!

Today I am linking up with

Wedges or Espadrilles? Why Not Both?

I am happy to report that my favorite style of shoes, wedges and espadrilles, are still going to be "cool" for Spring 2012.  They were all over the runway at New York Fashion Week...top designers like Alexander McQueen, Anna Sui, Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs all included wedges and espadrilles into their Spring 2012 lines.

Spring Trend #8 - ranks high on my list, as well, because these beauties-of-a-shoe make my legs look longer & leaner and they thin out my ankles.  When it comes to shoes, you can't ask for much more than that!  Well okay, maybe comfort, but that is the beauty of wedges and espadrilles...they are comfortable too!

So far we have confirmed that wedges and espadrilles are trendy, slimming and comfortable...now let's talk about their versatility. These shoes can be dressed up, down, worn with dresses, shorts, pants, jeans, swimsuits...they are truly a staple in every woman's closet and will complete any Spring outfit.

Let's take a look at some fun and festive styles that I put together.  And guess what, yep, you're right...most of these shoes are less than $80.00.  They can all be purchased right now in stores or online from some of my favorite "fashion on a budget" designers like Steve Madden, Nine West, Chinese Laundry and Jessica Simpson.  If you see a wedge or espadrille that you like, just click on it to go straight to the retailer's website.  Happy shopping!

Metallics & Sparkles

Sandals by BC Footwear
Wedges by Delia's

This first set is all about the metallic trend that we talked about last week in my "No Heavy Metal Here" post.  Every girl needs to have one pair of metallic wedges or espadrilles.  I promise, you have more to wear with these than you think.  Go ahead, sparkle & shine!

Wild Side Explorer

Sandals by Asos
Wedges by Naughty Monkey

The shoes featured above will be sure to bring out the wild side in you.  The Luxe Safari Trend is back by popular demand for Spring 2012.  These will definitely make a fashion statement...and they are EVERYWHERE.  Don't be left out.

Fun, Bright & Bold

Wedges by Lucky Brand
Platforms by Jessica Simpson

Bold colors are in for Spring 2012, they go great with floral dresses, polka dot skirts and striped tops.  Be daring and fun. 

Neutral Classics

Pumps by Chinese Laundry
Wedges by Nine West

Okay, time to tone it down a little...the wedges and espadrilles featured above are a MUST.  Please make sure you have at least TWO neutral pairs of these shoes in your closet for Spring 2012.  They are classic, can be worn anywhere (even the beach) and go with everything (even a swimsuit).

Working Girl

Pumps by Seychelles
Wedges by Chinese Laundry

Last but not least, we all need a pair or 2 or 3 or heck why not 4, for our work attire.  Wedges and espadrilles are slacks best friend.  They are also magnificent with pencil skirts and dresses.  Make work more fun...you will be in envy in your office.

I hope each and every one of you found at least one pair of shoes in this post that you are rushing out to purchase.  I am glad I could help!  

Cheers to wedges, espadrilles and shoes in general!  I 'm so glad I'm a girl and I that I can toast to things like this!

Shanna Schneider