Class with a Little Purrrr - Work Day Outfit

I got some great feedback on my red skinny jeans outfit post yesterday, so I figured I would give  another one a whirl.  Let me know what you think.

This is what I call a "day at the office" look.  I took a few simple, staple, solid colored items and gave it some character with inexpensive accessories.   I feel like everything I am wearing is timeless and can be pieces that remain in your closet for years to come. You can recreate this ENTIRE look for $200 or less.  Each piece listed below is less than $42. 

My philosophy..."You don't have to spend a lot of money to look like you did." 

All you need is a couple of statement items and you are all set.  As most of my girlfriends know, I love a little (okay, a lot of) leopard.  But as you can see, you don't have to go crazy with it.  A little here and there little will go a long way.

Staples you need for this look:
Solid pencil skirt
Solid turtleneck
Sweater for layering
Thin belt  - solid neutral colors and a few with fun prints
Luxe safari shoes
Unique, vintage inspired necklace
Statement ring

Rust Turlteneck - Zara (similar)

Cap Sleeve Cropped Sweater - Old Navy

Pencil Skirt - Forever 21 (similar)

Belt - Forever 21 (similar)

Wedges - Payless (yes, Payless!!!)

Bag - Target

Necklace - Target (similar)

Rose earrings - Forever 21 (similar)

Nails - OPI Already Famous (color still intact from the DIY Shellac)

And there you go...class with some sass (and a little bit of purr).

Cheers! 

Shanna Schneider

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