Everything's Coming Up Roses

Happy Good Friday!

The title of this post is not an understatement in my world backyard.  We have the most amazing, sweet smelling, bold colored roses blooming up in our yard.

I was able to snip off several this week and there are so many more that will be ready in a few days.  I am not a gardener or have anything resembling a green thumb...believe me!  The rose beds were planted long before our time!  We inherited them when we bought our house.  Luckily, they do not require much maintenance.  We just water and they do their thing!  That's my kind of gardening!!

So, today's outfit inspiration comes from my pretty little bed of roses that don't need much attention.  Oh, how I love Spring and all that comes with it. 

Every now and then, it's nice to take the time to stop and smell the roses!  Cliche, I know...I couldn't resist.

Top:Old Navy | Skirt:Forever 21 | Wedges:Express | Earrings:Target | Ring:F21 | Clutch:F21

If you follow me on Instagram {@becauseshannasaidso} you got a glimpse of my bloomed beauties. Let me share in case you missed them.

Gorgeous, right!?!?

Did I mention that I LOVE this time of year!?!

Happy Easter! Please remember it's not about the decorated eggs, a bunny or baskets with straw.

We are celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! 

Cheers to outfit inspirations, not having a green thumb, the Easter Bunny and

most importantly Jesus Christ!

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!!

Today I am linking up with Long Distance Loving and her ever so famous "My Friday's Fancies".

My Weekend Recap

Monday has rolled around once again. Why does it come so quick? Well, I hope you enjoyed your two days off and are ready to take on another week. 

My two day weekend turned out to be three.  I was sick on Friday and stayed in bed pretty much all day.  I think it's this bi-polar Texas weather.  One day it is 90 degrees outside and the next it's in the 50's.  I had to get better quick {insert Z-pak} because I had to head to the "Big D" {Dallas} to help throw a wedding shower for one of my college sorority sisters.  I had to make the most of spending time with some of my best friends in the whole world...no time for being sick.  We had the party at a fun and intimate winery called Times Ten Cellars.  I don't think drinking wine helped remedy my ickiness, but I put on my big girl panties and rolled with it!  I don't get too many opportunities to spend time with my best buds.  Everyone had an amazing time..lots of food, laughs, hugs and did I mention wine? 

This was the chosen outfit of the day.  I have been searching for some cobalt blue wedges and I finally found a pair that I couldn't pass up.  I think I might be 6' tall in these high rises.  And believe it or not, they are actually really comfortable.  And my pants, well it's actually a romper that is gray on top.  I threw the top over it because it was a little chilly out.  I am looking forward to wearing it without the top when it warms up again, which I am sure will be tomorrow...crazy weather! 

Blazer:Forever 21 | Romper:Thrifted | Top:Limited (Old) | Shoes:Forever 21|Jewelry:Forever 21 (Old)

And now for a few of last week's Instagram photos.  You can find more of my pics here.

1. My new Essie poilsh in Mint Candy Apple 

2. New trend for men - lizard earrings! Just kidding. The hubs was being silly!!

3. It was HOT last Wednesday! 90 degrees!!

4. Amazing sunset on Thursday.  No Photoshopping!

5. My fab find - Pastel Rose earrings from F21 - only $3.80

6. Another fab find - snake skin day clutch from Sam Moon

7. Homemade Apple Cheese Tart - Can't take the credit. Joy, it's all YOU!

8. Horrible Dallas traffic on a Saturday evening

Did you do anything fun this weekend?  Or did you come across any fab finds? 

I would love to hear from you!

Anyone watch the Academy Awards?  I watched the red carpet and that was about it. 

Michelle Williams was my fave...absolutely STUNNING!!! 

Cheers to blue suede shoes, lizard earrings and spending the weekend with your best buddies!

I am linking up today with Momtrends, BonBon Rose Girls, and Glamamom for Monday Mingle.

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