Ideal vs. steal: White pumps

It would seem as though this post is perfectly timed with the "white shoes for Easter Sunday" issue. But trust me, this is an accidental timing sort of thing because I do not play by those rules. I would wear white shoes year round instead.

In fact, I hesitated on posting this now so it wouldn't look like the Easter theme was my motive, but honestly I am just obsessed with white pumps lately and I couldn't wait to post this any longer. I think I've been wanting a pair since September, but just haven't made that leap of a purchase yet. (probably because I just spent $135 on climbing shoes instead...oh priorities.)

Anyhow, if you're like me and you're loving the look of white heels these days, here's an affordable option for you from DSW. I mean, yes, ideally we'd all love to own a pair of Manolo's like these, but for a fraction of the price, you can get another pair that looks pretty darn similar. Which you know sounds really good to me!

Splurge on: Sandals

Summer is pretty much here and that means it's time for sun, fun, shorts and of course, sandals! I don't know about you guys, but I always thought a sandal had to be a flat shoe with small straps. Turns out a sandal is any kind of shoe with any kind of straps. So hello heels and wedges! Nice to meet you all!

Here are my top five picks for summer sandals. There are several options for both casual and dressy attire.

1. ModCloth Reach the Sky Sandal in Trail, $29.99
2. Mossimo® Falk Thong Sandal in Black, $22.99
3. Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Daisy Cutout Sandal, $34.00
4. Rocket Dog Jaclyn Wedge Sandal, $29.94
5. Charlotte Russe Ankle Strap Single Sole Pump, $28.50

Basic black

I have to say, it is SO great to have "professional" pics again! Certainly no disrespect to Leslie and her amazing iPhone photoshoot abilities, because without her taking time from her day I wouldn't have any outfit photos period. So I definitely appreciate her! But you can just tell such a difference when you look at these photos my brother took with his ridiculously professional camera versus the ones we usually take with a phone.

I mean, this was a complete impromptu photoshoot and I think these look so amazing. I am super grateful to my bro for taking the time this past Sunday to snap a few pics of me. Granted, we were trying to kill some time around his house before we had to go to our grandmother's, but still. He could've been just chillin on the couch instead, so I'm glad he "took one for the team" so to speak.

Anyhow, it was super fun getting to actually not only spend time with my brother but also spend time while taking the pics and being able to review them as we were shooting. Plus, now you know what I look like on any given Sunday...just in my basic black dress after church that morning. Oh and I realize that this ensemble is nowhere near boho, but I couldn't resist a couple of good hippity dippity flower field shots when the backdrop was literally right there in Josh's backyard.

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Dress, GAP outlet ($24.99)
2. Guess pumps, DSW ($29.99)
3. BCBGirls Bag, Zoe's ($30.00)
4. Sunglasses, Dollar Tree ($1.00)
5. Circle ring, Brooklyn Flea ($5.00)
6. Square ring, Brooklyn Flea ($5.00)
7. Necklace, The Clotheshorse ($10.50)

Total: Under $125.00

 

 

Photos: Josh Lewis

Leopard print done right: Minimalistically

Here's another throw back fashion photoshoot. Laura and I took these photos back in the fall of last year, hence why I am able to bare my legs in these photos as it was warmer then than it is now.

I've honestly never been a huge fan of leopard print. I think it's done wrong entirely too often, which means you usually end up looking cheap. And since I'm already thrifty in what I spend on my clothes, I run that risk enough! I certainly don't need a double whammy :)

Anyhow, I'm pretty sure I actually saw this exact shirt featured in a post by Kendi Everyday and I was instantly smitten with the style and the price. So naturally I style-stalked her and ran out to Old Navy to make the purchase. And it's been a handy little piece to have in my wardrobe. Stay tuned to future posts to see the other ways I like to style it!

Here's the cheapskate outfit breakdown:

1. Leopard print top, Old Navy ($19.50)
2. Peplum skirt, Lotus Boutique ($9.99)
3. Guess pumps, DSW ($29.99)
4. Black cami, GAP ($6.50)
5. Crossbody bag, thrifted ($5.99)
6. Sunglass, Forever 21 ($5.80)
7. Cocktail ring, gifted

Total: Under $100

 

 

Photos: Laura Menconi

ps. I'm wearing sexy leopard print on the steps of a church building...I'm wiiiilllllddd! (pun intended)