retrospect

vague recap
You may have been able to tell by Thursday's post, but I've had a pretty intense week. After posting, I went for a walk in the pouring rain (yes, at one in the morning), and it really helped to clear my head. Out of respect for someone else's privacy, I'll refrain from going into details, but I will confess that I am incredibly frustrated and hurt. It's somewhat my fault, for opening myself up to a situation I knew would lead to these feelings somehow, but it's more complicated than that. I'm also already tired of justifying it to myself using that excuse - so I'm giving in. I'm walking away.

it's in the details
Since I didn't describe my outfit Thursday, I thought I'd lay it out for you today. I have to confess that I didn't love it until I added the tights - once my legs were fully encased in black (albeit sheer, dotted black), I felt much more like myself. This outfit is actually a lot closer to my normal style than much of what's appeared on the blog over the last few weeks; I've been pushing myself to try new colors, patterns and pieces that are outside my comfort zone. I think it's been turning out quite nicely, but I've really started to miss my more rocker-chic duds. Summer may be creeping up on us, but you can expect to see more black in upcoming outfit posts.

I generally avoid lipstick and gloss (when I do wear it, it tends to be nude or pink), but I had been fighting with a friend of mine on Thursday. This (male) friend hates when I wear any sort of lip color (no relation to the argument, btw), so naturally, this meant that I dug out the craziest, most offensive one I could find on my way out the door, which happened to be a bright purple gloss. It made sense in my head at the time.

The pink skirt was also a birthday gift from him. If I didn't love him it so much, I would probably burn it. Sigh - dilemmas of the heartbroken.

pardon the dust
You may have also noticed the blog changes - so far I've only gotten through the template (mostly), but there are a number of changes forthcoming in terms of content, pages and overall look. I've been considering a massive overhaul for a while now, but recent events have convinced me that it's time to let go of the old and invite in some new. In the meantime, if you have any problems with the blog, issues with functionality or features, or notice any errors (grammatical, syntax or other) please feel free to let me know.

This photo = my week

pieces of the puzzle

Zara Oversize Tank (find a similar one here)
I do love the oversized-ness and unfinished hem of this tank, but the massive armholes drive me bat shit wonkers. I'm not usually opposed to layering, but I hate having to layer just to cover my bra - and since I lack any sort of cleavage without a decent push-up, going bra-less isn't really an option for me. Besides, one stiff breeze from the side, and it's Janet Jackson at the Superbowl.
In short: If you don't mind adding a cami underneath for coverage, this is an awesome oversized tank. I love the fit, the fabric and the quality.

Forever 21 Accordion Pleated Chiffon Skirt (find it here)
I pretty much adore this skirt. It's maybe a bit short for work - it definitely needs tights if that's where you plan to take it - but the pleats are perfectly on trend for spring, and the bright color will carry it through the summer. This color is listed on the website as coral, though it seems a bit more hot-watermelon-pink than true coral to me; it also comes in a lovely navy shade that I'm considering adding to my skirt drawer.
In short: Do I think you should get it? Um, YES! So far I have no qualms with this piece, and if you're still looking for the perfect pleated skirt (a definite essential this year), this is The One. Trendy pieces should always be the ones you spend the least on, and at $15.80, this one definitely fits the bill (and your budget).

also pictured

cami: arizona (similar here)

belt: maurice's

tights: h&m (similar here)

heels: maurice's (similar here)

watch necklace: maurice's

friendship bracelets: maurice's

studded wrist wrap: charlotte russe (similar here)

4

it's time

[to get my head together]

I went to Wendover Saturday night, and the outfit I wore was gorgeous (comfortable, and it made my butt and legs look fantastic) - unfortunately though, hotel/casino lighting is not very outfit-photo friendly, so I apologize for the the grainy nature and weird coloring of the images.

I really need to go to bed - I have to be up super duper* early for work in the morning, and I've been running on roughly four hours of sleep a night for nearly an entire week (and I didn't get to indulge in my usual weekend coma - I had actual plans outside of my house that did not involve my sister or mother - WHAT WHAT!). But I feel like if I don't post something soon, my poor blog is going to wither and die.

I've been really sick this last week, and with that on top of work and other, more emotional strains, things were just getting to be too much. I needed a tiny break from something, and blogging happened to be the most expendable thing last week. I still feel like I've been pushing myself to the brink with this sleep deprived/underfed/over-medicated/over-caffeinated rotation I've been in recently though. I'm starting to feel like my body is about to collapse in on itself, and let's not get started on my mental state - though I will tell you that I'm so tired I'm starting to hallucinate. Really hallucinate. It's a bit unnerving.

It's time to pull myself together.

So I'm going to start posting regularly again, I'm going to get caught up at work, and I'm going to start writing again. Social interaction will now also be included in this new cycle, though in limited amounts. It was good to get out of town this last weekend, and it was good to spend some time with someone I've missed (vague, I know - you'll live).

I picked up a new clutch for the weekend from Covet Boutique in Tooele, and although I was a bit iffy about it at first, I have since decided that I don't regret the purchase. I love the mix of studs and rhinestones across the front, and it's the perfect size for a night out: slim and sleek, but the length and height gives it some storage space for all of my essentials. I decided to go with the pinky-beige version, but they also carry it in black, and my sister seems to think she needs that one.

Yes, I happen to think a Hershey's candy bar is a Wendover essential.

the outfit:

black tank: maurice's (similar here)

cobalt pencil skirt: maurice's (similar here)

black bow belt: maurice's

black sandals: maurice's (similar here)

necklace: nasty gal (find it here)

earrings: nasty gal (find them here)

gold cuff: charlotte russe (similar here)

clutch: from Covet Boutique

purse contents:

various plastic: ID, debit card (no credit cards in casinos!), player's card, room key

make up: maybelline baby lips lip balm, sephora mineral matte powder, urban decay glide on eye pencil, make up forever concealer & lipstick, diorshow blackout mascara, nail clippers

misc: hello kitty tissues (from forever21), hershey candy bar

*Yeah, I said "super duper". So?

4

heels of spring

spring style guide: the heels

There are many people who deem my obsession with footwear to be irrelevant, useless, and a waste of money (like my mother), but the perfect shoe is the foundation of an incredible outfit. The right shoe will not only complete the look, but it will also make you feel better, stand taller and it will leave a hell of a print on the people you meet. Seriously - where would Cinderella be without her glass slipper?

With that in mind, I've taken the time, collected the research, done some comparing and contrasting and rounded up the hottest shoes for the hot weather. What I found was that this year, shoe stores have exploded with new styles of all heights, and it's been impossible to narrow down the list - so I broke it up into two posts. Today we'll cover summer heels, and tomorrow we'll talk about the flats. I've even included three choices (affordable, splurge, and fantasy) with each to help you get started on updating your footwear collection - go forth and shop, my friends!

the wedge
The proverbial summer staple, the wedge is summer you wear on your foot, especially when done in raffia, wood, tribal prints or bright colors. More comfortable than heels because of the added support throughout the whole foot, wedges are the perfect shoe for summer outings like shopping, museums, art galleries, brunch, and pretty much everything in between. They're your best bet for anything and everything not covered by the other shoes in your collection - they're the boots of your spring and summer footwear.

the buy | the splurge | the fantasy

Chinese Laundry Make My Day Natural Linen Wedges, via Lulus.com

the t-strap
For times when you need to amp up the sex appeal, a t-strap heel is your go to shoe. The best part about this design is that it works with any kind of heel - stiletto, chunky or wedge, as long as it has some height to it. The skinnier the heel, the more daring the look (obvs) but the chunky and wedge options are still sexy and great alternatives for those ladies who aren't exactly experts at walking on four inch nails (myself included - and trust me, no matter how sexy the shoe, falling off of it definitely ruins the effect!)

the buy | the splurge | the fantasy

Platform T-Strap Sandal, via Zara.com

the color block
Another shoe that works well with any sort of heel (I prefer the chunky or wedge varieties, myself), this shoe is the one to pair with your black dress/skinny jeans/skirt/pretty much anything to transition it from work day to night out. We all know that color blocking is a major thing this season, but for those of us who are a bit color shy, the color blocked sandal is the perfect way to work a bit of funky edge into one's look without going over the top trendy.

the buy | the splurge | the fantasy

Multicolor DeeDee Heels by Lovely People, via Threadsence.com

the nude pump
If you don't already own a nude pump (WTH woman?!), this is the season to invest in one. While black pumps are always stylish, her nude sister has the magical ability to slim and elongate one's legs - two very desirable traits in a shoe. The lighter color is more spring/summer friendly, and because it's a neutral, it allows the other pieces of your outfit to do the talking (which makes it the perfect shoe for loud, busy ensembles). This is the shoe to slip into when the rest of your ensemble is glitzy, sparkly, or otherwise brimming at the top with gorgeous, because of its ability to blend in and enhance.

the buy | the splurge | the fantasy

Lacey Nude Pumps via Maurice's // see the outfit post here

the chunky heel

Chunky heeled sandals are the perfect balance between the wedge and the stiletto, because "chunky" can mean so many different things. There's skinny chunky, thick chunky, low chunky, tall chunky, tapered chunky - you get the picture. Wooden and suede covered heels seem to be the most popular option for this type, though the styles from there are wide and varied. It can be combined with other trends, such as color blocking and skin toned shades, or kept classic in simple shapes and neutral colors; most can also go from work day to casual afternoon to night out, depending on the outfit and accessories up top. The variety and versatility of this heel makes it my favorite for the season - and let's not forget the comfort factor.

the buy | the splurge | the fantasy

Black Studded Sandals via Kork-Ease // see the outfit posts here & here
Neutral Color Block Heels via Charlotte Russe // see the outfit post here

the springtime boot

Because of the rising temps, boots can be tricky in the spring. While many of us are hesitant to relinquish our boots as winter flees, wearing them on a day that's warmer than 60 can be sweltering. Springtime boots are the perfect compromise; usually ankle or mid-chin height, spring boots/booties are most frequently somewhat cowgirl in nature, though some have laces, wedge heels, or cuffs. 

the buy | the splurge | the fantasy

Wrangler Suede Ankle Boots in taupe, via Threadsence.com

Note: Wellies, or rain boots, have also been having a moment, but can cause the same issues as regular boots later on towards summer, when warm storms are more common. In this instance, I would advise jelly flats.

in conclusion

If you live in Broke City (like me), you don't have the cash (or the closet space!) to drop on six new pairs of heels all at once (and we still haven't covered the flats!). Seriously, it's okay - don't panic! Personal style is all about doing more with less, getting creative and pushing those fashion boundaries. Invest in a few new pairs that you know you will wear all season, and forget the rest (or buy them on sale whenever you can find them). The most important thing is to buy what suits your personality and individual style, regardless of what the trends are. The suggestions I've listed above are great starting points, and I'd love to see what else you can find and what your spring/summer staple shoes are!

P.S. Don't forget to check back tomorrow night for the flats edition!

P.P.S. Have you entered my giveaway? Hurry - the deadline is April 16th @12:01am tonight!!!

And don't forget to vote for my entry into the Chictopia & Free People Spring Bloom Contest.

Love and hugs for votes!

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get the look

I apologize for the lack of outfit posts this week; the weather and my schedule not been conducive to outside photo shooting. As much as I love the rain, downpours do tend to put a damper on a girl's suede shoes.

So in lieu of outfitted goodness, I'd like to present you with these gorgeous Polyvore collages my little sister has put together of some of my outfits. I have to say, I seriously kind of love her new hobby.

Floral Jen by shadow-ravin featuring yellow gold jewelry

(Check out the skirt featured here & the pumps here;

get a similar cuff here & blazer here)

Bold Patterns by shadow-ravin featuring a pleated skirt

(Check out the purse featured here & the gold cuff here;

find a similar skirt here & shirt here)

I pretty much have the best little sister in the whole history of the world. If you'd like to get to know her awesomeness a bit better, you can check out her blog here.

P.S. Don't forget to enter my birthday giveaway! 

We are only 94 entries away from unlocking the final bonus prize! The cutoff is April 16th @ 12:01am, so make it quick! The earlier you enter, the more chances you have to win!

P.P.S. Be a dear and check out and vote my entry into the Spring Bloom contest. 
Love and hugs for votes!!!

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floral fetish

The florals in my closet seem to be multiplying exponentially, particularly in the form of skirts. I'm sure there is a scientific name for this phenomenon, though I am unaware of it. I prefer the term "floral fetish" anyway; however, upon further consideration, it sounds something akin to tentacle porn.

The bright colors and floral patterns of spring have definitely started to grow on me, and I love the ruffles and salmon pink color of this blouse... but I have already started itching for the darker colors of the colder months again, and the various fall collection photos I've been browsing haven't been helping much.

My incessant yearning for winter style probably contributed to the purchase of several darker floral prints, in black with cobalt blue, grey and pink flowers, as well as a cobalt blue pencil skirt (all of which will be featured later this week, as part of my Parade of Birthday Outfits). Btw, I consider cobalt blue to be a winter color, because I love it so much.

My sister and I wandered up the street a bit for today's photography session, and were rewarded with at least three vehicles honking/gawking, and one new friend who took it upon himself to pull over and introduce himself when he saw us.

This gold cuff and vintage straw bag are absolutely my favorite accessories for this summer. This cuff is the only bracelet I've ever been able to tolerate wearing at work, and I love how ladylike yet playful the purse is.

ruffle tank: maurice's (similar item here)

floral skirt: maurice's (similar item here)

nude pumps: maurice's (similar item here)

straw bag: vintage

gold cuff: charlotte russe

My younger sister, the Princess; and my nephew, the Monster.

If the rest of my life is spent doing nothing but taking care of these two beautiful people, I will be the happiest, most fulfilled person in the world.

P.S. Don't forget to enter my birthday giveaway! 

We are only 100 entries away from unlocking the final bonus prize! The cutoff is April 16th @ 12:01am, so make it quick! The earlier you enter, the more chances you have to win!


P.P.S. Be a dear and check out and vote this outfit on Chictopia - it's my entry into the Spring Bloom Contest! Love and hugs for votes!!!

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designing myself

Happy weekend, blog world! I was fortunate enough to have an early start to mine - my lovely employer gave us Good Friday off. I don't even know what Good Friday is, aside from that it's the Friday before Easter. And I think it has something to do with Passover, though I don't know what that is either.

I haven't been feeling particularly inspired of late; I think it's at least partially due to the overabundance of clothing that is literally spilling out of my closet, drawers and baskets beneath my bed. My wardrobe is in pretty serious need of a purge, but I haven't been able to work up the motivation/energy to get it done. I have two three-day weekends in a row though - maybe after some time to relax, I will finally hop to it.

My short absence from the blog has been primarily due to this lack of inspired feeling. I had hoped that a creative break would allow me to regroup and recharge my imaginative batteries, but alas - I feel no such relief. I feel as though my life has settled into a bit of a rut, and I've been wracking my brain for ways out. I think this is my version of cabin fever, since I typically feel more peaceful during the winter, and spring causes me all sorts of anxiety.

I would love to take a vacation, to go somewhere I've never been, but that would require a bit of time and saving. In the meantime, I need a more short-term, immediate fix for the pricking at my spirit I'm feeling. The insomnia, restlessness, ADD, itchiness - all symptoms that cause me greater problems. The fact that I am up and typing this entry at 5am is an example of such.

Looking over my 25 before 26 list, I'm not sure whether I feel inspired by my progress in the last week, or overwhelmed with what I have left. It's really not a complicated list, since I 'optimized' it; I suppose I've been living in neutral for so long now that shifting into drive and actually getting things done on a personal level feels a bit intimidating. I've checked off four things from list in just a week (two of them biggies), but I still have 18 to go before next Saturday. I can do it - I just have to push myself a bit harder than I have been.

I realize this post is coming off as a bit of a Debbie Downer, but honestly, life isn't all cupcakes and rainbows. I have been working really hard lately, and making a great deal of progress because of it. I'm beginning to see the results of those actions, and it makes me want to work harder. I think my frustrations primarily stem from not really knowing what exactly to do to keep moving forward, from wasting so much of my life screwing around, and from not being able to devote my life and all of my time to my work. While I do enjoy my job and love my co-workers, it's not my dream - and I don't want to spend my life working for someone else's dream. I am so tired of being told that I can't/won't/will never achieve the things I want, and I am so ready to start making people eat their words. I feel like I've finally started on that path, and I'm afraid of screwing it up (again), but I also know that I have to keep going, to keep pushing myself, to keep putting one foot in front of the other, because that's the only way to get anywhere in life. I have to keep moving.

The plan for this weekend:
-Cross a few more things off of my list.
-Implement a few of the planned additions/changes to the blog.
-Take some time to meditate and relax.
-Start on my closet purge.
-Achieve a goal.
-Impress/inspire myself.

I picked up this skirt and blouse on my birthday shopping trip this week. I was supposed to go to SLC next week with my mom but... it fell through. Long story. So I took myself to the local Maurice's and blew way more than I should have to cheer myself up. Shopping provides a (very) temporary cure for my frustrations. I love putting together outfits, even if it's solely for dressing room pleasure. The recent release of Instagram for Android makes it even more fun. I have a therapist - his name is retail.

blazer: Zara

black shirt: maurice's

white floral skirt: maurice's (similar item here)

black chunky heels: kork-ease

necklace: forever 21

hat: maurice's (similar item here)

Are you on Instagram yet? Let's be friends! 

My username is frayedthreads - leave a comment with yours.

have you entered my birthday giveaway? 

We just hit 40 individual entries, unlocking the first bonus prize! Think we can make the second? We need 106 entries - tell your friends, your neighbors, everyone! The deadline is 12:01am on 4/16, so make it quick!

3

bold print mixin' vixen

I apologize in advance for the many headless photos featured here; I was taking pictures by myself again today. My sister was smart enough to stay inside - the bright, cloudless sky and downpour of sunshine was deceptively inviting... Upon walking outside in a skirt minus tights, I realized just how freezing it was. My toes were numb several minutes in, and I really just wanted to get a few good full body shots and get back inside before I lost all feeling in my legs.

And speaking of tightless legs... you may need to cover your eyes. I haven't found my tanning lotion yet!

I've mentioned before that I'm rather print shy, but I happened to try this plaid shirt on with this floral skirt by accident a couple of months ago at Maurice's, and was quite pleasantly surprised to find that I rather liked the combination. The pinks of the plaid match perfectly to the pink flowers in the skirt, while the purple and mint of each respective garment contrast just enough to play off of each other without giving one a headache. My sister didn't even realize I had two completely different prints on - it's a soft, subtle blend of floral and plaid in bright, springy colors that oddly matched my mood today.

IFB's project this week (Print on Printed Matter) is to create a mixed print look, and although I've yet been brave enough to wear it in public, I decided this would be the perfect time to photograph the ensemble. The more interesting trends such as intense print mixing rarely find their way into Utah, and I'm old enough now that I no longer enjoy attracting stares of incredulity for the way I dress. Stares of awe, though, those I don't mind so much.

I briefly mentioned my trip to the thrift store with my sister a couple of weeks ago; in addition to the orange purse I picked up to complete my previous print mixing adventure, I also snagged this perfect structured straw bag for $1.50. I love how it's size and build mixes it between a purse and a clutch - it's perfect for summer afternoons of lazing around the park or wandering the city, and the bow woven into the front is the cherry on top.

Straw (or raffia) purses are a perpetual summer staple - they may fade in and out over the years, but they never fully disappear. The newest designs come in all sorts of hot colors and fun shapes, but my favorites are the old school retro bags, like this one.

plaid shirt: maurice's (similar item here or here)

pink lace camisole: maurice's (similar item here)

floral skirt: maurice's (similar item here)

espadrille wedges: maurice's

brown belt: vanity

straw bag: vintage (similar item here)

mocassin necklace: vintage

gold cuff bracelet: charlotte russe (similar item here)

See more of the bathroom garden here, here and my favorite one here.

While you're here, be sure to check out my fantabulous birthday giveaway for the chance to win one a Forever21.com e-gift card!

4

studded fantasies

The wonderful, kind, amazing FedEx driver delivered my Zara package to my office yesterday. This blue plastic wrapped cardboard box contained the single most expensive item of clothing I have ever purchased: the Zara Studded Fantasy Fabric Blazer.

My justification at that point was that I was getting it as an early birthday present to myself, though I regretted the action almost immediately upon pressing "Confirm" on the Zara website. At that point I had to wait it out - if I wasn't as in love with the blazer in person as I was on the website, I would just have to return it.

So it was with some trepidation that I pulled the plastic from the box yesterday and carefully unwrapped the enclosed items from the tissue paper; all sorts of anxieties were bouncing around in my mind: size and fit questions, worries about the fabric and texture, and (mostly) uneasiness about the cost of the order (which shall remain unspoken, but the oversize tank I purchased was one-tenth the price of the blazer). As excited as I was to receive the package, I was almost too afraid to open it - I was so in love with the fantasy blazer I had seen on the website and I was terrified reality wouldn't translate into what I had pictured in my imagination. I was afraid of being disappointed (again).

You see, to me, disappointment is heartbreaking. It is destructive. It is shattered dreams and broken hope. Call me dramatic, call me a shopaholic, call me obsessed, accuse me of taking it too seriously - whatever. It's all true. I take my wardrobe very seriously. These are the pieces that describe me to the world, that tell my story without ever saying a word. These are what make a first impression. These are my art.

Not every piece is a work of art in and of itself - nor should every piece be so. The art forms when the pieces are put together; like paints on a canvas, they are not complete without each other. It is vitally important that each color be mixed perfectly, be placed aptly, and within the right context, in order to achieve a work of art rather than simply an outfit.

The more I learn about fashion and style, the more I begin to realize that this artform really is an art, as much as painting or drawing or writing or architecture. There is no science to style, no exact formula for achieving it nor established criteria for determining whether one has it; only one's sense of self and imagination and the hope for the best.

I truly believe that the way we dress reflects the way we feel about ourselves.

It may be subconscious, it may be deliberate; it could be somewhere in between.

Style is the ultimate form of self-reflection.

But back to the story.

As soon as my hands grasped the fabric of the blazer, my fears evaporated; I gently pulled it from the wrapping and looking at it, holding it, feeling it, was like first love all over again... only without the painful heartbreak at the end. This is a piece that will never, ever betray me.

The studs of various sizes that run along the collar and faux pockets are a matte, almost burnished, silver; the black fabric seems to be a mix of boucle and frayed tweed and seems heavy at first glance, but upon inspection is actually rather thin and thus perfect for both summer and winter. The strong shoulders feel like armor against the weight of the world, while the frayed hems and seams are the perfect imperfection - just enough muss to keep the blazer from being too stuffy. The texture of the jacket and cut of the neck and shoulders is certainly reminiscent of the famous Chanel jackets, but the Zara version has a longer length and more boyfriend like fit than Coco's classic cut. This is an impeccably balanced blazer: enough polish and charm to establish it's position as a classic, yet a roughness to it that reminds us of its bad assery.

I mentioned the heather gray oversize tank I purchased to go with it, though upon close inspection I am finding this blazer is a source of continual inspiration that will likely be matched with nearly everything I own throughout the summer. Despite it's uniqueness (or perhaps because of it), it seems to be the most versatile garment I own.

It is important to note that (in my experience, at least) Zara sizes seem to run a bit small. I typically wear a small or medium, but wear a medium or large in Zara clothing. Even the shoes seem to run on the small (narrow) side. I chose to go with a large for this blazer, and I am very happy with that decision.

Today I paired with with the oversize tank, a pair of denim flares and my Kork-Ease sandals that I received gift (see a close up + a review further down in this post). I'm thinking a remix of this combination will likely become my spring/summer uniform, while I have a number of skirts, dresses and shorts (pencil, mini and leather, specifically) that will do quite nicely for dressing it up for any occasion that may arise. I may do some experimenting this weekend; I will be sure to share any photos that result.

This blazer absolutely lives up to it's name - it is the utter fulfillment of my fantasy, the perfect piece to add to my collection of cherished and beloved pieces. I may have what seems like an infinite wardrobe, but my collection is quite small. My collection is the art; it is what I am focused on growing, now that I am older and I understand the difference. Expect a closet purge very, very soon.

It was rainy and breezy as I stepped outside for a self-portrait session; the drops fell in an intermittently steady drizzle as I timed and snapped these photos in our bathroom garden (the whole concept still somewhat confounds me, and yet I love it). There was a hint of chill in the air, but it was faint, haunting - only the ghost of winter remains here, it seems. The blossoms are just blooming on our plum tree - tiny white flowers surrounded by tiny green leaves on still gray branches, silhouetted by a stone sky. This is my favorite kind of spring weather.

These leather studded sandals are a very close second for my favorite summer staple. I snagged these beauties as a free reward, and I adore them. It took a couple of weeks for them to arrive, but they are so comfy (the insoles are actually padded enough that I can push it down!) and classy that I am completely willing to overlook the lengthy shipping time (especially since they were free). The chunky wooden heel is the perfect height for both casual and work wear and the crisscross leather front keeps things looking sleek while the studs add some edge to the overall look. Definitely the perfect addition to my summertime shoe collection.

Sigh. At least I can say my family is unique in their sense of aesthetics.

[blazer: Zara Studded Fantasy Fabric Blazer; tank: Zara (similar item here); jeans: Refuge Denim (similar item here); shoes: Kork Ease; layered chain necklace: Sears (similar item here); moccasin necklace: vintage; nail polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Snappy Sorbet (orange) and Flashy Fuchsia (pink)]

Tell me about your most decadent buy - was it worth what you spent? And what do you think of my new Zara blazer? Any suggestions for styling it? Do you have any questions about my make up? 

Or maybe some there are some embarrassing yet kinda cool family secrets hiding in your backyard that you'd like to share? 

Spill your thoughts or questions in the comments!

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