Urban CowGirl

There's something about chambray, fringe, and a wide brown leather belt that screams western wear. Yet somehow when I chose to wear all of those items at one time I didn't realize that would be the result.

Do I care that the outfit I wore for brunch/ errands looked like a costume from a bad western? Not really because these Minnetonka trampers are the most comfortable non-sandal shoes I've ever owned  I got them with the shopbop credit I won in a giveaway, so a big thanks to Lyddie at Chic on the Cheap for providing my toesies with warmth and comfort.

Outfit: Chambray Dress- Buffalo Exchange; Belt - ?; Leggings- Marshalls; Booties- Minnetonka via shopbop 

Have you ever looked back at pictures of an outfit and realized you looked totally ridiculous?

Spring in My Step

I almost titled this post LBD with a side of frog legs, but I didn't want to box myself into only talking about my outfit.

Outfit: Dress- NY&Co. similar at Old Navy; Scarf and tights- H&M; Shoes- Target

I've got a lot of spring in my step these days, and it's not just from finding the perfect shade of emerald tights to match my emerald ballet flats purchased on super clearance at Target ($6ish in stores, y'all!). After a few weeks of being extremely busy, and anxious, the stress cloud I was sitting in has dissipated. I start a new job in less than two weeks!

I've been unhappy at my current job for quite a while. I don't want to divulge a whole lot of detail because I pride myself on keeping my professional life separate from my personal life/ blog life. Long story short, I decided to start looking back in September, but after being told I was overqualified for a job I thought for sure I had landed back in October I was feeling really discouraged. Recruitment is a major part of my job, but I had forgotten how stressful it is to be on the other side of things!

When job searching patience is definitely a virtue. Lots of carefully crafted cover-letters a few less than stellar phone interviews, and some heart break finally led to a job that is the perfect next step in building my career in nonprofit human resources/ administration.

The best part? I'll be able to walk to work! I'll get one and a half to two hours of my day back. That means more time for blogging, going to the gym, snuggling with my cat, or whatever.

...Oh, and more money for shopping!

Weekly Wishlist: A Little Sparkle

In college I had a lot of sparkly clothes in my wardrobe. When I graduated and stopped going to dance parties I got rid of a lot of my "going out" clothes. Gone are my sequined party dresses and glittery belts. As a result, I struggle when it comes to putting together outfits for events that require "cocktail" attire. I want to invest in some sparkly basics that can be remixed for formal events, or just for days when I feel like wearing a little something sparkly.

image via DSW.com

Plenty by Tracy Reese Naia Wedge Bootie- $129.95 at DSW

It's boot weather in Boston about 60% of the year, so these sparkly little booties would definitely come in handy. I can see them with a cocktail dress and some funky patterned tights for an event, or with opaque tights, a black pencil skirt and a sweater for the office. 

image via forever21.com

Cropped Sequined Jacket- $29.80 at Forever21

This color is listed as bronze on the website, but I think it looks more like a rose gold color. I'm a little obsessed with rose gold jewelry right now, so I love this little cropped jacket. I'd use it to dress up jeans and a tee.

image via Nordstrom.com

Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Lace Sheath Dress- $140 at Norstrom

This dress isn't technically sparkly, but it's lacy and it's one of my favorite colors. It's sleeveless so it could be layered in cold weather or worn alone in warmer weather. There's also a 3/4 sleeve version if you don't like showing your arms.  I would style this dress with a sparkly blazer and pumps for an event, or with a cardigan and flats for the office. 

image via oldnavy.com

Braided Sparkle Belt- $8 at Old Navy

I love a braided belt, and this one is covered in pewter sequins! At $8 I'm strongly resisting the urge to order it for myself right now.

image via forever21.com

Sequined Scallop Skirt- $24.80 at Forever 21

Quality at Forever 21 is always a gamble, but how beautiful and delicate is this skirt? The sequined arches give it an art deco vibe, which I love. I think it would look great with a simple black sweater.

Which is your favorite?


PS: I did some blog design changes yesterday with my limited tech abilities. What do you think?

 

(Not So) Weekly Wishlist: Booties

What started as a really small fall and winter wishlist is growing every day. The latest thing I just have to have in my closet? A pair of booties. I only own boots that go up to my upper calves or knees. I am finding that, while those boots are awesome, I want some more variety in my footwear. I am loving booties, or ankle boots on other bloggers. Look how cute Annie from Other Side of Gray and Yi-chia from Always Maylee look in theirs, and how bad ass Megan and Nora from Two Birds look in theirs! Shoes that can be styled with dresses and skirts, but also look totally chic with skinny jeans? Shoes that can by styled classically, bohemian, or rockstar bad ass? How versatile! Clearly, I need a pair! Here are a few I've got my eye on:

 

 

image via zappos.com

 Blowfish Gambitt Bootie in Black- $59.00 at Zappos

Call me boring, but I'm most likely to purchase flat or slightly wedged black booties. They're versatile, they look comfortable and they'd look great with skinny jeans. The side zipper on this pair gives them a little rock and roll edge.

Image via payless.com

 Pixie Western Boot in Taupe- $44.99 from Payless

These booties remind me of the pair that Katie Holmes wears everywhere. You know, the pair that is always made fun of on Suri's Burnbook? Regardless, I love them. I can see the taupe color looking great with just about everything, and they're basically flat, so they should be pretty comfortable for my commuting feet. My only qualm is that $44.99 seems pricey for a shoe from Payless.Maybe this pair from Target would a be better value?

image via DSW.com

Qupid Nesha Bootie in Red- $44.95 at DSW 

How cute are these? The deep ruby red color fits with my fall shopping theme of neutral basics and pops of color/ bold prints. Realistically, I wouldn't wear a pair of red booties all that much, and I shouldn't waste my precious closet space on the, but if I had endless closet space I'd totally buy them!

image via Target.com

Kalama Shootie Wedge in Chestnut- $34.99 at Target

While I think shootie is a totally ridiculous word, I love these shoes. I can see myself wearing them with cords or jeans and sweaters or with tights, a sundress and a cardigan. Plus, I love a wedge:)

image via AldoShoes.com

Cedrina boot in Black- $120 at Aldo

These booties would be a totally ridiculous splurge item. Is it bad that I just want them to wear on every New Year's Eve from now until eternity?

What are your thoughts on booties?

Mustard Shoes

I managed to take some outfit photos in the morning on Monday! Okay, okay I cheated a little. I took these in the alley area behind my building because I didn't have time to walk down to the park.

Although I cheated, I actually really like these photos. I think the simple gray background and natural light help the colors of my clothing to stand out. Cobalt and mustard might be my favorite color combination for fall. I keep buying mustard colored items. I should probably stop.

Outfit: cardigan- Target; shirt- Old Navy; pants- Macy's; shoes- trade from Buffalo Exchange

Aren't these shoes awesome? They're a little hard to see under the wide-leg pants, but they are a mustard colored loafer with a wedge heel. I know I'm going to get a ton of wear out of them this fall and winter. 

Image via heels.com

I found these wedges in very good condition at Buffalo Exchange and purchased them with store credit I had from trading in some clothes. If you have a Buffalo Exchange in your city I definitely recommend checking them out! You can bring in your new or gently used clothing, shoes and accessories to sell and then choose to receive a percent of the sale price in cash or a higher percentage in store credit. They can be pretty picky about what they take, but it's worth a shot! 

If you're in Boston I recommend the Davis Square location in Somerville over the Allston location. It has a better selection of sizes. I got the chambray shirt dress I wore in yesterday's post is from Buffalo Exchange too! 

Fall Can Wait

I am not one of those bloggers that can't wait for fall. I love sweaters, boots and scarves as much as the next girl, but I also love sunshine and being able to leave the house without a jacket. In fact, Boston has been having my favorite kind of weather for the past few days. Breezy and sunny with highs in the high 70s/ low 80s and lows in the 60s. I've been taking advantage of the weather by wearing some of my summer favorites that just don't work on the really hot days. Because of its long sleeves, this dress is one of those items.

Coral is kind of my favorite color to wear right now. I loved coral and leopard together in this outfit, so I decided to wear my new flats from Target. They're so comfortable and cheap (on sale for $14!) that I might have to go back and buy them in another color. One warning- they run a bit small so go a half size up.

Outfit:
Dress: H&M  purchased in Dec.
Flats: Target
Cami: ?
Bracelets: thrifted/ vintage

Fall can wait because I really want to keep wearing sandals, breezy dresses, and denim shorts:)

Weekly Wishlist: Flat Sandals

I have not been doing a good job of taking outfit photos this week. I promise I'm getting dressed, but I've also been over-sleeping. My excuse? I got sucked into the Hunger Games books and read all three in just three days. I know, I know, I'm late to get on that bandwagon, but I didn't want to buy the books and they were reserved at the library for infinity. I finally borrowed them and stayed up until wee hours of the morning reading with my kitty in bed.

Anyways no outfit photos means you get a Weekly Wishlist instead. I love flat strappy sandals. They are possibly my favorite style of shoe. I usually buy inexpensive sandals at Target or Payless and then they never last more than a summer or two because I wear them basically every day. I've been thinking about investing in a few higher quality pairs of sandals in hopes that they will survive more than two summers. Here are my favorites:

image via bornshoes.com

Born Aberlin Sandals in Cream Patent: $112 via Born Shoes

I can't imagine spending over $100 for a pair of simple sandals, but Born makes a super comfortable high quality shoe, and the nude color would go with everything. They're also available in brown, black, pink, and aqua. I bet I could find them cheaper if I did some hunting.

image via stevemadden.com

Daffy leather sandal in Turquoise Leather: $41.98 via Steve Madden

I love, love, love the beautiful color of these turquoise leather sandals. They would be great to add a pop of color to my summer outfits. The price tag isn't bad either.

image via dsw.com

Naturalizer Temma Comfort Sandal: $49.95 at DSW

These neutral cuties look super squishy, and that's important. There's nothing worse than walking around all day in hard sandals and going home with blisters on the balls of your feet. My Payless camel colored brown sandals are on their last leg, so these would be a good replacement. They're also available in wide width!

image via stevemadden.com

Srikka Leopard/Multi Sandals: $69.95 from Steve Madden

How cute are these? I love the pastels and leopard print. I can see them adding a little spice to a black sundress. 

Which sandals are your favorite? 

Weekend Recap: Two Sundresses

It was a very summery Memorial Day weekend in Boston. I didn't make it to any barbecues or to the beach, but I did spend a lot of time walking around Boston in the sunshine. It's weekends like this that remind me why I love this city, and why I love sundresses. They're so effortless and comfortable.

Saturday it was hot and humid. My beau and I took some measurements of our apartment, had brunch, walked around a bit, and then went to a house party in Cambridge. You may recognize this navy polka dot dress from this post. I have to say that I much prefer wearing it with sandals instead of tights and boots.

Outfit 1:
Dress: Target
Belt: H&M
Sandals: Payless (last year)
Necklace: gift
Sunnies: Forever21

Sunday my beau and I spent the day at the SoWa Market browsing vintage and local art, furniture and clothing and eating delicious food truck treats. I wore denim shorts, but didn't get any pictures.

This outfit is from Monday and was taken in the Boston Public Garden. I spent the day catching up and shopping with a friend who is in town for a summer internship. I also bought these awesome mint green canvass shoes for $13 at H&M and immediately put them on. They are super comfy and will be getting a ton of wear this summer.

Outfit 2:
Dress: H&M last summer
Belt: Target
Shoes: H&M (available in stores)
Sunnies: Forever21



Want to keep up with me on the weekends? Follow me on twitter!  What did you wear this weekend?

Wicked Stylish

I rarely get comments on what I wear from coworkers and when I do it is typically a simple "cute dress" or "nice shoes" in passing. Last Thursday one of the facilities guys popped into my office and asked "are you into fashion?". I, of course, responded with "yea, why?". He proceeded to complement me on being well put together and to tell me my outfit was "wicked stylish".

I love this dress. The combination of the color-blocking and the rouching make the dress super slimming and flattering. It's long enough for work and has a modest neckline, yet I feel kinda sexy in it. Especially with these leopard print wedges.

Outfit:
Dress: Lodon Times via TJMaxx
Wedges: Payless
Bracelet: Thrifted

Yellow Pastel Pumps EBEW

This is my first time participating in Everybody, Everywear. This month's challenge was to wear pastels. What a great excuse to finally wear my vintage yellow pumps! I wanted to get a little more into the theme, but I'm in the middle of washing about 3 weeks worth of laundry! I am so glad I put a reminder in my google calendar to wear pastels, because otherwise I would have totally forgotten.

I found these pumps with the tags still on at Goodwill. They fit perfectly and are so comfortable! They're totally 80s, but I have definitely noticed that cone shaped kitten heels in bright colors are making a comeback.

Outfit:
Blouse: Forever21
Cardi: Target, very old
Pants: Target
Shoes: thrifted
Bracelet: thrifted

I also want to send big thank you to everyone that sent me well wishes as I battle allergies from hell. My readers are awesome! I'm feeling much better now, excpet for a little cough.

Working Blues

I bought a coral pencil skirt at Target a few weeks ago without trying it on. It fit kind of funny, so I decided to take it back. I still wanted to add a colored bottom to my closet, so when I saw these pants on the rack I had to try them on.

I probably didn't need another pair of blue pants in my closet, but I can wear this pair to work! The best part? I had coupons for both the pants and the shirt!

Outfit:

Shirt: Target- Merona

Pants: Target- Mossimo

Wedges: Madden Girl via DSW

Like a Rock Star

It was about 70 degrees in Boston on Sunday, so I was really excited to wear my new Madden Girl wedges. You may recognize them from this weekly wishlist. I had been coveting them for weeks, so imagine my excitement and surprise when I found them in the DSW clearance section for 70% off! $12 wedges? Yes please!

There's something about wearing skinny jeans with heels or wedges that makes me feel like a rock star. Maybe it is because a few extra inches on my 5'7" frame makes me a giant? I definitely had some swagger in my step on Sunday.

Outfit:
Blouse: Forever 21
Jeans: Old Navy
Wedges: Madden Girl via DSW
Bracelet: thrifted necklace

Weekly Wishlist: Wedge Sandals Under $40

If I had to pick one thing I hate most about dressing for cold weather it would be the limitations on my footwear choices. I hate socks and having to wear boots all the time. I am much more comfortable in a pair of strappy sandals, flats, or peep-toes.

As soon as the weather warms up (it is going to get into the high 50s tomorrow!) I start dreaming of wedge sandals. I find wedges easier to walk in and more comfortable for all day wear than heels. They're also dressy enough for a casual office setting. Here are a few pairs I've got my eye on that are under $40.

Image via DSW.com

 Aerosoles Plush Wedge Sandal in Cognac: DSW $39.95

Since purchasing (and wearing the hell out of) my cognac colored riding boots, cognac has become one of my favorite neutral shoe colors. This pair of cognac wedges is guaranteed to be comfortable since Aerosoles makes them, and they're available in wide width!

Image via torrid.com

Lena Coral Cork Wedge Heels: $39.50 from Torrid

I love coral! Torrid has some really cute, on trend shoes on their website. I can't speak to the quality of their shoes because there is not a Torrid store in my area, but they look nice and are available in wide widths.

Image via DSW.com

Madden Girl Kenzley Wedge Sandal in Taupe: $29.94 from DSW

This neutral pair of wedges would be very versatile. Madden Girl shoes tend to be fairly comfortable and decently priced if you get them at DSW or Famous Footwear. 

Image via payless.com

Christian Siriano T-Strap Wedge in Turquoise: $29.99

I've been wearing a lot of blue lately, so these strappy wedges in various shades of blue would be a really great addition to my closet. I might have to get them the next time Payless has a BOGO sale.

Do you prefer wedges or heals?

Weekly Wish List: Colorful Flats

Happy Monday!

I had a really busy weekend that included a game night, apartment hunting, and a very expensive Target trip. As a result, I did not have a chance to edit outfit photos. Instead I bring you the first feature for Hips and Hangers- Weekly Wish List. Once a week I hope to post a few items, centered around a central theme, that I'd like to add to my closet.

This week I want to focus on colorful flats. All of the snow and rain we've been getting in Boston means I've been wearing boots almost exclusively for a few weeks. This has me dreaming of spring, and of wearing flats. I tend to stick to neutral colors when it comes to my footwear, but lately I've been lusting after colorful flats to add some instant brightness to my outfits. Here are a few pairs I've got my eye on:

Image via  Pinterest, source: DSW.com

SM Dazzi Flat $34.94 @ DSW 

I love the deep purple color with aqua trim!

Image via pinterest, source: fabsugar.com

Toms Ballet Flats coming Spring 2012.

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Tom's Shoes' new line of ballet flats. 

I love their "buy a pair, give a pair" philosophy, plus their shoes are super comfy.  

Image via Pinterest, source: oldnavy.com

 Polka Dot Canvas Flats @Old Navy

I almost bought these the other day, but I am waiting for them to go on sale. 

I am a sucker for anything with polka dots. I also love the nautical lace-up detail at the back.

Image via Pinterest, source: macys.com

Naturalizer Dizzy Flats in Coral from Macys

I love coral for spring, so a pair of coral flats are definitely on my to-buy list.

Naturalizer shoes are an investment, but the quality and comfort is excellent.

What kind of shoes are you lusting after for spring?