Still Wanting: Wedge Booties

Hello!  Sorry for the silence, but there's still no baby to write about and I am officially on maternity leave and nesting like crazy.  I hope Baby Cardigan makes his appearance soon, but I'd be lying if I said a couple of days to myself without anywhere to be doesn't sound great.  Today I got a pedicure and ran a couple of errands, and am about to spend an evening on the couch with N.  Poor me  :)

Another thing I've been doing lately is keeping tabs on a few things I have been wanting to buy, but only for a great price.  One of those items is a pair of wedge booties that are not too high, and of better quality than the ones I test drove from Target (they went back after an evening around the house).  I love the laid back look, and I think they're a perfect shoe to wear when it's still a bit too chilly for sandals, and you don't want to wear sneakers or ballet flats.

The weather in Dallas has been nuts lately, and we go from 40 to 80 degrees in a day.  Here's what I wish I were wearing instead of a crappy Liz Lange maternity tee (that has not held up well at all - no stars!) and leggings.

american eagle tank / michael kors watch / j.crew factory cardigan / juicy couture jeans

I am currently waiting on these Dr. Scholl's Bethany wedges to come down in price, at which point I will order them and be a cool mom on the go (as Stacey and Clinton would say).  They're cheaper on Amazon, but not available in as many sizes.

 

Does anyone else have recommendations for a similar shoe under $100?  I'm curious to try the TOMS Desert Bootie - especially with 785 good reviews on Nordstrom.com - but I think I want a little less suede.

 Ok, enough shopping... back to important housework like re-centering the photos in my guest room art wall.  #nesting

Reader Request: Riding Boots at Work

Happy (Fat) Tuesday!  I hope y'all had a great weekend - I spent mine finishing up Baby Cardigan's room and running errands, which put naps on the agenda too.  However, I'm back, and today I'm excited to put together a post for Carrie.

She's a recent transplant to Seattle by way of Texas A&M (whoop!) and is looking for some ideas on how to wear her brown riding boots to work on days when it's rainy and she has to walk to work.  Obviously this won't work in a traditional business setting, but some boots can definitely go business casual with the right skirts and dresses to elevate them.

First of all, I must preface my advice with the callout that if nobody else in your office ever wears boots and you're unsure if you should, then don't.  However, for many of us, there's no question that it's acceptable and they can be practical alternative to skimpier shoes.  For a dressier look, choose boots with a rich even tone no distressed leather or chunky hardware.  A heel is great, but flat is fine too, just make sure they aren't so big in the shaft that it looks like you're standing in a bucket.

Obviously, I prefer pairing the boots with skirts and dresses as opposed to tucking pants into them - I'd save that look for Fridays.  A knee length pencil skirt or subtle a-line keeps you looking like an adult (flared, short skirts can quickly bring your outfit into sexy territory, which isn't what you want at the office) and a classic blouse or sweater balances the casual vibe of the footwear.

When it's chilly, you can add thick opaque tights in the same color family as the boot leather, or even a small weave pair of fishnet tights if you'd just rather not have bare knees. (This kind, NOT what you see at Victoria's Secret!)

Now that you're armed with some guidelines, are you brave enough to wear boots at the office?

Travel Chicly - Without Sweatpants!

I'm not going to pretend that I always dress up when I travel, especially for extra-long flights.  However, there's a difference between being comfortable and being sloppy, and I think lounge wear in the airport is unnecessary.  There are so many soft, stretchy things you can wear without resorting to yoga pants that say PINK on the butt.

Sadly, we'll be seeing lots of Ugg boots and pajamas in public this week, so I wanted to share a little bit of inspiration for a super comfy travel outfit that's still high on style:

travel chic by cardiganjunkie featuring a yoga activewear

Believe it or not, there are stylish pull-on jeans that are soft and stretchy and not intended for grannies.  If you haven't already, get yourself to Last Call and check out Fade to Blue jeans.  They're under $60 and come in lots of different cuts and washes, including a regular boot cut for those who don't like skinny jeans.  (Pro tip: go up a size)

I'm also a huge fan of structured sweater blazers like this one from Gap.  I checked it out in store, and it's the perfect length and looks like a blazer from afar, but much more comfortable and not likely to wrinkle.

Target has got lots of great drapey tees (like this one, pictured) but I'm intrigued by this one with faux leather trim that would add a little edge to basic jeans.  (I haven't seen the tee with trim in person yet, though)

And finally, if you can get your hands on some Elorie ballet flats, buy them.  They are so well made and comfortable (go up a half size, though) and a great deal on Gilt.com.  Mine are the black metallic suede, which have a really subtle shine, and I am seriously considering buying a brown pair as well.  (Update: For $49, I just did!)

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Safe travels, everyone!!  I will be taking the rest of the week off, so please check back Monday for your regularly schedule fashion, baby rooms, and randomness.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Pushing My Style Boundaries: Wedge Ankle Booties

This weekend I was super productive.  I ran a list full of errands, including WalMart on a Saturday, which reminded me why I don't go there very often. This emotional pregnant lady walked past the fish tanks looking for dog beds and teared up a little at the abysmal state of the tanks and all the dead and dying fish.  Today I'll be calling the store manager, who probably hears this often and doesn't care.

As a reward for surviving retail hell, I went across the street to Target where aisles have labels and the employees don't stare at you like cows when you ask where to find the under bed storage bins.  I wasn't planning on getting any shoes, but this pair caught my eye and I tried them on:

They don't make my feet look like hooves (a common ankle bootie problem that you'll notice everywhere now that I've pointed it out).  The quality seems decent - they're not a shoe I expect to wear for years, and I'm not looking to invest $79 - $150 in a comparable style.  However, I need a little inspiration and some closet shopping time to convince myself to keep them. [10/9/13 Update: I've decided to take these back after wearing them around my house. The angle of the wedge hits my foot in an odd place. The hunt will continue!]

Here's the first part of that process:

image of TracyQ via Chictopia.com

image via The Styleograph

image via Lands End Canvas (not current)

image via Restyle. Restore. Rejoice

At the moment, I think these little boots will be a cute addition to my dark denim, gray, black, and olive green maternity pants (how versatile!) and a great alternative to ballet flats and smoking slippers this fall.  Plus, my office is casual, and any of the outfits above are more than adequate. Purchase justified?

RIP Favorite Sandals

Finding the perfect pair of shoes is kind of a double edged sword.  You get a few seasons of effortless wearing, but then are faced with the need to replace them when no other shoe measures up.  This is happening to me right now, and I am having a hell of a time finding a new pair of neutral wedge sandals!

I want a pair that doesn't have any straw on them, and that aren't so high that I walk around like a drag queen.  I don't want them to be so chunky that I look like I have boots on, but I don't want them so strappy that they start to look too formal for daytime.  Did I mention that I also don't like paying more than about $60?  Yeah, this is hard.

After much browsing, I've found some options (some better than others) but would love some other suggestions if you've seen anything similar:

neutral wedges that aren't expensive by cardiganjunkie featuring open toe wedge shoes

Yeah, the printed TOMS aren't neutral but I'd wear them all the time!

What are your favorite shoes like?  Do you wish you'd bought an extra pair like I do?

Things Every Girl Needs: Leopard Pumps Under $100

As crazy as it sounds, having good taste can be pretty tough.  You can walk into stores and like almost nothing, and then, to make matters worse the amazing options you do like are all $300+.

I don't personally spend more than $100 on shoes unless it's a very special purchase (or a boot, because most cheap boots look cheap) so I thought it would be helpful to round up eight options for my favorite neutral staple shoe: the leopard pump.  All the pairs below are under $100, and several are in the $50 range!

leopard pumps under $100 by cardiganjunkie featuring leopard print pumps

from left to right, starting on top row:  1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

And just in case you're not on the bandwagon yet (really?!), here are some ways to wear them, courtesy of all the ladies who post pretty outfit photos on the internets:

Reader Request: Sightseeing Shoes

Good morning!  I hope all of you had a great weekend, or like me, are still enjoying it.  I'm planning to have a nice workout, do a little shopping, and try a new recipe for dinner.  Pretty wild!

Today I'm also excited to help Leanna, a reader who is planning a trip with New York City with her family and is looking for a good shoe to wear that has a bit of style, but is still comfortable.  I faced this same problem when I was planning my own vacation last year, and learned a very valuable lesson:  there is no magical stylish, all-day walking shoe, and you have to preserve your feet or your days will be ruined by blisters and complaining.  Seriously.

I stubbornly refused to accept that a day full of walking from morning to night required a substantial shoe, and spent lots of money on Italian band-aids and many hours in pain because of it.  And so, it is with a bit of defeat that I admit that if you're going to be doing touristy activities, you can't wear the same shoe as a local person who's doing a bit of shopping and then heading to the cafe.   However, this doesn't mean that you have to wear bulky cross trainers, either (but you should pack some, for safety!)

Here's what I will consider for my next trip:

sightseeing shoes by cardiganjunkie featuring keds

tweed keds  |  striped keds  |  white converse  |  gray converse  |  gray nike  |  dark gray nike  | tan sperry  |  pewter sperry 

All of the shoes above will look perfectly fine with slim, straight-leg dark jeans or cords, and should hold up well for active days.  However, I do not recommend Sperry boat shoes for a 4 hour walking tour (how dumb could I be?!).  Here's a quick outfit idea, if I were about to spend a long weekend in the city:

sightseeing by cardiganjunkie featuring a ruched top

And, here are more packing lists from previous posts:

Refresher Course: Accessories Make the Outfit

Hello!  I don't have time for much of a post today, thanks to an impromptu dinner with clients who are in town without anyone to entertain them.  As I rushed to convert my usual casual outfit into something more befitting the occasion, I was reminded of just how important accessories can be in the business world.

If, like me, your company sells your time and expertise then looking nice and fitting in is super important.  However, nobody needs to run out and buy all new outfits for every meeting because you can completely change the tone of your look with shoes, jewelry and a purse.

Don't believe me?  Look:

Style Sessions: Accessories Set the Tone by cardiganjunkie featuring crystal jewelry

The look on the left screams "business time", while the other suggests that you're a bit more creative and relaxed without being dressed down.  Even if you're not dressing for clients, the same philosophy also helps you get lots of wear out of your staple pieces.

What's your favorite way to jazz up an outfit?

Currently Wanting: Winter Wedges

Happy Monday!  I'm not excited for the weekend to be over, but I hope you all had a nice break and are ready for some important shoe discussion.

It's funny how certain fashion trends have a way of worming their way into your heart.  I said for two years that I did not like skinny jeans, and now I have several pair of slim cut pants and jeans.  I said the same thing about booties, and now here I am wishing I had a pair like the ones below to pair with jeans and pants while the weather is cool this year.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

See, look how cute we'll all look:

Top Picks: Heeled Riding Boots

You may recall that a few weeks ago I put together a collection of brown knee-high boots for a lovely reader who asked for help finding them.  Well, since then I've heard from two people and one family member, and everyone wants to see more options but with heels this time.

Ask and ye shall (eventually) receive!  As before, I've put together a grouping of my favorite options.  All are leather, moderately priced, and can be found via Amazon Fashion (formerly Endless.com) but some of the same styles are at DSW.com so check prices on both sites before you order anything!

heeled boots by cardiganjunkie featuring boots

See anything you like?  ;)

Be My Guest: Metallic Cap Toe Shoes via Oh Hey Whats Up

Good morning! Today I'm excited to share a post by my new blog friend Corrin - a fellow Texan who just so happens to have great style.. and a black and tan weiner dog like me.  Let's just say we'd be IRL friends if she were local.  She blogs over at Oh Hey Whats Up and I just blew through her archives last weekend and discovered all kinds of great things!  She also has quite the Twitter following, and I encourage you to check her out.

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I love a good cap toe shoe, but a metallic cap toe shoe? Irresistible.

I’ve been on the hunt and I’ve found that this trend is expensive! Hopefully major retailers have some more affordable options in the works for this fall but in the meantime, here are a few affordable styles I’m eyeing as well as some not-so-affordable designer styles I’m dreaming of.

And if you’re feeling crafty, a cap toe DIY from Refinery29.

Affordable Metallic Cap Toe Shoes by corrinrenee featuring mary jane pumps

ASOS Perry $58

Romwe Metal Toe Cap $64

Audrey Brooks Helen $70

Dolce Vita Smoking Shoes $79

Top Shop Magpie $24 on sale

Michael Antonio Rosemead $49

Metallic Cap Toe Shoes of My Dreams by corrinrenee featuring cap toe shoes

Top Shop Global Glitter $130

Beau Coops for Karen Walker $224 on sale

Marni Cap Toe Platform $755

Sigerson Morrison Loafers $450

Schutz Edna $150

Kate Spade Eddie $228

Jeffrey Campble Zorro $225

Sigerson Morrison Wendy $795

Yves Saint Laurent Rita $1,695

Corrin lives in Austin, Texas, and blogs at www.ohheywhatsup.com. She loves fro-yo, fashion, and can really cut a rug.