Fashion Outfit of the Week: Going Wild

Shanghai Exotic Peep Toe Pump: Christian Siriano for Payless

Sandra Darren Snake Print Dress, $29 ideeli

Croc and snakeskin prints and textures are in for fall. So this week's fashion outfit reflects this - my latest purchase from my favorite fashion site, ideeli.com, an impulse Payless shoe purchase, and tying it all up with an accessory.

Shoes: I've been on the hunt for the perfect neutral pumps. Tan or skin tone heels are not only a great option for work, but wearing them with a skirt can blend with your skin tone and make your legs appear longer. For all these reasons, I needed them. Like, really.

So, when I walked into my usual Size 11 aisle at Payless (THE ONLY reasonably priced shoe store that carries my size, shoe-store jerks!) I saw these on sale and tried them on immediately. Being a Libra, I pace and think over and over, but these shoes were 100% sold. They were comfortable, and sexy: and even with the lizard print, they are still neutral enough to wear.


Dress: Next, I was browsing a great "Fun Frocks" sale that ideeli.com occasionally has, and I was immediately drawn to a Sandra Darren Snake Print Dress. Talk about perfect in the workplace: long enough, fairly modest coverage, and perfect olive green tones for fall (which also happen to be one of my favorite shades to work!). Sold!

Minicci Womens Cut Out Cuff, Payless

Accessories: To tie this all together, I noticed a significant lack of gold jewelry - and bracelets - in my wardrobe. I hate gold, I think it's very "old lady", so all of my jewelry is silver. I think silver goes with more, because of it's white tone instead of yellow. But, knowing that fall brings gold hues, I searched online and found this great gold cuff that also matches my personality. The cutout Minicci bracelet was a steal at $5.99 BOGO price from Payless!

One last recommendation - for your next manicure, go for a skin-tone matching nude or tan color polish. Not only will this match this outfit, (and many others!) but going for this nail color can make your fingers look longer and more elegant.

To conclude, I must re-confirm my love for both Payless Shoesource and ideeli.com, both great places that serve up fashion for those on a budget, and refuse to spend $1,700 on a handbag when that could buy you, like, 56 pairs of shoes from Payless. And for a shoe-aholic like me with big steamboat feet that just want some pretty-shoe love, that's the perfect price!

Professional Work Wraps

It's summer, and the blazing hot days usually mean a comfortable work or transportation setting with the air conditioning. Right?

Long Sleeve Fringe Sweater from ANAMA. Ideeli, $29

 WRONG!

Ever since it just gave a hint of warmth in early July, I feel as though everywhere I go the A/C is on steroids. One could argue that I'm a cold "person" and that most "normal" people are "comfortable", but whatever. It's summer and I'm friggin cold, which is stupid.

So whether your office is A/C crazy because everyone is hot even when they're buried in a building not anywhere near the sun or open windows, or you're commuting to work on a rainy day that is not warm at all but the bus driver says F* it and cranks the A/C anyway, you're going to need to find a balance between that cold-anger and professional appearance. And in case your wondering if these are personal experiences, yes, they indeed are.

And guess what? Since most people are ACTUALLY hot and think you're crazy, professional-looking wraps are on sale this time of year! Yay!

 Loose Knit Cardigan White, $13 from RisingTaste

Check out these two that I found in my online travels. The first, from my favorite go-to sale site Ideeli is a fringy sweater (above) that is actually in a summery light coral color, while adding warmth to your cold, miserable body and looking professional in the workplace and not like a shivering fool during meetings.

The second idea for your cold body is a lighter sweater option for your office dealings or on-the-go. I have a similar wrap now to this in white that I pull out for the office and for that stupid cold bus ride, and it keeps me warm without taking up too much room in my bag. Plus, it's white: it's summer, and white is okay. This wrap is from RisingTaste, and is only $13. Great option for poor, cold bus-riders like me.

Now I just have to find a solution for my cold sandal-feet...

Fashion Outfit of the Week: Going Nautical

Navy Dress, $88 Ann Taylor

 Time to blog about where my true love lies: fashion.

My best friend is getting married at the end of June, so obviously - as Maid of Honor - I'm required to dress to impress. Not that she said this, but it's pretty much assumed.

Anyway, her Rehearsal Dinner - which is more like cocktails - is taking place on a Friday evening on a boat cruise in Florida. What better way to glam it up on a boat than by going nautical? I found this Navy Dress with White Stripes at Ann Taylor, which was having a 40% off sale and so I got this dress for $49 (originally $88) this weekend while birthday shopping with my mother.

I was a little weary as there were only 2 dresses of this style left, and both were XS. Yikes. But, I tried it on anyway, and it fit like a glove. The style, pattern and rouching in the front prevents it from looking too tight and bulgy on your body. It's also made of a breathable jersey material, which doesn't feel tight at all.

Fioni Red Strappy Sandal Wedges, $26.99 - Payless

The big question is: what to wear for shoes? I hate flats, so that's not happening. When I think navy and white, I automatically want to complete the trio with red, but not too in-your-face red. So I did some searching and found these Strappy Red Sandal Wedges from Fioni on Payless. I love and olwn several pairs of Fioni, and I love the Payless style: not to mention, they always have my freaky shoe size 11 in stock.

This match is perfect. The touch of red and the "cork" of the wedge pulls together the nautical look without going overboard (HA get it?). I approve.

Any suggestions on jewelry? I am first going to browse the selections of 6 In the Shipyard, or maybe will just make something to go with it. I'm thinking simple: maybe a pair of my Silver Starfish Charm Earrings will do...