Steve Madden Oxfords

Versatile shoes are a must, especially when you have a tight budget or don't want to overcrowd your world with hundreds of shoes. I recently purchased Steve Madden's Oxford Trousers and they have quickly become my most worn shoe.

 

These shoes are wonderful because they can take the place of flats, being simple and cute. There is elastic holding the tongue to the shoe so the laces are optional. 

If you are wanting to work the current menswear style but don't want to buy a whole new wardrobe, adding these tailored oxfords is easy alternative.

1980's Dance Night

Going out for a girl's night is always fun, especially getting to get dressed up! For me, dancing makes me think of the 1980's, a time of color, fun and music. This outfit was my way of taking what I love about the 80's but adding a modern cleanness.

It does not come across very well, but the tights are green, the same ones I wore during my challenge (Day 35). The striped racer-back tank was bought at H&M for $14.95! The skirt was $5 at Forever 21, in total the clothes cost about $30, not too shabby. There is no need to spend billions on a cute outfit, just check the quality and make sure you don't spend much on trendy clothes you might not be into next year. Save your money for pieces you will love forever, like these Steve Madden boots that are a huge go-to item for me.

To rock it out a little more, I added my favorite Ann Taylor motorcycle denim jacket, which also looks cute with the sleeves rolled up. For the first time, I threw this jacket in the wash as was super happy to find that it came out perfectly. I tend to wash all of my clothes with cold water on the delicate cycle and it really helps to preserve the clothes. You may also notice my $3 H&M neo shades! LOVE THEM! Not to be worn with every outfit, but a fun accessory to have in my bag.

New Accessories: Gray Satchel Purse and Coral Strappy Heels

Now that I can start adding some needed pieces to my wardrobe, I decided to splurge on what I think are must haves for the season!

This bag makes me so happy! I can wear it over my shoulder as a cross body bag or hold all three handles to carry the bag. This Olivia & Joy gray satchel is $88 at Macy's. I was going to buy it there, until another shopper snatch up the last gray one. The following weekend I went to Ross and found the EXACT SAME BAG for $34! I guess those commercials preaching about designer names being at discount stores were right... Well, what are you going to do? Buy the bag at 60% less, of course!

SHOES! I've been looking everywhere I go to find some sexy strappy heels and finally found them at H&M. I love budgeting $80 for shoes then only spending half of that. Nothing sexier than getting what you want for little monies! It is important, when having a bright highlight like these shoes, that they stay that way, as a highlight. Pairing exciting shoes with simple colors and clean lines puts all the attention on the shoes.

Side note, I went to Anthropologie in Santa Barbara and found this adorable tunic, didn't buy it, now am regretting it. I already looked online and they don't have it. If anyone sees it near Temecula in a L, let me know thanks ;)

Peace Love and Joy!
Erin

59 Days of Style Day 51-55: Shorts and My New Favorite Business Outfit

With only 4 days left of my challenge I've started to slack off. I am amazed that I've gone this far. Honestly, I sort of thought I would document my outfits for a couple days then stop. What happened is it has become a habit to take pictures of myself everyday.

Monday was warm in SoCal, so shorts were a must. I was inside most of the day, so I added a thin, long-sleeve Gap top. A great way to let my feet breath, and keep them comfortable was to add my new favorite TOMS shoes.

Monday evening I went on a date night with my husband. I swapped out my top for a sweater (Day 12 Day 28) and scarf.

Tuesday I set up for a trade show. It is always a difficult balance between wearing something that you can move in and is work appropriate. This has now become one of my favorite outfits. My stylist, Minh, had the hem let out of these $12 Gap pants. The H&M tank top was about $5 and the Forever 21 striped sweater was $22. I personalized the look with my vintage beads and nude flats.

In my work shirt, ready for the trade show!

Yesterday was my wonderful Mom's birthday :) I ran errands before our family dinner, so I needed a look that would work at a nice restaurant and Target. I wore my favorite sundress (Day 14 Day 26 & Day 41) and black jacket.

On the 5th I will be going to San Pedro in the Caribbean. Why not try out some of my outfits for you guys? This one will probably be good for site seeing and mini-adventures. The shorts are from Old Navy and I do have to tell you, if you are looking for shorts, Old Nave has millions of options.

59 Days of Style Day 18 & 19: Nude Flats

The magic of nude, blush, or beige shoes has passed my notice until my stylist, Minh Le, recommended these blush flats by Steve Madden.

These shoes are perfect for elongating the legs when wearing skinny Gap jeans. They are also style neutral so they go with EVERYTHING! Notice the long tank also worn on Day 10. I love the color and it was only about $5 at H&M.

Here is what I'm wearing today. I love this dress I bought for my bridal shower, the 40's style and kelly green brighten my day, but the back of it is all puffy and not flattering at all. What to do? I just put on my Anne Taylor denim jacket (Day 5, Day 6) and rolled up the sleeves. The shoes are again, awesome, since they don't make March legs look any whiter.

The afternoon light was not very bright in my room, so I'm including this super cool picture. I tried something new, using my lip gloss as a liner for a light pink Burt's Bees chap stick. The wand's tip was easy to use as a lip liner and, since it is a lip gloss, very forgiving and easy to blend.









 
Inspiration:
-Try putting a sweater or jacket over a not-so-favorite dress
-Budget to invest in some nude flats or pumps

Thanks for reading!
<3
E

59 Days of Style Day 3

 

Who doesn't want a pair of slouchy, boyfriend jeans? These jeans are called "skinny slouchy" by Gap which means they are loose fitting and tapered. A bad combination for an inverted triangle shaped body. Minh, remember she is a genius, suggested I was wearing these too long. Not the difference between the above and below photos. No mater what your shape, experiment with different pant lengths trying to objectively see which looks best on you with different casual jeans. Don't be like me and keep things the way you buy them at the store or see them in a magazine; that just doesn't work for everyone.

I do also want to note that this crew neck black sweater from Forever 21 is a must have in everyone's closet. This is one of the pieces Minh had me add to my wardrobe. You will see much more of it to come. Since I'm not buying any more clothing, getting an infinity scarf or desert scarf was out of the question even though I've had a hankering for one. Well, my friends, its as simple as looping the scarf around twice and tucking in the ends. Yes, that easy and you too can have the look without buying another item. What if a little of the scarf ends dangle out of the back? Do not fret, 70's style fringe is a good thing.

 

Want to add some edge to a cozy outfit? Add a deer head ring! This one from H&M came in a pack of other animal head rings all for $7. Chictopia agrees.

Thank you, Chris for taking these photos for me on my iPhone! Also props to Max for being a nice accessory. 

Today's to do list:

-Work on rolling banners for my work's upcoming conference

-Go grocery shopping

-Checkout Old Navy's black leggings recommended to me by the lovely Cate