Anthropologies Exercises Cute

Since January, I've been a regular participant at Pure Barre and I'm loving it! While I'd lost a bunch of weight over the last year, the PB classes have noticeably toned me up and helped improve my overall strength, especially in my core area.

And because I was going fairly regularly, I needed to get some new workout gear.  At PB they like you to be somewhat covered up but I also wanted to be cool and comfortable too, especially as it can get a bit warm but I was transitioning in from the cold of outside.

I don't like paying a lot for workout gear so I did a great stock up on cropped compression pants, sports bras and tees at Old Navy.  They really do have great activewear.

But recently I found out that Anthropologie expanded into activewear as well and I love the Pure + Good line.  Their jackets are especially cute, and as I needed an additional option, I nabbed this cute ruffled version

I also got these compression pants with the sweet ruffle, in grey and black.  Some of the reviews have said they were sheer but I find them to be rather thick and not great with breathability.  If you want to keep warm, these would be good options.  They hit me just below mid-calf and are very cute in person.

I got the grey pants on sale but the other two pieces were full price.  If you are buying the higher end yoga/workout gear, I'd say the prices are in line with these.  And they are fun and unique.  I like having a few unique pieces but for general day to day gear I'm sticking to my Old Navy pieces.  Of course, if these hold up tons better than the Old Navy tops, I'll let you know.

Introducing Coral 8

I love it when a new shoe brand comes on the scene, especially one that is trying to improve the offerings in the vegan and sustainable category.

 Coral 8 is a new business bringing some cute new styles with non-animal based materials.

Their Zooey pumps are super cute. The black and white is a classic combo but the gold glitter is really jumping out at me in a fun way.

The Bell lace-up comes in a bunch of different combos but I like the tri-tone the best.

Who couldn't use a sweet cap-toe flat, especially in coral and cream.  The Alicia ballet flat has you covered with this and creme/gold and black/black patent.

And I wear the heck out of driving flats, especially in the summer with cropped jeans or shorts.  So comfy and colorful. I'd select the royal blue Michelle but their green and black versions are great too. 

I'm really looking forward to see how they continue to expand their collection.  There are a number of other options including some very fun peep-toes and some work-appropriate options.

They are reasonably priced too so tons of positives all around!

Sandal Substitutes

I'm terribly sad.

I adore, I mean ADORE, the Saint Laurent "Jane" sandals. But although they are perfection they are not perfect for me.

I tried on the size 5/35 and not only are they wee bit too high they are also too big. Too big!!!

But, they are so sigh-able….

As a runner-up option, I've found the lovely Alexandre Birman ankle-tie sandals.  I got these in the cobalt, although I'd love the black as well. 

I love the little tie details on the toe and ankle strap.  The black would be more versatile but the blue is so striking.  They'll be great for Summer.  Unless I find the black… then I may have to make a trade…

Spring/Summer 2014 Themes - Pom-Poms and Loving Cups

I'm well into stocking myself up for my Spring/Summer 2014 "theme" which this season is "Pom-Poms & Loving Cups".

What's inspiring me are playfulness, soft gelato colors, picnics surrounded by dusky blue hydrangeas, old books and old silver, weeping willows, and watery colored gemstones.

My Pinterest board is already filled with white button downs, a classic trench and Manolos in soft shades perfect for a drowsy bumble-bee filled Spring and Summer.  I'm also loving tailored short suits, white jeans and and shiny shiny skirts.

After this horrid Winter, I want mild temperatures and scented blossoms and warm sunshine.

I need a good nap in the hammock too.


To see past Themes (and their boards), check out:

Clean Collage Prep and Chromatic French (Fall/Winter 2011)
Pastel Ice Cream Sundae and Vintage Garden Party (Spring/Summer 2012)
Chic School Girl and Deep Woods Floral (Fall/Winter 2012)
Cotton Candy Carnival and English Summer Picnic (Spring/Summer 2013)
Fallen Leaves and Pumpkins (Fall/Winter 2013)

Le Sigh - Christian Louboutin Impera in White

I have a new obsession. One that isn't healthy and one that I know may be too much for me.

But I love this Impera sandal from Christian Louboutin (for the Marchesa runway), although it may be more shoe than I… wait, what am I saying?  I totally need them.

I've heard rumors these may not be sold. It would be better for me but what a tragedy, if that's true.

Needing Navy

Have you ever noticed how mind-numbingly boring navy pumps are?  Especially ones that are work-appropriate.  I  have navy glitter heels. Satin mary janes with cats and bright blue heels with crystal embellishments but no plain navy!

Geeze!

I searched on ShopStyle for ages and was basically asleep when I finally stumbled upon these cuties from Nine West, the Demtra pump.

They have a cute shape with a curvy heel, a not-too-tight mary jane strap and a comfortable round toe.  I love the vintage-shape and I'm not bored by them!

So I snapped them up and wore them the next day to a work meeting. They're comfortable and cushioned and I feel a bit sassy. The perfect navy shoe.. and they come in a bunch of colors too.

They do run a bit small.  I usually wear a 5 and got a six, because that was all they had, and they aren't swimming on me. So be advised.

If you need a good, safe navy heel for work, I say go for it!

Sweet Spikes

If I can only pick one shoe for Spring (laughable, I know), I think it will be these Louboutin Pigalle spiked heels.

I'm totally smitten with the multi-color candy like spikes.

Oh, Neiman Marcus, you are so evil!

A little love from Bergdorfs and a lot for Rene Caovilla

I love that my friends at Bergdorf Goodman have such a flattering opinion of me… and my shoe collection!

But the fact that they think I'm in the same realm as Rene Caovilla is blush-worthy!

Be amazed at the beautiful images featured on the 5th/58th blog and be ready to swoon at the gorgeous shoes!

Adorables - Sophia Webster Coralie Sandal

I have no idea why I like these, but I do.

Maybe it's the colors or because of Sophia Webster's whimsical design but I just think they are so cute for Summer.

I probably won't get them but I sweetness is so appealing.  I didn't really wear jelly sandals in the 80s, not sure if I will now, but how cute are they???

Sophia Webster Coralie Jelly Sandal - $295 via Bergdorfs

Picking on SJP - SJP Shoes at Nordstrom

So I'm going to do the potentially unthinkable for a shoe blogger... I'm going to diss on the upcoming SJP shoe collection from Sarah Jessica Parker and Nordstrom.

No really.

After seeing the recently released shots from Glamour, I have to admit I'm not impressed.  From what I've seen the designs aren't that spectacular and the quality and workmanship does not seem to justify an average $350 (and up!) price point.

Let's start with the Diana.  Interesting strap placement.  Very Maison Martin Margiela and Prada Fall 2012... mixed with the iconic Manolo Blahnik Campari (you know, the "urban shoe myth" although no longer), don't you think?

But that's to be expected when your partner is the president of Manolo Blahnik.

I'll be eager to see the shoes in person to see how the quality nets out but the pictures don't wow me.  The red Lady pump is b-o-r-i-n-g.  Even with the ribbon accent.  That lackluster heel just makes me yawn.

The Carrie is pretty but reminds me of a  Dior pump from a few years back.  I don't know.  It's just not anything special (Want to see a great t-strap? Check out these Gucci ones)

Who plopped that polyester (maybe it's silk, who's to know yet) on that boring bridesmaid heel? If the flower was in a shocking bright color and had a thinner heel, I'd be more interested in the Etta but not for $425 to be sure.

$200 for plain canvas espadrilles? No.

This is the one that actually pisses me off though.  The top image is the SJP Alison bootie.  How much has it ripped off the Ann Demeulesmeester open front ankle strap bootie? Um yeah... a lot.

That's pretty horrible, if you ask me. Maybe I should do a special Imitation = Flattery? post just for that pair.

I've seen other sneak peek images online but from what I've seen, I'm not going to be running out to get a pair from the SJP collection.  Bummer, too.  Sarah Jessica Parker could have brought some of her and the SATC fashion flair to this line.  But mostly they look like a boring miss-mash of knock-offs and boring bridal heels.

Flashy New Year

I'm not going to be subtle in the new year if my recent aquisitions are any indication.

It's all metallic and shiny and iridescent and FUN!

I saw this metallic cable knit sweater at Gap when walking in downtown Chicago and promptly ordered it and the stripe-y skirt it was paired with.

I was also smitten with over-the-top gold sweaters and this cable-knit version from Michael Kors is perfectly excessive.

I've been eyeing up this faux leather cutout dress from Betsey Johnson and when prices dropped, I nabbed it!

A while ago I saw a gorgeous shot on Pinterest of a woman wearing a gold foil skirt paired with a white button down shirt.  I knew I needed to get one.  This one from Zara's is perfect.

Plus this dark green coated denim skirt was calling to me too.  Also Zara.

Spring will be here soon.  The Sugarberry dress from Anthropologie is perfect for day or night.  I love the unusual color especially since it is covered in pailettes.  Plus 50% off and then another 25%, made it actually pretty reasonable for such a fancy dress.

But the best are the shoes I've been stalking went on sale!  Sophia Webster's iridescent peep-toe crown heels - aka Gigi - are finally mine!!!

So yeah.  Nothing subtle here!

Maybe I need a metallic silver sweater too.... hmmm....

I may have overpacked

When we travel by car, all of the space available makes me a bit frivolous.

Four pairs of boots is not too many for a week, right?

I definitely need my Sorel boots for the snow.

And the Hunter wellies are a must too... it will be slushy or rainy, right?

And the Betsey Johnson black boots are a basic.  So they need to come along, of course.

And the Frye Melissa boots are just too pretty to leave home.  Maybe I'll only wear them in the house.


Other than that....


I only brought 2 other pairs of shoes.



So totally not overpacking.  Right?  Right????

Making a Recommendation

Let me give you a recommendation...

If you're around 5'4" get this Zara Fitted Checked Dress.

It hits you at the perfect point just below the knee, has great quality fabric and details (for only $99) and looks great in a 1960s kind of way.

I paired it with deep red Blahnik BB heels for a wiggly vibe.

Get it while you can!

Time to Shine

I'm not big on the "office holiday party" picture but we did at least have a venue to dress up a bit.

 My husband wore a navy velvet JCrew blazer and pants in a dark grey with a plaid bow tie. I wore Zara's Jeweled Print Tulip Dress paired with Miu Miu silver glitter pumps and a silver belt.

Details!

Isn't this print great?

I adore Miu Miu glitter...

This dress has such a great shape, I really need to find more in this style.  Two more parties to go.  I may have to wear this again for at least one of them!