You Make it Easy

In my mind, putting on anything other than jeans each day is considered "dressing up." And since I started this wee blog, I have been encouraged to dress up more (which of course necessitated adding tons more skirts and dresses to my wardrobe) and appreciate the respect I pay myself by trying to look decent (i.e., trying to look better I do when I walk my dog at the buttcrack of dawn in my PJ pants, hair askew and white traces of Clearasil still on my forehead).

There are days though, where I don't feel like dressing up and the thought of having to find a matching pair of tights to go with the dress and then a cardi to wear over the dress because it is cold and do I have a belt that doesn't make me look like a tied up roast oh is the neckline too plain and how come I don't have a decent pair of brown shoes with the heels just so to go with everything - everyone - everyday - makes my head blow up a little tiny bit.

That's why some of my favorite posts from my fella bloggers are their casual day looks. I love getting inspiration by seeing how you fine ladies can rock a pair of skinnies and flats for school or throw on a cotton jacket over a lacy dress to go run errands or peg some baggy jeans to show off a glittery pair of heels for a movie date.

I have you gals to thank when I got dressed this morning, tossed on a pair of jeans and did not immediately reach for my hand-me-down Wrigley Field sweatshirt (can I continue to say how wearing jeans tucked into boots is still a revelation for me?). I am still put-together but comfortable and do not feel dressed up.

Sweater: J. Crew cambridge crewneck (similar cotton version here or rosette version here)
Top: J. Crew striped tissue tee (worn here before - similar here or here)
Jacket: Anthropologie Cartonnier Craftsmanship Capelet
Jeans: Forever 21 skinny ankle (similar here)
Boots: Bed:Stu Bullet (worn here before)
Necklace: UO multi stone bib (worn here before - similar-ish here and here)

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Don't forget, please send me your outfit picks for the next Respect the Outfits reader feature. This week we're doing you beautiful ladies with your cutie pets. Pics can be sent to respecttheshoes(at)live.com - post to go up next Monday!

Happy Up Here

It's TGIF day - and I just got back from another trip - it's sooooo good to be home! And what unexpected and lovely surprise did I find in my mailbox to brighten my Friday? Lucky Lisa here got a package from the fabulous Spiffy from Where the Lights are Bright!

I'll never stop ceasing to be amazed and flattered at how welcoming this community of bloggers are - the advice and tips being shared, the inspiration we draw from each other, the absolute generosity of you wonderful gals!

Thanks so much, Spiffy, for this gorgeous belt! After I opened your package, I was immediately inspired to drop my dreary travel and work clothes for something more befitting of your style and flare!

During the shoot, I got a bit hungry. And thanks to Spiffy, my pockets were also equipped with snacks ...

Top: J. Crew ethereal ruffle wool cardigan (similar online here)
Skirt: H&M drop pocket (worn here before - similar online here)
Belt: Anthropologie, c/o Spiffy
Tights: Anthropologie berry bush (worn here and here before - similar online here and here)
Boots: Bed Stu Bullet (worn here before - similar online here)

Here was the little "outfit" I arrived home in ...
 

Top: J. Crew haya zip hoodie (similar online here, or different variation of same fabric here)
Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft modern bootcut (similar online here)
Shoes: Kelsi Dagger Ashley

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BTW, sorry I didn't get this week's Respect the Outfits post out! I'm going to extend this week's feature until next Thursday, so if you haven't had a chance yet to submit your J. Crew outfit, you still have time! Please send your pic to respecttheshoes(at)live.com. For you ladies who did submit something, thanks so much and I'll make your gorgeous outfits are included!

Just Another Manic

I'm a fan of turkey day goodness and spending time with the family as much as everyone else, but I have to admit this year is going to be a slightly strange one. My sister and her fam have gone to Disney World to spend their week with the big bad Mouse. BF's sis and her fam are spending their time with her hubby's in-laws. My parents have relatives from overseas over and will be spending turkey day dinner at a restaurant. The BF and I are going over to his mom's place where we'll spend the day with her and her hubby - but she's got a bad knee and is currently in a wheelchair ... and she wants us to come over early on Thursday so we can help with dinner (i.e., so we can cook dinner) (i.e., so we can cook what she wants for dinner).

OK, no I am not implying that I am going to have a bad time this Thanksgiving as the awesome thing is that BF's family and I get along famously. However, you've got to admit the thought of going over to someone else's home for a momentous meal and being asked to cook their food for them? Yeah ...

So is it wrong that I what I am really looking forward to is waking up bright and early this Friday and  flipping open the laptop from the comfort of my bed (OK, the bed from the guest bedroom at BF's mom's place) so I can - crowd-free - peruse the online offerings from my fave retailers (i.e., clothes, shoes, clothes, shoes)?

So ladies, are you planning to do any shopping this Black Friday and ensuing weekend? Are there particular items/stores you'll be stalking?

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Here's what I wore to go shopping this weekend:

Jacket: Anthropologie Cartonnier Flipside (worn here and here before - similar online here and here)
Top: J. Crew graphic milliner tee (worn here before - similar online here)
Jeans: Banana Republic classic skinny (worn here and here before - similar online here)
Boots: Bed Stu Bullet (similar online here)

And here is what I am wearing today with one of my new Anthro purchases (and admittedly questionable hair):

Top: Anthropologie Odille Bianka

Pants: J. Crew trouser cord

Shoes: Aerosoles Triple Play

Belt: Forever 21 metallic bead skinny (worn here before - similar online here)

Earrings: Target

Dog Days

Dress: Anthropologie Maeve Slate Shifts (worn here and here before)
Sweater: J. Crew lightweight cardigan (worn here before)
Belt: Anthropologie City Safari (worn here, here and here before)
Shoes: Indigo by Clarks Edamame (worn here, here and here before)

Just like the rest of you gals, for the past few weeks I had been slowly compiling together my fall wishlist and going on the search for my coveted items. My list has been mercifully short, and two of the items that I thought would be great additions to my current wardrobe had been a pair of casual flat brown boots and black booties.

The brown boots had been difficult - after many weeks of searching and whining and then having purchased (and then returned) three different pairs of brown boots (why do things just look better when you're trying them on in-store?), I finally found my pair about two weeks ago. I haven't worn them yet - um, when is fall finally going to show itself in the SE? - but I am so excited about them. The shaft on these is kind of also too tall for a shortie like me, but the leather is so soft that it doesn't matter (bed stü Bullet).

As for my black booties, these were luckily almost a no brainer since I'm a big fan of Vince Camuto (and if you buy shoes direct from their site, shipping is free, there's no tax and they often have 20% off deals). These will sure-to-be another workhorse for fall (Vince Camuto Bronco) - now if the darn weather in the SE would just go ahead and get fall-like! What is up with these 90 degree+ days in late September?!

To top off my fall shopping, I'd love to get a cozy wool jacket in a gorgeous jewel tone. J. Crew used to be the master of the colorful fall tweed but so far they aren't offering any this year (disappointing, JC!). But a recent perusal through Old Navy online recently did had me stumble upon this cousin to JC's previously highly sought-after Bella blazer (which also comes in petite and tall sizing ... tempting!):

Old Navy Ruffle-Collar jacket ($69.50)

What's been your favorite purchase of the fall so far? What are the next big items on your wish list?