spring shoe

It may have been 20 degrees last night in Kansas City. I may have been boycotting my coat closet for the past month against the weatherman's advice. And right now I'm inconveniently obsessing over these shoes from Zara. Aren't they amazing? Best shoes I've seen all season.

image

working girls' favorite shoes

Hooray, hooray. I accepted a job last week!

It was actually a great few days, where I landed two offers and had the opportunity to compare them side-by-side, ultimately making a decision that is going to keep me busy and happy. Not to mention I'll be using and learning even more Finance skills on a daily basis. Yay for numbers and Excel. (But seriously, they're kinda my thing.)

My start date isn't for another two weeks, so I created a list of goals I'd love to complete before jumping back into the corporate world. The list includes watching seasons 1 and 2 of Downton Abbey, spring cleaning my closet, and not buying tons of new business casual clothes. So far I have only purchased one top from J. Crew's sale (extra 30% off with code GOODNEWS through Friday), but am really wanting these beauties.

j. crew janey patent flats

Can they be more perfect for the office? Comfortable yet bright. And that heel.  To top it off, they come in the most fabulous colors. I mean, they're sooo good, no? 

happy elephant

Way back here, I mentioned my love for elephants. I think it started when I was just a little kid, during my bowl cut days. True child of the late 80s, early 90s right here. Anyway, I'd be at my grandparents' house playing with these gorgeous solid wood elephant figures. About six in total, they ranged from a foot tall all the way down to a little baby about four inches high (my favorite). 

Then there was that one time I rode an elephant while in elementary school. I don't remember the occasion, but I do remember this elephant's ears were wet and would slap against my legs as he walked, but it was OK. I was on an elephant! 

So, that was a really long way of saying that when I saw this video shared on Facebook, I absolutely had to click. And watch. And watch five more times. I mean, is there anything cuter? I don't think so, especially at the 1:20 mark.



In honor of this happy little guy or gal, I rounded up some of my favorite elephant items as of late. Definitely thinking the loafers are making it to my closet soon.

ettie elephant scarf // terracotta new york

maisy loafers with gold elephant design // asos

elephant pillow // kimoley for one kings lane

good luck elephant necklace // dogeared

Fall wish list for the working girl

Mossimo vianca tuxedo flat

gap embroidered loafers

I almost never wear heels at work. If I do, I have to make sure I've brought my lunch to the office because my ankles have become so weak and used to not wearing three inch heels everyday. The down town Kansas City streets were not made with cute heels in mind.

I am loving these two loafer options from Target and Gap. There are so many cute print and color options for both of these styles, and the price points are reasonable enough that I might have to splurge and get two of each. I'm thinking adding the purple Mossimo flats and the polka dot Gap loafers to the mix.

madewell true love shrunken oxford

Along with my very favorite Banana Republic silk blouse (mentioned here, similar found here), this Madewell  oxford is a staple in my closet.

gap really skinny pants

Gap pants for work. You just can't go wrong here. Actually as I'm typing this (at work, shhhh.), I've got the True Straight on, which are the more conservative option than the Really Skinnies above. I live in these pants when the weather gets too chilly for skirts and I wake up too late to put on tights. Which is most everyday.

j. crew etta cap toe pump

In my own little dreamworld, these shoes are sitting right next to the Gap and Target loafers above. This is one heel I could live and work in: a sturdy heel, leather and cap-toe to boot. Even the description says this shoe is "for the girl who only ever wears flats". *sigh*

I bet I know what you're thinking: J. Crew, Gap and Madewell. Really. Don't step too far out of the box. But let me tell you, after dressing business casual for four years, these three brands continually deliver quality garments, have sales, and most everything is compatible. i.e. mix-match heaven. Today I barely have to think about what I'm going to wear in the morning, I just pull a top and bottoms from the work section of my closet, add a watch or necklace, and I'm out the door. Love that.

What are your work wardrobe must-haves this fall?

fall weakness

My beloved boots have been sitting on the top rack of my closet waiting for Autumn football season. Here I go, rushing the season again. 

please don't judge the hangers. i am too cheap to buy coordinating ones.

Eleven pairs of boots is more than enough for a girl who doesn't ride horses, don't you think? Granted there are many different types in this population: wedges, Sperry's, equestrian-style, cowboy, rain, and vintage. Yep, vintage. Two pairs (#6 & #10) were originally my mom's from the 1970s.

Until yesterday, Pair #7 were my newest and possibly my favorites since they have my college mascot branded on them. Go Cats!

I noticed I really need boot shapers. Just look at sad #4 and #8. This post has tons of great ideas for diy boot shapers. This is happening, stat.

So maybe this closet isn't lacking in the boots department. But boots are my weakness. And the Nordstrom Anniversary sale was chock-full of glorious boots in all shapes, heights and colors.

So I accidentally took these guys home.

Steve Madden Judgemnt boots

And by accidentally I mean I can't wait to wear them. I love the two-tone leather (black and brown might be my favorite fashion color combo), the harness detail, and saving $80. I don't think I'm going to be able to wait until the temperature is in the 60s. I'll be that ridiculous girl with boots and skinny jeans on in end-of-August humid heat.

Are you getting new boots for football season? What is your weakness when it comes to fall shopping?

style inspiration: 4th of july

It's almost the 4th of July! Here's what is getting me in the mindset for a fun Wednesday night and weekend celebration.

shirt // shorts // TOMS // tote // photo

Couple things:

1. How much fun is that girl having on the back of the motorcycle? I wish I looked that cool when I was on a Harley...

all i needed was an American flag...

2. I really don't like jorts. At all. I know, they're kind of an American classic but I've seen too many pairs gone wrong. However the ones above are all sorts of right. The pockets hanging out of the bottom are a little, um, promiscuous for my normal taste level but when it's the 4th of July, anything goes.

3. I need those TOMS for this weekend stat.

month in photos: april

Happy Monday! You might remember last month I decided to start a new series where I recap the month in photos on the last day of each month.... Here's a little look at my life in April. Next month I hope to take so many pictures I have to use my new photo collage apps to fit everything in to a reasonably-sized post.

Punta Cana landscape.

a friend recently started her hair stylist profession and taught me how to make pretty curls!

went on a recruiting trip, back to my beautiful alma mater's campus for the 1st time since graduation.

brunch bunch attire. The leopard Sperry's were a new purchase from the danger zone shopping day.

no filter on this one, what a beautiful sky!

Blue Eyes & I last Friday night. I'm wearing my new Kendra Scott necklace (on sale!) and randomly, my glasses.

Tim Gunn was in KC! Full recap of the Silver Fox's visit in another post.....

procrastinator

Hello! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. Mine was simply lovely, but now the inboxes are overflowing, my body is torn up (more on that later), freckles are out in full force, deadlines are approaching, suitcase is still full... and what am I doing? Reading blogs and looking at pretty things. I guess I'm not quite ready to face the real world just yet. It's a beautiful crisp morning here in KC and I am really wishing these would magically appear at my doorstep.

kate spade via

Tolani Pantone scarf

ella moss ringo maxi

Happy hump day! 

new favorite work blouse

silk crepe de chine blouse via

Pretty sure the post title gave it away. I am obsessed with this Banana Republic silk top. The only colors available online are the coral pictured and dark navy. But, in the stores they have it in a creamy off-white color, which is what I got! I'm wearing it right now with a coral tank underneath (because it is very sheer), and black cropped skinny pants, which BR hasn't uploaded online yet. They were only $69.50 and Sunday was Friends & Family day, so they were 50% off!  If only I had some bright shoes to kick this outfit to the next level... I'm thinking along the lines of these beauties:

Jessica Simpson Halie

Aldo Capecoral

Sam Edelman Tacoma

Happy Tuesday!

j.crew fall 2012 delectables

Has everyone had the chance to check out J. Crew's amazing Fall 2012 line up? I literally squeaked with excitement when I started perusing what the brilliant Tom Mora, in his first year as head of women's design, has created. In my opinion, he did an excellent job staying true to the brand's preppy roots, but took a few risks and added some extra flare I haven't seen previously from the line. Bravo, Tom and Jenna and J. Crew, bravo.

In a matter of coincidence, last night I had a dream that I had to run across the Plaza to J. Crew to be fitted for a bright pencil skirt and tie (yes, like menswear) before the store closed. I guess that's what happens when a shopoholic attempts to abstain from spending money on clothes for any length of time... Hi my name is Monica, it's been 3 weeks since my last shopping trip.

Back to J. Crew...  Here's a peak at some of my favorites from the Fall 2012 collection. They're all so ready to wear I can hardly stand it. Is it fall yet? :)

Hi jewel tones - glad to see you back for another season!

Want this sweater like I want my taxes to be done.... So. Bad. 

Pastels in the fall....? Ok! 

Neutral color scheme, shearling jacket and snake print maxi.... wonderous!

You can't go wrong with a J. Crew cable knit sweater. This ensemble is perfection for work, and then I'd throw on a pair of skinny jeans and boots and catch a flight to the mountains! 

Colors: j'adore. More pleated accordion skirts - yes!

I literally stopped in the middle of a post about my love of bows to write this post... and here are these amazing bow-patterned pants! These are on the short list. 

Leopard - it's back!

Can this please be my work uniform? Love absolutely everything about it.

[Sources: WWD and Fashionologie]

**Update** Sorry for missing the boat on wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day... I hope it was wonderful! I will get the post on the Valentine's sugar cookies up, hopefully by the end of the week. I forgot to write down the recipe.... ditz move, I know. Once I get it, I'll post the delicious outcome! xoxo

gift guide: for the traveler

Whether they're a beach bum or a snow bunny, your gift will be a hit with any of these presents. My personal favorite is of course the Frye boots, which I have been living in since I got them at the Nordstrom anniversary sale over the summer. They survived the concrete jungle of Buenos Aires, and five months later I still get compliments almost every time I wear them. They are the best wardrobe investment!!

1. Patagonia down sweater vest

2. Rainbow leather sandals

3. Fuji instax mini 50S camera (produces credit card-sized photos in a few seconds!)

4. Frye Melissa button back zip boots

5. Lodis athena dylan zip iPad case (love this in rose gold)

6. LeSportsac weekender

gift guide: for the fabulous

We all know her. The really fabulous friend/sister/aunt/Barbie who has just about everything and therefore is ridiculously hard to shop for. I have a few of these women in my life. One is my mother, whose personality doppelgänger is Martha Stewart and who routinely shows up in clothes I've been sale stalking online. I know, it's tough. You should feel semi-sorry for me.

Anyway enough about my really great mom. The point is that she and many other women are intimidating to impress come Christmas gifting time. Hopefully this little guide helps you (or the people who have you on their gift list!):

1. ALDO buschur leopard pony slipper shoes

2. J. Crew glitter iPhone case

3. Elizabeth and James fairway sunglasses

4. Vogue: The Covers coffee table book

5. Elizabeth Gillett gold sequin archer infinity scarf

6. kate spade new york spade hinge bangle

brisket and chicken and pork, oh my!

Tomorrow marks the 32nd Annual American Royal Barbecue! The American Royal Association is a not-for-profit organization that has been a staple in Kansas City's culture for the past 112 years. Over that time, they have kept the rodeo alive and mastered the art of throwing a really fun party.

In most of the city's mind, the main event is the barbecue on Friday night. Tents are reserved months in advance and teams like "Red, White and Cue" and "Always Rubbin' Something" compete in more than 10 categories, including Best Party! I so wish I had these boots to wear tomorrow! So adorbs.

kiboots

So that's what I've got going on over the weekend (plus a K-State game - BEAT BAYLOR!!). What are your plans?

oh my gilt

Props to Alexandra Wilson of Gilt Groupe. Just one day after I told myself to hold off on any more impulse online shopping through the rest of September (yes I realize it's only 2 more days, I have a problem!!), I get an email from Gilt with two words I can't ignore: Kate. Spade.

The only item of Mrs. Spade's I've been able to afford has been her cute & chic stationary. Well those days of ogling my friends' Kate Spade accessories and wishing for my own are over.... in keeping with the trend of the last few posts (I must be in some sort of subliminal shoe OCD zone), I am going to be the proud owner of these beauties!!

Kate Spade Fierce peep toe flat

They'll be great for the holidays, don't you think? Do you own anything Kate Spade? What's your favorite?

happy anny Stuart Weitzman!

Stuart Weitzman is celebrating their 25th anniversary. For the occasion, they have released a special edition "Heritage" platform. Beautiful!

I have one pair of Stuart Weitzman's thanks to Ellen DeGeneres. I was in the audience (front row what what) a few years back and it just so happened that the taping was for her birthday! Along with many other favors, each audience member received a $200 gift card to Zappos! I know, disgustingly lucky. Instead of buying a few pairs of cute shoes, I splurged and got a fabulous pair of snake skin platforms. Three years later I am still loving them! Can't wait to get another pair... someday :)

lucky booties

How cute are these suede booties? And guess what..... Today they're only $15.50!! Just go to lulu's, enter the code "luckydaily3" (thanks Lucky Mag!) and these super cute - and vegan friendly - booties are on their way at half price! Amazingness. I'm having a hard time getting over what a great deal this is!

Qupid Oxford Lace Up Booties

Top 5 Tuesday: fall fashion

It's about that time to celebrate the best fashion season of them all, FALL! I'm over the heat of the summer and for anyone in Kansas City, this recent cooler weather and rain has really got me drooling over these exciting fall trends.

1. maxi skirts + big sweaters

splenderosa.blogspot.com

This is Zanna Roberts Rassi, Senior Fashion Editor at Marie Claire. She is Sr. Fashion Editor for a reason.... how lovely.

2. techinicolor blocking

Gucci

Pairing bright pinks with orange and jade is so not me, but I'm going to do my best to find some great colorful statement piece steals, so I won't have severe buyer's remorse if I don't wear them again after this season. 

However this little pop of color is just perfect. Cole Haan = best classics with a hint of genius.

Cole Haan Stephanie Air Oxford Pump

3. lace

Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung

I love it - especially in black this season.

4. winter white

Burberry

I guess this is always a fall trend.... so even more reason to make sure it made the Top 5!

5. floral

Erdem

Paired with dark tights and perhaps those Cole Haan's above, this is a perfect work-to-evening outfit for fall.

What are your favorites? Have you already purchased your Fall 2011 must-haves? Coming soon.... these trends within a 20-something's price range!