Boots – Scores and Splurges

Stuart Weitzman Keen Mid Calf Boots

Man I want these.  Why do they have to be $450?  Even at $450 they are sold out at shopbop unless you have size 10.5 feet!  It’s just as well.  I’m just going to cross my fingers for a great imitation by Steve Madden…

Also, there’s these – a bit trendy with the zippers, but at $228, more affordable:

Charlotte Ronson Adalhaid Platform Boots

You know, my birthday is coming up.

Now on the other side of the spectrum – Target’s new line of boots have come out.  Last year my Target version of the Loeffler Randall boots were a big hit – and this year they’ve got some great sliver wedge boots again!

Mossimo Kady Boots in Cognac

At $34.99 I’m tempted to get them – my boots last year were surprisingly comfortable.  And these Kady boots come in black, light grey, and cognac.

Making something out of nothing: Plain White Tees

I was on the hunt for a cheap, super simple leather belt at H&M when I was met with plastic, elastic, studs and fringe in the women’s accessories section.  I’d just about given up when I glanced over at the men’s section – to find recycled leather belts, made in sweden, for $12.  Exactly what I needed.  I picked up their smallest size (33″ – 34″) which fits great on my low-rise J Brand Lovestory bellbottoms, although I do have to use the furthest notch.

This got me thinking about how it never occured to me to look in the men’s section – and how truly fashionable people (myself definitely not included) seem to make something fashionable out of nothing.  Which got me thinking about how fashionistas and fashion bloggers are always taking a solid basic and creating an entire look out of it.  One of these basics is favorite go-to of mine – the American Apparel White Deep-V Tee.  Simple, sexy, and unisex – which allows you to pick a different size for a different look.  When all else fails (what will match with my bleached bells or orange high waist jersey skirt?) I reach for this tee, and it never fails me.  I tried looking for some photos of girls who build outfits around a simple white tee or tank.

So really, I don’t need new clothes… I just need new accessories!  And shoes.  And skirts…

An $8 dress totally doesn’t count!

Well, since July didn’t go so well (yeah, I may have a couple of purchases I forgot to mention), I’m renewing my shopping vow of abstinence for the month of August.  So far, I’ve only faltered once – and it was for this cute Converse dress on clearance (which I might add, is much cuter in person)!  FOR EIGHT DOLLARS!

Target Converse Twisted Dress

As do most of the photos from the Target website, the photo doesn’t capture the full cuteness – tiny ruffles, pleats, and unfinished hems.  Very summer!  And yes – I had to cut off the model’s feet because she was was wearing these bastard cousin of the chuck taylor sneakers.

I’m quite tempted to start posting “outfits of the day” – but does that mean I should invest in a better camera first?  Or at least better lighting in my dungeon of a room.

Speaking of which, I have officially decided to move!  I’m ditching my adorable neighborhood (and cramped apartment) for a very distant, less interesting city – but in return will get more space for me and the kitty, more money to pay off student debt (or ehm, to occasionally spend on small, happy things), and generally more privacy.  Although I have my reservations – I do think change is generally a good, refreshing thing – so I’m looking forward to it.