DD's Style File - Statement Lace

Ok, so I am going to keep it all the way real in this here post today...

First, I have abhorred lace (on me) for as long as I can remember.

It was my opinion that it looked old ladyish and made me look dated.

Well, I figure I must be turning into an old lady...

And it was this very dress that changed it all!

Ain't a thang old about this right here!

I literally passed this dress over on the rack several times, insisting that it just was not "my style." Until I ultimately ran out of options and saw that it was one of the only remaining dresses left in my size, so I tried it just for giggles (since the color was all pretty and whatnot).

Imagine my immediate surprise when I stepped into the mirror and LOVED it. Like getting compliments from strangers, despite your polka dot ankle socks, had me wanting to strut out of the store wearing it kinda love.

Dress: c/o David's Bridal (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: The Limited - old (other options here and here)

Shoes: INC for Macy's

I got the dress back in the spring and finally had a chance to wear it to a wedding this past weekend. Which because of my newly acquired appendage, I almost changed my mind about going to. In the end, I put on my Cinderella shoe and obviously went. I saw some old friends, did some chair dancing and had a nice time. 

Now, as I mentioned in the post opening....I'm keeping it extra real today. So, with that....below is a shot of what my blogging shoots are really looking like these days:

Yes, divas, me and the Frankenfoot are not only keeping it fierce at social functions, but I'm pushing forward capturing blog photos for all you lovelies!

And I'd say today's post definitely could teach all of us (myself included) a little something:

Lesson #1: Don't pass over something until you give it a try. You might actually surprise yourself.

When doing personal style outings, I would always say to my clients - just try it first - but it wasn't something that I necessarily adhered to for myself.  Because I felt I already had a firm grasp on what worked for me. Yet since wearing this dress, I'm expanding my fashion horizons, and I actually purchased two lace tops that I plan to wear soon.  

Lesson #2: Don't let a bump in the road ruin the entire road trip.

Ok, so I totally just made that up. What I mean that to say don't let something unexpected (like a fugly orthopedic boot) ruin the big picture. After getting this boot, I felt like social plans were put on hold, mostly because I felt clunky and clumsy (98.9% of the time, I have a sneaker on my good foot). Even though turning into a hermit felt really tempting, I just decided to make different plans instead. So, sure, I didn't get to wear the birthday dress I picked out, but I still put on something that made me feel good and had some very nice dinner outings with friends and family.

In short, if the road gets a little bumpy, just try an alternate route.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend! Will anybody be bringing out those fall wardrobe pieces??  

Let's Get Fancy! - SUPER EASY DIY Pom Pom Shoe Clips

Poms poms are showing up all over the place! Topping off hats, furry details on key chains, and adding frou frou to handbags! And they're even showing up on shoes!

Credit : 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Poms on shoes add an unconventional element and bring a little bit of something extra special to an outfit! Adding a poufy punch to everything from ballet flats to red bottoms, in a variety of colors, sizes and fabrics. There are a several retailers out there where you can find clips like these made from luxe materials for $50 a pair or more. 

Today's DIY will give you the chance to save yourself some cash (for that new pair of shoes) and still have some fashion fun!

What you'll need:

-  A segment of felt - just enough to cut two quarter sized rounds from
-  Scissors
-  Glue gun
-  Shoe clips (I got mine from etsy)
-  A pair of pompoms (I ordered mine from JoAnn Fabrics, no fancy fur, they're just acrylic)

Find the size pom that's right for you. For my first set, I decided to go big (and bright) or go home! So feel free to pick the size and shade that best represents your style.

1. Simply cut out your quarter sized round from the felt (I eyeballed mine).

2. Attach your clip with the hot glue to the center of the felt. Press it firmly to make sure it adheres, but be careful as the metal will be hot. Allow a few moments to cool.

3. Then apply a generous amount of glue to the other side of the felt and press it to the bottom of the pom. Mine had a flattish surface on the bottom. I left my clip open as it cooled (see image 3 above) so that the glue wouldn't seep through and make it stick together.

Once cooled, you can close the clip and complete your other pompom.


And in literally less than 15 minutes you've got a new pair of clips to sass up any pair of shoe you want!

Hey, why go for just bows on your toes, when poms are the bomb?!

Leopard Flats: H&M - sold out
similar, similar, similar, similar

Have a wonderful weekend!

I've 'Fall'en for Khalen

Meet Khalen.

Jessica Simpson's Khalen boot became my very best friend last year. I wore them literally all the time. Khalen even had to take a visit to a cobbler for some light touch up work so she could keep on pushing through.

Those who know me (and those who visit this blog often) know that I'm probably tempted to buy a second pair of Khalen's as a back up so when the first pair get laid to rest we can keep right on strutting.

So it's without question that darling Khalen will be my "go to" boot of the season.

Since I'm fighting back the fall season with my undying desire to hold on to warm weather, I just couldn't bear to do a typical outfit post for IFB Project #110: Fall Boots. So, here are three ways I'm planning to rock Khalen when the temperatures plunge into the 40's and 50's.

Urban Cowgirl by the-dazzling-diva featuring high heel shoes

Fresh for Fall by the-dazzling-diva featuring a gold necklace

Khalen is chic enough to wear to work and out for play...

Capetown by the-dazzling-diva featuring a gold multi chain necklace

So even though I'm nowhere near ready for cooler weather, just between me and you, after doing this post I'm more than just a little bit excited for fall fashion.*wink*

Shopping Giddiness

Last week I wrote this post about being all jazzed up the past couple of weeks because of my recent shopping scores. It's those times where you finally get your hands on something that you've been itching to have and it was all sold out or you just couldn't get it in your size or your price point.

Incidentally, I've talked about all of my little lust's right here on Dazzling Diva:

First, there was the Valentino bow flip flop that I obsessed over last year after seeing them in Vegas. Well fate would have it, a year later I'd bump into good pair of flip flops that were so daggone similar that it caused me to squeal girlishly in the aisle at the store. I was so pleased, that I bought the last two pair in my size for a total of....wait for it....$8!

Then came the Vidalia clutch by ShoeDazzle, it was all sold out. But whaddya know, months later I was able to grab the same brightly colored Navajo print on another clutch for less than half the price than I would have paid. It wasn't the shape I would have chosen initially, but when there's something you've been wanting, when you find a comparable piece, suddenly you'll find yourself willing to compromise!

(Oddly, both those fashion voids were filled by the same retailer - Dot's.)

More recently came my burning yearning to have this Victoria's Secret ruffled maxi. By the time came that I received my clearance catalog, it was already all sold out - in all sizes. Now, I will say that I ran into it a couple times on the site before making my purchase, but I wasn't willing to bid on it. A bidding war for a coveted item is not my idea of fun. However, a regular scouring of eBay over a couple weeks finally led me to the exact dress in my size, waiting with a Buy It Now option. Consider it mine. Before the end of the season I will try to post of picture of me in all of its bohemian loveliness.


What about you ladies, were you lucky enough to score any coveted piece this year?

I've Been Dazzled by ShoeDazzle

I've posted before about my apprehension toward shoe of the month clubs, and provided my opinion on my experience with ShoeMint thus far (it hasn't changed, read it here). But recently I gave ShoeDazzle a try.

Like the others, I went through a little "style assessment" and was presented with recommendations that would likely fit my taste. Honestly, most were a little too much heel for me. I'm most comfortable in a three and a half inch height (that doesn't make me less of a diva, does it?), but most of their selections were four inches or more. With shoes priced at $39.95 with free shipping and returns, I kept perusing hoping to find something stylishly suitable for my weak delicate ankles.

And then there were these cuties:

The Zamora. The colorblocking was on trend and paired with a neutral they were transitional enough for the office, an evening out and church on Sunday's. We ladies like a workhorse, don't we! The heel was the perfect height and once they arrived, they fit like a glove!

I haven't had the opportunity to wear them just yet, but the warm weather has just begun, so there's plenty of time left.

My experience overall with ShoeDazzle was a positive one. Plus, they automatically applied a discount to my first purchase, bringing the total down to about $31. I've checked back for more possibilities, but have not yet found any more that meet my requirements, so to speak. So if there are any ShoeDazzle reps reading this, "bring more 3.5" heel heights, please!" And you'll definitely have a return customer out of me.

I was shopping in a hurry when I made my shoe purchase, I think I was so excited that they actually had the shoe available in my size that I couldn't focus on anything else. So I missed ShoeDazzle's other offerings - bags, clothes and other accessories. However, these items are not at the $39.95 price point. Apprehension about quality is creeping in again, I envision the clothing to be not much better than a piece from Forever 21, but I ordered a dress anyway because it was very similar to something I'd been looking for. I'm hoping that since it was almost twice as much as a F21 dress that they will surprise me with the fabric quality and workmanship, especially since I wasn't able to use a promo code on my second order.

There is also a dynamite oversized clutch that I'm waitlisted for, fingers crossed that it comes in soon. (I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for that email)

Vidalia

So, I encourage you all to give ShoeDazzle a try, especially if some of these other clubs are a little pricey for your taste, like maybe,....*cough*.... the "Mint" clubs.

Once my dress comes I'll post some photos and my reviews on that. Stay tuned!

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DD's Style File - Weekend Chic: Mint Mullet Dress

I'm excited about this weekend style file post because when I saw this dress on the rack I was less than enthused but grabbed it anyway since it was in one of the colors that has been taking over my wardrobe this season. Plus, it looked like it had potential. I was shopping in a hurry, so I didn't have time for try ons and just went with my gut. And once I got it on, I was crazy about it, even in all of it's wrinkled glory!

I will admit that it was a dickens to iron, but well worth it. Once it was paired with one of my most recent shoe purchases (one of several purchases actually..), the stars aligned and it was bananas!

 Love! I felt chic and sophisticated, but not at all overdone.

Mint hi-Low hem dress - H&M
Taupe netted wedge - Gunmetal
Cream patent belt - H&M

Even though the dress is a soft pastel shade, since the shoes were more structured and busy, I kept the rest of the look simple, incorporating a skinny belt at the waist, a cuff bracelet and burnished gold and pearl drape earrings.

These shoes were sayin' something - had to have them. But Gunmetal was an unfamiliar brand to me, so I was concerned about the quality of the shoe. However, they've been so awesome I plan to stay on the look out for the brand because their execution is edgy, fashion forward and original.

White coated wicker clutch - Vintage
Taupe and gold woven bracelet - The Limited
Cream braid bracelet - Forever 21

Light pink sunnies - Charlotte Russe

This happened to be my first purchase of a dress or skirt with this mullet shape, but on my most recent shopping expedition in Atlanta I found myself stepping out of my "safe zone," purchasing a few other styles in similar cuts and several pairs of wedge heels. I just needed something fresh in my wardrobe beyond my circle skirts, pencil skirts and stiletto heels....know what I mean. (sending air kisses & hugs to Tamara at Nine West, you were a doll!)

Even though I'm in shopping haul heaven, I'd love to hear what are you feelings on the "mullet cut" hem, hate it or love it?



Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Diva's Desires - Kelsi Dagger

I'm having a little lust affair with Kelsi Dagger shoes lately...especially the wedges! However, I'm trying to be a good girl and not buy another pair of shoes (at least until I go on vacation).

But the Gemini's are seriously calling my name! That kelly green color is a shade that's lacking in my current shoe collection, but being the budget diva that I am, I can't see myself paying full price for a shoe that I won't wear all year round or at least more than a handful in the warmer seasons. The PPW just doesn't balance out quite enough. Especially when I just missed them on MYHABIT when they were offered for half the price (curse those noon time work meetings!)...and since a girl can't seem to get her hands on a good coupon for twenty percent off or more, I'm keeping myself in check.

 

Shoe Crazy! (And a Shoemint Review)

I'm sure you all have heard of Shoemint by now, if not, it's one of the latest shoe-of-the-month clubs. Shoemint launched fall 2011 and are being marketed by celebrity, Rachel Bilson.

As much I as I adore shoes, I was not interested in the whole shoe club thing. Until I saw a blog post somewhere advertising this particular shoe:

The Hattie in colorblock. I felt an immediate and intense urge to make them mine. It felt exactly like what my wardrobe was missing. And it's a flat! Can you believe it?? Well, here's the rub...apparently this particular shoe club is really only beneficial if you join right before the first of the month, since they roll out their new styles at the beginning. So me, being completely oblivious to any such rules, happened to join somewhere around late mid-month. So, those lovelies that drove me to their website were completely sold out in my size (in all sizes for that matter).

However, being the shopping girl I am, I waitlisted, waited and checked back occasionally. They finally sent me a "come and get it" email at 8PM on a Friday evening, which I did not know I'd received until 11AM Saturday morning. And guess what? Too late, all gone. Again.
Naturally, I waited some more. Perused their FAQs. Eventually contacted customer service for help (I pretty much got the blow off). Feeling defeated and all, I then went in search of something to appease the need for these flats.

I found these, a comparable style in different colors.

I would've been pleased enough with those, if only....they'd had my size. Yep, all sold out. This retailer provided no response to whether they were planning to restock.

So the hunt began, since now I've seen something that I want and have convinced myself that my closet needs. And then I found these:

Can't get any closer than that, can ya? Apparently, Shoemint's idea wasn't all that original (we've discussed my opinions on that), since this is Zara's flat from spring 2011. But hey, I'm NOT complaining! Thank you Zara, thank you Shoemint and thank you eBay seller for still having my size. The shoe thirst has been quenched and all is right in the world. *smile*

One last note, since this is a semi-Shoemint review, obviously I can't say I'm really feeling the love for Shoemint, but I'm patiently waiting for another winner.  I've refrained from canceling my membership, though outside of the Hattie, their collections just haven't moved me to reach for my wallet.

What about you girls, has Shoemint been good to you?

A Case of the Mondays...

Monday. Not my most favorite day of the week. And when they go badly it makes me want to retreat back to the snuggly cocoon of my down comforter.

So imagine my frustration when I slept through my snooze alarm and had to hustle to get myself together. Only to get hung up yet again when I could not find my heels. A pair of basic black, snake embossed peep toes, that are actually super comfy. They were nowhere to be found.
So, I grabbed a lower pump instead.

Jessica Simpson Kendale

Since I was running late, I got caught behind a school bus that I normally would have missed. I took this delay as an opportunity to put on my jewelry. My bracelet conveniently breaks, sending a small shower of pearly beads into my lap and under my seat.
Lovely.

I finally make it to the office, I try to walk/run, open my umbrella and avoid incoming traffic. Then...my heel quickly dipped into a jagged crack in the parking lot pavement (we know how I love that):

Ginormous gash...

I practically had to perform surgery with a black Sharpie and Crazy Glue in order to walk around reasonably inconspicuous for the rest of the day...

50% off at Heels.com with Groupon!

It's spring time, ladies! And who doesn't need new shoes for spring and those sultry summer months? Well, haven't I got a deal for you - Groupon has partnered with Heels.com and for the next three days you can grab a Heels.com voucher for 50% of the price.

 You have two options to choose from:

$50 for a $100 Groupon

$25 for a $50 Groupon

Choose from styles by a wide range of designers from BCBG and Boutique 9 to Jessica Simpson and Rock and Republic. And as always, Heels.com offers free second day shipping and free returns!


BCBG

Steve Madden

Ivanka Trump

Mark and James

L.A.M.B.

Lots and lots of options. And in case you'd rather wait a season or two to get your new shoes, your Groupon is good until February 6, 2013. So you've got plenty of time. Click HERE to get your Heels.com Groupon now!

Happy Shopping!!

I'm Obsessed - The Shoe Clip

Think fab clip on jewelry for your shoes - shoe clips are another way for us accessory obsessed and budget minded chicks to get more bang for our buck.  I, for one, am always looking for interesting little ways to further define my personal style and I think shoe clips would be a step in the right direction.

I used white and black polka dot bows in satin fabric to add a bit of whimsy to a pair of basic Alfani platform pumps. Très chic when paired with a red pencil skirt or black fit and flare dress without a lot of effort. Of course I think the real fun begins when you don't exactly match your clip to your shoe, but combine complimentary or contrasting shades instead.

If whimsey's not quite your thing - not a problem. Discover options for the classic sophisticate or your urban edge. Clips are offered by a variety of retailers from those on Etsy to brands like Steve Madden and Absolutely Audrey. You can find everything from fluffy flowers, rhinestones studs and brooches to multi metal chains:

image courtesy of finkshop on Esty

image courtesy of ShoeClipsOnly on Etsy

And don't think that you have to relegate your clips to the front of your shoe, get creative and scoot them to the side or clip them to the back of the heel for a look that's custom and totally you!

image courtesy of SewMuchStyle on Etsy

image courtesy of Chuletindesigns on Etsy

Most clips typically retail from $10 to $20 per pair, though there are definitely more expensive ones available. I also noticed that they are often marketed to soon to be brides, however I'd personally rather not wait for a particularly special occasion to enjoy these lovelies and plan to begin stockpiling them ASAP. I think they'd make me happy each time I glanced at my feet...

Wardrobe Savers - Winter Rescue

No matter where we choose to spend our hard earned dollars - from Bloomingdale's to Marshall's - we all want to get our monies worth out of our purchases. The best way to make sure you get every last dime is to make sure take care of your garments, shoes and accessories.

I've got a couple suggestions for you that I not only advocate, but use and love (which is why I wanted to share it with you all!).

Winter weather and all it's salted sidewalks can totally ravage our beloved boots and booties. I discovered Fiebing's Salt Stain Remover last year and used it to rescue my favorite pair of black riding boots:

After using this it takes a little bit of work with some leather cleaner and a bit of polish and buffing, but if it's a pair you love, it's totally worth it. Trust.

So, after restoring your boots, you have to store them properly. I have this thing about keeping my shoe boxes, however retailer boot boxes for knee high boots aren't quite wardrobe friendly, so I purchased several clear boot boxes:

I crunch up paper and stuff them in the shaft, then store the boxes upright.

To take care of my knits and wool coats I purchased a Remington Fabric Shaver, and let me tell you, it was the the best purchase ever! Made my favorite, five year old wool jacket look like new, and shaved the piling off my lovely thin knit pullovers and cardigans from Express:

Trust me, for around fifty bucks these will be absolutely worth it to extend the life of your favorite items.

Diva's Desires

I'm trying to curb my shopping impulses in 2012, but these are just a couple of things that I've got my eye on...

ASOS fitted dress, $89
Pins and Needles mesh blouse, $59
J.Crew heel pumps, $198

My Perfect Flip Flop

Ok, I've previously allluded to the fact that I'm not a fan of flip flops, however while on vacation in Las Vegas two weeks ago I saw the cutest pair of black patent flip flops on the feet of a passerby.

I've been semi-obsessed ever since.

I whipped out my phone while still at brunch to hunt them down on the net. And boy, did I find them...

These shiny, bow adorned beauties are the Valentino Garavani flip flop and unfortunately, even though they came out last year, with a ticket price of $275 - that makes them waaaay outta my league. *extreme sad face* So my mini mission has become to find a pair as similar as possible, but more budget sensible, before the summer ends.

I've found a few possibles, but needless to say, it's hard to compare to the stunning Valentino sandal. So, most don't elicit the same gush of excitement...

bow flip flops

But I will admit that this sandal from ASOS did give me a slight shiver at their cuteness, so perhaps this is my best bet.

Now, if I can only hunt down my size and maybe a coupon, I'll be in business.

And the search continues!