Need to Know: Nordstrom's Shoe Clearance!

In case you weren't aware, I stay informed of Nordstrom's sale events... especially when it comes to their shoes (I just saw the email pop into my inbox and had to share)! I love their selection and when they have a sale, it is definitely worth the time and money to shop it.  Here are a few things I'm currently viewing in my browser window :)

REPORT Signature "Vandalia" Bootie

REPORT "Harper" Over the Knee Boot

Miz Mooz "Chavez" Boot

Happy Thursday and happy shopping!

PS - Don't forget tomorrow is the start of Free Fridays! Spread the word... it's gonna be good!

run away with me

Okay, so we're not really running away, per se...  but the hubby and I will be celebrating our first wedding anniversary exactly one month from tomorrow! So, I've been spending more time than normal searching for places to go and things to do to celebrate the occasion. Remember when we went wine tasting in Missouri about 6 months back? Well, we're thinking that another low key, bed & breakfast-staying, wine tasting, relaxing weekend might be the perfect way to celebrate. If you have any recommendations of places to stay we would love to hear them!

I love you, babe! The first year has been an absolute blast! But then again, I wouldn't have expected any less :) 

Free Fridays in September!

This Saturday several friends and I are having a sidewalk sale to clear out some space in our houses - look me up if you're in the area! As I'm going through my stuff, I've started to find pieces here and there that have lived a good life, but are ready to go to someone else to love. However, instead of selling everything on Saturday, I am planning on giving away one piece out of my wardrobe or jewelry collection every Friday during the month of September! You guys are so awesome, I would never leave you out! So, come back on Friday for the first item... it's gonna be good :)

this is what procrastination looks like

tank, Target $10; skirt, Talbots $20, belt, TJ Maxx $5, heels, Bakers via gift from my BFF

This outfit is actually from Saturday... oh, I'd say around 5 pm. You see, when I took this photo I had just gotten showered and dressed for the first time all day. My husband was in Kansas City spending some time with his buddies from college and letting me work on some class assignments for the week. Well, up until this photo I "worked" on cleaning the house, organizing the basement, taking the dogs for a run, talking on the phone to my Mother and Grandfather for an hour and basically doing everything possible to avoid working on my assignment.  So around 5 pm I decided enough was enough, but before I could face the task I needed some encouragement.  So, I slipped on my favorite skirt of the moment, belted a flowing long tank over it and threw on my new sassy heels! Who says we need a reason to dress up? I don't... :)

Just in case you missed it...

I am the feature article on Wikifashion today!  In the event you are unfamiliar with the site, it's a wiki - think Wikipedia - for all things fashion related.  You can search for blogs (like me!), look up information about your favorite fashion magazines, and peruse different styles and brands. Basically it's your one stop shop for all information regarding anything having to do with fashion. A huge thanks to the team for putting me on the front page! 

On another exciting note, I am thrilled to be able to introduce you to my first lovely sponsor - The Woodward Inns!  As you know, the hubby and I love to travel and we are constantly looking for unique places to stay. So, I couldn't be happier to have Elizabeth and her beautiful houses join The Flip Side of Oz! Look out for some awesome photos and reviews soon! 

Happy Monday, everyone!

Where did you come from?!

There is nothing I enjoy more than getting up in the morning and putting on an article of clothing that I haven't worn in a while. It's kind of like unexpectedly finding a $10 bill in a handbag that you haven't carried lately or a coat pocket at the beginning of winter. Yesterday morning was no exception. I found this dress tucked back in a far nether region of my closet and almost squealed with joy! 

It truly is all about the simple things in life. So, please tell me, dear readers - what simple pleasures do you enjoy most in life? 

a tale of two shoes

cardigan, Old Navy $15; dress, Gianni Bini via Dillards $40, heels, Bakers $40

Of course it goes without saying that I am slightly obsessed with shoes. I don't discriminate; I obsess over all of my shoes equally. However, these caged heels hold a particularly special place in my heart (and not just because they're freakin' hott!). No, this pair is extra special because my BFF bought them for me over the weekend. Now, allow me to explain a bit more... 

Almost a year and a half ago my best friend, Joe, made a very important decision that would drastically change his life - he underwent lap band surgery. We both knew this would mean big changes in the months ahead; however, at the time I don't think that either of us could have imagined exactly how big. Now, 1 year and 4 months later he is a svelte 190 pounds lighter and much healthier (you must go read about his journey)!

So, I bet you're wondering right about now where these heels enter into this story. Well, he and I love to shop (duh!). So, somewhere along his amazing journey we decided that as a reward, every time he met a 30 pound weight loss goal we would go shoe shopping and he would buy a new pair for himself. The months passed and he quickly lost 30 pounds, then 90 pounds, then 120 pounds. And, as he approached losing a whopping 180 pounds, he looked at me one day over lunch and said that when he reached his next goal he did not want to buy shoes for himself... he wanted to buy shoes for me. 

Joe, my darling, you are amazing and it has been my privilege to be by your side throughout your wonderful transformation! I loved the old you and I love the new and improved you just as much. It is my honor to be able to call you my BFF. xo, Gracie

What to Wear: Leggings

I love getting questions from readers (please don’t hesitate to ask!), so I was particularly excited to receive this one from NIkki last Friday. 

To answer the question: yes, I love leggings! And, I agree, leggings are super cute on pregnant women (congrats, by the way!). So, to offer some helpful suggestions on what to wear with leggings I’ve put together an outfit that, given a few modifications, should work for just about anyone. 

The first thing to bear in mind is that leggings are similar to tights in that they generally should not be worn like a pair of pants. Anytime you’re reaching for leggings, reach for either a long top, like a tunic, or a short dress. I've leaned toward shirt dresses with my leggings lately; however, any choice that covers the bum should work. This is where I think pregnant women look so cute in leggings because there seems to be a plethora of options that are both flattering for your baby bump (think empire waist-style) and long enough to wear with leggings. Find two super cute options here and here!.  Plus, leggings should be uber comfortable as your bump grows! 

The second great thing about leggings is that they look great with just about any shoe choice. So, really it just becomes a matter of your style preference when you’re getting dressed that day. I was feeling like having some extra height on this particular day, so I went for wedge sandals. However, I’ve also worn red flats and knee high brown boots with a different variation of the same outfit. This means that as you get further into your pregnancy you can switch out heels for flats, or for my non pregnant readers, layer on boots as the weather turns cooler this fall and winter!