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... :)

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

The Remix: One-Shoulder Dress

Remember my one shoulder dress conundrum? Well, between your excellent advice, dear readers, and my love of belts and cardigans, I've come up with at least one (trust me, there will be more...) work appropriate solution! At first I was slightly skeptical, for I feared the dress looking awkward under the cardigan.  Fortunately, three elements worked together in my favor: 1) this dress hits fairly high across the collar bone, 2) the ruffle detail adds an interesting element under the cardigan and 3) I have fairly long hair!  Since the weather is still warm, I chose nude pumps to go with this outfit; however, come fall and winter I'll be wearing this ensemble with black patterned tights and peep-toe booties!

Currently Browsing: Caged Heels

Two things I realize about this post: 1) caged heels have been big all summer and 2) I am stretching it slightly to lump #7 into the category of caged heels. Two things you should know in response 1) all of the above shoes are reasonably priced (score!) and 2) I'm in love with #7! 


In all seriousness, right now is the perfect time to pick up a pair (or two) of these if you haven't already. First of all, 5 out of 8 of the above shoes really are on sale and 3 out of 8 are under $100! Second, almost any of the above would make a great transition shoe into the fall because of the boot-like silhouette. 


PS - if you're not familiar, I would highly recommend following either of the Nine West links below to Shoe Woo. I'm in love with this site - it's all about shoes on sale!

1. Joni, Nine West $39.99 (orig. $89)
2. Vicki Cage Platform Bootie, Rosegold $117 (orig. $168)
3. Belle, Sigerson Morrison $127.50 (orig. $255)
4. Pancho Cutout Peeptoe Sandals, TopShop $180
5. Val, Nine West Boutique 9 $159 (orig. $199) - sorry, only black is left
6. Lucky Strike Sandal, Chinese Laundry $71 (orig. $89.95)
7. Annton, Steve Madden $129
8. Olivia, Coconuts $65

Putting Shorts to Work

I've received a lot of questions recently regarding office appropriate attire.  It's been my experience that sometimes even the savviest of dressers can become stumped when getting dressed Monday - Friday.  Throw in 90 degrees with 70% humidity and a 65 degree office, and suddenly solving world peace seems more easily answered.  However, a recurring question as of late centers around how (if ever) is it appropriate to wear shorts to work.  Now, I love shorts and I believe wearing them to the office can be a viable outfit option... if done appropriately.  Let's dissect the above outfit for example.  

1. Shorts length: Office shorts and weekend shorts are two different lengths.  If your shorts are not at least as long as the shortest skirt you would wear (or think about wearing)to the office, then your shorts are too short.  Regardless of skirt or short, you're still showing leg and you want to be taken seriously around the office.

2. Add some height: In my opinion, shorts at the office should be paired with shoes that have some height to them, like pumps or wedges.  Wearing flats (even dressy ones) venture too close to the weekend side of shorts.

3. Dress it up: I prefer to wear dressier tops, like a button up shirt or floral blouse, when wearing shorts to the office.  This also distances the office shorts a little bit more from their weekend counterparts.

Now, go grab a pair of shorts and strut them to the office!

I'm with the band...

shades, Jessica Simpson; tee, c/o my BFF; shorts, Gap; bag, Payless sample; shoes, Payless

I totally felt like a groupie on Monday.  My BFF made these shirts for us last year (to play off of the Will & Grace theme... get it?!) and it was such a beautiful day that I decided to break out the new pair of shorts I bought on Saturday as well as my super, fabulous clog inspired Alicia + Olivia for Payless heels.  I don't normally wear shorts, but I fell in love with the little bow on the front.  In addition to being a fun outfit, it made my legs look a gazillion miles long (that's a technical term, of course).  So, after the BFF and I had lunch, we hung out at my house, listened to music and were completely fabulous.  I love three day weekends :)

  

Simply Perfect

sweet and subtle by gleighb featuring Miss Selfridge dresses

Totally in love with the subtle details, yet simplicity of this look.  Between the lace on the dress and the studs on the bottom of the bag.  Perfection!

I think I can, I think I can...

shades, Ralph Lauren; scarf, Target; shirt, Gianni Bini; pants, Old Navy; shoes, so old, I don't remember

This is actually what I wore Tuesday.  Tuesday the weather started out cold and gray and  crappy - much like it had been for most of the weekend.  However, by Tuesday I was tired of wearing layers of knits and trying to stay warm in clothes that should be worn in October, not May.  So, I decided that since the weather could not decide to play nice, I would need to do a little convincing.  I broke out this beautiful floral scarf that I found at Target over the weekend, and what do you know?! By the time I left work the sun was out, the temperature was rising and I needed my shades.  See there Mother Nature, that wasn't so bad, now was it?

Payless + Toledo = pure genius!

image courtesy Style.com

Okay ladies (and gents... I don't discriminate!), now that the word is officialy out I can gush about how excited I am for our newest guest designer to join Payless! Did you hear that Isabel Toledo is going to be designing a line of shoes for Payless in the not to distant future?  Even though I am completely biased toward my company, I must say that I feel that we've up'd our game in the last several years.  I mean... Alice + Olivia, Christian Siriano, and now the designer of the iconic Inaugural ensemble... it's fierce! So, in honor of such a momentus occassion, and since I'm not allowed nor privy to show any of Toledo's work... here's some styles already on the shelves.  Go got 'em while they are still there!

Alice + Olivia Jazz Oxford, $29.99

Alice + Olivia Hampton Studded Clog, $39.99

Alice + Olivia Paige Platform Gladiator Sandal, $39.99

Alice + Olivia Eric Sequin Flat, sale: $19.99; originally $29.99

Christian Siriano Michelle Printed Peep-Toe Flat, $29.99

Predictions Harmony Elastic Sandal, $22.99

 

Airwalk Smitton Flat Studded Sandal, $22.99

My Monday Daydreams...

Molly's Update by gleighb featuring Jeffrey Campbell shoes

Definitely involve these Jeffrey Campbell clogs.  Although, I will admit that it took me a while to buy into the clog trend this season.  I had a hard time shaking visions of the ghosts of clogs past (hello? circa 1993), or the most recent train wreck: Crocks.  However, the Charlie clogs from Jeffrey Campbell are divine.  The platform wooden heel and stud detailing is magnificent and Charlie can be found in multiple colors including natural (shown above), black and tan.  I've been doing a good job of curtailing my shopping obsession lately, but for this pair of shoes I think I might have to make an exception...

PS - I have pics from the trip but they will have to wait until later in the week.  Until then, I'll leave you with this: I saw live bull-riding in a dance club. Only in Oklahoma and Texas.

Happy Monday, dear readers!  What are your Monday daydreams about?

Casual Friday

Casual Friday by gleighb featuring Rebecca Taylor tops

I used to be a jeans and tee kind of girl.  Not too long ago, it seemed like every outfit I picked out revolved around some type of denim.  Don't get me wrong - it's not that I don't love jeans anymore, but rather my focus has shifted.  I've found that since I now get up and go into an office 5 days a week, I think less about jeans and more about the other non-denim pieces in my closet.  That is... until Friday.  So, here's to jeans-wearing, open toe-bearing, can't-wait-until-5-o'clock-Friday.  I hope your Friday and your weekend is a good one! 

There's No Place Like Home

trench, Target; scarf, Payless sample; tee, The Limited - thrifted;

pants, Old Navy; shoes, Rampage via Piperlime.com; polish, OPI - Over The Taupe

Getting away is always fun, but nothing beats coming home.  My red shoes made me feel a little like Dorothy today especially since my husband and I were gone this weekend.  On top of that it was a stormy day, with thunder, lighting, and hail.. oh my!  My trench was not necessary to start the day, but by the end I was glad I had it.  Luckily I was able to snap these pictures between storms. 

for the love of clothes

tee, Victoria Secret; dress, Target; boots, Steve Madden; watch, Fossil

Happy Hump Day, dear readers! This week has been a busy one. I've got some pretty cool stuff in the pipeline, but it will probably be next week before I get a chance to share.  So, I thought I'd leave you with some outfit photos that I found on my computer. I took these a couple of weekends ago. You might remember this dress from here - which got me thinking. . .  I have noticed that despite a somewhat decent size collection of clothes I have a tendency to wear some of the same articles of clothing repeatedly. One, because I genuinely love them and two, because there are certain pieces in my wardrobe that my mind has decided should be reserved for specific events.  This comes despite the fact that I would love to wear said pieces on a more routine basis.  I thought The Clothes Horse discussed this topic quite nicely yesterday, and I couldn't agree with her more. So please tell me dear readers, what do you do to avoid neglecting certain articles of clothing in your wardrobe?

inspiration.

The thing about inspiration is that it sometimes strikes at weird times. And then there are times when it doesn't strike at all... so, you have to go find it. That's one of the biggest benefits of being a part of the blogging community - there is always something inspiring to find. Last night I was catching up on my blog roll when I found this post from Clothed Much, which came from inspiration she found in another blog, which gave me inspiration for my outfit today.  Simple, perfect, and the inspiration behind exactly what I never ever knew I wanted to wear today. Sometimes what you’re looking for is so obvious that you can’t find it without a little help from others.

Dreaming of Spring

The Chanel Cowgirl by gleighb featuring ASOS shoulder bags

Our recent bout of nice weather has really made me fall in love with pastels and florals again.  I would totally rock this outfit if I could afford the $2200 Chanel Vintage Heirloom Shoulder Bag (choke!). I guess I'll just wear my Steve Madden Cowboy boots and call it a day!

Currently Browsing: Nordstrom's Shoe Clearance

I have not done much online browsing lately, but this caught my eye.  Nordstrom is having a shoe clearance! Oh, alright... I might as well indulge. Here are a few items of interest. Happy weekend and shopping!

Dolce Vita 'Jayden' Bootie, $122.90

GUESS 'Aero' Pump (Nordstrom Exclusive), $79.90

Steven by Steve Madden 'Vestted' Short Boot, $99.90

Jeffrey Campbell 'Lubbock' Over the Knee Boot, $149.90

Elizabeth and James 'Lucy' Caged Sandal, $223.90

DV by Dolce Vita 'Willy' Bootie, $92.90

Elizabeth and James 'Goody' Oxford Bootie, $223.90

Tory Burch 'Sophie' Wedge, $175.90