Blue Shoes for a Cause

The most important detail to today's post is these blue shoes.  Why?  Because Nine West is sponsoring Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, and for every photo that is posted on instagram with #9WFTBC, they will donate $10 to the cause.  With that said, I hope y'all start throwing some blue shoe photos up!  And if you do, thank you in advance for participating to help such a cause.  There are too many women dealing with the negative impact of breast cancer, and FTBC funds the cause both in the US and internationally. 

Please post!

Heels: Aldo

Skirt: ChicWish

Top: Forever21 {same top: different prints - 1 & 2}

My love affair with poofy midis lives strong, and for this outfit, I decided to change it up with some floral print.  This surplice-style top from Forever21 is a go-to for me when I don't know what to wear, as the style is figure-flattering and I don't think you can ever go wrong with floral.  I've worn the top with lace-trim shorts, with dress pants and, of course, with my favorite black skinnies.  It's ultimately a good style of top to have in your closet, and Forever21 has some fun ones.

I had originally planned to wear my olive-colored Mary-Janes {last seen here}, but when I saw a post on instagram regarding the fundraising opportunity for blue shoes, I figured my blue sandals would coordinate just as well.  My great-grandmother battled breast-cancer, so whenever I'm given the opportunity to support an initiative that funds research and education for it, I jump on it.  And this time, all I had to do was wear shoes I already had!  

As Charlie Sheen would say, "Winning."

As always, thanks for reading!

Custom-Made Dress from eShakti

Heels: Coach {similar style here}

Dress: c/o eShakti

Scarf: Got in Paris {similar}

Cardigan: Forever 21

This army-green, custom-made dress came from an awesome online boutique called eShakti.  Their motto is "We design.  You Create." It's a perfect motto for them because if you head over to the site, you can see that there are tons of styles to choose from, but you have the ability to customize them!  Want pockets?  You got it!  How about 3/4 sleeves instead of sleeveless?  They'll do it for you! Each piece is tailored to fit your height and body type depending on measurements you supply them with. 

The idea behind eShakti is something we just don't see often in this day in age.  We are all in such a rush and have instant-gratification mindsets that we don't truly appreciate the luxury of custom-made apparel.  Of course, that's also because it is typically more expensive, but eShakti's prices are actually comparable to some of my favorite ready-to-wear brands.  They even add some awesome extra features that I've never even thought about (see below) which make their styles worth the money and the wait!  As it is made upon order, it does take longer than your typical ready-to-wear clothes, however, now's the time to start thinking about holiday dresses anyway, so you should consider ordering a custom one from eShakti!

Upon ordering, I was nervous about how it was going to fit since I have a petite, yet bulky build.  But eShakti nailed it, as it fit me like a glove.  

See below for a few items I've got my eye on from them for Fall/Winter!

My favorite feature to this dress (besides the pockets and scalloped edging, of course), are these amazing bra-strap holders.  Brilliant!  No need to worry if your bra straps are hanging out behind you where you can't see - they're nice and secure with these holders that simply snap and unsnap.  EShakti, you have solved a huge problem here!

The one down-fall to this dress that I have to admit is that the zipper is on the side.  I, personally, much prefer zippers to be on the back than the side.  They're just at such an awkward angle when they're placed on the side.  I hardly ever purchase anything with a side-zipper in stores because I feel like I have to get into a twisting yoga-pose to zip.  I know that's just me being ultra-picky though!  Otherwise, I'm a big fan of this dress.  

It's even fun to spin in:

Other things I'm loving on eShakti:

Landscape Print A-Line Skirt

Pompom Trim Diamond Sweater Knit Jacket (bright colors for days!)

And either of these floral print dresses: here and here.

Happy shopping and thanks for reading!

And be sure to give eShakti a follow on instagram to see how other women are customizing their clothes!

Floral Maxi {+ Zebra and Yellow}

Flats: Franco Sarto {similar}

Skirt: Aimée {boutique in East Village, Des Moines}

Tank: Forever 21 {similar}

Jacket: Forever 21 {similar}

The print of this skirt is obviously pretty darned fun!  I knew I wanted to wear it today, but struggled with what top to wear!  I tried a black lace tee, a blue/teal blouse and a pink one too.  Finally I came to the conclusion that continuing the cream color that is already in the skirt would give it a complete, more fluid look.  Paired with a "leather" trimmed blazer, and you have yourself an #ootd!  (Outfit of the day)

I wasn't sure if I'd get pictures done today or not, so a selfie was a must.

The way this skirt flutters behind you as you walk is really quite something.  I love that feeling and am a total sucker for any skirt or dress that has that effect!  It's like a girly super-hero cape!  ;)

If I'm being completely honest with you, I wish I could wear this outfit again tomorrow because I just love it!  (Maybe also a little bit because I don't know what to wear tomorrow... Picking out outfits: the struggle is real!)

Since I've been so terrible about posting, I thought I'd do a quick post on an outfit I wore last week as well.  Also, I apologize for the sporadic posts - I started my new job last week, so life has been slightly hectic!

Heels: Aldo

Skirt: Talbots {Only $14.99!  Originally $109.00}

Top: Express

Necklace: eBay

Bracelet: Banana Republic {similar}

There were some incredible deals on pencil skirts at Talbots.  I got 3 not too long ago for less than $60 all together!  Talbots is definitely not one of the first places I head to when I shop, but I sure am glad I popped in the other day, and I'll definitely be sure to check out sale skirts as the Fall season wraps up!  I can't afford the full price $109, but I can certainly spare around $20.
I also got this one that I think I'll actually wear tomorrow!  This beaded on and this classic style also caught my eye.  They're on mega-sale as well.
 If you're like me with sparse spending money, consider heading to Talbots for other sophisticated finds at great sale prices!

Thanks for reading, and if you're in Iowa, stay dry!

Autumn Orange

Boots: Aldo {similar}

Dress: TJMaxx {Brand: Japna}

Cardigan: Target {similar}

Necklace: JCrew {this one is fabulous}

Bracelets: JCrew, Stella & Dot, eBay

Hi and Happy Tuesday! (That's right - it's Tuesday already!) As you all know, I've been in total denial that Summer is coming to an end is Fall is quickly approaching.  Well, although I'm still not quite ready, after having attended the Iowa State football game this weekend, I started to get that Fall feeling and I suppose I'm starting to get a little excited for boots and sweaters!

Today I chose to share that excitement by wearing a Fall-y outfit that included boots. :)  I also wore this burnt-orange dress from TJMaxx (I'm sorry; I know it looks more red in the pictures, but I promise it is actually orange!).  I love shifts because they are so comfortable and can still be dressed up.  This dress will look cute with a scarf too, so I love the versatility of shifts.  I have a blue one that's very similar from Old Navy that I'll surely be busting out soon.

I hope you all enjoyed a nice three-day weekend and have a fabulous 4-day week!

Thanks for reading.

Fall Style Collaboration with A Grain of Glitter

~ Outfit #1 ~

First things first: We did NOT plan on wearing matching hats!  It just happened.  Great minds think alike. ;)  And now for the real stuff:

I am very excited to finally be posting this amazingly fun collaboration Jordan from A Grain of Glitter and I did a few weeks ago.  We've been lucky enough with timing to do two previous collabs {Luck of the Fashionable Collab and One Blazer|Two Looks}, but never before have we done a shoot together, so this collab is extra special!  

I'll be listing my two outfits' details below, but definitely head over to A Grain of Glitter to see Jordan's!  {And take a peek at her post Room Tour - her Master bedroom that she just got done decorating!  I'm in love with the decor, personally.}

Booties: Aldo {similar}

Black Skinnies: Citizens of Humanity

Oversized Sweater: Old Navy {love this cable-knit one}

Necklace: Forever 21{similar}

Hat: Borrowed {similar}

Lipstick {MAC's Rebel}

I chose this outfit because the two things I actually look forward to about Fall are boots and sweaters!  This oversized sweater can be paired with jeans of different colors, be it black, blue or even a raspberry!  Oversized everything (sweaters, coats, etc) is going to be popular again this Fall, so be on the lookout while you're shopping, be it at a mall or online.  A site with some killer oversizing ideas is Sheinside.  There are virtually endless outfit possibilities with the statement of an oversized piece! 

I also busted out my leopard print booties that I purchased at Aldo last year, as leopard is also going to be popular again this year.  {Read more on that here.}

A shot of us taking this instagram selfie! {Be sure to follow Jordan and myself on IG!}

~ Outfit #2 ~

Heels: Coach {similar}

Tights: TJMaxx

Skirt: {Express - 40% off right now!}

Top: JCrew {this year's version}

Scarf: Hand-made by my mother!

Handbag: Coach {similar}

I decided that my second outfit needed my very favorite midi {last seen here} so I can show how I'll be wearing into Fall and Winter!  I love wearing patterned tights, as long as they aren't too crazy.  These ones I got at the end of winter on clearance at TJMaxx for a pretty decent price.  I've been looking for more ever since, but haven't lucked out - maybe I will now that it's time for a little more on the legs!  Also, as mentioned above, I had to break this amazingly soft alpaca scarf, since scarves are one thing I love about Fall.  I also thought the burnt orange color of my silk JCrew blouse was ideal for a Fall-transition post!  I mean, isn't it the first color we all think of when we think about fall?