Shoes: the Tone of the Outfit

Shoes always create the tone of the outfit. That's why I find it helpful, when getting dressed, to choose what shoes I will wear first, and then build from there. Look through the images below and imagine what kind of outfit should go with them. It's true, right?

 

Each one of these shoes belong in a certain place and time. Don't we look a little goofy when we aren't wearing the appropriate shoes? (translation: no flipflops in the wintertime! I don't care that you're not cold; it's just wrong!) Remember to not only be conscious of the occasion you are dressing for, but also the material of the shoe, the height, and the overall appearance. (Scuff marks and worn-down heels should be fixed whenever possible.) 

And remember the basics: casual outfit = casual shoes, dressy outfit = dressy shoes.... You have no idea how much I cringe when I see a perfectly put-together outfit worn with the sloppiest of sneakers!

**All shoes above can be found on shopruche.com**

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a wonderful, jolly, joyous, family-filled, happy, (and well-dressed!) Christmas!

Dresses with Tights

If there's one thing that fills my drawers during winter, it's tights. Wearing them under dresses or skirts is definitely my go-to choice for dressy and feminine outfits during the cold winter months. (Who says you have to wear pants when it's cold?)

I especially recommend getting them in varieties: thick and thin, bright colors, and different textures. See my favorite selections from Anthropologie's dress collection. (Pricey for some, I know, but they always have great sales.)

Also, pairing them with heels or ankle boots makes for such a classy touch!

Winter Hat Ideas

This kind of hat I just love to wear during the winter! Be sure to find one that fits your style! (Click here for a post on different types of hats). Here's a few cool choices (all from Target, around $15!):

And an extra tip for storage and care: do all you can to keep it's shape! Especially for the cloche hats, either buy a hat holder or keep them neatly on a closet shelf with the top of the hat faced down.

I hope you're able to find one to keep you warm and toasty!

Pressured to Shop?

Kyle and I had our first Black Friday adventure. Neither of us had ever done Black Friday shopping before, nor did we plan on doing it anytime soon, but perhaps it was continually seeing that empty spot in our room where a tv should go.... We have been wanting a tv since we got married 2 years ago, but never found one at the price we wanted (or were willing to pay). So after a spur of the moment decision at 11pm to check out Best Buy, and a 2 hour wait in the freezing cold, we finally came home with our first tv as a couple!

Although we partook in this decade old tradition, I can't help but comment about some of the silliness I've observed surrounding this new American "holiday". I am no different that any other consumer, but I draw the line when I hear of people missing Thanksgiving with their family just to be the first in line to their favorite store. The more and more our society hypes up this day, I wonder if it makes people feel pressured to hit the stores.

Clever advertisements can sneak into our mentality and make us think that this is the one and only day that people should do their shopping. Let's remember that whatever it is you are sacrificing your life for better be worth it (and to be honest, not that many things are). It all goes back to a piece of advice I always tell my friends - just because it's on sale, does not mean you have to buy it.

So I hope you stayed strong during these targeted ads and "to die for" deals. And if your itch carries through to Cyber Monday, just remember to shop smartly, shop with care, and shop with others in mind!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all had a wonderful day with family and friends! We spent our day playing Catch Phrase and Uno (uhum....I should say, winning Catch Phrase and Uno...). Now off to decorating for Christmas! Don't you just love this time of year?

Coat: Zara

Sweater: Forever 21 (similar)

Skirt: Anthropologie

Heels: Ralph Lauren