Day 3: Glitter Pumps

Ease on Down the Road

 

On a hunt for some foot bling, I ran across a pair of sparkly glitter heels by Nine West. Sparkly heels are where it's at for this holiday season. Either glittered heels or sequined heels will add a little sizzle to your LBD. Just be mindful that all of the sequins or glitter are in tact. Here's a tip: smaller sequined circles or glittered specks draw less attention to empty spaces. Plus, the smaller size makes the shoe appear more chic.

 

The pumps I found were silver peep-toe glittered pumps with a four inch gold heel. Each fleck of silver glitter was encased by thin gold threads. These shoes were  an outfit all on their own; they sparkled like the morning sun!  I discovered these jewels at TJ MAXX!  I love a bargain!  However, Macy's has the Nine West Escher, which is quite similar to my TJMaxx treasure.  Because it comes in a fun Ruby Red, I think the Escher is the perfect pair to step out in, along life's yellow brick road.  What girl doesn't need a pair of Ruby Red slippers?  You can find the Nine West Escher at Macy's in red, silver and black glitter for $ 79.00.

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

Day 5: Oxford Wedges

We already discussed the oxford bootie, so I am going to introduce you to its cousin, the oxford wedge. Trust this to be a long-lasting trend because wedges are more comfortable than other heels, gradually lifting the arch rather than forcing it upward as does a stiletto. I am so sad, I just gave to Goodwill this year a pair of brown and yellow wedges. What was I thinking?  

 

A friend who recently moved to New York asked if I could assist in reinventing her wardrobe which required that it be professional yet made for comfort.  She is stomping the city streets of New York and putting excessive amounts of stress onto her feet, (even with her petite size zero 5 foot frame.) I told her the best way to update her wardrobe is with accessories, and because she is walking everywhere, to make sure her shoes were comfortable.

 

I found a wide variety of colors and prices of oxford wedges that are suited for a professional atmosphere and provide comfort:

 

The first is a gray peep-toe wedge by Seychelles. Seychelles has a wide range of funky and unique fashion forward shoes.   With a four inch wedge heel and one and one -fifth inch platform the shoe helps you put your best foot forward or at least look tall doing so.  The Hawk is 100 percent leather with a synthetic lining. Originally $120.00, the Hawk may be purchased at Piperlime for $ 99.99.

 

I love the inky blue of this Lace-up Wedge by Opening Ceremony. A little more pricey than the Seychelles Hawk, the Opening Ceremony is equally sophisticated but also closed toe. The suede booties come in green, gray and black, and only has three eyelets to lace (timesaver!). The heel is four and one-eighth inches. The Opening Ceremony Lace-Up Wedge may be purchased at Bergdorf Goodman for $ 550.00.

  

After seeing the Vince Camuto Fantasa military inspired mid calf boot, I am all about some Vince Camuto. The Vince Camuto Miller Lace-up may not appear as chic as the others listed here, but that is exactly what I like about this shoe. It is slightly rugged. It is not the attention seeker but rather the compliment to an outfit. Its brown color and distressed leather make it comfortable and good for pairing with your with jeans.  The Miller comes in black suede and chestnut and has a three and one half inch heel. The Miller Lace-up may be purchased for  $118.00 from Endless.com.

 

The Michael Kors Channing is much like the Opening Ceremony, with a slightly higher boot shaft but at a more affordable price. Both the Channing and Opening Ceremony are chic suede numbers that can be dressed up or dressed down. The Channing's  four  inch heel is hard to resist. I can imagine wearing this with a Fair Isle knit cardigan, chambray shirt and skinnies while doing weekend Christmas shopping. The Michael Kors Channing comes in black, camel or green and may be purchased at Neiman Marcus for  $ 295.00.

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

A.J. Wright Discount Stores: Sticker Shock But in a Good Way!

Hello Divas!

I hope everyone had a fantastic week!  Life is good!

This week I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a private shopping event with A.J. Wright Discount stores.  Last year, I participated in a similar event when A.J. Wright opened up their new store at Stonecrest Mall outside of Atlanta, GA.   A.J. Wright has done very well in the Atlanta area and this Thursday, they opened their fourth store!  The new location is in Tucker, GA near Northlake Mall. 

Since discovering A.J. Wright last year, I have been shopping there ever since.  Even my Mom loves shopping there.  When I needed luggage for a couple of upcoming trips, she is the one who suggested A.J. Wright.  And of course, I found quality luggage at insane prices.  A weekend bag for $14.99.  A medium size roller bag for $30! I saved over 50% off the original price.  Also I found cute sandals for myself. 

Like last time, A.J. Wright invited a few bloggers to shop the store with a $100 gift card.  We could also invite a friend and the friend received a $100 gift card also.  I chose to bring my babysitter, because she just relocated and she has been extremely good to me and the luxe kids.  She deserved it!  Our challenge was to spend 20 minutes in each department looking for items.  Also has a bonus, the person who selected an item in each department that was discounted the most from the original price received an additional $20 gift card.  How cool is that?

Well the new A.J. Wright in Tucker, GA did not disappoint.  The prices were UNBELIEVABLE!! Like I said, sticker shock in a good way!  Of course, considering school just started, I focused on items for the luxe kids.  Check out what I found:

Hanes Boxer briefs for luxe son.  These were only $2.99 per pack!

Hanes Socks. 6 pairs for only $2.99

Sneakers.  A pair of Ralph Lauren black sneakers for luxe son.  Originally, $45 dollars....discounted, $16.99. Woot!  These are perfect, because they are comfy and dirt does not show up on black sneakers.

Polo Assn long sleeve/polo shirt for only $7.99.  Original price: $28

Nike Sneakers for luxe baby. Pink and white. So cute! Originally $40, A.J. Wright price: $19!

Sandals for me: $12.99! (Do you see luxe baby's foot? Hilarity!)

Pack of Hanes bikini briefs for me: $3.99

Home items: Grater: $2.99; Cookie Sheet: $3.49; French Vanilla 18oz Candle: $3.99.

I also got a bathroom rug for only $6.99.  These rugs usually sell for $30 in other retail stores.  I was pretty happy when I was done!

A few more facts about A.J. Wright:

1. Whenever A.J. Wright opens a new store, they donate $3000 to the Boys and Girls Club in the store's neighborhood.
2. A model search is conducted in conjunction with every new store opening.  The model search for the new Tucker location is taking place next week.  Visit A.J.Wright's website for details.

I will post more pictures from the event next week.  Many of my blogging friends were in attendance and we had a blast!  A.J. Wright had a professional photographer there and she really captured all the magic from that day!

Toodles!

Disclaimer: A.J. Wright provided a $100 gift card to me and my friend to shop the store.

shoe love: Dollhouse Basanti Bootie

a few weeks ago i paid a visit to Ross, hoping to find some cute shoes (it seems my local store always has a great selection, but i find better clothing and handbags at sTJ Maxx and Marshalls-- funny, huh?). sure enough, i found these adorable Dollhouse Basanti Booties. these heels are exceptionally comfy (the insole is cushioned and there it has a hidden platform to offset the 3 1/2 inch heel) and i can wear them with everything, thanks to their neutral hue.

i love, love, love them! they are still available online, and who knows? maybe at your local discount retailer. :)

xo
pic taken by me :)

Proenza Schouler: Special Guest at Jeffrey Fashion Cares

Hello Divas!

Remember life is beautiful regardless of what you are going through so be thankful to God and enjoy it!

Well today is Tuesday and I have exactly a few more days until I land in NYC for Blogher 2010.  I am getting a little excited! I will be speaking about "Mastering Intellectual Property Law on the Internet" so be sure to follow @IPLAW101 to get the tweets and updates.  Good info!

But for all of you Fashionistas and Divas, the annual Jeffrey Fashion Cares charity event and fashion show is around the corner.  Yes, this is the fashion event of the year in Atlanta!  Jeffrey Fashion Cares was founded by New York and Atlanta fashion retailer Jeffrey Kalinsky.  Jeffrey owns Jeffrey's Atlanta and New York and the all important high end shoe mecca, Bob Ellis.  If you live in Atlanta, you know about Bob Ellis in Phipps Plaza.  Jeffrey Fashion Cares benefits the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Atlanta Affiliate and the Atlanta AIDS Partnership Fund.  Jeffrey Fashion Cares has been around for 18 years and has raised approximately $9 million dollars. Fashion for a cause?  An event after my own heart!

This year's special guest designers are the masterminds behind Proenza Schouler, Jack McCoullough and Lazaro Hernandez.  If you have never heard of the line, you should.  At last year's New York Fashion Week, this show was the hottest ticket in town! Certifiable.  The clothes feature their signature "tailored coats in lush menswear patterns, sleek pencil skirts, and color-blocked chiffon evening gowns with satin belts.  Check it out!

In addition, this year's Honorary Chair is Sara Blakely, the creator and owner of Spanx.  Wow!  The event has changed locations this year and will be held at the prestigious 12th & Midtown complex on the 33rd floor.  This new development features the Loews Hotel and other fine retail shops and restaurants.  This year's event promises to be phenomenal!  The event takes place August 30, 2010 at 7pm.  For ticket information, please visit here.

Toodles!

Hot Target Find of the Week: Liberty of London Shirtdress!

Hello Divas!

I hope all is well in the world! I have so much to be thankful for! What are you thankful for?

Well this past Easter was just lovely!  I had a fabulous brunch and the luxe kids were cute as little buttons.

I received an Easter gift from my good friend Natasha.  She knew I had searched Target stores across Metro Atlanta high and low to find the most coveted Liberty of London Shirtdress.  While out shopping, she found one in my size!  She graciously purchased it for me and here it is!

It is so adorable and perfect for Summer!  I can't wait to wear it with my Chinese Laundry Platforms!

Toodles!

Ready for Spring! Chinese Laundry Platform Sandals at Ross

Hello Divas!

Last week was luxe baby's birthday and I had to find her the cutest dress possible for her special day.  Her birthday was also the day she was taking class photos.  So I ventured to Ross to find a dress that was super cute and super affordable!  Ross is a great place to shop for Children's clothes as well as Women's shoes, clothing, and home accessories.  So I did find luxe baby the perfect Spring dress for only $6! Wowza!  However, as I was walking towards the cashier, I passed the Women's shoe section and look what I found peeking out from the shelves:

Chinese Laundry pure fabulousness! They are about 4.5 inches, faux croc embossed and gorgeous!  Look at that beautiful cork heel!

I must admit this is the first time I have purchased platform sandlas and they are super comfy.  The padding on the platform is very cush.  It is like I am walking on little pillows!  But the best part is I only paid $20 for these shoes! $20! Can you believe it?  They are currently selling for $69 on Chinese Laundry's website. Love it!  I tell you when Ross is a hit, it is a hit! Although you may not find these exact shoes at a Ross near you, Ross has tons of beautiful name brand designer sandals for sale. Check them out!

Toodles!

Fun Fridays! Celebrity Shoe Closets!

Hello Divas!

Today is GORGEOUS!! Today is Fun Friday so instead of talking about recession proof products lets talk about a topic that is decadent and expensive. We can all dream right? lol! I came across this article, on Trendy Shoes Shop and it features over the top celebrity shoe closets. When I become rich and famous, I am going to have to have a room converted into a closet! Now I know we can not all afford hundreds of Manolos and Louboutins, but we can afford discounted shoes at places like Loehmann's, Zappos, and Nordstroms. Check out the article here. I love it!

Toodles!

Photo Courtesy of InSyle Magazine

Nordstroms' Shoe Clearance Sale!

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a truly fab day! Nordstrom is currently having a clearance sale on select women, men, and kids shoes. The sales includes flats, athletic wear, boots, sandles, pumps and more! The sale is available on-line and in store. Luxe baby and I are going to visit Nordstrom to check out a few pair of shoes. Here are our top picks:

These Matisse Sioux Boots were $198.95. They are now $118.00. I so want these boots! I love the height, color and of course the fringe! FAB!

I love these Betsy Johnson suede pumps! The feminine details like the bow and scalloped edges are too cute! They are now only $97.00!


I have put out an APB that I am looking for red patent leather shoes for luxe baby. Well Nordstroms has a pair....ON SALE! These Nordstrom's Trudy Mary Janes were $34.95. Now they are only $19.90! Woot!

Wear to Find Quality Shoes for Less

Hello Divas!

I hope all is well! It is so cold in Atlanta, but gorgeous! As I continue my beauty and fashion finds for less, I wanted to tell you lovely Divas about a few websites and stores where you can find the latest "In Season" shoes and boots for bargain prices. Here are my top three:

1. Marshall's Shoe Megashop. A fantastic place to find designer shoes for less. They have it all: designer pumps, stilettos, flats, boots, booties, oxfords, you name it. Click here to find a Marshall's Shoe Megashop near you. Prices are usually between 40% to 80% off retail.

2. Loehmann's. Loehmann's is a great place to find higher end evening shoes, pumps, and boots at awesome prices! Prices are usually between 30% to 65% off retail. I just love this Silver Strappy Stiletto! They are great for any holiday party!



3. Shopstyle.com. Shopstyle.com is a great place to find high high end designer shoes for less. They have Jimmy Choos, Christian Louboutin, and Manolo Blahniks for $200-$300 off retail. Whoohoo! If you have the money to spend, this is definitely a great website to find high end shoes on sale. This Louboutin Pump is $672 on Shopstyle.com. It was orginally $960.00


Toodles!

Fun Fridays! A Visit with Christian Louboutin

Hello Divas!

I hope your Friday is just fantastic! The weather in Atlanta has been GORGEOUS all week! Today, I have a guest writer, Chamele. She went to Jeffrey's at Phipps Plaza to meet the Shoe Icon, Christian Louboutin. Unfortunately, I could not make it, but I just love her account of meeting the man in person. Check it out!


Two Fridays ago, I received Luxe Diva's post regarding the visit of Christian Louboutin. If you ever did want to see a "big girl shoe" just look for anything Louboutin. If you don't know who he is, he makes the well crafted heels with the red soles. (The red soles I had learned were his idea to help the bergere dancers who had to walk through the meat packing district.)

Let me tell you that I had just left Lenox and gotten back to my home on the East side where I had anticipated curling up on the couch with a warm beverage and ... some work. The weather was dastardly, but when I read the post I promptly whisked myself to my closet to choose an understated yet chic look in which to meet the iconic figure. I chose a black turtle neck, skinny jeans, Steve Madden booties, and a black motorcycle leather jacket. I made haste back to Buckhead, calling and texting everyone I knew who loved shoes to see if they wanted to join me for a Poet's Friday.

It was my lucky day, I found parking adjacent to the door of Saks and then practically ran to Jeffrey's. I was met by a moderate line of fashionistas from diverse backgrounds, many with champagne in hands. Well dressed ladies and men in Missoni, Versace and the like, accented with Louboutin patent leather heels and booties. Did I mention the sales associates were serving champagne? My kind of party!

Luxe Diva rang and she informed me another of her readers and friend was in attendance. Little did I know, she was the person standing in front of me in a classy tea length coat winter white coat and cognac colored boots. I introduced myself and we immediately started gabbing about fashion.

Sadly, neither of us Luxe readers owned a pair of Louboutin's. After all he was only signing shoes and nothing else. Oh, how I wished I had a pair to sign. Many individuals were purchasing shoes at the store or Saks to have signed. An individual in between myself and the other Luxe reader had purchased her first pair of Louboutin's and was kind enough to let us tag along with her to ensure we got a chance to meet him.

After almost two hours of chatting and watching excited women purchasing shoes with the patented red soles, our little group was next in line behind a velvet rope to meet the man himself. Monsieur Louboutin sat in a herringbone jacket with a white colored shirt, jeans, and lime green Chucks. "How cute?" I thought. He looked to be barely 5'5 with a gorgeous tan complexion. He smiled pleasantly for pictures and chatted with each guest with genuine interest. His assistant was at home in the atmosphere. She wore a black sleeveless sheath with sheer black stockings. She was shaking the paint pens Louboutin used to sign the shoe. There were at least 40 pens in a myriad of colors laying in a wicker basket.

When we finally met Monsieur Louboutin, he was as genuine as he looked and seemingly humble as well. He chatted with our new friend and then signed her shoe with a black pen painting lime green and white dots around the inscription. The inscription was personal and graphic. Gosh, I wished I had a shoe to sign. We each had our pictures taken and then took leave. I decided at some point I will purchase a pair and when I do, I may just have to fly myself to Paris to have them signed.

Fall Must Haves: Booties, Oxfords, and Mary Janes

Hello Divas!

I hope your day is awesome! Today we have a guest writer, Chamele. Chamele is a shoe fanatic and has the most fabulous shoes! Below she is going to tell us why we must have a pair of Booties, Oxfords, or Mary Janes! Check it out.

I am excited about this year's trends in shoes because they are the epitome of high fashion! Designer's have married classic style with a hint of edge and yet still a touch of feminism. Further, the trends all resemble- "big-girl shoes." Let me explain what I mean by "big-girl shoes." "Big-girl shoes" are the shoes you see walk in a room before you have a chance to identify their owners. Big-girl shoes announce themselves and say, "Hey, I am the raw deal, and the chick standing here is nothing to mess with." Well, this year's trends say all of that and then some.

The Bootie


Okay, I must admit, I was a little skeptical about the bootie trend last fall; however, I found the chicest pair of Steve Madden black booties with a folded cuff. This year, I have been won-over and I am super psyched about the bootie trend. Designers have varied the shoe, appealing to women with a wide array of tastes. I have spied at least half a dozen pair for which I am jonesin'.

The Oxford

"Men inspired" shoe wear is another burgeoning trend. The oxford styles are classy, sassy, and oh-so-very C.C (that's me). I love, love, love classic footwear and have since the tender age of 3. Every year, my mother purchased, at my request, a pair of black and white saddle oxfords. My style matured and by ninth-grade I was sporting a very classy pair of black patent leather oxfords with a square toe, enhanced with a tassel. I received compliments on those shoes for four or five years; and so, I speak from experience when I say,” The oxford will be long-lived!"

The Maryjane


I love the style of the Roaring 20's and early 30's as much as I loved my saddle oxfords. It should come as no surprise then that there are at least four pair of Maryjanes in my closet. A good pair of Maryjanes can be worn with a flirty dress, or soften up an edgy suit. The Maryjane says, "Ultimate Femme Fatale."

If there are three types of shoes that you must have this fall, they are the Oxford, the Maryjane, and the Bootie; and if you can only get one shoe, get an oxford style bootie. It is versatile and can be worn with anything!

Effective Discount Shopping

Hello Divas!

How is life treating you? Fabulous right? Well some of my girlfriends always ask me two questions: 1. Where did you find that item of clothing, shoes, purse, etc.? and then after I tell them what I paid for it, 2. How do you find such great deals? So this post is for them and the rest of you ladies who love to shop but loooove a bargain.

1. Consignment Shops/Thrift Stores: Based on what I am looking for, my first line of defense is always consignment shops or thrift stores. When looking for great deals on high end jeans or bags, I always shop here first. Usually, I can find very gently used or never used, jeans, bags, and shoes at the Junior League of Atlanta's Nearly New Shop. Check out my previous post on this fantastic thrift shop here. Junior League members, who are very posh and stylish women, donate tons of designer wear to this shop. The clothing is always in good shape and very reasonably priced. A $400.00 Bestsy Johnson bag sold for $75.00! Paper Denim and Cloth Jeans....$15.00. This is a MUST stop if you live in Atlanta. If not, check your local Junior League to see if they also have a thrift shop.

2. Discount Stores. My Second line of defense is discount stores that sell designer fashions for less. These stores include your Loehmann's, Sims, Ross, TJ MAXX, Marshalls, and Burlington Coat Factory. If I am looking for semi-formal or formal wear, cashmere, or shoes, I usually shop at Loehmann's. I shop at Ross if I am looking for dresses for myself or clothing for my son. I purchased my son several stylish but classic Ralph Lauren polo shirts at Ross for 13 bucks! You can't beat that! TJ MAXX and Marshalls are favorites for Jeans (True Religion Jeans at the TJ MAXX and Marshalls in Buckhead (Atlanta) usually go for $99.), suits, handbags, or high end bath and body products. Lastly, Burlington Coat Factory is excellent if you are looking for a high end but affordable coat or business suit. My favorite Burlington Coat Factory is located at Discover Mills Mall in Duluth, GA.

3. Department Stores and Speciality Stores. My last resort is Department Stores. Of course, If I am buying high end make-up or beauty products, I usually shop at Sephora or a Department Store. I like shopping for beauty products at Department Stores because they usually give you a gift with purchase. Love these! But I only shop at Department Stores for clothing or shoes if they are having a major sale.
For example, most Department Stores and speciality stores will have a couple of semi-annuals sales a year. This is a great time to get real bargains. Also, I shop at Nordstrom's for my Stuart Weitzman shoes. I discovered that Nordstroms will most likely have a sale on Stuart Weitzman's shoes that the boutique does not. In addition, I do frequent a couple of boutiques that I really like, but I have found that if I wait 2-3 weeks, an item I am in love with will usually go on sale. This is when I go in to swoop it up!

My motto is to never pay full price. Especially now that I have kids! LOL! And if you are not on a budget, effective discount shopping only gives you an opportunity to buy SO-MUCH-MORE!!!!

Toodles!