Style Favorite: The Ankle Boots

So just this last week, I did a 2014 recap of all my favorite outfits from the last year. As I was looking through them all and seeing them all in one place, I noticed there were definitely some pieces making frequent reappearances. This makes sense, of course, if you've read my guide to an easy closet overhaul. But for those of you who haven't read it (for shame!) this really showcases how I choose the pieces I purchase and how I use those pieces to maximum versatility. So to branch out from my guide, I'm going to try to wrangle up a little mini series of "Ways to wear: blah, blah, blah". It sounds really classy, doesn't it? No but seriously, my goal is to share how much life one small purchase can have in it, when you shop smart.

Suspect No. 1- The Ankle Boots. I was actually quite wary when I made this purchase. In my mind, at the time, I viewed these boots more as a fun splurge than a practical staple. I didn't expect to get much wear out of them; just a touch here and there. However, as usual, I turned out to be wrong. These boots have taken me across the seasons and back again. So after noticing there were repeats, I rounded the rest of the booties up and slapped them down here for a "How to wear: ankle boots" shin dig.

Leopard and Leather- Full Post
This is when the boots were brand new and I was completely enamored with them. I honestly can't think of a better pair of shoes to complete this outfit. The outfit itself isn't the favorite of all I've worn, but for what it is, the boots look great with it.

Distressed Flannel- Full Post
This outfit, however, was my first time wearing a plaid. I loved this shirt, but I knew it could become very "lumberjack" in a hot minute and I needed to be careful how I styled it. The boots keep it chic and stylish and away from country bumpkin.


Aztec- Full Post
This is another one that I couldn't picture a better pair to complete this outfit. Riding boots could have worked, but these give it a little more "oomph" and makes it look more put together.

Lace- Full Post
This was my first time wearing boots with a dress. Ordinarily I would only ever pair a dress with sandals or wedges. And while that would have looked nice too, it was nearing fall and the boots kept this dress relevant and brought it into the new season.

Military- Full Post

Ah, the military jacket. I wanted one of these for so long before I finally got this one. I ordered it online so I wasn't able to try it on; I was surprised at how big it was when it arrived. With this style and roomy size, the look ran the risk of looking like I was headed for combat. Once again, the boots saved this look and immediately made it chic instead of frumpy.

Now these aren't all my "favorite outfits" or anything, just a mash-up of all the ankle boots in one place. Hit or miss, win or lose, there's no denying the old girls have some life in them. Unfortunately the original pair are sold out. whomp whomp #sadface but I did find some other great similar options.

1.Michael Antonio  2.Zigi  3.Michael Antonio 4.Isaac Mizrahi  5.Kelsi Dagger  6.Sam Edleman  7.LuLus  8.Saks Fifth Avenue 9.Charlotte Russe


I love all of these options; some even more than the pair I have (#2 and 3 are rocking my world!)! But either way, the ankle booties have been a great, versatile addition to my humble closet. Its always great to be able to wear something over and over again, and staples are a must have for a wardrobe on a budget! So I have to ask...

What is one of your favorite staple pieces?

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A Two Day Reprieve

That's what mother nature gave us this weekend. We had two super warm (but windy) days. And since I knew this was a fluke and would be short lived, I snatched my opportunity for an outfit post!

Frugal Fall Fashion

Have you all ever known me to spend a lot of money on what I wear? Or anything really? No, you haven't. If my blog had a motto it'd be "If it ain't broke, don't spend it". Ok, maybe I need to work on that motto. But the point is, I've been screaming from the rooftops (or my blog, tomato/tomahto) how I never ever "splurge" on anything because it's excessive, unnecessary and, in my case, simply unobtainable. We're a one income household full of kids. It just ain't happenin'. But what are you paying for really? A label? Yeah, I can do without that. I'm not a materialistic person. I just can't understand spending nearly double on an identical item just because of a brand name. Price is not always equal to quality. I think a lot of women are misguided and think the higher the price tag, the higher the quality. That age old saying "You get what you pay for" is really ingrained in us but it's an antiquated, archaic notion. Trust me on this, I have a lot of experience behind me!

I Finally Did It!

Cut my hair, that is! If you remember this post, which was 6 months ago, you know I've been planning to cut my hair for a very long time. Whether it was my indecision, lack of funds, or a lack of time; for whatever reason, I never got it done.....until now!

Patience at it's Finest

I am a whiner. I always have been. My mom used to tell me when I was a kid to stop whining, she wasn't going to speak to me until I stopped. I would reply back to her in my whiniest voice, "But I'm not whiniiiinnnnggg!!". I seriously whined so much, I had completely lost touch on how to speak normally and had no idea I was even doing it. (Sorry, mom!!) Well, I have since learned how to speak in a "normal" tone but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still guilty of the occasional whine. Today was one of those times.

Pocket Perfection

Hey guys! It's another day, another outfit! Still keeping the fashion train rolling. I love when simplicity, in itself, makes an impact. There isn't any one "statement" piece that gives this outfit it's appeal; it's the right combination of simple pieces coming together that's makes the statement.

This outfit is the perfect example of how having staple pieces in your closet can be a huge benefit. A black blazer can be worn so many ways and it has real lasting power; it's always in style. This is definitely not news to anyone. We all know this already. But once you have it in your arsenal, so many options immediately open up; pieces like these are definitely a secret weapon to looking great on a budget. Same with this shirt. A shirt neutral in color, with a classic cut, gives you so much to work with. Once I have my basics, I can add my trendy piece; today I chose colored skinnies. I also chose simple black boots for a casual look but throw on a pair of heels and this outfit can go straight from daytime to nighttime. How's that for stretching a tight budget? One outfit: two ways. Boom.

Back With a BANG!

What? A fashion post? You say, "We haven't seen one of those in so long!" I say, "No kidding!" 3 months long to be exact. I think I've made it perfectly clear that I do not like the cold. This "polar vortex" (said in my snarkiest voice) has not been my friend; even less of a friend to my fashion posts. I can barely talk myself into getting out in the cold for pictures but my husband? Fagetaboutit! Can't exactly do pictures when you have no one to take them, can you? Well, that's what friends in high places are for! Enter: my bestest photographer friend, Kristy!

Kristy and I have become friends via our daughters. They were in the same dance class together and now they are in the same homeschool group. Needless to say, we have had plenty of opportunity to get acquainted over the years and I have learned that Kristy is an amazing photographer. She has done gorgeous pictures of Izzy in the past and now she has so kindly offered to do some for me. So not only am I back, I'm back new and improved with some fabulous shots!

Bedazzled

How do you solve a problem like Maria? And by Maria, I mean my husband. And by problem, I mean blurry pictures. Sometimes they're crystal clear and he impresses even myself. Other times though, they look like the hot mess below. I mean, what did you take this with, a banana?

Flannel Chic

It's another Monday! And luckily, I'm in a much better mood this week than I have been! Mostly because I have been surprised with a vacation this week! That's right, we're heading to good ol' Gatlinburg TN this Wednesday! Totally unexpected, total surprise and I am so excited! 

But my mood improvement is also largely in part by my boots finally arriving in the mail this weekend! Yaay! I have been not so patiently waiting for them since I hit that "check out" button at Oasap. I have desperately been wanting a pair because what sort of fashion blogger doesn't own a pair of ankle boots?? I find all of these Pinterest outfits I want to recreate but it's always "Aww, if I only had the boots!" But now I do (happy dance) and I am in luurv! They're adorable and comfortable. These puppies are lined on the inside with micro-suede. It's like blankets for your feet! Blankets. For. Your. Feet.

Lady of the Night

Another "Pinterest told me to" 'fit. The jury is still out on this one. To be real honest, I felt like a hooker. Not like a 'Pretty Woman' hooker, more like a 'Grand Theft Auto' lady of the night. I keeps it real. It looked so cute on the other girl. Maybe it's just something you have to get used to? What do you guys think about it? Seriously, honest opinion.

 via Pinterest

Why? Because I Can!

 Why am I wearing boots in the middle of summer? Because I can. Booyah.

I'm really getting over pieces being taken at face value. A skirt, and a lace one at that, does not have to be dressy. A casual tee, does not have to be casual. And boots are not just for fall and winter! It when you mix them up that people stop being polite, and start getting real. Wait, that's Real World. I mean fun! That's when it starts being fun! 

It's the Remix to Ignition...

...or the remix to a sequined dress. But it's still hot and fresh out the kitchen. You know, tomato tomahto.

   I don't know how "sassy" it is, but it sounded good with "sequin". I really struggled with this dress. I love the darn thing but it's just a tad bit short. My husband hates it...so I wear it anyway. I think when the weather cools down again I could pair it with leggings and we could have a nice compromise. That's what marriage is about, right? I get what I want until I can compromise. No?

Oh What the Hell, Right?

Alright you guys, I'm always talking about my "comfort zone" and how I don't have the confidence to pull of certain looks or to try new things. Well, you know what I decided? What the hell?! I mean, really! What's the worst that could happen if an outfit turns out to be a total flop? I wear it for one day, 12 hours at the most, I learn from the mistake and try something different. I mean, it's not like I have to be buried in the thing! And on the plus side, if I try something a little risky and it rocks, I can do it again. Basically, I've just been being a baby about this and I realized I can never get out of this rut if I don't take chances. So I said Eff it and wore what I wanted! Who cares what anyone else thinks, I'm wearing it for me! And I'm so glad I did because it wasn't a flop at all! I've had this skirt folded in the closet longer than I care to admit, it needed to finally be worn! 

Well Played, Mother Nature

So, I had to go and get all cocky yesterday by wearing a tank top and shorts and what happens? It rains all night and now it's in the 50s. She sure showed me! Guess I won't be jumping the gun anymore. I solemnly vow not to wear any shorts, tank tops and/or sandals until May...or next week at the very earliest. ;)

Once again I drew inspiration from a gorgeously put together outfit from another blogger. And once again it is none other than Natalia from Ma Nouvelle Mode. I have yet to read a post from Natalia and not be inspired. Girl's got it goin' on over there!

This particular post was about remixing your wardrobe. I struggle with this immensely. I have always bought items with a specific way to wear it in mind and it never varies. This results in "closet-full-of-clothes-and-nothing-to-wear" syndrome. You know what I'm talking about. We've all been there at one time or another. I probably have hundreds (ok, maybe not hundreds but it's a lot more than I utilize) of outfit variations hanging in my closet and the key to unlocking them is simply remixing what I already own.

Natalia picked 7 items and made 7 different outfits for the week. This is not something I ever thought I could do but she makes it look effortless! I haven't pulled together 7 entire outfits but I did take a step into wearing pieces in a way I have never worn them before.

My outfit isn't a total recreation but there were key pieces and how she wore them that got my wheels turning...