Sandals/Flats + Wedges= Perfect for Summer

It's summertime! So break out those light, bright, colorful sandals! And who says you have to pay a fortune to get all the latest trends?

Check this out: I tracked these flats down at Wal-Mart and Target! Anyone can pull these off and you can wear them with virtually any summer outfit! Plus, you get the best of both worlds; Easy on the eyes and easy on the pockets! Who doesn't love that?

{From left to right: Gladiator Flip in turquoise, $12.99 at Target; Rhinestone Thong Sandal in pink, $15.00 at Target; Studded Gladiator Sandal in steel gray, $6.00, by Miley Cyrus & Max Azria for Wal-Mart}

Now check this out: These wedges are a definite must-have this summer! I found these at JCPenney and Old Navy. All great styles for great prices! Pair these with a nice, flowy summer dress or skirt, or some cute shorts and you'll be ready to go! Aren't they adorable? (You'd be lying if you said no.)

{From left to right: Wedge in loden, $24.99 at JCPenney; Knotted Jersey Espadrilles in organic peach, $17.97 at Old Navy; Strappy Wedges in dark purple, $25.99 at Old Navy}

Observe & Report

Lately I've been trying to observe people and see what their taste is towards fashion. But as I mentioned in my first post, I come from a small city with not much going on. Therefore, there's not too much actual "fashion" I can go on here. I am in the center of farm country. (I've always felt I was born on the wrong side of New York State... or on the wrong side of the country...) So you can see why looking good and dressing well might not be all that important to some. Just because this city is country-bumpkin-like, does not mean we have to dress like it. It's extremely important to know, that while this country's economy is dwindling down to a pulp, we must find other ways to work with the money we have and still look great while doing it!

While at work the other day, I was busy doing some people-watching (yeah, yeah.. you do it too! And it was for an assignment). Every single person that walked in I wanted to run up to and ask, "why?" Of course we have the few that can dress rather stylishly but mostly... it's a mom-jean, concert t-shirt wearing, emo-loving city I live in and I'm done. I can't take it anymore. (I know a few people that can agree.) I think people are just too afraid to try different things. For example, for the past couple weeks I painted my nails a nice, bright yellow because I felt like something bright and summery... and I can't tell you how many people were like, "wow, yellow... that's different!" Like it was some drastic, earth-shattering event or something. That right there should tell you that if you do something slightly different from the norm here, people will be confused and that's sad.

Aside from what I listed above, all day I see pajamas, sweats, spandex (which shouldn't be worn regardless of your size), baggy, ripped up clothes... etc. Do you see the pattern?; comfortable clothing that should only be worn in the privacy of your own home. No one needs to see your Spongebob pajama bottoms! Am I right? It's one thing to shop and run errands comfortably but I think that's going a little bit too far.

There are plenty of ways to be "comfy-chic" for lazy afternoons. Now that it's summer, you can really expand your horizons when it comes to fashion; flip flops, sundresses, tanks, shorts, capris... you name it! The nice part is, you don't have to spend a fortune either! So go through your wardrobe, clean out all the craziness by donating or throwing away (because come to think of it.. I'm not even sure people should wear these things at home) and start fresh! It'll make you feel better inside and out, I promise!

The "Pack" is Back

Remember those lovely, cheestastic fannypacks from the 80's/90's? Well, they're back with a revamped and modernized appeal. They've been back for a little bit now, but they're really just coming to the surface as of recently. I know you're feeling a little hesitant, as I was too, but they're actually not bad at all! They basically fit the small things such as money, a drivers' license, your cell and maybe some lip gloss. Just think... these little guys would be great for concerts, festivals/carnivals, shopping, going out for a night on the town; etc. This way your hands are free to dance around or shop around until your hearts content! Below are just a few examples of the hip/waist bags!

{From left to right: Zambos & Seiga: Parker pouch, shopbop.com, $100; Tory Burch: Palma Hip Bag, shopbop.com, $195; Rebecca Minkoff: Heavy Metal Compassion Waist Bag, shopbop.com, $245}

Flower Power

You know what I'm loving? Floral print! I'm seeing it everywhere I go and I must say, I was never a huge fan until now. My favorite store for great floral finds is Free People. Take a look above at the embroidered floral dress, the mini, and floral crinkle dress all available at freepeople.com! Pair any of these with some wedges or some really cute gladiator sandals, grab your bag and you're ready to go! Crossbody bags are in this summer and trust me when I say, having your arms and hands free is a good feeling!

Hmm.. First Post

So I'm going to go on record and say, making your first post on a blog is more difficult than one would think. Of course, I may have made it more difficult than it had to be...

I think I'll start off by saying that I have been interested in fashion and beauty ever since I can remember. I love mixing and matching things and trying new colors (be it with makeup or clothing). I actually kind of like being somewhat of a trendsetter. Being the first one to wear something feels great because everyone is always so skeptical at first and asks me if I know what I'm doing. Of course I do! I come from a not-so-big city so finding good fashion is hard to come by, but I make it work.

Back in 2007, I went to school to become an Esthetician (skin care specialist/makeup artist/wax professional) and in 2009/2010 I took/am taking some online classes in Fashion Illustration, Fashion Sewing and the Business of Fashion just to get myself well-rounded. I currently make hangbags and totes on the side. Bags are hands-down my favorite accessory of all time. It completes the look! I hope to expand my work into clothing as well!

My goal is to share with you what works in fashion and beauty/skin care, and what doesn't. So if you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to ask! :o)