Review: Target Bathroom Spacesaver

So, last week I said, "That's it! I need a solution!!" – regarding my half bath storage problems. Because it's a small space, with a pedestal sink (aka no cupboard base) I had few options. At first I looked at a storagey nightstand option from IKEA and after measuring found out I wouldn't be able to open the door fully. So, then I looked at vertical solutions. There's a ton of corner shelves or tiny bookshelf pieces out there, but none I felt either drawn to aesthetically or would be able to handle my storage needs. And finally, I moved on to spacesavers... let me just say there are a TON of ugly, chinsey, and overall awful options out there!! 

Slim pickin's lead me to Target where I was begging to find something that could work and wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg. Ta da!! If you're in my same boat look no further than this AWESOME model: Neu Home Chrome & Glass Bathroom Spacesaver, $89.99. It's neutral, gender-neutral (for those of you who share your space), not visually obtuse, chrome and glass which give it a 'Restoration Hardware' vibe without the pricetag!, it's super simple to put together and it's sturdy. I ordered it last week Wednesday and it arrived – shipping free to my apartment exactly a week later! I couldn't be happier with the outcome... now I just need some nicer looking small storage solutions!!

Caving to the Crop

I've been trying to figure out a way to get into the cropped sweater trend, and until now I honestly wasn't feeling it. Styles I've seen often appear too winged out at the sides, or in too thin of a fabric which (to me) come across as cropped for the sake of being flirtatious vs. legitimate fashion. (*If that's your thing though, rock it! It's just not for me.) Anyway, so when I saw the cropped sweater pictured above I thought, "Ah! I've found it!"– what I appreciate about this particular cropped style is the fitted structure as well as the heavy knit. 

I've paired this preppy and Autumn appropriate look with a casual up-do inspired by Sarah Jessica Parker's infamous character, Carrie Bradshaw. Keep reading to find out what other items I've pulled to style it!

Earrings: Etsy seller 'smallbluethings' Gold Hoop Earrings w/ London Blue Briolette Charm, $22

Top: ModCloth Crop Star Sweater, $54.99

Top: JCrew (Factory) Drapey Stripe Pullover Hoodie in Blue Stripe, $39.50 (*Sale)

Pants: Madewell Widelegger Jeans in Explorer Wash, $79.50 (*Sale)

Shoes: UO Kimchi Blue Wood Platform Pump in Brown, $49

Total Cost of this Outfit: $244.99

Almost $300 for a denim look? By swapping in a few of your own items, this look is certainly accomplishable for less!

• Omit the denim cost. While I love me some wideleg tailored-looking denim, a bootcut jean would suffice here as well. A skinny jean would also work, but I'd style them with riding boots instead– for visual interest.
• Omit the brown leather heel cost and swap-in a pair of brown heels, clogs, ankle boots or oxfords of your own.
• You could just as easily finish off this look with a simple gold hoop or statement earring of your own – be creative!

And maybe complete the look with a nice bronzey/brown eye like this one by TiffanyD: Tiffany's Everyday Smokey Eye Makeup.

Fav: Kevin Murphy Damage Manager

This product.. Yea, this one right here ^ – I can think of few other products across any category (makeup, haircare, skincare, etc.) that I seriously recommend everyone (who applies heat to their hair) to go out and buy as soon as humanly possible. Damage Manager Instant Heat Shielding Spray by Kevin Murphy is one of a kind; I sincerely mean that. I've tried several heat protectant sprays by both salon brands as well as brands sold at Target, and none have kept my hair as healthy as this. Truth. 

Especially as we dive into the colder months, ladies are straightening, curling, etc. their hair more frequently than in Summer, when we're more apt to rock a low maintenance haircare routine. There's few things I enjoy less than going to the salon for a routine haircut and leaving 3 inches shorter than when I walked in because my ends were so dead and beyond repair. I stand a far better chance to keep my locks by using this spray.I apply it to the last third of my hair, through the ends prior to blow drying and I'll also do a light mist to my ends before using a curling or flat iron.

If interested in purchasing, a.) ask your salon, even if they don't carry it– inquire if they would. can't hurt. b.) here's a tip if you wanna buy online: to avoid shipping and handling charges from the UK via ordering on Kevin Murphy's site, (trustworthy) Amazon seller "It's Magnifique" offers several Kevin Murphy products, including Damage Manager with tolerable s&h prices.

An additional note, for extra thirsty ends– once or twice a week I'll run Shine Serum by Kenra on the lower third of my hair through the ends, after drying and styling straight. And again, to avoid outside the US s&h– look to (trustworthy) Amazon seller "BeautyStoreDepot" for an array of Kenra products, including the Shine Serum.

(Weekly) Nail Polish Re-Paint

This one was a multi-layered process for sure– definitely not 'simple'.

1. Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat (955)
2. One light coat of Essie Bachelorette Bash – I put this down as a base so to pull the next color in a more crimson/cranberry direction because the Stroke of Midnight polish is basically black when applied by itself.
3. One coat of L'Oreal Paris Stroke of Midnight – Brush on enough to not be streaky, but not too much to where it's too dense.
4. Wait until both coats are fully dry – Seriously, like an hour-ish.
5. One light coat of Milani Garnet Jems (27A) – Because the Milani polish has a very liquidy base, I opted out of a top coat polish
6. If I end up adding a top coat, I'll use Sally Hanson Diamond Strength No Chip Top Coat

Fab Find: Birchbox

Alright friends, I've taken a 'leap of faith' by recommendation of a friend who has received 3 boxes now from Birchbox and has loved them. I've heard mixed reviews around the beauty community, so I'm apprehensive but willing to give this subscription a shot. I did the monthly 'plan', so I can dip out at any time... haha! Very non-committal of me :) 

If you're sitting here reading this not knowing what the heck Birchbox is, here's the short of it: You basically fill out this little questionnaire about yourself (lifestyle, skin type, hair, etc.) and based on what you answer will determine the sample products you receive. Every month you get a little box (shipping costs on the house) with like 5 or 6 samples in it ranging from makeup to lotion to skincare to haircare, etc. You can sign up for any sort of plan you'd like, I opted for the $10 month-to-month plan as I mentioned. I figure it's an easy and relatively cost effective way to try out products and see what works for you, and what doesn't without buying a full size product.

If this sounds like something you think you'd be into, I encourage you check 'em out!! Here's the linkage: Birchbox.com! And while you're at it, give 'em a follow on Twitter: @Birchbox.

By Popular Demand: Full (Everyday) Makeup Routine

First, I'll kickoff by saying my facial cleansing routine is not included here. Obviously, begin any makeup application to a clean face :)

Face & Foundation:

• Step 1: Apply Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel to face and neck. (*Depending on what the outcome of your skin evaluation is via Clinique.com - "Find Your Routine", the DD Lotion product might be recommended for you vs. the Gel).
• Step 2: Apply Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle Roller to under eye area and gently blend in with index finger.
• Step 3: Squirt about a 1/4 of a dime-sized dot of Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + liquid foundation onto the back of your hand, then take index finger and dot your face– try to keep most of the product away from the edges of your face so to avoid awkward lines.
• Step 4: Rinse the Beauty Blender under warmish water and squeeze out until its expanded and is damp, not soaked. Gently work the foundation into your face by stippling the Beauty Blender around. *Use the tipped end to blend areas like the inner eye and nose creases.
• Step 5: Apply Covergirl Smoothers Concealer stick (in 'Neutralizer') to areas of redness or blemishes that need further attention. Again, blend the concealer in with the Beauty Blender.
• Step 6: Finish off by setting your foundation with a light amount of Maybelline Dream Matte Powder, using a kabuki-style brush.

Facial Accents:

• Step 1: Contour your cheek area, upper corners of the forehead and a light swipe on the bridge of the nose with a bronzer. *I prefer a product with no shimmer, so I use BareMinerals All-Over Face Color in 'Warmth' and apply with a smaller contour brush.
• Step 2: Add some pink to the apples of your cheeks with Revlon ColorStay Mineral Blush in 'Petal' (020), using an angled brush.
• Step 3: Then, for just a teensy bit of highlight, I lightly dip my same angled brush into the Urban Decay Naked Palette colors 'Virgin' and 'Sin' and apply on the uppers of my cheek bones.
• Step 4: I give my brows a quick comb with a mascara sample wand.
• Step 5: And finally, to fill in the brows first run a thin tapered brush or liner brush in a light amount of water, just to dampen it– we're not water coloring here. Then, with the damp brush pick up a swipe or two of the 'Buck' color in the UD Naked Palette and fill. Use water and shadow as needed.

Simple Eyes Routine:

• Step 1: Prime your lids with a light amount of Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.
• Step 2: Using a brush apply Maybelline Matte Expert Eyewear Shadow in 'Campagne Fizz' (30) to entire lid up to but not through the crease.
• Step 3: Using a crease brush apply a light swipe of the color 'Naked' from the UD Naked Palette.
• Step 4: Using Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner in 'Blackest Black' line your entire upper lid, giving the outer lid a slightly thicker line than the inner. Then, 'dot' about 4 dots on the lower lash line and smudge with a liner brush– connecting the 'V' of the outer eye. (*For an additional visual element, you could wet your tapered or liner brush and pick up a small amount of the 'Gunmetal' color from the UD Naked Palette and run that along the outer lower lash line).
• Step 5: Curl your lashes.
• Step 6: Apply mascara. I prefer a thick (but not clumpy) look on the upper and very minimal on the lower, so I first apply Revlon Grow Luscious by Fabulash in 'Black/Noir' for volume, and then a second coat to separate using Maybelline Colossal Volum Express in 'Classic Black'. I also use the Maybelline mascara for my lower lashes.

The Final Touch – Lips:

• Step 1: Swipe a balm using EOS Smooth Sphere in 'Sweet Mint'.
• Step 2: Add a light touch of color with Urban Decay Lip Junkie Gloss in 'Wallflower'.

And there you have it– a full start to finish, relatively simple makeup routine! I know it seems like there's a ton here, but I have to tip my hat to the Urban Decay Naked Palette. We created a highlight, brow fill, shadow AND liner looks all using one product!!

What about you all out there? What your routine? Any favorite product raves? Things you can't live without? I'd love to hear!

Nail Polish Re-Paint

Basecoat: Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat (955)

All nails: Sally Hanson Maximum Growth Plus in Pearl Wisdom (49)

Thumbs & Ring Fingers: Milani Nail Lacquer in Disco Lights (89)

Topcoat: Sally Hanson Diamond Strength No Chip Top Coat (07)

Real Talk: Internet Respect

As a member of the youtube guru audience, and subscriber to style blogs & vlogs... I've grown hyper-aware of the mass amounts of negativity out there on the interwebs, and I guess I just have a short rant to share: 

So much negativity, bullying, bashing, complaining, nit-picking goes on it's shocking! There's people who want to know every thing about you, and people who will make information up when you keep your personal life personal, and people– when you open yourself up and share yourself, then question your authenticity and accuse you of being fake. And then there's people who pay attention to you to only critique your every move, or to enter a giveaway (even though they openly criticize you), or to complain when they don't win and bash you some more. And then there's the people who are so nosey as to how exactly you profit from partnerships, affiliations, etc. and again, when they don't know all the details they take it upon themselves to make up facts, and additionally judge you for making a living off of clicks, subs, comments and site visits; completely ignorant to the fact that a guru's time and effort that goes into videos and tutorials is specifically for those in the audience who genuinely enjoy tuning in, and for themselves.

It's appalling the masses of people who dedicate so much of their time to be so critical, for no other reason than to be critical and express an opinion. To each their own I suppose, but to me the appropriate way to approach a personality, twitter account, youtube channel or blog you don't exactly jive with is to just not subscribe or follow and find one that speaks to you and your personal style. Wouldn't you rather spend your life enjoying something vs. feeling as though you wasted your time? 

I know I would, but again that's just my humble outlook on things. 

Nautical Goes Autumn

After what was a gorgeous weekend in Chicago, the final clusters of leaves have turned their colors and we start the depressing process of bringing our colder weather clothing out of storage, as we know winter is on the horizon. In leu of the last hints of Summer and sunshine making their departure, I figured I'd compose a 'nautical-goes-Autumn' outfit of the day as a send-off. Coupled with a runway-inspired pony and casual smoky lower-lash-line swipe of navy via the lovely Sienna Miller, this look feeds our final Summer cravings.

The Breakdown:
Earrings: Kate Spade Signature Spade Studs in 14k Gold, $38
Top: TopShop Knitted Striped Short Jumper in Camel, $80
Necklace: Etsy seller 'BriguysGirls' Genuine Aspen Leaf 24k Gold Necklace, $36.55 (*Sale)
Pants: Zara Palazzo Trousers in Navy, $89.90
Shoes: NineWest Beeout in Dark Red Suede, $62.30 (*30% off Sale)
(Shadow pictured: Urban Decay Shadow in Goddess, $17)

Total Cost of this Outfit: $306.75

Sccrrreeeech!! Hold the phone– we can do better than that!

How to Save on this Look:

• While I'm sucker for ultra-classic touches like Kate Spade jewelry, to be reasonable one could out with the spade studs and in with a solid gold stud of their own.
• Same story with the Etsy necklace... If you already own a piece of gold, long pendant jewely or a maybe even a cameo pendant – use your own.
• Even though the NineWest shoes are on sale, you could save (almost) $15 and nab a similar pair from Urban Outfitters: Kimchi Blue Suede Pointy Kitten Heel in Red, $49. Or, save altogether and swap-in your own camel, cognac or brown leather or suede shoe.

By making a few swaps and compromises, you can easily cut the bill in half!

Recipe: Homemade Tea Latte

So, this past Saturday morning Ryan and I took the train for 40 minutes just to get coffee at Intelligentsia. I, being sore throat-ish opted to order a house chai tea latte. It was DELISH!!.. and needless to say left an impression, as I've been craving a tea latte every day since.

So, I did a little concocting and developed a recipe for a perfect at-home latte mug o' yummy:

Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil and add 3 tsp. sugar, allow the sugar to dissolve and reduce to a simmer. Add 2 tea bags of your fav chai, green, black or white tea (*Mighty Leaf Vanilla Bean tea is also a nice option, available at Whole Foods), and remain on simmer for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags, increase heat to medium and add 2/3 cups milk. Keep on heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into your fav mug and enjoy :) (Serves 1).

Royal Flush

Today's weather in Chicago: 53º, windy, rainy, grey. Code red! We need a color injection stat! How 'bout a little royal blue to spruce up your look? Combined with vintage pattern, a modern/messy twist on a wavy updo and a punchy red lip (inspired by Ashley Olsen)– you're knock out guaranteed!! What a lovely way to kickoff the week :)

The Breakdown:
Top: JCrew Tissue Turtleneck Tee in Royal, $29.50
Necklace: Brevity Raindrops Necklace (of the Line Collection), $60
Skirt: Anthropologie Tile-Quilted Mini in Blue Motif, $98
Legware: UO Opaque Tights in Dark Grey, $12
Shoes: ALDO Lewi High Heel in Blue Misc., $90

Total Cost of this Outfit: $289.50

Creepin' on $300 is somewhat steep, though one does have to consider the ~$100 quilted skirt taking up 1/3 of the budget.

How to Save on this Look:

• Omit the $60 necklace. While it's whimsical and fun and could be paired with many many things, you could just as easily finish off this ensamble with a simple gold or silver piece of your own.
• Skip the blue shoe. I know, it's both pretty and fun but maybe not the most practical of purchases ($90). Swap-in a cognac or brown leather pump or oxford-inspired shoe from your own closet instead.
• And while I'm a fan of the grey opaque tights, you could just as easily sport a pair of sheer black ones and create the same soft color effect.

And there ya have it, we just took this look down to $127.50! That's more digestible :)

Hair Inspo: Drew Dye Job

Alright friends... it's Autumn going on Winter, and it's time for a color injection. I'm not thinkin' full-on redhead, because I rather like being a brunette. But, I'm thinking a piece'y highlight (or would this be considered a lowlight?)– anyway, dispersed splashes of red throughout my already dark brown mane. I'm liking the shade of red that Drew sports on her Covergirl ads. Gonna need to stress to my stylist-to-be to pull my dye violet (vs. yellow) because I'm not down with copper, brassy, penny looking hair.  

Cubicle Cozy

While online window-shopping for today's outfit du jour last evening, Ryan said, "What outfit would you wear knowing the last days of nice weather are coming to a close?" My immediate thought was something flouncy, airy, light– yet, Fall. Waking up this morning to a grey, ultra windy, rainy 45º day I thought, "Eew. Grab a sweater."– thus, I added in a cardi. Today's look is inspired by the colors found in Essie's Fall nail polish collection (specifically school of hard rocks, cocktail bling and brooch the subject). I love the muted, etherial neutrals because they're not traditionally the tones I think of when I think 'Autumn'. Keeping the etherial theme, my styling inspo for this look is Emerson of EmersonMade-- casual curls that won't get hurt if blown around a bit outside.

The Breakdown:

Top: Anthropologie Serissa Tulle Blouse in Green, $118

Top: Zara V-Neck Cardigan in Ecru/Vigor, $49.90

Necklace: Etsy seller 'Magic Metal' Quartz Crystal Necklace, $24.50

Pants: Express Wide Leg Editor Pant in Cool Earth, $89.90

Belt: Express Adjustable Toggle-Hook Skinny Belt in Ivory, $29.90

Shoes: ALDO Moos Heel in Natural Print, $34.99 (*Clearance)

Total Cost of this Outfit: $347.19

On the edge of $350 is steep, yet not totally out of the park considering tailored pants and an imported top are a part of this ensamble. However, I have a few suggestions:

How to Save on this Look:

• So, the green imported top from Anthro is rather steep. I have a couple of substitutions:
• UO Kimchi Blue Handkerchief Top, $59
• UO Staring At Stars Eylet Blouse, $49.99 (*Sale) -- less sheer lace, and more of a  boho vibe with this one.
• And while the necklace isn't all that pricey, and I think is a pretty unique buy– you could easily swap-in something silver (or gold) of your own.
• You could opt for a black trouser vs. the earthy brown/grey pant shown. And, if swapping out your pants you could swap-in your own black belt as well.
• And finally, I love a patterned pump but it's not a necessary staple for one's show closet. Any neutral or nude pump would be appropriate.

If opting for a less-expensive lace top, like the links above and thereby going in the direction of cream/beige– consider pairing with a cardi or blazer with a more poppy color vs. ecru.

All I Want for Christmas...

Christmas is by far my favorite time of year, and as crazy as this sounds I am stoked beyond words to be living back in the Midwest (vs. Florida) for the Holidays this year!! 

In leu of the Holidays approaching, I figured why not start a post: "All I Want for Christmas...". For me personally, the people whom I normally exchange gifts with are always asking me on-the-spot for ideas and I can never think of stuff off the top of my head! So, this tag could serve as a place I can send those who inquire. This list will probably end up being an on-going thing, as I discover new things to put in my letter to Santa ;o), so stay tuned!As for now, I have a couple of items to kickoff my wish list...

Makeup/Skincare

MAC Fluidline in Midnight Blues, $15

MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre, $17.50

MAC Glitter & Ice Mineralize Eye Shadow in Snow Season, $21 (*Holiday exclusive)

MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Light Plus, $27 ★

Clinique All About Eyes Concealer in Light Neutral, $16

Clinique All About Eyes Serum, $26

Clinique All About Eyes Rich Cream, $29 ★

Clinique Great Skin 3-Step System, $27 (*Skin types 3 and 4) ★

Sephora Moonshadow Baked Palette - In the Dark, $28

Origins VitaZing Moisturizer, $35

Lancome Eye Brightening All-in-One 5 Shadow & Liner Palette in Mauve Cherie, $48

Dior 5-Colour Eyes in Mystic Smokys, $59

Sigma Professional Complete Kit w/o Brush Roll in Black, $89 (*Watch for Blk Fri Deals) ★

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System in Pale Blue, $119 (*Watch for Blk Fri Deals) ★

Jewelry

Kate Spade Signature Spade Studs (14k Gold), $38

Kate Spade 'Supercalifragilipstick' Necklace, $78 ★

Brevity 'Hexagonal' Stainless Steel Pendant Necklace, $60

Anthropologie Attributes Necklace in Blue, $48

Anthropologie Citrus Twist Necklace in Green, $38

Francesca's Collections Mixed Metals Necklace in Coral, $28

Francesca's Collections Fall Garland Necklace in Silver, $22

Etsy seller "mxmjewelry": Tiny Cloud Earrings, $25

Etsy seller "snugstudio": snuggeometric circle (3 color) necklace in Mint, $34

Skagen White Mother of Pearl with Silver Mesh Watch, $100 ★

FOSSIL Flight Plated Stainless Steel Watch – Gold Tone, $135

Jewelry Storage

Printers Drawer Jewelry Display, $98 ★

Pottery Barn Vintage Metal Necklace Stand, $39

UO Little Birch Jewelry Stand in Silver, $32

Purses

Francesca's Collections Photo Op Bag, $48 ★

Francesca's Collections Working Girl Bag, $54

Clothing

Zara Herringbone Blazer size XS, $89.90 ★

Zara Printed Blazer size XS, $129

VS Dreamer Flannel Pajamas in Pink Metallic Stripe - Reg. length, size XS, $49.50


Shoes
JCrew Weatherby Rain Boots in Getaway Green (size 5), $79.50

For the Kitchen

Crate & Barrel Square Large Plate (Dinner size) - Service for 6, $5.95 ea.

Calphalon 3.5 Qt. Saucepan, $59.95 (*Shop around for a better price)

Lodge 6 Qt. Enamel Dutch Oven in Blue, $56.95

Buddy Brew Whole Bean Coffee (Sumatra, Shorty's Blend), Price varies

Cookbooks...

Magazine Subs.

Food Network Magazine

Chicago Magazine ★

Cooking Light ★

Gift Cards

Taylor Reese Salon, Chicago – for a cut & color ★

Apple – to go toward a new iPhone or iPad ★

West Elm or Crate & Barrel – to go toward living room decor purchases ★

ModCloth

Zara

JCrew

Anthropologie

MAC Cosmetics

Sephora

Going Green

A style I'm totally into is the high-waisted jean. I think it's sweet and fashion-forward. So, with the denim as my jumping off point, I created a look that somewhat pays homage to the 70s/mod style, while still remaining current. To top the look off I went with a Christina Hendricks-inspired look, (specifically her character, Joan Harris, from Mad Men) that includes a rosy lip and cheek plus a winged eye and dramatically long, curled lashes.

The Breakdown:

Earrings: Etsy seller 'FriedaSophie' Green Onyx Cluster Earrings with 14k Gold, $39

Top: TopShop Button Pocket Tee in Green, $50

Jacket: Windsor Ivory/Black Stripe Sweater Blazer, $29.90

Belt: H&M Leather Belt in Black, $14.95

Pants: Zara Bell Bottom Jeans in Blue, $79.90

Shoes: Bakers Mona 2 in Black Suede, $59.99 (*Sale)

Total Cost of this Outfit: $273.74

Certainly there's a way to shave that number down some...

How to Save on this Look:

• Simple savings would include omitting the earrings and belt purchases, and using your own accessories. Dressing this look up with a simple pair of silver studs and a silver pendant necklace would also be nice.
• And while I really like these high-waisted denim bell bottoms because they really bring the 70s touch to this look, certainly a pair of jeans that you feel could be 'dress jeans' would work here. I still recommend at minimum a bootcut.
• And the shoes, again while mod– swap in your own black heels or wedges, but certainly not flats– a bell bottom or flare of any kind requires height.

And there ya go! We just saved you at minimum, $100!!

Pretty in Pink

As I popped a grapefruit Halls Vitamin C drop in my mouth this morning– battling an on-coming cold, I had an idea for today's outfit of the day! I know, random... but I went with it. A preppy punch of pink to contrast what is a cool and grey day in Chicago (55º), and cozy high-neck cardigan paired with a casual pony inspired by Reese Witherspoon is the recipe for this cold medicine inspired look! :)

The Breakdown:
Earrings: Etsy seller 'PaintSwatchJewelry' Recycled Pink Earrings, $15
Top: JCrew Factory Perfect Shirt in Mineral Grey Plaid, $44.50 (*Sale)
Top: ModCloth Corner Coffee Shop Cardigan, $59.99
Belt: American Eagle Braided Leather Ring Belt in Brown, $29.50
Pants: Express Zelda Jean Legging in Spiced Guava, $69.90
Shoes: DSW Heaven Patent Flat in Taupe, $39.95
(*Cuff on model's right wrist: Express Sculpted Metal Cuff in Shiny Gold, $24.90)

Total Cost of this Outfit: $258.84 (not including the cuff).

Not terrible, but not great...

How to Save on this Look:

• Omit the fun paint chip earrings, and swap-in your own pair of solid silver of gold posts or hoops.
• Don't purchase an accessory if you have one that could do the trick! Therefore, use a brown belt you may already have.
• Same principal with the shoes– if you have a neutral flat, use your own!

By swapping-in your own accessory basics, you can accomplish a similar look for under $175! You could afford two more tops with the savings!