Inspired by Kimberly’s Inspiration Calendar, I decided to try a color combo that I’ve never ventured into before: navy, black and brown.  I usually shy away from all-neutral combos, because I really love color.  But I still found this a fun experiment.

The funny thing is, the entire day, I kept thinking about a character I performed in a play in high school.  She was Estelle, leader of the popular clique.  My main line was this: “Oh my God, did you see what Becky was wearing at the party last night? A brown belt and black shoes.  Ugh.  That is such a social no-no”.  This made me smile, since I was totally breaking that rule today.

I think that this look might have worked better with a short black cardigan, but since my only black cardigan didn’t really work with this dress (because it’s a crew neck) I had to improvise.  I think it would have looked fantastic with a cropped black blazer as well.

Dress: Ella Moss
Shoes: Clarks Apple Sky
Shawl: Target
Belt: Thrifted
Headband: Anthropologie
Necklace: Kira Ferrer

Ugg Classic Short in Black  $144 (Zappos)

I know that some people will want to immediately write me off for even considering Uggs.  And to be honest, I can’t stand the look of tall Uggs.  But lately, I can’t get my mind off short Uggs.  I think the shorter height helps reduce the “tree trunk” effect they can have on legs.  Paired with skinnies or a pair of leggings, I think that these can be casual cute.  But the main reason I want them: cold evenings.  These seems like they would be the coziest and warmest house slippers ever.  I’ve got to watch for a good sale though, because right now it’s hard to justify the price tag.

This week, I had $14 left from last week, plus $15 for this week.  What did I buy?

Simply Pretty button ring from ShopKim $8

I’ve mentioned several times that I’m lacking in the ring department.  I am also very, very drawn to purple lately.  This ring satisfies both those needs.  I love the nice touch of purple it adds to outfits, and I’ve already received several compliments.  If you haven’t yet, go check out ShopKim’s rings.  She’s got a great selection (and she’s also a regular reader of this blog : )

Anything else?

Beso V Neck $10 (on sale) Anthropologie

Way back in week 3 of the ban, I tried on this lovely purple blouse.  But back then, it was over $50 and I just wasn’t ready to spend that much on it yet.  However, good things come to those who wait.  I heard on Effortless Anthropologie that there were some amazing in-store sale prices right now, so I had to check it out.  The fit on this blouse is a bit loose, and even though I usually wear a medium, a small might have been better.  Still, I think I can make it work, and for a mere $10, it’s worth the try.  I also bought a beautiful brown and tan stretchy belt for only $20.  You’ll be seeing it soon.

So, all this leaves me with $21 of ban money and $20 of free money.  I smell a consignment store trip coming… : )

]]> http://kittyscreations.wordpress.com/2009/11/07/shopping-ban-week-13/feed/ 1 Kitty 2009-11-04 at 17-02-09 913590_050_b http://kittyscreations.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/giveaway-size-36-dansko-necci-sandals/ http://kittyscreations.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/giveaway-size-36-dansko-necci-sandals/#comments Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:10 +0000 Diana http://kittyscreations.wordpress.com/?p=2881 ]]>

This is a very belated giveaway.  Over a month ago, I received an e-mail from a reader asking if I would be interested in holding a giveaway for a pair of shoes that she bought, but that just weren’t working for her feet.  I agreed, and she mailed them promptly, and then they sat on my desk for a month.  Sorry it took me so long Elizabeth!

This giveaway is for a lightly used pair of Dansko Neccis in size 36 (US 6).  Please note that this is the only size available, so only enter if you or someone you know wears this size.  I own several pairs of Dansko wedges, and I absolutely adore them.  For reference, I wear a US size 8 in most shoes, and in Dansko sandals I wear size 38.

If you’d like a chance to win these, leave a comment on this post.  For an extra entry, tweet about the contest on Twitter and then post a second comment letting me know you tweeted.  The deadline is November 13 at midnight.  I’ll choose a winner the next day.

Anyone want to send some cold weather down to Florida?  There’s so many fall looks that I’m itching to wear, but ever since our one cold spat, it’s been in the eighties most days.  So I’ve decided that if the fall weather won’t come to us, then I’ll make fall looks work for warm weather.

Today’s look is very similar to what I wore on the one cold day so far, except with this version, I’m wearing a summer scarf, a light cotton cardigan, cotton leggings and sandals.  I had to remove a few layers during the hottest part of the day, but otherwise this worked fine.  Take that Florida heat!

Dress: Express
Leggings: Target
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Scarf: Express
Belt: Vintage
Purse: Morelle City Bag
Sandals: Clarks Rime
Necklace: Kira Ferrer
Earrings: Gift from cousin

When I decided to look for owl-themed items on Etsy, I was so overwhelmed by the plethora of awesomeness that I decided to make it a three-part series.  The first post was on vintage owl brooches, the second was on owl necklaces, and today’s is on everything else. Hoot hoot!

Hoot. Green Vintage Owls on Copper  $12

My Little Sunshine

Headphones Owl Tee  $25

Gnome Enterprises

Steampunk Snow Owl Ring  $18.99

Chinook Hugs

Owl Messenger Bag in Black  $72

Mehran

Owl Wristlet  $20

Queen Bee 55

I’m not sure how I managed to take so few photos of this outfit, because I absolutely loved it.  I felt kind like a secretary on Mad Men all day, although this outfit still pales in comparison with Joan Holloway.  I just recently got this skirt altered.  The fit just wasn’t right before. I got the waist taken in and the hips let out, and it looks much better now.

I love how the amethyst necklace made the cardigan look more plum than burgandy.  And you better believe that’s cashmere.  One day I hope to own lots of cashmere.

Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Cardigan: DKNY (via Revolve)
Skirt: Semantiks (Nordstrom)
Shoes: Clarks Apple Sky
Purse: Easy Spirit
Headband: Anthropologie
Necklace: Red Chair

I’ll be completely honest in saying that this outfit didn’t exactly wow me.  I like the magenta and navy color combo, but I’m just not sure about how the whole outfit came together.  Maybe it would have looked better with a magenta skinny belt?  Or with a skirt instead of grey pants? (Which are looking much better since I got the legs tapered a bit).  Or maybe it was just that the fact that the blouse is a poly-cotton blend was staying in my subconscious all day.  And while I love this purse (thanks Mary!) I’m not sure that it works with this outfit.  How would you re-style this outfit?  Or do you think it’s just fine like this?

Blouse: Storm (thrifted)
Pants: Banana Republic (altered)
Shoes: Clarks Apple Sky
Scarf: Vintage
Purse: Won from Undergrad Fab
Earrings: Efy Tal

Sofft Oriole in Indigo Blue  $108 (Zappos)

Lately, I’ve really been wanting some navy pumps.  After seeing these on both Barking Dog Shoes and Low Fat Dressing, I’m really, really craving these shoes.  The details on the t-strap are gorgeous, and I love the color.  I’m not so sure about suede though, but I think with some weather-protectant spray, they’d be fine.  I’ll be watching for these to go on sale.

I love Halloween.  Something about the festive spirit appeals so much to me.  And it’s not Halloween without roasted pumpkin seeds, jack-o-lanterns and costumes.

Here’s how I made these delicious pumpkin seeds: Take seeds out of pumpkin, clean off all pulp and rinse in a colander.  Mix raw seeds with 4 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and salt.  Bake on a cookie sheet at 275 for 20 -25 minutes, stirring and checking every five minutes. Yum!

Here’s my happy face jack-o-lantern.  Nighttime pics will be on my flickr soon.  The Space Invaders one was made by my boyfriend.  Isn’t it awesome?

Aargh!  Have a Happy Halloween, or I’ll make ye walk the plank!

Blouse: Issac Mizrahi for Target
Shorts: Lucky Brand (re-conned)
Tights: ??
Boots: Dansko Nena
Hat: ??
Pearls: Garage Sale
Sash: ??
Coin Bracelet: Vintage (from my grandma)