Flats for the Office

A couple of weeks ago I wrote this post on sensible heels for the office.  I promised I would post at a later time about flats for the office, so here are some of the flat shoes in the market today that I think would be appropriate and fashionable for the office.

Flats can be a great choice for any woman, whether chosen for comfort or height.  Our own First Lady is a frequent wearer of flats and she always looks chic in them.

Image source here

These flats are from Nine West. Endless.com has them in a great black color with gold details that I really like.  $88.95

I also really love these from Nine West.  What can I say, I'm feeling the big bulky accents today.  I found these on endless for $78.95.

This shoe from Rampage is a sensible and affordable choice.  From endless for $39.95.

These come in a great, neutral beige color that would match anything. Starting at $43 from endless. 

With the holiday season upon us, all these flats would also dress up jeans and sweaters quite nicely.  

Book Reviews

Here's an update on the books I read last week.

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella was pretty good.  If you've read the other shopaholic books, you will know what to expect from this one.  It definitely wasn't my favorite book by Sophie Kinsella, but if you've read all the other books, you should pick this one up too.  And it is clear from the ending of this book that there will be more of Becky (the main character) in the future.

The Help was really, really great.  If you enjoy books like To Kill a Mockingbird (my personal favorite), you will enjoy The Help.  When people described this book to me, they always described it as the tale of southern families in the 1960s told from the perspective of their "help" or maids, housekeepers, nannies, etc.  But it really is not just that at all.  There is a much bigger story line here and it is very moving.  I must admit I had a bit of trouble getting past the way the author chose to write in the voices of a couple of the characters, but after a while, I saw that it fits the book.  I highly recommend adding it to your holiday reading list.

I also said that I was going to finish reading The Nineteenth Wife on my break, but I didn't make much headway on that one.  I have to admit, the book has stalled out a little bit for me and I'm having a hard time getting back into it.

Top Ten Things I Love About Fall

I know fall is almost over, but it is techinically here until December 21, so I thought I would share the top ten things I love about fall with you today. 

10.  Pretty Pumpkins

 [Refer to number 4 for more.]

9. Halloween  

I'm not a big fan of Halloween for grownups, but I love the excitement that little kids get from Halloween!  And they are always so proud of their cute little costumes.

8. Boots

Who doesn't love a great pair of boots?  I prefer riding boots and I love it when the weather is cool enough to pull them down off the shelf and give them a home on my shoe rack.

I'm sort of obsessed with these Hunter Riding Boots right now. It is a shame they are so pricey. 

Image via Google Images

7.  Outdoor Festivals

Fall is the time for outdoor craft festivals, and they are so fun.  You can always find unique items there and shopping at these festivals is a great way to support small businesses.

6. Fall Recipes

Doesn't this roasted squash look good?  Fall recipes are so warm and fuzzy.

Image via Google Images

5. Thanksgiving "Break"

I guess it won't always be called a "break," but I love time off for Thanksgiving.  It is so nice to have time to recharge, especially for students heading into finals.

4. Fall Décor

Image via Google Images

3. Changing Leaves

Image via Google Images

2. The Weather

The cool breezes of fall are SO welcome to me after the heat of summer.

1. SEC Football

I mean, did you really have any doubts about what I would say is the number ONE thing I love about the fall? 

Christmas Inspiration

I'm prepping everything to decorate for Christmas.  I'm loving all the wonderful inspirations out there for the season.

Image via Southern Living

I think me and burlap are at the beginning of a beautiful relationship with each other, which is one reason why I love this photo.  But also, please just look at that basket acting as a "planter" for the tree.  Oh, mercy.  I love thee.

Image via Google Images

Oh, the burlap.  Just puts a little more twang in your step.

Image via Southern Living

Editors at Southern Living suggest wrapping gifts in burlap.  And let me ask you, why wouldn't you? 

Image via Southern Living

Oh yall, the magnolia wreath!  It is calling me. My aunt made fun of me the other day when I said I want a magnolia leaf wreath, but I just think they are so classy and pretty.  

Image via Google Images

I don't have a mantle, but this one is so simple and chic. 

Image via Southern Living

This décor might be a little over the top, but if you are going to have a buffet, why not have a really beautiful one?

Okay, I think that's enough for now, but don't be surprised if there is another post much like this.

Keep Calm and...

I am really obsessed with the spoof "Keep Calm" posters that are out there, widely available on etsy.  If I had the wall space in my apartment, I would buy one.

This is one of my favorites:

From the Keep Calm Shop

But in honor of the ultimate college football weekend, I just have to share this one:

From Katie Company's Prints.

Happy football watching and GEAUX TIGERS!  BEAT THE RAZORBACKS!

Target Dwell Studio

Remember my living room pillows?

Okay, well now you do.  Here they are.

I ordered these from Etsy in September.  And then today at Target, I found this:

Dwell Studio Tablecloth

Suzani Cork Placemats

Well, I don't really know what to say about that, other than now I guess I know where the fabric for my pillows came from.  I really do need to learn how to sew.  I would save loads of money! 

Wordless Wednesday

Gulf Coast Art

Check out some of the work by a great artist I discovered yesterday, Ann Calagaz.

Jubilee Crab

Swamp Trees

If you like these, make sure to check her website (linked above). 

Christmas Tree, My Christmas Tree

I just want to note that when I say this title in my head, it comes out like the song in Home Alone 2.  Remember when Buzz puts the candles behind Kevin's head while they are singing in the choir?  Anyway, I digress...

Christmastime is just around the corner, and while I know not everyone loves to decorate for Christmas and not everyone celebrates the holiday, I do and I'm in search of a christmas tree, so  I thought I would share about that today.

This tree from csn stores reminds me of anthropologie.  I don't know if it is right for me, but I really do like it.  Five foot tree for $79.00.

I'm really leaning towards this one from walmart.com for just $60!  It is tall but still skinny enough that it won't be overwhelming in my apartment.  I just wonder if it would look good with ornaments on it? 

I also really like this one, but not for my place.  At nine feet tall, it would be far too large.  But I still think it is pretty. From walmart.com for $159.

What about you? Are you planning to deck your halls for the season? 

Update

Thanks for the comments yesterday! 

Here's what i've decided to go with:

But, i've changed my mind about the jacket.  The more I think about it, the more I think that the jacket will be a bit heavy and stiff, so now i'm considering two cardigans.  You can leave me comments if you like, but I won't beg like I did yesterday- ha!

From Chadwick's for $50.

It comes in a tan color called "sandbar" that I would go with.

OR

From bonton.com for $60.

On Jenn's advice, I also ordered the black sequin tank because I think it would be good to have.

Lastly, I splurged (eek!) and ordered this sweater from Macy's.  I think it will be fun to have when I go home for the holidays.

From Macy's on sale for $82.12.

Hope you have a great Sunday! 

Help!

So, I have a really fun and special holiday party to go to in a couple of weeks.  The dress-code is not that dressy but it is still a special occasion and I want to look nice.  I bought a cute blazer and subtly sparkly top to wear, but now that I have them, they aren't special enough (although they are still cute and flatter so I'm keeping them!). 

What's a girl to do?  I need to make this decision soon since my party is coming up the second week of December, and I want to have time to make sure I love everything.  Basically, I need to order tonight.  That means that 

I NEED YOUR HELP! (Please?)

Option 1

From talbots on sale for $124.

I would pair this with a jacket, like this one, in either silver or black:

From talbots for $129.

And then, shoes that I already own that look sort of like this:

Option 2

From Macy's on sale for $40.

From talbots, on sale for $115.

I would also wear the same jacket (in sliver or black) above and shoes.

I could also wear this jacket, which I already own:

Option 3

This dress in purple from QVC.  (Couldn't get a picture.)

I would also wear the velveteen jacket from Talbots, seen above.

Steve Madden shoes for $90.

What do yall think?? Please leave me comments.  (I will be sad if you don't!)

Beautiful Things

[Sorry, no frugal finds today.  These took precedent.]

I need want these.  One in every color, please.

Oh, I just love these.  Really.  No, really.  Wouldn't they just look beautiful with a piece of cake on top? Perfect for serving guests.  Not that my apartment can hold many guests... but that is a  subject for another day.

From anthropologie, of course. $12 each.