Shop Smart . . . One Handbag & 5 Shoes Styles To Meet All Your Casual Needs

Although I love to shop, I always try to shop smart.  For example, I have a not-so-secret obsession with handbags.  However, I do not switch handbags daily.  In fact, I have grown more selective about which handbags I purchase so that I can enjoy them for at least a few months at a time.  In order to shop smart, I choose a handbag that I absolutely love and then I make sure I have several pairs of shoes that work that bag.  If I fail to do this, then the bag will likely end up in the back of my closet in less than one month's time.

For casual everyday use, I am infatuated with the Reef Weekender Bag.  Not only does the generous size make it versatile, but the colors in the hand woven textile are among my favorites.  This oversized bag could easily be paired with anything from denim to linen to silk.  All I would need to make this weekender carry me through at least the next two seasons would be some stylish and comfortable coordinating footwear.


My top shoe picks for the upcoming seasons . . . 

1.  Ballet Flats (The Reef Tropic Ballet Flat comes in a pattern that matches the Reef Weekender perfectly! . . . I'm just sayin'.)

2.  Low-Profile Boots or Booties (My go-to shoe for pairing with denim.)

3.  Flat or Wedge-Heel Espadrilles  (I personally cannot walk in wedges, but if you can, go for it because they look so flattering and feminine.)

4.  Canvas or Crocheted Oxfords (For when you are feeling a bit sporty, but not too sporty.)

5.  Understated Sandals  (Choose a pair that can be worn as easily with denim capris as with a little black dress.)


What tips do you have for shopping smart when it comes to shoes and handbags?

The FitFlop Leather Crush Boot from Sole Provisions is Style & Ultimate Comfort Rolled Into One

Thank you to Sole Provisions for providing a complimentary FitFlop boot sample to base this review upon.  All opinions expressed are my own.

You may have heard rumors recently about my turning forty.  Well, it's true.  Although I mostly faced my recent birthday graciously, I was suddenly more aware of the aches in my lower back and knees.  Those pains weren't new.  I had already mostly given up on wearing any shoes with heels higher than 2-inches.  These aches were just evidence that I was no long a 30-something mom.

When I first heard of the brand FitFlop, I was skeptical.  Then I went to the Sole Provisions retail site and found myself to be pleasantly surprised that FitFlop not only offers much more than just thong-style sandals, they make clogs, sneakers, and boots!  Did I ever mention that I am a boot-addict?

What FitFlop is known for is their MICROWOBBLEBOARD midsole.  This technology allows their footwear to distribute the pressure underfoot.  The soles also do an excellent job of absorbing the shock from walking, so there is less stress on the legs and joints.  I was thrilled to be able to try out a pair of the FitFlop Leather Crush Boots and I knew just the place to take them for a test run . . . at the annual Renaissance Faire.

Aside from sitting down to eat lunch and to watch a few shows, my family and I spent the rest of the time from 10am to about 5:30pm walking around.  There were lots of shops to browse through, lines to wait in, and fun costumes to see.

I must say that my feet did not feel tired at all and it was not until the last hour that we spent at the Renaissance Faire that my legs started to feel slightly tired.  These boots were lightweight and extremely comfortable to wear.  The Crush Boot was the first pair of shoes I've tried that rivaled the comfort and support of sneakers.  If I had a choice, I would choose a stylish pair of leather wedge-heeled boots over sneakers any day!

I should mention that the boots came with a little warning on the tag that said the special midsole could potentially increase the activity of certain muscles when walking.  It also advised that I wear them for a short time at first and then slowly increase the length of time.  When we got home from the Renaissance Faire, my legs were barely tired at all.  The next morning, however, my legs felt like I had run a marathon.  So, that is something you should keep in mind with your first pair of FitFlop footwear.

Visit SoleProvisions.com to view the full selection of FitFlop shoes.  The Crush Boot is available in versatile colors in both leather and suede uppers.  Which one is your favorite?

Weekend Wishlist: BEARPAW Boots, Chalkboard Mugs, Girls Personalized Tutu Ballerina Tote Bag, and More!

 It's Friday!  That means I've been browsing the new sales on Zulily.  I love shopping on the weekends because I only pay shipping on my first order and get free shipping on everything else from Friday through midnight on Sunday.  I am torn between all the end-of-summer deals and all the sales on new fall items, so I have some of each on my wishlist today.  I'm mostly set for back-to-school, so now I am starting to think about fall, winter, and Holiday gift shopping.  Even though I already own the BEARPAW Hickory & Camel Suede Ashton Boot, I saw another pair of cuddly BEARPAW boots that I would love to own!  A girl can never have too many pairs of warm boots, right?

What's new on my Zulily wishlist today?

1.  Classic Chalk Talk Mug - Set of Four - $22.99 (Originally $32)

2.  White Heart 'Don't Wake Me Up' Pajamas - $9.99 (Originally $24)

3.  Toddler & Girls Fuchsia Poppy Boot - $23.99 (Originally $40)

4.  Jeanne Lottie Black Fold-Over Clutch - $39.99 (Originally $90)

5.  BEARPAW Hickory Suede Candice Boot - Women - $44.99 (Originally $90)

6.  KidKraft Backyard Sandbox - $139.99 (Originally $300)

7.  Bunnies and Bows Light Pink Personalized Tutu Tote - $29.99 (Originally $50)

8.  Teal Ruffle Peacoat - $69.99 (Originally $240)


If you haven't already, be sure to checkout my post "6 Tips for Shopping on Zulily"!  What's on your weekend wishlist from Zulily or somewhere else?

Weekend Wishlist: Stylish Combat Rain Boots, Princess Costumes, LEGO Crazy Action Contraptions, and More!

 It's Friday!  That means I've been browsing the new sales on Zulily.  I love shopping on the weekends because I only pay shipping on my first order and get free shipping on everything else from Friday through midnight on Sunday.  This week, Zulily is having a sale on some of the most stylish rain boots for women I've seen in a long time.  There are several styles of rain boots that resemble motorcycle boots, riding boots, and more.  I added a pair of combat boot-style rain boots to my wishlist this week.  I am torn though.  I never buy rain boots for my children because they usually only wear them once or twice before they outgrow them.  Can I really justify buying rain boots for myself when I probably wouldn't buy any for my children?

What's new on my Zulily wishlist today?

1.  Lucky Bums Green Inflatable Sled Racer - $21.99 (Originally $40)

2.  Capelli New York Women's Black Buckle Combat-Style Rain Boot - $34.99 (Originally $70)

3.  Earth Bark Zinnia Leather Ankle Boot - $59.99 (Originally $129)

4.  Klutz LEGO Contraptions Hardcover Kit - $14.99 (Originally $22)

5.  Orange Star Princess Dress-Up Set - Toddler & Girls - $36.99 (Originally $68)

6.  Navy LEGO Star Wars Pajama Pants - Kids - $9.99 (Originally $34)

7.  Micro Couture Black Koi Tee - Toddler & Girls - $16.99 (Originally $32)

8.  Jay Import Mosaic Rhombus Wall Sconce - $14.99 (Originally $30)


If you haven't already, be sure to checkout my post "6 Tips for Shopping on Zulily"!  What's on your weekend wishlist from Zulily or somewhere else?

Shop 'n' Share: When is the Best Time to Shop for Fall Shoes and Handbags?

These items were purchased with our own funds and no compensation was received for sharing this shopping experience with our readers.

I think most women who are shopping for fashion on a budget try to find the best times of the year to shop.  For example, I have determined that the best time to shop for fall handbags, shoes, and accessories is at the end of the spring and the very beginning of summer.  This is usually more true for accessory items than for clothing items.  Once the Fourth of July passes, retailers will turn their focus towards fall fashions and back-to-school for the upcoming season.  There is a small window just prior to that when you can find some great buys from last fall's merchandise in the brands you love.

For example, I recently found these BEARPAW boots for $35.49 (Retail $99.00) and this Melie Bianco handbag for $52.99 (Retail $118.00).  It does take some patience and diligent searching, but it is well-worth the time spent when you find something you love at a great price.  Personally, I prefer to shop online because I can shop 5 retailers in the time it takes me to make the trip and browse through one local store.

Have you found some great deals on Fall items recently?  I'd love to hear about your finds!

More Than Just Prom Shoes at MyShoeConnection.com!

Although MyShoeConnection.com is most known for its huge selection of prom shoes and prom dresses, this site also offers a wide range of fun-loving casual shoes and boots for women.  By "fun-loving" I mean that this is not the place for wallflowers to shop.  This is the place for women who like to be noticed to shop!

For some reason, I always feel more confident when wearing boots.  I actually wear them 3 out of 4 seasons.  Of course here in Boston, the weather starts to get a little too warm for my comfy fur-lined boots somewhere around April, so I needed some shorter unlined boots to wear with jeans during the Spring season.  The Wild Diva REVA boots were the perfect thing!

(Click any photo to enlarge)

What I liked about these boots right away was the low tapered heel.  They are approximately 2-1/2".  I also liked the gathers and the styling on the vamp of the boot.  They remind me of a granny boot, but with a little bit of edge.  Although the toe is slightly pointed, it is still round and very comfortable.  I ordered my regular shoes size, which is a 7M, and they seem to fit true to size.  Although, I do not think I could walk around the mall for 3 hours in these boots, I did wear them on a family outing, which included bowling, dinner, and grocery shopping.  Even though my feet were tired by the time we got home, they did not hurt like they usually do with most heeled boots I have tried in the past.

The faux leather REVA boot by Wild Diva is priced at just $25 on MyShoeConnection.com and comes in Black, Grey, and Taupe.  Remember to also checkout My Shoe Connection's selection of prom shoes, prom dresses, bridal shoes, and more formal occasion shoes.


Thank you to My Shoe Connection for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Shop 'n' Share: Last Minute Back-to-School Shopping at Marshalls

No matter how prepared I feel for back-to-school, I always find myself needing to do some last minute shopping.  I had realized that our 7.5 year old son pretty much outgrew all his khakis and cargo pants.  I also wanted to find some thermal underwear for him to wear during his soccer practices and games this fall.  Marshalls had sent me a gift card to shop at our local store to see what kind of bargains I could find, so off to Marshalls we went with the whole family.

One thing I've learned about shopping at an off-price retailer is that you never know what you'll find.  Did I find boys cargo pants and thermal underwear . . . no, but look what we did find to my son's delight . . .

For about $56 we bought the following for my son:

• 3 pairs of Nike fleece sweatpants for $9.99 each (regularly $32 each)
• 1 Nike long-sleeved t-shirt for $9.99 (regularly $25)
• 1 Nike short-sleeved t-shirt for $7.99 (regularly $16)
• 1 Reebok Official Licensed short-sleeved New England Patriots t-shirt for $7.99 (regularly $20)

I was extremely happy to have found fleece sweatpants because all the ones I had purchased for my son last Spring shrank drastically in length even though they were washed in cold water.  Hopefully we'll have better luck with these Nike sweatpants.  Our son is a huge fan of the Nike brand, can you tell?  I was also impressed with the large assortment of Patriots NFL t-shirts there were.  Our son chose one that has a New England Patriots silly bandz-like design on the front.  He is extremely excited about wearing it to school next week.

We didn't stop at the children's section though.  My husband bought these two polo shirts for approximately $20 for both.

• Men's Arrow Polo Shirt for $14.99 (regularly $48)
• Men's Original Weatherproof Garment Co. Polo Shirt for $5.00 (regularly $30)

Our children can never go into Marshalls without raiding the toy section.  I am always amazed at the prices of toys I've seen selling for a lot more at other retailers.  They each picked out a little something, which my husband and I put away for rewards to use in the future.

Of course, I had to stop by the enormous Marshalls shoe department.  It literally takes up about 25% of the floor.  I really was not going to buy anything for myself, but I saw these berber-lined boots from G by Guess.  The chains on them really set them apart from the millions of other pairs of furry boots out there and they make these boots a little edgy.

• G by Guess Horizan Boots for $24.99 (regularly $60)

I must say, even though I did not find what I went into Marshalls to buy originally that evening, every single member of our family left that store happy.  I gave up buying things just because they are "great deals" a long time ago.  All it got me was a pile of unused things cluttering up my home.  We ended up spending far more than the value of our gift card because we just could not resist the great prices on things we actually loved and needed.

Thank you to Marshalls & T.J.Maxx for sending my family a gift card to shop and report our experience back to our readers.