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?

5 Must-Have Items for Summer 2013 from 'The Hot List'

Thank you to J.Jill for providing The Hot List graphic below and for sending me a gift card as a thank you for taking the time to participate in this campaign.  The image above was created by me on Polyvore.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Whether you're building a brand new summer wardrobe from scratch or would just like to round out your existing one, there are a few items that are a must.  This year we are seeing a lot of washable linen separates in tropical solids and prints.  My favorite of the bunch are coral, turquoise, and watermelon pink.

9 of the 10 item's on this summer's The Hot List from J.Jill are featured in the graphic below.  From their list of 10, I think the following 5 are absolutely essential . . .

1.  Comfortable Tanks - If you are to survive the heat and humidity where I live, comfortable tank tops are essential, no matter your size or shape.  Pick up some in neutral colors, such as black, linen, or white, and then a few more in your favorite tropical brights.

2.  Shorts in Neutral Colors - Several pairs of Bermuda or walking shorts in easy-to-match colors will make summer dressing that much easier.  They can be paired with a casual tank top or a dressier peasant top.

3.  Lightweight Cardigans or Sweaters - One or two summer-weight cardigans would be perfect to throw on during the milder summer nights or when you find yourself in an air-conditioned restaurant or theater.  Choose one that would work with denim capris, linen shorts, or your favorite summer dress.

4.  Basic Summer Dress - Owning at least one basic summer dress will likely get you through most non-formal occasions during the summer months.  I prefer tank dresses because they are cool, comfortable, and can be dressed up or down with the right accessories, such as wrap and strappy heeled sandals.

5.  Easy Slip-on Shoes - Just as I like to slip on my laceless fur-lined boots in the winter, during the summer I want something that looks great, is versatile, and easy to slip on and off.  A simple pair of slip-on sandals is what I would recommend because they would go with most casual outfits from shorts to dresses to capris.

6.  Medium-Sized Summer Tote - (I know I only said 5, but this one is important!)  Now that you do not need to carry all your extra winter gear, you can downsize to a medium sized tote that is  just large enough for your essentials, plus a magazine or a tablet.  If you like to wear neutral tones for clothing, then try choosing a bright tropical tote for a pop of color.  If your outfits are usually bright and colorful, then choose something neutral, like linen, black, or one of your favorite metallics.


Have I left anything out?  Tell me which summer wardrobe pieces you just cannot live without.  Be sure to visit JJill.com for more wardrobe inspiring ideas.

Weekend Wishlist: Make Love Not Trash, David & Goliath, DC Comics Swimwear, and More!

As I had mentioned on my post "6 Tips for Shopping on Zulily", I make it a point to checkout the new sales on Zulily on Fridays because you get free shipping on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after paying shipping on the first order.  Since there is such a vast quantity of items on sale during any given time, I always add things I like to my wishlist as I see them.  Then I won't need to go back to search for them when I've made my decision to buy or not.  I thought it would be fun to briefly share what new items I've added to my wishlist each Friday . . .

What's new on my Zulily wishlist today?

1.  Coral Stripe Sidetail Top - $22.99 (Originally $42.00)

2.  Blue & White 3-Dimensional Flower Drops Shower Curtain - $24.99 (Originally $36.00)

3.  Chrome Pedestal Sink Organizer - $24.99 (Originally $38.00)

4.  Mason Jar Sipper - Set of 12 - $32.99 (Originally $48.00)

5.  Make Love Not Trash White & Red Sunglasses Tote - $6.99 (Originally $10.00)

6.  David & Goliath 'You Rock, You Rule' Boys' Graphic Tee - $9.99 (Originally $18.00)

7.  DC Comics 'Girls Rule' Tankini for Girls - $19.99 (Originally $40.00)

8.  Dromedaris Black Malika Leather Wedge Sandal - $49.99 (Originally $140.00)


What's on your weekend wishlist from Zulily or somewhere else?

The Wedge-Heel Shoe is My Arch Nemesis

I have spent the past few years waiting for wedge-heel shoes to go out of style, but it looks like wedges are here to stay.  If you go into a specialty shoe store looking for sandals without a wedge heel, you will be lucky to find even a small handful.  The reason I avoid wedges is not because I find them to be unattractive, but rather because I cannot walk in them.

Ever since I seriously sprained my ankle during my senior year of high school, that same ankle has been extremely easy to twist, pull, and sprain.  Sometimes I feel like I have sprained it without remembering any specific incident and cannot figure out when exactly it happened.

For this reason, I have had to give up wearing wedge and some platform-heel shoes.  Something about the way the sole is much narrower than the footbed makes these shoes too "teetery" (yes, I made that word up) for me.  I will twist my ankle without fail 90% of the time I wear wedges, so now I am confined to wearing chunky heeled shoes and flats.

Yes, I am a little bitter.

Trendy Camo Wedge Shoes from My Shoe Connection

At first glance, it would seem that My Shoe Connection only offers prom shoes, bridal shoes, and other special occasion footwear for women, men, and children.  If you dig a little deeper, however, it turns out that this site also offers some fun trendy casual shoes for both warm and cold weather.  I was so very surprised at the huge selection of fall and winter boots available on this site.  I actually had to talk myself out of reviewing a pair of boots because a small part of me (the part that does not suffer from allergies) is looking forward to the arrival of Spring.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

The shoes I selected for myself were these canvas Casual Wedges in Pink Camo.  Since the huge wave of 3d flowers emerged last Spring, I have kept my eye out for a pair of warm weather shoes that I liked.  Many of those sandals had a strappy and severe tribal look to them, but these are fun and flirty.

I have to admit that, while requesting these shoes, I thought to myself, "I might just sprain an ankle chasing after the children in these shoes."  It turns out that these shoes are very secure.  I ordered my true size, which is a 7M and they fit my foot perfectly.  They actually cradle my feet, which do not slide forward or backward in the shoe while I walk.  The sole is rubberized and offers great traction.  The footbed is curved so that your foot rocks forward with each step.  They would work great with any denim, khaki, or canvas pants, shorts and skirts, as well as with a casual dress.

Although this shoe is comfortable, there is not much cushion in them.  They feel very similar to wearing a wedge-type espadrille.  This is fine for anyone like me who has no problems walking around barefoot on hardwood and tile floors.

These casual wedges retail for $42.95 on My Shoe Collection.  In addition to the Pink Camo, they are also available in a Grey and a Red skeleton pattern.  You can view these and their entire selection of shoes, dresses, handbags, and accessories by visiting MyShoeConnection.com.  Remember to take advantage of their Free Shipping on shoes and the rest of your purchase totaling $40 or more within the continental U.S.  Also, 3G2S readers can receive an additional 10% off your purchase when you checkout using Code:  Garnet12.


Thank you to My Shoe Connection for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.

Havaianas Sandals, Flip Flops, Sneakers, and More

Havaianas, a leading footwear brand most well-known for its wide array of styles in flip flops,  actually sells shoes for the entire family.  Their selection includes sandals for babies and kids, women's sandals, women's sneakers and espadrilles, men's sandals, and more.

My husband and three children live in flip flops, but I personally have never been able to become accustomed to wearing thong-style sandals.  The Havaianas Origine Ballerina Espadrille are right up my alley though.  I would love to own a pair in Black and another in Sugar Coral, which is such a feminine and flirty color.

You can shop for Havaianas footwear on US.Havaianas.com, in many major department stores, and at American Eagle and 77kids.  The Havaianas website has such a huge selection.  If you are known for having difficulties making up your mind, you might as well accept the fact that you might end up buying more than one pair.

Thank you to Havaianas for providing product for our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive one or more Havaianas products of their choice (up to a $40 value total).

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to Continental U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Browse the selection of men's, women's, and children's shoes offered by Havaianas. Then leave a comment telling me which specific product or products you would choose if you won this contest. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1)  For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.


2)  For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3)  For 10 extra entries, become a Havaianas Insider (bottom of left sidebar). Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments telling me you did.

4)  For 1 extra entry each, Friend me on Facebook and/or "Like" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5)  For 1 extra entry each, follow Havaianas on Twitter and/or "Like" Havaianas on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.


6)  Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)  Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)  Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)  Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, July 11th, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Getting Ready for BlogHer: Shabby Apple Black Dress & More

One of the most fun and exciting things about attending BlogHer 2010 will be the evening events I am planning to attend. Since I am no longer a perfect size 5, it is also one of the things that are slightly stressful. I needed to find 3 nighttime outfits I would be comfortable wearing and being seen in. Luckily, Shabby Apple came to my rescue with the perfect black dress.

According to the body type guide, I am an "apple." Loosely translated . . . I am flat-chested, still have a post-twin tummy, and find myself with hips I did not have just a few years ago. The "Tender is the Night" dress caught my eye immediately. It is elegant, but playful. The tiered look is everywhere, as are ruffles. Leave it to the designers at Shabby Apple to incorporate these trends into the perfect tiered ruffle dress.

Because the light plays off the ruffles so much, I think a matte charmeuse was the perfect choice of fabric for this dress. Anything shinier would have been too much in my opinion. This dress is only available in petite, which worked out perfectly for someone like me who is just under 5' 5". This dress hits me right at the knee, so it would be a good fit for anyone taller than me also. Although this dress has a generous fit, I ordered an XL because I needed to camouflage my tummy area. As I previously mentioned, I am flat-chested, so I needed to use a dress clip (or cinch clip) to tighten the dress at the chest in order to maintain the more flattering a-line shape.

The detail of the grosgrain ribbon trim across the chest topped off with a bow are the perfect finishing touches to this dress. The tiers are light and airy, offering a lot of movement with little effort. I also love that the back zipper is completely hidden . . . just another detail which shows the quality of a Shabby Apple garment.

To view more classically chic fashions and accessories for women and girls, visit ShabbyApple.com . For a limited time, you can save 20% off most items when you checkout using Code: Summer20. Keep up-to-date on Shabby Apple news by visiting the Shabby Apple blog, Shabby Apple on Facebook, and ShabbyApple on Twitter.

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These are some accessories I picked up to go with my "Tender is the Night" Dress from Shabby Apple . . .

J. Furmani Satin Evening Bag with Bracelet Wristlet (in Black)

from eBags.com

Women's Mossimo Halle Glitter Sandals (in Black)

from Target.com

Robert Laprocina Silver Plated Rhinestone Dress Clip

from the Lita Lapro Jewelry Store

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Thank you to Shabby Apple for sending us a sample dress free of charge to base this review upon.

Review: Naturalizer N5 Comfort Elements "Keene" Sandals

Before I became a busy mom, I was pretty vain . . . enough so that I was willing to sacrifice comfort for the perfect look. Shoes were no exception. I remember this one pair of white faux patent leather heeled boots I had. They drew blood, but they sure looked cute!

Well Michelle Ebbin, Naturalizer's N5 reflexologist and mom to 3, would like other moms to know that taking care of their feet is important and we do not need to give up being fashion-forward in order to be comfortable.

Here are some tips from Ebbin regarding shoe shopping:

• 15 minutes of…comfort: When selecting a shoe, you should be able to walk for at least 15 minutes without discomfort or pressure to any part of the feet. Even if you live in heels, you should be able to feel balanced and stable enough so that you are not carrying all of your body weight on the balls of your feet. Balance ensures that your core is stable and energy circulation can flow easily. Stability promotes stress relief and improved posture.
• Breathe easy: Every woman knows how annoying sweaty, sliding feet can be. And when your feet can’t breathe, your energy can’t flow. Find shoes with a breathable lining. By keeping your feet cool, and comfortable, you can relieve and prevent energy blockages in the feet.
• Lighten up and embrace the softer side: Hard, clunky shoes are more than just ugly, they can affect your circulation. The lighter the weight and the softer the cushioning, the less pressure on your feet which means better circulation.
• The 2010 shoe mantra – NO BREAKING IN: Flexibility means no “breaking-in” period. Supportive, lightweight shoes lessen the impact of gravity, which can wreak havoc on your feet and your entire body. Buy shoes that feel good straight out of the box.

Naturalizer's N5 Comfort Elements line is all about combining style with comfort. I was fortunate enough to be able to test this out for myself. When I saw the Naturalizer Keene, I knew they were for me. Not only do they look super-comfy, they are much more stylish than the last three pairs of plain black platform slide sandals I've owned. The silver studs and the slightly distressed look really give these shoes a little edge.

The characteristics about the Keene that makes it one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn are the extra cushioning in the footbed, the lightweight yet cushy cork platform, the flexible non-slip outer sole, the rounded toe, and the supple smooth leather. These shoes would work great with jeans, capris, shorts, or a casual skirt or dress. One thing that makes this shoe more casual is the cork platform midsole, which gets nicked and scratched easily. The cork is only black on the outer surface, so these shoes will gain an even more distressed look over time.

I have to say that, if all the Naturalizer N5 shoes are as comfortable as these, I'm sold! I will be turning to Naturalizer next time I need dress shoes. I have yet to find a truly comfortable pair of dress heels in all my adult life.

If you would like to shop for your own pair of Naturalizer shoes, you can save 15% off your purchase (some exclusions apply) when you use Code: NTWELL at checkout on Naturalizer.com and Naturalizer.ca . This coupon expires on June 10th, 2010.

Thank you to Naturalizer for sending me a sample pair of shoes free of charge to base this review upon. This review was written as part of a campaign for the Family Review Network.