Simple. Classic. Chic. Effortless. These are all the words that come to mind when I think of these soft blush slides from Steve Madden. I can imagine wearing them with cropped jeans or perhaps a flowy shift. I love how easy to wear and non-intimidating these feel for spring and summer. I can certainly see them become a staple in my shoe wardrobe.

Since $80 is a bit steep to spend on a pair of simple slides, I love that these Forever21 slides are under $20 and nearly identical to the Brielle slides. If you're looking to add some chic neutral sandals to your closet, I'd highly recommend looking into these.





These perforated Dolce Vita booties are perfect for that transitional spring weather. I know where I live that the days have been ricocheting between chilly and balmy, so finding the right footwear can occasionally be a challenge. I love the neutral color, low heel, and buckle detail on the stunning Kara booties so much. I think I could easily spend an entire day working, shopping, and walking in these cute kicks.

However, Dolce Vita isn't exactly known for being budget friendly. Luckily, the Dolce Vita line (DV for Target) is! I was able to find nearly the exact same bootie for less than half the cost. Yes, you'll sacrifice some of the luxe quality of a Dolce Vita original, but you'll have a stunning and stylish piece for much less. The coloring and details are nearly identical, the DV version just seems more cheaply made at the sole, stitching, and buckle.

I also found the "To Be or Not To Be" Bootie from Impressions to be a striking option as well!

In this post a few days ago I mentioned that I may have done a little "back-to-school" shopping. Even though I'm not headed back-to-school exactly, I did do a little shopping where I picked up some fall staples and some great transition pieces (because everyone knows how tricky that time between sweating hot and freezing cold). I thought I'd share some of the pieces I go and provide a quick little review for you all. Let's call it a virtual clothing haul!

1. Striped Jersey Swing Dress - I love the flowy cut of this dress. It's perfect for every shape and is super comfortable to wear. The jersey material is forgiving and has stretch. I bough this dress about a size too large because I preferred it a bit looser and shift-like. I can easily see throw this dress on with tights in the winter or just a pair of small booties. Since the sleeves are shorter, the dress could easily layer with a jacket or cardigan during chillier days!
2. Blue Fit & Flare Cami Dress - This dress was one I bought for mostly for the transitional time between summer and fall (though with the right accessories could be worn almost year-around). This navy dress is subtle and delightfully feminine. I instantly thought of how much I'd like to wear it to the farmer's market or maybe for date night. It definitely fits true to size! I love pairing this with a chambray shirt and wedges. However, for fall I can see myself throwing on a nice cardigan over top of it. If you're not huge on navy, these also have a pinkish red variant.
3. Black Shift Dress - I'll be honest, I thought this dress was going to look lifeless on my curvy body, making me look more like a sack than anything else. I've always been warned against 'shift' style dresses because of borderline plus-size physique, because of how "unflattering" it would be. I'm absolutely thrilled to say this dress busted any preconceived notions I had about a shift dress. It's like it was cut with my needs in mind. The lower v-neck balances the dress out and the back of the dress is slightly longer than the front. I love the idea of belting this dress and the idea that it easily can be worn to work or on the weekend. There's several patterns and colors of this dress too if you find the black a bit boring.
4. Gray and Black Maxi Dress - This maxi dress may be the first maxi dress I've found that doesn't scrape the floor when I walk. It also was one of the first that didn't drown me! I know you shorter ladies know what's up. The dress stops just short of my ankles and it comfortable to wear. The grey top is very structured, so bustier ladies beware. However, the bottom half is light and flowy. Again, I love that this dress can be worn for so many different occasions! For now I'm wearing sandals with it. I may toss on a chambray shirt, but mostly I love leaving the dress alone and just adding jewelry. For fall I can see layering a sweater or a cardigan over it and pairing with the boots below!
   

Happy Monday! Today we're chatting about my most wanted wardrobe pieces from around the web lately.

Since I entered the working world I've learned a lot about my personal style. Now that I'm not privy to the ultra-comfortable style staples (aka oversized t-shirts, athletic shorts, and leggings) known to me in my former college life, it's been time to reevaluate what I really want in my closet. I've always been pretty traditional in my style choices, favoring classic pieces over trendy ones. Though I can't say I've never bought into a fashion fad (denim mini skirts, sequin purses, chokers, flare jeans, and gaucho pants all via the early 2000s are coming to mind), I can say that on the whole I'm generally not too ashamed of any wardrobe decisions I made in the past.

Ever since I've started working in "the real world" I find myself gravitating back to basics more and more. I find myself wearing a lot simple shapes and wearing black, white, and/or denim on more days than not. This back to basics mentally is definitely being reflected in my recent wants!

J.Crew Striped Top
My go-to stripped tee has gotten a lot of love over the past two years and it's time for an upgrade. I feel like this J.Crew top is flattering, high-quality, and in a great price range. There's just something so inherently classic about a striped tee. It's flattering for all shapes and sizes. It can be dressed up or down and just goes with so much.

H&M Black Skinny Jeans
I've been in need of a good pair of black skinny jeans for awhile. I feel like black jeans can be so flattering and worn with success any time throughout the year when styled correctly. Black jeans are slimming among other things and just like the striped top pair with so much. At $9 these are a wishlist item that I can make a total reality.

Matisse Orin Sandal 
I've been crushing on low strappy heels since Spring 2014 and I've yet to purchase a pair. I saw these recently in a local boutique and fell completely in love all over again. The heel is low which is perfect for both work and play. I actually feel like I could be stylish and comfortable in these. The double straps add interest and the patterned back portion provides pop. This is definitely a staple with a twist.

Fjallraven Kanken Mini Bag
Upon graduating college I suddenly confronted the whole "what do I do with my backpack now?" question. While carrying a purse seemed like the obvious option, I just found that my purse wasn't really equipped to handle all the stuff I tote to work on a daily basis. I then began searching for a new backpack (since my college one was riddled with rips and wear), but every sturdy one I found felt like it was way out of my price range. Enter the Fjallraven Kanken Mini Bag! It has two top handles, adjustable straps, pockets, and a zip. It looks perfectly sturdy and like it'd have more than enough space for all of my stuff. They carry lots of fun colors and sizes, but this black mini totally has my heart. I think it's a timeless style that I could use for years to come!

Shiraleah 'Yves' Wool Hat
Maybe floppy hats are so last year...but I still think there's something to be said about a great hat for summer. This hat quickly covers a bad hair day while looking chic and adding that extra something to perfectly accessorize any outfit in need. Best thing of all? This hat can transcend seasons, easily slipping from summer to fall.

Topshop Lipstick in RioRio
Zoella recently mentioned this lipstick in her June Favorites video as being a perfect dupe for Kendall Jenner's Estee Lauder Lipstick in Restless. I think the color is absolutely gorgeous. I think it perfectly pops for summer and is the perfect orangey red. Definitely dying to try this one out. You can't go wrong with red lips paired with a black ensemble after all.


What have you been wanting lately? Let me know below!

1. Under the Sun Heel (similar)
2. Essie Heel (also comes in brown) (similar)
3. Natural Instincts Sandal (similar) (similar)
4. Habitual Heeled Sandal 
5. Madelynn Sandal

P.S. you can see all of these shoes and more pinned to my Pinterest board entitled "Wear"

• Comment on the post with the # of your item that you'd like to claim & include your paypal email address (or email me at aaspring4@gmail.com with the same information as you'd include in your comment)
• First come, first serve on everything.
• All sales are final (aka no returns/exchanges)
• Once an item is sold, I will note it in the description! 
• You have 24 hours to complete the transaction (or the item will go to the next interested).
• Feel fee to ask questions or for additional pictures of any of the items! 

  

#1. Peachy Times Dress // YA Brand // Worn 1x // Size Large
Dress is made of sturdy material and is figure flattering! It's bright orangey color is perfect for spring and summer. It as a cut out back (pictured above). Fits snugly at the natural waist and is not ideal for people with large chests as the bust is also very fitted.

#2. Preppy Pink & Navy Dress // Xtaren Brand (w/ original purchase tags) // Never Worn // Size Medium/Large
This dress is perfect for the girly girl in you! The tag is marked large, but fits more like a medium in the hip area. The dress is fitted, but stretchy and made to accommodate many shapes and sizes. The ruffles are darling and the t-strap back (pictured above) is so much fun. It's perfect for spring!

#3. Classic White Dress // Gianni Bini // Worn 5x // Size 10
This dress is the perfect go-to white dress! It's more formal than a white sundress, but just as versatile. It's simplicity is perfect for any event from church, Easter, formal, or sorority recruitment. It's strapless and has a comfortable fit. There's a slight ruffle around the neckline and a subtle, almost-bow detail at the waist.. Has a slip layer underneath for maximum coverage!

Hey y'all, how's your week been? It's Wednesday which means we're halfway to the weekend and one week closer to Thanksgiving and, therefore, Thanksgiving break - hollah! I've been swamped with school work, but I feel myself getting back into a posting groove which feels amazing. I have lots of new work to scan in and lots of inspiring things that have been happening in my personal and creative life.

Since I rarely take photos for outfit posts, but I thought I'd take a late night opportunity to shoot some. This outfit is simple, maybe even a little edgy. This is the outfit I wore to take pictures around town for my Photography class. I kept it simple with black leggings, a shirt from ASOS with the word 'vandal' across it, my favorite black boots, and my friend Savannah's leather jacket.

A few weeks ago, a girl in my sorority was hosting an ASOS Campus Hunt. She's one of their college reps and the Campus Hunt consisted of lots of free giveaway goodies if you found her around campus. There were ASOS shirts, leather ball caps, leopard print scarves, and accessories galore. I chose the vandal t-shirt after I found her camped out on sorority's front lawn. Sah-weet!. Speaking of sorority sisters, that bomb leather Jacket belongs to my roommate/best friend Savannah. Thank god for having 90 accessible closets. My boots are worn out and beat up. They have scuffed up toes, the majority of the straps have come off and some are hot glued in place, and the soles of the heels are coming apart - but they're my favorite. They've got character and many miles attached to them. They were the perfect compliment.

On unrelated notes, I've been listening to The Neighborhood semi-religiously and trying to read at night. I have started on Nano, but have gotten a bit behind (but here's to the weekend for catching up). I've been feeling good - or at least better than before. Oh, and I've been more active on my Tumblr and Pinterest, so you can always find me there.

Have a lovely Wednesday guys. 

I paired my look with black velvet ballet flats with zippered backs, simple jewelry, a basic braid, and some berry lipstick.

I just recently got my hair done and am really pleased with it. I'm pleased with the length, it's really grown so much in the past few months! Also, I got warm auburn tones added to my blonde ombre to warm it up for fall. My natural color is the darkest color, toward the top of my head. I'm now totally dazzled looking at my hair because of all the dimension and vast array of colors I've got going on right now. It's subtle, but still really fun! I don't think I've ever strayed this far from my natural color, but boy am I loving it.

Oh, and I found the most epic berry lipstick for fall. Finding a plum or berry lip color for fall was a high priority on the fall to-do list and luckily I accomplished my mission one Walmart trip and $5 later. I was afraid it would be too bright and not dark enough to be 'fall' but I think I really hit the nail on the head. It's fall appropriate without being too vampy and I'm totally smitten! If you're curious it's Maybelline #410 Blissful Berry.

I love that this outfit can easily transition into colder weather too. All you have to do is add another layer, a black scarf, and black boots to make the leap from fall to winter. I'm all about that transitional, multi-season life.

What's a comfortable fall look/article of clothing you're loving right now?

Okay, today I'd like to take a minute and discuss the fabulousness that is Piperlime, a website that describes itself as your "shortcut to chic." More specifically I'd like to discuss the fabulousness of Piperlime's up to 70% tab in the sales section! Piperlime offers some of the hottest trends and a range of designers in the sections of apparel, footwear, handbags, and accessories. Their sales sections is wrought with those same designer products on mega sale and is now one of my favorite places to browse when online shopping.

Once you go to the sales section, you'll be able to choose what you'd like to browse. Under each tab, where applicable, there is option labeled "Up to 70% off." If you love a good deal or are a college student on a budget, you should definitely explore! Most of the items are on final sale, but the savings are ridiculously awesome. I found that a majority of their clothing was actually in my price range and most of it exceptionally cute, but of course it all depends on the designer or style you're shopping for.

Since we're transitioning into fall, right now is prime time for scoring on summer clearance items (on just about every site - not just here). You should definitely snatch up pieces you can transition from season to season, like simple blouses, mod skirts, and pretty dresses. If you're in the market for fall/winter, you won't be too disappointed. They have an amazing collection of boots on sale perfect for completing your winter shoe wardrobe. One of my favorite sections is the accessories (of course)! You can find lots of pretty baubles from big names like House of Harlow, Hive and Honey, and Kate Spade on mega mark down. Total win!

Another plus about Piperlime is that they always have free shipping and free returns with no minimum amount! Did you hear me people, FREE SHIPPING! I'm sorry - haha - free shipping is kind of big deal to me. So not only are you savings tons, but you're not paying extra for shipping either.

Also, if you sign up for their newsletter, you're privy to 15% off your first order and in the know about future deals!

Featured in the collage above:
*Whimsy Dress by Pink Martini - $29.97 (vs normal price of $69.00)
*House of Harlow Engraved Dome Ring - $30.97 (vs normal price of $65.00)
*Green Cabochen Drop Earring - $13.97 (vs normal price of $20.00)
*Rachel Zoe Carolyn Bootie in Black - $299.99 (vs normal price of $455.00)
*Tinley Road Peplum Mini Skirt in Mint - $14.97 (vs normal price of $49.00)

So, tell me, do you shop Piperlime and if so do you take advantage of the awesome sale section?

Also, just a note before we get started, this is all uncompensated. Every opinion, tip, trick, or motive I have for sharing these sites is purely self motivated and totally unsponsored. Now let's get on to the the affordable fashion + deals! 




I feel like J.Crew is timeless and as idea of fall slowly, but surely, approaches it seems like the purveyor of preppy duds has been popping up all over the blogosphere. So, how could I not explore? J.Crew is normally a bit out of my price range for most things which I was firmly reminded of as I headed over to their website to fawn over their new fall picks. At first, I was a little discouraged - but then I started to explore and that's when I noticed the glory of the auspiciously labeled 'Factory' tab. 

Even J.Crew Factory promotes itself as "Your Stylish Little Secret" and it couldn't be more spot on. All the items are 30% off of the original price tag - but where you're truly going to get the deals (I find) is in the tab marked 'Final Sale.' Items you were lusting over a few months ago, are suddenly super affordable! They have summer shorts and v-necks on sale AND you can stock up on the coming months with marked down cardigans and sweaters! Overall, it's a win. I especially love the final sale jewelry section!

You can find everything from pants, dresses, shoes and accessories marked down! It's a great way to get J.Crew for less. For example...I'll break down some of the items I've featured in the picture above.

Rainy Day Flat - Original Price of $39.50 vs $19.99
V-neck - Original Price $26.50 vs $12.99
Pencil Skirt - Original Price of $75.00 vs $34.99
Chino Shorts -  Original Price of $39.50 vs Marked Down Price of $16.99-$19.99 (depends on color)
Necklace - Original Price - $42.50 vs $34.50

They have a little bit of everything and you can sign up to be on their Factory First list (which is basically they're newsletter) so that you can stay up to date about new arrivals and in the loop about even more incredible deals!

Oh and shipping is a flat rate of $4.95 on all regular orders and free shipping on all orders over $100. If you shopped the normal J.Crew website flat rate shipping on all regular orders would be $8.95 and free shipping on orders over $175. So, you even save on shipping (which is a biggie for me)! How awesome is that?

So, if you're lusting after J.Crew, but think it's a little too out of your budget - then J.Crew Factory is definitely worth exploring! 

So have you ever shopped J.Crew Factory? What fall trends are you on the hunt to find for less (mine is well made cardigans and short boots)?

Outfit Details
Denim Shirt - Older, American Eagle (similar) (similar) (similar)
Short Brown Boots - Wanted Shoes
Sleeveless White Top - Older, Ann Taylor Loft (similar) (similar) (similar)
Brown Bag - Older, Old Navy
Aviators - Sorority (similar) (similar) (similar)
Lipgloss - In The Buff by Mally Beauty
White Socks - I wore diabetic crew socks (so comfy!)

Also, just a note before we get started, this is all uncompensated. Every opinion, tip, trick, or motive I have for sharing these sites is purely self motivated and totally unsponsored. Now let's get on to the comparison and the deals! 


Today is not about comparing these two sites critically (spoiler, they're both fabulous) - but rather about highlighting some key differences I've found and maybe guiding you to the site that's more right for you. If you're anything like me, you thought, "These two sites are so similar, what is even the difference and which one should I go with?" So, I joined both and have been taking notes and comparing!

Similarities
Style Quiz & Start-up Process
New Member Deals
What they sell

Both sites start pretty much the same way. You join, take a style quiz and then *magical online stylists* go about preparing your personalized showroom while you shop the site and reap in wonderful new member deals. If I were to choose which style quiz I enjoyed more, it would probably have to be Shoe Dazzle's, but I don't only shop my showroom so I guess in the end that doesn't really matter.

Both sites also offer awesome new member deals! Just Fab probably offers the better of the two in my opinion. For the first 24 hours you get 50% off your first pair of shoes (uh, hello!), but if you don't use it you can still reap the benefit of 20% off your first purchase. ShoeDazzle offers a $15 credit to be applied at checkout toward your first purchase (but this expires after a few days).

In addition to shoes both of these online store fronts offer more! Both offer shoes, hand bags, and accessories. Just Fab also sells apparel and things like skinny jeans!

Subtle Differences
Style Vibe
Sizes
Sales/Clearance
Ways to Get Free Credit

I feel like these sites have slightly different feels to them. I feel like Just Fab is geared toward the everyday woman, maybe even a little bit of a younger audience. Whereas I feel like Shoe Dazzle is geared with a more trendy/high fashion vibe. I feel like if I wanted to find a shoe that was more runway than everyday I'd hit up Shoe Dazzle and if I were looking for colorful summer wedges I'd head to Just Fab. That is just my feeling on the different vibes I get from the two sites, but they each have something for everyone - promise!

As someone who's preferably a 9 1/2  in shoes (9's work but can be snug since I have a wider foot), I have to give props to Shoe Dazzle for carrying my size. Just Fab carries half sizes all the way up until 9. Disappointing, but I'm sure I can work around that. I will highlight though that both storefronts carry up to size 11 (my mother is a size 11 and she swears you don't know struggle until you wear a woman's size 11). Also something good to consider, Just Fab only shows me shoes that still have my size in stock, so I'm never disappointed!

Also, I feel like Just Fab has a much better sale/clearance section. I almost purchased shoes for $10. I mean, c'mon that's awesome.

Lastly, another subtle difference is the way you can earn free credit (aka a free pair of shoes) on either site. On Just Fab if you refer two friends and they both make a purchase you get a credit for a free pair of $39.95 shoes. Shoe Dazzle goes on Style Points. 1000 Style Points = $39.95 store credit. You can earn Style Points two concrete ways. You can make a purchase (you get 25 Style Points for every $10 spent) or invite friends (you get 200 Style Points once your friend makes they're first purchase). So refer on people!

Bigger Differences
Price/VIP Programs

One of the big differences is how price and their VIP programs are. We'll start with Just Fab.

Upon making your first purchase Just Fab will ask if you want to be part of the VIP program. Being part of the VIP program costs nothing to you. It makes all of the shoes $39.95 and you get free shipping (holla!). Once you're part of the VIP program you get a new showroom at the 1st of every month with new picks just for you. By the 5th of the month you either choose to buy something, skip the month (no charge will occur), or do nothing (your account is charged, but you get a Just Fab credit that is good to redeem one pair of $39.95 shoes). This is very similar to Jewelmint and the other 'mint' sites I reviewed two weeks ago. If you choose not to be a VIP, then you're charged the normal price for the shoes (which is typically more than $39.95, but not outrageously so). Even if you're not a VIP, you get free shipping on all orders over $39. In addition all exchanges are free. I've heard that they have great customer service when it comes to exchanges/returns, which is a plus!

Shoe Dazzle works a bit differently. First off the shoes are not one uniform price. Every pair of shoes is priced different usually in the $30-$70 range. They also have a VIP Program, if you sign up today then you can get 1 month free which is awesome. Basically for VIP, you're charged $9.95 each month, which goes directly in your account to spend as a credit (you can accumulate these VIP dollars for up to 12 months). You get member pricing on all shoes which is 10-25% off. You get free shipping with no minimum cost and get to experience cool perks like sneak peaks of new months and member only sales events. There is no obligation to purchase and you can cancel anytime you want. Plus, you get an extended sixty day policy regarding all exchanges. If you're not VIP, there's still ways to save. One of the best ways is through The Daily Fix. Each day Shoe Dazzle picks a new on trend item (a shoe/hand bag/accessory) to be The Daily Fix. It's marked down and has free shipping for the day, making it the perfect time to pounce! The Daily Fix is one of my favorite things about Shoe Dazzle.

To conclude here, I think both of these sites have a lot to offer. Both carry great, fashionable products at reduced prices. They offer plenty of ways to save money and I hope I helped you pick a shoe site you'll like. If you're one of those people that still need to experience it to know then you can visit each site through my affiliate links: Just Fab | Shoe Dazzle

Happy online shoe shopping everyone!

Also, do you use either of these sites? Which is your favorite? What do you like/dislike?