Trending 11.26.16: shoes on SALE!

These are the top ten pairs of shoes you need for the holiday season and beyond. You are going to absolutely DROOL over these options! From tartan to sparkles, every shoe on my trending report will have you humming Christmas carols and ordering yourself a peppermint mocha.


[1.0] Scalloped and suede: what a combo!
These flats are perfect for a cute pair of cropped pants or a skirt.  They are totally channeling the covet-able Chloe flats (but at a fraction of the price). Also, they're 40% off! I want the red! Or navy! (Or both!)

[2.0] These pumps with a glittery heel!
I spotted these on the J. Crew Factory website and audibly gasped! They are currently 50% off, and they are just breathtaking. These beauts are very similar to the very expensive (but gorgeous) Kate Spade Sela pumps. To be honest, the Factory ones look soooo much more comfortable and versatile!

[3.0] The Isabelle Jeweled pump.
These are TO DIE FOR! And 50% off! They will make a statement at work or on the weekend. Think about pairing these with an LBD for your work Christmas party! I love the black kitten-heeled version, too! SO classy and fabulous.

[4.0] Suede, scalloped Mary Janes. I can't even!
The chunky heel makes these so comfortable for work. Check out that Merlot color, too! One of my all-time favorite pantone colors of the year. Oh, and they're 50% OFF!  Ah!!!!

[5.0] These crystal-studded block heels.
Using code "celebrate", you'll snag these stunners for 50%, too! The block heel is not only amazingly comfortable, but it is coming back into style in a hurry! I love any shoes I can teach in; these fit the bill! I envision these with a cropped pant (maybe a pair of Winnies) and a tartan collared shirt tucked in. Tis the season to wow everyone with your shoes!

[6.0] Tory Burch Minnie flats.
I own 3 pairs of these flats, you guys, and I would love to own 30 more. LOL. I am not kidding you-- you can stand in them all day with no discomfort. The Minnie version folds over (they have a split sole) for super easy travel/packing. I am looking at the navy pair for a future purchase for myself. But, look at the tortoise shell ones! AH!!! They also last FOREVER. I've had my pairs for an average of 4 years each.

[7.0] Tartan shoes are where it's at.
The entire Talbots website is currently 40% off. You have holiday parties to attend, why not snazz up a black dress with these blackwatch plaid flats? That sparkly bow! Or these pumps?

[8.0] Polka dots, glitter heels, lace up flats. I love everything about this!
J.Crew has never done a 40% off regularly priced items sale until this weekend. The shoes are included in this massive sale, too! Use code HOLIDAY at check out, and grab these glittery-polka-dotted-lace-up pieces of art before they sell out!

[9.0] OTK boots!
Every gal needs a pair of over-the-knee boots for the winter. I was, at first, adamantly opposed to them. I thought there was no way to pull them off without looking like you had questionable morals. HAHA! But I've now found that pairing them with an appropriate outfit makes them even wearable for WORK! These are 50% off from Loft with code FRIYAY! Loving the camel color!

[10.0] These Chanel-look-alike ballerinas.
I have longed for Chanel ballet flats for years. They're stupidly expensive, but boy are they gorgeous. Every fashion blogger I follow seems to have an abundant supply of them. I have found the perfect alternative (50% off, too!) for the teacher's budget. One day, I will own Chanel ballet flats. Until then, these are JUST as fab (and so much more economical). But, a girl can swoon, right?

The best part about shoes is they never get too small or too big. Accessories, like shoes, enhance outfits that you already own. If you're trying to be cognizant about spending on yourself around the holidays (I like to say I am cut off, but it's hard when these sales are SO EPIC!), you can add a pair (or two) of these shoes to your wardrobe, and work them into what you already own.


So the big question is, which are you buying?
xxoo
Mary

Thanksgiving and Our Ohio Travels

You might say I was really excited to be home for Thanksgiving. :-)

The above picture is the first photograph taken with our NEW Nikon CoolPix P610 digital camera. Horray! It was an amazing early Christmas gift from my mom. (Please excuse the alarming photograph: I had just woken up!). Shout out to Mark and Courtney for the best tee shirt!

Similar J. Crew bow PJ pants here.

We got to meet Miura, the most beautiful daughter of my dear friend, Amanda. 

Lululemon Headband here. There isn't a better headband for working out than the Fly Away Tamer. It has a little strip of stickiness so it won't slide around (even in downward facing dog!). However, the sticky strip doesn't pull out your hair like other headbands I've worn. 

Okay, I had to throw this one in because he just looks so great with a baby! Hehehe

 Next on the Boardman docket was helping implement stages 1-3 of Jimmy's proposal to Megan scheme.  Megan and Jimmy have been to of my closest friends since we were in elementary school. We helped coerce Megan to go to our elementary school playground so she could meet Jimmy there, where he would propose! (I said we needed her to snap a Christmas picture of my family! Haha! It worked like a charm).

I love this yellow ruffle top from Loft. Here is the top in a beautiful pink; the yellow is sold out, but this pink color is fabulous! 

This maroon/Pinot Noir Julie pant (old) from Loft is my favorite fall/winter pair of pants. It was unseasonably warm in Youngstown over Thanksgiving, so I was able to wear the crops with more open pumps. The best part of these skinny crops, though, is you can wear them tucked into your riding boots all winter. Here is an alternative pair: from J. Crew Factory. The color is so on trend right now and can easily be paired with various colors on top! 

My BCBGeneration studded pumps are so comfortable and remind me of the Valentino studded pumps (for a serious fraction of the price).  

Celebrating our bestie, Megan, getting engaged!

Amanda, Megan, Jamie and me

Jamie's shirt (similar here) is one I own, too! We both purchased it last year from The Limited. However, the Loft option is just as adorable! 

Thursday was Thanksgiving. 

I love this Loft striped and sequined shirt from a few seasons ago. I have paired it with jeans, black pants (for work), black skirts and colored pants. It is such a workhorse in my closet! Unfortunately, it is several years old. But, here is a great alternative (below). 

This shirt from J. Crew Factory is $31 currently, and it has gold sequins down the side! How fabulous! You could pair it with khakis or tailored black pants for work, and wear it with similar pieces as my above striped top. 

Cooper needed some turkey, too! ha ha ha

 I just smile when I see Coop! With my sister, the mom-to-be!

I can't get over this red lip color from Stila. I've blogged about it before, but this is it in Fiery. I am not exaggerating when I say it lasts ALL DAY. I looked for a lip stain for my wedding (apparently stains are not as popular these days), but this was the best bet (in Amalfi for the wedding). 

My glasses are Kate Spade. Here they are online, but I bought mine from the awesome Amy at Third Street Eye Care (if you're ever in Geneva, you MUST stop by for new specs!). 

I have to say, my bestie Mandy totally motivated these spectacles. I came with her to find her new pair last summer. I did not realize I bought the exact same ones this past fall! Even more reason for people to think we are twinnies! :-)

Our 10 year high school reunion was Friday evening. It was so fun! We danced and had a blast catching up with old friends!  It was so nice to chat with pals from all over the country. A special shout out to Jamie Spickler who made my whole weekend by telling me she loved the blog! <3

Above: me, Amanda (new mama!), Megan (newly engaged!), Jamie and Lauren

Friends for decades! 

You know you're best friends when 5 of you show up in practically the same black, lace dress.

Mine is old Lilly Pulitzer, but here are five other styles of fabulous lace LBDs (all for under $150).

1. B.B. Dakota from Bloomies: here.

2. J. Crew Factory short sleeved: here

3. Adrianna Papell from Nordies: here. (Very similar to Jamie's!).

4. B.B. Dakota from Nordies: here. (Just bought this in red for my friend's wedding in December!).

5. Asos long sleeved: here.

We had so much fun catching up with Alyssa and Danielle! 

She's engaged! Sooooo happy for Jimmy and Megan! 

Thanksgiving part 2 commenced on Saturday with the Hancock side of my family. It was SO awesome to be able to be with my dad's side on our way back to Illinois. My cousin Neil and Caitlin (far right) just got engaged and will be getting married in October!

My burnt-sienna colored peplum top is a bit older from Loft, but here is a great alternative, that is on BIG TIME SALE today! This is another fabulous peplum option from Loft. Pair it with your favorite skinny jeans and a plaid scarf, and you have a simple, quick and stylish outfit! 

Pair all peplum tops with fitted skinny jeans or tailored pants to offset the flowy-ness of the peplum. 

My gold sparkly Tory Burch flats are about 4 years old, but I just found these stunners at Talbots! 50% any full priced item today! 

We spent Sunday decking our halls back at home in Illinois. 

No, I am not a giant. Yes, this tree is approximately 4 feet tall. LOL

Check out my Pure Barre gear in this post! 

Mike gave me this ornament last week when I had had a rough day. Yes, that is a newly married couple as a s'more! There is nothing I love more than S'MORES, and this ornament for our first Christmas couldn't have been more ideal. Mike found this at Von Maur in store, but here is a Baby's First Christmas s'more option found online. 

Decking Mike's drums with lights! Our new tradition :-)

I hope your Thanksgiving was full of family, love and cheerfulness.
How are you decorating your home for the holidays? The glittery trees and deer are my new obsession (thank you, Target!).

xxoo
Mary