The Ugly "It" Summer Sandal

For whatever reason, this season's "It" sandal is what I consider the "Ugly" sandal. Do any of you remember the Birkenstock phase craze in the 90s? I will admit, I totally jumped on that trend wagon back then and sported the brown version that everyone was wearing! I have hated them ever since.

So when I saw Michael Kors sporting this version during his Fall Runway show, I was appalled! They are so, well, ugly! I couldn't believe that we had reverted back to a version of the Birkenstock in high fashion! Remember the Teva craze? Jean Godfrey June answered a Dear Lucky question regarding "Tevas? Really?!" Read the answer for yourself, I provided the link, but here are just a few statements from some of the editors at the mag. “Flatforms!” exclaimed accessories director Julia Kalachnikoff. “Yes! They go with everything.” Stylist Kate Young started wearing Tevas last summer, and the world followed. See what I mean? The Ugly sandal is where it's at!

I seriously turned up my nose to the new trends. I was not about to go down that road again. I mean, I tell everyone I know how ugly I think Birkenstocks are. Sure, they are comfy, but my god! They are so bulky. So bland in color. So 1993! Then, while browsing the shoes at Target, I found a silver metallic pair of "Ugly" sandals from Sam & Libby. Before I knew, I had tried them on and put them in my cart! I also got the seal of approval from Jean Godfrey June, her exact word was "Love", so now I need to figure out how to style them.

So now that I've jumped on the bandwagon again, I decided to share with all of you some of my favorite Ugly sandal styles for the summer. Sandal number one is the pair I invested in, but I do love number four!

 

One/Two/Three/Four/Five

What do you think of the new sandal trend for summer? Is this something you are willing to go with or just simply let pass you by? I have to say, the Sam & Libby version from Target is really comfortable, a little cute, and I'm looking forward to styling them. Perhaps over the weekend....

Happy Friday!

XOXO

Black, White and a Bauble

Jacket: Levi's (similar); Top: Ann Taylor (similar); Shorts: Target (similar); 

Flats: Halogen via Nordstrom; Necklace: DIY (Baubles by Andrea coming soon); 

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff via Gilt (various colors); Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs

This entire look was created around the necklace! This is one of my latest designs. I've been working my little fingers to the bone getting new pieces created for my future Etsy store. Here's hoping it's up and running by next week! Check back here for all the details. I'm so excited!

I am huge fan of black and white. It's so crisp, so chic, and so cool for summer. I've been working on my tan as of late and I love how white looks against that amazing summer glow. I added the denim jacket for our trip to the grocery store. I freeze in the air conditioner and frozen foods section! The added pop of color with this coral bag just brings it all together.

 

Totally Neutral and Au Naturel

Top: Anthropologie (similar); Shorts: LOFT Outlet (similar); 

Sandals: Sam & Libby for Target (similar); Handbag: Kate Spade (similar); 

Necklace: BaubleBar (similar); Bangles: Ralph Lauren;

Lip Crayon: Laura Geller Beauty Watermelon Cooler

I have truly loved exploring my more casual side, as well as my au naturel side. I used to think that I wasn't complete unless I wore full on makeup on a daily basis, and to be honest, my vain side still agrees with that. On the other hand, my new routine of mascara, bronzer, and lip gloss has been super easy and not too shabby in the looks department. (Don't tell me if you think otherwise!)

I am also loving these shorts. They are so neutral that I can really pair them with so many things. And, I love how sweet and feminine they are. This neutral and natural look could be my new thing!

The Shorts: Before and After

The Perfect Camo Shorts

 Jacket: Wrangler (my mom's/similar); Tee: Gap; 

Shorts: Made by Me (Simplicity Pattern 7655/similar); Sandals: Target (similar); 

Belt: J.Crew Factory (similar); Bag: Steve Madden (similar); 

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs;  Necklace: Gift; Hat: Arden B; 

Lip Color: Laura Geller Beauty Watermelon Cooler

I have been searching for anything camo since my On the Hunt post last month. I finally found the perfect camo print shorts because I found the fabric at Jo-Ann's and made them myself!! That's right, I made these shorts. These are actually the second pair I've made, I just haven't worn the original creation yet!

My mom and I purchased a Simplicity pattern years ago and made this skirt. We have been in the process of making a second skirt for over two years now but the fabric scares us! We're so fearful of not getting the pattern exactly right when we cut and we know we can't replace the fabric. This pattern also offers pants, shorts, and three versions of a skirt. So, we cut out the shorts pattern, whipped these up, cut off miles of fabric (the pattern calls for a Bermuda style) and here they are! I LOVE THEM!

This is how I styled it for an afternoon at the Deanna Rose Farmstead. A simple white tee, a little black belt to dress up the elastic waistband, and my trusty cross-body bag! A hat to ward off the sun and cute sandals finish off the look.

Hope you guys had an awesome holiday weekend! We did! Oh, and these shorts were the first thing I packed for our trip! So chic, no?

Finally

Jacket: Banana Republic; Sweater: J.Crew (similar); Tank: Banana Republic;

Jeans: LOFT; Flats: Tory Burch; Scarf: LOFT; Handbag: MICHAEL Michael Kors (gift/similar);

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs; Lip Color: Laura Geller Beauty Watermelon Cooler

I can't tell you how many times I've worn this look and never been able to capture a photo. I finally was able to get this on "film" last weekend. I usually pair the sweater and scarf with boyfriend jeans, but decided to dress it up a bit with skinnies. I added the light leather jacket because of a slight chilly in the morning. I didn't need it by the afternoon. 

Remember my handbag "On the Hunt" post several weeks ago, if not a month ago? I got this little number as an early Easter gift from my mom! I LOVE IT!! The color is so rich and vibrant and I love all the accents! I must have known to wait on the outfit pics so I could pair it with this bag.

The Jacket: Before and After

 

One Last Time

Jacket: INC via Macy's (similar); T-Neck: Ann Taylor; Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar);

Wedges: Sole Society (similar); Handbag: Pour La Victoire (similar); N

ecklaces: Dogeared/BaubleBar; Earrings: Silpada; 

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs; Lip Color: Laura Geller Beauty Raspberry Roast

Friday's have always been one of my favorite days of the week because it's Friday. But over the last couple of weeks, Joel has been working longer hours during the week so he can have Friday afternoons off. And because he's taking Friday afternoons off, we can have more family time on the weekend! This past weekend we took the whole family to Crown Center for lunch at McKinley's favorite restaurant, Fritz's, and to just play around for the rest of the afternoon.

It's been chilly over the past week so I've been playing around with jackets because I refuse to put on a sweater! I love that I could bring out this black and white leather piece one last time before autumn, or at least I hope for the last time!

 

 

What's your favorite day of the week?

Ladies Who Lunch

 Top: Joie via Piperlime (similar); Tank: Target; Skirt: ASOS; 

Heels: Manolo Blahnik (gift); Necklace: Ann Taylor (similar); Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs;

Lip Color: MAC Ruby Woo

Last Monday I met my girlfriend Kristina for lunch and what a lunch it was! We haven't seen each other in roughly seven years so there was lots to discuss. We met at her current "office" for lunch, a private jewelry store called VanBrock. The store is by appointment only, but I was lucky enough to nab an invite, and it's gorgeous.

Because I was meeting at such an exclusive and elegant establishment, I felt I needed to dress the part. I reached for my red midi skirt, my go-to for any dressy occasion these days, but I continue to struggle when it comes to styling this particular piece. I've been debating on whether I should pair it with this black lace top, and I'm not quite sure why I waited. I love the look! I added gobs of pearls (it's actually one piece), black patent Mary Janes, and my day clutch. Here's to the ladies who lunch!

 

 

The Top: Before and After

Happy Monday! Stay chic this week!
XOXO

Baubles by Andrea

Several years okay, when I had all the time in the world, I started a jewelry business. I designed and made my own pieces and my company was called Shoe Girl Designs. I had a booth for several years at the Overland Park Arts and Crafts Fair, held home parties, sold on consignment at a local retailer and another in Jefferson City, MO, and worked with clients on specific pieces for gifts or personal wear. My girlfriend Julie even helped me create catalogs. I had personalized gift wrap, business cards, a banner for the art fairs, shopping bags, and the sweetest display pieces found at various antique stores. But, like any "home based business", there came a point when it was time to call it quits and I've always had amtiny piece of regret.

Lately, I've been rethinking my jewelry business. I've been rounding up all my old tools, beads, visiting local bead stores, and researching an Etsy account. I'm kind of jazzed at the prospect of creating again. I've made pieces here there. Some for me, some as gifts, some for local charity events, but nothing terribly consistent. Until recently! As of this week, I'm on a mission! I've made several pieces over the last couple of days, but I find it takes me so much longer than it used to as I have a little helper! There are little fingers constantly digging through the contents, asking if he can have certain beads for himself, or throwing strings of things all over the den. I have to wait for naps or after he's in bed to work. However, when I do get the time, I'm loving what I've done so far.

I work with various stones, sterling silver, gold, wood, and chain. I make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and the occasional ring. At times, I become obsessed. At times, I become frustrated. At times, I'm in total heaven. I absolutely love being, what I consider, a jewelry designer and maker. Here is a little taste of some of the pieces I'm working on right now.

I have to say that this is my favorite so far! I'm loving the blush tones mixed with copper, topaz, and stone. This would look amazing with paired with my Tori Spelling spike necklace!

 I love statement necklaces, but they can be pricey. I've been playing with this one for several days. I just can't seem to create what I've got in my head with the beads that I already have. I will make this work and it will be gorg!

When I saw my mix of white beads, which is typical as not all things get put back in their proper place, I had an idea for a silver and white piece. I thought it would really pop against all the bright colors for summer. And, if I have some sort of tan this year, I love the way white looks against sun-kissed skin!

So that's what I've been thinking about lately. I thought about posting this as a Dream to Reality, but I've already lived the reality. Now, it's just taking that original business and turning into something bigger. Something more profitable. Something more chic and sophisticated! Stayed tuned readers. Soon, you could be wearing a Bauble by Andrea! It's gotta ring, don't you think?

And Just Like That....

Jacket: Banana Republic (similar); Top: LOFT (similar); Jeans: Banana Republic (similar); 

Shoes: TOMS; Bag: Steven by Steve Madden (similar); Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs;

Earrings: Gorjana; Lip Color: Mary Kay Mystic Plum

And just like that, the temps are back in the upper 50s/low 60s and I'm back to wearing long sleeves and jackets! Do you know how hard that it is to do when you've been sporting short sleeves and shorts for about two weeks? It's really hard! I'm not going to wear sweaters, that's just crazy, so I'm looking to knit tops and jackets to get me through the next week.

I had all but forgotten about this cute top! The sparkles were all I needed to add sunshine to my day. (I realize it's sunny in the photos, but for the majority of the day, it was super overcast.) This field jacket has been the greatest investment I've made. It's a true four seasons piece! Boyfriend jeans and sparkly Toms complete the look. Oh, and this cross-body bag has been my go-to bag for carrying both mine and McKinley's essentials while still staying chic.

The Top: Before and After

 

Fluctuation

Top: J.Crew Factory (similar); Boyfriend Jeans: LOFT (similar); 

Sandals: Seychelles via Gilt (similar); Shades: Prada (gift); Handbag: 

Rebecca Minkoff via Gilt (various colors); Lip Color: Laura Geller Beauty Raspberry Roast

What does one wear when the day starts out in the upper 70s with large amounts of humidity, but ends with lows in the upper 50s and lots of rain? This, I guess! I started out the day with the air condition running in the car to keep my hair at bay and had the heat on while driving home. Only in Kansas, right?

I am not one for a tunic. I feel like they hug me in all the wrong places, but there was something about this one. I loved the color combo and sweet vine design so decided to take the plunge. I'm thinking it will look darling with denim cut offs and will really pop against white jeans. Now, to find the perfect fitting white jean....

 

The Boyfriend Jeans: Before and After