TBF SHOES OF THE DAY: ZARA Yacht / Moccassin Shoes

TBF Shoes of the Day: Forever21 Leopard Open-toe Booties

Forever21 Leopard Open-toe Booties

If you are like my husband and NOT a fan of the animal print, you may want to turn away or skip this post altogether. Sometimes I feel like I buy animal prints just to spite my husband, but honestly, I actually do like wearing these prints for the instant pop of interest they add to any outfit. Unfortunately for my hubby, I have jumped on buying anything with this print and own everything from headbands, tops, scarves, bags and jackets to shoes and have even had my nails painted with a leopard print. The secret is to wear ONE article of clothing or accessory at a time. Your goal after all is to look chic and bold not like a crazed cat-hunter who wears her own catch.

The Broke Fashionista's Shoe Collection

I’m not really sure what it is that leads women to buy an endless amount of shoes but whatever the disease is called, I’m pretty certain that I have it. 

In my twenty-something years of being on this earth, I’ve purchased, given away, worn out and kept (without exaggeration) hundreds of shoes but at this current moment, I am the proud (yet at the same time, slightly embarrassed) owner of over 250 pairs of shoes. For my readers who own less than a hundred pairs and think I am need of an intervention, I’m sorry to say, I can’t even explain how it got so out of hand. 

What I can explain is how I keep them all in one space without having to store pairs in my kitchen cupboards. I’ve managed to keep all of them in one closet, either stuffed into one of those IKEA shoe storage organizers that hang in a closet or in clear plastic boxes (probably the better choice as they keep the shoes dust free and intact). 

I should also explain a few of the Rules I Live by when Buying Shoes (or any type of accessory or clothing for that matter): 

1)   If the shoe fits, buy it... IN EVERY COLOR, PATTERN and MATERIAL: If it elongates your legs, allows you to walk long distances without resulting in calluses or sore feet or “fits your budget” ever so perfectly, BUY IT IN AT LEAST THE BASIC COLORS/PATTERNS/MATERIAL (including: black, gray, beige, brown, red, blue, leopard, snakeskin, suede, leather etc.). This especially applies to boots due to my “above average” calves.

2)   Shop at the end of the season and wear items 2 seasons later: I usually wait until the end of fashion week to see what’s in store for the next season. Once I choose what trends or classics I’d like to incorporate into my wardrobe, I head to the back of the stores to sift through the SALE/CLEARANCE section to find shoes from last season that match the choices I’ve made. For example, I’ll purchase winter boots that are on sale at the beginning of spring/summer and bring them back out as soon as fall/winter returns.

3)      Buy SALE or CLEARANCE: Most shoes are NOT worth buying at regular prices, especially those that are following a trend. As per rule #2, shoes WILL eventually lose its appropriateness for a specific season so the shoes you are lusting for will most likely go on sale. Buying shoes at regular price or as soon as they hit the shelves will also inevitably lead you to look like someone’s twin as consumers only have so many stores to choose from. I’m not guaranteeing that you won’t have shoe doppelgangers, but if you do end up owning the same pair, at least you didn’t pay full price for it.

4)     Stock up on the classics: Trends will come and go, but classics are here to stay. Just like relationships, you’ve got the trendy shoes that are like acquaintances: you go out a few times but there’s no real commitment involved. You may or may not see them again but either way works. You then have the favorite shoes that are like your BFF’s: they can go with you anywhere, anytime and you’d probably die if you ever lost them. Lastly, you’ve got the shoes that are like bad dates: they look good upon first glance but after a short while, you’re ready to call it a night and never see them again. 

So you’re probably wondering ‘what’s with this sudden talk about shoes?’ Well, I thought it would be nice to share my collection of shoes with my readers through a new segment called “TBF Shoes of the Day”. I hope you enjoy each post and are inspired to shop, down-size or be more daring with your footwear. 

So I guess the question is: can this disease be treated? Sure it can. All you need to do is cut off our feet.  

Wishing I was Imelda Marcos,

Justine

TBF SHOPS: Forever21 Gives to JAPAN!

Of course I had to get a little somethin' somethin' for my hubby <3

Prior to crossing the border today, I got a mention from m.bellish via Twitter that Forever21 would be giving 100% of every dollar spent online toward the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan. 

How amazing is that? If you've been reading my blog long enough or know me personally, you know my addiction with shopping at Forever21 and even more, how much I absolutely LOVE Japan. So naturally, I jumped at this opportunity to be able to shop and give at the same time. The images above are some of the purchases I made - some of them have actually been sold out since my purchase and are no longer on the site - YAY! 

As a consumer, I've never seen something as thoughtful and generous as what Forever21 has done today. I hope it serves as an example to other stores of how they can use their power for good by working together with their customers to help the rest of the world.

Thankful for my blessings in order to bless others,

Justine

TBF SHOPS: Boots Wishlist for 2011 from F/W 2010

Top left to bottom: ALDO GROUPE Black Leather Boots, ASOS AMES Black and Taupe Suede Boots

While most fashionistas are focusing on what's in stores for this coming spring and summer, I am focusing on what's on the runways for Fall/Winter 2011 and shopping in the clearance "bin" for styles that are on repeat. Suede, sleek yet rugged, metal hardware, black, taupe and block heels seem to be trending for fall so I've got my eyes on these 3 pairs of boots which are (thankfully for my tight budget) versatile enough to wear through this spring/summer too.