b*style {the shoes of summer}
One sure sign of summer is the customary changing of the guard, so to speak, as I put away the flats, sneakers and closed-toe shoes in favor of flip-flops and summer sandals. I almost never wear “real shoes” in the summer, always choosing instead to grab something from my (admittedly large [for the region in which I live]) collection of light, airy footwear. I would like to introduce to you three of my favorite pairs of summer shoes, because shoes are always worth talking about, right ladies?
the comfy flip-flop :: Alright, first up we have my all-time favorite summer shoe. These are the Mush flip-flops by Teva. Over time, they form to your feet, resulting in the most comfortable sandal you’ll ever know. They come in many fun colors and prints, but I always buy black, because they they go with just about everything. Oh, and I go through a pair a year—as in, wear through to the bottom. These were purchased at the end of last season (on clearance!) and I’ve just begun to break to them in. They are actually on my Summer 2010 Bucket List, because wearing out a pair of these sandals is par for the course during any blockbuster summer season!
the durable-do-all :: This is the shoe that I wear when going for a casual hike, a camp-out on the lake, or even a full day at State Fair. They are durable and provide plenty of support, but best of all, they are totally waterproof and perfect for wading in on rocky shorelines. They maybe aren’t the best looking things on the planet, but they do serve their purpose. Because of the tough build and traction, they sort of become my “summer sneakers”.
the stylish slip-on :: I purchased these years ago at Aldo, and they remain one of my favorite pairs of sandals. The criss-cross of the strap, and the paisley detail on the sole give them a nice dose of style, while still remaining casual. I slip these on with bermuda shorts and a t-shirt for a slightly more dressy alternative to the Teva’s. I am also known to wear them with a casual skirt and cute tank for church or dinner out. Sadly, Aldo no longer makes them, or I think I would also buy a pair in black.
So friends, those are my top three. I have several more pairs of flip-flop, some Chacos as an alternative to the Keens, and of course some more dressy summer wedges and heals and such. But these three, they my besties, getting the most love and use. How ’bout you? When summer rolls around, do you immediately reach for the nearest pair of sandals, or do you stick with flats or a more sensible and supportive option?
b*style {eat, wear, listen} & other friday things
Hello lovelies. How art thou? It is Friday evening, and I am blogging. Who blogs on Friday evenings?? Me! I do! I know, I know. I should be running off to a concert or some fabulous place for dinner or doing something somewhat more social and interesting. But, alas, here I am at my computer, writing a blog post. Ahem.
Before you judge, I will admit that I went to a concert on Wednesday evening. I was out past my bedtime. In downtown. At the ever-beautiful Orpheum Theater. To see the Goo Goo Dolls, if you must know. Surprised? I know, me too! I am not usually the concert-going type (besides seeing Mat Kearney because he is unlike any other, and his concerts are like drinking fizzy soda pop from a straw. Not sure what that means, exactly. But he is good. And I love him. I mean, his music. Ahem.), but best friends usually have a way of getting their way. So I went to the Goo Goo Dolls, and it was great! Besides the fact that I couldn’t hear very well afterward. On the much brighter side, we discovered a new band to love! The opening act was actually quite amazing. I came home and downloaded their entire album from iTunes. It’s been on heavy rotation around here.
When I love something, I do that. Repeat, re-wear, use, over and over. Until I’m tired of it and then must not look/eat/wear/listen for several months, or maybe a year or maybe ever. It’s a bad habit. Somewhat obsessive. Love it and then leave it.
Ok, I am going off on a tangent. This post is actually supposed to be another issue of eat, wear, listen. Yes, here are the things I have been loving lately.
Here’s the lineup.
Wear :: This tank. It’s supposed to be for sleeping, I think. It’s from Gap Body, and they have it categorized under “lounge”. Do you think anyone will care if I wear it for everyday? Like, out and about? I hope not. I have two of them and find them to fit well and go perfectly with shorts and flip-flops (my summer uniform). I love the white edging, and the smudgy stripes. I have one in driftwood and one in larkspur.
Eat :: I found these little wonders today at the grocery store. They must be terribly new, because Laughing Cow doesn’t even have them on their site yet. So this horrible, unedited picture will have to do (remember, it’s Friday evening and I am not about to color correct and properly clip a photo of cheese bites for my blog). Anyways, they are tiny and creamy and light! Only 35 calories for 5 of them. And you probably burn at least 5 or 10 calories unwrapping each individual cube. But it’s worth it! The insides of the wrappers have fun, quirky facts on them! Yes, you should try to find these at your local grocer, because they make a great snack.
Listen :: As previously mentioned, I have a new band to love. They are called Vedera, and the simple fact that they opened for Mat Kearney during part of his 2009 tour gives them stars in my book. The voice of their lead-singer-chick is amazing. I can’t believe they aren’t hugely popular!? Some of their songs can start to sound a little melancholoy, but for the most part, they are soaring, upbeat, beautiful melodies that make me wanna dance (Or clean my house! Good music gives me that urge. Strange, I know).
My apologies for the randomness of this post. It’s Friday, what can I say? I have a busy weekend ahead, with family in town, a wedding to attend, and a big old photoshoot for the project Maddy and I have been working on for Nonpareil Mag. Yes, Monday will be here before I know it. Tonight, though, I will be dining on the world’s best sweet potato fries and spending time with my three favorite people on the planet (hubby, mom and dad).
love,
your fidgety-but-ever-faithful-friday-evening-blogger
b*style {cowgirl}
I’ve hinted at it before, but have never come right out with it–I have a soft spot for western style. In plain English, I like the cowgirl look. I know, I know, I live in middle-America and my style can best be defined as “basic”. As in, pretty plain-Jane. I don’t really go for anything too over-the-top. But show me a nice plaid shirt, and I feel like grabbing some Wranglers, a cute pair of boots and topping it all off with a trusty Stetson and giant belt buckle.
Last week, my folks, hubby and I headed west, to South Dakota. Now, before you assume that we spent our vacation in the cornfields of the midwest, let me explain that we were in that tiny portion of the state worth visiting (sorry South Dakotans from other portions of the state). Also known as the Black Hills. It’s actually an amazing corner of the world, ripe with wildlife, towering mountains, dense forests and stunning scenery. The altitude is higher there, and there is no corn to be found.
Before I get too carried away on the trip recap, I must get to the point of this particular post. Being in South Dakota, or “out west” as I like to fondly refer to it, gave me the opportunity to express my love for western wear. I was ever on the hunt for my very own pair of cowboy boots.
My dear daddy bought these for me, and they are truly the nicest shoes I’ve ever owned. They needed zero breaking in, and I love how they look. Made with high quality leather, finished with perfectly western cowgirl details, and fit with just the right heal height, I could just about live in these boots. I think they could go perfectly with jeans, or are equally adorable with a casual skirt. Sigh…
Happy trails ’till tomorrow when I’ll be back with trip pictures and stories!
Love,
your newly minted cowgirl
b*style {spring shoes}
I did not need new shoes. I have many, many pairs of shoes (Maybe I’ve mentioned before that I have a shoe obsession? My mom fondly calls me Imelda Marcos). Anyways, a spring day, shopping with your best girlfriends can sometimes result in unneccessary purchases. And really, how could I pass up these adorable black flats?! I mean, they go with everything! Plus they’re supremely comfortable, and completely perfect for spring. The tiny flowers on the inside soles especially got me. I also love the little details with the over-sized button and wrinkled black leather. New season, new shoes. It’s the little things, I tell ya.
Shoes :: Parker flats by Mia ($39)
b*style {eat, wear, listen}
Ok folks, I can finally say with certainty that kitchen pictures are coming tomorrow. Check back here for the big reveal and details on the project that was supposed to take a few days, but stretched into a few weeks. In the meantime, check out what I’m digging lately. My obsessions change frequently, and I’m finding it kind of fun to put these little boards together as a snapshot of the things that are on my current hot-list.
Eat :: Three years ago I trained for and ran Twin Cities Marathon. Right before the race, my sweet mother-in-law gave me a card of encouragement with a pack of Stride gum (Get it?). Since then, I have been addicted to the stuff. I’ve always been a gum chewer, but until Stride, I couldn’t settle on a brand or type. I like that their flavors are fresh and not too sweet. They aren’t overpowering, and they last a long time. My favorites are Spearmint, Sweet Berry and Winterblue.
Wear :: When it comes to accessorizing, I am really a no-fuss kinda girl. Sure, I have some nice jewelry, and I pull it out on occasion. But on a daily basis, the only bits of bling I wear are my wedding rings and a simple pair of silver hoop earrings. I like that they go with anything, aren’t over the top, but still add just a touch of style.
Listen :: My current favorite song is Out of the Depths by Sovereign Grace Music. The worship band at our church sang this song last week, and I had never heard it before then. I instantly was taken by it. There is something compelling about the tune, and the desperation in the lyrics. The current play count in iTunes is 60, but of course that’s not taking into account the number of times I’ve listened to it on YouTube from my laptop.
p.s. I’m pregnant!
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