Fantasy Friday: Blowfish Shoes

Last weekend I stumbled upon a new up and coming brand and it's one of my new favorites, so I've decided to bring it to your attention, You're Welcome.

This brand is called Blowfish and the shoes are VERY comfortable, how do I know? I've worn them and they were amazing, possible the most comfortable flats ever...and that is hard to find, just because flats are flat does not mean they are comfy. A little background on the new brand:

Steve Hoyt and Don Weiss, two big dogs in the shoe world, have gotten together to revolutionize the shoe world again! Steve Hoyt, designer of well known brands, such as Rocket Dog, Esprit and Sam & Libby and Don Weiss, who launched Hippopotamus, Aerosoles and Rocket Dog and led David Aaron - a division of Steve Madden shoes - are now joining talents for their next venture: Blowfish shoes. Blowfish shoes has a clear vision of creating a global brand for the young at heart. Some of the big department stores have already “caught” Blowfish shoes, causing all the rage with exclusive designs, quality materials and nature inspired colors. International markets, such as the UK, Israel, Greece and Australia, are getting ready for the soon to become the Blowfish phenomena.

Onward:

So these are THE SHOES I tried on and wrestled with myself about getting. Needless to say, I will probably be purchasing them within the next two weeks. They felt amazing, so soft and so comfortable, these would be so cute with dark bootcut jeans for fall. I tried them on with some bermuda shorts and they looked so cute with those too. These are called "Spritz" they have another flat that's almost exactly like this except that there's no knot but there is folding (it's called "Segway"). Anyway, these are $39. Not bad.

Since summer is almost over I thought I would show just a few sandals because they mostly have unique and fun flats and flat boots, but some of their sandals are super cute, like this pair called "Lover" so cute, they are on sale now, they are regularly $49.These are the "La Villa Metallic" aren't' they great? I love the back, scrunched leather is my fave! Very cute, these are on sale as well, I have them down for $39 but I think the sale price is cheaper, like $20 something.

Another great thing about all these flats is that a lot of them come in an array of colors, like this beautiful lilac. I read some reviews that said these were so comfy and looks so cute with everything, it seriously made me want to buy some. Love the peep toe. These are called "Swoop" on sale for $29.

Now these shoes aren't for everyone, they are very Oregon chic and remind me of any girl in my town. I could totally see myself in these and any woman with in a 1,000 mile radius. I like it, it's different, I would probably only by them on sale, but that's just me, they aren't my first choice, but if I had tons of mullah, I would totally add them to my shoe library. "Hyatt" $39.

I really liked these too, the band is big and seems maybe out of place but I like the idea of that. I like that it seems different. I love that this material is a deep brown flannel, very fall fashion. Again, these would so great with jeans for this fall, or even some khaki cords!! I just got all excited. "Snap Flannel" $24 (on sale).

These are probably my least favorite pair BUT they just remind me of what this line is all about. I love the three buckles, very eclectic. "Sugar" $39.

These came in a lighter tan color, almost beige. Again, it's different, unique, fun. That's what shoes are about, dressing up your feet and showing your personality. I love the Barbie pink and the laces, makes me feel like a kid again. Plus it's this great pebbled leather, "Soft Shell" $29.

Now onto the boots, a lot of the boots are their signature "Hobbit" style. It's different, but there is definitely room in your closet for a pair.

This is the "Hobbit" original, in this great smoky color. It's a side zip so the buttons are for show BUT you can unbutton them for different looks. These are $49. And they come in a TON of different patterns.

This is "Hobbit Plaid" not that you couldn't tell. They come in this great green, a pink, brown. There are also polka dot/ tic tac toe. With a bunch of great colors. This is definitely a statement boot, especially in some of the crazy colors. but wouldn't these look SO cute tucked into skinny jeans and a white button down! LOVES IT!!

This is a new boot, it's knee high, that's right ladies, KNEE HIGH, I don't know about you but I've been looking for some great knee highs for years. Again, these have a zip side and you can play with the buttons, this is like the grown up version of the "Hobbit" this boot is called, "Hey Now" I love that. These are seriously cute, like you could make this work. But if you're not into the Blowfish style, don't worry it wont hurt my feelings. It's definitely a defined style and you either like it or you don't, you know? Of course, anyone can pull off those flats, trust me, they are AMAZINGLY comfortable. "Hey Now" is $79.All right, happy weekend. Google Blowfish Shoes and have fun looking at everything, there are some shoes I just found that are VERY cute that I didn't see before, have fun!!

Michelle's Birthday Weekend Extravaganza 2008

My friend Michelle and I went to Portland on Sat. to celebrate her birthday. It was my first time going to Ikea (as my friend Jessica said I was an Ikea virgin) and I haven't shopped in Portland for years, like since high school. Anyway, we planned to be gone all day and okayed it with our husbands (thanks again Jeremy, you are amazing).

I didn't actually get as many pictures as I originally planned...ok I only got like three pictures. But it's better than nothing. We got to Ikea around 11am-ish and didn't leave the Cascade Station strip mall till almost 4pm! It didn't seem like we were there that long. There was a DSW which I have never been to before and it was like shoe heaven, I tried on as many as I could, I just walked around the store barefoot. I had a totally war with myself over these amazing flats. I've been looking for the perfect pair for what seems like forever...anyway, I really wanted them but I only had so much money with me so I didn't get them. I was SO PROUD of myself, like to have money to spend on shoes and not do it was like a Christmas Miracle...seriously.

That was so much fun in and of its self.

We stopped in Salem and shopped I got some $7 jeans for Eva and $12 jeans for me. It was a great day, we ate at Olive Garden, and that was de-lish, we were gone all day which was insane but it was so fun. Michelle and I realized our age creeping up on us because we both really could have used a nap halfway through. I'm glad we went, I'm looking forward to another fun shopping trip...maybe not as long! ;)

Thanks for inviting me to go with you Michelle!

This is our Ikea loot, aren't you impressed? That's all we got!! I am so impressed, my cart is on the right, that's right I got two things!! I should win an award!

Heather's Baby Shower

So my mom loves my friend Heather and insisted on throwing her a shower even though this is her 3rd boy. Of course once Heather decided she wanted new clothes for this baby she was all for it, it was a gift card only shower, that was Heather's stipulation. She didn't want any "gay" clothes and didn't feel like returning things she didn't want, so we all gave her gift cards.

It was fun, we just sat around in a big circle and talked the whole time...and of course ate some goodies.

This is our sweet cupcake cake from Safeway, if you've never had one you should get one because they are sooooo good and the cake itself is amazing.Here's our "fake cake" my mom decorates the outside for whatever theme and then we stuff it full of things. I made 6 onesies with cute little iron-ons, my favorite one was a picture of a little buggy and it said, "This is how I roll", Heather's favorite one had a pic of a pirate skull (picked out by Eva) and it said, "Arggg, wipe me booty". They were cute.

First of all, Heather is like a life size Barbie doll. She is tall, blonde, thin and gorgeous! This is her tiny little 9 month belly. She carries her babies SO high up that she's been wearing her same jeans this entire pregnancy! Grant it, they are un-zipped halfway but she's still wearing them, she did not buy one pair of maternity pants (she did buy two pairs of drawstring pants).

This is her beautiful round stretch-mark free belly. It's beautiful! I am SO jealous. Just to have no stretch marks at all would be amazing but on top of that she has this perfectly rounded shape!! She's gorgeous, we had fun and I'm glad my mom decided to throw her a shower.

Fantasy Friday: SAHM...can you have style and comfort? YES YOU CAN!

So my wonderful friend and fellow SAHM Melanie inquired about comfy but cute shoes for moms that are at home all day. And I, always giving my public what they want, went on a quest last night for some shoes I deem worthy of style and practicality.
Onward.

Now I'm speaking for myself when I say that I hate socks. Well, I love socks, I use to be an avid sock collector, I love cute fuzzy warm socks BUT I HATE wearing socks with shoes. It's a pain and I have a tendency to lose pairs so I'm left with cute socks that don't match. Usually in the winter if I'm wearing socks they are more than likely un matching. SO I chose shoes that could easily be slipped on, which I believe as a SAHM is necessary, the quicker you can get together the quicker you can get out the door!

This first shoe is by Terrasoles and is $54. I like the muted colors of this shoe. The side meshing is kinda sporty and it's got a great supportive sole. The colors I think are light and fun and could go with pretty much anything. Now I'd like to also say that I am not a huge fan of Sketchers. I like the idea of some of their shoes but a lot of their shoes seem to be too much to look at. I like simplicity and muted colors for sneakers, I like drama for heels.

So I chose this Sketcher because I like the idea of it, it's functional and it's not overdone. Again, slip it on and go. The little flower detailing in the front makes it kind of cute and more girly. These are $60.
Now for something that's comfy but a little more "dressy" these shoes by Clarks are the perfect match. These can go with anything in your wardrobe, jeans, shorts, capris, skirts. They are delicate with great details like the bow, cut outs and stitch detail and with a slight wedge for some height. (FYI: just b/c you are short does not mean you cannot wear a flat. Flats come in all price ranges and in ALL styles, you can make a statement and have happy feet.) I really love this look, if I saw any mom wearing these shoes regardless if she's wearing sweats and an old tee, I'd know somewhere deep down she had style, even if it's temporarily masked by spit up and baby food. These Clarks are $105.If trends are more up your ally then this next style is a must for you. Moccasins are totally in this season. What gladiator sandals were for summer, moccasins are for fall. This is a great simple moc, it has all the trend worthy details (ala: loafer look, suede, bow) without being too extreme. These would look great with some dark rinse boot cuts. I know it seems a little "grandpa" styled but trust me, these are the hot commodity this fall. These are by Minnetonka and are $38.
I like these next sporty flats by Timberland because they have this great T-strap. T-straps are notorious with heels, and dressing up. So a T-strap on a sporty flat really dresses it up, it looks and feels put together like a heel but with the comfort of a sneaker. Genius, $80

Now if you aren't afraid of a sneaker and find them the most comfortable I would recommend something that adds some punch to your outfit. Something that says, "I wear sneakers and I have style." I like most of the RocketDog brand, they have cute sleek sneakers that have great contrasting colors. With these colors I would be more careful with what you pair with it. For example, you can't really where a red shirt with these, go for something more neutral. Like a white shirt and jeans or brown shirt with cargo capris. Something that matches the same style of the shoes, something sporty with these shoes would look better. $50. Puma and Adidas also make some great sleek sneakers that aren't typical, Nikes.

Since colder weather IS coming, sooner than we'd like I'm sure. I'm all about a great pull on boot to wear all winter. Don't forget to waterproof them! These will look great with some skinny jeans (boot on top) or your comfy boot cuts (boot under jeans). I like the detail of the toggles, it gives it some "pieces of flair". These are by Emu and are $90. P.S. I am all about the Ugg knock offs, you can get many different styles for the price of one. Also http://www.alloy.com/ has different heights and colors, for a great price (click on shop once you get to their teen crazy homepage).

And of course I can never forget to pay homage to my "old faithful" Converse. They are the epitome of casual cool. You can go funky or classic. Converse has it all and they last for a while, and of course I picked a shoe I've showcased before, the slip on Converse, $45.

Now hopefully this can give you all some ideas for style and comfort, you can have both. Pick something that speaks to you, find it in a price range that fits your budget and be a stylish mom, it's much easier than you think. Remember that little things here and there can make you feel good about yourself. New earrings or a necklace can really complete a look and make you look put together and polished. You can get cheap things from Claire's, Goodwill even garage sales. The necklace I'm wearing in my Anniversary dinner photos I got for .25 at a garage sale, and it makes me feel like I look really put together when I put it on. Accessories (bracelet, necklace, earrings, scarf, purse, watch, hat) can take an outfit to the next level. OK, I'm off my soapbox for accessories.

Have a great weekend, and watch the Office commercial as many time as you want, I've watched in 5 times already.

You're Welcome

Garden Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Garden Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

If I had a million dollars...actually $588.88

I would buy these cloooooOOOOoooothes.
We'll start with Jeremy's new outfit because let's face it...men's clothing is the most boring.
p.s. I got all of this at the Gap except for the shoes for Jeremy and I, I got those at Piperlime.com

Striped pique polo $32.50:
Jeans $49.50Suede oxfords $100 Total:$182Now for my slammin' outfit:
This totally adorable Mandarin collared top on sale for $27.99Love, love, love the pockets on these jeans $59.50And super cute comfy flats $96.99, total for my outfit $184.88Onto Eva's super cute look. I started thinking about this b/c it's back to school shopping time and I really want to buy the girls some great fall looks.
This sweet headband would looks so amazing in Eva's blond curls, $7.50Cute little embellished top $19.50Now this is a vest that I've been wanting to get for Eva for a few years now. I think Eva would rock the crap out of this puffy vest, especially with the fur edging on the hood, so cute! $44.50Cute jeans with the same color scheme, plus super cute butterfly patches $39.50Cute converse in a great red $25.50-- Total $136.50Now Ellie's outfit, super duper cuteness ahead!!
Patent buckle headband, adorable on Elle's barely haired head! $7.50This little polka dot tunic is super cute. $19.50Adorable corduroy shorts, I love the cuff! Very fall fashion forward. $19.50 Of course these little tights would totally pull it all together, with a different pattern in the same colors, and keep her little chubbies warm! Tights $12.50
And little suede MaryJanes $26.50. Total for Elle $85.50

Ahh, that feels better. I day dreamed I was able to buy all those clothes. I mostly want to but new clothes for Elle...she seriously has no clothes. And I really want that vest for Eva, so cute and would go with everything!!

I'm done whining/day dreaming now, I'll go back to being a mom.

I'm SO bored!!

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anniversary Dinner Pics

On our way to the Japanese Steakhouse. These are my awesome pics of everyone in the car. Photo-op before everything begins.

We were are the end of the table together. I'm not really sure what Elle was looking at.Eva being really reserved. She liked it but didn't want to be excited...this is Eva being shy, soak it in people, it doesn't happen very often.

After dinner, looking full and sweaty, it's been hot for days.
Yay, six years, I can not wait for the next six.