One Per Month Challenge: February

Well, I took the plunge and purchased a pair of matte black Tieks for my February purchase. These are certainly an investment piece. I have only heard good things about Tieks, and I needed a simple, classic pair of black flats, because I didn't actually own any plain black shoes. Aside from saving money, this challenge is about finding quality pieces of clothing rather than spending money on bogo impulse buys in the Target shoe section. I thought about this purchase a lot before ordering, and in the end I decided to go for a more expensive pair that I knew was going to be comfortable and last, instead of a cheaper (but still fairly expensive) pair that might not feel much better than a $13 Target or Old Navy pair. So far these have really been amazing- best pair of flats I've ever owned. I'm looking forward to giving them a real test during my upcoming trip to DC, where I'll be walking around the city all week. The packaging was truly superb, the leather nice and soft, and I've received compliments on the teal color pop already.

As far as how the challenge is going so far- I've been tempted a couple times, to the point of adding some things to my virtual shopping cart,  to take advantage of some great online sales, but I haven't bought anything. Though, the things I'm looking at are for work/professional purposes, but I'm going to wait until closer to the end of February to get a couple things, and I will probably buy in-store so I know the items fit (and no shipping costs). Two months down, ten more to go!

Previous Months:

January

- S

Black Shoes

I'm thinking ahead to my one February purchase, and I'm fairly decided that I will get a nice pair of simple, black shoes. I don't actually own a pair, usually opting for more "fun" shoe styles, but I think everyone needs a pair of classy black flats, am I right? Since I'm heading to DC at the start of March for a policy conference, I think the time is right for this purchase. Here are a few options I'm looking at. 

1. Sole Society Angelina $59.95

2. Tieks Matte Black $175

3. Seychelles Skip a Beat $95

4. J Crew Emma Leather Ballet Flats $125

Any recommendations? Also, I think I may have to make some exception purchases in Feburary as well. I really need a pair or two of good dress pants and tops for work and for the conference in DC, so I'm going to be on the look out for those in addition to the shoes. 

- S

Wednesday Wedding: Guest Blogger- Tracy

I am so excited to introduce you to my friend, bridesmaid, and guest blogger for filling all your mid-week wedding needs!  Her name is Tracy, she is smart, witty, beautiful, she makes everyone laugh, and she tells me I am pretty all the time. I can't say much more other than I love her and I'm so happy she is my bridesmaid as I figure out how to make a wedding happen. I think you will see why.

A Bridesmaid’s Perspective

During the whole Kyle’s-joining-the-Army-will-we-get-engaged-what-the-heck-is-going-on period of Sarah’s life, I was lucky enough to get the girly play-by-play. It was all wonderfully delicious, romantic, and, big surprise, girly. After the proposal (squeeeee!), I secretly hoped that Sarah would ask me to be a bridesmaid, but I surely wasn’t counting on it since I’d known Sarah for all of three weeks—not really, more like a year give or take. I always fear that I’m that person, you know, the one who noses her way into people’s lives and gets creepily over-invested in them; so, I wanted to maintain my composure and keep it real cool. Well, that strategy worked and Sarah asked me (little ol’ me!) to join her and some other really special ladies on her wedding day.

I think there’s supposed to be a lot of pressure being a bridesmaid, but Sarah’s made it really easy (just answer her emails promptly!). The two biggest responsibilities I’ve found? Getting my tush to a David’s Bridal to buy my dress and thinking about what I’m going to say at the event (oh, because Sarah wants each bridesmaid and groomsman to give a 10-minute academic presentation—complete with a Powerpoint, handouts, and a bibliography)—of our relationship to the couple. So, I’ve already started outlining that. The presentations will be graded, you see.

I’m just kidding about all that presentation stuff, you know. She just wants us all to give a little speech with witty anecdotes, PG humor, and lacking embarrassing stories. No pressure. (We’ll see if I can even make it through this post without cursing; I used “heck” in the first sentence instead of H- E- double hockey sticks, you should be proud).

Because Sarah wants the pictures at her wedding to look decent, she won’t have us looking like this: 

via

She would prefer something more like this: 

via

A combo of different dresses of the same material in Sangria {not the color pictured}—now doesn’t that just sound yummy? 

So, we’ve got the dresses figured out for the most part….but SHOES.

Silver is the thought. But which ones? Some options: 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 

I’m partial to heels even though in them I’m approximately twelve feet tall. However, I know a certain bridesmaid acquaintance of mine couldn’t walk in heels if she were a Victoria’s Secret model. So, she should probably stick to the glittery tennis shoes. I think all the bridesmaids should get together and go shoe shopping. Ladies?

In all seriousness, I am truly honored to be a part of Sarah and Kyle’s wedding. It’s going to be so beautiful and so much fun. I’m going to cry so much.

PS: My favorite part of being a bridesmaid so far has been the wedding dress shopping. When Sarah knew which dress she wanted, it was such a magical moment. We all know that Sarah’s beautiful—but damn, wait until you see her in that dress. I won’t be the only one weeping. 

(Only one bad word!)

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What do you think; should I make them all wear Vibrams with their pretty dresses? ;) I hope you enjoyed reading that as much as I did. You can find more from Tracy at her blog Mermaid Tales.

Linking up with Joelle!

- From the desk of Mrs. M
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Wednesday Wedding: Shoes

One thing I do know about what I will be wearing at the wedding is that on my feet will either be flats or kitten heels. Heels are fun, but I'm so used to being at the perfect height next to Kyle to fit right under his arm, and wearing high heels messes that up and makes me feel weird. And I'm more of a flats kind of girl anyway; I also like the peep toe. I'll have to find the dress first, though, to know what color and style will work best. Here's a look at some fun wedding-worthy flats and kitten heels, and maybe a pair or two I wish were flats.

one two three four five six seven & eight nine ten eleven twelve thirteen fourteen

Which do you like?

- From the desk of Mrs. M