Happy 100th!: Top 10 Under $100

Happy 100th! 100 years of She's Come Unheeled? Not quite--but never say never. Rather, today marks a major milestone for She's Come Unheeled: our 100th post! To you faithful blog followers out there, merci beaucoup for your loyal following and fashion savvy. None of this would have been possible without you!

So, to say thank you and keep the fashion celebration rolling, I have searched far and wide for a few key items (appropriately priced under $100) to celebrate the ages, ready our wardrobes for fall, and ring in the century marker with style. Allow me to introduce the contenders...















1. Thigh-Highs: Girl, you've got legs for days--and the weather is about to get chilly (not to be the bearer of bad news or anything). My crystal ball predicts that thigh-highs worn over skinny jeans or leggings with a pair of boots will be all the rage this fall. So be prepared and get 'em now!

2. Wrap It Up: Sure, you could wear a sweater or a pashmina...but these days it's all about hybrids! This wrap embraces the best of both worlds, while also giving you that hippie chic(minus the "k") look. Ooh la la!

3. Bows and Bangles: Scoot from a day in front of the computer to a night on the town with a little black dress plus these bangles from Kate Spade. The gold and lacquer bow style is very old world, giving you a little kiss of glamour that no girl should be without.

4. Mad About Madmen: I don't think I'm the only one who loves seeing Madmen pop up in my DVR after a (waaaay too) long hiatus. To borrow my friend Suz's fashion icon, this dress is so very Joan that it's impossible to say no. Red hair dye anyone?














5. Sassy Skirts: A little bit rock 'n roll, a little bit country, this Harvest Hour Skirt from Anthropologie makes me dream of pumpkin patches and hot cider. Ugg boots optional.

6. You Say Cocktail, I Say Mocktail--Either way, nothing says happy hour quite like a chunky cocktail ring. How appropriate then that cocktail rings are better with age! This one is vintage, minus the one-of-a-kind pricetag (breathe a sigh of relief) from Oh Faro's shop on Etsy.

7. You're An Animal! Animal print is the new black. I mean, it works with anything and is uncomparably edgy. I'm obsessed with this J. Crew cheetah print belt; since it's a skinny one, it's subtle yet still fierce--just like me!















8. Dressy Denim: If autumn means dark denim, this pair from Anthropologie is absolute class. The trouser cut means "appropriate for the office" (unless denim is banned at your workplace, as it is mine--tear) or for a dinner date. As you well know, versatility is the budget fashionista's bff.

9. Mind Your Moccasins: Because I'm friends with Talyn, I can be absolutely sure that I'm not the only one who adores moccasins. This knee-high pair from Minnetonka is a worthy investment, as they can be worn over leggings, skinny jeans, or with a skirt.

10. Listen To Your Mother--especially when she tells you to be eco-friendly! Respect mother dearest and mother earth with this canvas shopping tote from Dogeared. As if the fun slogan and graphic didn't sell you on this bag already, it (and other styles) can currently be found on sale at Nordstrom. Get it while supplies last!

So there you have it: ten items under $100 that guarantee a fashionable fall. As for the seasons after that? Well, you'll have to tune in to the next 100 posts to find out! What your grade school teachers didn't tell you is that, not only is reading fun and educational, but it's fashionable too. Obviously.

Love and thanks!
Lolly




Images, in order of appearance: (1) Thigh Highs in heather graphite by J. Crew $18.50, online at www.jcrew.com; (2) Abundant Wrap $88, from Anthropologie (www.anthropologie.com); (3) Idiom Bangles by Kate Spade $42, available from Bloomingdale's, online at www.bloomingdales.com; (4) Bridgette Dress by BB Dakota $79, available at Shop Style (www.shopstyle.com); (5) Harvest Hour Skirt $88, from Anthropologie, online at www.anthropologie.com; (6) Ruby Red Vintage Cocktail Ring $20, from Oh Faro's Etsy Shop (www.etsy.com); (7) Skinny Cheetah Calf Hair Belt by J. Crew $55 (online at www.jcrew.com); (8) Daughers of the Liberation High Waist Trousers $98, also from Anthropologie; (9) Minnetonka Lace-Up Knee High in dusty brown $80, available at Piperlime (www.piperlime.com); (10) Dogeared "Listen To Your Mother" Canvas Tote, on sale for $17.90 at Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com).

Love It or Loathe It? Episode 5

Mark my words:

When the temperatures plummet this fall/winter,

faux fur vests are going to be HOT HOT HOT!

So what do you think?

The Faux Fur Vest:

To love or loathe?--That is the question.

Send me an email or post your comments.

Until the verdict...

XOXO,

Lolly

Image: Faux Fur Vest by Juicy Couture $298, available at Saks Fifth Avenue (online at http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/).

Back to Black

Did you ever own a mood ring? I definitely had one back in my elementary and middle school days, and I loved the moments when the color of my ring actually did match my mood and not, say, my body temperature. These days, my mood ring is long gone, but there is still one fairly accurate way of gauging my temperament: my nail color.

I'm one of those girls who goes to the nail salon for one of two reasons. Either 1) I want and/or need to look effortlessly polished; or 2) I am hanging by a thread and desperately need some R&R. Let's just say yesterday found me in the latter category. Per usual, I sought refuge at Lauren's Nails on Charles Street, going straight for OPI's Black Onyx polish.

While it was my dark mood that motivated my color choice more than anything else, going back to black actually lifted my spirits. I mean, it looks faaabulous! For reasons of practicality, I tend to keep my nails short and square, making them ideal for dark polish. The glossy black looks especially fierce--yet sleek and sophisticated all at the same time. Of course, the chunky turquoise ring that a few of my amazing friends gave me for my birthday only adds to the allure.

So what do your nails say about you? While I don't suggest wearing your heart on your sleeve, I fully encourage wearing your emotions on your nails. You never know what will come of it. And when all else fails, go back to black; I promise you won't regret it!

Image: Mischa Barton in black polish, photo courtesy of Yahoo (www.astrology.yahoo.com).

Fashionable Philanthropy

Fact: 33 million people now live with HIV/AIDS. Clearly, this isn't what I like to call a "fun fact." Fortunately, we are not helpless in the fight against AIDS--and now we can fight fashionably, thanks to Bloomingdale's. Beginning next week, from August 27 until August 30, Bloomingdale's is holding its Fashionable Fundraiser In Black and White, benefitting amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research.

As the staggering statistics about AIDS are black and white, so too is the theme of the Black and White fundraiser: an homage to classic films. A special movie lounge will be set up in stores, where attendees can watch black and white films and play fashion-themed games for equally fashionable prizes. Of course, fundraising is the real name of the game, as Bloomies has pledged $75,000 to support amfAR.

Don't worry, you can get your philanthropy on during the event too. Test your knowledge by completing a movie trivia card; for each card completed, $1 will be donated to amfAR--up to $10,000. Plus, knowing how much we fashionistas love the word "exclusive," amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole has designed a tee-shirt exclusively for this event. You can find yours at the "Good Deeds" wall (bet you've never seen one of those before!), and for every tee purchased, another $25 will go to amfAR.

It's all in the name of a good cause. Since 1985, amfAR has been committed to the fight against AIDS and has invested upwards of $290 million towards its mission. Through their research efforts, amfAR has contributed to major advances in the study and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

As if you needed another excuse to shop at Bloomingdale's, now you have one--and a very noble one at that. You can score 15% off a great selection in stores and make a difference while you're at it. Looking good and feeling good about it? I, for one, am sooo there. After all, philanthropy is always in fashion.

• Psst: For a VIP ticket entitling you to 15% in store and online, click here. For more information on amfAR, visit them online at www.amfar.org.

Credits: AIDS statistic and Bloomingdales fundraiser image from amfAR, online at www.amfar.org.

Knocking Boots

I don't mean to knock boots or anything, but hear me out: why should I have to trade comfort for fashion (or vice versa)?

Like any other weather-conscious fashionista, I have been contemplating fall footwear. After all, fall is practically nipping at our heels, and for this New England girl, boots are a cold weather MUST. The thing is, my most comfortable boots (Uggs) aren't what I would call "fierce," and my most fashion-forward boots (knee high with 4-inch heels) make my feet want to scream (if only they could) by the end of the day and/or night. So what's a girl to do? Suffer in the name of fashion? I will, of course, but only if I have to--and pleeease tell me that I don't have to!

Right about now, you're probably thinking: duh, flat boots! Believe me, I hear you, and as much as I want to comply, my wallet simply doesn't agree. I just can't find a pair for under $500 that I want to take home with me. If money were no object? Well, that's a different story; I would buy Prada's Tall Lug-Sole Boots in a second.

In the affordable category, I am able to find boots that I love. So what's my problem, you wonder? Well, they all have outstandingly sky-high heels. This isn't a bad thing, as I do loooove heels. It's just that high heels and comfort just can't seem to play nice together--and I desperately crave comfort. Don't we all?

I maintain that there must be some middle ground. Are there high-heeled boots that somehow make you feel like you're walking on air? Are there amazing leather riding boots that don't require me to sell my first-born to take ownership? Better yet, is there a fairy godmother specializing in boots that would just hook me up, already?! Someone help!--Pretty please?

To be continued...

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Rihanna, in heel and boot, image from www.celebrityshoesize.com; (2) Tall Lug-Sole Boots by Prada $750, available from Sak's Fifth Avenue (online at http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/).

Camouflage Your Chic

Growing up, I was lucky to have parents who allowed me to express myself through fashion without much fuss and bother. Never was I forced to leave the house wearing one thing, only to change en route to my destination or at school. In fact, shocking as this might seem, there were only a few times that my apparel earned a "You're wearing that?"

Yet, for whatever reason, my loving mother was/is so not into camo. She will deny it to this day, but I know that she was behind the laundry incident, when my camo shirt went in for a wash and mysteriously never returned. As if that would stop me! To this day, I have a weakness for all things camo. That said, you can understand why I'm thrilled with Tory Burch's fall collection, which features Tory's must have Super Skinny Camo Pants.

I first fell in love with these pants after reading the July issue of Marie Claire, when fashion plate Cameron Diaz rocked these pants with an equally cool pair of Tory biker boots and a leather jacket. It was love at first sight, and I immediately thought, that's how you do camo.

The truth is, you can easily go wrong with camo if you don't remember to maintain a balanced look. Since the camo pattern instantly creates a rough, industrial look, it must then be balanced by more feminine elements. The reason why these pants work so well is their ultra-skinny fit makes them simultaneously fierce, yet completely hot.

If you're doing your fashion due diligence and contemplating looks for fall, add these Tory pants to your "Must Buy" list. After appearing in Marie Claire in July, they have since popped up in the August issues of both Elle and Self. Though Mommy Dearest would fight me on this one, nothing is quite as edgy as camouflaging your chic.


Images, in order of appearance: (1) Tory Burch Super Skinny Camo Pants $245, available online (http://www.toryburch.com/); (2) Cameron Diaz, wearing her Super Skinny Camo Pants by Tory Burch, as featured in the July 2009 issue of Marie Claire magazine.

Eat Your Rice and Beans--Vintage, That Is

Friends tell secrets--and since we're friends and all, I'm willing to share one of the best kept secrets in designer deals. Forget Ebay! Rice and Beans Vintage is the online spot for both contemporary and vintage designer clothes, shoes, handbags, and jewelry--and at the most reasonable prices, to boot.

Each item is carefully selected by owner Sarah Korsiak Cellier, who understands that "vintage is all about fun and self expression, mixing the old with the new." Her understanding of classic styles and current trends is fully evident in the store inventory. And for those of you who stray from the world of PETA, there's even a fur salon--ooh la la!

To get the flavor of the site, allow me to give you a small serving of Rice and Beans: a dash of Chanel, a pinch of Vitadinni, and just the right amount of Gucci. Delicious is a total understatement, obviously.

So if you're in the mood to consignment shop but are stuck at the office (like too many fashionistas that I know), your luck is changing: handpicked designer bliss is now just a few mouse clicks away! The only downside is that items sell quickly, so you need to act fast. After all, no one likes cold rice and beans. Bon appétit, darlings!

Images, in order of appearance--all from Rice and Beans Vintage, online at http://www.riceandbeansvintage.com/: (1) Collector's Vintage 70's Chanel White Quilted Leather Box Handbag $700; (2) Vintage 80's Adrienne Vittadini Bold Floral Circle Skirt $50; (3) Vintage 80's Gucci Black Leather Riding Boots $400.