[ShOe Inspired] Top Five Outfit Posts

Hi there!

To commemorate almost five months of ShoeAxis, I thought I'd feature my top five outfit posts.

# 5 is the LBD Shoe Lookbook post featuring the Little Black Dress worn with three different shoes for three unique looks.

# 4 is the Jeans & three-quarter sleeved sweater post. It's a simple, basic look that's updated with the coral-colored cardigan and black stiletto booties.

# 3 is the Color block blouse post. It went outside my practical zone, but looked awesome, especially with the matching peep-toe midnight blue heels and orange colored toes.

# 2 is the Vintage 90's citrus sheath dress post that I updated with a skinny belt and floral T-strap pumps.

And the # 1 post is...The Slouchy 80's sweater and short shorts post paired with classic nude stilettos and a multi strand pearl necklace!

Which are your favorite outfit posts over the past five months? Let me know which ones inspired you so far. Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] What I Wore

Hi there!

As you all know, this past weekend was great not only because of the beach house, but because of the time spent with family and friends at my sister-in-law's 50the birthday party in San Diego.  I pondered what to wear to this event, and put together an inspirational outfit through Polyvore in this blog post here.

In the theme of color block dress, I ended up ordering this color block shift dress for under $30 from ASOS.  I really wanted the red and hot pink version, but they didn't have my size...

It turned out fine because I ended up coordinating with the hubby and sister-in-laws!  The celebrant is in the center...no way she's 50, right?!

The celebrant with the sisters and cousins...love the sequin top on the left and the maxi tube dress on the right...such a stylish, fashion-forward family!

Full length photo of the cousins and some of the spouses, but missing the celebrant in this photo since she was busy socializing!

These are the shoes I ended up pairing with the dress I wore.  I really love these black suede Calvin Klein stiletto booties now!  Those of you who have been following know that I wasn't sure about them at first, as I write in this blog post here.

Do you think that I did okay with getting a similar outfit from my inspirational outfit?  Let me know because my goal was a dress that was stylish yet comfortable. Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[ShOe Inspired] Louboutins or ShoeMint, and the Neon Trend

Hi there!

Christian Louboutin Neon Yellow Transparent Pumps at $795

ShoeMint Neon Yellow Kaylen Pumps at $79.98

If price weren't an issue, I would go for the Louboutins because I LOVE the ankle strap and how the transparent portion gives this neon yellow pump a unique, sexy look. With Labor Day weekend as the official end of summer, these shoes may not seem to be very practical, but I think neon may be a continuing trend into the fall (See link here.)

What do you think about the neon trend? Let me know because some of it looks great and some of it, not so much. Have a great Labor Day weekend! Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[ShOe Inspired] What To Wear?

Hi there!

My sister-in-law turns 50 on Friday, and is having a birthday party in San Diego Saturday night. I want to wear a dress, but not look too formal...I want to be simple, yet stylish...I want to be comfortable, but not look sloppy...I want want to be classic, yet hip.

With this criteria, I've been at a lose as to what to wear, but then I remembered Polyvore and scanned through their outfit ideas until I came up with this look.

Here's the outfit I created on my Polyvore site, and hope to recreate something similar for Saturday night!

When you're not sure what to wear to a special event, where do you draw your inspiration from? Let me know because Polyvore and ASOS are new sites of inspiration for me! Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Sole Mates Couple Style] He+Me Styling after a Morning Workout

Hi there!

I've got a GREAT date idea for you couples out there...working out together! As you know, I have just gotten back into my routine where the hubby has been a workout machine since he started a few months ago. He's been bugging me about working out with him, and he got his wish last Saturday. Leave it to our trainer at Breakthrough Fitness to bring us together to turn tractor tires for our workout that day!

Photos our son took and posted on Facebook during our couple tire training workout. Our trainer even posted a photo of us on the Breakthrough Fitness Facebook page...so lovely that everyone can see us like this, all sweaty and grubby!

So I had to make up for it and post this photo on how well we cleaned up for church after that strenuous workout ;-)

Outfit :: He - Shirt from J.Crew // Pants from Macy's // Belt from Banana Republic // Shoes from Allen Edmonds, Me - Dress from Nordstrom Rack // Shoes from ShoeMint.

Have you gone on some unusual dates with your significant other? Let me know so we can keep it fun and interesting! Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!
See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] My Stylish Kids

Hi there!

I'd like to say that my kids got all their fashion sense from the hubby and I, but just as I spoke of their musical talent in this post here, I think my kids have a natural knack for styling that's all their own.

The eldest posted this stylish look on Instagram, elevating the chambray shirt with a bright yellow cardigan and a statement necklace.  A perfect look as Summer turns into Fall!

The son and the youngest ready and styling for church...another Instagram photo op while waiting for us parents!  Their look was perfect for that warm Summer morning.

Isn't it neat to see kids grow up and come into their own, developing who they are and seeing their personality and character mature? Let me know because it's amazing how fast time goes! Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] Homecoming Surprise

Hi there!

It's nice to go on vacation, but it's nice to come home, especially when you come home to a Nordstrom package!

My online Nordstrom Anniversary Sale package was waiting for me when I got home.  Anniversary Sale post featured here.

I ordered Vince Camuto ruby booties on the last day of the sale during an impromptu houseboat trip here, following some great advice featured here.  Aren't they pretty?! I love the color most of all...can't wait for fall!

What is your favorite thing about coming home from vacation? Let me know since I got a special surprise this time! Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] Classic & Updated Beachwear

Hi there!

I have loved J.Crew for years, even when they were just a catalog back in the day.  I saw this photo of their Summer 1992 catalog, and thought that this classic summer look can easily be worn 20 years later!

Since I'm on vacation visiting family and friends in So Cal this week, I really want to go to the beach.  That's probably what I miss most about down south...the beaches aren't the same up in Nor Cal.

Here's my version of a hip, updated take on classic beachwear for 2012...

Summer 2012

Kindle eReader, Hartmann Day Tote, Faux D&G Sunglasses, Hat from Aruba street vendor, Urban Outfitters Sandals, Roxy bathing suit, Long Cardigan (gifted)

What is your must have item to have when you go to the beach?  Let me know since I think some type of stylish cover-up is essential, and if it gets windy & cold, you're prepared! Oh, and a book, a magazine, or an eReader...those are great to have too!  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] Red Shorts at Berkeley

Hi there!

I want to share the beautiful historic hotel we stayed at and my new red shorts, thus rounding out our belated anniversary weekend getaway to Berkeley for a Coaches Time Out (CTO) Conference!  See the other posts about this weekend here to see our couple style, and here to see a cool place to eat and hang out in Berkeley.

The Claremont Resort & Spa is a historic hotel in the hills of Berkeley with the most magnificent view.  Sorry, I didn't take a photo of it, so you will have to come visit this beautiful place and see for yourself!  I did get some shots of the lobby and the hubby checking in!

The hallways were so wide and beautiful, and our room was cozy and classy.  This is the front of the hotel, which I didn't do justice, so check out the hotel link here to see it in all it's glory!

 Because I didn't take any outfit shots there, I thought that I would recreate my red short outfits for you!  I wore the first two looks on Saturday; the first one to breakfast and the morning CTO session.

My first outfit with these red Express shorts, was with my floral shoes from Etsy, a heathered light gray Gap tee, and an olive jacket from Forever 21.

For the second look, I took off the jacket, added my yellow Target belt and my Urban Outfitters sandals.  We went to lunch, as seen on this post here.  You'll see that the hubby wore red shorts and a light gray T-shirt also, so we matched!  Should have taken a photo...oh well...

I told you all that I was going to find colored denim shorts in this post here, and I did for a steal at less than $15!  I bought them a couple weeks ago and have already worn them a bunch of times.  I really take my cost per wear CPW philosophy, described here, seriously ;-)

These last two looks are future pairings for me.  I really could have worn these shorts all weekend with these pairings, so that would have been real light packing!

Red shorts paired with a white Banana Republic blouse, an Urban Outfitters necklace, and some Target booties.  I'll probably wear this to brunch or out shopping.

Pairing the red shorts, with a black Target shirt, black ShoeMint wedges, and accessories, dresses them up for a summer dinner out!

Do you try to pair an item with different pieces so you get more outfit looks when you travel?  Let me know since I like to do that to stretch my packing efficiency!  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Sole Mates] He+Me Weekend Getaway Couple Style

Hi there!

A quick weekend getaway for He+Me for our anniversary brought us to Berkley and this area in downtown called Epicurious Garden.

Left: He had chicken noodle soup, Right: For Me, it was salmon sashimi

We sat in the quaint garden seating area...so tranquil and relaxing.

We ended the weekend with Gelato at Lush.  He got Salted Stracceatella Gelato in a cup, and Me, I got Malted Milk & Salted Chocolate Chunks Gelato on a freshly made waffle cone!  Sooo good!

Outfit (Me) :: Shirt & Sandals-Urban Outfitters // Jeans-American Eagle Outfitters, Outfit (He) :: Shirt-Nautica // Jeans-Levi's // Shoes-Adidas

Berkley is a hippie town, so I used the 70's filter for our last photo.  Do certain places remind you of different eras?  Let me know because the shops were all cool, hip, and eco-friendly, giving out a 70's vibe.  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Sole Mates] He+Me Anniversary Date Couple Style

Hi there!

Happy Anniversary to me with flowers and Manolo's...I wish!  The hubby is great about the flowers as seen on this post here, but my budget-conscious, conservative husband would not splurge on or choose these colorful shoes.  He does have great taste though, because he did find a deal at Costco with this Hartmann black tote below...LOVE it!

Me Outfit :: Maxi dress-H&M // Jean jacket-ABS by Allen // Wedges-Target // Tote-Hartmann

He Outfit ::  Chambray shirt-Nautica // Olive jeans-Levi's // Rainbow flip-flops

Of course, our favorite, SUSHI @ Mikuni's!

Even after a long, tiring day at work on Monday (and even without make up for Me), He+Me still went to dinner because, of course, it was our anniversary!

I posted this to the hubby on Facebook, as my anniversary e-card to him, because it was so perfect for us after 28 years together (23 marriage, 5 dating)! 

How do you spend your anniversaries? Let me know because dinner is pretty standard for us, while we try to do a weekend away some years! Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[ShOe Inspired] Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Hi there!

Since the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is in full swing, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to post an original "ShOe Inspired", focusing on inspirational shoes to possibly go out and purchase!

Vince Camuto 'Dira' Bootie (Online Exclusive) here Sale $104.90 After Sale $158.95

Born 'Treddy' Boot (Online Exclusive) here Sale $146.90 After Sale $219.95

Sam Edelman 'Fern' Flat (Online Exclusive) here Sale $79.90 After Sale $119.95

Tory Burch 'Horsebit' Satchel here Sale $298.90 After Sale $450.00

Hobo 'Explorer' Convertible Hobo here Sale $198.90 After Sale $298.00

Cole Haan 'Linley - Small' Tote here Sale $232.90 After Sale $348.99

Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Baby Dave' Bracelet Watch here Sale $166.90 After Sale $250.00

Ippolita Triple Charm Rose Necklace (Nordstrom Exclusive) here Sale $299.90 After Sale $450.00

Kate Spade New York 'Ginnie' Polarized Sunglasses here Sale $99.90 After Sale $148.00

Can you believe that fall sales are starting already? Let me know if you go out and take advantage of these pre-season sales because it's been awhile since I've gone, but with online shopping, I may have to indulge! Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] A Navy Dress and Python Shoes

Hi there!

I felt so sophisticated in this classic navy dress, my Ellen Tracy python pumps & Coach bag with simple yet classic accessories in the diamond necklace & Rolex watch.

The fact that the dress was only $6 at Ross made me feel like I had a little secret, since this dress presents much more expensive!  Other dresses from Ross here and here.

Outfit :: Dress-Ross  // Shoes-Ellen Tracy Python Pumps // Bag-Coach // Diamond Necklace-Gift // Rolex Watch

These Ellen Tracy Python Pumps have been used well, since you can see them in these posts here, here, and here.

Have you ever worn an item that looks pricier than it really is?  Let me know because I love passing off bargains as more expensive items.  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl