How I Wore My Heels: Cold Shoulder Continues

I'm so glad the cold shoulder trend has stuck around for fall because I'm completely gaga over it. And since it's still a mild 80 degrees around it here, it's the perfect way to spruce up our wardrobes down south until it finally gets frigid in a couple of months. (I honestly don't want shoulders that cold, so will be abandoning it then.)

There are tons of ways I like to wear this Gianni Bini top from Dillard's  - here I'm wearing it with my favorite distressed jeans by Joe's Jeans, alice + olivia metallic heels and Rebbeca Minkoff snakeskin clutch But this past weekend I wore it out with my girlfriends with black leather shorts. And when I wear it to work, I wear it with black ponte pants. I think everyone should wear bright colors...it just feels I so good! It's an instant recharging of the spirit. And we all need that every once and awhile, amen?

The one thing I do miss about going back to work full time is my distressed jeans, so any chance I get to wear them, I def do. They're the chic version of living in yoga pants, perhaps. (And I did that for many years, might I add. Can't do it anymore!)

Here's to wearing more brights this week as we head into fall (be a fashion rebel!) and, as always, have a chic week. Air kisses xoxo

Oh, and my heels and bag have since sold out, but you can find similar versions at the links below!

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How I Wore My Heels: Grommets, Please

I really get excited about fall trends everyone can wear - and trends that I can really embrace. Grommets? Yes, please. This black eyelet dress from French Connection is one of my new favorites and it embraces the grommet trend of the season so well and so easy!

There's no limit to the amount of little black dresses a girl can own, so if you're stuck trying to figure out what to buy for fall, a classic black dress is always a staple. And when it finally gets cooler outside (because it so wasn't this past week), it will be perfect to pair with tights and these same booties.

It's the perfect dress for work, or any time you just want to look classy. Just add grommets! 

[Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. French Connection sent me this dress in exchange for testing and review. All opinions are my own. It's my favorite, y'all.]

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How I Wore My Heels: The Draped Jacket

This is an exciting week! Why? It's the first day of fall and it's my birthday week...squeal! (Um, and I have a day off of work to just hang out with my kids. Can't beat that!) 

I don't know about where you live, but this week doesn't feel like fall around here at all. In fact, the weather is still in the 90s. So, it's making fashion very hard to deal with (eye roll). But, what I am loving is layering and wearing jackets with my dresses to sort of deal with this wonky weather and shoe summer away faster (see what I did there?).

This draped jacket from Tobi is a total layering dream because you can literally wear it with everything from flowy dresses to black skinny pants. (And it's amazing for our office that rests at a constant, frigid, oh, 50 degrees, it seems...)

I've had this polka-dot dress forever (from a past Target collar , but I still keep it on constant rotation. Don't you love it when you find pieces that stay chic forever? 

And I was just telling someone the other day about how I just feel better on the days I wear my glitter heels - and it's true! It's important to find pieces to wear that you truly love and feel good in - otherwise you're not dressing for yourself. And isn't fashion all about feeling good about yourself? 

Here's to a great week of loving what we're wearing and embracing the return of fall...err, soon!

[Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post provided by Tobi. All opinions are my own. Living in these pieces!] 

I'm also crazy in love with brown booties for fall - I've pulled a list of all of my favorites here! Which one is yours?

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How I Wore My Heels: Just Add a Blazer



Hey, lovelies! How are you? I can't believe it's September and we're already transitioning to fall. Whew - transition outfits can be one of the toughest to deal with as we change seasons. One of my favorite ways to accomplish not burning up down south but still easing my way into the loveliness of fall is with the addition of a blazer - and fun, new wedges, of course. 

I love blazers so much for fall, and this boyfriend blazer from Tobi is my new favorite. I love the longer length. I've owned tons of shorter versions, but this one works well with really pulling together so many looks - from throwing it on with a dress to wearing it with a tee and black pants. It's a great working mom staple! (Don't forget your black bag, too. This one is Kooba!)

My fav color of all time is brown, which is so odd, I know, but it really is. Fashion designers don't make nearly enough of it, either. I was thrilled to find this shift dress on the Tobi site because what a great fall hue! And the addition of the cut-out sleeves makes it fun (the back has a small cut-out, too, on the back. Def still work appropriate!) I love wearing a contrasting color necklace with it, and here I wore blue.

And guess what? I finally succumbed to the infamous TOMS animal-print wedges you see everywhere. I now know why because they are quite possibly the most comfortable wedges I've owned. They're going to be amazing for fall! And they were only $89, seriously. 

So lesson here is: add a blazer for work, take it off for after hours with co-workers, parties or just errands. Slip on a fun colored necklace and voila! You're so ready to take on the world. You got this. 

P.S. New customers get a whopping 50-percent off the first order at Tobi.com. You should totally do this! 

[Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post provided by Tobi. All opinions are my own. Living in these pieces!]

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How I Wore My Heels: Stripes & Brights

Still trying to deny that summer's almost over. But, I must admit that I am loving the slightly milder air already. I'm ready to get outside and breathe the fresh air! 

I'm really looking forward to the changes of this year and the new season - fall fashion? Yes, please. But for now I'm holding onto these brights and lightweight fabrics as long as I can, anticipating at the same time the ushering in of faux fur, leather leggings and suede moto jackets (squeal). 

It's always tricky trying to mix prints (and colors), but I love the way the blue and yellow contrast with each other, and the stripes and animal print are just right. 

Pencil skirts are a great silhouette for any season, and while I'll put this Blaque Labelyellow skirt away for fall, I definitely plan on putting my black ones on rotation pretty soon. One of my fav brands for style and comfort is LNA (which happens to be this lightweight sweater), and I love wearing this piece with flared jeans and skirts. 

Finding new ways to wear things in the closet is always the most fun part about owning pieces you truly love. I'm trying to be more thoughtful in my shopping these days to scout out these things I know I can wear several ways.

Tell me, what's your favorite piece in your closet? What will you be buying for fall in just a few weeks!? 

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How I Wore My Heels: Just Add Pom Poms

Summer is ending and I can hardly face it. I'm a warm-weather-girl through and through (although my pale skin ushers in long layers for fall like nobody's business...it's called pale skin problems and I've learned to just embrace it during the summer.)

It's been rough getting back into the swing of things post beach vacation, but it always is. I've been downloading photos and missing that place like UGH. My heart hurts so much when I leave merely for the fact that it makes the kids so darn happy. It's funny how perspectives change so much when you have kids. I literally just want them to be happy (and cute...can I tell you how many things I buy them more than myself these days?). 

I had been craving a pom-pom bag for days, so when I went on vacay and I spotted this miniature one I thought I would "buy it for little L" and she would go crazy for it. Well, turns out she just wanted the darn things off and I've since inherited it. Blush. I think I'll adjust. 

Off-the-shoulder-dresses like this one from BCBGeneration are my absolute favs right now, and I love how this one has a bit of boho flair to it with the sleeves. I was searching for the perfect black version since my pale skin just doesn't do peach and white and...well, ya get the point. (I shudder at the thought of wearing those colors.) And all summer I've been adding these Vince Camuto wedges to pretty much every other dress. It's fine - don't worry. I promise you have more shoes in my closet. It's just hard to let go of a favorite...wink. 

Hope everyone enjoys the craziness of back to school (traffic, anyone? forfeited trips to Starbucks? sigh...) - pretty sure I'm a nervous wreck as you read this. Stay tuned for the next few weeks on little C's and little L's fav things (mom-tested!) for back to school. You'll love them. 

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How I Wore My Heels: Military Vest

I won't lie - I have beach vacation fever. Completely. I've already packed my goods and I'm seriously ready to go. Since I started working right around this time last year, this will be my first vacay in a year - and it's much needed! A lot has changed this past year, and it will be so nice to escape for a week with the kids and just relax (well, when I'm not changing diapers and chasing little C. in the sand - I think I can handle that.).

Since I've been in total summer beach mode, I've been gravitating towards a lot of brights lately. (I kinda sorta went on a Lilly Pulitzer spending spree the other day. More on that later.) I've featured this skirt before, but it's such a favorite. I'm in love with lime green, in particular, as of late, and this skirt just so happens to pair perfectly with a tank I already owned. Isn't that nuts?! Love it when that happens.

But perhaps my favorite piece that contrasts nicely with brights (and so many other things) is this army green military vest. Such a closet staple. I thought I hated it after I bought it several years ago - turns out it's the perfect layering piece to a tank and skirt or even a tee and jeans. And I get so many compliments on it.

Naturally, I own a pair of highlighter green pumps from the Prabal Gurung Target collab many moons ago, and they're still one my very favorite go-to's in the shoe closet.

I'm so ready to get out of town in my brights, it's not even funny! But keep checking back here all month because I plan to keep posting all my favorite things. Wink.

[tank: cynthia rowley at marshall's; skirt: j.crew; shoes: target; handbag: botkier]

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How I Wore My Heels: Really Love a Romper

I'm thrilled for summer, really I am. Nothing gets me more invigorated than some good ol' Vitamin D. Oh, well, and an amazing romper. These days there are so many to choose from, it's hard to know which one is flattering. Am I right?

I personally like to shy away from crazy prints and go with a solid like well, um, black? Deep black, light black, shaded black, distressed black, textured black, I really don't care. Black is my fav color of all time for clothing because it's so classic and trust me when I say you will never be disappointed in a clothing purchase of black. Never.

This Gianni Bini romper is great because it's a bit more stylized and slightly dressy because it has texture and even slight draping at the front to make it the perfect romper you can wear throughout the day, but also out at night (not that I have, ummmm mom life here...blush). 


Rachel Zoe (the stylist love of my life) sent an email a few months back about pieces you can't wear once you're 30. (?!?!?!?) And this is one of the times I disagree with her on something. (And, oops, I'm telling my age.) Of course, jumpsuits can be super flattering for those a little older, but in your 30s you should still be able to enjoy a good, stylish romper like this one. WHY NOT?!

The key here with the shoes is a nice, subdued wedge rather than a higher heel (you don't want to convey anything other than great style, if you know what I mean). I'd even allow a flat with the length of these shorts during the day (I know, gasp). Choosing shoes is an important task (always), so whatever you choose, make it wise. These are by French Connection and the comfiest. 

Hope you all have a chic week! xoxo

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How I Wore My Heels: Giving the Cold Shoulder

top: French Connection (dress here); leggings: Sanctuary; heels: White House Black Market

About 5 years ago, I owned several cold-shoulder tops. I loved them, I cherished them, I wore the heck out of them. Until last summer I decided I wouldn't wear them anymore because they weren't chic. And then ironically they became SO chic again. Le sigh. In fashion you never say never. Ever. 

Fast forward to now and I'm obsessed with this trend. It's pretty great for hot summers down south. And it's really the perfect trend for mamas who want to look trendy without looking like they're trying too hard to look too young. (Hey, I'm not that old yet, y'all.)

The key to giving the cold shoulder (in fashion anyway) is to balance the look. For workwear (I work in fashion, so this is acceptable - if you don't, you might want to be more cautious), I like to pair a cold-shoulder top like this one from French Connection with something basic like these Sanctuary leggings. Darker colors are always safer when trying to look classy and I kinda love the off combo of black and blue together. On the weekends, I wear this same top with cutoffs!

Know what else I'm relying on like whoa? My Day Designer by Whitney English. This past year has been a whirlwind. I never knew being a working mom of two kids would be so overwhelming and several of my coworkers had suggested using one of these handy (and gorgeous!) designer planners to organize my days. I like to write things down every day so I don't forget a single task, and it honestly just makes me happy looking at my gold striped notebook on my work desk every day. (Can I mention I got just got a promotion?! Organization is of utmost importance, for sure.)

The key to being a working mom is...wellllllll, I don't have the answer yet. But I do know that feeling good about yourself and your wardrobe as well as keeping your life organized can truly make an impact and better your day. It's the little things. 

Hope you had a fabulous holiday weekend and let's get this summer started! xoxo

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post. The Day Designer was sent in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own. I'm hooked. 

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How I Wore My Heels: Chambray Two Ways

The heart of spring means chambray all the way for me. It's a closet staple and when I spotted this chambray button-down on a mannequin at J.Crew Factory in Florida, I never knew how much I would wear it even 6 years later. That's called amazing cost per wear, yes?
  

There is a new outlet mall dangerously close to where I live, and since it has a J.Crew with the teeny tiny, sweet little crewcuts for kids, I frequent it a bit. Tiny eyelet shorts for little L, a new skirt for me. It's a win-win. I stumbled up on this bright floral skirt a few weeks ago, and I love how I can pair my chambray with it. A skirt and button-down combo is sorta my new fav go-to. But guess how else I like to wear chambray?

Of course, white jeans.  Hudson is a fav denim brand of mine (I think I own maybe 6 pairs now!). And we all know white jeans can be a nightmare to fit. Well, Hudson has an entire White Denim shop and I'm wearing the Krista Super Skinny ($145) here. The stretch and low rise make these super comfy, and honestly I love the fit much more than a white bootcut. Cropped jeans are so stylish right now, and they give you an edge on showing off those shoes - whether it's glitter heels (above) or woven wedges (below). 

Have a chic week everyone, and embrace your chambray!!

 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post; however, I was sent this pair of jeans from Hudson to try out for the purpose of this review. Aren't they amazing? You need some. 

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How I Wore My Heels: Off the Shoulder...and I Heart Heels Turns 8!

I Heart Heels is EIGHT today!!!! Woo hoo! 

Now, let me apologize to you profusely. I had planned to make this a big deal. I ran of time. I'm sure you've noticed over the past year that this blog isn't updated quite like it used to be. What happened? LIFE. I Heart Heels is baby #3 for me and it just doesn't get the tender-loving care it used to, quite honestly. I almost bought one of those huge "8" balloons for this photo. I ran out of time. I was going to have a giveaway where I give away 8 different things. I ran out of time. I was going to maybe give just one thing away and have the 8th person who emails me be the winner. But, guess what? I ran out of time for that, too. Folks, I'm busy. And I'm so, so, so sorry!

But you know what? It's like one of those things we always talk about around Christmas or Mother's Day or whatever holiday it is. Shouldn't we celebrate things we love all the time and not just make it that one day that's a big deal? I mean, I am a mother of two littles, and if you count my freelance projects I have about three jobs going at once. I love it! But I don't always have the time I used to and really hope you still loving coming to this blog and reading about my fav outfits and what's new with the kids. I want to continue to dedicate myself to this space and share things with you as I've always done. 

Will I have a post every day? Nope. But will you love the content I create and share on social media? I hope so! I plan to incorporate fun new things in my 9th year - and trust me, lots of new amazing shoes like these Gianni Bini shooties (hate that word, but had to type it) and fun new trends like this off-the-shoulder top from French Connection from Dillard's.

I Heart Heels has been my pride and joy for so long, and I'm thankful to be able to continue to share all of my fav things with you. And you better believe I've got a giveaway up my sleeves coming soon...stay tuned and thank you for reading for 8 years!!! PARTY TIME.

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How I Wore My Heels: Little Blue Dress

April is here! If I didn't have allergies, I would be ecstatic. Groan. Sooooo to make the most of this month, I just have to up my shoe game to distract me. I'm way excited to wear all my wedges again because let's face it. We don't always feel like a stiletto every day. These Coach wedges are a def fav (they're a few seasons back, but Coach has some this spring that are just as killer!). 

Wedges can give you that instant chic factor you're looking for and that's amazing to me. You can transform a simple little dress like this Michael Stars LBD (little BLUE dress, although it does come in black) just by your shoe choice. Might I add, this modal (code word for super soft) cotton dress is all the benefits of wearing workout wear without having to sacrifice style. I swear it's just as comfy. Mind you, I didn't run around the block in this. Ha. 

But, seriously. I can wear this outfit for both day and night and feel super chic. I love a very simplified look like this because it feels streamlined and modern. You don't have to style something with a million different pieces or trends to get a great look. 

I hope you all have a great week and if you haven't entered my shoe giveaway, go now! 

P.S. Michael Stars and Coach are both available at Dillard's.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. I did, however, receive this dress from Michael Stars in exchange for my always honest review. Isn't it amazing? 

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How I Wore My Heels: Go Bright for Spring!

Next week is spring...squeal! With the beginning of spring, it means it's now time to have your bright heels on repeat. I mean, I kinda always do, but especially now. My favorite way to wear them is with an otherwise muted outfit, like this new arrival sent to me from Michael Stars. 

I absolutely love the swingy silhouette this dress has - and it has pockets! The Tencel fabric makes it the most comfortable dress in my closet right now. It's one of those dresses you can throw on and go and still look like you took tons of time getting ready (when shhhhh...it only took you 15 minutes!). (I am sorry for having to bear my winter-white legs for you, however. But, fair skin, don't care!)

The pointy-toe pump is always a must, so go find you a pair of bright heels right now to pair with a simple LBD like this one. It's pretty much a spring staple. Have a chic week! xoxo

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How I Wore My Heels: Easter Seals, The Fashion Event

Easter Seals hosts The Fashion Event each year in Little Rock and it's honestly one of my favorite events all year. To see the kids and adults with a huge smile on their face as everyone in the crowd cheers them down the runway truly puts a smile on MY face!

Easter Seals makes so many differences in lives, and this event reminds me every time how many things I take for granted. Each of the individuals have a different story at Easter Seals and they are all such amazing people. The funds from this event go towards making sure these kids and adults receive life-changing services. What a true blessing Easter Seals is for those with disabilities. I'm proud to donate my time and money to this organization. 

If you want to attend the event yourself, click here. It's this Friday at 6:00 p.m. Next week, I'll have a recap to share. 

And since it is The Fashion Event and showcases pieces from the hottest boutiques in town, I'm already prepping my outfit. This Blaque Label cutout LBD is from one of my fav shops, Steamroller Blues. (Honestly, I thought I was too old for a cutout dress, but it's so subtle, it works for most anyone!) I paired with black tights, black booties and a little glitz. Simple is the way to go to show off this amazing dress! Thank you Steamroller Blues for working with me to prepare for this fun night of fashion. Air kisses! xoxo

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