Under $100: Colorful flats for Spring

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

It seems like the older I get, the drabber my closet gets in terms of color (why is that?!). Bright flats are an easy way to pep up a neutral wardrobe and all of these options are under $100 so why stop at just one pair? #7 and #13 are my favorites and #1 would be perfect to have around for rainy days. See any you like?

Under $100: Flat Sandals

1) bc footwear main street strap sandal $64 2) woven sandal $88 3) tova sandal $98 4) mustard yellow cutout sandal $53 5) frisk leather stud flat sandal $35.81 6) turquoise nubuck strappy sandals $23 7) the whole punch flat sandal $80 8) kara sandal $19.50  9) hunt cross over flat sandal $50 10) kimchi blue buckle ankle wrap sandal $39 11) seychelles coy $80 12) double buckle cuffed sandal $24.94 13) brendle simple flat sandal $80.57 14) houpla leather strap sandal $36 15) j. renee cori sandal $89.95

I'm on the hunt for flat sandals but in typical D&OC fashion, I'm not interested in spending a lot of money (plus, I'm in desperate need of a pedicure so I have to factor that in). I've rounded up 15 of my favorite pairs under $100 and now I just need to narrow it down. So far, my favorites are numbers 1, 5, 7, and 10. What about you? See anything you like?

Wish list 3.6.12

1) pretty in blue pleated dress ($46.99) via ruche (I added this dress to my wish list last week but can't seem to find it on the site anymore. Hopefully, they'll bring it back though, it's too special not to.)
2) LC-A+ silver lake camera $399 via lomography (it's a splurge but oh my goodness is it pretty!)
3) archer sandal $69 via dolce vita
4) don't give up the ship ivory throw pillow $58 via high street market
5) veda scarf ($59) via ash and archer
6) come sail away print dress $44.99 via ruche
7) striped caravan mailbag $82 via madewell

Wish list 1.26.12

1) Do you see those little blue shapes on the top of that dress ($80.57)? They're cats and they're awesome! Cheeky but still very wearable. I need this dress.
2) Nautical never gets old for me and this anchor bracelet ($60) by Miansai is the perfect blend of casual meets chic. I'd wear it to dress up a plain tee and jeans.
3) What's better than a pair of comfy, colorful oxfords ($148) to transition out of boots for Spring? The little tassels on the shoelaces adds the perfect finishing touch.

Can you tell that I'm getting ready for warmer weather?

Wish list: Outfit

1) bailey sweater $85 2) micky shoes by dv $89 3) luna clutch $80 4) apex necklace £10.00 5) five pocket jeans $79.90


Happy Monday! I'm starting off the week with an outfit I wish I were wearing. Lately I've been drawn to pieces with clean lines and interesting details. My new job promotes a business casual atmosphere where jeans are totally acceptable (yay!) so thankfully, I can focus on adding versatile pieces to my wardrobe that I can wear day and night. Anything new on your wish list this week?

Wish list 10.03.11

1) Love the soft colors of these scarves ($80) by Scarfshop. I bet they feel as soft and comfy as they look.

2) I'm a huge fan of J.Crew's line of corduroys. I need the new high waisted style ($89.50) in every color please.

3) I rarely leave home without a splash of Benetint on my cheeks. I'd like to try the sun kissed version, Chacha tint ($29.50), asap. 

4) Black booties are definitely on my list of fall purchases this year. I really like this affordable suede wedge option ($60).

Any new items on your wish list this week? Happy Monday!

My Favorite Vintage

Two of my favorite items to buy vintage are boots and handbags. My Favorite Vintage happens to offer a great selection of both of these items, including the pair of boots I mentioned in last Friday's post. I feel like I can just smell the vintage leather as I type these words. Mmmmmmm.

Wish List 9.8.11

1) green woolen tank dress $83.99 via romwe

2) heartsmith rings $50 via kiel mead

3) the petite briefcase $118 via madewell

4) vintage tweed jacket $198 via jcrew

5) loafer heel $98 via marias usa

6) modern madelint top $37.99 via modcloth

7) pale peach braid necklace £35 via a alicia

Anything new on your wish list this week?

Zara Online Shop

Zara's online shop is finally open for business as of today! Here are my favorite picks for fall:

1) boat neck dress $79.90 2) shirt with shoulder gathering $59.90 3)  biker ankle boot $99 4) bell bottom jeans $59.90 5) large motera bag $129 

As you can tell, I'm still thinking about my work wardrobe (or lack thereof). My last office was wonderfully casual but I think it's about time I took it up a notch. These staples seem like good affordable options to get my fall work wardrobe started, don't you think?

Industry Style, Dressing for Work

Ruche's latest lookbook, The Industry: A Professional Fall Wardrobe, couldn't have come at a better time seeing as how my mind is on dressing for work this week. 

My favorite pieces from the lookbook:

1) andrassey avonlea chrochet blouse $43.99 2) annaleigh pleated skirt $36.99 3) palais royal scarlet peep toe heels $34.99 4)  leonella pendant ring $9.99 5) merry mint bow top $35.99 6) changing seasons corduroy pants $38.99

Check out all of Ruche's affordable options here. 

Tomato (to wear)

1) necklace no. 5 $58 via lacoli & mcallister

2) dixie trousers $98 via anthropologie

3) fold over clutch in orange $130 via need supply

4) espadrille wedge tomato $105 via mariasusa

5) stretch woven vintage swimsuit $125 via jcrew

6) reality bites dress $75 via need supply

7) necklace no. 3 via lacoli & mcallister

8) red sleeveless tie front shirt $48 via topshop

9) pleated chiffon mini skirt $49 via uo

10) worishofer 251 sandal $59.95 via endless

All the toe-may-toe-y goodness makes me happy. It's the kind of color never fails to brighten my day. See anything you like?

Sweedish Habeens + H&M

I have never spent as much on a pair of shoe as I did last year when purchasing my Sweedish Hasbeens (seen here). The eco-friendly leader of clogs and all shoes stylishly bohemian, Sweedish Hasbeens has teamed up with H&M to offer a line of affordable and equally lovely shoes. The line will be available in stores April 20th (please bring them to Atlanta!) for around $70 a pair. Whoa people. Whoa. 

images: h&m (via racked) 

Wishlist 3.16.11

Pretty summer weight, hand dyed scarves from dear june $50 via lanalou style. I really love this color.

I'd really like to add these understated, confetti 'thank you' cards by tokketok ($12 for 3) to my collection. 

I try not buy products on the packaging alone, but this Honey'do shampoo and conditioner ($30) is sulfate free and formulated with organic honey. The adorable packaging is simply the icing on the cake.

You know my wish list is never complete without at least one pair of shoes. These grey chambray lace ups from Toms ($69) are exactly what I'm looking for in a comfy pair of kicks.

This tote for Lotta Jansdotter ($76) would be the perfect accompaniment to a Saturday morning Farmers' Market trip. So excited for that it to be that time again!  

One Top, Two Ways (New Series?)

I really like the design of this top (£17.99) including the rolled cuffs, shoulder pleats, and exposed zipper in the back. I generally have a hard time wearing brown because I have brown hair, brown eyes, and it tends to be, well, a bit boring for me. I put together two outfits to see if I could punch up the color a bit.

zara serge hose 25,95 EUR ($36)/ private eye necklace- vintage lucite and gunmetal $25/ cooperative loop sandal $29/ zoe-vintage by hobo $88

widelegger jeans $125/ on the veld wedge $89.99/ nicolux fabric bracelets $12 each / goldie and stripes reversible bag $110

What do you think? Is this type of post something you'd like to see a bit more on D&OC? I think it could be a fun series and I'd love to hear your feedback. 

update- Are you thinking about purchasing an item but not sure how you'd wear it? Want suggestions on affordable products to go with your new purchase? Email me and I might just include it in this new series! xo 

Wishlist 3.3.11

Native American Beaded Hair Barrettes (set of two) $36

Dolce Vita Nyle Beaded Sandals $66

What can I say? I'm liking the beaded look.

Wishlist 2.28.11

splendid belted voile shirt dress $105/ tribal dance maxi dress $90/ jackie dress in blueberry by effie's heart $79.99

deena and ozzy elastic wedge sandal $39/ lr rain bootie $165 (via modish)

copper ladder necklace $40/ wood rings $60

What I NEED is a new pair of running shoes (snore), but what I WANT is everything you see above. At the tip top of my list (after the stupid running shoes, of course) are these rain booties that received rave reviews from Miss Modish. They're the kind of rain shoes that would work all day, rain or shine. I suppose I could say I NEED them too?

Soludos

These casually chic, cotton and jute classics are available in stripes and solids at Sauldos for $28 a pair. Can you tell I'm getting excited about warmer weather? I'll take this pair and this pair please.

Wishlist 2.16.11

It's rare that items on my never ending wish list actually become mine, but these shoes, my friends, will be mine in a few days.  Every Spring I treat myself to a little splurge (and yes, $168 for shoes counts as a splurge for me.  This is Down and Out Chic after all).  I'm in the market for shoes that will carry me through the summer, be appropriate for work and weekend, and give me a little lift without killing my feet.  I think these fit the bill, plus they won't break completely absorb my measly Spring shopping budget (and they're currently 20% off with the code FABFEB). What do you plan on "splurging" on this season?

Vintage: Na Nin for Need Supply Co.

Have you seen the recent collaboration between Na Nin Vintage and Need Supply Co?  It's a little match made in heaven if you ask me.

3/4 length sleeve with stripes $30 / oversized knit cardigan $44

wooden strap heels (size 37) $60 / navy station bag $70

S/S Ribbed floral dress (sold out thanks to me)

I sure do hope that Need Supply Co. continues with these vintage collaborations. It's an interesting idea to partner with a vintage buyer who has experience curating items.Obviously the idea worked for me since I purchased this dress without much deliberation (the back corset tie sold me). Check out the full selection of vintage items here. 

Wish list 2.2.11

If, somehow, these items could magically appear in my closet, I would be very, VERY happy.  I especially need the shoes.  It's always about the shoes, isn't it?

Fletcher Dress $84; Chieftain Necklace Gold $68; Olive Blue Leather Clog Sandals $110; Tweed Classic Cuban Style Fedora $11