Friday, May 21, 2010

A Wise Investment

Dress: Zoe D. via Plato's Closet, $6 // Socks: Courtesy of We Love Colors // Shoes: RJ Girl via Piperlime, $55 // Earrings: Courtesy of Early Jewelry

Since missing out on the coveted Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges, I've been on a relentless hunt for the perfect pair of brown leather strappy platform wedges. This pursuit got me thinking about my approach to shopping. Because I buy things on super sale or at thrift stores, I just take what I can get. While I have a lot of clothes, I'm still missing certain key pieces. Long story short: I spent a bit more money on these shoes than I typically would. I'm pleased with my decision, though. They are comfortable, good quality and will go with so much.


I know $55 isn't that much for a pair of shoes, but the truth is, I bought another pair of shoes this week for $50. While I'm feeling a tad guilty, I think they were a smart choice as well, and I can't wait to share them with you. My thrifty ways are definitely not changing, but I do believe in paying a bit more for quality every once in awhile. The best possible scenario: when you find just what you're looking for at a thrift store. But sometimes you just have to go after what you want instead of waiting for it to come to you.


43 comments:

Dylana Suarez said...

The shoes are AMAZING! Yes, a wise investment piece!

colormenana.blogspot.com

guildedsecret. said...

gotta love this mod-inspired dress! and ooo-la la those shoes are AMAZING!

xo.
princesspolitico.blogspot.com

Lovers, Saints & Sailors said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous dress. And I can definitely see why you'd splurge on those shoes. They look great with slouchy socks.

jamie said...

Definitely a good investment on those shoes! I can see them working anytime! I love the dress! I scraped my knees really bad the other day, and it looks weird when I wear dresses now. :P I was wearing such a cute outfit that day too! lol Great outfit! :D

Celine said...

You look totally gorgeous - and those shoes are awesome

flnw.blogspot.com

Melissa said...

I absolutely love the pairing of slouchy socks with a strappy sandal. Adorable. :)

Anonymous said...

Totally understand where your coming from and I agree sometime we have to pay a little extra for staples, but its well worth it!
xoxo AhsataL

Kimberellie said...

You are just completely adorable in these photos! You look like a doll! Seriously, your hair is just perfect and your skin is just glowing! Oh, and I love the clothes too.;-) Those shoes are def. worth 55!

MELISSA Z. said...

Love those sandals with socks! Great look!

www.abitoffashion.com

Branka said...

I just treated myself with very similar shoes (30 euros) this week and i looooove them! They go with absolutely anything, so it's really an investment. Right?;)

Camilla said...

is the blog called Kansas Couture because you live in Kansas?
Just wondering ahah :P
and wonderful shoes!
x


Intothefoldfashion.blogspot.com

Inez said...

love the shoes they are amazing!!! I olso want wedges but I can't find good one

Tugba said...

Love the wedges with the socks :D

tm said...

I know what you mean. I have a running list of items that I dream of finding via thrift or consignment. Certain items have been on the list for years. But, sometimes a retail splurge is necessary. Great choice with the wedges.

LookinFab said...

Totally agree with your decision! The shoes look great and I think that if you go and spend a lot of money on a single piece, it should be shoes. After all, they have more then one functionality, they have to look good, be comfortable and not hurt our back when we walk...

SWF_Terra said...

Wise investment indeed. I love the shoes. And your hair... it keeps getting better. It looks particularly edgy here.

Brianna said...

Those shoes are really cute. You'll get a lot of use out of them for sure.

http://the-not-so-secret-loves-of-bri.blogspot.com/

Mandy said...

That is an adorable dress! I think those shoes were worth the splurge, and sometimes you have to spend a little more on better quality items (or at least that's what I tell myself when I feel that after-shopping guilt). But seriously, if you are going to get a lot of wear from something, I think it's worth it.

Diana said...

I love this whole outfit - the shoes, the dress, the earrings. It all works so well together. And I think that awesome shoes are always worth investing in.

goodbyestockholm said...

Love this outfit great deal. Heels and socks look super rad!

Jenni said...

I'm the exact same way. I feel bad if I spend more than $30 on something! These are great shoes, though. You'll be able to wear them with everything.

M. said...

I did the same thing after not being able to find the shoes at target! I just went for other brown wedges from target actually, but yours are much cuter!

lovelove, M.
http://marissaexplains.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Great purchase, though! Love those wedges.

C said...

Holy crap, woman, you look INCREDIBLE. The socks and wedges are rad.i.cal.

Finders Keepers Boutique said...

We first found you on weardrobe and had to come check out your blog! We are a group of 20-somethings that work in a high-end consignment store in Atlanta, GA and we LOVE your style. We're so inspired by how you blend girly with tenacity. And the mod-simplicity works so well with the feminine frill. We can't wait to see what you do next!
we'd love for you to take a peek at our blog and let us know what you think... backalleyfashion.blogspot.com

Hello*Pretty said...

I LOVE the shoes! They are fabulous.. great choice! xo-karrie
www.hellopretty.net

Laura said...

The shoes were definitely a wise investment and they look fabulous I do invest in my feet since shoes are usually thee thing I spend the most money on. a nice leather bag is the other thing I would invest in but it's rather easy to find good quality leather bags at low prices.

OooKellyNicky said...

yeah, those shoes are awesome. I love them with those socks!

my blog: ♥La Stylin Girraffe♥

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with and live my life by your philosophy. I love this wedges, personally I think they are a truly versatile shade and the colour looks marvelous on you.

Katty Huertas said...

You are incredibly pretty :)

Lexie said...

those shoes are fabulous! i cant wait to see the second pair.

myedit said...

In a girl crush kind of way... may I just say, you look sooooo beautiful in this look?

Keira Lennox said...

I am so in love with your new cropped 'do. I feel like it brings all of your outfits (even simple ones like this) to a whole other level.

Danielle @ Story of Style said...

I always admire your thrify purchases. You provide so much inspiration of looking fashionable on a reasonable budget. I think these shoes were a great investment and I'm sure the $50 shoes were also a great investment-- you're a smart shopper!


Danielle
www.antiquatedtreasures.blogspot.com

Jazz said...

Girl your haircut is badass!!! Love it on you!

Becky said...

man, I love this dress. You can pull anything off!

JessS said...

I do love those shoes. They look great with the socks and the dress. Shopping guilt... sigh

Unknown said...

Those shoes are pretty awesome!

jen
http://blankwhiteframes.blogspot.com

CHRISTI JAY said...

Just use the cost per wear equation- if you wear them more than, say, 55 times than it certainly makes them worth it. AND those shoes are awesome!

sleepydarlings.blogspot.com

check out my upcycled vintage on etsy! christijay.etsy.com

Sydney said...

This is so true!! I am just like that, I LOVE shopping thrift stores and the 75% off in Target only. There is just something about buying an article of clothing that you like for a good deal that does it for me. But, being said, I do spend a lot on clothes sometimes. I won't really think twice about spending $40 on sandals if I fall in love with them or know they fit perfectly into my wardrobe. So then it's worth it to spend the money.

I'm a new reader, clicked over from the owls are not what they seem, but I love your blog so far. The thrifty post did me in! Thanks!

Ramona Apples said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ramona Apples said...

Wooow! i lovee the dress! and with those shoes, i really like them!
Good choice!
xoxo
inthemoodforstyle.blogspot.com

sara said...

Just the other day, I was explaining my 'personal style' to a coworker...but then realized, 'oh wait. That's how I *think* about my personal style, but when it comes to the things I actually WEAR, my style is entirely dependent on the things that I can get for free or very cheaply.' :) funny.