The European Redhead: September 2014

Monday, September 22, 2014

Week in outfits: Sept. 8 - 14

Monday

Since we got a kitten it's harder to take outfit photos - because he is insanely curious and wants to play with my belts and necklaces!

Worthington shirt: Thrifted // Merona skirt: Thrifted // Necklace: Walmart // Belt: H&M

Wednesday

Simple black dress can be transformed using the right accessories into anything. Yellow bow belt and wedges make the black lace look less serious and more playful.

Dress: Walmart // Bow belt: eBay // Wedges: Payless

Friday

We are allowed to wear jeans on our casual Fridays and I decided to dress up my favorite jeans with heels and colorful accessories.

Jeans: Thrifted // American Eagle shirt: Thrifted // Heels: Payless // Bracelet: H&M // Necklace: Styles for Less

XOXO,

The European Redhead

Friday, September 12, 2014

I love going to thrift stores because I can't stand the idea of people wearing the same clothes than I do, or even worse, me wearing something that someone else is wearing! That's why I don't hesitate to hit clearance racks, often populated with last of the last pieces that I am sure whoever bought them when they were full price is not wearing them anymore. Such was the case of this dress. I mean, who is shopping for peach lace dresses in September? Well, this girl!

From all the places I found it at Walmart. It was hanging there on the clearance rack tucked neatly between rows of polo shirts, workout pants and cropped jeans. It was the only one there, I didn't see any other dresses or this one in particular, and it was my size, surprise surprise!

For a work picnic I paired it with golden sandals and golden jewelry with pink and orange accents.

Dress: Walmart (this one in peach color, similar HERE or HERE) // Sandals: Target // Necklace and earrings: Kohl's

XOXO,

The European Redhead

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Let's get sporty

I do not work out. At all. Everybody that knows me knows this, I'm the least likely person to go to the gym or participate in any kind of activity. Plus, everything I know about sports I know from People and Daily Mail, so unless a sports player has a famous wife, chances are I've never heard about him.

I tried to change this so many times. Going to the gym, going running, playing tennis, swimming. I am just not motivated enough to stick to an exercise routine.

Last year I followed a lot of fitness accounts on Instagram and I tried the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels. I worked out for 30 minutes at home, then I walked to the gym at our apartment complex and I did 30 minutes on a treadmill. I didn't lose a single pound and even though I could see my arms were getting stronger, not one of my "problem areas" was getting smaller or more muscular. So after 30 days I wrapped up my efforts and that was it.

I am ready to try again and I'm hoping that Victoria's Secret and their cute workout clothes will be the key. I read a great motivation tip - put on your gym clothes and then decide if you want to go to the gym or not. Today I received in mail a Victoria's Secret sports bra and leggings and that's the push I needed. They are cute and comfortable, plus they are real workout clothes, not the casual leggings and oversized shirt I used to wear before. It's the perfect push - new, fancy sports gear that NEEDS to be tried in action - that I was looking for.

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

XOXO,

The European Redhead

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Dress for less: Leopard Sneakers

Fall is coming this month, but you can't really feel it in Central California. We had a hot summer and this month is no exception, so cozy sweaters, tall boots and warm coffee will have to wait for another two months or so. One of the biggest challenges is to find transitional items that will work in the hot temperatures but satisfy the craving for fall items that are all over magazines and Instagram. Such item are leopard sneakers, equally wearable in summer with shorts or dresses and cute with jeans when the weather finally changes in October.

If you crave luxury, Givenchy has a pair for you - for cool $900. The slip-ons are made from calf hair and leather piping at collar with leather lining. They are made in Italy and the quality of material is incredible, but for a trendy pair of shoes I would definitely not spend $875.

That brings me to Sam Edelman. Also made from calf hair with leather piping, they have more affordable price - only $79.90! You can get them at Nordstrom.

Unfortunately, the closest Nordstrom to me is about an hour away which makes it pretty impossible to take a shopping trip for one pair of shoes.

Let's talk about local options. BONGO from Kmart are the cheapest - would you believe they are under $10? Yeah, me neither. I definitely have to try them on. I am pleasantly surprised with the quality of Kmart clothing recently so I am really interested to see how they feel.

Payless Shoes has these leopard slip-ons, with the texture almost like calf-hair. For under $20, I think they are a smart buy this season. Plus, it's BOGO at Payless.com. Buy One Get One Half Off, plus, get FREE shipping on any purchase over $35! Valid through 9.22.2014.

Finally, I actually tried these Target shoes on in a different pattern, because they didn't have my size in leopard, and I didn't like the fit. They kinda curve upwards and I felt they make my feet look huge.

Which ones do you like the most? Which ones are you most likely to buy?

XOXO,

The European Redhead