Lela for Less

I'm not sure about you, but I am so much more inclined to buy a product or support a brand if I believe in the people behind it. It's the same reason I pretty much only buy my outdoor gear from Patagonia. It's the same reason I visit the same boutique over and over again because I not only want to clothe myself in things that (I think!) look good, but I want to support the people/person offering me the selection. Similarly, this notion is why I love Texas-born designer Lela Rose. She has appeared to be extremely down to earth from day one...even designing a line of shoes for Payless, making her genius accessible to just about anyone.

At her Spring 2011 RTW show last fall, her models partners their breath-taking ensembles with styles from the now-available Payless line.

Photo Courtesy of Style.com

Photo Courtesy of Style.com

Photo Courtesy of Style.com
Even Lela herself sported her Payless peep toes when greeting the crowd for the Spring 2011 RTW finale!

Lela says hello. Photo Courtesy of Style.com

Now a few of these styles are available for purchase via Payless.com, and I have to say I'm having a hard time just which one to choose...they're all absolutely precious and will go with just about anything I plan on wearing when the weather warms up. I'm particularly partial to wedges since I'll be trouncing up and down the hilly streets of Asheville.

Lela Rose for Payless Bolivar Wedge: $49.99

Lela Rose for Payless Loreto Wedge: $49.99

Lela Rose for Payless Olivos Satin T Strap Pump: $44.99
Which one is your favorite? I think the Bolivar wedge might have to be mine by the end of the week!

Workin' Hard, Hardly Workin'

So sorry for the tardiness of my posts recently. I am going to try and get back on the blog train, though I will admit I may not be able to post as often as I had been before moving to Asheville.

I have been doing a couple guests posts, however, to whet your literary whistle.

"Top 11 Places to Shop for a Good Deal" on Savoir Flair

"A Day in the Life at Moondance Adventures" at Moondance Adventures' Blog

Updates? Well, Clark and I are getting settled in quite nicely in Asheville. I've been doing most (well pretty much all) my shopping at Constance, the best consignment shop ever in South Asheville. Can't wait to document some of my recent finds which include a long, formal Nicole Miller black gown for $55, black Theory velvet trousers for $14.50 and a slew of majorly discounted Michael Stars tees!

Weekends are definitely spend outside these days. Here are a couple iPhone shots from our hike of Max Patch and part of the Appalachian Trail outside of Hot Springs, NC.


Clark stands atop Max Patch, facing south

Triangulation marker atop Max Patch

Gorgeous view point from the side of Max Patch, on the Appalachian Trail

I look forward to getting into more of a routine with the blog, but for now, I'm focusing most of my energies on my job here at Moondance Adventures. We're approaching 200 students already for this summer's trips, and it feels good to work so hard.

Also doesn't hurt that I have this photo by my computer for motivation...

Photo from Net-a-porter

Shop for a Cause at Macy's on 10/16!

Hey gang! So I had one of THE most productive consignment shopping weekends ever this past weekend at Labels. Can't wait to give you the full report of all my treasures (5 in all, totaling...you guessed it...less than $100!)

But first, I get to share my love of fashion AND saving money with you dear readers and extend the invitation to YOU to go shopping on October 16 at Macy's (in-store and online).

You see, Macy's created this day to for all of us to Shop for a Cause. Basically, show up at Macy's (or shop online) and spend $5 on a shopping pass which grants you a whopping 20 percent off anything you purchase that day (with 10% off any sale or clearance purchases). Additionally, you can use the shopping pass for 25% off one regular, sale or clearance item in men's, women's or kids apparel or accessories. The best part? The $5 goes straight to your local charities! So you can give back to your community by getting new stuff!

I've already picked out my fave 100andSouth items (a great fall outfit when combined, I might add) for the taking!

(L to R: INC International Concepts Skinny Cargo Pants: $69, Steve Madden Slingback Suede Carnee Clogs, $67.72; Free People Barely Brushed Sweater, $98)

Find out more about this awesome event by clicking here!

Disclosure: I work with Everywhere and am helping in blogger outreach for this event,but the thoughts and opinions expressed above are solely mine!

In Business!

When a store goes out of business, it's a somber thing. The local economy suffers and the boutique community mourns another fallen comrade. We've seen it again and again in the past two years, and it's never pretty.

So what good can come of this?

THIS GOOD:


R.I.P. Lexie & Jane on E Paces Ferry in Atlanta! HELLO $35 Rosegold booties! Originally over $250, these babies were love at first sight when I came across the tent sale outside the now-under construction Lexie and Jane location. Can't wait to see what the new owners do with the space!

I've already rocked them out to dinner with the hubs. Looking forward to glamming them up with black tights and an LBD in the fall! Bring on the chillier temps!

Hey, I Got Some New Shoes On!

Two of my proudest finds lately have come in the form of shoes.

What is it about shoes that makes us girls go so bonkers? It's like men who don't give us enough attention, but we LOVE it and we want more.



Check out my fab finds: a pair of Via Spiga black leather and jute wedges (I've been on the hunt for some black-accented wedges all summer). Snagged 'em at Tootsies (when I got my Theory shorts) for $59.50, marked down from $175! Next up, probably my most fabulous find of the summer (maybe the century): these mega-badass snakeskin Modern Vintage wooden heels! These beauties came from the Boutique Bargain Warehouse Sale at Atlantic Station last month...ATL boutique Lexie and Jane is going out of business and had them marked down from $198 to $35!

These were fresh enough for the Paul McCartney show, for sure. Rocked 'em all night. Details, details, details!



Gold and silver studs on the tippy toes!



Get a load of those cutouts. Magnifique!

*PERK! Via Spiga has my wedges on sale for $69 online - find them here in all sorts of fun colors!

Right now is the time to shop the sales. What's been your best find recently?

Double Vision

Loeffler Randall Metallic Sandals, $325 at Neiman Marcus

Kelsi Dagger Camellia Ankle-Strap Sandal, $84.95 at Endless.com

Creative geniuses? Coincidences? Comments?