I don’t remember the time I wasn’t in love with Chanel‘s Two-tone ballet flats, but after buying and wearing a pair of extremely inexpensive, knock offs from Ross Dress For Less I knew I wanted to upgrade to a higher class of knock offs (under $100 but still leather) or a used pair of good ones from Depop or another vintage clothing source and put it on my Wish List.

Here’s a few facts about the shoe:

1. Premier Date: Karl Lagerfeld premiered them in 1984.
2. Inspiration: “Chanel’s two-tone slingback pumps created in 1957. Influenced by her love of ballet, particularly the Ballets Russe.
3. Characteristics: “Comfort, elegance, and versatility”
4. Wish List: Quince “ Italian leather cap toe ballet flat, $79.90”; Anne Klein cap toe women’s Luci ballet flats, Macy’s, $53.72; Loft soft cap, toe ballet flats, black and white, $34.99; J. Crew women’s ballet flats with cab toe, $69.50; Amazon Modatope ballet flats, $49.99.

When facing a busy day, try dressing formally on top and informally on the bottom.

Even though I’m not the best sewer in the world I’m going to try to get back into sewing regardless by first making some pillows for the students I work with through an LAUSD elementary school, then I plan to finish a tote bag and shorts I started to make in the last sewing class I took-Sewing Bootcamp-at SMC. I’m pretty inspired to try again, and succeed this time, because I’m not pressured by a grade, demanding teacher, major, etc. I only have to please myself.

Short gloves have been a functional and “versatile accessory” for years. During the 18th and 19th centuries gloves became linked with social status and etiquette. They were also a “staple accessory” throughout the Victorian era. Today they are utilized as a “niche” fashion item and are still an elegant touch for cocktail party fare.

A scarf clip is a decorative fastener, similar to a brooch, used to keep scarves neat and tidy. They come in various designs.

The reason I love this dress is you can either wear to a special occasion event with a pair of fancy evening shoes dressed down for work with a pair of sneakers.

If there was one saying while, I was getting my on B.A. in Fashion Merchandising at CSULA that continued to mean something throughout my life was “Never Buy Retail”! It doesn’t mean don’t buy retail it means don’t buy items at a retail price if you can help it.

One of the main goals of Every Day Style is to look fashionable affordable. The easiest way to do that is to wait until an item you like is marked down on sale then buy it. If you have trouble remembering what you mentally note when you’re shopping or browsing physically either put it on your wish list or save it on the site you shop on regularly with the favorites feature.

The I’ve chosen to show you was one I saw at TJ Maxx and liked because of its uniqueness. Once it went on sale, I snagged it!

I’m not sure if my passion for Western Style started when I first made Rae Drummond‘s (The Pioneer Woman) dressing and mac & cheese the first time for Thanksgiving or when I bought my Vintage brown cowboy boots for four dollars at Daniel Freeman Thrift Auxiliary in Inglewood California, but I do know it’s definitely a fashion inspiration now. I even learned the line dance for the song Boots on the Ground this summer! Recently, I’ve also become a big fan of the Western TV shows Justified and Deadwood and the movie Eddington ranks as one of the best modern Western movies I’ve ever seen.

As far as wearing Western gear as an Every Day Style I’ve found it’s best to incorporate touches of it into an outfit so you won’t look too costumey. You could change up a Canadian Tuxedo (denim shirt plus jeans)with a removable, girly collar or add cowboy boots to a white button down shirt and a pair of cuffed wide leg jeans.

one of the best places to find cool Western gear is Boot Barn (https://www.bootbarn.com),but if they’re out of your price range, you can also find Western style clothing at your local Goodwill, TJ Maxx.

Western Gear to Look For:

*cowboy boots and hats

*gingham shirts, skirts, and dresses

*bolo ties

*tiered midi and maxi skirts, and dresses

*denim jackets, vests, jeans, skirts, and shorts