Tag: Shoes

Hits and Misses

Sadie1 Comment

I’ve been on a little bit of a wallet lock down lately between buying holiday presents and saving for some bigger purchases, but here are a few recent yays and nays for me.

Hits

Sadie Dishes- Toms Avalon Slip Ons

I always have a pair of “commuting shoes” that are lightweight flats that keep me comfy to and from work and keep my high heels from getting unnecessarily worn down. They get a decent amount of wear so I try to pick something inexpensive because they typically last about six months. I recently replaced my last pair of classic Toms with these Avalon Slip-Ons. They are a most substantial version of the classic that fit more like the classic Vans style sneaker slip-ons that are making such a big comeback right now. I love them! They are metallic, a.k.a. neutral, and the sole is a lot more cushioned and supportive than the classic Toms. Winner!

Sadie Dishes- Athleta Sports Bra

I’ve been between favorite sports bras ever since Nike retired the style that I like. (Isn’t that the worst!?) So I was excited to try this new silhouette from Athleta because they billed it as “high impact.” I don’t think this is my new absolute favorite, but it does provide some advantages that I’ve been looking for. Chief among them- it has decent support, and pretty good all around coverage in the front (no excessive cleavage which is kind of a foreign concept for me) . What you can’t see in the above picture is the back has a cool design. It’s a great option to pair with some of the skimpier strappy work out tops.

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

This season it seems like every sweater is oversized and kind of sloppy. I was having trouble finding sweaters that are work appropriate, so I was happy when I found this mini cable knit sweater from Ann Taylor. It’s a great light/mid weight, and it’s very easy to pair with a pencil skirt or slacks for work. I think the mini cable knit adds a little bit of interest and gives you more of an “outfit” rather than just wearing a plain merino sweater.

Misses

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

I ordered this shirt online during one of Ann Taylor’s sales. I was really excited about it because I have several draped/ruched long sleeves that I love and wear all the time. This one- not so much. It was not flattering on me. It accentuated my bust which is like bringing sand to the beach, and the draping just looked awkward. This might help add curves where there are none, but I am all set in that department. I wanted to love it but it’s a return for sure.

West Elm‘s customer service: Ugh. I hyped West Elm a lot in my gift guide posts and I’m a big fan of their general aesthetic, but this holiday season I had a lot of trouble with them. I ordered several items for multiple people on my gift list several weeks before Christmas, all had delivery dates well in time for Christmas. Long story short, two items ordered on December 5th and with a delivery date of December 18th showed up several days after Christmas. And one item that showed up just in time on Christmas Eve was monogrammed incorrectly and required returning. This fiasco included several calls to the customer service line, several promises for Christmas delivery that were not kept, with no attempt at accommodation just a lot of the word “sorry.” Was I offered compensation or discounts for any of these late or incorrect items? No. They simply shifted blame to their shipping operation. At the end of the day, due to no planning fault of my own, I was down three presents on Christmas day and it seemed like West Elm could care less.

Anything you’re loving or returning right now?

Shoe MVPs

SadieLeave a comment

I’ve had some good luck with shoes lately, so I thought I would share some of my MVPs.

Best Basic:

Nordstrom Black Heels

I recently really needed a basic pair of pointy toed black heels, and I saw these Vince Camuto heels on sale at Nordstrom. I get compliments every time I’ve worn them so far, and they are surprisingly comfortable. They are slightly lower than my higher heels at 3 1/4 inches, and I think that seems to make a big difference. I also like that they have a little more interest than the basic black heel. They also come in a flat version which I am strongly considering.

Best Crowdpleaser and Workhorse:

IvankTrumpNudePump

I’ve had these for over a year and I still get compliments when I wear them. They just make you look good. This color and style goes with everything, and they instantly make you looked polished and put together. They are a little on the high side at almost 4 inches high, but they are actually pretty comfortable as heels go. They have an “almond” shaped toe so they aren’t as tight as a pointed toe, but they are much sleeker than a rounded toe. Ivanka Trump for the win!

Best New Favorite:

NineWestFlats

I got these Nine Wests in nude, and in the flat and heel version. I had nude heels (see above) but I needed a flat for days when I just couldn’t handle a heel. I love that these have the cool metal detail in front, and they are of course very manageable.

The Best Next Thing?

SteveMaddenBooties

I need a brown weekend bootie with a chunky heel that I can wear with jeans when the weather gets colder. Sometimes my Uggs just don’t fit the bill. I think these Steve Madden’s look comfortable and cool. They are in strong consideration.

 

My Kind of Power Bar

SadieLeave a comment

Oatmeal is definitely one of my favorite foods.  I never get tired of it.  Sometimes people think it’s strange that I am so enthusiastic about a whole grain, but I love it.  I love it by itself, with toppings, instant versions, in cookies, and definitely in dessert or granola bars.  I load my oatmeal bars with whole wheat flour, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and walnuts.  While I wouldn’t necessarily classify them as “healthy” I like to think they are a lesser evil than most other cookies and brownies.  In my house, they are our own version of “power bars.”

Oatmeal Power Bars

(adapted from this recipe from Epicurious)

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup AP flour
  • 2 Tbs whole milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9 inch square pan (I often double the batch and use a 9×13 brownie pan or cookie sheet).

2.  Toast the oats in the oven until they are lightly golden.  Allow to cool before adding to batter.

3. Cream together butter and sugar.  Beat in eggs, milk, and vanilla.

4. in a separate bowl combine flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.

5.  Add dry to wet.  Then add oats, nuts, and dried cranberries.

6.  Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Allow to cool before cutting.



PS- I got new shoes, and they’re bad ass.

PSS- Go Bison!  Get that Patriot League title!