Story Time!

Story time! So I was recently out shopping for some basic black pumps. I’d recently received a very nice gift/thank you, and since I needed some pumps for work, I decided to invest in a nice pair that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. Where does one go for new shoes, you ask? Why, to DSW, that’s where! J I met up with a friend for lunch, then we went of shoe shopping. And of course there wasn’t anything in the sale racks (the first place I check at DSW) so I started walking through the aisles. Finally, in the last aisle I saw some that I thought might be good for work. Two-inch heal, closed toe, and just a plain-ole’ basic black pump. The only downside here is that I have done my utmost to avoid buying designer anything (unless it’s second hand). But I had decided to invest, so for the first time in my life I tried on designer footwear . . . and didn’t want to take them off!! Let me tell you, Coach knows how to make a great basic pump! There were several other colors (white and silver come to mind) and were $100. Not nearly as much as the Duchess’ shoes, but still more than I like to spend on shoes. However, I am now a new convert to solid, reliable, wear-until-there-are-holes-in-them shoes—including heels! So I’m sure you’re wondering which ones they are in order that you can go buy some for yourself (which I highly recommend if you need a pair of basic pumps). Here they are!

And the story isn’t over! After snapping up these pumps (and a new pair of running shoes that I badly needed) we headed off to a store I hadn’t been to before: Versona. Another place that is full of Duchess-style possibilities, my friend and I both fell in love with a dress on a manikin. Once we found it, they only had my size available (sorry friend!) so I tried it on. Just like the pumps, I hated to take it off! Aside from liking the dress in general, it also has several aspects that match the Duchess’ style: a-line bottom, eyelet, solid color, and (vaguely) capped sleeves. Though we rarely see her in something quite this brightly colored, she does surprise us! Anyway, I love the dress and it’s been great for work and more casual events as well. So here it is:

 

And here’s a closer look at the fabric, so you can see the eyelet lace:

As to the color, the first picture is closer to the actual fuchsia. It also looks great with a skinny belt, jacket, pumps, you get the idea.

So that’s my story! You just never know what you’re going to find when you take a shopping day!