Target Does it Again

Steve Madden $79.99 / Target $29.99

Kate Spade $298.00 / Target $29.99

Dolce Vita $68.95 $46.20 / Target $22.99 (shoe #78)

Dolce Vita $68.95 $46.20 / Target $22.99

Has anyone else noticed how much Target has been killing it in the shoe game? From heels, to pumps, and even their flats look so expensive and luxurious for their pretty little price points! As I was looking at all the footwear they had available online, I kept thinking of how they were very similar to other pieces I had seen lately. 

I have been lusting over the Realove Steve Maddens for quite some time now and can finally satisfy my fix with the Target version for about a third of the price. If you are looking for a pop of neon for your summer outfits, the Target Vivian pump can be a staple in your closet for a tenth of the cost of the Kate Spade ones.

The sandals are both dead ringers for their Dolce Vita counterparts and even with the Nordies sale prices, are cheaper alternatives! I bought the tan version from Target and have found that it can be paired with anything and everything and are extremely comfortable... and I absolutely love the subtle snake skin detailing. While I think the gold bar on the white sandals may be a bit uncomfortable (it dug into my foot when I tried it on) the white is a freshing shoe color for the warm months ahead!

Now what are you waiting for? Go out and buy all the Target shoes you can get your hands on!!

~Kamola

View the Original article

Metallics & Lace

Hi! :)

As promised, here is my outfit for the Blogger's Night Out at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner on Sunday! 

Trench: H&M (stolen borrowed from my sister, similar in red) Top: Nordstrom Rack (similar for $13!) Skirt: H&M ($15 on clearance! similar, in love with this one) Belt: Loft (sold out, love this option) Shoes: Diana (from Tokyo, see similar options here) Clutch: Aldo (old, similar for $25) Necklace & Bangle: Raided from mom's jewelry box (close up of necklace here) Watch: Michael Kors Earrings: TJ Maxx

I originally put this outfit on for Valentine's Day but thought it looked a little too summer-y (and it was like 30 degrees outside) so I opted for a darker color that day. But I do love the lace on lace, the crisp white skirt, and the contrasting metallics of silver cap toes & clutch and the gold/rose gold details on my belt, shirt buttons, & jewelry.

I wanted to take pictures outside because it was SUCH a beautiful day on Sunday! But I, of course, took forever getting ready and was scared we were going to be late so we ended up taking some indoor shots after the event ended. I am happy with how the quality of the pictures came out! :)

I was so happy when I found this skirt at H&M's winter clearance sale more than a month ago. Luckily it was the last one in my size and fit like a glove! It'll be the perfect skirt to pair with pastels, florals, neutrals, and more this summer! It'll even be an appropriate item to wear to work (now I just need a bright pink blazer... how amazing would that look?!?)

Tonight I am off to SXSW in Austin... super excited! It'll be my first ever music festival and since I had no freaking idea what to wear I used this as my guide for some outfit inspiration! Can't wait to share pictures when I get back!

Love love love,
~Kamola

View the Original article

Strapped

Zara / Steve Madden / Joan & David / Betsey Johnson

Strap yourselves in ladies because I've apparently become obsessed with ankle straps. I am looking into some perfect heels for summer wear and I was trying to inject more color but the metallics stole a majority of my heart. But I do love the unique features of the Zara sandals - cobalt blue, emerald, and mint are a great color combo, and the back tongue would probably up the comfort level. It would be a great pair of statement shoes with a LWD (little white dress) as would any of the other options! Is it summer yet?

~Kamola

View the Original article

Cozy Weekend

Photos taken by Shawna

Quilted Jacket: Laundry by Shelli Segal White Top: LOFT (old) Moto Jeans: Express (old, similar) Wedge Boots: BCBGeneration Scarf: Target Tote Bag: DVF via TJ Maxx Bracelet: LOFT (old) Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson via TJ Maxx Rose Gold Necklace: Gift

Question, do my boots look suede to you? Well guess what, they are not! They are actually leather but they were distressed in a way that makes it look like suede. I loved the surprise feeling I got when I went to pet them and got the sleek smoothness of leather instead of the softer material I was expecting. (And yes, I pet my shoes... don't judge.)

Also, I am loving my DVF tote... I was looking for either a messenger or tote to use for school that would be big enough for my 16" laptop as well as textbooks, notebooks, and all the other crap us college students have to lug around. I must've searched online for hours looking for something big enough (my laptop is humungo) and just as cute as it is practical. I don't think I found anything I liked under $100 so when I found this beauty at TJ Maxx for $30 (that's right!) I didn't hesitate buying it! Who cares that my best friend has the same exact bag in a different color, at least we are studying in style :)

I am back from Austin and sadly did not take as many pictures as I had planned... sometimes it's nice to just put the camera down and live life not trying to capture the perfect moment. It was an incredible weekend and I loved the vibe of this city! Austin, I miss you and hope to be back again soon! I will share the few pix that I took sometime next week... Have a great rest of the week & weekend <3 

Shoe #88 ya'll, yee-haw!

~Kamola

View the Original article

Summer yet?

Forever 21 / Sole Society / Madden Girl / H&M

I know, I know what you must be thinking. First off, it's Wednesday dummy... and second off, strappy heels 3 weeks in a row??

Today is technically my Tuesday... didn't make it into work on Monday so I am running a day behind. And yes, I am ob-sessed with strappy heels! These are my top picks of the week for under $60. A little bit of neon and sparkle would make them perfect for the summer - casual or dressy! Also, this is my way of boycotting the current weather. Snow?? In late March, really?!? This should be the time of the year where we can slowly put away our winter coats and sweaters and break out the lighter and brighter materials. Until the sun starts peaking out and I can go bare-legged, I will keep my eyes focused on pretty shoes like the ones above!

~Kamola

View the Original article

B&amp;W @ SXSW

Black Tiered Top: Old Navy (old, similar) Black & White Bandage Skirt: Express (old, identical) Wedges: Banana Republic Factory Store (old, super cute) Gold Belt: Loft Red Crossbody Purse: Nine West via DSW (still available in stores!) Necklace: The Limited Watch: Anne Klein via Nordstrom Rack White/Gold & Pink/Silver Bangles: Express (similar) Black & White Bracelet: from Uzbekistan

Just looking at these pictures makes me miss the sun & fun we had in Austin! Although we didn't do much actual SXSW activities (lines were ridiculously long & my patience was ridiculously short) I had such a great time in this city... there was an amazing vibe due to all the creative people out and about and honestly... I can see myself living there! 

I wore this outfit for a night out... we got some tex-mex (love me some fajitas & margaritas!) and experienced some night life in Austin. I loved the ambiance and outdoor area in Malverde however they need a better DJ! Afterwards we hit up the W Hotel... amazing! Love that this place had many rooms to explore and great music to listen to!

OH & if you have a second please vote for me in TJ Maxx's #maxxstyle weekly contest! I scored an amazing pair of Zara pumps last weekend and hope to win a $50 giftcard for future use at TJ Maxx! Since it is one of my favorite stores, any extra funds to use there is always appreciated ;)
(PS - I am aware that the name says "Suzana" I am trying to get that resolved!)

Stay tuned on Sunday for more pictures from Austin!

87 boxes of shoes on the wall...

~Kamola

View the Original article

Austin Memories

It already feels like Austin was a distant memory even though I just got back about 3 weeks ago! Like I've said a million times, this city had an awesome youthful and fun vibe. Can't wait to visit again, hopefully sometime soon! Below are some pictures from my instagram feed in Austin as well as some bonus ones! (btw... my spell check just told me that instagram is spelled wrong... get with the times Mozilla!)

1. Apparently this was my favorite pose during the whole weekend! We stopped by the convention center to check out some of the exhibits and vendors real quick and I couldn't pass on a photo opp in front of the SXSW signage! Wearing an Express graphic tee & bandage skirt! (Same skirt as in this post... I tried to pack lightly!)

2. Can you spot me among all the lights? :) Awesome little lighted area of a park we stumbled upon... After you step on one for a few seconds, it'll change from blue to pink!

3. 3rd Eye Blind was playing in an empty parking lot but you needed a wristband or badge to enter... one of our friends had the genius idea of watching from the 6th floor of the parking garage across the street! Best seats in the house!!

4. Silly Kamola! Pattern mixing in my ikat skirt from Francesca's Collections, with a leopard Express belt around the waist of my Walter Baker (via TJ Maxx) peplum top! (See how I originally paired this skirt for winter wear here!)

1. Finally, long legs for days!

2. Gourdough's Big Fat Donuts... try the Black Out!!

3. Framed art wall at Malverde... Tu eres mi baby doll ;)

4. I was so excited for 70+ degree weather that I decided not to wear (or even pack) sneakers for Austin... too bad we came back to a wet and snowy DC!

1. Before our first official night out in Austin... finally taught myself to tie a belt nicely!

2. Claiming my territory <3 

3.  Black & Silver Arm Party! Express, Uzbek, Target, Uzbek (as in, I got them from Uzbekistan lol)

4. I love you so much! Thanks for visiting my blog & sharing in my experiences!

~Kamola

View the Original article

Purseday?

BANAGO / Ted Baker London / Nila Anthony / Steve Madden

Did you see the news on twitter? I won the #maxxstyle contest on TJ Maxx's facebook page this week! Thanks to everyone who voted for my new red hot pumps from Zara! Lucky me, I will be receiving a $50 gift card from the amazing people at TJ Maxx and while I would LOVE to be putting it towards another pair of heels, I am in desperate need of a summer clutch! That's why this week I put together my top purse picks instead of the heels... keeping you guys on your toes!

The few clutches I have now are kind of small (except for my Aldo clutch/crossbody that I wear everywhere) and I am looking for an envelope style but one that still has a chain for when I get too lazy to carry it around. I am loving the (what looks like) raffia texture of this one and the inside lining reminds me of beautiful Japanese origami paper, such a pretty detail! Speaking of Japanese details, isn't this Ted Baker London clutch to die for?? A little smaller than I would prefer but the print reminds me of Cherry Blossoms and other florals that you would find in a Japanese garden. I love the pop of hot pink on this clutch, black & pink are one of my favorite color combos (and it's only $38!!) but the Steve Madden neutral would go with everything! Which one is your favorite??

Although I can't be sure that all of these options will be available at TJ Maxx, it's a great way to get inspiration of what kind of clutch to look for! As soon as I get my gift card in the mail (and probably before that too) I will be scouring my local stores to find the perfect it bag at an amazing price! What kind of crazy deals have you found at TJ Maxx?

~Kamola

PS - this is not a sponsored post in anyway, I am just super excited that I won a giveaway to one of my favorite stores! Share your #maxxstyle on facebook, instagram, or twitter for your own chance to win!

PPS - don't worry, Tuesday Shoesday will be back next week!

View the Original article

Spring Break!

You know how I have been screaming waiting for Spring to pop up? Well until the sun decides to peek out from behind those clouds, I've got a little treat for you! LC Kanon, author of Spring Break, is here to tell you a little bit about her book & offer a sweet deal that can mentally transport you to the calm beaches of Cancun... until these girls find themselves involved with some very bad guys!

I read the book myself and was so entranced with the surprising twists and turns! There were times where I literally gasped or was shaking my seat wondering what was going to happen next! I could barely put the book down and I probably could've read through it in one sitting! Read my review here for more, read some more of LC's interviews here (great giveaway too!) and here, and continue reading below for some details on the book & the amazing offer!
---
How long you've been writing?

I went from compulsive reader to writer in 2007, and this is my first novel. I felt driven to write after reading far too many thrillers featuring "damsels in distress." I really felt compelled to meld the drama of chick lit with action and suspense, so I began writing Spring Break.

Tell us about Spring Break and why you wrote it?

Spring Break is about coeds vacationing in Cancun who run into a Mexican drug cartel. It quickly goes downhill from there, and the girls learn that they must use all their cunning to get out of Mexico alive. The idea was just so compelling I couldn't stop writing. That's when you know you have a good idea, when it just won't leave you alone until you finish it. I feel like I was seeing my characters around me constantly, and it was very inspiring and a great motivation.

Tell us about the mean girls in Spring Break!

It was very hard to make bad-behaving characters likeable. There are some "mean girls" in this book, but in the end I need you to root for them. I definitely channeled my high school and college years for this one, particularly remembering some mean girl interactions I had during those years. I began thinking about how cruel girls can be and how different that is from a very male form of aggression. I tried to combine these opposing roles and basically this group of girls sort of came into my head. They are all beautiful and popular and that, of course, makes them terrifying. I soon wondered what it would be like if thy ran into basically the male versions of themselves in Cancun but these men are linked to a Mexican cartel. The result, I think, is a pretty twisted thrill ride.

Will there be a sequel?

Absolutely, there is a lot left unfinished in Spring Break and it would be nice to go back and tie up some lose ends in a sequel. Several readers have asked me about it and I don't want to let them down.

How does your book, Spring Break, differ from the movie Spring Breakers?

The day before I published Spring Break I read an article about Spring Breakers, Harmony Korine's latest flick. I was really floored that someone else had come up with a similar concept of the girls-gone-bad spring break tale, but on reflection I guess it's not terribly original. Simply put, Harmony is storytelling from a male perspective. So while his girls have threesomes--mine do not. The heart of my book is really how people act under extreme pressure. The mean girl tensions in my story make it unique.
---

So are you already itching to get your hands on a copy of this book? Well, in honor of the newly released Spring Breakers movie, LC Kanon is offering you a chance to read her eBook absolutely FREE (original value $6.99)! Hope you'll take advantage of this limited time offer & let me know what you thought of the book! I am already looking forward to the sequel and we all know how patient I can be... ;)

Story Girl Press is offering this...

A free download of LC Kanon's Spring Break. Promo begins on April 2nd and runs through the 5th. Happy tanning!

Hurry & don't miss the chance to scoop up this deal!!
~Kamola

View the Original article

(Comfy) Tuesday Shoesday!

 This week's Tuesday Shoesday is brought to you by Andrea of To Speak Style. She is touching on a subject I will rarely cover on this blog... flats! 90% of the time you will find me in a pair of 4-inch heels but on the rare occasion that I do opt for a flatter shoe, I think the loafers are a cute alternative. I am not the biggest fan of ballet shoes because they make my feet look like clown shoes, really long and really skinny so I like that loafers have a bit more coverage (and you don't have to worry about toe cleavage!)

--

Loafers by atice23

Loafers are my security blanket.  While some wear flats for comfort, others wear wedges for height, and many wear heels so stylishly, loafers always end up being my choice of footwear.  There is something that feels refined about loafers.  To most they are reminiscent of menswear and gives an outfit that mixture of a masculine and feminine edge.  To me loafers remind me of one of the first pair of nice shoes I bought as a kid.  I think I was seven or perhaps eight, and I was so used to the yearly sneaker purchase.  I remember receiving these loafers.  They were black, simple, and had what I thought was a big heel back then but was probably just a normal chunk heel on any pair of loafers.  I remember thinking I had a pair of fancy shoes, and thus I treated them like they were fancy.  These were probably one of the first pair of shoes I actually took care of, and they were my absolute favorite.  With nostalgia and sweet memories comes a lifetime love of loafers.  As loafers saw a trend comeback in 2011, the more modern takes are eagerly welcome.  Currently, the smoking loafers with studs are rising in popularity, but for me I'll stick with my modern take on the classic loafer.

 --

Do any of you have a pair of shoes that make you recall sweet memories like Andrea's loafers? Would love to hear about it so please leave a comment... & don't forget to check out her blog! 

Thanks for sharing your love of loafers with us, Andrea!

~Kamola

View the Original article

The Printed Pant

Black Jacket: Express (old) Jean Jacket: via Nordstrom Rack (similar) White Sweater: Francesca's Collections Printed Pants: Express (available online in blue) Wedge Booties: Etienne Aigner via Macy's Infinity Scarf: H&M Crossbody Purse: Nine West Sunglasses: Target

I know, you are probably thinking "it's 80+ degrees this week, why is Kamola all bundled up?!?" but these pictures were from a few weeks ago! My cousin was visiting from NYC for a weekend and we tried to do the touristy thing and see some Cherry Blossoms... unfortunately we were a couple weeks early due to the cold weather delaying the peak :( Nevertheless, the weather was sunny but cool and it was a great day to walk around DC.

I am officially obsessed with printed pants! I found these babies at Express for $20 on their clearance rack! (About a month ago... but they still had it in green when I was in the store last weekend & it's available in blue online for $40!) It is ikat - one of my favorite prints of all time and the white/grey are a great neutral to pair with anything! We had a book reading to go to later that evening so I actually just switched out my sweater for a blue peplum top and threw on a pair of heels, I was set!

My new wedge booties are super duper comfortable! I had been searching high and low (remember this post?) for the perfect pair and finally found them at Macy's. Should've started there from the beginning! It was fate - they were the last pair left in the entire store and just so happened to be in my size. They were a display set so there was a bit of a toe crease on the right shoe but the salesman was kind enough to offer me a 20% discount for the little imperfection and I was soon on my way home with them! And even though we have warm weather upon us (yay!) I got a great amount of wear out of these booties the past few weeks.

And, um, these sunglasses are the best purchase from Target lately, just saying!

Have a great week!

~Kamola

View the Original article

The Bootie Reigns Supreme

This week's brutally honest (and stomach achingly hilarious) Tuesday Shoesday post is brought to you by LC Kanon of Story Girl Press! Remember the Spring Break interview with her a couple weeks ago? Well she's back today to give you her straight forward opinion on your footwear... and sorry ladies, but I have to say... I agree!

---

Smart, important-looking, professional women of DC. These boots:

 

Source: funky-wellington-boots.co.uk via Sir Edmund on Pinterest

Do not make you look professional. Oh I KNOW what you are saying. I can hear what you are saying to your fancy electronical device as you read this guest blog post. "But they are cute." You say to the screen, squishing your feet in your bright red willies. "And it's raining." You repeat to yourself, your feet reveling in the swampy hot goodness of your Hunter boots. Stop. Just stop! You do not look adorable like this:

Source: wantering.com via Wantering on Pinterest

You look more like, well, this:

 Source: secretgardenparty.com via Secret Garden Party on Pinterest

I'm going to blow your mind now. Ready? Here it goes.

Source: stevemadden.com via Ester on Pinterest

Baw! See that? Yes, it's true. Say it with me, BOOTIES! The neat-o thing about leather booties is the fact that they are, in fact, marvelously adaptable in the rainy climes of Washington DC. All leather needs is a swift polish after a minor water incident also known as rain. So unless you live in the rolling English countryside, assisting in irrigating fields and other such manual labor, reclaim your rightful rain-weather footwear. The bootie!

View the Original article

Offsite

Guest posting over on Andrea's blog today! Read about my love of peplums (as if you didn't already know) & check out her page while you are at it! 

(Remember her guest post here? She re-branded!)

Happy Hump Day!

~Kamola

View the Original article

Throwback!

Blazer: H&M Pencil Skirt: The Limited (similar, similar, splurge) Lace Top: The Limited (similar, similar) Peep Toes: Zara (throwback! similar, similar in many diff colors) Necklace: The Limited Watch: Michael Kors Chain-link Bracelet: Banana Republic Factory Store (similar) Bangle: Mom's Jewelry Box (love this one with diff color options) Lipstick: Studio Gear Cosmetics - Warm Embrace

Photos by Andrea

Ta-da! Finally, a work outfit! It was promised to you a long, long time ago... hey, I never said I was punctual!

My favorite things to wear to work are skirts and dresses. Mainly because all of my suit pants never fit me quite right but also because it makes me feel oh-so girly and feminine. Being so close to DC, my work has a pretty conservative dress code... but I am always pushing the limits. HR has told me numerous times that I am right on the edge, and I like it like that. I love this faux leather panel on the skirt, gives it that edge I love but I balance it out with a simple black blazer and a white top. When you go with a riskier piece, you want to make sure that you are not way too over the top with the rest of your outfit too. Toning it down with those neutrals and basics is my suggestion for getting away with it ;)

My shoes were a throwback piece as well as a subtle pop of color. You know the #throwbackthursday (or #tbt) tags on instagram/twitter where you post adorable pictures of yourself as a kid (or of a crazy drunken night in college)? Well I want to extend that to my wardrobe! Every week I will be digging into the depths of my closet to find something I haven't worn in ages and find a way to incorporate it into a more modern outfit. These were my first pair of Zara shoes and I bought them in high school on a class trip to NYC. The color and shape drew me in and at the time, they were quite tall for me (they are about 3 inches) but currently it is actually a break for my feet from the usual 4-4.5 inchers I wear! When I pulled them out of their box the other day, my first thought was "OMG they look like bridesmaids shoes." But that characteristic made it the perfect way to soften my leather-ed up look for work!

Oh & as a bonus... here's a picture of me wearing these peeps almost 5 years ago at my high school graduation! Have I changed much?

85 boxes of shoes on the wall...
~Kamola

PS - If you missed either of my guest posts the past week or so, check them out here and here!

View the Original article

Bottomless

Leather Jacket: Kenneth Cole via TJ Maxx (similar) Hoodie: Marshall's Shirt: Express Coated Skinny Jeans: H&M (recent) Booties: Guess via TJ Maxx Crossbody Purse: Aldo Necklace: The Limited Sunglasses: Target (in pink)

Get your mind out of the gutter! Bottomless mimosas! A couple weeks ago my friend Shannon and I ventured out to Dupont Circle to try out a brunch place - Twist at the Carlyle Hotel. We had a Living Social voucher for brunch and bottomless mimosas for wayyy cheap! And when I say bottomless... we literally could not get to the bottom of our champagne glass before they came by and topped us off again. We definitely lost track of how many we had... and you are lucky I am not all crazy smiley in these pix. Note to self: next time, take pictures before you start drinking.

It was a sunny but chilly day in DC but I wanted to throw on my leather jacket so I layered a thin hoodie underneath. I love this look so much I am in the market for more thin hoodies! This leather jacket is one of my favoriteeee purchases from TJ Maxx... $150 for a real leather Kenneth Cole jacket, in my size??? It was love at first sight and I don't think I will ever tire of it! Talk about #maxxstyle!

Do you remember these booties from this FFF post? As you can see, I decided to keep the booties and boy am I glad I did! They are super comfy for long term walking and I have basically declared them a neutral since I wear them with everything! Trying to get as much wear out of all my cold-weather booties while I have the chance... although I am super duper excited for the warmer weather ahead!

Love love love (& shoe #84!),

~Kamola

View the Original article

Flowers &amp; Florals

White Blazer: H&M (similar, similar) Floral Dress: Banana Republic (old, love this, this, and this) Shoes: Bakers (super duper old, semi-similar) Python Purse: Coach (old but still available in outlet stores, super cute faux option) Necklace: The Limited Bangle: Mom's Bracelet: Banana Republic Factory Store Watch: Michael Kors

This was one of those days where everything felt perfect. Sun was shining, it was 90 degrees, the bf took me out for a quick lunch break and I got to play with flower petals! For the hottest day of the year so far, I wanted my outfit to scream summer and what better way to do that than florals?? Confession: I bought this dress over a year and a half ago and this was only my second time wearing it! I always thought I should reserve it for a dressy event such as a wedding or baby shower but pairing it with a white blazer definitely toned down the print, making it more work appropriate. Adding a pair of neutral heels, gold jewelry, and a blue-ish grey-ish purse was the perfect way to go. Speaking of the shoes, it's the second throwback piece in this outfit! (The dress is #1). I love finding a way to re-integrate these oldies into my current wardrobe... this is why you should always try to go for more timeless and classic pieces so it doesn't look like you are trying to bring back an old forgotten trend from high school!

Almost forgot! Linking up to Style Elixir's Style Sessions & Coffee Beans & Bobby Pins Friday's Five Link up!

Happy Thursday! Only one more day til Friday, Friday!
 83 boxes of shoes on the wall...
~Kamola

View the Original article

Expect the Unexpected

Envy / Rachel Zoe / Steve Madden / Levity / Sole Society / Sole Society

I am always on the look out for a great pair of pumps and lately I have been gravitating towards unexpected details. While a classic pair of black pointy toe pumps will never go out of style, those little details have been catching my eye such as ankle and t-straps, snake skin, pop of neon, and the adorable bow on the Steve Maddens. All of the above could be appropriate in the office and then fit in perfectly at happy hour or a nice dinner date afterwards.

~Kamola

View the Original article