Dorothy vs The Wicked Witch

 My Ruby Slippers

If Dorothy had these babies, she would have never left Oz. These are Stuart Weitzman's version of the ruby slipper. These silk stiletto pumps are serious head-turners. They are sleek retro-designed pumps embellished with genuine Swarovski crystal encrusted heels. I have worn these shoes with everything, from an evening gown to my most tattered designer jeans paired with a cashmere ruby colored sweater.They retailed for $425. I bought these little gems for $159.

 My Little Pretty

The fight between Dorothy and the Wicked Witch over a pair of shoes, didn't have to happen. The Witch had her own shoes! These black beauties are on fire. They are "AZA" by Joan & David. The shiny patent is almost blinding. The 4" heel has a mirror finish detail on the underside. The inside of the shoe is red, and when I wear them, they give the appearance of a red light illuminating my feet. The original retail price was $189. I snagged them for the sweet price of $18.99, while vacationing in Arizona.

Dress To Impress

Boardroom Ready

I purchased this entire outfit, shoes included for less than $100. I bought the blouse from Forever 21, for $24.99. I was so excited when I saw it, because it looked just like one I'd seen at a Versace store in Las Vegas for $465. The combination of navy and pearl is stunning. This shirt can even dress up jeans. I wear it with a pair of trouser cut, dark blue denim jeans, for a dressy-casual look. 

Here, it's paired with a navy blue skirt I found on the clearance rack at Burlington for $14.99. The skirt is pencil cut, with a wide waistband, enhanced by a slight v-shape cutout.

The pointed toe patent leather pump is by Via Spiga. They have scalloped edges and a silver metallic 3" heel. I purchased them from Nordstrom Rack for $49. The original price was $169.

Accessory Tip: 

Simple silver toned or pearl jewelry is a nice compliment to the pearlized undertone in the shirt. 

Shoe Tip: 

Invest in a classic pump that will transition easily as your fashion taste evolves. A 3" heel is high enough to give extension to your height, yet comfortable enough to walk in all day.

Summer Soiree

Oh So Fresh!

We are dab in the middle of the summer's heat, and who wouldn't want to twirl in this, at a summer soiree. This Calvin Klein dress was designed using the simplest of straight lines. The skirt of the dress has a handkerchief hemline, and the flare is just airy enough to give it a floaty feel. Calvin put the devil in the details along the shoulder of the dress, by adding croc-print patent leather straps, with gold buckles. The retail price was around $139.00.

Accessory Tip:
A pair of white or gold earrings with a hint of dangle, would definitely compliment the unique buckle detail, combine with either a gold necklace or maybe even something with mother of pearl shells. The necklace should be on the thinner side, but consider one with some length to give a little more contrast to the front of the dress. A gold chain belt could also be worn.

Shoe Tip:
Go the extra mile with the shoes.This sweet pair are from Guess. They are a blend of white and light tan leather, with a wood grain stacked heel. The mixture of the two colors coordinate beautifully with this dress. The way the hemline dips and rises, carries the eye straight to the shoes, which speak for themselves.

Bougie Rouge's Shopping Tip:

I pride myself on not paying full or regular price for anything. I have a passion for beautiful shoes, and would like to think of the ones I have as a collection of sorts. I also love designer clothes, not for the label, but mostly for the quality of the materials, craftsmanship, and the added details and design. To keep my “laissez faire” shopping spirit in check, I preset the amount I plan to spend that particular day, and almost never do I exceed it. I don't shy away from shopping at high-end stores or specialty boutiques, but I strategically use tunnel vision as I focus on the sale and clearance racks.

I use the same coupon mentality at the department stores that I use at the grocery store. Based on my shopping expertise (I use that term loosely), I have found that Macy's reigns as queen of customer loyalty coupons. Nordstrom offers its loyal credit card holders, a generous rebate once a certain amount in purchases is reached. They also offer a generous annual amount of alteration credit, once you reach a certain level of spending. This can really save you a lot of money, as the costs of alterations can be very expensive.

If you don't mind reading a few extra emails, go ahead and sign up with the stores you frequent the most. Many stores send special sale alerts and include extra discount coupons in their emails.

Greek Goddess

Artistic Impressions

This is  a Rachel Roy abstract scarf dress. This lovely piece of art will make an indelible fashion impression. Rachel combined classic black, champagne, mocha, and canary yellow.The bias cut of the dress allows the fabric to flow fluidly. The handkerchief bottom falls just at the ankle on one side, and about mid-calf on the other. This dress was purchased from a specialty boutique, and sold for about $150.

Accessory Tip:

Enhance the one shoulder cut of the dress by accessorizing it with gold (either matte or shiny) jewelry. A very slight or thin short necklace would sit just right on the asymmetrical neckline. Add a pair of thin gold hoops or studs. A collection of thin gold bangles, or a wide gold cuff would dress up a bare arm.

Shoe Tip:

The shoes are by Casadei. They are made of a combination of champagne colored silk and jet black patent leather. The sleek lines in the design of the shoe, couples very well with the lines in the dress. They are traditional sling backs modernized with the addition of ankle straps. The regular price was $450, but I bought them from Dillards on sale for much less.

A Match Made In Shoe Heaven

If this isn't matchmaking, what is?

I couldn't have match this dress and shoes better, had I custom ordered them. These colorful creations both came from Macy's. The dress is made of rayon with a hint of spandex, which allows you to wear it year round. The bold jewel toned colors and geometric design is so attractive. This dress falls right at the small part of the leg, just below the knee. It is definitely appropriate for the office.

The thin leather belt accentuates the waistline, and doesn't detract from the interesting pattern in the design.

Accessory Tip: A small suede clutch in either black or one of the other bold colors found in the shoes. Understated earrings and no necklace.

Shoe Tip: What can I say? The shoes are "Erba" by Rachel Roy, and cost $139. They are made of a combination of black, fuchsia, and periwinkle suede, and have a 1 1/2" coral colored patent leather stripe around the peep-toe tip. The  heels are 4", with a hidden platform sole, which makes them extra comfy. And yes, they buckle around the ankle, which is so complimentary to the calf of the leg.

"I Got It At Ross"

What a steal!

I snagged these gold studded wedges from Ross. They are Falchi brand shoes,  made from a snake print embossed vegan leather. The double row of ankle straps are a very nice detail. The shoes are adorned with gold spiked tack heads, that give them the edgy look currently found with many designer brands. The heel is made of a straw-like woven material, which adds a summery feel to the overall style of the shoe. The heel is 5" tall, but the wedge design makes them very easy to wear.

When I discovered the price was only $15, I felt like I had won the shoe sweepstakes.

Ross's comparable price is $79. I just saw them on ebay for $39.99.

Lady In Red!

One Hot Number

This is undeniably a certified "Head-Turner". It's a Kenneth Cole faux wrap dress, with a slight asymmetrical hemline. The dress is made from a combination of rayon and spandex. The cut gives the average body-shape an hourglass figure. The body conscience fit is very clingy, but the weight of the fabric is heavy enough to offer a snug fit without exploiting a less than toned behind. The deep cut v-shaped neckline offers an added element of sensuality.

I am seriously considering selling it, so if you want to make a statement without saying a word, you might want to buy it. This dress sold at Dillards for $99.

Accessory Tip:  The simpler the better. A small gold or silver necklace and earrings will do. If your rear end isn't where you'd like it to be, a pair of Spanx is all you need to smooth it out.

  

Shoe Tip: Plain black leather pumps would look great. If you already own a pair of neutral colored red-bottoms, they would look perfect with this dress. 

Femininity Rules

So Lady Like

Floral print dresses are definitely romantic. This dress would be fitting to wear as a guest to a summer or spring wedding or any other warm weather social gathering. The background sage/blue-green color, is enhanced by the bright hot pink, white, and lemon-yellow flowers. It's made from a fine polished cotton fabric, which is machine washable. 

The sleeveless design is an opportunity to show off your toned arms. The higher cut rounded neckline accentuates the neck and shoulder lines. The 3" banded waist, floral pattern, and pleated bottom gives it a slight retro vibe. 

I wore it to a wedding myself and received a ton of compliments. I purchased this lovely little piece from H & M, for less than $60.

Accessory Tip:

A pearl necklace with matching earrings and bracelet, are the perfect match for this dress. If attending an evening  or nighttime wedding or event, throw on a coordinating cashmere pashmina or lightweight shawl, to keep your shoulders warm.

Shoe Tip:

A white, yellow, or pink pump or sandal with a slightly higher heel will suffice. The dressier the event, the higher the heel should be.

Papparazzi Ready

 

         Celebrity Style With A Twist

This beauty is made of a four way stretch jersey knit fabric with the look and feel of ultra-expensive suede. Because the stretch is a four way blend, it offers a very custom and comfortable fit.

The beautiful curve hugging cut, accentuates the waistline, and emphasizes the curves of the hips. The gathered twisted front design draws the eyes to the triangle shaped detail, and the high low hemline gives it a very current appeal.

This dress is now up for grabs! Hurry click the shop button before someone beats you to it.
  

Accessory Tip: A large turquoise or metal necklace would go nicely with this edgy dress. If you decide to wear a bold necklace, keep the earrings understated, no need to over do it. The second option would be to go big on the earrings, add a cuff bracelet, and don't wear a necklace at all.

Shoe Tip: Shoe booties in suede or leather. Try a strappy sandal with ankle straps. They are sure to emphasize the high low hemline.

                                     Shoe by Giuseppe Zanotti

                The dress is such a bargain, you can splurge on the shoes.
            The shoes were recently on sale at DSW.

Versatility At Its Best!

                                                            Jersey & Leather; A Perfect Match

This outfit can take you from a professional business environment, straight to happy hour without a single tweak. The sleek Calvin Klein top is made of soft black and white jersey. The style of the top is modern, yet sophisticated. I paired it with a fitted supple lamb leather just above the knee length skirt. The modern skirt features a semi-diagonal zipper that extends from the hem of the skirt up to the hip. The skirt was purchased from Nordstrom, and the top was bought at Burlington.

Accessory Tip:

I have accessorized this black and white combo with a bold medallion gold choker and a 1 1/2 inch leather belt, with a gold buckle closure.

Shoe Tip:

This outfit can be worn with plain black pumps or with shoe booties (as shown). The black leather peep toe cutout booties are by Vince Camuto. The gold side buckles add an additional compliment to the entire outfit.

Bohemian With Pizazz!

It's a shirt dress with a modern take! 

The button down front gives you the freedom to be as daring as you want to be.

This head turner is made of polyester, but has the comfortable feel of cotton.

I replaced the matching fabric belt, with a corset styled leather belt I purchased from an island boutique, while on vacation in Aruba. The bold turquoise color of the belt enhances the turquoise color stripe in the dress.

This dress was purchased from Nordstrom Rack, on sale for less than $100.

Accessory Tip:
Accessorize  this outfit with simple gold or turquoise jewelry. Remember to keep it simple, so as not to have the jewelry distract from the beautiful pattern of the print.

Shoe Tip:
A pair of strappy sandals or wedges, in either a neutral tone, red, or turquoise would look great with this dress.

Romeo & Juliet Couture Tangerine Maxi

Orange really is the new black!  

This Romeo & Juliet Couture tangerine colored, knit maxi beauty, has been embellished with bold stones and intricate beading along the v-cut neckline. 

The flowy easy to wear jersey is only slightly clingy, and the three quarter length sleeves are perfect for those of us, who don't quite have Michelle Obama's biceps. 

I purchased this dress at Ross for less than half of the $149 suggested retail price. 

Accessory Tip:
Don't bother wearing a necklace, the beaded adornment is enough. A coordinating pair of statement earrings and a few bold bracelets are all you need. 

Shoe Tip:
Sandals either flat or high heels, in brown, green, or tan would definitely work with this dress. 

This dress SOLD within minutes

of putting it on my blog!