fall in love... (they're here!)

For all you TOMS lovers out there (hand raised!) the time has come!  We have been seeing these sneak peeks of the TOMS Ballet Flats for months now and they are currently for sale!  I love that TOMS chose some materials they haven't yet used (suede, leather, linen) to produce a quintessential TOMS 'look' in a whole new profile.

These little babies are gorgeous!  And don't forget, for every pair of TOMS you buy - they give a pair to a child in need!  That's the best kind of giving...

(two-tone b/w, blue, leopard, black)

Do you have a favorite? I'm seriously in love with the two-tone black and white pair and the blue suede!

TOMS for summer!

As always... I am absolutely LOVING TOMS' new line for summer!  How fresh and fun are these styles!?!?  I love throwing on a pair for summer and they are perfect for fall as well (if you like to think ahead like me!)  Plus, they are for a great cause!  For every pair you purchase... TOMS gives a pair to a child in need! Can't beat that!?






Clockwise from left:navystripedpink leopardcrochet - now sold out! wedges

work it wednesday: toms!

It's work it wednesday gals... the oldest running series here on good life for less where I take one wardrobe piece and style it three different ways for your reading pleasure... and inspiration!  Today we are going to tackle TOMS shoes... I just love TOMS, but how to style them is a common question that I receive.

TOMS is an amazing company that gives away one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair you buy - it's an amazing mission and I am happy to support their work by buying shoes!  You can check out a lot more information about their company on their website - TOMS Shoes.

Here are a few ways I've styled mine... super laid back, usually with lots of layers...

Since these are mostly fall or winter looks... I also pulled together some spring and summer looks for your inspiration...

(above: necklace, shorts, top, clutch, cardigan, TOMS, ring)

(above: scarf, shorts, t-shirt, jacket, TOMS, ring)

(above: earrings, jeans, t-shirt, ring, bag, TOMS)

Aren't these outfits so fun? Makes me want another pair of TOMS! 

NEW Toms for spring! (I die!)

I am SO loving the new TOMS for spring... stone-washed, glitters, elephants, grommets and more!  Here are a few of my top picks:

From top left (then clockwise):

Grey Stone-Washed Twill Women's Classics

TOMS Shoes

Pink Women's Glitters

Black Stone-Washed Twill Women's Classics

Black Grommet Women's Classics

Pale Pink Women's Cordones

my outfit: stripe hype!

Remember when I mentioned that I cleaned out my closet? Well, that means that I get to wear my favorite clothes more often - yay!  That also means you get to SEE my favorite clothes more often - ummm, yay!?!?  I hope you don't mind - just keeping it real over here.  So yes, I did JUST wear this shirt and I might have JUST worn these jeans too... this is how I roll peeps.

Holla for the TOMS!  My feet froze (again) but it was totally worth it!  I'm so so sick of wearing boots... I'll take these warm days (warm in Michigan talk means 40's and 50's) and flaunt my ankles best I can.

Lately we've been trying to take pictures after my husband gets home from work.  The kids and I tend to be a little ornery this time of day.  Thus me giving my husband THIS look: (as in, are we done yet?)

And this look to my kids: (y'all get back in the house! - except we don't really say "y'all" in Michigan, not that I am aware of at least)

And then, there is my I-look-tired-because-my-kids-are-crazy face.  That's always a nice one too.  Are you perky at 5:30pm or a little spent like me? Tell me I'm not alone!

Details:
Pea Coat, Old Navy (similar)
Striped Top, Forever 21
Jeans, Gap (similar)
Shoes, TOMS Shoes Silver Glitters

my outfit: go for the bold!

This outfit is totally out of my norm... but I loved it! I was feeling daring and bold and it definitely came through. I know some of you will dislike the denim jacket with jeans but save your comments - ha! - I liked it!


Doesn't it feel good to go out of your comfort zone sometimes??


A lot of people ask me if TOMS are comfortable. I practically go accosted at the Las Vegas airport by two "mature" women wanting details on where to find TOMS and more importantly if they had "arch support" - apparently it's key as you age. I said "oh, yes of course" - but then I realized I don't really have problems with my arches - so maybe not. errr... it's hard to say.


What I WILL say though is that I ran, yes RAN (!!!!!) through pretty much the entire Minneapolis airport in these bad boys last night (damn you Delta!) and my feet were about the only things not hurting (my lungs and calves were another story... my temper and nerves, yet another one entirely). But my feet? Sparkly and happy!

Details:

Sarong as a Scarf, Gap (similar)

Denim Jacket, Gap (similar)

Striped Top, Forever 21 (similar)

Pink Top, Old Navy (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Shoes, TOMS

Handbag, Kate Spade (similar, I got mine at GILT for cheaper!)

TOMS Shoes 1,000,000!!!

This September TOMS Shoes is slated to give away their 1,000,000 pair of shoes to children in need! Isn't that so cool? I know I have contributed a pair... and I'm getting ready to contribute my second pair. Have you contributed a pair yet? All you need to do is buy a pair of shoes from TOMS and they automatically give one pair to a child in need. Isn't that so cool???

I got a gift certificate for a new pair for my birthday... I'm trying to decide which pair to buy... it's a hard decision!

I have really loved this silver pair for a long time... very long time.

(Silver Glitters Women's TOMS Shoes)


Of course I am also loving this leopard print too... so chic and just the right amount of flair.

(Snow Leopard Women's Vegan Classics TOMS Shoes)


I love the funky pattern and fall feel of this pair too....

(Purple Tangier Vegan Classics Women's TOMS Shoes)


Of course I just love the wedges too... I'm just worried it's too late in the season for a peep toe.
(Black Canvas Women's Wedges TOMS Shoes)


What's a girl to do? Isn't it almost impossible to decide???

TOMS Fall Preview!

Lucky me, TOMS Shoes sent over a little preview of their fall styles...

.... aaaaaand, lucky you! I get to share them here! Gird your pocketbooks ladies... I don't have pricing or availability details on them yet. But take a lookey-loo and put them on your fall shopping list!

Leopard print? Um, yes please!

Moroccan inspired... likely from the upcoming cameo that TOMS makes in Eat, Pray, Love with Julia Roberts.


These are so cute... if you look close they say "love is the new black". I love that!

And the black wedge... PERFECT for fall! I love that it has a touch of a platform on it.



Don't forget: For every pair purchased, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. TOMSshoes.com

red, white and blue week: All American, TOMS!

What is more all-American than TOMS and their one-for-one philosophy!?!? That's right, for every pair of shoes you buy from TOMS, they donate a pair to a child in need. I am a HUGE fan of TOMS shoes... especially these patriotic pairs!

For some reason they all remind me of fireworks!

Isn't the animal pattern on the inside of these adorable? Classic navy is perfect for summer...

Navy Canvas Classics Women's TOMS Shoes, $44


Again, I love the little animal prints on the inside of these... these red would be SO cute with jeans and a tee!

Red Canvas Classics Women's TOMS Shoes, $44


Classic white is just that, SO classic! The blue stitching spiffy's these up so nice!

White Canvas Classics Women's TOMS Shoes, $44


This silver glitters pair has been on my wish list for a LONG time... I just LOVE these!

Silver Glitters Women's TOMS Shoes, $54


Have a fabulous holiday weekend!