Vivienne Westwood flats, B

For being a pair of plastic shoes I ordered off Zappos and given my mismatched feet sizes, this purchase was risky. Once I saw how shiny they were, I got scared and immediately thought of sweaty, hot, compressed feet in cheap, plastic, non-breathable feet smotherers. But, thankfully, this isn't the case!

Pros:

• They are plastic and shiny but not cheap looking
• They are classy and I am having no difficulty pairing the shoes with my other clothes
• They don't feel like you expect them to feel! The inside is nice, and doesn't tug at your skin
• There is a little hole at the tip of the shoe, right above the toes, that adds interest and practicality 

Cons:

• Given that they are plastic shoes, they don't have as much give as leather shoes. I know these stinkers aren't going to change much, they aren't going to mold to my feet, but I knew that going into this purchase

I found a better picture of them in inverse colors here: 

they have other styles with hearts on the tips instead of what I think is a wax-seal ornament: I want (seriously. Imagine wearing these on Valentine's Day)

Urban Outfitters hair clip, C

I like this hairclip. I really do. (Why else would I have spent $10 on a set of two identical hair pins?) But just because it's so pretty in theory, doesn't mean it's not a waste of teh moneys.

Pros:

• The colors are pretty and trendy
• The pin isn't overwhelming; it's a good way to incorporate a feminine touch
• IT'S SO PRETTY

Cons:

• It's a poor pin design (how a company could mess up a design so simple and so common is beyond me... but alas if one company had to do it, it would be Urban Outfitters). It snags my hair and it's not tight enough to even stay in!
• The ends are sharp and visible when you put the pin in
• I look like a toddler when I wear it. Seriously, I can't figure out a way not to look like an infant with this is. Again, good in theory, but poor in execution

JCrew studded belt, B

I bought this belt for less than $20 at a JCrew outlet store in Rehoboth, Delaware. So far, I love it, I wear it with everything to make my outfit more thoughtful. It's simple and easily accessorizes almost anything I am wearing.

Pros:

• classy
• bendable, soft leather
• goes with almost anything, except for probably non-gold accessories

Cons:

• it's weak... I fear buckling it too tight (you know, tight enough to actually hold up my pants) because it seems like it's going to break. I knew going into this purchase it was primarily an aesthetic belt, but still.
• Since it's JCrew and not a real leathershop, the sides of the belt are beginning to fray. It's hardly noticeable and I have definitely got my money's worth of the belt, but still disappointing.

Frye leather flats, A+

After the first week of wearing these shoes, I was not happy. I was ready to write a post about how after 10 days, they still hurt too much and gave me too many blisters for a pair of $123 shoes. But for some reason (midterms) I didn't post then, and I'm glad I didn't because it wouldn't have been representative of all the comfort and reliability my shoes have been giving me now. After going to DC and Philly in these shoes, with bandaids dutifully taped to the back of my heels, these shoes have been perfectly worn in.

Pros:

• mold to your feet, exactly
• quality, comfortable leather
• soles that feel supportive. With some of my flats, it feels like I'm walking directly on the asphalt but with these, I don't notice so much how my feet feel-- which is a good indication that the shoes are providing what they are supposed to be providing!
• leather that's easy to clean (I got gum off of them with an old toothbrush & water, minimal staining)
• beautiful color that looks worn-in not worn-out (if that makes sense)

Cons:

• Takes a while to mold to your feet. And it hurts. But anybody who has owned Rainbow flipflops knows breaking in leather shoes are definitely worth it

target home organic sheet set, A+

Pros:

• incredibly soft and luxurious
• under $25 dollars for a twin pillowcase, fitted sheet and flat sheet
• rich color
• organic (see treehugger.com for more information). I feel good and clean falling asleep on these sheets, especially since I have super sensitive skin that's triggered by traces of chemicals

Cons:

• lint sticks to it and is visible, but that could be because I have a light tan-colored blanket that sheds like my dog in montgomery county summer

I love the color and I still can't believe the quality of the product for such an affordable price. I'm definitely going to buy more Target Home organic products 

essie soiree mauve, A

Pros:

• vogue
• earthy undertones go unexpectedly well with other styles, color isn't jarring against clothing fashions
• more interesting than standard nudes and darker fall hues
• cheap ($8) way to implement a trend and color into your wardrobe when buying trendy autumn pieces may be out of the question

Cons:

• As with all darker polishes, chipping is more visible and more frustrating (how awful the feeling of noticing an imperfection only days after you apply the polish)

I love it and I wish I had more fingers and toes to paint this color. It's so pretty and seasonal and classy. It's considered a resort collection color, but wearing this polish is sophisticated, not showy. 

shoes (thrift)

I purchased these boys leather shoes at a Value Village about a month ago. I was very lucky they fit my mismatched feet sizes and cost me under $12!

• Pros:Nice alternative to the standard flat in the fall. More interesting, especially because of the men's style. I love when women's shoes have laces, but it's tough to find some that aren't explicitly athletic or super ugly.

• Most authentic version of the menswear-inspired oxford shoes found on the runway

Cons:

• They aren't shaped for women's feet-- be careful to know exactly how the shoes will feel after walking around in them a bit, especially if you're purchasing them thrift.
• Socks will be visible. So for ladies who blister without socks, put Vaseline or another petroleum-based jelly on the parts of your feet that are most likely to be irritated, like your heels and your big toe joint. It feels a bit silly and slimey, but it's a surprisingly simple and effective. OR you could turn the socks into a positive, and pair these shoes with similarly feminine menswear-inspired socks and wear them folded on the ankle