RVAfashionista.com

Picking the perfect pair of shoes for a professional retail career is no easy feat - as much as I'd love to wear my Danskos every day, I need to look chic and stylish all while staying comfortable.  I've been intrigued by the YOU by Crocs line for a while since I already had a pair of the Crocs McCall Winter flats.  So I took the plunge and purchased the YOU by Crocs Pixie (retails for $89.99) to add to my shoe collection.  This classic strappy black sandal features a 2.5 inch stacked heel and all the comfort you would find in a pair of Crocs.  The heel height looks great with skirts/dresses and it's the perfect heel height for most of my dress pants.  So if you're on the hunt for a great summer shoe for the office with some flair, check out the YOU by Crocs Pixie!

City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25 is an essential in my makeup bag and my every day skin routine.  I use it, my mother uses it, my sister uses it.  This sheer, non-greasy, chemical free sunscreen evens out my skin tone just enough without feeling sticky or heavy.  City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25 retails for $17.50 at Clinique and at your local department store.

In all honesty, I'm quite ready for winter to be over. The East Coast has gotten pummeled by snow, snow, and more snow.  The only thing I regret about buying the Crocs Women's Claire Boot is that I didn't buy them sooner!  I ordered mine from the Crocs website but since they're on clearance, not all sizes and colors are available.  Thus, I've including the links to the boots for the Crocs.com site and the the Endless.com site so you can hopefully find the size and color you want!  The best thing about these boots is that they are lightweight and don't feel clunky or heavy like traditional snowboots.  I am ready for the #snOMG season to be over with but I am now totally prepaired for when the next winter storm hits with my new boots!

I have yet another shoe crush. . .

The Linea Paolo 'Jenera' Pump is a grown-up version of the classic Mary Jane style shoe.  Smooth black leather paired with accents of shiny patent leather perched atop a hidden platform. A sturdy yet sassy stacked heel and a saucy peep toe?  Yes, please.  These lovelies retail for $119.95 by Linea Paolo at Nordstrom.

Are they just as shoe crush worthy to you?

I have a "shoe crush" on the Seychelles 'Veronica' TStrap Pump. Why? Vintage styling, neutral palette with a pop of yellow, and has the versatility to wear at the end of winter and well into spring.  Wear them now with a grey pencil skirt, textured tights, and a belted cardigan sweater but then wear the shoes into spring with a sundress or cropped denim paired with a flirty ruffled top. They retail for $89.95 by Seychelles at Nordstrom.  The shoes are also available in a black/plum/bronze color combination but I'm quite partial to the taupe/grey with the gold and yellow! I am normally afraid of anything yellow but the more I look at this shoe, the more ideas I get into my head on how to wear it!

Do you think the Seychelles 'Veronica' TStrap Pump is just as shoe crush worthy to you?

Old Man Winter has taken it's toll on my combination skin especially around my eyes.  This is why the Bobbi Brown 'Extra' Eye Balm has become an extra essential in my makeup and skincare routine.  The balm does some heavy duty moisturizing without irritating the sensitive skin around my eyes.  Trust me, this eye balm is well worth the $60 for 0.45 ounces since it keeps my eye area from flaking and freaking out from the cold winter air.

Every time it's New Year's Eve, I always wonder "where did the year go?!?"  This year has been no exception and it's been filled with lots of changes!  I'm finally getting settled into my life until the next round of changes comes at me.  Change is inevitable but here's a few highlights of 2009:

• February/March: Moving to The Fan and living life in the city on my own - no parents, roommates, or cats.  Just me, myself, and I in my giant walk in-closet.
• May:  Switched up my career again and transitioned into becoming a "shoe dawg."  Such a high energy division - a lot of fun but it took a major mental/physical toll onto my body.
• October:  After 6 months of living a life in shoes, I was promoted to business manager and I've acquirred an insiders perspective of the cosmetics/beauty industry.

I've now survived a successful retail holiday season, "kicked some tail and took some names," and realizing that I hold the key to my success.  Roll with the punches even if you get knocked off your feet a few times, get back up and keep going!   Life's too short to let a bad day get to you.

Since tonight is the infamous New Year's Eve and I have a fab party to
attend, I needed a fab new dress.  On a shopping excursion with my
mother, I found this New York & Company dress on the clearance rack. Of course I tried it on because I love anything black and it fitted me like a dream.  I normally tend to have issues with shift dresses - if it fits my bustline, it's usually too big in the hips since I'm more of an hourglass shape.  Thus, if the dress fits and you have Christmas money to spend - BUY THE DRESS.

So to go with said dress, I'm pairing a purple cardigan from Nordstrom and purple snakeskin peep toe pumps that I bought from Target last year.  I had my eye on these cute Mary Jane style leopard pumps from Payless but I decided to not make a dent in my wallet and to wear shoes that already have a happy home in my closet.

I wish all of you a fab and safe New Year's Eve holiday and a fantastic HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Much love and XOXO,

Lindsay a.k.a. The RVAfashionista

At the beginning of August, I had a quick photo shoot with local RVA photographer Thomas Scott. I met Thomas through Twitter (you may follow him here @nigelstwin) and we did a shoot earlier this summer but those shots didn't quite turn out as planned. So we finally got together at the beginning of August for another go. I can thank Thomas for the awesome concept of turning me into a "twin" for this shoot. This photo was taken inside the VCU Commons Theatre. Of course my favorite accessory, i.e. my pink Blackberry Curve is featured in the photo too! We all know I am addicted to my Blackberry. . .

Again, please check out the Punch Photo blog!