Boots for Athletic Calves

Ever since I moved West, I have been a loyal Nordstrom customer. After all these years, I finally decided to pre-select for the Sale of all Sales--Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale. It was SO much fun to go around to all the departments trying on stuff that wasn't available to the general public--at least on sale for another few weeks. I saw these boots had stretchy suede in the back and was in LOVE. I have several pairs of Cole Haan shoes and with Nike Air, these shoes can't be beat for comfort. After a few weeks of anticipation, the boots arrived today. Perfectly packaged and calling my name. I was anxious as with my athletic calves, it can be extremely difficult to find stylish boots. The hard part was getting my foot through the instep. After that, I was in heaven. These boots will look absolutely fabulous with skinny jeans tucked in or a pair of leggings and a tunic. Now--I can't WAIT for fall! I want to wear these boots now!

Do you have an absolutely favorite pair of shoes or boots? What trends will you be sporting this fall? I'd love to hear!

JIMMY CHOO - LOVE THIS

This shoe deserves a night on the town. Whether hitting the town with friends or a significant other--this shoe will be a show stopper. Paired with a little black dress, the shoes deserve all the attention. Simple accessories like a chain necklace and a brightly colored clutch would complete a fabulous look.

How did I get here?

I was listening to the radio recently and it was mentioned to me that upon entering your mid-30's, you begin to relate more to your "10-year old" self. I instantly thought of an old class picture from 5th grade--where I was dressed like I was going to an interview. My mother would take me to Horne's, Kaufmann's or Gimbel's in downtown Pittsburgh where I would ogle over the latest trends and styles. I desperately wanted guess jeans, esprit & benetton tops & bass shoes. But for this class picture, I wore pink slacks, a white collared shirt, and a pink/white plaid wool vest. It sounds terrible, but I look at that picture today and think of a woman ready for serious business. Today, I am a successful business woman always trying to find a balance between being fashionable and being taken seriously by co-workers & clients. What is your favorite stylish childhood memory?

Getting Acquainted

I am a size 18/20 woman with a passion for all things fashion-related. I anxiously await the mail every month for my issues of InStyle & Vogue. Then, I spend days dreaming about how I'd buy the latest Prada, D&G, or Burberry if I could just squeeze myself into a size 12/14. I have spent years performing this same ritual with little to no results of becoming smaller. So, I've decided to seek fashionable clothing for the plus size woman. I just LOVE (yeah, right) how designer brands consider anything over size 6 "plus size". WHAT??? The average woman is size 16+. While some designers have recently decided to collaborate to bring fashion to the everyday woman, they are still not wearable for anyone with curves. I will scour the world looking for fashionable finds for the plus size woman. AND finding clothes that are age-appropriate for those over 35. I read these fabulous magazines full of glitz & glam but wonder--would this work for me? Maybe if I were 21, but not 35.

If you have any ideas for things you'd like to talk about or see me test any beauty products, I am willing to try it.

-The Maven