Happy Sunday Sistas!

As you all know, I love a good shoe sale! The hunt and rush of finding fabulous foot candy is well, how to say it…I’m an addict ok…without apologies! I’ve mentioned early in the birth of this blog that when I got married and took a step back from my television career, my shopping budget went from Fred Segal and Neiman’s status to TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. Learning to shop with Cristal Champagne taste on a Bud Light budget became a fun form of creativity for me. Of course, after the initial mourning over the loss of all the designer items I sold.

A moment of silence for those Gucci handbags, please.

Now, I get to teach all of you how to get creative! You do not have to sacrifice style and expressing yourself through fashion just because you have to wear Steve Madden instead of Christian Louboutin. I actually sold my remaining few Loubou’s on Ebay to have extra spending money when we moved to Dallas last year and you know what? I don’t miss them one bit. Now, will I add more Loubou’s to my shoe collection at some point? Heck yea sista! I’ve learned to embrace the ebb & flow of life. Even how it pertains to my wardrobe!

Now, to today’s point. As a lover of the finer, most beautifully crafted types of shoes- I admit to being a bit snobby when it came to wearing “vegan” non-leather shoes. Then, a few months ago a client hired me to coach her on image and give her some tips to begin “veganizing” her wardrobe. She made a valid point for wanting to rid her closet of leather goods, but had not been able to find really chic & fashionable items in her country.

SOS to the rescue!

Right before I started working with her, I had just bought a few non-leather handbags that I simply adored. They were so cute I didn’t care that they weren’t expensive Italian leather. There are so many on-trend and stylish companies producing great quality vegan items now. So, I had gotten over my snobby attitude toward bags, but still had an ego about the shoes. My style philosophy has always been that you can wear stylish inexpensive outfits from H & M, but don’t be too chintzy on the shoes. But, we’re always growing and evolving with our fashion sense and when I saw a stylish fashionista rockin’ these hot red fringe booties at an event last month…I just had to have them. Come to find out they were faux suede and under $20. Say what?  By Shoe Republic LA.

My vegan shoe collection has officially been started! The great thing about buying trendy vegan shoes is you can purchase several pair and still have money left over to buy those pair of great fitting jeans or that chic black blazer at a heaftier price tag. If they are super trendy, you may not even wear them the following year and then you aren’t out $1500. Which is equivalent to some people’s mortgage payment! Ouch.

Here are a few more vegan shoes by that I’ve added to the collection…

These blingy leopard print heels above, also by Shoe Republic LA, were a bit over-the-top for me, but they kept calling my name…Pssst, Tiffany…can I come live in your closet room please? If you saw my shoe webisode, you know I’m a firm believer in buying statement specialty shoes.. just because! 

Chambray denim is one of THE hottest styles this Spring. So is the high 70’s platform! I was thrilled to find these to wear with colorful floral maxi sundresses.

What are your thoughts on “vegan” shoes and handbags?

As always, do what works for you, your unique personal style, your lifestyle and your budget.

SHINE ON!

Love, Tiff xo