A Good Review

My annual review is approaching, and, as a running joke with my boss, I'll be wearing my "review dress." It was my first review, and wearing the dress wasn't completely unintentional. I wanted to look nice, and I had just purchased this chic teal-colored wrap dress, so I thought review day would be a good day to premiere it.

I didn't think he would notice the dress, but after the review, when my boss and I went to lunch, the wind kept blowing the wrap panel up and I made a little, and perhaps inappropriate, joke about revealing too much on my review day. Well, the kind of boss (and friend) he is, he continued the joke, saying "oh, that's why you wore the dress today!" And, thus, came the name "review dress."

So, in honor of my upcoming, and hopefully excellent, review, here are some "review dresses" that I would say significantly exceed expectations.

Ellen Tracy Belted Dress, $160, Dillards

Colette Dress Sling, $38.47, Chinese Laundry, Endless.com


Dagny Taggart, $86, Shabby Apple


Rembrandt Pump, $63.71, Dollhouse, Endless.com


Jacquard Sheath Dress, $66.59, Donna Ricco, Lord and Taylor


Rock & Roll Pump, $56.90, Naughty Monkey, Nordstrom

Shoe & the City

In honor of Sex & the City - The Movie, I thought I'd get a little Carried away and offer my homage to the shoes that made the show: Manolos. Without Carrie's incessant fixation on shoes, would any of us everyday gals even know who or what Manolos were?

Thanks SATC. You've made it acceptable to aspire to acquire exorbitantly priced footwear. But going into debt for your shoes doesn't have to happen. There are tons of Manolo look-a-likes at affordable prices. Here are just a few that have that Manolo essence for less.

Designer Look

Sedaraby Leopard Print d'Orsay, Manolo Blahnik $665


Bargain Look

Nova Slingback, Sam Edelman, $79.99


Enthuse, Guess Footwear, $74.99


Dazzling, Chinese Laundry, $49.99

Where the Boys Are

Finding a great pair of shoes is always gratifying, but using those shoes as the foundation for an entire look is even more delightful. Here is an example of a chic menswear-inspired shoe that did just that.

The Shoe

Chinese Laundry Women's Trixy Dress Pump, $69.95


The Outfit

Silk Voile Ruffled Blouse, Liz Claiborne, $26.99


Glen plaid vest, Newport-News, $25


Alexandra Skirt, Gianni Bini, $58.96

Land of a Thousand Sandals

I live in Phoenix, Arizona -- a place where people wear sandals year-round. I'm not fond of cold toes during the winter months, but once it hits about 80, the sandals, flip-flops and open-toe shoes come out of the closet onto my happy, slightly large, feet. Every spring/summer season, I revel in the new sandal styles. This year in particular, I'm searching for a cute pair of functional and fashionable sandals. I'm not talking flip-flops, but a classy pair of thong sandals. Hopefully I'll find some before the summer's over. Luckily in Phoenix, the summer weather usually doesn't end until mid to late October! In the meantime, here are a few samples of some great sandals and great prices...


Sleigh Thread, $49.99, Aerosoles


"Maura" Slingback Wedge, $36.75, White Mountain


Celena Slingback Heels, $25.99, CL by Chinese Laundry


"Colbalt" Sandal, $29.98, White Mountain


Wooden-Bead Sandals, $19.50, Old Navy

Polka Dot Perfection

Here's a great look for a night on the town, whether it be going to a funky art gallery opening or a jazzy night club sipping cosmos...

Designer Look















Dress, $395, Tibi;
















Shoes, $530, Christain Louboutin


Bargain Look














Dress, $148, Ann Taylor;












Shoes, $69, Chinese Laundry

Totals
Designer Look: $925
Bargain Look: $217 (a savings of$708)