My first flats

Besides my gym shoes, I can't say I remember the last time (or a time) I've bought a pair of flat shoes. Hence the name of this blog, "HEEL, ball-change".

But when you know you're going to be walking around all of Paris and Spain for vacation, it's time to suck it up. Since we'll be going over winter I decided to check out some cute flat boots. After trying on one pair after the other, I finally found one I liked on me (plenty of them looked great on the stand, but just weren't working on me).

I decided to start breaking them in this weekend.

As much as I have fallen for these, 2 weeks and no heels doesn't seem doable for me. So, I splurged and have these cute Hunter rainboot wedges on order! I figure it'll be a bit chilly & wet in Paris, so they're definitely a necessity.

With a name like Stuart

Last year, I bought these shoes for my birthday. In terms of style - I absolutely adore them. In terms of price - they're the most expensive shoes I've ever purchased (and they were 60% off the original price when I did buy them). In terms of comfort - they may be the most uncomfortable shoes I own.

Seems a little ridiculous. The most expensive shoe is one of the most uncomfortable??? Well, I did purchase them online and it was a final sale, so couldn't do much about it. Fortunately, I still love the look so I wear them out or to work when I know I'll be sitting most of the time. Today, was one of those days.

Party like a (80s) Rock Star

For the 10th, yes 10th, year in a row we went to see TranSiberian Orchestra's Christmas show. It's become a Christmas tradition.

And for the 10th time (actually 11th - we went to 2 shows last Christmas) it was awesome!

In case you don't know TSO, they're a bunch of 80s rock stars gone classical. (Think The Nutcracker meets  80s rock, lasers, fire and 20+ semis worth of lights!!!)

During last year's Chicago show, we sat right behind an old groupie who head-banged and threw up his rock star hands throughout the show. It was awesome. So, I decided this year, I'd style myself a little 80s rock as well. No, not a faded black concert shirt - 80s glam rock with a modern twist.

 

Gray lace dress - Forever 21

Buckle boots - lulu.com

Necklace - Apricot Lane (note it completely fell apart...wouldn't recommend)

Belt - from another coat I own

Bomber jacket - Express

Here are a couple shots from the show as well. Now that we've been to so many, we change up where we sit each year so we get a different view.

Fash'nspired: Girls Night!

My friend Steph helped us start a monthly Girls Night Out with a few of us that hang out from work and a couple other friends she knows. Last week was our 3rd one and the first one I actually made it out all night for.

Quick recap:
1st Girls Night - I came home from work ready to get myself together and go meet everyone. Robert's car was in the garage, but there was no Robert. I immediately assumed he was hiding somewhere and was waiting for him to jump out of a closet or something (note this is a regular event). But after 15 minutes or so, nothing. I called his name, searched the house and he wasn't anywhere to be found. Bella was home so he hadn't taken her for a walk. So I called his cell - no answer. I called again (and within the next hour probably close to 10 times). My husband was missing. Because I worry (a lot) - I get this from my mom - scenario after scenario went through my head. After missing the first hour of girls night and not knowing where Robert was, I figured it was best to go out and get my mind off this. I knew I was overreacting. I was right - he had gone on a bike ride with some friends. Whoops.

2nd Girls Night - It was going to rain so Robert and I had to move in some donations for the Salvation Army that were sitting out on the driveway. Almost everything was moved in and we started to move the last piece of furniture. As I went to set down the desk, Robert must have still been moving it and the next thing I knew my toe was bleeding all over and my nail was hanging off. Didn't make it to girls night - spent the night at Prompt Care.

3rd Girls Night - I had been out of town for work the last 2 nights. When I got home Robert had bought me flowers and was excited to spend the night with me. I quickly reminded him that it was girls night...and I wasn't letting him get in the way this time. (Ok, I said it a bit nicer than that and I did feel really bad but I wasn't missing another night out).

This night was a success! Jenny set us up to go to Free to Bead in the Heights before hitting the bar. We had to pick out our beads to make a necklace. It took a little while for me to get fash'nspired, but eventually I found my inspiration piece and got to work.

Red, White & Blue

If I've learned anything about politics since I've been old enough to vote it's that I'm no republican, and I'm no democrat. Needless to say my ballot is typically a good mix.

So therefore, for midterm elections so was my outfit.