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Tis the season for blazers!! Well...all year round is a good time for blazers-let's be real. You can toss on a blazer with shorts, jeans, trousers and dresses to elevate the look. I love how they give off a polished n posh finish. Becuz I am not a coat person, I opt for alternatives to stay warm n found layering blazers to work for me. Growing up, my mom always had this classic garment in the closet. In a previous #WerkCouture post for Monday Blues I spoke on my love for blazers n gave a quick history lesson from wince they came. Being an OG in this game...I must say; I am quite disappointed at what is offered these days. It seems as tho the classic style has been cheapened n doesn't give any type of shape. Due to the modern take of blazers, I prefer to opt for actual vintage ones from thrifting. The only draw back to doin that is...sizing n fit. There's no give in the arm area with vintage n wasn't no need for stretch back then. They are far more sturdier n long lasting. I still have some from my mom's stash that are hefty. A really good one will have inside pockets too. It's hella hard to shop for these to give me a solid formation with an emphasis on the shoulders. Give me broad bytchez!! Give me BROAAAAD!! I learned of Veronica Beard a few anniversaries ago. Kinda have a regret on not getting it with it being on sale at the time ($320) becuz this brand is quite the investment. On the other hand, before making the plunge; it has to be juuuuust right. This crop denim jacket is cute. I love the detail n all but...cute is for kids! I look for my blazers to mean business. The shoulders for this one kinda gives me the old school look but it's not that POP in the shoulder I'm looking for. Also, I'm not to big on the crop'ness cuz I don't wanna draw attention to the midriff at times. So let's continue... Who knew shopping for something so simple would be this hard. It's almost up there with shopping for jeans **eyeroll** I'm finding I have to be strategic at this to find THE ONE!! Say hello to "tall girl" problems where the arms aren't long enuff. Sizing is everything!! With VB's I can be anywhere from a 14 or 16. I found an "affordable" brand called Cinq a Sept which I like (don't own one) n can fit a size 14 (if I leave it open lol) but the material left little to be desired. As u can see with this baby blue blazer, the fit is just a NO GO!! There's no shoulder pads, the jacket in itself is thin even tho the plus of the try on was...I liked the scrunched sleeves n how it hits the hip. Another gripe I have with newer blazers is no liners **cue DMX growl** This is just so frustrating becuz I want that old thang back (uh, ugh, uh) n I'm just not paying the 5 Gina, if it's not up to my standards. Will I ever find the love of my life? Who knows! I mean, I could switch teams n go to the men's section **le sigh** but then it'll give me that boxy look. There's just an added femme fatale touch women blazers offer, esp a beautiful TWEED!! I'm looking for the full package to accommodate my flappy n fat arms, hips n the ability to button up won't hurt either. While I am lookin-I'm not lookin so it can find me. I am gonna be patient. I'm confident there is a blazer willing to give me my hearts desires n equally yoked to being just for ME. Until then...I'll work with the ones I got n treasure the ones made before I was born.

I always feel slacky when I let one week roll by...two weeks roll by and almost 3 wks roll by without posting on my blog. If I skip too many weeks, I'll get in lazy mode n it overtakes my creative flow. If you recall, last year I challenged myself to once a week n this year I wanted to get up to twice a week #Fail nonetheless...I didn't stop. Just forewarning u now...this blog will be a tad all over the place. Ok so first things first... Hello Fall . I am ecstatic cooler weather has swooped in becuz I am ready to layer and keep my toes out as the temp drops! Becuz I am not a trendy shopper, my style is pretty consistent throughout the year. I don't really put anything up until about October-ish becuz we still tend to have some warm weather peek in here n there and I can wear flip flops all year round. I am not a coat person but I will poncho TF outta yall n toss on a wrap in a heartbeat. I've always been able to park near work n I don't drive wit a coat so it's not been a priority for me to add to my wardbrobe. This Fall will be a repeat n remix of garments I already have in my closet. My closet has been a struggle to organize and purge for a solid 3 yrs now **cue horror scream** and I am struggling to get over the addiction of adding to it and making my closets overrun me by lookin like a boutique. If ever you're in the DMV area, feel free to schedule a FREE shop my closet to motivate me to lighten my load. So...how was Summer? Glad ya didn't ask haha. I didn't take any lavish vacays to lounge on the beach or hop on any cruises to escape DMV. I actually need to renew my passport, yet I still enjoyed my Summer. It went by so fast, I didn't even realize I barely took a break from work! Now that The Vid is "clearing up" folks are traveling more n booking spots months in advance. I need to get on it n pre-plan instead of trying to be spontaneous n just goooo! My constants to keep me sane to survive Summer have been my weekend coffee dates with self n window shopping at Nordies. I've even cheated on Nordies here n there with **hangs head low from shame** Neimans!! Between those 2 stores, window shopping brings me joy n satisfies the cravings. Those have kept me pretty content to pass some time. I have no major plans for the remainder of the year other than smaller trips here n there n blowing where the wind takes me.... And how was your summer? Are u excited for Fall? Christmas will be here in a blink...as we finish off the 4th quarter-do NOT beat urself up for "falling short" of goals or missed marks. Every day is still a new day to do better, be better n apply what we now know. Dust off n be great!!

All this chitty chatter on the F word-Feminine and Femininity with a hint of the trendy "Soft Life". It's interesting to me since it's the new wave and I honestly-love it. For me, I've always been girly. I ain't never been in a tomboy phase where I wanna play ball n climb trees wit the boys-NO! I am not meant to sweat n do strenuous work. Never been my thing so I've always enjoyed resting in my femininity is nothing new. My dad would call me prissy when I young as if I was suppose to be offended and even today my old man calls me "persnickety" which makes me chuckle. Yup, I will be all that and then some if it means I can enjoy being the lady I'm born to be. Growing up I would notice when girly girls like myself didn't wanna get dirty we'd get teased and called "bougie". Interestingly enuff it turned into a welcomed characteristic but back in the day...esp if u lived in the urban areas...bougie was made to make u feel like u think ur "better than". What I've learned looking back and paying attn to today is...there are many privileges to being womanly n I've always enjoyed the perks. Free meals, gifts, cut the line, VIP invites and whatever else u didn't know u needed til u got it. Becuz of the attention (mainly from men) you will naturally receive for your delicacy, it'll harbor a type of jealousy from those who don't win in the manner u do. You will get eye rolls n teeth sucked at the mere mention of u becuz ur well-liked by folks who give them no attention. Do not let that deter u from being urself. I would have girls who didn't like me n wanted to fight me for no reason other than their perception of me "thinking she all that" lol. I can mingle in various groups and cliches becuz I know how to exercise kindness and I legit like talking to people. There's no judgement here and I'm open to learning different cultures and lingos that differ from my norm. While I do believe u can reinvent urself in a way from being so hard, it really is a lifestyle. I was just born with mine becuz u either have it or u don't. Not only was I born this way **cue Lady GaGa song** I've also been able to embody what sophistication looks like by way of my mother. When you have an idol or blueprint to follow as it relates to beauty and being ladylike, it's easy to mimic. I remember being young and she always told me how girls are suppose to sit when wearing dresses but I also learned poise from watching groups like EnVogue and a plethora of classy women of the 80's and early 90's. While there are many components to being feminine; a lot of topics on "How To" is the dress code aspect. I do not conform to thinking u must be in dresses n heels all day n every day as a Hey I'm Feminine uniform. I've always thought women in pant suits were sexy n I love androgynous looks; think...Grace Jones, Sade and Annie Lennox or if you're REALLY OLD AF...the chicks from Robert Palmer video!! There's an underlined sexiness to being feminine that doesn't have to be pronounced with dresses n heels. We are naturally emotional n embody the soft skills that are God given. It's how we have maternal instincts n nurturing effects. While there are " methods " to make the feminine side more pronounced or even re-inventing urself to drop the masculine side; it's all a journey within urself if u choose to embrace. We have such a super power that some of us have yet to unlock. Riding the wave of the infamous F word isn't such a bad thing after all. I am glad others are catching on to get on trend n open to a new way of life (which ain't really new, lol).

Best part of summer is always biting into a refreshing watermelon. I can enjoy it at room temp, cold and even frozen. Growing up I can remember the sweetest ones WITH seeds coming from the South. Heading to n from NC, there was always an old man on the side of the road in a truck full of watermelons. My stepma would pull over n she'd go thru a bed of em n start thumping. I would just watch as she explained why she thump'd. It's such an art to picking the right one by the sound of the thump to the veins n to get one that was sweet was like hitting the lottery. OMG!! I can still remember taking multiple triangle cuts n biting into juicy goodness while either chewing or spitting out the seeds. Incorporating this outfit for #WerkCouture took me back to my childhood. The inspiration for the outfit must've translated into my spirit becuz cruising around the hallways at work felt light n playful. I got a lot of compliments becuz it was bright n fun. Funny thing is...the outfit randomly came together on a whim. My head wrap is from a beloved artist who I admire. Her art work is phenomenal n she sells dope pieces. Definitely check out Rebecca at Beyond Fresh . It was the focal piece n totally unexpected to see in the office space. What is fascinating to me is how...I legit got away with wearing a tank top and sweatpants to work, LOL. Like...who do I think I am. This was an example of not what u wear but how u wear it. The blazer was a professional touch which distracted u from the Nike sweatpants n becuz the head wrap mesmerized u in itself; it kept u focused up top. The shoes u ask...aaaah so u noticed huh lol. Anybody remember Charlotte Russe? A few years ago they closed down majority of their stores so during a helluva clearance sale, I stumbled upon these quirky shoes n copped em for $5. Who knew they'd complete an outfit for summers to come as I thump thru the hallways lookin oh so sweet.

And here I am...again! Another first day of school for the books! My last hoorah aka Toot done started school-EEEK!! My baby is in pre-k and I am excited he gets to explore next level of toddler-ness n meet other mini people to hone his social skills. These covid kids have been put at such a disadvantage n some skipped the daycare scene. He's such a big boy tho n even tho I know the day was coming, u just don't get the rush of emotions until the day of. My baby was just a babyyyyyy!! Who told time to speed up...from diapers to goin to the bathroom on his own wit no assistance. Mr. I'll get it n let me do it, makes my heart wink n reminds me to enjoy the moment n take it all in. Life is so crazy thinking bout how u watch kids grow up in the midst of ur own growth. My Toot is such a rewind from Mason being this little. Although they are each their own personalities, they bout one n the same. Of course I can't take all the credit for my Toot's development n greatness. His dads (my boys) have a hand in it all n I've been the cherry on top. I'm the feminine sprinkle when I visit the "frat house" n the balance our modern family. They are truly amazing n it's a pleasure having a courtside seat or backstage passes to the show! As Mason's academics is coming to a closure, my Toot's is just gettin started. I'm sure he will be a pure joy to have in class n I tell him all the time how proud I am he's such a big boy. His little voice replies "thank u mommy" n I can see the spark he gets to do well with the life I speak into him by sicing him up. It's the cutest thing! He's a ray of sunshine n now a little parrot as he loves to mock n repeat everything **cue eyeroll** Cheers to my Toot's first day of school. The tradition of the first day of school gift WILL continue n a different form than before. I'm excited to watch 'em grow **wink**

There are times where I sit in stillness n peace n look around for whispers of nature as the birds chirp n dragonflies flap in my face n when I go for walks at my leisure. I see grass move without a breeze blowing n I'm grateful to be at a place in my life where life is just GEWD!! I can attest to how good God is n once u come to this realization of stepping into ur power of becoming who u need to be u will move forward with the attitude of... Now the skies could fall Not even if my boss should call The world it seems so very small Cause nothing even matters, at all -Lauryn Hill ...some shyt just dont matter! Like seriously...I've always been known to be nonchalant but I can assure u it'll get "worse" as I get older cuz I see the shyt yall stress about n when u lay it on a bigger scale u can see for urself...it aint that serious. I am not here to give measurement to what u deem serious. That scale is up to you. This is not to dismiss nor devalue whatever ur feelings are; I'm just sayin-its not good for ur heart to take everything soooo on with burden becuz when u truly pause n pay attention to how life is moving...recognize we are a tiny speck on a planet amongst a whole azz galaxy within a galaxy of space. I am a huge fan of prioritizing what's important-for me...it's myself FIRST! My girl Kim was saying I was self-care before self-care was a thing lol n I learned it early after having Mason. I've only elevated since then by really treating myself becuz I have more of the means to do so. I am actually overdue for a spa date at the moment but these monthly pedi's have been holding me over. If u read my other post; about overthinking ; you'd understand the title of the post more. We deal with so much pressures of the world in many forms in our daily lives n to let minor things eat us up can add to the stressors. I've learned staying busy in self-enjoyment n reaching to be fulfilled in other areas make a difference in what u put ur energy into with no positive return after a negative deposit. I am quite sure my Lady of Leisure-ness contributes to my conclusion of mmmm meh life. My grandma is a breast cancer survivor. It was just less than 5 yrs ago where I was watching her deteriorate going thru chemo n losing her hair to where now she's far more healthier n bounced back with energy at 80 yrs old. When I compare that to those who were younger that didn't make it, I can appreciate her still being here. She's the last grandma I have. I have no problem re-arranging my schedule or taking off from work to accommodate her dr appts and randomly visit her during the week just to chat. I know she loves our time together. I can go on with many testimonies where tragedy turned into triumph n where I know when a sleeping bear should wake up. I am not about to go back n forth to prove myself or fight the narrative of someone's perception of me. It feels good to not be on the defense or to automatically think someone is out to get me becuz how I genuinely treat people will not change. What the receiver chooses to do with it isn't on me. You know when u feel betrayed by someone's actions it can feel like egg on ur face but the karma isn't urs to harbor. At the end of the day, we are responsible for our own happiness. I used to sit around wit the should've, could've n would've's that drove me crazy. Unanswered questions n closure I'll never receive. I've learned to be at peace with mistakes of the past n to keep pressing forward. It took a while for me to grasp this concept n it's been such a lift off my shoulders to know...nothing really matters-not like we think! Focus on the good n be optimistic.

It's so funny when I find myself daydreaming about myself as a MOM. When I became one almost 16 yrs ago, I didn't think about everything that encompasses the title. There is such a great responsibility to filling that role we don't think of during the time of conception n I am still learning along the way years later. Today marks Mason's first day of school-again-as he enters the 10th grade **cue horror scream** EEEK!! Even he's surprised sayin it out loud. I still see my sweet innocent angel as this precious little boy above. My heart just melts when they are tiny little people. Watching him grow into such a fine man is beautiful n scary cuz he's literally a branch of me. I love how we just have this bond as I balance being the parent n giving him grace I didn't get from my parents growing up. It gives me a better understanding into their world when I can have inhibited convo's to be in his world while teaching him the real world. We are beyond those infamous "first day of school" pics now that he's older n I don't post hoorah my baby made the honor roll posts becuz well...I know my child lol. Is he a straight A student? No. Do I expect him to be? No. Math isn't our strong suit-my genes...my bad lol. I do expect him to apply himself with some effort. The same energy he does w/them video games lol. I make it my business to let him know I am extremely proud of him. He has been reading since four n his foundation has paid off. Sowing seeds early led to him taking advanced English this year. Aside from academic accolades, I take pride in the MANY compliments he receives when his teachers n counselors randomly reach out to me to brag on how well-mannered he is n has the reputation of being the good kid as well as a delight in the class. I've always taught him how he presents his parents when he leaves the door. We also discuss the climate of what's goin on in deez streets as far as the targets on his back as the rising black man he's growing to be. There is no shortage of love Mason gets becuz he's surrounded by a host of strong men from my daddy to his, my boys n a plethora of uncles that stay on his azz **pause** LOL!! It truly takes a village n I give permission to anyone who sees him doin anything outside of putting himself n US in a good light to yank his azz up as needed. One would think I'd be used to these first day's by now but it doesn't get any easier. He got 2 mo' years before making me an empty nester...not that I'm counting **evil laugh** (And Am, lol). As hard as I am on him, I'm just as loving n nurturing to him. The male species lack affirmations n I am breaking that curse amongst MY sons. We have our mommy n son dates, random walks, movie nights n morning greetings to show I love him. During conversations there's no judgement n I am always cheering him on to be great n at his best. His maturity never seems to amaze me so sending him off as a HS Sophomore...**cue sniffles** Imma cry in the car!!

Aaaaah the heat n humidity has died down for now-thank u yeezuz!! I can't stand the high temps n pretty much been hibernating as temps soared. Where is Fall? When does Pumpkin Spice season begin? Patio furniture is on clearance n the racks are being cleared of bathing suits n summer wear. Yesssss....closer to my dreams!! I look forward to the first day of school as kids gather with excitement waiting on the buses n teens go back fresh as they low-key missed each other. The sense of a different kinda quiet in the streets is what I look forward to hearing as the neighborhood is EMPTY!! Labor Day is the Summer Finale...with that being said...I'll be doing a full roll out to showcase my summer in a nutshell. I've totally slacked off from tending to this space...I should be in the groove of TWO post per week n there's no excuse as to why I haven't. I am totally accountable to not utilizing my time wisely n will stop depriving yall of my greatness. Trench season is sneaking up n for Fall I wanna show off some blazers. I'm feeling like Pookie cuz I owe a lot of people...a lot of people Pook!! I'll just be photo dumping n learning how to create videos while juggling reels n peeking into Tok's to Tik haha. Don't fret...I'm getting back in the groove! I appreciate u for ur patience though. I know I am within "prehistoric" times of even writing blogs when the "new" thing is YouTube and TikTok. Slow n steady wins the race...I'll be dropping posts at my pace (dmn I should've been a rapper). Stay Tuned...I have events to share, Werk Couture n updates :)

It's the most wonderful tiiiiiime of the yeeeear!! I've been participating in #NordstromAnniversary sales for over ten years n the excitement leading up to the day never gets old for me. When I started in 2010, they'd send a catalog in the mail to preview n I'd treat it like the infamous Toys R Us Christmas books where you'd circle n fold pages as a wishlist. I prep with a budget months in advance n hoard "nordy notes" throughout the holidays for this moment. This year my theme was different. I focused on allowing others experience the hype n momentum of the sale. I invited two close friends for a styling session and took Mason on a mini spree to freshen his wardrobe. I used my girls as guinea pigs to practice styling sessions-a role I am going to walk into sooner than later. If u have a teen child, seems like it's tough seeing em outside of their uniform of hoodies, sweats n crocs **eyeroll** but surprisingly he did pick out a button up. I am excited to share the event buuuuut not on this post haha. I wanna share what I grabbed during the sale-which isn't much. Becuz I am such a pro, I intentionally shop'd n kept my budget smaller than usual n really only grabbed some things of "need" for the tradition of the sale. By far my most reached for mascara is from Lancome . When it comes in a bundle I take advantage cuz I use it daily. If I'm lucky I'll catch a falling star n it'll come back out in blue (sapphire) **crossing fingers** Funny story on this one...I was able to get a VIP preview weeks in advance n have my SA jot down my list so I could grab it when it dropped. Well...when the sale started; apparently there was something wrong with production n it never made it to the floor. Nordies pretty much just honored a similar set for the sale price. The only difference in the set is the anniversary one had Mojave Ghost instead of Blanche. And surprisingly...as it relates to beauty-DASSIT!! When u shop the beauty section at ur local Nordies spot, ur SA will bless u with gobs of extra's to try. I use the samples for my "heaux bag" n they keep my toiletries stuffed. I was able to score some Tory Burch before they premiered in stores ;) so don't be afraid to also ask em for some samples becuz it'll come in handy for travel times. The rest of my haul to share are clothes-none of which were apart of the anniversary sale but more so the clearance haha. Since ur eyes are prolly hurting from so much yellow lol, I'll spare yall n do a part two. Did anyone else live in @nordstrom during the duration of the sale...or just me? Tag me in ur hauls n random finds ESP the clearance section **heart winks**

Cheers to the freaking weekend is all I can hear when I leave work on Friday's. Although I typically don't have too much planned for the weekend, EVERYONE knows what I don't skip a beat on for my Saturday mornings is my #StarbucksRun cuz if nothing else...that's my sanity. I kicked off the weekend with a mommy n son date Friday night (make no mistake...he's not being groomed to be my "sonsband" lol Team No Coddle don't play that). I tend to make time where we go out once a month n chat (basically me catching up to being in his business). It's so interesting being a mom of a teenager who I am watching transition into a different phase of life n maturity. We joke a lot n we also have serious convo's; like talkin bout shyt I'd NEVER talk about with my parents cuz there wasn't that comfort level. I talk to him with no judgement n listen or hear him out as we call it lol to get an understanding of his POV. The joys of motherhood right...whew!! This is officially my weekend bag from Freckled and Fancy . I found her by way of Jenn from @redlpstickandpassport IG stories and couldn't resist grabbing this bag. As a tote lover, its perfection for errand runs cuz its open enuff to toss everything inside n has front pockets to hold my AirPods n smaller items. I also picked up a chain link bracelet from her shop which I'd love to have shown yall had it not fell off my petite wrist at work last week :( I grabbed this dress a few months ago from a Vintage Boutique I found when I ventured off into Delaware called Timeless Tina's. I seen this dress in the back off the beaten path and was wondering why nobody snatched it up. It reminds me of my favorite show; Mama's Family. While the younginz like to make fun of the muumuu nation, I've always embraced it becuz its comfortable n free. I don't do anything fancy to em how they modernize em now. I love the simplicity of leaving it as is. It's the person wearing it who brings it to life. Since I knew I'd take a trip yonder for a crab feast...my weekend couture was perfect for the occasion. We took a drive to visit family in Delaware and I dipped into some crabs from Old Mill Crab House . If you are from the culture of DMV, u are well aware of how we gets down when it comes to crabs. This is bout the only time I can include Richmond n Bmore into the DMV-ness haha. If u are lazy, you'll get crab legs but when u are having fellowship u indulge in the whole crab. There is an art to it all n everyone does their own sauce differently. Old Mill is pretty good if ur into all u can eat style crabs n etc. Buffets do me no justice cuz I get full fast. I got the "mini feast" for 5 crabs (I only ate 2) w/clam strips, fried shrimp (I prefer steamed), chicken n hush puppies soooo YES, the -itis got me **rubs belly** and if ever u wanna beat the rush...go after 5p. I enjoyed a productive weekend with family n it was the perfect cap to the work week. I enjoyed spending time to self on Sunday where I was able to dip into my planner n snap pics per usual. Later I was in the house for the remainder of the day washing clothes n doing nothings! Aaaaah slowing down in life to really stop n smell the roses feels good n becomes addictive as I get older.

And just like that...July is gone! The remnants of fireworks bout done. Summer time is not playin no games n I must admit...it'll be bittersweet to see it leave. I've been enjoying the early sunrises around 5a n dark nights after 8p **flips coin** what I won't miss is the HEAT!! The humidity n high temps has me hibernate but it does make for good mid-day naps after that sun been beating on ya neck. What I didn't realize was I hadn't really been anywhere this summer. Just when u think u have time (and money)... **cue life lifin** ...and the next thing u know...here comes August strolling thru. I am satisfied I've done things within reason as far as venturing out yet I think it's safe to say...even with the rampage of now monkeypox; I can stand to push the envelope a tad bit more n vacay. I think what threw me off was going into the office more than not. I also truly enjoy how comfy n tranquil I've made my home to enjoy staycations inside but I'd be remiss to say...I need a change of scenery. This post isn't a summer round up lol, it's serving a gentle reminder that we have 4 months left in the year and pumpkin spice season is gonna peak out. It's a heads up Back to School is in effect n not to be alarmed when patio furniture is heavily on clearance to make room for Xmas decor to tease us. I've totally slacked on my planning sessions **hangs head in shame** since like...May-ish. I do have 2 main planners so I quickly jot inside the one I carry in my everyday bag while using this one from Book'd as backup. It's time management I've been poor with all summer **le sigh** water under the bridge. This month my focus will be spending time wit my babies before school starts n forecasting the remainder of the year. I can say I've accomplished boosting my content creating for July. After a hiatus in June, I've been on it... Werk Couture anyone...and I'd like to keep the momentum up as much as possible. I am now on Tik Tok **cue evil laugh** but I clearly need a 101 class on that one. Any plans for August? Any loose ends u wanna tie up n get to enjoy before pools close? Squeezing in that last field trip or u anxiously awaiting Fall like meeee

I am totally new to this designer shoe-ness! I absolutely hate paying full price for ANYTHING of any price range so how I shop, when I come across an unfamiliar brand, I drop it in the wishlist n do some research. JW Anderson came under my radar by randomly scrolling between Neiman's n Saks. After seeing these heels I added em to the wishlist n would go back in every so often to see if a sale hit. If ever I revisit an item in the wishlist vs forgetting its I know I really want it-this helps me from impulsively shopping! When my inbox was nudged by Saks to whisper a sale...I ran! But then I ended up coming across a sale of other styles that grabbed my attention...and then I became stumped. The heels were no longer a NEED becuz with my job I walk too much so I figured these would be more practical. I also tend to glide more to the "cost per wear" formula with anything expensive these days. I pondered so hard on these...I wanted the white espadrille's but fought hard between the black n brown's cuz I knew I'd wear one of the 2 more even after summer. After many cart adds n deletes...sleeping on the decision again then taking the plunge when they went on sale-er...I made my decision: Ta Daaaaaaa!!! I went with the Chainlink Leather Slingbacks in Black!! These will take me well into winter becuz I show my toes pretty much all year round. My style is tending to veer towards low-key as it relates to high end pieces becuz I'm going for Timeless Couture. Ready for a quick review...lets' go... These were kinda tricky to determine the size. I am a US 8 (or 8.5) so when I do European cuts I typically do a 39 (or 40) so these threw me off being listed "Size 41 (8)". Like huh??? The espadrilles seems to be closer to true sizing but I still proceeded as listed n crossed my fingers they just wouldn't be hella big. They do fit bigger but not fly off ur feet big. I can see why they sized em in such a manner...this big azz chain in the middle to take over ur foot lol. I do not have wide feet which makes it easy for me to slide in n out. I do wish it came with an adjustable ankle band yet my feet still feel secure (I just won't wear em on no rollercoasters lol). I've heard from someone with the popular mules (u can find tons of reviews on) saying they make noise-and they do!! Becuz the chain is so gaudy n overtakes the shoe, the look to pull it together would be quite simple. You don't need to do too much becuz these sandals are the highlights that do the werk for u. If I could go back for the brown ones which were the runner ups...I wouldn't. I do not regret these buuuuut it's not a must for me becuz of the sizing. Make no mistake I am KEEPING them; it's just noted for future reference as a new brand for me. I am happy with choosing black becuz the gold accent will keep the look polished. I am gonna definitely wear these out so if u hear me squeaking n shhhtreaking...it's me haha. Are you familiar with JW Anderson? Have u blindly taken a chance on purchases esp not knowing the sizing? Whew...that was scary, let me know how it worked out (or not) for you. Smooches