Spring citrus, silver pumps & ShoeMint Giveaway (3 winners!)

Now that the weather is finally warming up, I’ve been turning to zesty yellow and lime green to brighten up my work wardrobe. I do want to mention, however, that an outfit like this is not appropriate for every type of business environment. At meetings with clients or “serious” government officials, I usually go with a muted-colored, knee-length suit to ensure that attire isn’t the reason I won’t be taken seriously. For days when only my internal team will lay eyes on me, I have a little more fun getting dressed. 

For an outfit ripe with brights and neons, I found that a soft metallic shoe works just as well as the usual staple nude. I was excited to see these ShoeMint pumps that look just like a popular designer style, and are offered in extended sizing down to a 5. I went with silver to replace an old, similar pair, bought back in the day when I thought 6 was the smallest shoe size out there. Thank goodness for the advent of online shopping, otherwise I’d still be gripping my toes to keep heels from flying off. 

Fit & quality notes: I am between size 5 – 5.5 in most brands (for reference, I take a 5 in Ann Taylor and 5.5 in J.Crew/BR), and usually size up for pointy styles so my toes don’t have to suffer. A 5.5 in these fit perfectly. I love the sharp silhouette, and feel the price is good for a genuine leather pump. The brand partners with Steve Madden for craftsmanship, and I found the quality of these to be reflective of that. 

ShoeMint is also sponsoring a fun giveaway open to both U.S. and Canadian readers – three readers will win a pair of shoes of their choice. To enter:

– Mandatory: Sign up here to be a member of ShoeMint and fill out the giveaway form below. It’s free to sign up, and new members can get 20% off full priced items w/ code RACHEL20.
– Optional: Facebook fans will receive 1 extra entry. Thank you to each one of you who have supported this blog through various social media channels!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I ordered this box pleat blouse during LOFT’s last big sale, and have found it to be a good warm-weather basic. The material is 100% polyester (which I almost prefer to silk because it’s machine washable), drapes well, tucks into bottoms without bulk, and doesn’t wrinkle much throughout the day. It is very thin and sheer, however, so I make sure to wear a nude-colored bra underneath. For sizing, I am wearing an xxs petite here without any alterations. Measurements are: 13″ across the shoulders, 17.5″ armpit to armpit, 20″ length, 16.5″ sleeve length. The lighting and temperature changed so drastically in the five minutes I was taking these photos…I am purple & fighting a fit of shivers in the below pic, but included it anyways to show the fit of the top.