WHERE DID YOU GET THAT? SERIOUSLY?

My friend and I love to shop.  We love high end designer stuff but what we really enjoy is to challenge ourselves to a set specific amount of money and try our hand at mall (franchise store) shopping.  Our goal is to discover an inexpensive find that looks priceless, “designer”, and high end.  The item must be unlabeled and cost no more than a hundred or so dollars.   Our fall challenge was a casual rock and roll type flat ankle boot, one that would look good with jeans, black leggings or even a dress.  I had a vison of a beaten up ankle cowboy bootie.  As I scoured the internet, I felt angry at myself that I had not saved my signature college shoe which was a hunter green cowboy shoe bootie.  (If any of my college friends are reading this, these were the boots that our sorority sister filled up with clumps of loose hair from all hairbrushes of the 80 girls in the Kappa House. )  I had seen the Golden Goose cowboy boots which cost a pretty penny and actually looked too beaten up as if a school bus drove over them on a rainy day.  I cruised around the mall and strolled into Steve Madden.  Perched on the top shelf of the boot rack was the most perfect pair of ankle western boots with antiqued gold hardware.  I let out a small breath, as I realized my search was over.  I had found the perfect pair of casual boots and they only cost $149.00.  I proudly showed them to my cohort and she readily approved of the purchase.  To top it off, as if I did not trust my own fashion instict, I recently cruised into Elyse Walker, one of the best shopping boutiques on the west side.  Displayed right next to the beautiful pairs of YSL and Prada shoe was the Steve Madden Cowboy boot.  I was beside myself!  Never forget the importance and ability to mix designers and articles of clothes with differing price points.  It is possible to achieve a chic look inexpensively and with items that most people would never be able to figure out the store of purchase.