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Friday, May 16, 2014

Steel toe shoes




Scarf: Express (option) | Top: Bailey 44 (available in large here) | Jeans: Express | Shoes: Zara (option, crazy cheap budget option

Yes, the title is a bit tongue in cheek - my pumps do not actually have a steel toe. But I just had to share this story with you. You see, last week, I was in Canada for work. I had a meeting on Thursday at a job site currently under construction. The complex is huge with multi-story buildings, underground parking, and even a sports arena all concurrently under construction. I found out 3 days before the meeting that they're pretty strict about steel toe shoes. Well. As much of a shoe addict as I am, and despite the fact that I've been in the construction industry for over a decade, I've never needed nor do I own a pair of steel toe shoes.

I ended up finding a pair on Amazon that I could get the next day with our Prime account. But I also wanted to find a pair in a brick and mortar store in case the Amazon pair didn't work out. After all was said and done - I got this pair of Red Wing boots.


Beautiful, right? Contextually speaking of course! My next dilemma was how I was going to style them. I actually always struggle with this - trying to be practical on a construction job site, while still showing hints of style, but also looking somewhat authoritative since I'm a female in a predominantly male industry. Here's an evolution of my outfit options along with my thought process. I'll give you one guess who helped me make my decision?


I started with some trouser jeans, a striped top, and my company logo'd vest. I was afraid this was too casual and Gina thought I could be mistaken to be fresh out of college, so I switched to a blazer and portofino with the same jeans. Gina favored the blazer look but felt the boots looked more awkwardly out of place, and I agreed. So, I swapped out the trouser jeans for some khakis. Much better - now your eye doesn't go straight to my feet! Except, something still felt off to me. I decided to switch the blazer with the same one I'm wearing in my blog sidebar. It leaves the top of the outfit monochromatic, but the subtle animal print is my hint of girliness that I cling to.

What a long and drawn out process, no? And after all that hemming and hawing and trial and error, I didn't even think about the safety vest that would end up going over my outfit anyway. I had to act like I was taking a picture of a building so I could sneak this selfie for you guys!


It was actually quite an awesome experience, so the hard hat, safety vest, and boots were worth it! I love seeing the before and after views of construction projects and I can't wait to go back when this one is finished! And when I can wear normal clothes! :)


SHOP THE LOOK:
Linking up for:  Friday's Fab Favorites, Casual Friday, Weekend Wind-down.
Also - please stop by and see Amber at InDuffinitely Me! She's featuring one of my looks, so show her some love, please!

37 comments :

  1. How cute are those?!?! Happy Friday!

    www.madeintheshadeblog.com

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  2. LMAO - I would hem and haw over that as well! You did a great job of blending the boots and looking both girly but professional! Great job.
    xo, Lee

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    1. It was treacherous!! I can dress for business meetings all day long but job site meetings are the worst!!

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  3. Haha...but I have to say "oh la la...those shoes are very cute!"

    Kreyola Jounerys

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  4. the color of that blue scarf is gorgeous, and I really like your jeans! I haven't shopped at Express in a while, but maybe I need to stop by.

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    1. Yes you definitely should! These jeans are by far the best fitting and most comfy I own!
      And thank you!

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  5. Love your shoes and that top. Good effort in dressing up for work. Great pic of you in your hard hat!

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  6. For my work, I have to wear steel toed boots all the time!! But that does not deter me from wearing them with my dresses and skirts. Albeit i look absolutely silly in them, but work is work and fashion is fashion ;). Who said one cant go with another. Love the third selfie outfit the most!!

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    1. Glad you can relate!!! I wish there were fashion blogs out there for people like us!

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  7. The outfit came out pretty good, props to the assistant!!, and that hat selfie is to die for :)

    Natalia

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    1. Hahaha thanks!! Glad you enjoyed it! I felt ridiculous but it was a great experience at least!!

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  8. The pointy heels are fab!
    http://www.weshopinheels.com

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  9. LOL this made me laugh! I don't know how I would style some steel toe boots, but you did a great job! And the hard hat and vest look fab :) Have a great weekend!

    Nikki
    thefashionablewife.com

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    1. Oh my friends who knew I was agonizing over the steel toe shoes told me I just *had* to blog about it! And I did! ;)

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  10. Love this! My dad always had steel toed shoes for visiting factories and working on the car. I think you were do right that khaki were the right pants! Plus that selfie is great :)

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    1. Thank you for that confirmation! I was seriously the only female on site. I'm sure the guys could not care less!!

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  11. I love it! Thanks for sharing and linking up with us at the #WWDParty!

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  12. Haha I loved this post!! I think I have the same issue with my hiking boots...I should do a post on how to look cute for a 6-mile hike, lol.

    Jen
    www.lifeunrefined.com

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  13. Styling those boots was definitely a challenge, but I think you did well!
    As for those glitter tipped pumps... so in love!
    Chic on the Cheap

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    1. Thank you!! When they told me I needed steel toe shoes, someone sent me a pic of these and said I should NOT wear those! :) they know I'm a bit of a girly girl!

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  14. That Gina sure is opinionated and bossy! But seriously, this was quite a fun and unique fashion challenge and I'm glad I got to be part of the journey. And Iooove how you styled that tank!!! Such cool piece. Now they need to make one with a wider scoop neck for me!
    Gina -- On the Daily Express

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    1. I know right! You need it! It would look amaze on you!!!

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  15. OMG I am in love, lost, adornment and everything else love-related lol with your gorgeous bejeweled-cap black pumps. The clutch is nice too. Way to dress up jeans and a striped tank (cute tank btw!!) I pinned this look and also the fab shorts' outfit featured on Amber's Blog. The shorts, blouse & sandals worn there are stunning!!

    Hope your weekend is going well, pretty lady!! =)

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    1. The shoes are my only zara shoe purchase but they're just so wonderful! I need more clearly!

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  16. As always, you look so good! I once again, love your look. I am pining the first pic with those AMAZING shoes!

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  17. Umm love the shoes! Actually, the whole outfit! The top and the scarf go perfectly together.

    Stephanie
    http://www.vainandsimple.com/

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    1. I thought the scarf was a nice touch - thanks!

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  18. I love the first pic with those totally amazing "steel toe" shoes!! I love the detailing on those. So chic!

    xo Jackie
    Something About That

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    1. I'm a sucker for studs! I couldn't resist!

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  19. You look like you could kick some tush in that construction hat....I'm a little intimidated :). Cute outfit though...I have to say that I like your pointy-steel-toed-heels better than the boots, but hey...you gotta sacrifice for work sometimes. I love the wavy hair style that you've been wearing recently too...hope we see more of it :)

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    1. Girl I am obsessed with my hair! Love these curls, they are just so fun!!!
      Thank you!

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