One of the fashion trends I've loved is high end designers producing affordable lines for stores like Target, H&M and WalMart. I think the idea really blew up when Mizrahi started working with Target. Since then Zac Posen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen and so many others have partnered with larger 'mass retailers' to bring fashion to us ordinary folk. 

So far, it's been mostly clothing, but designers are also expanding into shoes and accessories. That makes me a happy girl! When I heard about Jimmy Choo's line for H&M, well I just about died. I hope  the idea continues to catch on and even more designers hop onto the bandwagon. *bats eyelashes at Michael Kors*

Right now I've got my eye on  a few really cute things for fall by couture designers at Payless. No, that's not a typo. Payless. Look at how adorable these are!

Christian Siriano for Payless

I'm not sure why, but of all the handbags I own, I have yet to buy this wardrobe staple, a basic black clutch.

Lela Rose for Payless

I absolutely love these. They're a neutral color and the zipper on the back is a great detail. These would actually tempt me to try wearing them with a skirt and tights. And I hate tights.

Isabel Toledo for Payless

I'm not sure what I'd wear these with beside jeans but they're so much fun.

The idea that being fashionable doesn't have to equal dollar signs is nothing new, but having designers whose aesthetic normally lean toward high end materials get creative with their designs and produce lines that have a couture look is. And I love it! 

Have you seen any great affordable designer items for fall?

Listen To Your Body: 3 Day Thursday

Last Friday I dropped Tyler off and came home intending to go for a long walk. I did some dishes, started laundry, answered emails and a few other things. For some reason, I was ridiculously tired. I thought I'd take a quick power nap and still be ready to leave around 11 which would be plenty of time for 6-8 miles. I fell into bed, fully clothed, a little after 10. I woke up at 2:30. Obviously, my body was trying to me something. Good thing I listened.

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The Breast Cancer 3 Day isn't a race. There are no prizes for making it to lunch before 11 or back to camp before 3. Pushing yourself is not necessary and it's not a good idea. I think the lingering injuries I have from last year's walk are in part due to me trying to keep up with my mom (I'll say it's because her legs are so much longer than mine *ahem*) and not listening to my body.

Since it was my first walk I put a lot of pressure on myself to walk all 60 miles. It can be a little disheartening to see pregnant women or someone my Gramma's age pass you by. It's also hard not to get caught up in the idea that as walkers we need to push ourselves as some sort of symbol. One of the mantra's for the 3 Day weekend is "I may have blisters but it's better than cancer." I took that to heart too. It's hard to see people walking who are bald from the chemo and not think, "if they can do this, certainly I can too!"

I thought taking a sweeper van was a sign I couldn't cut it or that it would take away from the experience somehow. Not true! There are so many things that make the 3 Day so amazing. Sure, walking the whole thing is a great accomplishment but it's not the goal of the event.

Rest when you need to, ride the van when you need to. Take advantage of medical. You will not be letting anybody down. I give you my permission to not be so hard on yourself. Listen to your body!