Wardrobe Woes

I'll admit it, I have a fairly 'plain' wardrobe.  I don't usually get into the latest and greatest things out there.  Most pieces I own are neutral and solid colors, and not the 'it' style for the season.  Now that my sister is living with us, she likes to put in her 2 cents about my outfit for the day.  She wants me to start wearing more 'stylish' clothes (you mean that sweater from 2005 isn't the 'it' style right now?).  I think I've been doing better.  I tend to by something in multiple colors when I find something I like (the Gap outlet is too close for my bank account's comfort!).  Lately I've been gravitating towards wearing more cardigans.  I wish I could show you the pictures of the sweaters I just bought (3 of one style in different colors and 2 of a different style in different colors).  Work is cold in the summer, so cardigans are a great option, but I need something other than a white tank to go underneath.

There are a few things I'm trying to get over:  patterns, and shoes with a heel.

• I think I have a fear of patterns/appliques, I am afraid they're too bright or bold or loud or something, I don't know.  I'd really like to find some patterns that I like to go underneath these cardigans.  I also tend to like tops that go down mid-hip, thanks to watching What Not to Wear I think that is the style that looks best on me, so sometimes this limits my options.


• Let me start this by saying, I love shoes!  But, I have a fear of wearing any type of shoe with a heel (so basically I just wear flats and flip flops).  Part of it is that I usually only wear shoes with heels to work because hubs and I are the same height and I prefer not to tower over him (I know some ppl don't mind this, I'm just not a fan).  The other part, I think I look a little silly sometimes.

I've been searching the internet and found a few things I'd like to add to my wardrobe this summer (or have already).  Here's what's in my shopping bag (hopefully) for when that tax refund arrives!

Tops:

Land's End Canvas

Source

Old Navy

I tend to shy away from the embellishments like on the top of this one.

Source

Nordstrom

Source

Express

Source

The Limited

I actually bought this a few weeks ago but wanted to share.  There are flowers on one side, it's one of those shirts I wish came in multiple colors so I could have them all!
Source

Shoes:

J. Crew

I know they're only kitten heels, but I think they still fit the bill and they're not flats.
Source

I also really want to find summer sandals that are strappy but not around the ankle.  If someone could find me a pair like these ones that Jillian wore on the Bachelorette, I'd be forever grateful.  I wear flip flops 90% of the time in the summer and would love a pair of sandals (that don't slide on).

I have some other 'wardrobe woes' that I'll share in the future.  Any suggestions for tops, shoes or sandals?