Flat Boots are the Thing
Shoes, Glorious Shoes | August 4, 2008
I’ve always hated the print ads for Børn Shoes. What’s up with the bizarre styling? And some of the shoes are just plain clunky which is never okay. Anyway, the ads distracted me from the product so I’ve never really given the shoes a second glance. Until now. I am on the lookout for the perfect flat suede boots and I think I found them.
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The version I like is in the perfect shade of gray (not too light, not too dark). I’d put up a picture, but I can’t find one. I saw these boots at Nordstrom and I like the clean look and light weight. The perfect boots for walking. A few years back I bought black suede Prada Sport flat boots that I wear to death during the winter. It would be nice to update the look this fall and give those boots a break. Oh, and judging from their website I think the Børn ads are improving for fall. I guess looks can be deceiving.
My Cup of Tea
May 28 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
If you are flush with extra cash or just in the mood to shop, now is the time to do it because there are sales galore -high end, low end and in between - and some seriously fabulous merch is marked down. If you canʼt browse Barneys legendary shoe department in person (like me) then you can thank your lucky stars for the internet. This is my favorite sale item:
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Iʼve seen these shoes in magazines and I think they are like works of art. I would never wear them because wearing footwear that look like little tea cups is not really my thing... but they would make a fun display. Maybe calling it art is a way to justify the nearly $500 sale price? I once read somewhere that wealthy women in the Middle East buy haute couture gowns, display them at home and invite their friends over to check them out because they canʼt be seen in public actually wearing the clothes. Iʼm glad I have the option to wear whatever I want, but I guess itʼs the same idea. Okay, on second thought maybe itʼs a total waste. But Iʼm still strangely drawn to the shoes and I have an out of character craving for Earl Grey.
A Little Lift
April 23 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
Between trips, illnesses, house guests and general busy-ness it’s been tough keeping this blog up to date. However, despite my fatigue I am ready to get back on track. And you know what would be a serious pick-me-up? Sky high heels with attention to detail.
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Sure, the weather is too crappy to go without socks and I’m long overdue for a pedicure but just looking at these beauties makes me happy… and filled with shoe lust.
Event Planning
March 24 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
Coming home from a vacation can be a bit of a letdown – although I’m grateful to sleep in my own bed again – but with the entire household in the grips of a nasty cold, I am feeling the doldrums of being back in the grind in a big way.
I’m just going to slog on with plenty of Emergen-C and as much sleep as I can manage considering I have a sick baby and husband to care for as well. With the small snatches of free time I have, I should be more productive but instead I choose to waste my time on the internet looking for ways to upgrade my wedding band (anniversary approaching) and sly ways to leave hints. Who am I kidding? First of all, right now I can’t handle too much thinking beyond looking at pretty pictures of jewelry and secondly, I have no problem being about as subtle as an elbow to the ribs when it comes to telling my husband exactly what I want. It just sounds better when I say I “hint.”
So where was I going with this? Oh yes, weddings. I have an important one coming up this summer and I’m already looking forward to finding a colorful dress and fab new shoes to dance the night away. I love a good wedding! And I love a festive shoe. Since the wedding is outdoors and informal, I like this look:
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What can I say, I am a sucker for glitter. The blush hue is neutral enough to compliment a lot of other shades but still offers a cheerful bit of color. The cone heel is perfect for walking outside – it’s so annoying to have your heels sink into grass - and substantial enough to offer support for a long night of dancing. I also like that at the end of the day, you’ve got shoes that go beyond the one event and will pair well with shorts, skirts and anything else you own that shows a little leg.
Delicate Flower
February 26 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
Remember in Clueless when Cher agrees to go the val party and has her satin shoes ruined when stoner Travis spills beer all over them while she’s trying to keep Tai away from him? Well, these shoes are definitely not the ones to wear to a party like that.
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The sheer look is big for spring and these hand-painted organza heels take it to the next level. So if you’re willing to drop nearly a thousand bucks on these lovelies, garden parties, play dates, construction sites, Coachella… all bad ideas when wearing them.
Maternal Shoe Instincts
February 6 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
I have just spent way too much time looking at fashion week photos, reviews and gossip columns. I could be doing at least three things on my “to do” list but this is more fun. At least that's my excuse, a lame one but an excuse nonetheless.
Anyway, while my mother was visiting recently I realized one thing we definitely share – a voracious appetite for fashion magazines. Once she went through a huge stack, she came to me with an old Marie Claire I’d been using inside a basket to boost up a plant and asked if it was all I had left. I had to dig up some fall issues to keep her happy the rest of her visit.
Anyway, in one of the more recent magazines she pointed out a pair of Louboutin heels that caught her fancy.
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She would never actually wear them, unlike me, who would probably do a gleeful tap dance every ten minutes and attempt to wear them to sleep. My mom is in her sixties and she's over the whole sexy high heel thing (and I say thank goodness for that). But I like how she thinks. And I’m not even disturbed that in a hypothetical shoe closet, my mom and I would have many of the same little gems lined up. Neatly of course.
Juicy Shoes
December 27 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
Curiosity got the better of me and I ventured to a nearby mall to check out the after Christmas sales. I did buy a few things – nothing I couldn’t live without- but I’m already looking forward to the bright colors of spring and winter clothes just give me the blahs right now.
To be honest, I’ve been a bit phobic of bright colors in the past but I’m going to embrace this trend, especially when it comes to shoes. I got a pair of bright colored Wellington boots for the rest of winter and once better weather arrives, or my beach vacation in March, I’m going to dress my feet in a rainbow of fruit flavors! Here’s my list of high-low favorites.
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Christian Louboutin Trescobaldi Gisa sandals |
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| Cole Haan Aurora Air slingbacks |
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| Nine West Datillio sandals |
Spring is definitely not the time to skimp on pedicures.
The Thrill of the Hunt
October 29 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
When it comes to bargain hunting, I’m not so great at bagging my quarry. My best friend can always find something fabulous and fabulously priced. My mom makes friends with sales people who give her the inside scoop on when certain things will go on sale. I often don’t have the patience or the luck to find great deals.
The exception to this rule is when I shop at designer outlets. In the past I’ve found Prada boots, Louboutin flats, a Marc Jacobs jacket and other things that sent my pulse racing because it was marked down to a fraction of their retail price. So even though I often walk away finding nothing, it’s worth the effort it to find the perfect steal.
But what really constitutes a good bargain? On a recent designer outlet shopping trip, I found a gorgeous pair of Derek Lam platform sandals. Never mind that sandal season has long been over for a girl living in Portland. I strutted around the shoe department feeling glamorously tall and marveled at how comfy the shoes were despite the skyscraper heels. Of course I bonded with the shoes before I took a closer look at the price tag - $445. The shoes retailed for over $700.
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| The Derek Lam sandals that were sadly not meant to be. Photo from style.com |
Now, I’m not going to lie. I have paid big bucks for shoes in the past. In a moment of utter weakness I bought a pair of Louboutin platforms for more than I care to admit. It was the only pair in my size and it was going for 20% off. That’s definitely not what anyone would call a bargain. Blinding desire will do that to you. And come on, we’re talking Christian Louboutin.
But I’m the same person who will wait to buy a $20 t-shirt at because I know it will eventually go on sale. Or I’ll buy a cashmere sweater at full price because I don’t want the store to run out of my size. What gives?
It must be the mindset. When I go to say, a designer outlet or the Half-Yearly sale at Nordstrom (which is happening soon by the way), I go expecting to save money and when I do, I pat myself on the back for a job well done. When I’m shopping for a birthday gift for my sister-in-law and instead I find something for myself that I fall madly in love with, I’m more inclined to just buy the damn thing already and push the feelings of guilt out of my head by being extra sweet to my husband.
So back to those sandals. I didn’t really love them, I just had a crush on them. We all know what happens to crushes. They make you do irrational things that sometimes make you feel cheap. It would have been nice to have those sandals, but it’s even nicer to have that money in the bank. These days I’m looking for love in all my purchases or else it’s just not worth it, whether the price tag is five dollars or five hundred. There’s nothing cheap about that.
Taking a Shine to You
Shoes, Glorious Shoes | August 7
Nothing gets me more excited about shoes than a bit of flash. Nothing reminiscent of showgirls, Liberace or glam rock. Just something eye-catching enough to make a statement without being trashy. Maybe it was my first glimpse at Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Back in the day, The Wizard of Oz would play on television every year and it was a major viewing event for little me. Anyway, whatever influenced my love of sparking shoes, I’m totally into these glam looks.
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| Who knew J. Crew could do more than ballet flats and fli-flops? |
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| Miu Miu crystal flats – so, so sweet. |
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| Louboutin patent booties don’t sparkle but they do shine. |
This makes me want to troll the shoe sections at Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. Alright, I’m outta here.
Grecian Formula
May 2 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
Yep, still on a sandal kick and what I’m really digging is the gladiator sandal. Nothing too over the top, with straps snaking around the calves, but sandals in unexpected materials or metallic colors can transform a basic outfit into something funkier. Think mini dress or and slim shorts paired with Greco-Roman inspired sandals, just like some of the looks from Stella McCartney’s Spring 2007 collection.
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Here are some of my favorite sandals:
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Stella McCartney raffia flats |
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Giuseppe Zanotti jeweled sandals |
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Frye gladiator sandals |
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Birkenstock Sparta sandals |
Okay, never in my wildest dreams did I think Birkenstocks would ever make it on this site. But who can ignore the comfort factor when choosing a stylish shoe? If they’re good enough for Heidi Klum I certainly don’t need to be too embarrassed about liking them.
Footloose
March 22 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
Despite predictions of rain, we’ve had surprisingly sunny weather around here. At least the whole morning’s worth, which is good enough to raise my spirits for the rest of the day. Yesterday I looked down at my bare feet and realized, “Damn girl, you need a pedicure!” That’s what happens when feet are bound in wool socks and close-toed shoes for months at a time. When I lived in L.A. there’s no way I’d walk around with these neglected winter feet.
So I popped SherryBaby in my DVD player (I really wanted to like this movie, but it was about as depressing as watching a kitten drown) and set to work buffing, filing and painting with a bright red shade. Another motivating factor to getting my feet pretty is the new pair of sandals I got from J. Crew.
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Leather Capri Sandals |
I wanted something a little more fashionable than rubber flip-flops but still casual. I like the delicate metallic straps too. So with my feet are reformed and new shoes to take out for a spin, I’m currently obsessed with flat sandals.
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Fresh green patent Miu Miu sandals from net-a-porter |
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Isabella Fiore gold studded sandals from Neiman Marcus |
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Always comfy Stuart Weitzman sandals in embossed snakeskin |
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A clean look from A.P.C. |
These are all fun to look at but way, way beyond my budget. So for now I’m perfectly happy with my J. Crew version. But don’t think I won’t be visiting these other beauties online from time to time. Window shopping is so much easier from a computer these days.
I Heart Louboutin
February 14 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
It’s safe to say I’m in love with fashion in general and obsessed with shoes in particular. My mom is a shoe aficionado so I’m sure it rubbed off when I slipped my little feet into her favorite I. Magnin pumps.
These days, shoes are so cheaply made that it’s hard to get excited about them. Brands that used to be made in Italy are now made cheaply, mostly in China. Plus, knockoffs are everywhere. Don’t get me wrong, my shoe budget isn’t on par with a New York socialite, or even a New York waitress for that matter, so I appreciate “inspired by” looks for less. But in the end, all I want is a really beautifully made shoe that makes my legs look fabulous and has me walking with a little more swing. Tall order if you aren’t paying a premium these days.
So this Valentine’s Day I’m going declare my devotion to Christian Louboutin, my favorite shoe maker. This day is all about love, and even though I don’t love shoes like I love- you know, my husband- I get a little weak in the knees when I see those red soles.
I do own one pair of Louboutin’s. They were on sale at a Saks Fifth Avenue outlet. They have a kitten heel, not the skyscraper length that I personally covet, but they are still sexy and definitely well made. While I dream of owning more of these beauties, I don’t plan on starving for a month or selling a kidney to get them. Maybe my husband will gift me with a pair of patent Zeppa slingbacks. In the meantime, like any practical girl with a luxury shoe fetish, I’m just hoping to be at the right place at the right time for another great deal.
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*photos from christianlouboutin.fr and net-a-porter*
Hot to Trot
October 26 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
Behold the perfect boots:
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Paul & Joe Suede Verona boots available at Shopbop |
How hot are these? They look so lux. The stacked heels, leather straps and subtle gold-tone buckles make these dressed up and laidback. If I owned these boots, I would spend half the day rubbing the soft suede. I have a tactile fetish when it comes to shoes. Maybe I should save the personal revelations and just focus on the shoes, huh?
So like I said, gorgeous boots.
Plum Sole
October 19 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
I have a thing for purple right now. It’s more exciting than black and less prone to looking tarty than red. One thing I’ve got my eye out for is perfect pair of plum shoes.
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Satin Jimmy Choo pumps at Bluefly |
What can I say? The Choos are gorgeous and would seriously pump up the volume on my winter wardrobe. But at $712, I’d have to skip eating for two months. I get really cranky when I’m hungry. So here’s an alternative:
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Seychelles brooch pump |
They aren’t Jimmy Choo but these are still adorable. I can think of plenty of ways to wear these, from dresses to jeans. And at $80 I think my husband should take me out to dinner with all the money I’ve saved.
Rainy Days & Mondays
October 16 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
It was raining so hard early this morning that I woke up and couldn’t go back to sleep. Some people find the sound of rain soothing, but hard driving rain makes me a wee bit nervous. I grew up in the desert where flash floods can happen without warning, so a deluge is not my idea of a good time, even in the comfort of my warm bed. But I’m a fan of going outside after it rains and breathing in all the wonderful fresh smells rain brings. I’m getting a little “one with nature” here but I do have a point. Splashing through puddles would be much more fun in these:
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Tretorn Karin rubber platform shoes |
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Tretorn Plask rubber platform boots |
Rain shoes never looked so chic. Love the platform heels on both styles. I wore classic Tretorn tennis shoes in junior high school but I’d forgotten all about them until recently. How fabulous that bad weather can be used to justify shoe shopping. As if I need a reason.
Solid Gold
October 3 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
When I was a kid, I loved Solid Gold. If you’re too young to remember this little gem of early 80’s TV, I suggest you watch this immediately. Good times honey. I would dance like a little demon in my living room, flipping my hair and dreaming of becoming a Solid Gold dancer when I grew up.
Now why am I professing my love for this show? These shoes made me think of it.
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Jean-Michel Cazabat gold python slingback from Barney’s |
I’m sure Solid Gold footwear was probably a lot less luxurious than these. But just looking at them makes me want to turn it out on the dance floor. Or wear them around the house while I rock out to my iPod. In any case, these babies are beautiful.
