Confessions of a Stiletto Diva

Poor Neglected blog

2011-07-25T20:10:00.004-05:00

It's been nearly 3 months since I visited my poor little fashion blog. I shall endeavor to do better. I promise.

Lots has been happening in my world. I have a new job and I sold another book.

And... I bought new shoes and a new handbag. First, I give you THIS to drool over:

Shoes coming soon. ;)

Day #19 Xena Would Be Proud

2011-05-06T08:30:00.001-05:00

Today I give you... Naughty Monkey style No Regrets from Zappos.Com. Oh.My.Gawd. These are so hot. I did the GISN when I saw them and I knew I had to have them. These are fresh off delivery and barely out of the box. I love they had the syrofoam foot-shaped inserts to keep the straps from being all squishy.

They have a 4 1/2-inch cork heel and lots of strappy/buckle goodness. They have what I like to call a "Xena Warrior Princess" look that is sure to be full of bad-assery. I may not be able to kick your ass, but I will feel like I can kick your ass in these.

That's all that matters anyway, right? Four-and-a-half inch heels = I Am Woman; Hear Me Roar. And I look good doing it, too.

Day #18 Sexy Sandals

2011-04-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

Victoria's Secret is a tease. They know I love shoes, hence they send me their "Shoe Book" to tempt me. They also know I've just paid off my card from my wedding/cruise purchases and want to suck me into their evilness again.

You know what? It worked.

I'd received their latest catalogue in the mail because (a) I shop there a lot and (b) I buy a lot of stuff from then and (c) I especially buy a lot of shoes from them. I had been ignoring it. Usually I toss it in the trash immediately so I wouldn't tempt myself. But this time, as I was waiting on my son to finish breakfast before school, I made the grave error of flipping through the catalogue.

And I stumbled across THESE (pictured above). These are the Wrapped Platform Sandal with a 5-inch heel and a 1/2-inch platform. They come in pale pink, cream, grey, and black. I stopped cold.

Are they the most gorgeous shoes you've ever seen? I stared at them for a long moment. My mouth watered with anticipation. I could see myself wearing these. I knew I had to have them. I ran to my Sekrit CC Hide-Out (which isn't fooling anyone, especially me) and grabbed my VS card. I ran back to the computer, logged on, and immediately purchased them.

They're on their way. :) Naturally, I purchased the pale pink ones. Someone asked me what I was going to wear them with. My reponse? Whatever I want! And someone else asked me where I was going to wear them. My response? Wherever I want! That means I'll be strutting in them at the office. Uh huh. I will.

What's your favorite to-die-for sandal?

Photo Credit: VictoriasSecret.Com

Flip-FLOP Faux Pas

2011-04-26T08:00:00.003-05:00

For some reason, my fingers INSIST on typing flip-flip instead of flip-flop. I really have to concentrate to get it right. Geeze.

I have a pet peeve. And it's regarding flip-flops.

Don't get me wrong, I love them. I own a collection of them myself. I think they're great for running quick errands when it's 5000 degrees outside. I think they're fabulous for walking on white sandy beaches. Or going poolside.

But one place they do not belong is the professional office.

This kills me. I see women walking through downtown wearing great outfits and...flip flops. I don't care how blinged out they are, to me, they just aren't office appropriate.

And who really wants to hear you flippy-flopping down the hall in them anyway?

I just had to get this out because I see women every single day walking in a nice professional office building wearing skirts and dresses. What kills me is they decide to end this lovely outfit with a pair of $10 shoes with a rubber sole. I don't get it.

But then I guess I'm kind of a shoe snob anyway. ;)

What's your take? How do you feel about flip-flops in the professional office setting?

How to be a Shoe Whore

2011-04-20T07:26:00.000-05:00

Here at Stiletto Diva, not only do I dish about my addiction to shoes, but I’m also here to teach you how to be a Shoe Whore. If you follow these steps, you are sure to be one, too.

1. Whenever you see a great pair of shoes, you do the GISN (Giant Inward Sucking Noise). The GISN can be used for any number of things but specifically shoes and sometimes really fine handbags.

2. When confronted with the choice to buy shoes or buy groceries, you pick shoes.

3. You don’t blink an eye at paying a large sum of money for one pair of shoes. In fact, you see nothing wrong with spending $500 or more on shoes. (What's wrong with that?)

4. You buy a fabulous pair of shoes and THEN find an outfit to go with it. This is normal.

5. You never, ever buy just one pair of shoes.

6. It’s not abnormal to carry a giant shopping back filled with shoe boxes at DSW while still decided between two pairs.

7. Your husband knows your shoe size in both American and European sizes.

8. You keep all your shoes in their original boxes with the label side out, stacked neatly in your closet, organized by style and then color. You don’t mind that it takes up nearly the entire closet.

9. Whenever you shop, you end up in a shoe department. Even if you just ran out for bread or milk.

10. Your number 1 shoe rule: If you try it on, it comes home with you.

Life is short, ladies. Buy the shoes.

Wardrobe Malfunctioning

2011-04-18T08:22:00.000-05:00

I told my husband a couple of weeks ago that I wanted to get rid of everything in my closet and start over. Jokingly, I added I wanted to set the closet on fire because I hated everything hanging in there. To my surprise he said, "Okay."

Well, not to the setting on fire part but to the getting rid of everything part.

In his world, if it's five years old, it's time to go. That only applies to clothes he continues to wear. For clothes he hasn't worn in a year, it's time to go ASAP.

In my world, I hang on to things because... well, I'm not exactly sure why. Because I bought it on sale? Because I like it and there may be an opportunity to wear it someday? Because I don't want to get rid of it?

I'm trying to figure out just why I have all these clothes in my closet. It doesn't really make sense. I mean, I own two-thirds of the closet and he has only a small portion. I wear the same things, over and over and over again. How unexciting is that?

I did actually clean out the bottom of the closet where all the shoes are. I had to make room for my wedding gown which was heir-loomed and put in a very large box. I had no space for it. So it sat on the bedroom floor for four months.

I finally started digging in the closet to see what I had been hanging onto all this time. I found seven tote bags, one umbrella, twelve pairs of shoes, a bag of plastic hangars, two yoga blocks, a brown belt, and a rogue sock that had been missing for a while. Does anyone really need seven tote bags? Okay, so like six of them were free; one I bought. I have a Victoria's Secret one, two RWA Nationals, one Carter Blood Care (when I donated blood), one from Elements RWA chapter, one Carnival, one red American Tourister. What the hell am I doing with all these? I confess, I couldn't bring myself to throw them away. Well, except for the plastic RWA tote from DC. That one I tossed. The others are canvas, so I folded them up and kept them. Actually, I stuffed them in the back of the closet. :D

I pulled out all the shoes lingering in the floor of the closet. Three pairs of tall black boots, three pairs of Harley boots, slippers, old sneakers, several pairs of heels. The heels just needed to be put back in their respective boxes, which I did. I kept one pair of the black boots (the suede thigh-high ones) and put them away. The Harley boots stayed. The old sneakers? Trash. The slippers? Trash. I haven't worn them in about six years. The other two pairs of black boots? Trash. The leather was cracking and peeling. There was dust on them for goodness sake. They're gone.

Then I got rid of a couple more pairs of shoes that haven't been on my feet in a while. They had dust on them, too. Really. I bagged them all up. I figure I'll save them for the next time Arc of Texas comes by to pick up donations.

I did finally find a place for the wedding dress, though, after all was done. I didn't, however, get to the cleaning out the actual closet part of the job. I'm still trying to get up the nerve to get rid of those skirts I haven't worn in about ten years.

Day #17 Blue Suede Shoes

2011-03-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've always, ALWAYS wanted blue suede shoes! Now I have them. Check these out. They're Gianni Bini, style name Honey. And they are beautiful in a gorgeous blue-violet color. This picture doesn't do them justice. They have a 4-inch heel (of course). They're actually quite comfy. I purchased these, oh, a few months ago. I can't remember exactly when and I'm very behind on my 365 day posts, aren't I? Well, here's one for the collection. Don't step on my blue suede shoes, man.

Get Naked

2011-03-24T08:08:00.000-05:00

WOW. I'm such a bad blogger here. BAD Mik BAD. But I swear I'm going to try to do better. My goal is to post here on Tuesdays and Thursdays. And not just limited to handbags and shoes. I'm going to branch out into other fashionista things.

Today I'm talking about my new favorite thing: Urban Decay Naked from Sephora. O.M.G. I totally love this eyeshadow palette. It sells for $48 on Sephora's website and it has the best names for the 12 colors. Check them out: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal.

Aren't those cool? I love them. I even love the eyeshadow brush that came with the palette. Definitely worth the $48 (I never thought I'd say that about make-up, ever). If your'e considering getting this, then you better hurry. It sells out. In fact, I've been waiting since October to get it. As soon as I got the email saying it was in stock, I clicked BUY NOW! It's just that good.

Why I'm Spoiled...

2010-12-02T19:44:00.003-06:00

...and my man loves me.

See what I got as a wedding present? Wouldn't you now agree I'm completely spoiled and the Man loves me? It's perfect. I *love* them. They're classic black pumps, smell like real leather. I think I'll be sleeping with these under my pillow tonight. I'm pretty sure these won't be my last pair either. ;)

Ahh... l'amour!

Day #16 What I got today!

2010-11-16T18:58:00.004-06:00

I know... I know. I've been sadly neglecting the blog. BUT! Look! What! I! Got! Today!

Coach. New Aeyna. Color: Platinum in metallic leather and so GORGEOUS. I love these. They're for my upcoming trip. WOOHOO!

Me: Happy

2010-09-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Surrounded by Coach.

Day #15 - Booties!

2010-09-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is Jones New York and the cutest bootie on the face of the planet.

You wouldn't know bythe look of them but these are really comfy. They look great with a pair of long black pants. I bet you can guess what type of heel this is, can't you? ;)

These were an impulse buy one day as I was perusing DSW's online sales. I think I got them for $30 with shipping. I had the shipping to the office so I could have ooh-and-ahh satisfaction. Plus I just love getting those shoe boxes delivered to the office. hehe

Day #14 - Dear Kathryn

2010-09-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hello, lovlies.

Today's offering is Kathryn by rsvp. (That's intentionally lowercase.)

In a decadant red satin and cushioned by Foot Petals, this is a sexy slide for those nights when you want to wow your man - whether you're staying in (wink wink) or going out to paint the town a matching satin red. Either way, you'll look fabulous in these hot numbers with the four-inch stiletto heel (what else?), the cute bow on the toe, and the metallic lined footbed.

Aren't they precious? And yes, of course, I own them, too. ;)

Day #13 - Zebra, Anyone?

2010-09-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

So. What do you think of these? Aren't they too cool for school? (Okay that was corny...)

I give you Gabriella Rocha Mylie in Zebra in synthetic upper. They have a pointy toe and a four-inch stiletto heel (really, are you surprised?)

I have to admit, these kinda pinch my feet but I look good wearing them and that's all I really care about. ;) Ah, the price of beauty!

I got these via Zappos. I confess I don't wear them all the time but when I do wear them, I make a fashion statement. Animal patterns were all the rage the year I bought them and I was hot to have some zebra shoes. I got them. Another surprise. ;)

Day #12 - Hello, Brooke

2010-09-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is Brooke. One of my all-time favorite bags and seeing it now makes me want to rush to my closet and switch out my current bag with this one!

The color is a lovely shade of red with pink satin interior. The leather is buttery soft pebble cowhide. There are polished golden accents, zip top closure with handles on each side and a shoulder strap that's removable. I wasn't certain about the handles on the side at first, but overtime they grew on me.

Another awesome thing about this bag: when it was sold in October 2009, Coach donated 20 percent of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. It even has the a ribbon embossed on the hangtag. I truly love this bag.

Day #11 - Carlos Rocks

2010-09-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

Let me introduce you to this very sexy Carlos Santana shoe. This is style Roulette.

I did a special favor for a very special friend (she knows who she is) because she was getting married (a very special event). I did it because, well, because she's my friend. And this is going to sound weird - she lives in Canada and we've never met face to face but we've talked via email for years. We me at this place called The Writing Life years ago. I was writing serialized fiction at the time. She started her own serialized fiction story was was set in his awesome town about this girl who had super powers. But I digress... this isn't a post about writing, this is a post about SHOES.

So anyway... I did this thing for her and felt good about it because I knew I was helping her out. I couldn't go to the wedding so I was really happy to do it. A few weeks later, this box arrives on my front porch from Zappos. (Oh, how I love thee...) It's THESE. A thank you for the favor.

Aren't they awesome? Four-inch stiletto heel, naturally. The material is a shimmery satin in this delectiable chocolate and this electric blue with a snazzy brass buckle on the toe. LOVE THEM.

Turns out, she conspired with Man to find out my size (she was impressed he knew without having to look - I've trained him well, my friends). She also asked what was on my wish list. At the time I had nothing and started populating it and silly me never realized she was up to something. You better believe I keep that wish list stocked now. ;)

Day #10 - The Red Shoes

2010-09-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

These are to-die-for red shoes in satin with an ankle strap and a darling little red bow on the peep toe. I heart these!

These are Nina. I bought these to go with a smashing red dress I wore to Nationals in Washington, DC in 2009. They have a four inch stiletto heel (of course). I also wore them with said red dress to my niece's wedding in January 2010. The wedding was in downtown Houston and we ended up at the wrong place. Sis and I walked 10 blocks to the right place.

Can you say bleeding blisters?

But I looked fabulous. ;)

Day #9 - Just arrived!

2010-09-08T10:00:00.002-05:00

Ahoy, matey!

Allow me to introduce you to Coconuts, Style Winnie. Isn't she beautiful? The perfect slouchy boot for Fall 2010. The material is butter soft, the buckle is totally cute.

I call this my pirate boot because when folded down, it looks just like something a swashbuckling hero would wear. Jack Sparrow anyone?

These are remarkably comfy with a rounded toe and a 3 1/2 inch heel. I drooled over them when I saw them. You, too, can be a pirate and get your own pair but just remember - I saw them first. ;) Go to DSW's website by clicking here. Quick! Before they sell out! As soon as I saw them, I hit ADD TO BAG!

C'mon Fall! I can't way to wear these.

Day #8 - Fun Bag

2010-09-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is a Kathy Van Zeeland with a harlequin patternn in purple, silver and white. I totally fell in love with this bag as I was perusing Zappos one day. I started to drool. I had to have it. I searched for it and found it at Macy's. I ran right out and bought it.

It came in other colors too: red/black/white and black and whilte. This is the belted shopper bag, I believe. It has sort of a plastic feel to it but I've found that it's quite durable and stain resistant. It's a fun bag to carry as it has lots of pizzazz.

Day #7 - Hawt Zippers

2010-09-04T14:47:00.004-05:00

I don't know about you, but I've noticed a trend this season - zippers in shoes. However, I'd like to say I found these last year and they are SMOKIN' HAWT.

These are Jessica Simpson, Style JS-Deluth. They're very comfortable and the straps are stretchy so they don't pinch or hurt. They do leave marks on your feet if you wear them for any length of time. It's a small price to pay. :)

Wouldn't you agree?

I've actually found I like a lot of Jessica Simpson shoes. They're very stylish, affordable and comfortable. I'm definitely a fan.

Day #6 Madison Maggie Chainlink

2010-08-17T19:38:00.006-05:00

I know I've been grossly neglecting this blog. But I have a good reason! I've been really busy and I haven't had time to schedule any posts. What? You think I typed them out every day? Okay, so now you know my secret. I write the posts and schedule them in advance. But it keeps you coming back, doesn't it? You want to see what I'm talking about next, don't you? Of course you do. That's why you're reading this now. ;)

Sorry - I didn't mean to get off subject. *ahem* Now, let me introduce to you the lovely and talented Madison Maggie Chainlink, Style #14420 from Coach. Isn't she beautiful? I admit she's the same style as my OpArt Maggie in black and white but I *love* that bag so much, I had to have this one. In purple. The lining is lavendar and just as lucious as it looks. I love the three different compartments because I can carry a whole bunch of stuff. I generally like to put all my gadgets (iPod, thumb drive, iPhone, chargers, etc) that I carry in one side and everything else in the other and then my wallet and other personal items in the zippered section.

And the best part was - I got it for a steal at 45% off from Macy's. Yes, I broke tradition and didn't go to the actual Coach store but it was totally worth it. Don't you think? hehe

Trying to get back to normal life

2010-08-08T10:19:00.003-05:00

I spent a week at RWA National Conference and then had a really busy/hectic/stressful week last week. I haven't forgotten about my little stiletto blog! I'm blowing the dust off and will resume posting next week. I promise!

In the meantime, here... have a shoe:

On Hiatus

2010-07-27T07:46:00.000-05:00

I'm off to the RWA National Conference this week but I hope to be back next week with more shoes and bags.

Have a super week, everyone!

Day #5 - Time for a bag

2010-07-23T08:14:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday! Today on 365 Days of Shoes and Bags: Coach!

This is one of my favorite Coach handbags and it also happens to be the first one I ever bought. This patchwork Style #10974, Chelsea Patchwork Large Hobo. It's funky and different and I think that's why I love it. You don't see a lot of them on the street. I carry this bag in fall and winter because it goes perfect with that wardrobe. It's got great brass accents and I adore the creakiness of the leather handle.

And, of course, it comes with it's own dust bag. Which is where this bag lives until it's time to come out and play.

Day #4 - Reception Shoes

2010-07-21T08:04:00.000-05:00

As promised in yesterday's post, here are the reception shoes. I didn't want to be uncomfortable for the entire wedding/reception, so I decided to invest in these. They're Dr. Scholl's. Style is Habit Flat. You can get them as DSW.com for $49.99. Not only will they look great with the pewter dress, but I'll be able to wear them LONG after the wedding is over and we're well into our marital bliss. :)