Everything Shoe

Willpower

2012-02-10T16:04:00.000-05:00

I went to Century 21 on my lunch break today. I often do this. It's within walking distance (for me) and has the lure of pretty and reduced things. After scoping out the bags, I headed down to the shoe section and had a good rummage.
Oh my, what a test to my resolve. I walked out without making a purchase so you should all be very proud of me. There were definitely some things that tempted me and among them were these Rachel Zoe shoes:

If Century 21 has a website that you could buy, I would link that but they don't so I can't. However, they are available (reduced) on the Neiman Marcus website for around the same price.
Wait a minute, I'm beginning to work out how this works...

Anyway, they had these in some sizes in both black and maroon, and I was rather taken with them. I love the shape, the platform and heel thickness and you can never go wrong with suede (unless it rains...) but as I am on a shoe sabbatical right now, I abstained. Besides, I need more basic and work appropriate shoes and although these aren't too wacky and I'd definitely wear them to work, they aren't quite what I was after.
I also have a fairly similar pair already. Curses.

I also got tempted by some D&G shoes and some Manolo Blahnik. Can I get a high five for staying strong please?

Shoe Challenge Round Up

2012-02-10T09:56:00.000-05:00

Well, I was going to do spreadsheets and graphs and then I remembered that I don't like doing that kind of thing so I abstained, but I would like to somehow recap the shoes saved during the shoe challenge.
The brands featured were, in no particular order:

Frye, Elizabeth and James, Steve Madden, All Saints, Steven by Steve Madden, Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Topshop, Minnetonka, Australia Luxe, Aldo, Miu Miu, BCBG Max Azria, Ugg, Carlos Santana, Office, Faith, Christian Dior, Tory Burch, Candies, Juicy Couture, Vans, Chloe, Nine West, Converse, Zara, Audrey Burke, Target, BCBG, Jessica Simpson, Cynthia Vincent, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Nike, New Look, Coast, Teva, Betsey Johnson, Boutique 9, Vera Wang, Prada, Martinez Valero, L.A.M.B, Calvin Klein, Alexander McQueen, Punkrose, Sam & Libby, xti, Roland Cartier, K2, Gucci, Dune, Sergio Rossi, Havianna, Isaac Mizrahi, Pied a Terre, Michael Kors, Dollhouse, Oboz and Giuseppe Zanotti.

It's quite an array and I love each pair. One thing that I didn't really take into account when doing the challenge was that I would buy shoes throughout the year (because, duh...) and therefore my original 'I need to do x number of pairs per week' was flawed. This became evident when there was a mad dash in the last few weeks to get them all done.

I didn't think it would be a challenge but it was, especially when it came to thinking about what seasons the challenge spanned and how certain shoes had to be saved by different dates because otherwise they'd be unwearable due to the weather. I was fortunate to travel a bit to other climates and therefore save shoes that I had forgotten about.

I also had moment of nostalgia when it came to saving very British brands (like Office, Faith and New Look) that aren't readily available here. It not only made me think of the UK again but also made me realize I haven't been there in awhile. With the exchange rate being what it is, I doubt I'd visit to buy shoes (especially when I think I prefer the ones I can get here!) but I'd definitely like to visit people and eat pix'n'mix.

Here are some of my favorite shoe challenge save photos:

While I don't think I will do another shoe challenge - at least for awhile - I want to become more in the habit of documenting shoes and the matching outfits. Especially if the shoes are new. I think it will help me to think carefully about what I wear and make more of an effort. No more lazy Ugg days!

Shoe Challenge #132 - THE FINAL PAIR!

2012-02-10T07:47:00.000-05:00

It's true my lovelies, I have completed the shoe challenge with every pair of shoes saved. Thank goodness. I also saved a really special pair for last so I could go out with a bang!
Here we go with the last pair, an amazing pair of Giuseppe Zanotti striped peep toes.

The photos (which are admittedly, not great) do not give these justice by a long shot. The colors are vibrant and they are so well designed. They are super high but somehow don't feel it when you wear them.
I actually got these on Zappos (thank you momsy!) a few years ago but it really was a case of falling in love. There was no way these shoes weren't going to be mine.
I do get compliments on them each time I wear them and when I did the photoshoot for Look magazine (hah, remember that? Back in my PR days!) almost 2 years ago (damn, it was that long ago?) we needed 2 outfits and for the rooftop photos, I wore these (and my Louboutin mary janes for the inside shots) and was kinda sad they couldn't be seen in the final layout.

That's the real skyline by the way. It was a small vent platform that we all stood on that was...precariously high in the Flatiron district. Perhaps wearing 5 inch heels wasn't the smartest thing, especially when it came to clamboring up there, but so worth it. They are amazing shoes.

I expect I will do a shoe challenge round up later today, but for the time being I shall bask in the glow of my saved shoes. I hope you were just as successful if you were doing the challenge too!

Kate Spot

2012-02-10T03:24:00.001-05:00

There is something about these sandals that I adore. I don't know whether it's the shape, the spots or the cute colors.

Although the straps seem to not know what they're doing, I love the spots and bow. Kate Spade really does some nice shoes, I need to investigate their shoe collection further. I like the leather collection, as my wallet proves, but I should look at their shoes more. Luckily, the TJMaxx near my office has started having more Kate Spade things in recently.

Bows and Money

2012-02-09T16:01:00.000-05:00

There is something that I balk at when it comes to spending a lot of money on flat sandals. I'm not saying it never happens but I'm more reticent about it. Mainly because flat open sandals show wear so easily. One summer of wear in NYC and shoes, regardless of price, will show it. Slightly dusty, worn and tired looking. Therefore, I am more likely to spend less because the shoes may not last to the next summer.

However, the more pairs of shoes you own then the less you wear each pair and therefore, said pairs show less wear. Good logic, right?
Anyway, these adorable Nina Ricci sandals aren't cheap but dammit, I want them anyway.

I love the style, the bow and the fact they are black. Would these really show much wear? Can I somehow justify them?

To the power of 4!

2012-02-09T11:03:00.000-05:00

How many licks does it take to get the middle of a Tootsie Pop? How many legs does a centipede really have? How many straps can a mary jane have?
Well, I've never eaten a Tootsie Pop, I know centipedes can have any number of legs despite their name and mary janes can have as many straps as they like, so long as it stays cute.

These Manolo Blahnik mary janes decided that 4 was the magic number for straps. I love the color and although they come in gray too (and are on sale!), I think the blue is pretty special.
I wonder how pointed the toe looks IRL but they are so dainty and nice looking, I am sure I can forgive them. What do you think of them?

Back in Business!

2012-02-09T10:54:00.000-05:00

I apologize that yesterday was a slow day but I was poorly. Sadsies. I even needed the day off work which is something I hate doing (gotta save up those sick days for emergencies!) but since I spent the whole day either sleeping, coughing, blowing my nose and germs about then sleeping some more...I think I made the right decision and my coworkers are probably glad I didn't come in to make them sick too.
But I'm back and slightly less ill today! Hooray!

These Jeffrey Campbell at Free People boots are an amazing display of studs and laces. While I don't always love the 'pre-distressed' look', these somehow work for me. I'm not sure how long they take to put on and take off but they have a certain look that appeals to the babydoll-dress wearing 90's chick that lies within me. She remembers the days when I had dyed hair and too many earrings.

CSI: Fendi

2012-02-08T04:34:00.000-05:00

You know how on crime shows, there is always some insignificant but unique way they manage to catch the killer? Like seeds from their rare Japanese orchid embedded in the wound or something? When I see the platforms from Fendi with the little logo on the front, it makes me think of that.
Like, some guy got murdered but there was a curious indent on this shin bone. What could it be? Then they see it's from the Fendi logo and they can trace it back to the widow who killed him for the money...

I am totally the only one who thinks that, right? Apart from murderous connotations, I rather like these pumps by Fendi. I like the mix of black and jewel colors. I am a bit on the fence about the platform logo, it's a bit like a car grill, but apart from that they are fun and girlie.

Tuesday Trend

2012-02-07T08:30:00.000-05:00

This Tuesday Trend is slightly different and inspired from a post on Just Luxe about the most expensive shoes out there.
There have been expensive shoes since there has been consumerism and a class system (re: a long time) but as designers get competitive, prices will go up and shoes will get more extravagant.
I like well made shoes and don't mind shelling out extra because you can tell the difference between hand made leather shoes and mass produced synthetic shoes. Not that there is always anything wrong with the latter but a girls closet really should contain both.
This excess is not limited to shoes as stories of diamond encrusted bras and solid gold iPad cases can attest to.

These particular Jimmy Choos are on the market for $1,995 which pales in comparison to the slideshows (click the Just Luxe link above to see them all) winner, which were a pair of Christian Louboutin reptile pumps for $4,645.
These are insane amounts of money for shoes. Also, don't even get me started on reptile skins being used on shoes. That's a whole other issue.

This trend of excess and high prices does not seem to have an end in sight, despite the economic times. Hermes can shill their Birkin bag for tens of thousands and Chanel sunglasses are beyond ridiculously priced.
But all this is relative. If you earn millions of dollars a year, does it really matter? I think it does in the sense the price can then get driven up which sucks for those of us who earn...well, less than that.

Is it tacky to talk about the prices of things? I don't care. Again, I think there is a relativity thing at play in another capacity here too. It's not secret I have quite a few designer shoes, you've seen the shoe challenges, and while someone may be thinking that's not fair or that I'm rich, let me enlighten you. I work full time. I don't drink. I don't have a TV. I live with my boyfriend in a tiny apartment sharing rent. I don't eat that much. I don't go out to clubs. So I save a lot of money where a lot of people spend it. Therefore, I can sometimes manage to get some nice shoes. After saving up for a bit, obviously.

I didn't see a noticeable nose dive in prices during the economy and I've even noticed an increase in high end shoes and purses. While the price of things are indeed relative to how much you earn and how you spend your money, I think that most of us can agree that $4,645 is a stupid amount of money to spend on shoes made from skin.

All Over

2012-02-07T06:26:00.000-05:00

The soles of a shoe now play as big a role as the upper. We can probably blame that all on Mr. Louboutin. We've seen red soles, blue soles, stripey soles and leopard print soles. But have we even seen sequined soles?
I don't mean the bit that actually has ground contact, because that would be silly, but the underside of the shoe covered in sequins. Dolce and Gabbana made it happen...

It took me a second to work out why they looked so different from the back view. What you do think of heels with all over covering? Too much? Awesome? Let me know!

Clashing is so last year...

2012-02-07T04:15:00.006-05:00

I had the start of a cold on Sunday and on Monday it had seemed to get worse. I closed my office door and hid behind it to quarantine myself from getting others sick. I wish I could say I went to bed on Monday night and stayed there and am still there, but alas I am one of those fools who just keeps on going until I collapse.
I don't think it's healthy but at least I get to stockpile my sick days until I really need them!
We used to get told that stripes and polka dots clashed and were a no-no to wear together. Then all the rules got broken and you see people wearing navy and black or pink and red or mixing florals. Rules are made to be broken.

Both these pairs of shoes are by Not Rated and really go for a mix of stripes and polka dots. The styles are girlie and wearable, the price even nestles in the extremely reasonable spectrum. There is definitely a bit of a costume-y look to them, especially the first pair. You'd have to be careful what you wore so it didn't look too matchy-matchy.

Crocs

2012-02-06T13:57:00.000-05:00

I never like ruling out a brand entirely, even Crocs. Now, hear me out. The standard Crocs are gross, there are no two ways about it. But, like Uggs, there is more to the brand than their most prolific style.
Check out these YOU by Croc sandals:

Buy Here by Crocs

Dare I say it? These are cute! They look very comfy with a low heel and cushy platform. The color is cheerful and there is just something pleasant about them in a 'these are cute and comfy!' way.
I won't be wearing the rubber clog Crocs any time soon (or, like, EVER) but I will be more amenable to seeing what the brand has to offer.

Pinata!

2012-02-06T04:12:00.000-05:00

The first thing that sprang to mind when I saw these shoes was a pinata. The second thing was my sadness that I have never thwacked a pinata. The third thing was, again, sadness that there are shoes that look like a pinata and cost $1,452.

Well, at least they look cheerful, right? These Brian Atwood shoes definitely have a distinct look to them and would be great for Easter Sunday (they have the whole Easter basket thing going on) but I can't help but think those stray strands would tickle or itch your feet.

I need to get my hands on a pinata. I've seen them sold at Target before so they aren't too hard to get a hold of. I don't know if I'd really like to hit it tho. Those donkey ones look so cute it might feel mean to hit at it and burst it open, even if there is candy inside.

Monday Spotlight: Anthropolgie

2012-02-06T02:58:00.000-05:00

I've long put off writing about Anthropologie because I have such complex feelings towards it. Every time I go in I never find anything good, things that I deem too frumpy or ill fitting or just too twee seem to take up the entire collection. It isn't the cheapest store in the world either, which I think adds to my frustration. Anthropologie seems to be the domain of 'manic pixie dream girls' or librarians and yet often times I will come across one of my friends wearing something cute that turns out to be from Anthropologie.
Is there a secret store with all the good stuff I haven't found yet? I must persevere. I just have yet to find anything that didn't make me look baggy or like I was trying too hard to be interesting or that I thought was worth the cost.
They have clothes, accessories and of course, shoes. Which leads me into showing you these.

Aren't those postage stamp ballet flats just the indecipherable mix of twee and cute? I can't work out if I like them or would actually hate them.
You know those women who insist on wearing stuff with a story or that is slightly strange in a mainstream way just to high light how 'wacky' and 'unique' they are? Yeah, those women annoy me. It's like they think they are better than other women and yet need to rely on their clothes to highlight their self perceived awesome qualities. Really, if you were so awesome, would you need to rely on your clothes? Because, if you were so unique and special, wouldn't your personality shine over whatever it was you were wearing?
I can never iterate what I mean in this example without sounding like a bitch. I just don't like these women looking down on me because I don't have postage stamps on my shoes or because I don't insist on wearing old friendship (their vintage!) bracelets like they do.
It just makes them look insecure.
I guess what I mean by this rant is that it is how I have thought about the majority of people I know who shop there. However, there are plenty of people who shop there who don't make me roll my eyes so it's a potato/potarto situation.
I love the word 'potarto'. It needs to become the norm.
Apart from my obvious issues, it's a nice store and I love their homewares but with they were cheaper. It's a grown up Urban Outfitters, sharing the same 'cooler than thou' vibe.
Please shop there and prove me wrong about the people who shop there.

Sunday Update

2012-02-05T22:09:00.000-05:00

Hey hey, I thought I'd write a random non-shoe related post. It's Super Bowl Sunday and I'm not really watching the game even though the Giants are playing and I live in New York. I guess the fever hasn't reached me?
I also happen to date the only man who doesn't care about the Super Bowl. He likes playing sport and working out but not watching that. I kinda won the jackpot there, right?
I really wanted an excuse to share some pretty photos with you because it's been awhile since I've done that. Here are some pretty nature snaps from a hike we went on last weekend (shoe save for the hiking boots!) and let me just say I am loving the lack of winter (no jinxes please!) we are having right now. Although the lack of snow has made going snowboarding a complete joke, it's nice to get out hiking!

Bear Mountain, NY

Local hijinks in Brooklyn

The GW Bridge. From NY to NJ. We aren't going to use it to get back into NY! That's crazy expensive!

Frozen lake

Racing against the sunlight to get back to the car...

An indoor park in Soho to beat the winter blues...

The biggest postal office I've ever seen. I rarely come to this part of town so I did a touristy photo thing.

I made this fabulous sunflower cake in a class!

There we go. Some decidedly un-shoe related photos. I should post more up here. I love Instagram so I should do an Instagram post every so often too.

Oh, New York just won the Super Bowl. Does this mean I get the day off work tomorrow? That would be sweeeeeet.

Burning a hole

2012-02-03T12:38:00.000-05:00

I have a $10 coupon from DSW burning a hole in my wallet. Well, actually it's in a little envelope where I keep all my coupons (I'm not an 'extreme couponer' by any means but I like to have all of them together and organized) in my purse.
I'm still on my shoe shopping ban, especially so near the end of the shoe challenge! There is only 1 pair left and I'm not losing them! It's a good thing the coupon is valid until April so hopefully I'll be able to pick up a pair as a birthday present to myself. Here are 2 pairs of ballet flats that could tempt me to use it!

Don't you love that DSW has Giuseppe Zanotti and Marc Jacobs? I got some Miu Miu ballet flats from DSW awhile ago and they were great. I love both pairs and goodness knows I can always do with more ballet flats! Especially cute and comfy ones!
Which do you like best?

What's in your sandwich?

2012-02-03T03:48:00.000-05:00

These shoes remind me of sandwich fillings because of the slash of color that seems to be wedged between the main color on both the platform and ankle straps. I included both colors for your enjoyment!

Do you like the orange or blue version best? I gotta be predictable and go for the blue/black combo. There is something a little harsh about the orange ones that wouldn't jive with my skin tone. Much better on darker skin I think!
What do you like in your sandwiches? I don't have sandwiches very often. The last one I had contained lettuce and a smear of pinto bean dip (it was tasty!) in a whole wheat bun. Peanut butter is always a winner but instead of pairing with jelly or marshmallow fluff, I like putting black pepper crisps (or chips, dear Americans) inside. I like the veggie sammies from Subway too. Subway is my road trip guilty pleasure stop. I never get Subway normally but on a roadtrip, it's the place I beg for. S and I stopped there in Vegas on our travels over Christmas which should keep me going for awhile.
Do you have a favorite sammich?

Shoe Challenge #131

2012-02-02T14:39:00.002-05:00

These are the penultimate shoes! Oh yes, the end is in sight and it's all very exciting. These Betsey Johnson shoes are utterly gorgeous and fairly reminiscent of a pair of DSQUARED2 shoes that I had fawned over a few years ago.

I'm not sure what cinched it for me. The cue round toe, the black suede, the shapely heel, the corset front, the leopard print sole or the fact they are actually comfy for such high heels. I got these shoes from Century 21 for only $45 and they had been reduced from something like $120 so WIN!
I love the shape and as you can see, I wore these to work today with some awesomely patterned tights.

Oh yeah, and Happy Groundhog Day!

Pink Curved Heels

2012-02-02T10:21:00.000-05:00

The curved heel seems to be appearing more and more on shoes although so far I've only been drawn to the pink ones. I need more pink shoes in my life I think.

These Alexander McQueen shoes are pretty interesting with laser cut out details. I like the pale pink with the darker colors. I am still a bit undecided about how I feel about the curved heel but if it works on the couture cat walks, who's to say it won't work in the walk of life?

William Wished

2012-02-02T04:48:00.000-05:00

Does anyone remember that kids cartoon called William's Wish Wellingtons? I don't ever remember seeking it out but it was always on the TV at the house of the woman who took us to school when I was little. I sometimes wish in regards wellies, especially about how I can make them more pleasing to the eye. I am not a fan of a heel on a welly and I don't like it when people - women - insist on wearing them when it's not really necessary.
Thusly, when I saw these, I was a happy bunny:

It seems AIGLE has managed to make a rubber boot look cute! I am impressed. These look nice for any boot, let alone a rubber one. You see ladies, staying dry doesn't mean your feet have to stay ugly.

Better Oxfords

2012-02-01T15:05:00.000-05:00

Remember how I started getting interested in Oxfords? There was something so rigid about the design that I wasn't overly fond of but I have found a pair that are softer and a bit more feminine looking.

These Betsey Johnson shoes remind me strongly of shoes I wore for dance many years ago but I just can't help but adore them. They look so soft and delicate! I included both the cream and black versions because I couldn't choose between them.
Do you like them? Which color do you like best if you do?

Soul Train

2012-02-01T11:05:00.000-05:00

These shoes have a lovely retro vibe going on and because today is the day the soul train stopped, I thought it would be nice to have some fun shoes with a fun 70's vibe.

These fabulous heels from Aldo have a great combination of color blocking and shapely heel with a chunky platform. Recognizable as a retro throwback but by no means out of date. I love the sky blue and cerulean together with the tan.
However, I would advice you do not pair them with bell bottoms because that might be going a tad too far!

I see your true colors..

2012-02-01T03:05:00.000-05:00

Because I have the tendency to gravitate towards darker shoes, it's always nice to find a colorful shoe that doesn't pull me too far out my comfort zone of dark shoes.
I love the colored piping on these booties which makes them fun and interesting. They are really reasonably priced but only 2 sizes are left on Modcloth so act fast!

I always moon over the dresses on Modcloth and I really need to give it a go! The prices are so low so it makes me wonder about the quality.
I've made the resolution to make informed and quality shoe purchases in 2012 so although there is definitely a place for fun, cheap pairs of shoes, I want to make quality purchases this year. If someone can tell me these are both cheap AND good quality - I'm sold!

Minnie Bows

2012-01-31T15:18:00.000-05:00

The Valentino bow is the stuff on dreams. This one is rather stylized and cute but still damn awesome. I like the compact, almost Minnie Mouse like look of these shoes. You can tell that because of the platform and chunky heel, they'd be super comfy. I have a big yearn for a new pair of Valentino shoes so I am stalking the website, waiting for something to really take my fancy!

Walking on Stripe-shine

2012-01-31T14:33:00.001-05:00

I have long lusted after a pair of Georgina Goodman heels but constantly get thwarted by my size not being available. Alas, these gorgeous pumps do not have my size but they are on sale so if you see your size there, snatch them up right away!

I had to show them from all angles for the super-drool factor. I love when shoes combine both leather and suede! The cut out details and lace up is perfection with the awesome striped sole rounding things out nicely.

Curses for not having tiny feet! The Outnet has these beauties so head on over there for a better look!