Everything Shoe

Shoe Challenge #132

2012-02-02T14:39:00.001-05:00

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!

Curvature

2012-01-31T10:31:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day of January and the weather is gorgeous. What is this, California? I'm not suggesting I'm going to run out there in shorts but it's 50F, sunny and beautiful out there. Normally, this time in January, it's icy and snowy and much, much colder.

I've so totally jinxed myself, haven't I?

Since it's so sunny, I can delude myself it's spring and therefore perfectly acceptable to check out pale sandals online. I like my logic.

Pretty, right? There is something...off...look at the side shot and you can see an amazingly curved heel to rival all curved heels (I'm looking at you, Alexander McQueen!)

You know what? I like these. I love the pale pink color, it's so gorgeous, and the swirly upper is really feminine and classic. I'm not overly sure about the size of the platform and thickness of the heel but I think the shoe is more than the sum of its parts and actually comes together very nicely.

You can buy it from Barney's and it's designed by Walter Steiger.

Tuesday Trend

2012-01-31T06:18:00.000-05:00

We had a look at wedges with patterns a few weeks ago but another trend is the wedge with stripes. I remember seeing this on a pair of Rock & Republic wedges last summer and really liked them so I'm actually excited to see this trend back and ready for summer.
Here is the trend as shown by Steve Madden:

Buy Here by Steve Madden

Buy Here by Steve Madden

So diagonal or horizontal stripes seem to be your options with this trend for I am yet to see vertical ones. Can someone please do that? It would look insanely awesome! Anyway, I am a big fan of the horizontal stripes and especially love the second pair.
They look to be made out of a lightweight material which is perfect for summer and I love the color choices. They are fun, flirty and feminine plus you can tell they are going to be comfy.
I like the stripey wedge trend and can't wait to see more from Steve Madden and other designers as the trend gets bigger and more visible as the weather warms up.

Patterned Oxfords

2012-01-30T15:25:00.000-05:00

I'm not quite sure how Oxford shoes got their name. Did they, once upon a time, get worn exclusively by students at Oxford University? I'd ask my dad (for he is a clever fellow and went there) but he was too busy being a long-haired genius and marrying my mum to really notice shoe trends.
The man is now a short-haired genius, still married to my mummy and still doesn't notice shoe trends. Which makes me think I need to take him shoe shopping the next time he visits me in New York.

Anyway, a plain Oxford can be a little boring so I like that some designers have jazzed them up a bit with patterns or glitter (be still my heart) and once someone comes out with a glittery patterned Oxford, then my world will be complete.

Buy Here by Jimmy Choo

Buy Here by Urban Outfitters

Which do you prefer? I like both of them! Which is odd because this really isn't my usual style of shoe but I think that a glittery or patterned Oxford makes them less masculine and clunky.
I would probably wear them both happily if I had them. I really need to get a pair because it's a style I haven't yet tried out and so would like to give it a go.
However, I do need to try them on and see if I suit this style of shoe to begin with!

Twitter Photos!

2012-01-30T11:17:00.001-05:00

I made a February resolution with myself. I am going to be uploading a photo a day (maybe shoe related, maybe New York related, definitely silliness related) to my Twitter account. I just thought I didn't take enough photos so I'm hoping this will kick start some photogenic fun.
Feel free to follow me (and if you don't already follow this blog...WHAT IS YOUR EXCUSE?! FOLLOW EVERYTHING SHOE!!) by clicking the Twitter link on the left and enjoy the February Fotos (teehee).

I spotted these Christian Louboutins and normally, I wouldn't be into 'graffiti' style pumps but I adore the use of color here. I am curious to see how it looks 'in the flesh' when it comes to the patent leather but I think it works because although patent leather is a harsher material, the colors are softer so it balances out nicely.

Buy Here by Christian Louboutin

Si Christian Louboutin est d'humeur généreuse, je pense qu'il devrait me prendre du shopping. S'il vous plait?

Restrained

2012-01-30T10:09:00.000-05:00

Although I am a fan of plotting shoe purchases, working out what is missing from my collection and filling it in accordingly, I am also rather fond of impulse shoe buys. Sometimes I will go out on my lunch break and return with a pair of Uggs or some heels. Sometimes I just get lured in and the shoes seduce me.
That's what is handy about online shopping. You don't even need to go outside to get seduced by shoes. They are right there...all accessible online. That's what happened when I looked on the Nine West website and saw these on sale...

Buy Here by Nine West

Yes please. I love this style of boot and they are majorly reduced. They also look warm which is important because I saw snow on the forecast. We have been so lucky with winter so far, January only had 1 week where it was bitterly cold and for the rest of the time it's been fairly mild (sure, still 'cold' but bearable cold!). However, I am not so certain we have escaped. February and March could be very chilly so we aren't out of the woods yet!
Therefore, I need these boots. Can someone please oblige me?

Monday Spotlight: American Apparel Warehouse

2012-01-30T00:14:00.000-05:00

Occupying a large space on 6th Avenue (around 23rd Street) is a new American Apparel. Not just any American Apparel but a 'Warehouse' which means up to 90% off merchandise.
The store is huge, I'll say that now, with racks and racks of clothes. It's not done up to look super pretty but I don't suppose it needs to be as the feel is more 'flea market' than actual store.
The is a vague semblance of organization with womens stuff divided into sections like dresses, leggings and tshirts. There is a mens section too and even a small section for kids. There is also a 'vintage' section (where all the hideous clothes live), an accessories section and, of course, a shoe section.

The stuff isn't as 'end of the line gross' as you'd expect. They had good leggings in reasonable colors and sizes. There were definitely some bargains to be found here. Some of the stock was damaged. I saw shirts with tears in and shoes with missing soles. I recommend you give each thing a good once over before you commit.

I mention this especially as there is a 'no returns' policy. There is also no changing room so wear something that allows you to try things on right there and then if you are unsure about your size.
As a female, I found the sizes to be fine. I wear a S or XS there and they had plenty. I didn't look at the jeans but they appeared to have a selection too.
I went there with S who spent a long time looking for some pants (or trousers if you aren't American) but didn't find his size. One of the men working there who was the same size, helpfully told us that American Apparel rarely (or never) does the size we were looking for. S is tall and apparently AA doesn't really cater. The helpful sales assistant recommended we try Zara, which we will.

I liked this store, it definitely had potential to have some finds but you'd definitely have to hunt for them. Be careful to go over the clothes carefully to make sure there are no imperfections.
The shoe collection wasn't extensive and full of Oxfords but I rarely see much else in the actual stores so I guess that's fine.

Shoe Challenge #130

2012-01-29T14:47:00.000-05:00

These are possibly the most elegant, classy and dainty shoes I own! Hah. I almost didn't include these because I didn't include my running shoes (Nike Cross-Atheletics in case you wondered) but these are a little bit special and more than sneakers and I wore them yesterday soooo here they are!

Super sexy, right? These are Oboz hiking boots from REI. On a side note, how awesome is REI? I love that place. Anyway, after doing too many hikes in sneakers it just got ridiculous and I felt sure that my luck of not slipping was probably running out, especially since we were about to embark on a hike in January where ice would surely be (and was) a factor. So I picked up some hiking boots which are a good investment as we go hiking a fair bit.
Any excuse to get out of the city!

They cover my ankles (as good hiking boots should) and are water proof. They also didn't require any breaking in which made me loooove them. They also aren't as ugly as a lot of the hiking boots in the store so I have an affection for their bulky charm.
We headed up to Bear Mountain and did a moderate hike (about 8 miles, going up about 1500ft or thereabouts) which included part of the Appalachian Trail which was quite cool. We had to race against the sun towards the end but got back to the park lot in the nick of time!
I had to share one of the lovely photos I took, some of the views were gorgeous and we saw so many wild deer (who had fabulous fluffy tails) that came quite close.

Shoe Challenge #129

2012-01-28T22:24:00.004-05:00

As we near the end of the challenge, I was doing a quick final look through all my photos to make sure all shoes were represented and found these gladiator sandals from Topshop that had been saved but not documented. These were saved waaaay back in the summer of 2011 but I never uploaded them. The photos aren't inspiring and don't really do the wacky shoes justice but here they are, number 129, but saved around 70 pairs ago...

I took this photo while sat on my ass doing all the little buckles (4 for each sandal) so I apologize for it not being a dull picture.
I got these from Topshop on a whim really. There was something so odd about them that kinda appealed to me so I just got them. They do look good with denim shorts and people do comment on them. I get a lot of 'omg, they are so amazing! Where are they from?' but I've also seen some confused looks too. They are an acquired taste I suppose. Marmite sandals.

Lady in Red

2012-01-28T15:59:00.000-05:00

I am overly picky about red shoes. It's a source of contention with me. So many shades are just not right and, yes, I am so fussy about it. However, my gut tells me these tick all the right boxes when it comes to red shoes...

Buy Here by Miu Miu

A pinky rather than orangey (that's totally a word) hue? CHECK. Sumptuous material? CHECK. Comfortable? Well, I don't own these buuut I know that platforms and reasonable heels (like these) make comfy shoes and all my Miu Miu's are dastardly comfy so I shall go out on a limb and... CHECK.
What's not to love? Utterly gorgeous.

Shoe Challenge #127 and #128

2012-01-28T01:55:00.000-05:00

These two give you an idea of the crazy fluctuations going on in NYC weather right now. Granted, the ballet flats were optimistic but so there the boots that only reached mid-calf on the day I wore them!
The red check ballet flats are from New Look and there isn't much to say about them. I got them on sale because they matched a red plaid shirt I had. I'm all for cohesive outfits.
The boots are from DSW and the brand is Dollhouse. I like their rather dainty shape and feel which makes them nice to wear because they aren't too heavy. You can wear them with a skirt without looking too strange. I wore crazy thick Betsey Johnson socks with them because they aren't as warm as taller and chunkier boots.
We are definitely nearing the end of the shoe challenge. I can taste victory! I have a very special pair of shoes saved for the finale.

Rainbow Brite

2012-01-27T12:14:00.000-05:00

I lurve the designs from Giuseppe Zanotti and my Zanotti peep toes have never failed me. Although I tend to gravitate towards the heels, Giuseppe Zanotti does a beautiful array of flat shoes too and these peppy and bright sandals really stood out to me.
Not just because of their cute and eye-popping colors but also because they look functional, comfortable and great for summer while still remaining super fashion forward and elegant.

Buy Here by Giuseppe Zanotti

Aren't those colors just so lovely together? You'd worry that it may look tacky or silly to have such strong colors together but I think this really works. Maybe because they are straps or because of the spacing but they are like a Roman Gladiator and a My Little Pony had shoe-babies.
Sorry for that visual. J'adore!

Firefox

2012-01-27T11:05:00.000-05:00

It's Friday. Thank goodness. It's also raining which is trying to dampen my happy mood but it's not succeeding because it's not actually that cold outside, it's Friday (as I mentioned) and S wants to go shopping this evening. To Zara. Swoon.
My office is also tidy. No rain can bring me down today! Therefore, I am in just the right kind of mood to really appreciate the wackier offerings by Mr. Louboutin. Like these...

Buy Here by Christian Louboutin

Now, I will point out these are real fur so morally, I can't really agree with them but they are certainly eye catching! Maybe not in a good way...
It doesn't say which poor beast gave it's fur so your feet could look like a muppet but it also got a dye job by the looks of things too.
Although these may have to be lumped in with the other Friday Frights, there is something ridiculous about these that suggests that even Christian Louboutin knew these were crazy. Happy Friday!

Purple Boots

2012-01-27T02:54:00.000-05:00

Boots can become so boring so having some in some brighter and fun colors can help ease the monotony. I rather like purple because it's a very versatile color and so happy looking! Here are two I saw that look like they would be very comfortable but also very easy to pair with any outfit.

Buy Here by ASOS

Buy Here by Rag and Bone

There is a pretty big difference in price, without looking too hard at the give away brands, which do you prefer?
Both are a similar style but quite different shades of purple. I happen to like the second pair more because I prefer the heel shape and shade of purple. That said, I really like the first pair as a cheaper, fun and wearable pair of boots.

Cherry Bomb

2012-01-26T13:33:00.000-05:00

Buy Here by Miu Miu

I remember being in a bar in Soho, drinking frozen margaritas with a girlfriend, and stealing the brightly colored cherries from the plastic container on the bar. The bartender didn't seem to mind and the cold and sweet fruit was just what I needed to accompany my ridiculously strong drink.
I am also fairly partial to cherry flavored candy and the ones on top of Bakewell Tarts.
However, this doesn't mean I want to have cherries sitting on my feet. I will say though, as novelty shoes go, these are actually pretty cute and fun.
I wouldn't be massively adverse to wearing them but I don't think I need to pay the pricetag to get them there.
Is it odd that one of their features which wins me over is the fact they are glittery? OH YES.

Ace of Spades

2012-01-26T10:56:00.000-05:00

My wallet is from Kate Spade and I love it. It's beautifully made, easily organized and feels good to touch (yes, I sometimes stand there stroking it...) too. Seeing as I was so impressed with the goods from Kate Spade, I decided to check out the shoe collection to see if it measured up. Here are two classic pairs that not only caught my eye because they were beautiful but also because they were on sale!

Buy Here by Kate Spade

I love that both shoes do cream and black but a different take on it. I think the ballet flats are beautifully feminine and that banana style is always comfy. I also happen to be a sucker for floaty, floppy flowers.

The heeled pair in the amazing combination of nude and black (a favorite) looks even better with the addition of piping and a bow. They look extremely wearable due to the chunkier heel.

Well played, Kate Spade. I see myself owning more than just a wallet now...

Shoe Challenge #126

2012-01-26T08:48:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, when weeks are hectic, one must resort to green suede boots to keep yourself sane. I don't know why, but it's true. This week is being horrendously crazy because our West coast office are here and that means meetings, long hours and me being jealous I won't be returning to California with them.

Boots should be a choice, not a necessity.

I got these boots when I visited NYC as a mere tourist in 2005 but I can't remember where from. That was such a great shopping trip!

I sometimes see streets now that I realize I hadn't been down since I was a tourist (I have that kind of memory for places it seems) and that always makes me happy.

I am really beginning to look forward to the end of this shoe challenge.

Dear Mommy,

2012-01-25T13:53:00.001-05:00

Dear Mommy,
Still on a high from my recent Words with Friends victory, I browsed some Manolo Blahniks online in a purely 'window shopping' way. I spied these and they made me think of you. I can totally picture you wearing these...

See? The heel is what I would call low and you would call reasonable. The elastic-y sides would accommodate your foot nicely in that Southern heat and yet it doesn't look like a typical 'elasticated' shoe. You know the kind I'm alluding to.
I also thought the cork sole was a kitschy type reference to those Footglove shoes you used to love from Marks and Sparks.
Plus...they're blue! We both know that blue shoes automatically mean they belong to you. Does that make you Elvis? Does that make me Lisa Marie? Erm, looking at her face...lets say no...
In case you weren't feeling the blue, I also love the khaki and pink versions for you too:

All so cute! We both know Manolos are amazingly comfy so you don't have to worry about that! There was also a black and a nude version but that seemed a bit boring.
Come to New York and lets go shopping! It's no fun to buy things like this online, although here is the link for you (and other readers) who may feel compelled to! Buy Here by Manolo Blahnik