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the study of chocolate brown, pointy toe stilettos

11 Nov

Chocolate brown pointy toe 3-inch stilettos with ruching and bow at the toe.  I can’t remember where I purchased these, and the brand name has disappeared from the inside.  I love the sassy ruching on the toe and I love the classic shape.  In snooping around for something similar, I found this suede pair that I love, and this faux croc pair from Bandolino (I’m a sucker for anything snake skin, reptile print, or croc stamped).

Note from the Editor:  Skipping about the internet looking at delicious chocolatey brown heels has given me a serious hankering for about 12 new pairs of heels, all in various shades of brown, all lovely.   Do I need more shoes?  Not particularly.  Do I want them?  Absolutely.  Will I buy them?  ….I will not buy shoes today. I will not buy shoes today.  I will not buy shoes today (repeat 100 times).  I am announcing this here on the hope that it will keep me from running up credit card today.  Cross your fingers for me!

the study of brown, polka-dot spectator pumps

2 Nov

Two-tone spectator pumps with polka-dot cutouts, ankle strap, and 5-inch heel, by Guess.  That heel is intense, and there is no platform to help cheat the height and these can be a little tricky when you are trying to skip or run.  (Yes, I run in most of my shoes prior to purchasing them, you never know when it will be essential that you are able to run trot about in heels.)  I love the two-tone of these shoes, the capped toes are divine and I don’t think I will ever be over the polka-dot cutouts.  These were a Nordstrom Rack find a few years ago, I spent at least an hour searching to find both ankle straps amongst the piles of loose shoes; an hour well spent, I’d say.

Are you ready for a little shoe lesson?  Ok, here we go.  A spectator shoe is typically two-tone in with caps on the toes and heels, something similar to this classic black and white pump or these slightly funkier ones.  Spectators first made their appearance in the mid 1800′s in England as a men’s wingtipped cricket shoe.  For decades this wingtip style heavily influenced two-tone spectators.  In the last century there have been hundreds of different design-takes on the  spectator shoe, they are now in a range of colors and fabrics,  and the influence of this classic can be seen in lace-up ankle booties, heeled loafers, platform stilettos and gorgeous, swoon worthy pumps. (Seriously, I can’t get over that last pair.  They are so beautiful!) Now, go forth and search out a fabulous pair of spectators, heeled or flat, classic or colorful, pumps or ankle boots!  Class dismissed.

the study of ankle booties

29 Oct

Nine West ankle booties with 4-inch heel, almond-shaped toe and back zip in a smokestack-brownish-black.  These little booties were a gift from my aunt and I had completely forgotten about them (this is not difficult when you have a couple hundred pair of shoes) until i was digging around this morning for something to wear.  I know the trend right now is to style them with tights and a skirt, or bare-legged and a skirt.  But both of my bosses are out of the office today which means I’m wearing jeans. Ah, Casual Friday.

I hpoe you have a safe weekend and a Happy Halloween! Make sure to check back for some additional weekend footwear, including what will most likely become my favorite pair of Halloween shoes!

the study of brown leather knee-high boots

27 Oct

 

Sudini chocolate brown leather knee-boots with 3-inch stacked heel and almond-shaped toe*.  I have a hard time finding boots that fit my calves–my regular workout includes running up a lot of hills (not in heels, don’t worry) and my calves are, well, bulkier than average.  I can’t wear skinny jeans and I have a hard time finding boots–even in the extended sizes–to fit over my lower leg.  Shrug, I’m mostly over it.  I tried these on last year during the Nordstrom half-yearly sale with no hope that they would fit, I was both shocked and delighted when I could zip them and still feel my toes and they came home with me without any further debate. 

It snowed last night, not a ton where I live but enough to break out the boots and tights.  (This is also why I am taking pictures in the office instead of outside–there’s just not enough natural light to make anything show up properly.  I hope the uber-flattering flourescent lighting is passable once in a while.  It’s going to be a long winter.)

*An “almond-shaped toe” is neither pointy or round, but somewhere in between.  It’s classic and flattering for almost any leg type.

the study of leather wedges

11 Oct

Banana Republic leather espadrille wedges with 4-inch heel and peek-a-boo toes.  Over the weekend one of my best girlfriends got married.  The weather was summery and I decided to give these espadrille wedges one last hurrah for the season.

I absolutely love this pic–what a fabulous group of girls and their fabulous shoes.  Congrats L & M!

CURRENT GIVEAWAY: Don’t forget to enter to win a FREE pair of Nine West heels here!  Contest open until Oct. 15, 2010.

the study of tan strappy espadrilles

8 Oct

These strappy Colin Stuart for Victoria’s Secret espadrilles are probably more of a summer shoe than an October shoe, but I’m wearing them anyway. (Yes, VS sells shoes, lots of shoes!)  This color is no longer available, but VS still has this style for sale.  Check it out!

Toenail Color: Chop-sticking to my Story by O.P.I

CURRENT GIVEAWAY: Don’t forget to enter to win a FREE pair of Nine West heels here!  Contest open until Oct. 15, 2010.

the study of nude pumps

4 Oct

Nine West pointy-toe nude pump with 4-inch heel.  (Apologies for the grainy pic, it was pretty dark by the time I finally got around to photographing these shoes.)  I’ve always read that nude pumps make you seem considerably taller because there is no break in your leg-line.  It wasn’t until I was sifting through the dozen or so pics I took for this post that I realized these shoes are basically non-existent.  Seriously, this pic has the best distinction of pump vs. leg, and even with the contrast bumped up you can hardly distinguish shoe from skin.

As worn by my 2-year old niece, Creampuff.  Yes, I’m drafting her into my Stiletto Army at a very young age.  And no, her real name is not Creampuff.

the study of metallic snake skin heels

29 Sep

I fell in-love with these BCBG metallic-ish snake skin 4″ heels almost five years ago and have never really given up my crush.  I love the round toes and I love the little peep-toes for a bit of toe-cleavage.