Study of Shoes and Stilettos

Gold metallic leather espadrilles with leather rose at the toe, Charles by Charles David. These wedges have a 4-inch heel, but with the little platform at the toe they don’t feel nearly that high. I can wear these shoes all day, and even run in them, thanks to the ankle strap and my ridiculously honed running-in-heels skill. (wink)

This is the first pair of shoes I purchased that cost more than $100 dollars (I believe they were about $110 when I bought them years ago). You may think that is exorbitant, but keep in mind, I have worn these almost constantly for seven summers and they still look fabulous. I discovered that metallic is a neutral and that a fantastic pair of heels go with every possible outfit.

I finally got on the gingham shirt bandwagon, just as the summer is unwinding. I have a list of eight or nine different ways to wear this shirt, and I can’t wait to get started! The orange, silk skirt is 6 or 7 years old but I still absolutely adore the color, the cut, and the shape. Yay for buying clothes that last forever!

Apparently I was in the mood for all sorts of fun jewelry today. I love the white and gold leaf ring, I just think it’s so pretty. I bought the watch for an end-of-term present to myself last spring, and the crazy octopus ring just couldn’t be left for someone else to scoop up. Is it ridiculous? Yes. Do I love it? Of course!

The Details
Blue gingham button-up: J. Crew (final sale!)
Navy cardigan: H&M
Orange silk skirt: Banana Republic
Leather belt: thrifted
Gold espadrilles: Charles by Charles David via Nordstrom
Gold multi-chain necklace: Claire’s
White and gold-plated leaf ring: Eternal Sparkles via Amazon
Pony watch: ASOS
Octopus ring: Heirloom Charms via Amazon

Gold metallic snakeskin round-toe pumps with peek-a-boo toe cut-outs and a 4″ heel, by BCBG.

These are one of my most-loved pairs of shoes, I have had them for years and they are starting to show signs of wear, but I absolutely adore them and they go with practically everything.

It has been raining like crazy around here for the last couple of weeks (a pretty rare occurrence when you live in the middle of the desert) and I’ve had to resort to inside pictures to save my camera from becoming waterlogged.  So, instead of looking at pretty trees you get a portion of my book collection.

Lately I have become obsessed with cocktail rings, I had a little ring-shopping spree a few weeks ago and am still trying to figure out how to wear the all!

The Details
Teal shirt-dress: Shade Clothing
Gold belts (2 worn): Shade Clothing
Earrings: Macy’s
Cocktail Ring: Ann Taylor Loft
Gold chain necklace: Claire’s
BCBGeneartion Shoes: Nordstrom

Gold metallic snakeskin peep-toe, platform sandals with ankle strap and 5-inch heel, by ShoeDazzle.  Are these particularly “winter weather” appropriate?  Mmm, no, not really.  Have I ever been one for “practical” or “appropriate?”  Mmm, no, not really.

Ok, so let’s chat a minute about ShoeDazzle, they are a subscription shoe dealer, which sounds a lot fancier than it really is.  Basically, you get a new pair of shoes every month for a pretty low price, I’m on month two and have already purchased extra pairs.  And not all of the shoes have 5-inch heels, I promise.  You actually take a little “shoe preference” quiz and they give you a selection based on that.  If you don’t like any of them you can request new ones.  It’s a pretty sweet gig.  And, of course, I get referral points if you use this link to join.  So head over there, check it out, report back to me, okay?  Okay.  Happy Tuesday.

Steve Madden bronze-metallic glitter sling-backs with 4-inch heel and peep toe.  Also known as Love at First Sight.  I found these in TJ Maxx or Ross (can’t remember which) and immediately knew they would be coming home with me.  I have worn them several times and consider the sparkly bronze a neutral; when paired with a pencil skirt and cardigan these are practically demure.

I couldn’t find these glittery sling-backs online, but I did find a few other pairs that are similar if you’re in the market from some sparkle.

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

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.