Study of Shoes and Stilettos

Black patent leather t-strap sandals with 4-inch platform heel, by Steve Madden. These are ridiculously comfortable and I wear them often when I am on my feet all day. In fact, I have converted several of my sisters and sisters-in-law to these shoes. (And if they were still available I’d totally link you up so you could convert as well. I’m a giver like that.)

Thrifted graphic-print wrap-dress. I love the 3/4 sleeves and the surplice top. I think I need to figure out another way to style it besides black and white, yes? I see scarves and cardigans and bright tights in this dress’s future!

The Details

Black and white wrap dress: thrifted
Black tank: Express
Black patent leather strappy sandals: Steve Madden
Black octopus necklace: Hot Topic (love!!)
Black rose ring: International Rose Test Garden, Portland, OR

Ruby & Bloom black patent leather espadrille wedges with strappy-straps at the toe and ankle. (Yes, strappy-straps is a technical term. Look it up.) My roommate found a pair of fantastic black patent leather summery wedges months ago that look  classy with every possible outfit. I have been on the search ever since and as soon as I saw these at Nordstrom Rack on super clearance and almost walked out wearing them. Admittedly, I’ve worn them as often as I can squeeze them in the last few weeks.

I found this wool skirt at the thrift store about a month ago and I love the pleating/seaming in the front. It’s probably more of a fall piece, but I couldn’t wait for cooler temperatures. Besides, I need a cardigan in my extra-air conditioned office anyway.

The Details

Pink tweed A-line skirt: thrifted
Beige ruffle T: Gap
Black cardigan: Banana Republic
Wide black belt: Down East Outfitters
Shoes: Judy & Bloom via Nordstrom Rack
Silver “Love” necklace: Forever 21
Silver bracelet: Tiffany
Black leather purse: J.M.R.

Nine West navy blue patent leather Mary Janes. I found these lovelies at Nordstrom Rack and fell in-love immediately. I love patent leather, I love Mary Janes, and the fact that these were BLUE instead of the expected black…sold!

I have wanted to hem this skirt since I bought it, but it just hasn’t happened yet. Today was the first time I tried belting it and on my 40 minute lunch break I received three separate compliments. Perhaps belting is the way to go instead of hemming? Thoughts?

I do not own anything this minty green color, but when I saw the snakeskin belt for $1.00 at a thrift store I couldn’t not take it home (this is a recurring problem with me, I’ve found). When I saw the minty-green J. Crew bracelets on sale I had to have them (see it again? The shopping problem?).

The Details

Navy v-neck T: Ann Taylor
Magenta cardigan: B.P. by Nordstrom
Gray full skirt: Ross/TJ Maxx find
Navy blue patent leather Mary Janes: Nine West
Minty green snakeskin belt: thrifted
Pink necklaces (2 worn, one looped twice, one knotted): no idea…
Minty green & silver bangles: J. Crew, Bohme, Tiffany
Light blue glass ring: Ann Taylor Loft
Dangly disc earrings: Street vendor, Mazatlan, Mexico

**This post is part of Kayla‘s 21 Day Challenge, Layer Accessories. Check out the rest of the participants in the Flickr group here.

Shiny black patent leather peep-toe stiletto platform with 5″ heel, by Gianni Bini.

A girl can never have too many pairs of black heels, at least, that’s what I told myself when I found these beauties.  The platform heel makes the super-high heel much easier to walk in, and the shiny patent leather and fun cut-outs make these one of my favorite pairs of black heels that I own (and I own, I don’t know, 30 pairs of black heels…ish).

I wear this charcoal pencil skirt all the time, it’s one of my favorite pieces.  And the cardigan is a new find from ASOS.  I loved the lavender stripe and the longer, slouchier cut.

I have developed a bit of a crush on large, cocktail rings, perhaps you’ve noticed?  This purple and blue ring is about fourteen different kinds of fabulous, and looking at it now I wonder how I questioned whether or not to include it in my ring spree last week!  My birth stone is amethyst, and while I’ve never particularly loved purple jewelry, I am crushing on this ring hardcore.

The Details:
Charcoal Pencil Skirt: Banana Republic
Light blue pinstripe blouse: Express
Black belt with leopard print trim: Ross
Varsity cardigan: ASOS
Lavender pashmina scarf: Chinatown, San Francisco
Turquoise earrings: Chinatown, San Francisco
Amethyst ring: Macy’s (clearance! $7.00!)
Silver bracelet: Tiffany
Black patent heels, Gianni Bini: Dillards

Red patent leather peep-toe sling backs with 4″ heel, by Guess.

I’ve shown these shoes before but I absolutely love them.  Red heels are one of the ultimate staples in my closet, they will always make me feel better about the day.

I am still getting used to this whole “take pictures of yourself” thing–good thing my apartment complex has several mostly hidden places where I can pose in front of my mini tripod without feeling too ridiculous.  I bought this chocolate-brown pencil skirt on a whim and it has become one of my go-to pieces when dressing for work.  Pencil skirts.  You should own one (or four!)  I tried on four or five red necklaces with this top, but the high V-neck and the ruching and buttons down the side made most of them feel like far too much.  Any suggestions?

Shoes: Guess
Sweater: Bohme
Pencil Skirt: TJ Maxx
Bracelet: Tiffany

Black patent leather, pointy-toe heels by Gabriella Rocha.  These heels could easily become the workhorse of your wardrobe.  They go with absolutely everything, are easy to take care of, and are the epitome of class.

Nine West Pointy Toe Tabera Mid-Heel Pump, Black Patent ($48.51)

BCBGeneration Tinas Round Toe Pump,Black Patent ($56.90)

Nine West Pointy Toe Bounding Pump, Black Patent ($79.00)

Calvin Klein Whinnie Round Toe Pump, Black Patent (08.00)

ALSO! Remember to enter to win a FREE pair of Lucha Shoes! Contest entry and details are here. Contest is open until March 18.

Bright, lemony yellow patent leather peep-toe wedge, from Aldo.  Are these deliciously springy?  Why yes, yes they are.  Did it snow a foot here yesterday?  Yes it did.  Am I wearing springy shoes anyway?  Absolutely.  I feel like I must will spring into being, and if I can do that with my feet you bet that I will.  I love yellow shoes–and in looking around for some fabulous ones I only was reminded HOW much I love them, they make me happy.  You know?

Nail polish color is OPI: Italian Love Affair

Annie Olivia Wedge,Yellow Linen (9.95)
Such a cute summery shoe, and at this price? Hello!

Wanted Sage Wedge Sandal, Yellow ($59.99)
These come in several colors, and are absolutely dreamy

Not Rated Hot Spot 2 Wedge Sandal, Yellow ($65.00)
Studded mustard (that sounds like the name of a band, no?)

Nine West Protoe Wedge Pump,Yellow Leather ($79.00)
This is a classic, work-appropriate shoe in a fabulous color for spring!

J. Shoes Meridian Wedge, Yellow ($79.72)
I love the fun print on these yellow wedges, so adorable!

Ed Hardy Joyaus Wedge Pump,Yellow ($99.00)
Want. Seriously. Want.

ALSO!  Remember to enter to win a FREE pair of Lucha Shoes! Contest entry and details are here. Contest is open until March 18.

Navy blue patent leather Mary Jane’s with 4-inch heel and almond-shaped toe, by Nine West.  I found these beauties at Nordstrom Rack for half-off of half-off.  I ended only paying $15.00 for them.  And they’re blue!  And shiny!  And look at the fancy, strappy bit on the heel!  Swoon!

I love shopping at Nordstrom Rack, I love that my feet are not an average size so there is always something fabulous there for a great deal.  (Size 10 is far from average, yo.)  I had a hard time finding navy, patent leather Mary Jane’s that are available right now…but I think you’ll see that these are just as fantastic.

Madden Girl Sursey Pump ,Navy Patent ($39.95)
(Available in a bunch of other colors as well!)

Nine West Reptile-Print Rocha Pump, Navy Patent ($54.11)
Navy! Patent Leather! With a reptile print! Triple love!

United Nude Modern Mary Jane, Navy ($134.69)
I can’t get over the structure of these heels! I don’t know a better way to describe them, but they are fantastic!

ALSO!  Remember to enter to win a FREE pair of Lucha Shoes! Contest entry and details are here. Contest is open until March 18.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Bright red patent leather sling-back, peep-toe shoes with 4-inch cork heel, by Guess.  I probably own almost ten pairs of red heels, but these are hands down my favorite.  Today I’m celebrating my birthday (well, it was yesterday, but close enough) and my favorite holiday, Valentine’s Day.  I don’t have a sweetheart this year to celebrate with, but I have an evening full of cupcakes and books and fabulous shoes in store for me.  It should be awesome.  (Note: The Strand is a used book store in New York City that is absolutely fabulous.  It tops my list of favorite places in the city, you must check it out if you are ever in NYC!)

Other lovely V-Day heels for your enjoyment:

Dollhouse Kasana T-strap Sandal, Red ($38.46)

Harajuku Lovers Delaney Platform Sandal, Red ($89.95)

Joan & David Collection Kenyon Platform Sandal, Red Patent Leather ($220.95, but so pretty!)

Steve Madden red patent leather, peep-toe, platform pumps with 4-inch heel.  Today is National Wear Red Day to raise awareness for heart health for women, tragically, I haven’t done laundry in about 3 weeks and my stash of red tops is buried at the bottom of the dirty clothes hamper.  But I decided I could wear red heels instead.  I know these are more summery than February-y, but between the Go Red for Women and Valentine’s Day I figured it didn’t really matter.  Right?  Right.  Here’s some additional bright-red lovelies for your Friday-viewing pleasure!  Happy Weekend!

GUESS Hondo3 Peep-Toe Pump

Madden Girl Fawwn Platform Pump

Jessica Simpson Kally Pump

Franco Sarto Women’s Now Platform Pump

Vince Camuto Renees Open-Toe Pump