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

Colin Stuart for Victoria’s Secret sandal–did you know VS has some really fantastic shoes? I fell in-love with these retro-print strappy wedges as soon as I saw them, and while I don’t wear them a ton (how often do you pair orange, purple, and yellow?) I still absolutely adore them.

Looking at this, I wonder if I should have worn a yellow shirt instead of white, but it’s too late to change that now. I love the bright orange belt. And the shoes. I still can’t get over the shoes.

Close up of the colors, I love the deep violet and orange together, and admittedly, the scarf was kind of a last minute addition. But hey, my office is freezing most of the time, so why not wear a scarf in August?

The Details

White puff-sleeve T: Gap (you can’t see this all that well, but the sleeves have tulle netting over them, which I adore.)
Lavender Scarf: Chinatown, San Francisco
Navy blue cotton skirt: Banana Republic
Orange belt: H&M
Retro-print shoes: Colin Stuart for Victoria’s Secret
Silver bracelet: Tiffany

**This post is part of Kayla‘s 21 Day Challenge. Day 4: Color block. Check out the rest of the participants in the Flickr group here.

Bebe strappy leather sandals with chunky wooden platform and a staggering 6-inch heel. Surprisingly, these aren’t all that tricky to walk in, and are remarkably comfortable. Seriously. The platform makes the heel not quite so severe, and I can’t tell you how tall and important I feel when rocking a six-inch heel. Goodness, I love these shoes!

I love how this is a fairly classic outfit until you get to my ankles, and then it’s sass and spunk all the way. I kind of wish I’d worn this with a hot pink belt instead of the brown one, but I suppose that just means I’ll have to wear it again.

The Details

Blue and white polka-dot blouse: Banana Republic
White tank: Old Navy
Brown pencil skirt: TJ Maxx
Brown belt: Forever 21 (I think)
Shoes: Bebe
Pink bangles and ring: Claire’s
Silver bracelet: Tiffany

**This post is part of Kayla‘s 21 Day Challenge. Day 2: Tuck it in. Check out the rest of the participants in the Flickr group here.

Magenta, grey and black suede peep-toe D’orsay pump with metallic trim and platform heel, thrifted (seriously!)

Two things:(1)  it has been raining here for almost 3 weeks.  I live in the middle of the desert.  This is not normal!! (2) The upside is that everything is ridiculously green, so I’m trying not to complain too much about it.

I found this skirt on clearance at a department store (Z.C.M.I., which was purchased by Meier and Frank, which was bought-out by Macy’s) 8 years ago and have worn it almost every week ever since.  It still looks great!  I love the paneled seaming and the charcoaly gray color.  Here’s to buying great basics!  *clinks glass

A friend of mine gave me a Piperlime giftcard for my birthday a few months ago.  Usually, I am the type to immediately spend that kind of gift on shoes, but I decided to branch out a little and see what else I could add to my wardrobe.  This silver bauble collar-style neckalce caught my eye, and seemed to be something Kendi would love (when in doubt, repeat this mantra: What Would Kendi Wear?).  I have tried it a couple of different ways and am loving how it brings a bit of sparkle and interest to an ensemble.  Yay for trying new trends!

The Details
Striped T-shirt: H&M
Magenta Cardigan: B.P., by Nordstrom
Charcoal paneled skirt: Macy’s (at least 8 years old)
Wide patent leather belt: Downeast Outfitters
Silver bauble necklace: Piperlime
Bracelets: handmade gifts, Tiffany
Silver bauble earrings: Claire’s
Rose ring: Macy’s
Suede color-block heels: thrifted ($10!)

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

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.

Black sequined peep-toe, platform pump with 4.5-inch satin heel by Mainframe.  These are the ultimate party shoe, but I am wearing them at work today because, well, I can.  These fabulous heels were a gift and when I opened the box I thought they would be a “special occasion only” shoe.  I was dead wrong, I have worn these to work, on dates, to church, I’ve worn them everywhere.  There’s nothing quite like a little sparkle at your feet on a Thursday.

(Side note: in looking at most of these pics it has come to my attention that I have really veiny feet.  Is that normal?  I mean, seriously, the top of my foot looks like the forearm of some meat-head hopped up on steroids!  Maybe I should invest in more tights.)

(I would like to ap0logize to these beautiful shoes for mentioned meat heads and steroids in the same post as they.  Twice.)

Happy Thursday.

Bordello Siren Sequined Pump ($63.95)

Bordello Cabaret T-Strap Sequined Pump ($59.95)
(these ones come in so many fabulous colors!!  Red!  Pink!  Silver!)

Chinese Laundry Ladybug Sequined Peep Toe Platform Pump ($58.00)

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!)

This week I’ve decided to take a little break from my regular daily footwear postings and do something a little different.  I have several boxes of party shoes that rarely get worn, so in honor of Valentine’s Day* I will be putting a little sparkly, a little frill, and/or a little satin up everyday.  I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

Hot pink satin peep-toe pumps with 4-inch heel, by RSVP.  These beauties would be fabulous with a little black dress (or a little gray dress, or a sparkly dress, or a creamy dress…you get the picture) or a pair of dark, skinny jeans and a flouncy, sparkly top.  I love the pleating and the peep-toe.

Caparros Lizzie Open-Toe Pump,Hot Pink ($64.95)

Martinez Valero Carolina Platform Pump, Fuchsia (09.95)
(These have the most fantastic detail at the toe! Hello, “bedroom” shoes!

GUESS WHondo3 Peep-Toe Pump, Pink ($49.47)

Mojo Moxy Inferno Peep Toe Pump, Fuchsia ($58.76)

Menbur Sling Back Pump, Fuchsia ($52.25)
(These are made in Spain, sling-back and a bow on the toe, absolutely beautiful!)

Whelp, that’s it for today.  Come back tomorrow for something sparkly!

*I know some of you may hate Valentine’s Day / Single Awareness Day.  I am not exactly looking forward to it this year either, I don’t have a date nor a party invite, which means I have no excuse to wear any of these beautiful shoes.  I may just end up ordering a pizza, watching a cheesy chick-flick, and trying them all on again. One by one.  Alone.  In my apartment.  Don’t judge.