Study of Shoes and Stilettos

Chocolate brown snakeskin t-strap espadrilles from Banana Republic…the exact same ones I wore last week.  Whatever, I love them and it’s not freezing or rainy or miserable, so espadrilles must be worn.  Truth be told, when I left the house this morning I was wearing boots, but one look at the slice of blue sky that was so lovely, I marched myself back upstairs and grabbed the first pair of shoes with peep-toes.

This dress started it’s life as a mid-calf, homemade pioneer dress from the thrift store.  I chopped off the hem (although I think I need to take it up another inch or two), took the sides in several inches, and made the sleeves a little less puffy.  I loved the summery plaid and the pockets–pockets!!–so any and all adjustments were totally worth it.

The Details
Dress: thrifted and refashioned by me
Cardigan: Old Navy
Belt: Forever 21
Necklaces: Horseshoe Necklace (no clue where this one came from), Mayan calendar necklace (Mazatlan, Mexico)
Earrings: Claire’s
Turquoise Ring: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Espadrille Wedges: Banana Republic

American Eagle T-strap sandals.

Yep, I’m pretending it’s actually springier than it really is!  Sandals and a cardigan (and a jacket and a scarf that are not pictured) for a dinner date?  Absolutely.

This ruffled tank top is supposed to be a lemon-limey green, but it looks kind of chartreusey-mustardy-yellow in the photo.  Regardless, I think the belt should be switched out for a darker chocolate brown, the lighter tan blends too much into the top.

This is my first time wearing gold jewelry.  Seriously.  I found the ring and loved it, and decided I needed a few other gold items to wear with it because I am not the kind of girl who can mix silver and gold in the same outfit.  (Do you do that?  Mix metals?  How does that work?)  At any rate, I love the owl necklace and I was ecstatic to dig the orangey earrings out of my jewelry box.

Sandals: American Eagle
Jeans: Nappi clothing
Greenish ruffled tank top: Old Navy
Chocolate brown cardigan: B.P., Nordstrom
Studded leather belt: Banana Republic
Owl necklace: Claire’s
Orange and gold earrings: Mazatlan, Mexico
Gold leaf ring: Claire’s

Chocolate brown snake-skin stamped leather T-strap espadrilles, from Banana Republic

These pics are from over the weekend, something a little casual and blessedly summery.  (A weather trend that has not continued throughout the week, sigh.)  I found this shirt at a SLC boutique and absolutely love it, the stripey knit is soft and the poofy sleeves are divine and I just cannot get over the bow applique on the front.

You may not be able to tell from this photo–or, really, any of them–but these are my best attempt at wide-leg jeans.  Mind you, I’ve had these for a few years, and now they are trendy again!

Banana Republic wedges
All-Star wide(ish) leg jeans, from Buckle
Navy and white stripey top with bow applique, from a boutique
Pile of silver and turquoise bangles, same as yesterday
Turquoise ring, from Mazatlan, Mexico

Today is the last of the party shoe mini-series, and we are ending on one of my all-time favorite pairs of heels.  Click here for the rest of the party shoes.

Magenta satin t-strap peep-toe sandals with rosettes and 4-inch heel.  I would like you to take a moment to just admire these–they just might be my favorite pair of shoes.  I have worn these only a few times–to the symphony, on a fancy date, around in my apartment on a particularly sad day–they never fail to make me feel like a million bucks.

I have been touting wearing fancy party shoes with jeans, however these ones must be seen.  Please to wear with something that shows a little leg, okay?

I can’t find these online anywhere, but here are a couple of options that are similar.  (Well, they are close–the ruffled roses on a T-strap aren’t to be found.  Sob!)

Miss Me Dazzle-32 Sandal, Coral ($33.78)

Calvin Klein Rajah Ankle-Strap Sandal, Fuchsia (109.00)

Badgley Mischka Kiwi Sandal, Raspberry Satin (137.90)

Bordello By Pleaser Preen Peep Toe Platform, Fushia Satin ($41.95)

Burgundy Mary Jane with T-strap, 3.5-inch heel, and cut-outs at the toe, by Report.

It’s been a crazy weekend here at Casa de the Shoeologist, I had a pretty wicked head-cold yesterday and hardly moved from the comfort of my bed. Today the temperature is in single digits, I start classes again at the University, and I would very much like to be snuggled up under a fluffy feather comforter.  Instead, I’m bundled up at work in thick tights and a snuggly sweater with a steaming cup of cocoa.  It’s almost as good (who am I kidding, it’s not the same at all but it’s all I’ve got to work with).

Here is a gorgeous pair of burgundy T-strap heels from Frye.

Black round-toe T-strap pump with 4-inch heel, by Hot Kiss.  Conservative meetings mean conservative footwear (mostly).  But, because this is me we’re talking about I decided to up my game with funky tights.  That’s just how I roll.  I have some pretty impressive bruises on my left knee due to a fantastic sledding tumble last weekend, so the dark purple tights are an excellent choice to cover up my black and blue body parts.

Steve Madden black, reptile-print, strappy, t-strap platform sandal. These are absolutely swoon-a-licious and even with a 5-inch heel I managed to spin my way around the dance floor last night at a Christmas party.

Admittedly, my Christmas party ensemble did not include these hot pink tights…mostly because they did not particularly go with my mistletoe headband.  In an attempt at full disclosure, here is a photo of the actual tights+sandals duo.

Steve Madden is having a sale today, 25% off and free shipping with code HOLIDAYS25. So clickity-click-clack on over and find something strappy or sparkly or whatever strikes your fancy.

Save with Steve Madden Friends and Family, enjoy 25% off plus free shipping thru the 12/14! Some exclusions apply. Enter Holidays25!

Also, make sure you have entered my giveaway for free Muckboots–winner will be announced on Thursday!

Wild Diva black peep-toe, T-strap, platform heel.  In the last 24-hours my neighborhood received about a foot of snow (oh man, am I wishing I had these boots RIGHT NOW!), so I sensibly wore a pair of clunky-but-warm snow-boots to shovel out my car.  But as soon as I arrived in the office I peeled those off and slipped into these 5-inch heels.  Can you wear peep-toe shoes with tights?  Absolutely.  Extra points if your tights are a fun color like these bright red ones. 

Piperlime is having a 20% Off Sale today with Coupon Code LUCKY20.  I think you should hop over there and pick up something for your own Happy Monday/Early Christmas present.  Or for someone else’s Christmas present (I’m a size 10).

Cyber Monday Sale! Get 20% off all Piperlime merchandise! Enter coupon code LUCKY20.

If you’re looking for some T-strap sandals to wear, here are a few options that I love.  These both have ruffles up the front, which always makes things more fabulous.  These Betsey Johnson Walland Sandals are already on sale, but drop down to just $80 with the 20% coupon code.  And these Pierre Dumas Belinda-16 Sandals are marked down to $35 and will drop even further with your 20% coupon code!  Happy Shopping!

Steve Madden black patent leather strappy sandal.  These T-straps are some of the most comfortable heels I have ever worn and they are currently on sale (in several different colors) here.  I love the shiny patent leather, I love the 4-inch heel, I love the straps and I love how the cushioned platform means I can be on my feet all day.

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.

Steve Madden red leather T-strap 5-inch wedge.  These are among my favorite pair of shoes–there’s just something about red shoes that makes your whole day go better.  The platform on these lovelies makes them super easy to walk in and the height makes my legs miles long, either with jeans for the weekend or a skirt for work.