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

This may be a little bit hard to believe, but up until last week I completely forgot about these fantastic shoes. I bought them at the end of last summer on the clearance sales, tucked them away for warmer weather. Warmer weather came and the shoes never made an appearance. It wasn’t until I was rearranging my shoe room (yes, I have a shoe room) that I found them, fell in-love all over again, and brought them downstairs to make an outfit.

This light blue linen dress was a Nordstrom Rack find and I think the coral-pink and orange compliment it quite nicely.

The Details

Light blue linen dress: Nordstrom Rack
Charles by Charles David wedges: via Piperlime
White layered tank: Down East Outfitters
Leather belt: thrifted
Orange leather tote: Down East Outfitters
Dangly coral earrings: Macy’s
Gold and cream cuff: via Piperlime
Coral cocktail ring: Ann Taylor Loft

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.

Aqua, pink and yellow print floral wedge with criss-cross straps and 4-inch platform wedge heel, by B.P. from Nordstrom. I’d like to say it’s rare I fall in-love with a pair of shoes at first sight, but in fact, it happens fairly often. And then I have to take those shoes home with me. And then my life is happier. (See above.)

I realize it is the middle of the summer and many places are still suffering under blazing temperatures. My city is no exception, but my office is another story. I usually need a scarf, cardigan, and then crank up the space heater under my desk.

The Details

Stripey T-Shirt: H&M
Pink Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Stretchy jegging-ish jeans: Gap (Super sale! $12!)
Turquoise Belt: Thrifted
Printed floral wedges: B.P. Nordstrom
Turquoise pendant: Thrifted, Portland
Ring: Claire’s
Sunglasses: Chinatown, Toronto

**This post is part of Kayla‘s 21 Day Challenge. Day 5: Belt it. Check out the rest of the participants in the Flickr group here.

Red satin strappy sandals with 4-inch wedge heel by Steve Madden, via Nordstrom Rack. These are one of my favorite pairs of summer heels, I love the wedges, I love the straps. I feel like these shoes are lingerie for your feet, but, you know, the kind that is appropriate to wear to work.

I found this skirt a few weeks ago and have absolutely loved wearing it, it is perfect for road trips or other long bouts of sitting where you don’t want to look (or feel) like a slouch but are desperate for some slouchy-feeling clothes. Coincidentally, the chevron pattern means I can also wear it to work without worrying I’m too casual. Double win!

The Details

Chevron skirt: Old Navy
Cream T: Downeast Outfitters
Tan cardigan: Old Navy
Red scarf: Urban Outfitters I absolutely love the sheep print on this!
Coral-like silver ring: From a teeny little general store in Wisdom, MT
Red strappy wedges: Nordstrom Rack
Silver bracelet: Tiffany

**This post is part of Kayla‘s 21 Day Challenge. Day 3: Mix patterns. Check out the rest of the participants in the Flickr group here.

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

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 suede peep-toe wedge (4-inches) with silver metallic trim by Rosegold.  I scored these fantastic wedges at Ross for $7, that is correct, seven dollars.  It gives me an intense feeling of satisfaction to see them listed for considerably more than $7 dollars.

I love the little cut-outs, I love the silver metallic trim, and I love that I found these for such an incredible deal!

Charles by Charles David, emerald green suede Mary-Jane 4-inch wedge.  Aren’t they just heaven?  I first saw these shoes a few summers ago and lusted over them for months before deciding that I’d loved them long enough to justify the triple-digit price tag (!!).  By that time, of course, they were sold out.  A few months later I happened to wander into a Charles by Charles David store in California (they don’t have any in my hometown), and that store happened to have one last pair of these babies IN MY SIZE on clearance for $40. Clearly, it was a sign that I was supposed to have green suede Mary-Janes. Right? Right.  (Don’t judge.)  I suppose these are more of a Spring/Summer shoe, but I figure when worn with chocolate brown they are passable for Fall.  Besides, I had to turn on my air conditioner today; I feel justified in my “summery” color choice.

While these shoes are no longer available, here is a similar option you may enjoy.

Today is the last day to enter my Giveaway!  Comments close at midnight and the winner will be announced on Monday!

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.