Taupe Decisions

For those of you who know me (or read my blog) you’ll know that I’m kinda crazy with my shoes.  A few times of year I begin to itch for a new “investment” shoe – something expensive and something classic.  Something that my feet really appreciate.  Usually these shoes end up being black (like the majority of my wardrobe.)

This time around I’m looking to get an investment shoe in a different color, perhaps a classic nude.  I have been faced with many occasions where I think to myself, “Damnit if only I had a nude shoe to go with this!” so I think it’s about time I make the purchase.

However, summer is almost ending and I’m really not sure how much I’m going to wear a nude shoe over the winter.  I’m a classic black wearer (can’t get enough) and am craving a pair of coffee colored heels (YSL or some Atwoods please) as well as some pony hair leopard print ones and some bright blue ones.

So what’s a girl to do?  Buy one amazing expensive pair of nude heels that I’m sure will come in handy and look great for many occasions or buy cheaper trendier shoes that I might love for a night or two?

Blue Suedes (Suede Blues)

Okay so I know I’ve been talking about getting some blue suede shoes for a while now and have even posted links to some super pricey ones but I was walking through the mall the other day and gleaming at me from the window display of Payless, yes I said Payless, were these ADORABLE, super high, blue suede heels and with a price of under $30.00 I don’t think I can resist!!

(Brash Komet Platform Pump available @ Payless.com or Payless, $29.99)

Coffee Cravings

So I found these Brian Atwood’s at Sak’s and they are SO cheap (for Brian Atwood’s) I don’t know if I can resist buying these either (see why I am having issues people?!) They are the PERFECT color of brown for fall and they are selling quick!  Decisions, decisions.

(Brian Atwood Power Suede Platform Pumps available @ Saksfifthavenue.com, $229.99)

Leopard Lust

There are so many cute leopard print heels out there; it is hard to just choose one.  You can go with these or these or these! Which now that I’ve come across, don’t know if I can resist either…

(Tory Burch Jude Leopard-print Calf Hair Pumps available @ NET-A-PORTER.COM, $325.00)

Nagging Nude

And then something inside me say just buy nude heels, you’ll be glad you did later. (Besides, this is a BEAUTIFUL shoe.)

(Brian Atwood Maniac Leather Pumps available @ Intermixonline.com, $575.00)

Or should I just start playing scratch offs and plan on buying them all?

XXoo

  

A Case of the Tweeds

After a rather lackluster and exhausting week (who am I kidding? Month,) I found myself without inspiration, motivation. My eyes hurt. I can't focus on anything and I wonder how I'm going to get dressed let alone put together a fashionable outfit. I'm also more indecisive than usual. Hell, it took me all night to figure out what color to paint my nails. (In case you're wondering I settled on an opaque nude like I usually do.)

For the first time in ages, a fashion magazine was mailed to my house. I haven't subscribed and my husband swears he doesn't know where it came from but either way I was happy it came.  I picked up the copy of Lucky magazine and began to read. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm not sure if it’s changed or if I have - but I really enjoyed the content. (I didn’t use to.) In some ways it reminds me of my blog - a guide to shopping and fashion.

The post is an ode to Lucky magazine and the great editorial I saw on tweeds. Since I don't copy content, I went on a quest to find my very own favorite tweed pieces.   This is what I came up with.

I found hats!

Hats are making a HUGE comeback!  (And I don’t mean baseball caps!)  Thanks to fantastic milliners like Philip Treacy catching the eye of celebrities such as Lady Gaga, stores have begun to take notice and have started carrying a great variety of hats.  My personal favorite this winter are cloche hats.

(Vintage Loves Tweed Women’s Hat available @ FreePeople.com, $148.00)

I found jackets!

(Boucle Tweed Jacket available @ Maxstudio.com, $228.00)

Purses by Burch(es)!

(Tory Burch Reva Tweed Clutch available @ Bergdorf Goodman, $210.00)

And sweaters for lounging!

This wrap is perfect for snuggling up on a chilly day.(Setting, cabin in the woods, light snow fall outside, glass of red wine in hand, fireplace warming the room.)

(Boucle Wrap Jacket available @ Gap, $89.50)

Skirts that won't hurt (your budget) !

Rachel Roy is great because she makes quality products in all price points.  This skirt is perfect to wear to the office with a blazer or out with friends paired with heels and a tee shirt. 

(Rachel Roy Lurex Tweed High-Waisted Mini Skirt available @ RachelRoy.com, $53.40)

Plus wowser great trousers!

(In doing this post I realized the people behind the Alexander McQueen brand must love tweed as much as I do!  As I looked for fabulous tweed items to share, I noticed many of them were available at AlexanderMcQueen.com.)

(Alexander McQueen Chevron Tweed Cigarette Trousers available @ AlexanderMcQueen.com, $449.00)

And booties for cuties!

I love these booties!  Imagine wearing these with an eggshell colored lightweight mid-calf length sock and a black suede mini skirt.  (And a shirt.  If you want.)

(Alexander McQueen Tweed Faithful Boot available @ AlexanderMcQueen.com, $719.00)

In the end, I’m glad I finally got “Lucky.”  Turns out it was just the cure I needed.

XXoo

Take A Hike!

I love the idea of these heeled "hiking" boots.  I'd also love to see someone actually hiking a mountain in any of these but unless you are extremely brave (or extremely ignorant) these boots would look much better paired with a flannel shirt and scarf than paired with a mountain trail.

Here are a few of my favorite hiking inspired boots this season.


This first pair is affordable and cute(and also available in black!)  I'm a HUGE fan of the faux sheepskin fold down - I'm buying this pair to wear with dark denim skinnies and a boyfriend flannel.

(Lace Up Shearling Bootie available @ Charlotte Russe, $30)

This pair is the perfect shade of brown.  The double ankle straps help to accentuate any ankle (in a positive way, I promise)and would look perfect with a cozy sweater dress.

(Dolce Vita Women's Joelle Boot available @ Endless.com, $219)

In my opinion, Diane Von Furstenburg can do no wrong.  DVF is known for updated versions of classic styles and these boots are no different.  (Think heeled moccasin.) Trendy but worth the investment, this pair could be worn for years to come due to its simplicity.

(Diane Von Furstenburg Jameson Hiking Booties available @ Shopbop.com, $395)

These Elizabeth and James booties are also worth investing in.  On trend for more than one reason (they're suede, platformed, a bootie, have laces and feature a neutral color)they'll fit in for seasons to come.

(Elizabeth and James Moxie Suede Hiking Booties available @ Shopbop.com, $395)

Under $30, these boots are another great buy this season.  Can be passed off as a hiking, grunge or military inspired boot - all HUGE trends right now.

(Workman Lace Up Bootie available at Forever21, $27.90)

Topshop is known for selling affordable yet on-trend items and these boots are no different.  These won't break the bank and are a great alternative to wearing heels this winter.  (Guaranteed to keep your feet warmer too!  Hopefully.)

(Arella2 Heeled Hiking Boots available @ Topshop, $190)



Embarrassingly enough, I love this next pair of boots because they remind me of 2 shoes I (shamelessly) owned and loved growing up. Penny Loafers and Timberland boots.  Enough said.

(Tory Burch Howard Wedge Hiking Boots available @ ToryBurch.com, $395)

I love this next pair.  They remind me of the snow boots I threw into the backseat of my car last winter for emergency purposes.  Granted, the ones in my backseat - yes, they are still in my backseat - don't have a heel but if I owned these at the time I might've tried to wear them in the snow (especially after all wine we drank to stay warm.)

(Nine West Shoes Joss Booties available @ Macy's, $190)

Even though this last pair is the most expensive, (I have champagne taste remember,) they are one of my favorite heeled boots this season.  I think its because something about them screams "I can kick your ass!  Wear me hiking up a mountain or to war, I'll keep your feet warm too!"

(Rag & Bone Mallory Leather Lace Up Ankle Boots available @ NET-A-PORTER.com, $815)

In all, it's worth investing in at least one pair of heeled hiking boots this season.  No one wants to wear pumps or riding boots all winter and take note - Uggs don't dress up well (so please stop trying people.) 

XXoo