The Higher the Heel, the Closer to Heaven

 

  

Heavyweight heels

 

The higher the heel, the closer to heaven some say. I can’t say I disagree. I love my ballet flats and flat boots but some days I crave a serious set of heels. They mean business and when I have them on, so do I. Maybe it’s some work that needs to be properly dealt with or my steps simply need a little sass. Whatever the case, these classic but killer heels from Calvin Klein are the answer. I’m perpetually on the lookout for a knockout pair of closet-staple neutral heels. This pair’s camel color elongates the silhouette and the dark wood heel is rich. Looking taller, legs looking longer? Thanks, I’ll take two. Thankfully, the 4”+ heel is tempered by the large platform in the front which keeps my ankles stylishly intact. 

prov⋅e⋅nance

[prov-uh-nuhns, -nahns] –noun; place or source of origin.

Date of Purchase: Winter 2010

Circumstances: A familiar tale: weekend shoe browsing at DSW, this time with fellow show connoisseur, Vee. She was on the hunt for black shoes, I wasn’t hunting for a particular pair…just researching. These caught my eye and I immediately tried them on. A pair of neutral heels was on my get list, but not an urgent need, unless I found just the right pair. They are surprisingly hard to find, neutral heels. Many have a too-skinny heel or cheap looking faux wood, too pointy of a toe, too round of a toe, etc. I tried these on and wore them around for a bit, fairly convinced. Being the frugal shopper that I am, I left the store without them, to contemplate how much I needed them (not IF, of course) and if they would go on sale. A few weeks passed and I ventured into another DSW, now certain those shoes needed to be added to my wardrobe. As I perused the clearance racks, lo and behold there they were. Marked down, and an additional 30% off. Luck? Maybe. I’ll take it.

Worn with: White perfect shirt from J. Crew, slim tweed cropped and cuffed trousers from Forever XXI, leopard print calf hair belt from J. Crew.

Compliment Meter: 3. Favorable responses and the predictable, ‘you look really tall today’ comments. Not that I mind. Shoe Confidence: High.

Comfort: For being as high as they are, you may not believe me but they are quite comfortable. Still needing a little breaking in, my feet were a bit sore by the end of the day, but no discernable heel hangover. Overall: 7 out of 10.

Thoughts: “Be able to suffer wearing a necktie or high heels for an entire evening without complaint or early removal.” ~columnist Marilyn vos Savant

Guest Post: Saddle Up

Today’s guest post is compliments of  Will in Denver, founder and writer of Momentum of Failure. (his Tuesdays with a Pretty Girl weekly post is pretty fantastic, by the way) His goal: bringing top drawer fashion to the mile high city one bow tie and stylish shoe at a time. Will is presenting Pair Diem with this pair of natty saddles.  Read below and decide whether you’ve fallen for their old school charm.

Classic Saddles and Wales

There’s a certain charm and quiet professionalism attached to a pair of saddle shoes. Having gone to private school most of my academic life, I was used to uniforms and general “kempt” look the schools expected of students. While I couldn’t wait to shed these garbs at the end of the school days, I look back at them now and think, “We really did look sharp.” And when I see what the kids are wearing today, I feel almost fortunate to have learned how to look somewhat classy at an early age. I’m a little older (and only mildly wiser), still get flustered by the pretty girl, but I find myself reliving the look of those elementary days, cemented even more by Johnston & Murphy saddles I just acquired. I’m a sucker for nostalgia, what can I say? I even cuffed, as that was cool around the playground.

Oxford Comma

Laced up and ready

I’m sure it’s become evident I have a soft spot for menswear-inspired pieces. Vests, blazers, oxfords and I are all close friends. The irony is I’m a distinctly girlie girl and these shoes prove my point. I’m still hunting the perfect pair of brogues and in the meantime also scouted a few pair of heeled oxfords which posses a similar feel with a decidedly ‘40s feminine look, like these by Seychelles. Olive green, wingtip-inspired detailing with school-yard lacing, all atop a hidden platform and high 4″ stacked wood heel. The detailing and weighty heel keep them from being too sweet; a nice balance of classic and modern, his and hers. I’m so far enjoying them with tights and dresses and looking forward to pairing their girlishness with my (converted-from-trousers) navy corduroy cuffed shorts. Come spring the sturdy heels will anchor flowy florals and yes, more shorts. One way or another, every outfit needs a touch of tough. Just a touch.

prov⋅e⋅nance

[prov-uh-nuhns, -nahns] –noun; place or source of origin.

Date of Purchase: Winter 2010

Circumstances: The Gilt curse: daily deluge of what is currently listed on Gilt.com for a fraction of retail price…only to visit the site and realize everything is either entirely out of the price range, or completely sold out. Yet I still always look. I’m a sucker for fashion and in general just like looking at pretty things. The introduction of Gilt Fuse, the diffusion site with a lower price point seemed exciting at first. I soon realized most of the offerings were lackluster. However, I always search a little harder when I realize a shoe brand is up for sale, as I did when I noticed Seychelles were being featured. This pair caught my eye, as did the very small price tag. Is it risky to buy online? A bit, but since I have owned this particular brand in the past and know they are quite comfortable, I took the plunge (along with a pair of ballet flats). It’s always a happy day when you arrive home to a package (from anywhere, really) and especially if that box contains shoes. Thankfully these fit, unfortunately the ballet flats did not. I’m still pleased and will be wearing these well into spring.

Compliment Meter: 4. Positive responses from the fashion forward set at work. Comments of the day,‘so what color ARE those?’ and ‘those are crazy cute’. I’ll take it. Shoe confidence level: High.

Comfort: A hidden platform always aids in avoiding foot fatigue with heels, especially a 4″ pair, and these are no exception. They also have the standard Seychelles padding and I remained ache-free until around 4pm. Not bad for a first wear. Overall, 7.5 out of 10.

Worn with: Navy, cream and olive print shirt dress by Notice, khaki patterned tights from Gap, cream scarf/wrap, olive coat from Tulle.

Thoughts: “I like women who wear shoes that aren’t the obvious choice, who can make something a bit off-key look super sexy”. ~Shoe designer Jonathan Kelsey

Guest Post: A Bloke and his Brogues

It’s been a while since Pair Diem has been graced with a guest post and I’m more than pleased that the latest pair come from  F. E. over at Unabashedly Prep. (If you’re not a regular reader, well, you should be) Read his story and vote your thoughts on his vintage brogues. Proud of a pair of your own? Send over to sara@pairdiem.com and see if they make the grade.

vintage brogues

 

prov⋅e⋅nance

[prov-uh-nuhns, -nahns] –noun; place or source of origin.

Date of Purchase: Fall 2009

Circumstances: Double monk straps by the likes of Ralph Lauren or Sid Mashburn are on my get list. While I scrimp and save, I decided to pick up these broken-in Cole Haan brogues on eBay to tide me over—and for $20 (including shipping), there was practically no downside.

Compliment Meter: A compliment from a woman is easy to come by; however, a compliment from a fellow man is infrequent.  These brogues garner even male compliments when I lace up.  I can conquer the world in these all while not losing sleep over a scuff or two.

Comfort: Though these are sans Nike Air technology, they are still comfortable. Honestly, comfort is a bit of an afterthought when you’ve purchased used brogues to kick around in at a Vampire Weekend show and drip your Guinness on.

 Worn with: Ralph Lauren selvedge denim (no break) and no socks (ie invisible socks).

 Thoughts: Going Brogue Not Broke  (on UnabashedlyPrep.com)

Stalked and Found

Billy Reid Lurleen Boots. 

Photographs by F.E. Castleberry.

The end of a long journey. The culimation of many months of searching, speculating, strategizing, saving, hoping and even more searching, for the right pair of flat brown boots. Last year I unwisely settled on this pair  that didn’t make it through the Pair Diem challenge. Still needing a pair of flat brown boots, I resolved not to settle for a subpar pair. I would go without if necessary, but would not spend money on something I didn’t love. I posted these Billy Reid riding boots  several weeks ago when I spotted them online. It was love at first site (who wouldn’t love that photo?) which was cemented into a truly sincere passion after trying them on. I adore them, in all their equestrian-styling splendor. Handmade in Italian leather, they have a perfect almond toe with a beautiful back zip and covered snap tab. Being a designer I truly appreciate packaging, and these came in a hefty box with a lovely striped ribbon, a certificate of quality (stamped in Italy), and each boot in their own individual logo-stamped and ribbon strung dust bag. Sometimes I thought they might not deserve such adulation, but then I look at them again, paired with skinny ripped denim and I fall in love again. I searched, I stalked, I scoured, I stayed; now I own. I couldn’t be happier.

prov⋅e⋅nance

[prov-uh-nuhns, -nahns] –noun; place or source of origin.

Date of Purchase: Winter 2009/10

Circumstances: As previously stated, I found this pair online several weeks ago. Loving them was not an issue, but pricepoint was. I thought possibly my attraction was overblown, so I took a trip to the Dallas Billy Reid store (we are lucky to have one) for a closer look. After trying on a pair or two, the only indecisive thought I had was which color I preferred, a dark sueded chocolate brown, or a smooth reddish brown. Absolutely lovely, both of them, but still out of my range. So I watched and waited. I’m a very persistent and patient shopper when focused. After finding other pairs that I also liked, but nothing under $900, I had almost given up hope of fulfilling my brown boot need this year. I had decided not to settle and I wouldn’t. Then I got the email, from a friend who happens to have the inside scoop at Billy Reid: The boots are on sale, we can get your size shipped in from another store. Halelujah! A week later they arrived and although I was initially unsure of the reddish color (I chose them over the chocolate brown) I have since come to love them. Happiness.

Compliment Meter: 8. Very, very  positive responses all around. I’ve had 4 complete strangers (men included) comment on them. Quite a rarity. Shoe confidence level: Highest.

Comfort: Very comfortable. on day 1 my sock did rub my heel a bit, but I’ve had no complaints since. Lovely. Overall, a 9 out of 10.

Worn with: Wool suede patch turtleneck from Rugby, herringbone blazer from Banana Republic, skinny ripped denim from Gap.

Thoughts: “I think shoes are coveted because they are mini-sculptures. You can stare at a shoe on your shelf and feel as much happiness as when you actually have them on your feet.” ~Shoe designer Tiffany Tuttle

Once Bitten

Sometimes the smallest detail makes the biggest difference. There is nothing terribly exciting about socks, even knee socks. The latter flashed me back to my private school days, donned with the obligatory plaid kilt and blazer. I haven’t had much need for knee socks until the fairly recent resurgence of knee-high boots and even then, viewed them as nothing more than a functional item.

The re-popularization of  what is commonly referred to as the ‘prep’ or ‘trad’ style has once again made socks a sartorial detail instead of just a shoe liner. Often seen in argyle, knee socks and anklets for women have become a ready companion for oxfords and mary janes. A softy for equestrian-leaning style, I find the gold horse bit detail on this knee socks from In God We Trust just heavenly.  A slight but well-porportioned piece of hardware marrying the right amount of tongue-in-cheek prep and equestrian style. Any larger and the effect would have been clumsy, and the solid color keeps them subdued and easily wearable. They achieve what should be the desired effect of any detail: nothing overtly noticeable,  but appreciated as that clever something extra once seen. I buy pieces that amuse me, and these fit the bill. It takes a well designed detail to produce the desire to purchase cognac mary janes or high heeled oxfords just to pair with these. So I say, well done.

Brogues Abound

I previously posted my relatively new affinity for brogues, the menswear-inspired oxfords seen practically everywhere. I originally had my heart set on a pair from Church’s, gorgeous leather, handmade in England, the whole nine. Then I found out about another British outfitter, Selve, offering custom brogues, with occasional fittings in the states. (You can see the fabulous pair style blogger Liberty London Girl bought here) I mean, really, it doesn’t get much more perfect than a custom shoe, designed by the wearer? Well it does if said custom shoe is actually affordable. Unfortunately, it is not. As my desire for brogues has not, and honestly, will not abate, I’m still moderately stalking a Ralph Lauren pair and continue to scour Yoox, finding a few tempting pairs but nothing that has prompted me to pull the trigger. I am a persistent but thoroughly patient shopper.

J.Crew's latest brogue offering

 

Then, I received the latest spring J. Crew catalog and a new pair hit the radar: the Camden leather brogues.  I will have to inspect them in person, naturally, as the sole, roundness of the toe and the height of the vamp are extremely important when it comes to oxfords. If the toe is too pointed, the vamp too low and the sole too dainty it becomes more of a jazz shoe. I lean more towards the rounded almond toe and construction of a true mens oxford; classic and a bit tomboyish. On the model, deftly styled with shorts and skirts, they become more tempting. Offered with wingtip details in waxed napa and nubuck in black, nutmeg and a neutral called light ginger, they’re begging for a closer look. Count on a report soon.

Thoughts: “A woman carries her clothes, but it’s a shoe that carries a woman.” ~Christian Louboutin

In Case There Was Any Doubt (which is doubtful)

…that I have a serious affinity for shoes, behold my new title: DSW Premier Member.

My welcome packet

Laughable? Maybe. Useful? I’m hoping so. My own fancy looking card, personal phone number to call (for what, I’m not quite sure yet), extra points, extra birthday award and free overnight shipping (though I have never actually ordered from their website) to name a few. Seems kind of like that American Airlines card Mr. Clooney is after in Up In The Air. Well, kind of.

Winter-White Wonderland

Winter white (really they are, darned flash) flats, with my bags packed.

Some things are debatable: should black and brown be worn together, do stripes work with plaid, can white be worn after Labor Day. Say what you may, but in my world, the answer to the latter is a resounding yes, if the white in question is winter white. Yes, winter white, that love shade residing between true white and cream, hovering slightly warmer than eggshell. Whether on wool trousers, a double breasted coat or in this case, shoes, it’s a shade I love wearing during the dreary and cold winter months. Even better, it can transition through every season without much, if any, effort. This Sigerson Morrison pair of ballet flats in winter white Italian patent leather have adorable buckle details and an impeccable silhouette. The abilitiy to work with everything in my closet from denim to dresses to shorts makes them near perfect. Wondrous even.

prov⋅e⋅nance

[prov-uh-nuhns, -nahns] –noun

place or source of origin: The provenance of the shoes has yet to be determined.

Date of Purchase: Fall 2009

Circumstances: It’s Saturday morning and I pick up a call from one of my most favorite people, Anni. She’s invited me to lunch and oh, just happens to be at Nordstrom Rack deliberating on a pair of boots. Friend, food and shopping? How could I resist? I find her in the aisles of the rack debating the pair of boots, coincidentally a pair I had considered, purchased and returned. We decided against the boots and continued the hunt. The search was looking bleak until Anni found a gorgeous pair of grey suede heels and I caught a glimpse of these flats. I’m always looking for a new pair of ballet flats and these were not only beautiful, but italian leather and at an 80% discount. We both left on a shoe high and headed off to lunch. A flawless day.

Compliment Meter: 4. Very positive responses all around. A simple flat done well. Shoe confidence level: High.

Comfort: Well made Italian leather that is soft and I wear all day without complaint. Lovely. Overall, a 9 out of 10.

Worn with: Grey and cream ruffled striped blouse and plaid scarf from J. Crew, grey cashmere vest from Banana Republic, torn jeans skinny jeans from Gap (that I practically live in).

Thoughts: “Flat shoes are not sexy, but they’re cool, and it’s just as exciting to be cool as it is to be sexy.”~Stuart Weitzman

Fancy Feet, Twinkle Toes

 

This post does not condone, support or encourage the wearing of leg warmers. Ballet dancers may be the exception. Maybe.

 

For consideration, another option regarding what to wear with our shoes, ladies. Most of us are quite content, and have been, with bare legs at all times and tights in the chillier months. This might change if Vicki Kysella at Voet hosiery has her way. Her cute and alright, a bit kitschy, line of lingerie-inspired booties are begging to be displayed with, not hidden in, your heels. Drawing from Madonna’s lace anklets and gloves seen on fingers and toes in the 80s, these pared down silhouettes are more subtle than showy. The hint of lace peeking out from a peep toe or from the vamp of a sleek heel might be just enough sass without turning an outfit into a costume (be advised however: add brightly colored leggings or strappy heels, and you’ve gone full Halloween). I might try them with shorts and a substantial heel or a more feminine heel and skirt for a girlish touch. I’m thinking a plaid with lace trim would be lovely.

Would you dare venture in this ‘lingerie for your toes’ as she puts it, or is it far too flashy or just plain unnecessary?

Thoughts: “The human foot is a work of art and a masterpiece of engineering.”~Leonardo da Vinci