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I have addictions. Fashion addictions. Each season I have my staple go-to pieces and looks that I continuously rotate and reinvent as needed. For a while it was wide-leg denim, then skinny, then both. Blazers are a given, as is the color navy. When the brisk autumn air rolls in, it’s ballet flats and scarves, scarves and more scarves. When temperature drops I reach for boots nearly every day for not only their sleekness but added warmth as well. My most recent addiction, a carryover from last year, is tights and boots or booties. I can’t get enough of tights in subtle patterns and solids. A bit too, well, mature, for the neon brights on the legs of some young ladies, I’m having a love affair with grey, black, plum and brown, window-pain check and even subtle plaids. They’re an easy accessory to skirts, dresses and yes, shorts.
ankle sock and mid-calf varities
I’m all for added function with fashion, (my current favorite tights being reversible) so I was pleasantly surprised to discover this legwear by Bootights. Ok, ok, no comment on the name…(well, other than it sounds a lot like a very odd Halloween costume) The concept has legs, if you will. The tights are combined with a sock bottom for extra comfort when treading about town in boots. It’s a solid idea, and I’m all for anything that increases the comfort of footwear. I’ll be giving them a go and if a success, you can be sure they will make the not-so-short list of fashion addictions.
“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
Call it boredom, call it curiosity, call it selfishness but I miss y’all, my friends, and so does my blog. I long to see what you’re up to…at the very least what’s new on your feet. Larissa recently reminded me how much I love my guest posts. Bottom line, I want more. Maybe it’s a few new pairs of boots, or a fabulously sparkly pair of shoes you’ll wear to the next holiday fete, or a dying-to-own pair you’re hoping Santa slides under the tree. (Santa obviously reads my blog, so you can let him know what you’re wishing for) You know the drill: I post, people read, vote, comment. Good times and merriment for all. Tis the season to bring everyone together…and let’s face it, shoes can do that.
Anyways, a few guest posts are on my list, and I’ve been good. Relatively.
Send yours to scarpeaux825@yahoo.com.
“God created a special emotion for when women walk into a shoe store.”~Roopal Patel, senior fashion accessories editor for Neiman Marcus
Vintage-inspired T-straps
I’ve had quite the luck lately with shoe bargains and the best bargains are often surprises. I recently posted about Fossil’s women shoes launch and a pair of booties I found (unfortunately, all sold out of my size). Well, a serious perk is the in-house bargain discounts we get on merchandise. I came across this pair the day before Thanksgiving break for nearly nothing and decided to give them a whirl. The vintage-y t-strap mary jane silhouette is girlie and dainty. I’m fond of the two-tone rich browns and especially the leather wrapped wood heel detail. The lower heel also lends a 1940s vibe while being extremely comfortable. I’m really loving lower heels with skinny denim and maybe shorts (yes, shorts); higher heels with skirts and dresses. Bring on the 40s and post-war era dressing.
I was in the office frantically trying to get work done, as is always the case just before leaving on vacation. About to grab lunch I heard a small commotion in the large conference room nearby. My coworkers informed me of the clearance sale going on for employees as the company tried to clear out merchandise before the holidays. Since I was out the week prior on a photoshoot, I had heard nothing of it! Decideding it was worth a look, I went to explore. Hoards of people scouring through a ton of merchandise is what met me. I bee-lined for the shoes (but of course) hoping to find the grey booties I’m wanting. No luck. I did spot these and found my size. Not much else tempted me among the rabble, except a $5 striped cashmere scarf, as I headed for check out. All said and done, I walked out with both for an Alexander Hamilton.
Considering I just bought them, I actually didn’t wear them all day, just for a few minutes, but I predict comfortable. And I also predict a cute outfit when I do wear them. Probably this plaid shirt from Rugby, skinny ripped denim from Gap. Maybe a vest, maybe a blazer…decisions, decisions.
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
Guest post complements of Larissa. You can see another of her serious pairs (and her fashionable husband Myron) from a long-ago special edition post when Pair Diem co-creator Bethany got married. Enjoy!
Shiny, Silky and Strappy
At the last minute my husband, Myron L. Branford, tells me he wants to attend a charity ball thrown by the Dallas Margarita Society (the largest charity ball in the country, by the way). I only had a few hours to shop (always last minute), so I neaded over to one of my favorite shoe stores, Nordstrom Rack. I went there to find a dress for the evening but I always head to the shoe section first. I walked down the aisles and stumbled across a fierce Guess stiletto that I could possibly wear for the evening. It was also the shoe I had tried on a month ago but didn’t want to pay the initial price. I crossed my fingers, said a silent prayer (Lord Bless MY Wallet, Amen) and flipped the shoe over. It went down $20!!! I politely went to the counter, asked for the mate, and proceeded to find my dress for the evening. (No luck at the Rack but Thank you Kenneth Cole Outlet!)
Side note: You know you have purchased some fierce shoes when a stranger approaches you and says, “Love your shoes, Girl!”
Happy Bright Satin Flats
These days, who isn’t thankful for a bargain? A friend with a mild addiction to Ebay reminded me of this as he snatched up deal after deal amid bidding frenzies. I’m an Ebay fan, but often forget all about it as I have my normal rotation of stores firmly in place. One on heavy rotation is J. Crew. I love me a ballet flat and some of the most adorable come via J. Crew. I love them in fall and daily alternate between them and boots exclusively for a good 4 months. I’ve found several pairs of flattering skinny denim, a feat in itself, and adding a pair of bright flats to them adds happiness to any outfit. Not wanting to pay retail price (naturally, I rarely do, anyways) I scoured Ebay for less expensive alternatives. This J. Crew pair with their silk tie-inspired pattern and navy trim were an easy decision. Really, just about anything trimmed in navy is going to catch my eye, and given my addiction to said color, will go with nearly everything in my wardrobe. Even more of a bargain.
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: As mentioned above, I was scouring Ebay for some bright ballet flats. I had my mind set on yellow suede, and still do, but the asking price for yellow suede flats was still ridiculous. I spent close to a week ‘watching’ items and pouring through page after page of shoes until I found these: magenta silk and navy tie print, navy leather trim, near perfect condition, my size and a straight bargain. I snatched them up for less than $20, including shipping.
Compliment Meter: 3. Several compliments, especially on the silk material and pattern. Naturally, everyone was rather impressed with the price. Shoe confidence level: High.
Comfort: As with all ballet flats, a little breaking in is necessary, but overall no complaints. Overall, an 8 out of 10.
Worn with: White oxford from Rugby, grey cashmere vest from Banana Republic, skinny denim from Urban Outfitters.
Thoughts: “I can’t wear flat shoes. My feet repel them.” ~Mariah Carey
New Launch: Fossil Womens Shoes
I like variety. I can bore easily, so when a new line of shoes launches and gives me new styles to observe and dissect, I sit up and take notice. This is particularly true if the line is being done right under my nose; in this case, under my feet, technically downstairs in the same building. When I learned some time ago Fossil was launching shoes I couldn’t help but be excited, and not just because of the impending discount I would be getting. The prospect of a vintage-inspired line piqued my interest.
A small collection has been launched with more to follow for spring. Of what I’ve seen so far I’m interested in the Allison ankle boots with their unique taupe grey color. It’s an easy but unexpected neutral and the olive leather wrapped wood grain heel helps these stand apart from the current sea of ankle boots. I’m envisioning them with a diaphanous dress, blazer and tights; skinny jeans and cocoon knits, all the while being cozily stylish. Especially in our frigid office.
“The Wizard of Oz along with Cinderella - and those two great pairs of shoes – hook girls on them for life.” ~Stuart Weitzman
Billy Reid's Lurleen Equestrian Boot
The hunt continues: my perennial quest for boots. This year’s goal, a carryover from last year, flat riding-ish boots. Although these made it through the Pair Diem challenge, and I gave these away after they received a mediocre rating, I am still in need of the right flat boots. Equestrian-inspired but not too cosutmey, a little tough but not too biker, well designed but not trendy, classic but not old-lady. Perfection. That’s what I want.
I discovered this photo from a fashionable colleague and oh how I’ve fallen in love with these boots from Billy Reid. The back zip, the tab snap, the asymmetric curved top with loop, the simplicity. Without trying them on I will not claim perfection, but I just adore them. And the photo? Very well styled. It would take a lot to get me to want, much less wear, leather leggings…but Billy Reid is coming pretty darn close.
“I’m always astonished by how much men misunderstand women. For one, men don’t understand how a woman can own 300 pairs of shoes. For a woman, it’s the most natural thing in the world.” ~Christian Louboutin
Women have long been borrowing from the boys for fresh additions to the closet and truth be told, we often look better in their clothing anyways. On the screen in Bonnie and Clyde, Annie Hall, and on the frames of Diane Keaton, Lauren Bacall, and Kate Hepburn for example. These and other glamorous style icons have adapted mens blazers, trousers, hats and neckwear in a decidedly relaxed feminine way that reads, ‘I nonchalantly threw this on…and that’s precisely why I look so stunning.’
I am a fan of menswear-inspired oxfords and blazers. Fitted, of course. Maybe wearing nothing but button-down shirts with a blazer and plaid skirt for 10 years cemented them into my style psyche. Bottom line: everyone looks good in a blazer. Everyone. The uniform-wearing days might also explain my recently resurgent fascination with mens oxford shoes. I love the black and white saddle shoes that the local prep schools require their girls to wear and I have a severe soft spot for suede bucks; so very preppy, so very east coast. I owned not only bucks back in school, but also a pair of black monk-strap loafers, during the 90’s…a little Winona Ryder in Reality Bites with her heavy wingtip oxfords and floral feminine dresses. I never desired to go as far as looking manly, or even androgynous, but loved toughening up my naturally girlie tendencies with more structured pieces.
Church's traditional brogues
My latest shoe craving is in the form of these menswear shoes, traditional brogues: a heavy shoe of untanned leather, born in Scotland and Ireland, usually possessing perforations and wing tips. The best known and best made brogues hail from the British Isles, arguably from Church’s. Each Church’s pair is hand made and has been since 1873, and brogues are their specialty. They’re on my desires list. See also Cole, Rood & Haan’s brilliant offerings.
Oxfords graced last year’s runways and the menswear trend is bearing heavily on fall/winter this year as well. For gents these are an easy, classic, can do no wrong shoe in my book, particularly with dark, clean denim. For the ladies, I think they’re the perfect complement to skinny jeans and loose knits, tights and sweater dresses, bare legs and shorts. There are many iterations: two tone, heeled, flat, smooth, wingtip. I’m craving a light tan, wingtip cognac pair. Not as severe as black, the lighter brown blends into the skin, elongates the leg, and it looks great with navy, my favorite color. (Am I too grown up to have a favorite color?)
Images via Gant, Anthropologie, J. Crew, the Sartorialist, Net-a-Porter
Go get a pair. Tell me how you’ve worn them. Maybe take a picture or two.
For a few more pairs, visit here:
Steve Madden ‘Melin’, Steve Madden ‘Tuxxedo’, J.Crew ‘Elsbeth Oxford’, Cole, Rood & Haan (multiple styles)
Steep black girlie heels balancing menswear tweed.
I’m not a huge TV watcher and generally don’t get addicted to shows. Since the addition of fancy-pants cable and DVR in my new apartment, this has changed. My latest loves are shows revolved around what I love: fashion, food and dance. This translates visually into Top Chef, So You Think You Can Dance, Project Runway, and the guiltiest pleasure, The Rachel Zoe Project. Watching Rachel, Taylor, Brad and the daily struggle to outfit starlets with fabulous clothes while Rachel attempts to not break her own bank account is pretty entertaining. One thing always present on Rachel’s tiny frame, other than her monstrous sunwear: super high platforms. These sky high suede heels, by Jessica Simpson, are my tribute to Rachel. I even wore them on Halloween when I dressed as miss Rachel. (complete with sunwear, starbucks and my assistant Brad) I love the material and the small cut-out along with the bow-like addition on the sides that add just the right abount of sweetness to the severity. The one inch front platform also helps offset the 4.75″ heel. What I can’t wait for? wearing them with everything this fall and winter..and i do mean everything.
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: Sunday afternoon shoe perusing, one of my favorite weekend activities; not shopping with an exact fashion goal, just browsing the current footwear offerings. Once again I find myself in DSW (and of course while there I must check on the beloved RL’s, you guessed it, still full retail). I love looking at shoes aisle after aisle, imagining what outfits they would compliment best. I recently, internally, started forming an attachment to vertiginous platforms. It’s not that I hadn’t previously liked them, that’s just how my shoe shopping tendencies work. I am attracted to a style, I digest it, internally, almost unconciously mulling it over, looking for my perfect iteration of a trend, and then it happens: I spot the pair. I know they answer that little voice in my head and fill the void on my mental ‘get list’. This accurately describes when I found these shoes, no hesitation. Purchased.
Compliment Meter: 5. Very positive responses, especially about the height. Could have been sheer respect or disbelief that I even wore a pair of heels this high. Comments of the day, “You look like a journalist” and “Wow, you are tall in those” (heard several times) Either way, Shoe confidence level: High.
Comfort: Moderate. The thick heel is walkable and the platform helps, but by mid afternoon I was in pain. Consequence, a significant heel hangover. Overall, a 6 out of 10.
Worn with: Ballet-neck 3/4 sleeve black knit top from Club Monaco, tweed ankle-length slouchy cuffed trousers from Forever XXI, skinny silver belt from J. Crew, OPI’s Boris and Natasha on my nails.
Thoughts: “Who doesn’t look better with 7 more inches?” ~Rachel Zoe
Happy Halloween everyone! You will have to wait until tomorrow to see what shoes I’ve picked to wear for the Halloween festivities tonight. The reason why I purchased them and the outfit I’m wearing tonight are 100% tied to each other which makes for a great story, and it was completely unplanned. Here’s a hint, I literally plan on Shutting. It. Down.
I do have a few pairs of shoes that did not make it into the Pair Diem challenge, simply because I consider them costume-only shoes and would never wear them except to a theme party or Halloween gathering (think 3″ platform go-go boots and spike-heeled pumps covered in fishnet pattern). There was no way I was going to wear those to work and I didn’t want you or anyone else to think they were a part of my regular wardrobe, so they remain under the bed. Maybe I’ll snap a few photos, they’ll at least garner a few laughs. I’m also hoping while galavanting around this evening in costume that I will spot some interesting footwear. If I do, rest assured I will treat you to a Halloween Special Edition.
In the meantime, I’m extending an invitation. It has been some time since I’ve had a guest post and the blog is feeling a little lonely. I think it gets bored of just my shoes and ramblings after a while. I know you all have footwear of note, either fabulous, outrageous, original or just plain well-loved. Take a photo, send me the story and I’ll post for viewing. Come on, share the shoe love.
Have a safe and chocolate and treat filled evening!
“Nothing has been invented yet that will do a better job than high heels at making a good pair of legs look great, or great ones look fabulous.” ~Stuart Weitzman
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