Month: June 2011

Ensemble du Jour – Rainy Day New York

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Whoops!  A missing New York visit outfit post. 

This day it was rainy and I was walking so I did milkmaid braids.  I wore my vintage red trench over one of the Target floral dresses and black cardigan.  I walked down to Union Square and then the Chelsea Market so I went practical in black patent oxfords and creme ankle socks.

I always walk for miles when I’m in New York and I really feel that oxfords, Converse and wellies are better shoes to pack than heels… but somehow I still end up packing too many heels too!

Ensemble Du Jour: 6-3-11

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Yep, it’s been a while since I’ve done an outfit post.  And I had to brave afternoon heat stroke and mosquitoes to get this.  How do you people do it???  Hat’s off to you! 

It was Friday and hot so I’m in a simple outfit – red 3/4 sleeve cardigan and madras skirt from Target paired with my new Prada Minimal Baroque sunglasses and espadrilles.

I really love these red and white polka-dot wedge espadrilles from Payless. In my small size they are totally Minnie Mouse shoes.

My new glasses had arrived that day so I couldn’t resist taking a picture of my Miu Miu glasses and Pradas together.

House Tour – The Details Make A Home

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

It’s been a while since I’ve posted about my home. I’m definitely one of those people who love to visit people’s houses and see what their personal style is like.  How would I decorate differently and what kind of art they have.

I actually think my home and decorating style is very me (although if I had several houses I’d like to try out different styles) but not superficially me.  Most people expect very feminine decor which is not our house at all.  It’s vintage, eclectic, personal and unique.  The house being 112+ years old really makes it a fun place to live.  With odd room shapes, fun built ins and lots of character.

So I got a bit snap-happy on Instagram.  Here’s a tour of the house through the details:

Still-life in the dining room.

The Kitchen stove is one of my favorite things.  It’s a beast.

Our living room mantle and fireplace.

The Sunroom. Mossy floors and bamboo blinds.

Our Guest Bath is very classic.

The Front Entry with art from our neighbor.

My Library – the fulfillment of a lifetime dream.

The Library game table.

The Library mantle and fireplace with vintage botanicals and one of the best frame examples. Proper framing is so important.

Our Master Bedroom is cozy and simple.

My Desk is small and somewhat impractical but I love it.

The Master Bath.  A strong color inspired by the vintage Italian tourism ad and vintage fixtures and floor.

Guest room corner.

An antique French laundry basket on the back stairs.

The Guest Room’s antique bamboo writing desk topped with a vintage planter and mirror.

A corner of the Office.  Some of our best art is in this room, including the rocker which is painted by our other talented neighbor.

Antique Greek panels topped by a Madeline von Foerster limited edition piece.

My favorite piece is this giant (almost 3′ x 4′) Carol Fitzsimmons watercolor.

The Landing holds mid-Century owl bookends, a hope chest and a pillow made from vintage French linen.

And the Stairs… holding a kitty!
Thanks for coming by!

Inspiration = Flattery? Chloe and ASOS

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

While not identical, the style similarities between the Chloe Patent Cap-toe Pumps with the plexi heel…

… and the ASOS Powertrip perspex pump are certainly there. 
Dusky pinkish-taupe color, clear heel, cap-toe.

They both have a chunky look off-set by the delicate colors and clear element.  I have a weakness for this blush.
The price difference is great ($555 vs $77, both on sale) but that aside, which do you prefer?

Smitten – Prada Minimal Baroque Sunglasses

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I am not a sunglasses person typically, but I have to admit I was totally smitten by the Prada Minimal Baroque sunglasses collection. They are all just so gorgeous and Alphonse Mucha-esque, that they’re like art for your face.

So I was thrilled beyond words to get a pair in white.  They’re even better in person.  Whimsical and classic all at the same time.

You’re going to be seeing these a lot this summer.  What is a better “summer white” than white sunglasses?

I now have a pair of “sisters” sunglasses – Miu Miu in black and Prada in white.
Top images by nitrolicous.com, remainder mine.

Instant Access – 5/31 – 6/5

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Maybe it was the sunburn from Monday, but I was in the mood to wear red all week.

Summer means strawberries.  I don’t wear these ShoeMissy Strawberry Patch shoes nearly enough.

But I did wear the heck out of my Knock-Out Karen matte red polish. It’s so classy, I love it.

Is it sad that one of the highlights of the week was a peanut butter sandwich?  It’s crazy but this stuff is awesome.

Sound Advice.

Snaps from the Shoe Cabinets – Miu Miu

And Stella McCartney Jupiter platforms (I need to wear these!)

I had to resist.  Sad Face.

Red polka dot espadrilles ARE Summer – These are American Eagle from Payless.

A pretty visitor on Saturday morning.

And, nerd that I am, I spent all day Sunday catching up on Doctor Who episodes.

While Clarence took a nap on one leg.
Hope you had a good week!

I wanted to love you

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

When I saw Think Through Fashion wear her floral dress with OTK boots, I was inspired to grab a pair myself.  I like fun dresses.  I like boots.  I want to make this happen! 

I especially liked her Sam Edelman “Sutton” OTK boots in this distressed grey-brown.  I like the chunky heel for sturdy height and felt the color would be the perfect grounding contrast to the girly bright dresses, right? Plus they were on sale for more than 50% off!
Wrong. I am beginning to think boot companies don’t want me to buy from them.
I don’t have stick straight legs.  After years of English horseback riding, I have a calf muscle.  And the calf circumference isn’t, I don’t think, out of the “average” range. And it was within the dimensions listed, but when I got them out of the box, they just didn’t work.
I’m so sad.  I already had visions of flippy skirt and sassy boot combos.

I know that part of this issue is that manufacturers often link the shoe size with the boot shaft circumference. So, for those of us on the smaller end, it’s tighter.  This doesn’t make any sense to me at all!
I know tall, larger shoe-sized girls with straight legs and, like me, smaller size/wider calves.  It’s a lot of variables, but we really need to fix this… if only so I can get some darn boots! Do I really need to go custom?

Can I See the Sunshine

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I’m a big fan of color but there are two colors that I tend to shy away from.  The first is orange, which I love for accessories but the other is yellow. 

But I’m trying to encourage a love of yellow.  I used to have a yellow bedroom growing up so I’m still a bit traumatized.  I got my Lemonade Converse, on pale end of the yellow spectrum. And today, I’m embracing the sunny side.

I’m smitten with these Manolo Blahnik Uliepe golden pumps ($575 at Barneys).  Such a pretty color and classic shape.  I want to wear them as an unexpected element paired with colors or patterns you wouldn’t expect.

But… they are pricey and selling out fast, so I’m searching out other options too.  I started with the sunny pumps but there’s lots in the color to choose from.
Like these Stuart Weitzman “Naughty” pump – $295
Cole Haan Air Talia – $195

Francesco Morichetti Platform pumps – $130

I love these, but they are not quite as versatile. Patricia Rosales d’Orsay – $240

These are simple and bright too. Sebastian slingbacks – $155

And to get more summery and sandal-y, you can get these Sigerson Morrison Birdcage sandals – on sale for $435

Vicini kitten heels – $294

And these are my favorites of the options actually. I just got these in taupe because I needed a nude low heel. They’re really comfortable and it’s more yellow and grey.  Sam Edelman Orly – $104

If I have to tolerate the summer trying to avoid the sun, I can at least wear some sun on my feet.  Any sunny favorites of yours?