Rocking the Studs

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

When the limited edition (love those two words) Red on Red Valentino Rockstud heels came out, I was  a bit smitten but sadly, they were none of the kitten heels in my size. They were created to celebrate the new Valentino online Shoe Room and only 100 made.

I did get the heel version but, while they are very pretty, I prefer the kitten heel version more.  When you have a powerful design like a red, strappy, studded heel it helps to tone it down a little bit with the  lower heel version.

When I was all sad and bemoaning the fact that I returned my pair, I watched the Spring/Summer RTW show and spied the crystal version of my heels. Paired with embellished clear minaudieres and peek-a-boo dress seaming, were these subtle whispers.

Luckily Moda Operandi is bringing this magical collection to us.  So, I quite possibly have pre-ordered a pair.

Now I just have to wait until next spring for my glass slippers to wing their way to my door.

This Is A Shoe…?

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I have to admit, while I may not want to wear them, I’m intrigued by “art shoes”.

But art shoes, like the armadillo McQueen heels, don’t often make it to be sold at mass market.

Then I see a heel like the Mojito by Julian Hakes, being sold on Shuch.

And I wonder, well, first how do you wear them? they don’t look very comfortable, do they? But next I wonder, will people buy them?

What do you think? Wearable or important for pushing the conceptual edge of footwear?

Fall/Winter 2012 Themes – Chic Schoolgirl and Deep Woods Floral

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I am loving how Pinterest is helping me to refine my vision and themes for each season, which I do twice a year.

In the Spring, I had Pastel Ice Cream Sundae and Vintage Garden Party, which included a color scheme of pink/mint/white/lilac/mocha and cobalt/hot pink/coral/navy/neon/black.  Textures and patterns were polka dots, pastel plaids, floral and seersucker. Some key purchases were a cobalt Celine bag, neon pink watch, hot pink blazer, mint patent loafers and pink glitter Miu Miu sunglasses, among other items.  My board for the season is here.

I already have a pretty full board for Fall/Winter 2012.  The first theme is Chic Schoolgirl.

This theme uses black/white/grey/silver/gold/taupe/creme/pink with contrasting collars, cap-toe mary janes, houndstooth and polka dots.  There’s lots of shine, glitter, sparkles, and bows.  Sweet with a bit of naughty.

I’ve found a great contrast collar sweater dress, a silver sequin skirt, Miu Miu silver glitter heels, a cat ear pearl headband, chunky sparkly necklaces and long opera pearls.  Simple black Converse and charcoal over-the-knee socks will be mixed in too.
The second theme is Deep Woods Floral.  This theme is romantic, lush and misty.  Deep burgundy, moss, smoke, emerald green, navy, dark brown and red. Woodsy florals, distressed finishes and sueded textures make for a very touchable and cozy look.

Tall boots with ruffles, an arrow necklace in sliver, a bright red maple leaf fascinator and gold tassel loafers are going to make repeat appearances over the next few months.

I think of these themes almost as the flip sides to each other.  One is cool and crisp and playful.  The other is warm and embracing.  I like to have variety as I never know how I’m going to feel, who I’m going to want to be.

I’ve switched out my closets for the new season.  It’s now officially Fall.

Imitation = Flattery? ModCloth Out Owl Night Bag vs Kate Spade Night Owl Bag

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I can’t believe that I’m here again with ANOTHER product on ModCloth that is totally ripping off a Kate Spade design.

 Seriously, what the heck???

This time I felt a little sick to my stomach because I’m totally in love with the original design.

But let’s get right to it. Here is the ModCloth Out Owl Night bag –

It is a shoddy replica of the Kate Spade Night Owl bag from last Fall/Winter –

Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!

I mean, there are some instances when the knock-off/inspiration is debatable such as with the Prada Flame wedges or with the Prada mary janes, but this is just as bad as Chloe boots or when the Kate Spade Enchantment Under The Sea coin purse was ripped off.

Kate Spade is a big fashion brand.  These are not hard to find or secret items.  Obviously the ModCloth supplier is aware of the designs and is totally stealing them (and making them worse in the process).

ModCloth, I really like a lot of your products, especially your dresses, but this is ridiculous!

UPDATE:

Anonymous Turi (ModCloth) said…
Update: we’re pulling the bag from our site while we contact the vendor and look into this. Thanks

Feeling Grounded

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

It’s interesting to me how different pairs of shoes can impact you mood.   Whimsical. Confident. Sexy.  But when I feel the most grounded and strong is wearing a pair of knee-high flat boots… lacing optional.

It probably goes back to my teen years when I was learning English dressage and jumping.  I loved it.  I was learning and pushing my boundaries.  Plus, horses!

Since then, I’ve always loved an outfit that gives a nod to the equestrian.  From the tall black boots that make me want to stride, to polished jackets and tailored fabrics, I feel at home.  It’s funny how rare is it to feel really good in my own skin.  I guess I need to wear my tall boots more often!

Ensemble du Jour – 9-28-12

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

On Friday, I took off work to go to my favorite antiques show. It’s twice a year and each time I go, I find something great.  Past purchases have included structured bags, great hats, linens and gold cases.  I don’t always go with a plan in mind but I usually end up with something great.

The show is held in a big farm field so boots are necessary.  I went with a bit of a “modern Victorian” look wearing my ruffly Betsey Johnson knee-high boots and a mini-straw hat headband.


”I should have brought a parasol as I usually do, because it was warmer and sunnier than I had anticipated.  But it all worked out for the best, because I found a darling French flax (I think) parasol which I promptly put to good use.

I also found a beautiful ladies English boating hat and two Fall hued table cloths which I will be using in my bakery booth next month. 


I’m always excited to wear my new purchases and we had great weather on Sunday, so I paired my new hat with white and coral Zara dress which I topped with a navy blazer from Anthropologie.  I also wore white wingtip oxfords and another previous show purchase, a white wicker purse.  It was perfect for a bookstore visit and stroll outside.
(I have got to set up my good camera with the timer and tripod!)

I hope I don’t have to put these away until Spring.  Maybe there are a few more warm Fall days ahead.

Le Sigh – Tabitha Simmons Contrast Foulard Print Silk Mary Janes

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I want to wear these Tabitha Simmons tie silk mary janes every single day this Fall.

I mean seriously, how perfect are they.  Beautiful fabrics. Gorgeous shape. Menswear done ladylike.  I’m totally in love.

Sadly for me they don’t come in my size, thereby saving me from myself. But they are gorgeous though.

Tabitha Simmons Contrast Foulard Print Silk Mary Janes – $1,248 at MyTheresa.com

Today’s Shoe – Stuart Weitzman Capsize

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

As you know, I’m a sucker for a good mary jane heel. And when saw this black and white pair on Atlantic Pacific’s blog, I went right out and nabbed a pair.

I just bought a B&W tweed pencil skirt from JCrew (well basically, this whole outfit!) and I knew they would be perfect with them.

The best part is that they are now on major sale, down to $140 from $365.  So nab them while you can, especially since Endless.com is being folded into Amazon. Not sure how long the sale price will last.