Push It Payless

Each Fall I get a little bit jazzed about the runways shoes by the Payless-affiliated designers like Lela Rose and Christian Siriano.  Not only do I like their clothing styles but they always show some lovely shoes.

This year was no different.  I pinned a few lovely pairs to my Fall 2012 board in hopes they would make it to reality…

But, sadly again, the reality is not as edgy as the originals.

While these pumps are nice enough, and close to those shown above, they are missing the sheen and the height.  Can’t girls on budget have cute shoes too???  And these aren’t even that “cheap” at $55!

Maybe more are on the way… right? Well, yes, the whole collection should be out in September. So I’m reserving full judgement until then.

The only collaboration that seems to really be consistently keeping up in the design arena is the Isabel Toledo collection.  I like her edgy style, especially these Fluevog-esque mary janes.

Two-tone, patent, fun heel.  These are heels I’d be happy to pick up from Payless, even for $55!

Payless, if you want to up your price range, you need to up your design bravery.

Greatest Glitter – Miu Miu

I have decided that no other designer is doing as good a job with glitter as Miu Miu. Sure, I love the Loubies, but Miu Miu is staking a claim to the glitter throne.

Sure, their Noir sunglasses were awesome, but where they really shine are their shoes!  I love the fact that they don’t limit glitter to just heels but they make sure, no matter what type of shoes you wear, you can have some sparkly glitter love.  If you want silvery glitter, you have a slew to choose from.

I personally was seduced into getting the classic pumps…

What a great heel profile!
But if you want more casual (yet still show-stopping), get the hightop sneakers.


A little bit lighter on the glitter but still snazzy when combined with black peep-toes.


Or all out, in your face, platforms.


I even like the subtle mix of the booties. The glittery heel is an unexpected surprise.



All of these gorgeous shoes are available now on MyTheresa.com.  I have to say they have a great selection and their packaging is luxurious and delightful.  If you are trying to track down a special shoe or outfit, they are a great resource!

Reading My Mind

So, Sunday was my birthday….

And, yes, I’m old.  I think I’m in a new age checkbox, so yeah… blech.

Actually, I don’t really focus on my age number, so I’m not really bothered by it.  And obviously I don’t really feel “old” because what I want to get with my birthday money is a pair of Necomimi Brainwaive Cat Ears.

Come on!  How can you NOT want these.  They do say they are looking at other ear styles.  Maybe I’ll hold out for fox ears!

Designer Focus – Michelle Chang Jewelry

 I was very excited to see one of my favorite Etsy shops featured on Fab.com the other day.

I’ve been a fan of Michelle Chang’s jewelry for a while now and had been planning on making a purchase but this gave me added incentive.  There were a few pieces on Fab that I had not seen in her store so I made sure to add them to my cart right away.



What I love about her pieces are the delicate details combined with the soft finishes.  Each piece has a warmth and humor that is so engaging.  

The piece that first got me interested in her work was this whimsical (you know I can’t resist that!) snake ring.  As a fan of snakes (they’re much maligned and misunderstood), I was instantly smitten with his playful expression.







This ring also has a lovely brass version holding an amethyst.

I actually purchased the silver snake ring directly from Michelle’s Etsy store but I did nab two pieces via Fab. First was the fox necklace in sterling with diamond eyes.  She has this without stones, as a ring and earrings as well.

Two snakes are better than one, right?  I also nabbed the brass “holding is tail” (very ouroboros, no?) snake with ruby eyes.

Working with Michelle through Etsy has been a pleasure so far.  I love that she’ll adjust sizes and stones to suit your preferences.  I’ve had nothing but great experiences with the artists on Etsy and I can’t wait to wear my new pieces.

Picking Polka-Dots – Louis Vuitton & Yayoi Kusama Collection

The fashion world is buzzing over the collaboration between Louis Vuitton & artist Yayoi Kusama.

And rightly so.

Yayoi’s use of organic shapes and rigid dots are infusing the often times staid LV pieces with a playful spirit.  I appreciate that LV has allowed it’s branding to take a bit of a backseat and is only represented with LV-initial brocade fabric and signature shapes.

It’s a great pairing because there is just the right amount of fission between the two.

I love nearly every piece in the extensive collection – which includes clothes, outerwear, collars, jewelry, shoes, sunglasses and handbags – there is one huge thing that jumps out at me the most.
This whole collection is a knock-off dream.
These pieces are simple and classic, differentiated only by the association with Yayoi and subtle LV materials.  

I fully anticipate seeing a HUGE number of look-a-likes come out in the next few months.  From bow adorned heels to dotty-fabric sandals.

I hope that will not be the case.  Yayoi is a remarkable artist who deserves to be respected for her career, not have her work, even that used in a collaboration, stolen for a quick profit.