Ensemble du Jour

The Outfit

Yeah, I was supposed to be off today. But hey, I'm dedicated. When a client has a meeting, you go to the meeting, right? So, in spite of technically being off work and it being a Friday and Halloween, I still made the effort and dressed nicely for an hour and a half.

I recently rediscovered this really cute pencil skirt (actually from Victoria's Secret) when I switched around the closet. I should wear it more because I love the button detail running down the back. The top is a black embellished cardigan. Since it was cold out, I wore tights and a vintage cape and off-white gloves.


10-31-08 by Princess Poochie

I love vintage gloves. I have small hands so I can usually fit in to most of them so I have a whole hatbox full. These are plain leather and were really inexpensive, so I don't have to act all precious about them.



The cardigan I had on is the black version of this one. It's from the Behnaz Sarafpour Go International collection from 2006. I really liked this collection and this cardigan is one of my favorites. I wear it a lot. The black lace on black is a neat textural element.




The Focal Point

I think I mentioned that I have a ton of tights. I think I will need to wear tights every day. These are a neat pair. They're black and cream herringbone with a claret floral pattern running up the side. The shoes are a pair I've had for years. I have these in black also. They're Aerosole's Sixty Chic and may be the perfect pumps. I didn't realize until later that they were possibly Celine or Vivier knockoffs. I don't care, they're so comfortable.



I had fun wearing my cape and gloves. The hubby said I looked like I was from Nanny 911. Not quite the look I was going for, but on Halloween I guess I didn't look too out of place.

But what will I do when I wear it later?

Ensemble du Jour

The Outfit

I was so excited. I had the day off and I was finally going to get some errands done, including getting my car's oil change. I was going to go to the dealer to drop off the car then walk across the street and have a breakfast at Panera while I waited.

I was thinking I wanted to be all comfy and snuggly and warm. But since I wasn't going to work, I could wear my really bright yellow tights and no one would bug me. My top is this dark green shawl collar sweater jacket from Athropologie. I love the giant golden yellow velvet pin that came with the sweater. My denim skirt to ground it and a pashmina in the same dark olive green for additional warmth.


10-30-08 by Princess Poochie

The Focal Point

Well, yeah... it's the tights. I mean these are BRIGHT! But I love them. And I did get a nice compliment from a lovely older lady at the restaurant. I wore my black flats from Target to further ground the crazy color.



Sadly for me I ended up being at the frigging Panera through lunch because the dealer said I needed my back brakes done too.

Great.

I thought I was doing a quick inexpensive oil change and it ends up being this huge cost. Now I'm broke!

Wonderful.

So that was my Halloween "trick", I guess.

Happy frickin' Halloween.


(Just kidding, folks!)

Beauty Has No Pain

I thought this was an interesting video on the cultural and historical significance that shoes, mainly high heels, plays in our society.

Of course, I kept getting distracted naming all the brands of the shoes I recognized... but still... interesting. And I would totally wear some of those historical shoes that were featured.

Do you agree with the commentary expressed here?

P.S. Thanks to the Shoe Girl for finding this!

Ensemble du Jour

The Outfit

Today's outfit is part of my Fall mix and match separates. I bought the plaid skirt and jacket and then some knit tops. I've already worn this skirt with the jacket but I like the creme top with it too.

One of the reasons I wanted to get this top was to get more use out of a few pairs of creme heels that I have.


10-29-08 by Princess Poochie

For jewelry, I just bough this lovely delicate necklace from a friend who makes jewelry. Isn't it darling? Little pearl charms that slide along the chain.



The Focal Point

But what I wanted to wear were my glittery cream peep-toe heels.

There are lots of dressy glittery shoes but most of the time they are red or silver or black. These are a creamy light gold satin and glitter.

Lush, puffy bows!

And a great curvy heel.

I bought these Nina Melia heels were bought at Zappos a while back. They also came in a great brown and a deep black - which you can still get on Amazon.

A Lovely Young Lady

I'd just like to give a quick feature on my lovely neighbor. Miss KA here is off to a dance in her adorable (and not overly-sexy - thank goodness!) dress. She stopped over on her way out to show us her cute outfit... and shoes, of course!



I was also very impressed with her hair, which she styled herself. I can't do anything near as good as this!




And... cute shiny black peep-toes!



This girl is a lady in every sense. She's sweet and talented and very smart. Isn't it nice to know that there a people still out there like that?

Ensemble du Jour

The Outfit

I've been trying to be good about planning out my outfits the night before for the next day. I have a tendency to just throw something on because I'm always rushing in the morning. I'd end up wearing the same thing all the time and not wear any of my fun cool stuff.

I wanted to wear this new JCrew jacket, which I just love. It's green metallic bouclé and I like that it has a classic shape but some interesting details to it... and it was on sale! Whoo! Of course this jacket would be great with jeans (and I'm sure I'll wear it with jeans soon) but I had a client meeting so, while I could wear jeans, I didn't really want to.

So that meant a skirt. I have this dressy denim pencil skirt that is less casual but still has some texture to the dark navy fabric. Once I decided on the skirt, I was debating shoes. Oh yeah, and the fact that it was darn cold out. So I needed some tights. I had been thinking I would wear these Claudio Merazzi heels, but thought with so much green I'd be getting into leprechaun territory. And what tights would I wear?



10-28-08 by Princess Poochie

The Focal Point

I ended up deciding on navy tights and my Lela Rose navy and tan polka-dot heels. The navy tights, heel fabric and skirt give a streamlined look and the blue is equal in tone to the green of the jacket. I had a tan camisole on under the jacket which tied back to the dots in the shoes. I also wore a brooch with pearl on it. They mirrored the polka-dots. I also liked the contrast in the two patterns, especially since the jacket's is more textural and tonal.



I really like these navy tights from Target. I bought them to wear with a grey outfit (yet to be worn) but I'm happy with them here too.



I need to put an insole or heel gripper in these. They're a bit slippery, especially with having the tights on.

Ensemble du Jour

The Outfit

So I did the big Seasonal Swap over the weekend coupled with a huge purge. I now have a giant pile of stuff that I am itching to get out of the house asap! It also let me bring out my favorite jackets which I wait all year to wear.

Today I'm wearing a grey wool jacket from Target with a grey beaded JCrew tee. I'm also wearing my favorite Gap Classic jeans (I went in there to get the same pair in the Ankle length and they were out! This is the Gap... shouldn't they have every size all the time???).


10-27-08 by Princess Poochie

I love JCrew's embellished tees. They're thin and comfy and cute!



The Focal Point

Well, even though they're hard to see because my jeans are so long... it's all about the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi, a.k.a. Something Blue, heels. I wanted to have the shiny blue peek out while the grey crystals echo the grey jacket and tee.



Movie Shot!

I took a ton of shots of these and have them on flickr. The color of these is so amazing. They just glow!



I like cheering up a grey day with satiny sparkly shoes!

For the Love of...

Well, I'm all for testing out new social media... especially as it's my job!

Are you following blogs? Do you have Blog Love? If you've joined...

Follow my blog with bloglovin´

See you there!

Imitation = Flattery?

Do these metal circle Manolo Blahnik booties remind you of any thing?

Maybe this Burberry Prorsum dress from last year?

What do you think? Long lost twins?

Change of Season

More from the Manolo-front!

I was just browsing through Neimans and saw these gorgeous Manolo Blahnik heels. At first I thought they were a printed satin or silk but upon a closer inspection I found I was quite wrong.



They are actually pieced suede placed together to create the tapestry like pattern.



This d'Orsay style sandal is one of my favorite of his. The fit is very comfortable.

The color is very rich with the jewel tones that are so popular this fall. I was a bit surprised to find a sandal clad in such cool weather tones. But these are a part of the resort collection, so I guess that makes more sense.

I think I would prefer these as a pump, however, so that I could wear them all year round.

Another Reason I Wish To Be in London

So, yeah... I'm jealous. But for all you London-folks -

Handbags to High Heels

...Satisfy your fetishes!

From handbags to shoes - all the answers to your fashion prayers can now be found in both our Accessories and Shoe departments with Selfridges' biggest ever luxury accessory fest. Come and delve into a dazzling array of all the latest fashionable must-haves arm and foot candy as well as indulge in a host of exclusive offers, extra gifts and even surrealist performers making their way through the department. And while you’re there, why not pay a visit to our new Fendi Accessories boutique in Manchester Trafford.

For the even more dedicated shoppers there will be some personal appearances from leading accessory designers including Anya Hindmarch (October 27 at 1pm), Giuseppe Zanotti (October 27 at 6pm) and Jonathan Kelsey will be in the shoe department (October 31 at 6pm) as well as Rupert Sanderson, who will also be visiting the Shoe department (November 1 at 6pm). Also on hand to answer your accessorising questions for the season ahead will be the Fashion Editor of Harper’s Bazaar (November 1 from 12pm to 7pm) at the Oxford Street Store, and extra exclusive offers and entertainment in Trafford and Exchange Square.

October 27 – November 2

And to spoil you fabulously rotten, Selfridges has worked hard to put together the ultimate prize:
In partnership with Harpers Bazaar you can win a year's supply of the new season designer handbags, from brands including Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, Anya Hindmarch and Marc Jacobs, and shoes from Kurt Geiger, Yves Saint Laurent and Marni to name a just few!

The competition is the ultimate finale to 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty and launches in-store on September 30 so mark your diaries now!

For your chance to WIN and remain on trend all year long visit either Selfridges London, Birmingham, Manchester Trafford or Exchange from October 27 to November 2 and every time you spend £50 or more in-store you will receive your complimentary competition form.

And now, if you win, you have to share with me!

The Air Up There

I think I've mentioned before that I am a complete sucker for certain heel shapes. Vintage La Rose are the classic 60s shape, Choo does a great heel with a squared off tap at the bottom and, of course many of Louboutin's heels are great as well.

But my new favorite is from Manolo Blahnik.

Big surprise, I know, given that I'm such a fan but when the "Something Blue" heel was introduced I was drawn to the heel immediately.



Not only is it tall and slender (both pluses in my book) but it has this great addition of a metal accent right above the tap. Shiny silver, paired with the blue, grabs the light as you walk.



I wasn't sure if this would be a one-off element as the shoe was designed for the SATC movie but I'm glad to see that it was not.

This new pair of Catalina heeled sandals are sporting the same accent, but this time in gold to match with the bright tangerine.





I'm not sure if the metal is purely decorative or if it provides an extra level of structural support. Either way, I like how the square-ish heel is offset by the round tap and that the metal calls attention to it.

Anything that draws attention to lovely shoes is okay with me.

Your Shopping May Now Resume

Let's all congratulate Zappos for listening to their customers and adopting a policy to no longer sell fur products.

According to the PETA article -

Back in August, we wrote to the company about this, urging it to adopt a fur-free policy. At the time, the company said that it would look into the issue to gauge people's thoughts on it. So, to help speed that process up, we launched an online marketing campaign, getting members of the public to write to Zappos.com's CEO and urge him to send the pelts packing—and more than 11,000 of you did! The campaign became totally viral and social networking played a huge part—many people posted tweets on Twitter, passed around our petition on Facebook, and much more.

I mean, seriously, is this the first campaign in history ever to be won by tweeting and the slick use of other online tools? It's pretty exciting if you ask me—and also pretty novel! We are paving the way of the future, my friends.

Well, it seems that Zappos.com got the message that people hate fur, because yesterday, the company officially adopted a permanent policy never to sell any products containing the fur of an animal!

Thank you SO much, all you fantastic online activists, for helping—and thank you, Zappos.com, for making the kind decision to forgo fur now and in the future. This will help spare countless minks, rabbits, foxes, and other animals all the horrors of fur farming and trapping, such as being electrocuted, bludgeoned, and skinned alive.


Read the full article here.

All of us shoppers can now get back to give so many of our dollars to one of the best retailers around!

Thank you Zappos!

Delicate Tendrils

I know we are as far opposite the ideal time for wearing these Dolce & Gabbana heels as possible but I simply adore them, regardless.

I love everything about them - from the blush pink suede to the grosgrain ribbon, the adorable round toe and smart silver heel - every element is just as if this shoe was made for me.

These are shoes I would coo over and stand and stare at in the mirror for ages.

I'd buy them now, tuck them away in their cocoon-like box and wait until the blossoms of spring to then them out in all their glory.

All Tied Up

I know this isn't an outfit or shoes or anything but I'm just really excited because I just ordered a big 2lb cone of red and white twine. I've been wanting this forever and am finally getting it.

Love!



I hope it's as cute as this. I saw these as high as $20+ but I got mine for $9 here.

It will be cute as decor and for holiday baking packages!

Week In Review Again

Over the weekend we went to Asheville and it was an amazingly lovely day. Because it was a bit chilly but still warm and sunny, I only needed a light jacket. My favorite is a light blue corduroy one from American Eagle that I've worn for years. I love the sky blue color and I paired it with my favorite color with it - lavender. The color combo was sky blue, lavender and off white with touches of black

I had a lavender Gap tee, Gap Classic jeans, vintage off white leather gloves, my pink/lavender cameo from Etsy, a lavender pashmina wrap as a scarf and my Paraphernalia "Story" pin. I also had a silly little dog in a doggie sling wrapped around me because he was cold and doesn't like to walk!


10-13-08 Asheville by Princess Poochie

I was trying to remember what I wore this week because I was all over the board. While the henna tattoo on my hand finally raised some interest in folks my other crazy accessories didn't. I think I've exceeded the shock value limits here.

We had a Dio de los Muertos-themed lunch at the office so I wore my skull tattoo necklace and Sourpuss skull striped socks from SockDreams. I paired that up with a blue JCrew sweater (since there is blue in the necklace) over a base of a black cami and skirt.

The next day I was a bit more professional in my cute black jacket and pencil skirt from Target with my bright blue Manolo Butterflo heels.


Week of 10-13-08 by Princess Poochie

Isn't this cool?



Stripey!



Yesterday I wore a dark grey deep v-neck from Gap over a khaki pencil skirt. But it needed a bit of shine so I paired it with these brocade Estrella slingbacks from Manolo Blahnik. They are soooo gorgeous.









I love wearing a fancy shoe in a more toned down way. If I waited for an event for these they'd never see the light of day.



Today I wasn't even supposed to go into to work but we had a huge project so I did. In spite of feeling crummy. In spite of being cold. In spite of it raining all day. I'm a trooper!

Anyway, I didn't even blow-dry my hair - just put it up into to buns on the side of my head. I wore a simple black jersey top, my polka-dot Old Navy flippy skirt and grey canvas flats. Pretty comfy and basic. Now I'm going home to loaf and read one of the fifteen books I've got going!

Happy Weekend!

Halloween Horror Show

Over the years, I will have to admit that I have had my share of bad (or questionable) costumes. My old office used to have costume contests so it got a bit out of control.

Okay not this out of control...



But there have been some classic moments from me and my group of somewhat insane friends. I'm actually looking at some of the pictures right now.

Yikes!

Anyway, now is the time to profit on those "scary-in-maybe-the-wrong-way" costumes...and not just through the blackmail which continues to this day. And if you don't have a costume yet... go get one here - halloween costumes !

No, Miss Winona is having an awesome contest over at Daddy Likey. Go on over and check it out. Email her your story and you could win a $100 gift certificate for ModCloth.com!

For that I may even tell the story about certain people that I know and how they got certain nicknames... unless they bribe me first!

All over the Spectrum

Last weekend we went to the Diwali festival, which is the Indian Festival of Lights. It is always a great event, held outdoors in October, and is filled with amazing food, music and dancing performances. There are also tons of vendors there selling everything from clothing, movies, pictures and paintings (which would be great for adding color to your home) as well as amazing jewelry.



One of our favorite parts, besides the great food, is seeing the beautiful and colorful outfits a majority of people at the event are wearing. It is an amazing spectrum of colors and color combinations.













It just reminds me how safe we tend to play our color schemes in real life but really shouldn't. So many colors go beautifully together if we're brave enough to try them together.

In most stores and catalogs you really don't see these bright colors paired together from a merchandising standpoint. But I love when it is. I think JCrew does this the best. They are always mixing colors in such a way that I instantly want them.

One of my current favorite items are their Liza peep-toe heels (now on sale!) They're just so happy!





I took a TON of pictures during the festival, so if you want a little outfit color inspiration, check them out here.

Clear as Day

I just realized that I have a new love in shoes... the clear wedge. Clear heels were in last season but I only bought one pair and ended up not even really liking them. But the clear wedge... now that's a whole different matter. Much more sculptural and graphic than trashy, they look iconic.

Of course, you remember these Junko Shimadas that I MUST have.



I WILL have!



But I'm also very much interested in these bold hot pink, orange and black slingbacks from the Louis Vuitton Resort 2009 collection.



This whole collection is filled with great bursts of color and I think these heels are very pop art yet classic. (Thanks to nitrolicious for the images.)



But the one that got away were these Maison Martin Margielas. Ohhh... I cried when I waited too long to get them when they were on sale on YOOX. Silly silly girl.

They could be yours if you wear a 10.



I haven't seen a lot of this style yet but I think it could be very interesting for Spring. It's light and airy and brings a freshness to the wedge style.

Sigerson Morrison for Target

Lately I haven't been too impressed with the designer collections coming through Target. Botkier was a joke and most of the Go International collections just haven't seemed like a good style for me, so I've let them pass by with no regret.

So I really wasn't sure if I should get any of the Anya Hindmarch bags. They looked good online, but it so hard to tell unless you are in person. But when I heard that they were being sold on her website, and sold out in something like 2 minutes, I thought I would give them a shot. I'm hoping I can use them to carry some of my work stuff around since my current bag's handles are falling apart.

I'm not a fan of the clutches or most of the styles, but I did think the two satchels looked pretty good. I bought the black patent and "python" and the chocolate, gold and black.





But the collection that is intriguing me now is Sigerson Morrison for Target. Does this pairing surprise you at all? I feel like it didn't get that much attention or promotion leading up the launch. And is Sigerson Morrison that well known for the average Target shopper? Not that that matters because I know that a few of the collections flew right over the heads of most people.



Again, it's hard to tell the quality of the embellishments and the material, but looks like they have the design and styling pretty spot on.



These little flats are very cute and a great shiny color. They come in the aqua but also silver and purple



These boots, studded with crystals, are glam and rock and roll. They come in the black and silver, but also black and blue. There's a peep-toe heel version too.




But I think I prefer the flats in black and purple. These come in black and silver, black and gold, and black and blue.



If you liked the flats at the top there is this cool heel style (which also comes in silver) in a vibrant shade of blue... one of my favorite colors for heels these days.



But I think my favorite pair are these D'Orsay pumps in pink and black. They're just so 80's, so glam that I love them. They have such a fun quirky style that they'd be great with all black or to spice up jeans. To me they have a very "Tess" quality about them. I think they are just fun.




There are a number of other styles in the line available so far, including some cute booties in bright colors and black patent.

I have these in my shopping cart right now. There's a lot of glam to this line. I think they'll be great to perk up Winter clothes and to shine during holiday parties.

Of course, the fact that they are affordable makes them even better.

Haunting My Dreams

I have a new batch of shoes that are haunting my dreams. The worst part is, for different reasons, I know I may never ever attain them.

The first are these adorable boyish gold oxfords that Kelly Wearstler is wearing. Apparently they are no where to be found, made some where in Italy and possibly vintage.

Bah!

I even called her offices to try and track these down since Domino had no information. At this point it looks like I'm out of luck but I'm searching for substitutes. If I find a shoe in the right shape, I'm even considering gold-leafing it to get the proper sheen.



From the boyish and somewhat more practical to the ridiculously high-concept. I am in love love love with these illusion pointe wedges by Junko Shimada from his Spring/Summer 2009 runway collection.

I don't know if these will be made, if they will come in my size, how much they are or if I can even wear them. But I don't care, I want them.



Absolutely insane, yes, but I adore them.

You can see more images at The Coveted and Style Bubble, who were also intrigued.

The hardest part is waiting for months, not knowing if these will ever become a reality.



The other pair I am coveting are these spat boots from Chanel. They're so amazing and cheeky. I want to wear them with skirts, tights, and with jeans or leggings tucked in.

Okay, I'd probably wear them around the house in my pj's. I adore them that much.

These are Fall 2008 shoes. I could probably track them down. Why haven't I? I'm afraid. Afraid that I'll find them and then find out that they don't have my size, or they just sold out or something. If that were true, what would I do? I'd cry, that's what I'd do.

So maybe ignorance is bliss.



Oh yeah... I want Claudia Schiffer's hair (wig, I know) from the Fall campaign.

Opposites Attract?

The other day Miss Gala posed the question: "What would you dress like if you were the opposite sex?"

I found it interesting and did my own example collage because I think it exhibits what we think is our ideal other person or what style we find attractive.

My description was:

If I were a boy I’d be a total preppy bookish sort. I think I pattern all my being a boy fantasies after looking like Clark Kent, Sam Neil in Jurassic Park and the JCrew catalog!

I’d hang out in old book stores, take walks in the park with my pup and be able to make a cake.

I wouldn’t be a big sports enthusiast but I’d like a good archeological dig. I’d ... probably want to take flying lessons, play polo and fence…

I’d look for sweet girls in sundresses who liked picnics.

I think I want to date me now!

I do love the preppy conservative look and would live in JCrew and Brooks Brothers. Actually, I aspire to JCrew for much of my wardrobe now.

Hmmmm.... What does that mean?

Selfish Vanity and Absolute Horror

http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/p2_rabbit_fur_investigation

I've never been a fan of fur. I know there are those who will argue with me about this, especially as many shoes are made of leather, an equally horrific industry. But in my opinion there is one big difference.

Wearing fur is pure selfish cruel vanity.

I remember sitting in front of the television as a child and crying my eyes out about the Canadian seal hunt... then asking everyone I knew to sign the petition against it. Thirty years later the seal hunt is going on... but the boycotts against it and the Canadian fishing industry are growing. We may see this ending in our time.

Fur, to me, is the worst form of animal abuse and exploitation. Mostly because it is so avoidable and unnecessary. There is simply no good reason to wear it.

Right now, there is a campaign to get Zappos to stop selling fur products and to have Armani fulfill his promise to stop using fur. If you can support that, and communicate it, that would be great.

If you can stomach it, you should watch the video embedded above. If that doesn't convince you to never wear fur, I don't know what will. And if you think fur is okay, you should be OBLIGATED to watch it.

Then, if you can find an argument FOR wearing fur or fur products and supporting this amazingly cruel industry, I'd love to hear it.

Ensemble du Jour

Again, the days have been getting away from me. So I figured I should catch up on the outfits pronto!

After organizing my armoire out last weekend, I thought I would create outfits around some of my fun new accessories which have just been arriving. Something other than shoes for once!

On Monday, I wore a very colorful outfit. Everything was centered around my new Candy fascinator from WhichGoose. To go with it I wore a red top from Gap, a dressy denim pencil skirt, red tights and my Hetty Rose Ella mary janes.

10-6-08 by Princess Poochie

I think the heels, being equally as colorful, were a good match for the hair piece. Both are colorful although it strikes me as funny how such an old fabric and the new pom-poms actually work well together.

I could say the heels get equal focus... I'd been thinking about wearing them with colorful tights for a while now.



Yesterday I was wanting to go the opposite - a bit more streamlined but playing with texture. I wore a grey jersey top that has a bit of silver metallic in the fabric, my new Kapow Wow neck ruffle (also in grey jersey), a black pencil skirt, black ribbed tights and Aerosole buckle heels in black patent. They happen to be one of my favorite shoes to wear. They are comfortable and versatile.

10-7-08 by Princess Poochie

This neck ruffle is so cool! You can wear it a ton of different ways and is amazingly soft. I think it's a great option to a scarf or wrap for keeping your neck warm in the winter. Plus, I just love ruffles!



The other day I talked about seeing rosettes popping up in fashion, well today I got the chance to wear one of my new pieces from Shoe Missy. They are just adorable in person.

I wore the black and white plaid with my grey and black rugby stripe boyfriend cardigan from delia's. Underneath I wore a black camisole over one of my sale mini-skirts from Old Navy.

It was kind of crummy out so I wore my black Target flats with the big "jewels" on them.

10-8-08 by Princess Poochie

This rosette looks blue and black here but it is actually black and white. I tried to take a picture of it on the sweater, because it looked so cute but my camera is just dying! I think I'm going to have to get a new one very very soon.




Now, I've been doing good so far this week actually planning outfits. What am I going to wear tomorrow? I've stayed up late too many nights in a row and my brain is just fried.

Maybe I'll think of something to wear with some of my fun knee-highs.

Hmmmmm......

Fall Favorites: Over the Top

Oh yes, there are still MORE Fall Favorites mined from the tons and tons of photos out there. I know where already looking at Spring but Fall is barely here. Of course, half of these might be going on sale soon!

Click here to check out all the past Fall Favorites posts. These are all

I don't know if I've done a post with out at least one Miu Miu or Prada heel and this is no exception. The next three are all Miu Mius.

I believe these sculpted heels were inspired by shells but they remind me of the armor from the Coppola Dracula movie.

Just me? Okay... moving on...



These have a very 1970's loafer shape with a Wes Wilson style.



Similar shape but the colors and sequins make it seem more Art Deco than funkadelic.



And, of course the iconic Prada shoe for the season with the wings. I love the evolution from the wings in the Miu Miu collection to this year. Has anyone seen these in real life? Just curious.




A veritable bouquet from Roger Vivier... but do these seem more Spring than Fall? But they might lovely with the winter florals and grey tights.



But if we're going over the top then, let's go big. I love the leafy Chloe styles. Love love love them. The booties are available on Net-a-Porter but I haven't seen these. That may be a good thing but they are gorgeous.



Lately I've been wanting more and more feather embellishments and these are just stunning. I just love the creamy buff color. Go Givenchy!



And these Donna Karan's look like a crazy Etsy project... but in a good way. I love the tonal colors, the fluffiness, the raw edges. I would wear these and people would stare thinking I was out of my darn mind. But who cares. I love them.



I have to admit, I haven't seen many of these available. I know the stores and desingers have to play it a bit safer than many of these are, but what do you think? Would you like to see more crazy? A bit riskier? Sick of the safe?

Eeeewwww!!!

Dear YSL,

Ummmmm........ yeah.....



I don't want my feet to look like this:



Thanks!

Poochie

YSL Trooper Platform Pump - Neiman Marcus - $695

Store Focus: SoleStruck

I just realized that I hadn't posted a few of the other outfits that I wore last week.

I wore one of my favorite Target dresses. This was actually one of the first dresses in my "Dress Reintroduction" plan. It's a nice heathered grey wool with a two-tone green herringbone accent. inside the collar, cuffs and the reverse of the belt. I like to roll the cuffs up so you get to see the green and then I paired it with my vintage La Rose green velvet heels (which are more olive-y green) and my vintage locket.



Then, when it actually got a bit chilly I whipped out my Gap cashmere grey and black stripe dress and added lavender We Love Color tights. I also wore a matching lavender wrap so I at least had some thing to tie those tights too. And I added another new Paraphernalia piece - my Kiss pin. Oh yeah, and my Facade heels. These are my new #1 most versatile heels of the year. I'm going to wear them at least once a week I think. I seriously should have bought 2 pairs.



Not that either of those outfits have anything to do with the title of this post, but, hey, I did the Polyvores. I'm going to use them!

Anyway...

SoleStruck.

I hadn't shopped with them before. There are so many great stores out there, especially online, that I don't get a chance to go to all of them... if you can believe that! I tend to get lazy and go to the sites I use a lot. So I'm glad when other bloggers, friends and even the companies themselves make recommendations of places to check out. Also, there is a bit of a boycott going on against one of my typical shoe haunts, so I'm probably not going to be shopping there for a while.

I was actually contacted by Sole Struck about testing out their site and service, so I quickly popped over to see what I could see. And I have to say I was very interested, indeed. Like many sites, they offer free shipping which makes it much more convenient for shoe shopping. In my opinion you should not worry about ordering shoes online anymore, especially once you have a few favorite brands that you are familiar with.

Just order the shoes, they come to your house and, if they don't fit, just send them back. Free shipping, free returns... how much easier could it be? Well, my mailman (and the hubby too, I'm sure) might be sick of me and the packages but, eh, there aren't a lot of options here in Fashion Exile so, whatever.

Anyway, Sole Struck graciously offered me the opportunity to choose a pair of shoes. Hello! Kid in a candy store!

After spending a while on the site, I narrowed it down to seven pairs.

First up were this pair of Campers Twins. I liked the shiny overlapping dots and that each shoe is different. I thought they would be cute with a whole slew of tight colors for Fall.




And they have a nice sturdy rubber sole which would be good for winter weather.



But who am I kidding?

I've worn stilettos during a sleet storm in New York (okay, yes it was stupid I know that but it was more than 10 years ago and I was caught out in the storm unexpectedly. I did almost kill myself!)

So I thought I would be more practical and get a fun pair of Hunters, because I've been having a hell of a time finding some rain boots in my size and in a cute look. Wouldn't these but nice and sturdy and great for running around in the yard?



Yes, I do need a pair of boots but there were also cute girly shoes to think about so maybe I'll hold out on those this time.

I mean look at these adorable Betsey Johnson peep-toes. Bows! Peep-toes! Scalloped edges and contrast stitching! I likey!



But of course I get distracted again looking at other pink and red heels including these Jessica Bennett buckle pumps. I love love love pink and red together.




Then I see they come in a green and blue combination and now I really can't choose.



So I went back to Betsey Johnson Betseyville section to see the red and white pair and saw these wedges and knew that I was completely smitten.



I mean, seriously, look at the shape. And the adorable chunky zipper-edged patent bow. But black and green or....




or black and turquoise? I still can't choose. Maybe I should just flip a coin.



In the end, I asked for these Vince Camuto leather knot heels with contrast stitching. My favorite element of the design is how the body of the shoe is sewn to the sole. It gives them a unique and hand crafted look.



These are very comfortable, classic and well-made shoes. I was so happy with them in person that I immediately wore them on Friday to work. They are great with jeans because they are a warm medium camel color and will work well with a whole slew of colors.

I paired mine with my new Gap Classic jeans (which I'm obsessed with, by the way. They fit soooo well!) and my medium green argyle sweater from Target. I also pinned my new crest pin from my last antiques festival excursion to the hem of the sweater.



All in all, I'd recommend checking out Sole Struck. They carry a number of really great lines, including favorites of mine like Chinese Laundry, Charles David, Report and a bunch more. And they have great customer service.

Personally I'm keeping those other pairs in my shopping cart. I think I'm going to have to go back in there and get those wedges. Green? Blue? Both?

Yes!

Ensemble du Jour

It's been a weird week already but the weather! The weather has been great.

On Tuesday I had two meetings so I wore my new plaid suit. I have a bunch of ways I'm going to break this up but I paired the swingy jacket with this brown cami-type top and then my teal Nine West heels.



I also reorganized my drawer of tights (and I have a TON!) so I'm going to be wearing patterned hose and tights all Fall and Winter long. On Monday, I wore a pair of polka dot Calvin Klein stockings which may possibly be my favorite pair ever.

And today I finally wore my fringe-y Roxy tights from Bebaroque. They are delish! I wasn't sure what I was going to wear with them at first but ended up wearing my black and white Mizrahi ruffle dress from Target. And my lovely Lou Lou Loves You bow.



Yes, they are a-dor-able. And look great with my new Facade heels. I should have bought two pairs of these shoes. I like them so much I'm going to wear them out!



What do I wear tomorrow to top these? I'm thinking possibly a skirt and my new kick-ass boots. Hmmm....

Bring Home the Blue Ribbon

Equestrian style has never really gone out of style - slim cut breeches-like pants, crisp shirts, tailored jackets and high flat boots - but lately we are seeing a very strong resurgance. This style has a simple and functional but very rich look.



Of course, Carla Bruni looked amazing on this Vanity Fair cover and Ralph Lauren practically invented the integration of the look into mainstream fashion (and continues to do so, as this Spring 08 look shows).



But what I've started seeing a lot of are the more extranous and fun parts of riding - the prize ribbon.

We all want to look Best in Show, what better way than to add a big blue (or other color) ribbon to your outfit!

You may have seen FemmeSud's Grand Prix rosette wristlets.




I, of course, want to take 1st Place!



I've also long been a fan of ShoeMissy's work, especially her adorable heels embellished with rosettes saying flirty things like "Starlet", "Dolly" and "Filly" but now she's up to something new...



Cheeky rosette ribbon pins...



She has six different styles. Personally I fell in love with and bought four of them, including my favorite teal, the sexy black and, perfect for this season, both plaids.



I think I'm going to be pinning these on tops, skirts, bags, everything!