Picking on SJP - SJP Shoes at Nordstrom

So I'm going to do the potentially unthinkable for a shoe blogger... I'm going to diss on the upcoming SJP shoe collection from Sarah Jessica Parker and Nordstrom.

No really.

After seeing the recently released shots from Glamour, I have to admit I'm not impressed.  From what I've seen the designs aren't that spectacular and the quality and workmanship does not seem to justify an average $350 (and up!) price point.

Let's start with the Diana.  Interesting strap placement.  Very Maison Martin Margiela and Prada Fall 2012... mixed with the iconic Manolo Blahnik Campari (you know, the "urban shoe myth" although no longer), don't you think?

But that's to be expected when your partner is the president of Manolo Blahnik.

I'll be eager to see the shoes in person to see how the quality nets out but the pictures don't wow me.  The red Lady pump is b-o-r-i-n-g.  Even with the ribbon accent.  That lackluster heel just makes me yawn.

The Carrie is pretty but reminds me of a  Dior pump from a few years back.  I don't know.  It's just not anything special (Want to see a great t-strap? Check out these Gucci ones)

Who plopped that polyester (maybe it's silk, who's to know yet) on that boring bridesmaid heel? If the flower was in a shocking bright color and had a thinner heel, I'd be more interested in the Etta but not for $425 to be sure.

$200 for plain canvas espadrilles? No.

This is the one that actually pisses me off though.  The top image is the SJP Alison bootie.  How much has it ripped off the Ann Demeulesmeester open front ankle strap bootie? Um yeah... a lot.

That's pretty horrible, if you ask me. Maybe I should do a special Imitation = Flattery? post just for that pair.

I've seen other sneak peek images online but from what I've seen, I'm not going to be running out to get a pair from the SJP collection.  Bummer, too.  Sarah Jessica Parker could have brought some of her and the SATC fashion flair to this line.  But mostly they look like a boring miss-mash of knock-offs and boring bridal heels.

Ensemble du Jour - 5-18-10

I've had my Where the Wild Things Are skirt since Fall but haven't really had a chance or place to wear it. It is a bit "out there" for my day-to-day life but finally I just decided to wear it anyways.

Yes, puffy furry skirts and tall lace-up boots may be a bit much for the office, but it was chilly and I said what the heck.

I want this to sit a bit lower on my hip and then pair it with something lighter and some strappy shoes but today it was a tucked-in black JCrew shirt and the Ann D. boots with polka-dot tights.

Oh, and the Wendy B. Woolf necklace... to go with the fur, of course!

Ensemble du Jour

It has been a busy busy week. Coming back from Vegas I had to plunge right back into work and my campaign! Yep, I'm running for town office so I have to be all political.

Don't believe me? Here I am getting grilled in "candidate forum". I hope you can pick me out.



To look all trustworthy and candidate-y I wore a black cami, pencil skirt and tights, my dependable Aerosoles buckle shoes, paired up with my favorite JCrew Astrid jacket in bright blue.



On Wedneday I finally got to wear my new vintage band jacket. I know I'm late to the band/military jackets trend but I'm picky and this was the first one that really met my criteria with fit, color, embellishments and cost. So, yeah, I love it.



The style of this jacket is open so I wore a cami underneath.

Worn with new toothpick jeans from JCrew (which I think I need a size down) and my Ann D. boots.

I will be wearing these boots forever. I just can't get over them.

Yesterday I had a client meeting so I was back to jacket and skirt

I've been wanting a velvet jacket (still looking for a green one!) and loved the soft grey color of this one from JCrew. It from this season if you like it and it comes in other pretty colors.

I'm all about pencil skirts now. I used to love a-lines and wore them all the time but the pencil shape is so flattering and versitile. This purple tweed one just came from Target.

The jacket was such a soft snuggly grey I knew my equally soft and delicate Head over Heels bird pumps.

It's been a busy week. Today I'm wearing brown and orange and looking 1970s... images soon!

What do you think? Liking the more outfit images? I'm trying to be better about taking pics.

Ensemble du Jour

The Outfit

It's been raining and it's cold and blustery, so I needed something warm and snuggly. But after feeling so cranky yesterday, I wanted something that made me feel strong and kind of hot.

The dress was simple, a short black sweater dress and I'm in all black and white but the accessories are unique so they stood out.


1-7-08 by Princess Poochie

I wore my Paraphernalia Poochie necklace and at least four people asked me where they could get pieces for themselves. Can you blame them? I adore Paraphernalia!




When I was in Asheville I found a new lingerie store and bought two cool pairs of stockings. One pair were baby blue fishnets and the other were these fleur de lis lace stockings.




I wanted to wear the lace stockings to add some additional pattern as well as great a more feminine counterpoint to my kick-ass Ann Demeulemeester boots. I love these boots way too much.




I don't think I've ever had a pair of shoes that make me feel as powerful and cool as these do.




They are once in a lifetime type shoes so I'm glad I have them. I took a ton of photos of them too.

On IFB forums there was a discussion today about how people go ga-ga over simple outfits and fierce heels but I think these flat boots are making me more excited than heels are right now.

You will be seeing more of these!

Both Ends of the Spectrum

Wellllll.... the other day I came home and there were two packages waiting for me. And upon opening them, they pretty much showcased my two opposite ends of the style spectrum.

On one hand we have these delicious blue Manolo Blahniks. I know. More blue. But how could I resist? You recognize them, right?

No?

Want a small clue?



Does this help give a hint?



Okay, here's the big reveal. Ooops! Spoiler!



So. Those are delicate, rarified, decadent.

The other box contained these...



These are some kick-a** Ann Demeulemeester boots. I adore the triple lacing. It's hard to appreciate how completely over the top these are unless you are in person. I tried them on when they arrived and the hubby was a bit taken aback I think.

To fully appreciate these you have to take a peek over at Sea of Shoes. Jane and her mom have 2 pairs each! Obvioulsy well-funded ladies to be sure.

But they both do a great job of styling their high-heeled pairs in a variety of ways, from causual to Victoriana to almost equestrian. I don't have nearly the closet options they do but I think I would wear these with dresses, jeans, pencil skirts and more.



Very different choices indeed. But I love them both. They kind of represent what I feel are my two sides.

Now, the question is... do we keep them.

As always, a very difficult decision.

I'm thinking. I'm thinking.