Cooling My Heels

I have to admit that I've been making goo-goo eyes at the mesh and dotty Kate Spade heels since July.

But I know that they I had other shoes in the same color and that I really should hold off.

As the months passed I would stop by the site every so often to look at them and would see that most of the sizes were still available.  After a while I began to hope that they might possibly go on sale and I could snatch them up.

So last Friday, I popped onto the site and saw they had gone down by 25%.  Very very tempting, but I held out.  And literally the next day, there went another 25%.  Sadly, I couldn't get onto the site until Sunday so I ended up with a slight larger size than I would have preferred, but I got them!

Love the navy Lisa pump.   The color is awesome, the dots are fuzzy and the bow is perfection.

And the candy pink Mildred kitten heel is the sweet sister, with its patent cap toe and flirty color.

When they arrived they were even more adorable in person. In fact, all the girls in the office were equally smitten.

Can you blame them?

Inspiration = Flattery? Prada Flame Wedge vs ModCloth All Fired Up Wedge

I was not surprised when I saw a flame related accessory on ModCloth today. I mean, with Hunger Games and Katniss as "The Girl on Fire" it's bound to happen.

But I was surprised to see a wedge with obvious (although poorly executed IMO) knocked off elements.

The Prada Spring/Summer 2012 collection was filled with fiery heels, especially the blazing wedge.  Sure the pair from ModCloth are chunkier and simpler but the shape of the straps and flames at the ankle are identical. 

Haven't we been here before ModCloth?  Ignorance of your buyers is not an excuse.  I mean, this is a major shoe for the S/S 2012 season.  Do your buyers just not follow the fashion news and world or are they actively looking for "inspired by" pieces?

I know some will argue that it's making a style available to more people, with just enough distance to not be a true knockoff. And that's probably true.  I still think it's too close.

Thoughts?



Flame on cobblestone image via Elle.

Ensemble du Jour - 5-15-12

I love wearing a professional outfit but in a fun colorful way.  JCrew is making that happen by having their pencil skirts available in the best patterns. I've bought blue and white seersucker, red and this great garden floral sourced from a vintage wallpaper pattern.

I paired it with a navy 3/4 sleeve blazer and my sweet green gingham Miu Miu slingbacks.

Bright and super happy!!!  This combo is totally me - classic shapes but in a fun quirky way.

Patience is a Virtue... Sort of

More than a month ago, I expressed my love and desire for the Hold Court Quinn bag and the Delavan Terrace Linden basket bag.  But I decided to be good and not get them.... or at least hold out until the next sale.

Well, thank you Kate Spade because the Friends and Family event this weekend enabled me to get both for 25% off!  Sweet!

And ever since I saw this picture, I've been pining for the JCrew frog clasp bracelet in blue and
 green.   But every time it come up, it gets sold out immediately.

Well this time I jumped on it!

It's on back order for months, but I hope it will still show up!

For immediate gratification, I got their cute apple print skirt.  It's such a fun print and breezy.  Perfect for the upcoming summer months!

Seeing Sherbet

Sometimes when I get a catalog, I dog-ear every page. And sometimes, there is just one panel that becomes the only thing you can see.

In the latest Saks catalog, it was this page of delightful sherbet hued Ray-Ban sunglasses.  They could not be more perfectly made for my Pastel Ice Cream Sundae themed Spring and Summer.

Ironically, even though I worked for Sunglass Hut in marketing (a million eons ago), I don't really have a large sunglasses wardrobe.  I really only have 3 pairs - black Miu Mius, the white Baroque Pradas and the red glitter Miu Mius.

I'm debating between the violet and the mint...

The soft tones are so dreamy. I just can't decide!  Maybe I'll get both!

These don't go on sale at Saks until mid-April but if you do a search for Ray-Ban Erika, I've seen them in a few places online, generally for around $109.

Liquified Bouquets

Are prints my "new thing"?

I have to admit, I'm loving all of the printed designs - from butterfly heels to picturesque floral scene dresses and skirts, lush prints are what I am embracing this Spring.

I was entranced with this amazing jacket from Cynthia Rowley when it showed last fall.  It's called the "Liquified Bouquet" and it's dreamy....

When it came up on her store yesterday, I knew it was the type of investment piece that is so unique and special, you'll wear it forever.  A classic shape with a beautiful "twist". 

I could wear this with a sweeping skirt or printed pants (I have a pair of gold pants in mind) or even jeans.  No matter how you pair it, it's going to be amazing.

I can't wait!

Courting Kate Spade

You know I love a bit of whimsy, especially in a cute purse. And how good is Kate Spade at knowing what is going to strike my fancy???

Well, how about this 50s fabulous, WASPy tennis-lovin faux grass "Hold Court Quinn" bag.  Oh, how much do I want this for Summer???  SO MUCH, I tell you!

 I also wouldn't turn down this sweet picnic basket style bag...

How adorable would this be with one of my new patterned dresses???

Maybe I need both!  It's the only solution!!!

Selection made - Manolo Blahnik Butterfly Sedaraby d'Orsay

I'm sure you are thrilled to know... I chose the d'Orsays!  They're my favorite style and the most comfortable.

Stunning, no?

Shoe Lovers Mantra

I love getting some Twitter love from my favorite shoe fanatics at Bergdorfs... home of the best shoes on the planet!

You have to check out their link - the latest blog post on 5th/58th.  They're sharing some of the most gorgeous shoes for Spring 2012.  I think my favorites are the "scribble" Kirkwoods and the Alaias.

Any "Le Sighs" for you???

Payless is ready for Spring

It's been a while since I've checked up on what Payless has going with their designer collections.

It seems they are still going strong with their design.  I've picked out three favorites from each collection.

I love the modern style of these Isabel Toledo Marina flats.  The aqua color is going to be strong for spring and these will work with tailored outfit, jeans and even into the Fall with tights.

Christian Siriano's strappy Rosa heels can't get any sexier.  Lacing, hot hot red and a curvy leopard print.  They may be a bit high for it but sultry dancing is almost required.

But I think my favorites are the print wedge Mapleton sandals from Lela Rose.  They just look so airy and fresh.  Summer stripes with a bold print and a pop of coral?  These are the ones I plan on buying to wear with a swingy white skirt.

There are tons of other styles too.  Thank goodness for their BOGO!

Butterflies on the Brain

I've got butterflies on the brain....

Which would you choose?

The slingback or the d'Orsay?

With the slingback you see more of the sweet fabric but the d'Orsay is such a lovely shoe and one of my favorite styles from Manolo Blahnik?

Thoughts????

Adore-able! Sally Hansen Nail Effects for Spring '12

Sally Hansen... you keep doing it so right!

Not only was Valentine's Day heart-filled and sweet, but you've totally hit the mark for Spring.  I mean, how much more perfect could these be for a "Pastel Ice Cream Sundae" spring theme??? I really need every single one of them... okay, maybe two of each!

Seriously!  How cute are these?  I got the ones below and am just missing Not A Peep! (a must have I will need to track down).  I may need to get another Pink-a-Dot too.  

I found mine at Ulta but usually CVS has them too.  Keep an eye out and grab them when you can!

Images via Nouveau Cheap (top 4), Mine

Sorta Sketchy

I'm pretty limited in the talent department when it comes to artistic ability (I'm much better at baking) but I'm having some fun with my basic sketches of outfits for Spring/Summer 2012.  If you look closely you can see a preview of recently purchased item.  I'll share the actual pics and links soon.

If you are good at drawing or art, I'd love to see your work too.

Spring '12 Theme 1 - Pastel Ice Cream Sundae

Sure it's February but that makes it the perfect time to be planning for Spring and Summer.  Not that I haven't been already.  I mean, I've bought more than a few dresses, shoes and bags to get me ready for the season.  February is always my least favorite month but all the Spring goodies coming in stock have me excited.

I'm going to do a recap of my Fall Themes (Clean Collage Prep & Chromatic French) and what I bought, since I made sub-categories for Investment, Seasonal and Whimsical purchases.  But I am excited to share my two themes Spring.

What I first determined a few weeks ago is "Pastel Ice Cream Sundae" and, amazingly, yesterday found  this Louis Vuitton SS '12 ad campaign making of video.  It epitomizes my inspiration!

One of my first purchases for this "theme" were my new ASOS patent mint loafers.

This theme is going to have color-blocking in candy-colored shades, soft fabrics and a bit of a retro style.  

I'll be sharing more of my finds soon too, but you can get a glimpse (as well as some of Theme #2) via my SS '12 inspiration board on Pinterest.

Charming Prints

I love a good printed dress and these three from ModCloth are three of my new favorites. 

When I saw the A Hen-chant for Eggs-ellence Dress, I knew it was a must-have.  I mean... I write The Daily Coop, how could I pass up an adorable black and red dress with hens, eggs and polka dots!

I simply adore the cool loveliness of the Graceful Greenery dress.  It's vintage style and park-like print will help me to keep cool in the heat of summer, I just know it.

But my favorite is the Scene and Believed dress.  I love the blossoming tree and tulips, the interplay of the patterns and the pinks, blues and greens.

I have big plans for these dresses.  Bright cardigans, vintage hats, matching nails and printed heels.  Spring is going to be bursting with color and fun.   I can't wait!