Iconic for Spring 2015 RTW - Rochas Tinsel Fringe Slingbacks

It often happens that I see an image of a shoe "in action" and I instantly fall in love.

I have to have it.

And when that shoe is an iconic shoe from the runway that season, I'm even more covetous.

Such was the case when I saw this shot of Anna Dello Russo and Giovanna Battaglia (a personal fave), wearing the two-tone fringe slingbacks from the Rochas Spring/Summer 2015 Ready To Wear show.

Instant Smitten Kitten here.

Seriously amazing all around.  The design balance of the shoe's elements is amazing -  the delicate enamel and crystal work on the heel contrasts with the wide slingback strap and the unruly explosion of fiber and crystal and metallic fringe.

These shoe are explosion of joy, sparkle and shine. A fitting counterpoint to the delicate florals exploding into the Spring season.

Aside: I love these illustrations of the collection from artist Andrea Havlicek de Sanchez

I probably will not wear mine with ribbed socks, but I will be wearing them!

One Special Night with Sophia Webster Evangeline

Last week was our 19th Meeting-versary.  We consider that day even more special than our wedding day because our meeting was so by chance and lucky and just filled with kismet and serendipity.

So special shoes were in order.

If you want to stand out in the best way possible, wear winged shoes.  People cannot get enough of them.

I paired these with a pastel-ish shift dress from Anthropologie:

And used a white and gold faux snakeskin clutch I've had for ages.

Here are a few better views...

As you can see, I was having the best time.   I have to say I'm lucky.  I'm still having fun after nearly 20 years together. I wish the same for anyone else who wants that.

: )

Spring/Summer 2015 Theme: A Midsummer Night's Dream - blackberries, elderflowers, Titania and Puck

I love it when the New York Times Fashion section, echoes my own choices for a season.

 As I've shared before, each season I pick a "theme" which becomes a running thread through my choices for any shoe, accessory, or clothing purchase for the season.  Fall/Winter 2014 was "Predatory. Provocative. Dark Glamour." and there was a lot of black, sheer fabrics, sensual shapes and flirty details. It was a season of seductive thoughts meant to be edgy and even a bit scary.

With Spring, I feel lighter but not necessarily brighter.  I am feeling muted, languid, capricious and moving from being seductive this past Fall/Winter to enchanting. Titania from Midsummer Night's Dream was the inspiration - all fairy magic, elderflowers and sweet, yet possibly dangerous, berries - to tempt, to entice, to bewitch.


Funny enough, New York Times sees this season in a similar light.  Their collage below showcases their take on the "Bohemian Rhapsody" influences, filled with "a dreamlike state... referencing a romantic love affair with the spirit of Mother Nature."

I'm feeling the need for dreamy fabrics and frothy tulle. The shimmer of iridescence and the reflected glow of dew drops on petals and coating spider webs. Embroidery, eyelet, floral appliqués and dusky prints.

Some items I've already acquired are Sophia Webster's magical, winged Evangeline sandals...

Ann Taylor has some magical items as well. Like this sheer, flower-bedecked top.

... and this eyelet pencil skirt...

My other shoe addition were the Valentino rainbow Rockstud heels. What could be more appropriate for Spring and Summer?

As the season progresses, more will be added to the board.  I love going back to see how the inspiration moves and comes together.

Sophia Webster Evangeline

I had given up hope for the Sophia Webster Evangeline winged sandals.

When they first came out, I loved them but held off. Loved them. Held off.

Then they were gone….

BUT!

Then the other day, they were back and in my size. I know I would regret it if I didn't snatch them up.

So I did...

They are truly perfection. Amazing construction and detailing. And the fit is perfect. I also like that these harken back to her early student collection designs (when she was Sophia Grace - was it really just 2011???).

Plus they are perfect for my Spring/Summer 2015 theme.

Someone asked me, "Where will you wear them?" and I answered "Does it matter?". Shoes like these make any place or event fabulous.

Riding the Rainbow

I haven't even had to live through April showers to get to these Spring rainbows!

How gorgeous are these Valentino Rockstuds.  I think they are going to be "the" shoes of the season.

They are just nothing short of 100% stunning.

Also known as the Valentino 1973 Chevron Slingback Rockstuds.

Neon, neon

I haven't worn this JCrew skirt nearly enough. I love the bright, almost neon, pink of the sequins. How they swish and move and reflect the light.

I paired it with a simple black top and then bookended it with Sophia Webster Daria slingbacks with the black cap and the neon orange and pink patterned straps and heels.

And this clutch just arrived from Kate Spade. The Kiss Me, You Fool clutch is a part of the "On Purpose" collection and I just love it.  I wish I'd had it to wear with the skirt and heels.

I almost never wear my midsize bags any more. It's all about the clutch and Kate Spade does do the best whimsical clutches around.

You'll be seeing this a lot come Spring.

Dots for Days

Sometimes you have to go big…

And sometimes you have to take the pattern one more step.

Always loving polka-dots, the shirt from Ann Taylor is new.

The tights are from Wolford, which I've have but haven't worn, and then paired with the "urban shoe myth" Manolo Blahnik Camparis.

Stealing my Heart with Cora from Louboutin

I really wanted to love the Louboutin "Cora" sandals. They're so pretty as shoe.

And on, they are still pretty…

   

 But in the end and while I love them, I sent them back. I think they are almost too sweet for me. And I'm still waiting on another pair of special Spring 2015 shoes…

Imitation = Flattery? Party Trick vs Valentino

Really LuLu's (and Party Trick). Really? These flimsily made knock-offs are out now and the originals are haven't even dropped.

Maybe it's just my eye, but I can see the difference in craftsmanship in the heel angle, the fabric placement, the metal of the studs as well as their placement and that they've just punched them through to potentially rub and cut your feet.

Having two other pairs of the the Rockstuds, the quality equals comfort and longevity.

I fully anticipate that the knock-off pair would hurt you and then fall apart?

Ugh, knock-offs!!!!

Not Even Winter; Waiting For Spring

What!?!?

Like you wouldn't be thinking about these even though they are 6 months away from being a reality.

I mean, come on!  Rainbow Rockstuds.

Also known as the Valentino 1973 Chevron Slingback Rockstud.