Imitation = Flattery? Miu Miu vs TopShop

Whether you love it or hate it, you have to admit, the "inspiration" between these two pairs of shoes is blatant.

First we had Miu Miu's Fall/Winter '11Glitter Cap-toe pumps.  This was the season of glitter and Miu Miu was leading the pack.

TopShop has come right in and taken the design and made it a bit more chunky as well as subbed in more glitter.

I love the design but dislike the knock-off.  What are your thoughts???

Liking Loafers

A few years ago I rarely looked at flats with any excitement.  They all seemed plain, boring and utilitarian.  But now, flats are fun again!  And with that, I'm seeing more and more that I really like.

I've always like ballet flat, oxfords and penny and tassel loafers but these revamped classic slipper loafers are so playful and fun.  It started with the leopard loafer debate (I ended up getting the Aldo pair, marked down and with a promo code... woot!), but I think I need more!

My favorite pair are these Stubbs & Wootton Delphin pair.  I collect vintage Victorian silver serving pieces adorned with these dolphins, so I'm totally smitten.  And S&W are known for their tongue-in-cheek preppy designs.  These are $400 but their from the iconic maker, so that's expected.

For a more feminine take on the slipper, I love the lace pair from ASOS.  These are called "Lord of the Manor" and are just under $63.

These dalmatian patterned pair from Aldo are one of the most striking designs.  They're available on ASOS for $125 and on the Aldo site for $90.

If you want something Stubbs & Wootton-esque but not quite as pricey, these Leo velvet jeweled slippers are just $89 on ASOS.

Another dalmatian dotty pair, this time from Topshop.  These are just $60 and perfect for inside and out.

And for a more subtle option (just kidding!), these grey glittery pair, also from Topshop, are perfect for jazzing up a simple outfit. They're only $40 and come in black as well.

Both ASOS and TopShop have tons of options, from jeweled velvet to glitters and leopard print.  These are the perfect cozy shoe so it's easy to get swept up in getting a glamorous collection.

Leave me some Louise

I know the Louise Goldin for TopShop heels are not new news, but I've refrained from talking about them for fear of generating even more excitement and anticipation for when they come out in real life. But I'm trying to overcome my naturally selfish opportunities to talk about them.

And to have an excuse to look at the runway shots again...

Images of the "real" product have come out and while they don't look to be bristling with spikes as much as the runway pieces (sadly), they still look pretty awesome.

Frankly, I'd like them so crammed with spikes that I risk serious blood-loss wearing them but that's just me (Or is it? To be addressed later...).

But why talk about them now? Well, they come out soon soon soon, and I must have them. Yes, all of them. So if you see them in a 35, 35.5 or even a 36 (I'll stuff the toes), tell me! I've been looking at the site everyday for months.

Hurry up, TopShop!

They Say It's Your Birthday

I don't usually make birthday lists because I tend to be bad and buy stuff for myself, but....

Here are some things I have on my virtual wish list...

Poochie Pink Birthday by Princess Poochie on Polyvore.com

* A yellow or rose gold and silver hand-stamped Crown wax seal The Love Story necklace with a 24" chain

* A Diana and/or a Holga camera (pink version optional)

* I have a bunch of pictures that need to get framed

* Antoni & Alison skirts - I love the patterns they have.

* Topshop Kameron brogues in pink and gold. Why did I wait so long???

* Wode Paint perfume. Not even sure how this smells but it's so cool!

* Gentry de Paris Victorian Corset Boots. Of course I totally need these.

* Femme Sud Diary book clutch. I'd take a turquoise 1st place wristlet too.

* Pink carnations... or carnation perfume. Super sweet.

Now I know I sound terribly greedy but, these are the kinds of things I want to get for myself, so maybe it's more like a "treats for me" list than a "hope I someone buys me all this" list.

TopShop Shoe Department - NYC

Image via me!

In spite of this, I didn't buy any shoes there and really only wanted one pair... a pair of the Kameryn Flat Brouges in deep pink.

They didn't have my size and I can't find them online at all.

*sad face*

Shoe Customization: Stripe Espadrilles

I have a lot of shoes and a lot of them are what I would call "stand out" shoes. Most of my shoes are not safe shoes. They're typically not neutral or practical and many times more art than function. I've also realized I don't have a lot of flats.

Over the years I've gone from searching out stand out styles to include higher end brands or even overseas. One of the new things I love are when designers do one off work or capsule collections (more to come on that). Then you know it is really unlikely that someone is going to have the same shoes on as you are.

The other thing that is fun is to customize shoes to get exactly what you want truly ensure you have a shoe unique to you. Shoe Missy, the designer I mentioned previously, inspired me to "make/embellish" a pair of custom espadrilles.

These were my inspiration from Topshop in the UK (about $75).

I also like the Christian Louboutin espadrilles that came is several colors (notice the little toe-cap - about $350)

Here is my base shoe, nearly identical to the Louboutin's, from Target (about $25)

After an hour or so and some red acrylic paint, here's what I ended up with (pardon my phone pic):

Pretty close and cute, huh? Since I couldn't change out the ribbon, I added a little red plaid heart button to the back of the ankle.

Voilia! I'm a summery peppermint with totally custom shoes just for moi!