Lock Down Your Fabric - Blahnik, Rousseau, Jcrew and Anthropologie

I haven't written on this blog in ages but I had to make this post because I was so appalled and amused by this fabric situation.

Designers! This is why you lock down exclusivity for your materials!

To start with - these are all current season and currently available for purchase shoes.

First up are the Manolo Blahnik BB's in this great embroidered floral fabric. $765 at Saks.

But I also found these JCrew Ankle-wrap slingback heels in the same fabric. $228

And then I found two shoes from Jerome Rousseau - Abelline Sandals for $595 and Booties in a black version of the floral for $895.

I also found the black version in an offering from Anthropologie - the Ouigal Pearl Block heels $228

Obviously, it's a popular fabric, but seeing it all over really dilutes the special-ness of it. It makes you remember the fact that these are produced versus crafted.  And that's not usually what I want in a shoe.

Le Sigh - Christian Louboutin Impera in White

I have a new obsession. One that isn't healthy and one that I know may be too much for me.

But I love this Impera sandal from Christian Louboutin (for the Marchesa runway), although it may be more shoe than I… wait, what am I saying?  I totally need them.

I've heard rumors these may not be sold. It would be better for me but what a tragedy, if that's true.

Back to Bespoke

Vintage Kimono Fabric from Hetty Rose

Almost a year ago I told you about my experience having a pair of bespoke Amalie heels made for me by the incomparable Henrietta of Hetty Rose.

At that time Hetty had done her first Kimono collection featuring twelve styles that could be custom made to your specifications from a selection of vintage kimono fabrics. Now Hetty is back with a second collection which has all new designs and includes adorable clutches as well. She's also received a ton of press coverage as well. Be warned, this post is very image heavy!

What I love about the whole process is getting to interact with the creator on a personal level. When I got back in touch with Henrietta she was on a buying trip in Japan, searching out new fabrics. She was also in country for the cherry blossom festival and sent me some surreally beautiful shots from there.

One of the first shoes in the new collection which caught my eye was the adorable Ella mary jane. It's just super cute and has a great chunky heel with front stitching down the toe. If you go to the press page you can see if has already been featured in several magazines.



Well I had to have it. As was done the previous time, Henrietta sent me a variety of fabrics to choose from and I decided on this very intricate and metallic phoenix pattern.













I like the way each shoe is individual. And, of course, the riot of colors!











They are just so cute on that I can't get over them!

As I was reading through all of the new press coverage Hetty Rose had received I came upon these articles: one, two, three. It seems Henrietta paired with theatrical wig designer Yuki Saito to create a special display for Valentine's Day and created these amazing "Love" shoes for the pairing.



Well, I fell for them. Hard. I especially love the platform element. And although they were not a part of her regular line, she agreed to make them for me.



I was lucky enough that Henrietta still had some of the same fabric that she used to create the original pair. I did make one change to the design. Knowing that I'm not going to get many opportunities to wear these with the ties wrapped up above my knee, I asked for them to be just long enough to tie around my ankle.







Oh, yes, they are super tall, but given the platform and that they are made to measure, they are very easy to wear.







I like the heart-shaped peep-toes too!





What's also cool is that the straps are not attached to the shoes. So I can wear these with and with out the leather ties. The beaded hearts just clip on, so I can adjust where they go, either on the shoes or on the ties.



A-dor-a-ble!









I know I've said this before, but she does amazing work. If you have the opportunity, drop Henrietta an email and work with her on a pair of shoes. She is a true artist. Not only will you be supporting her art, but you will be avoiding the the huge manufacturing machine and preserving a small piece of history.

All Tied Up... With Indecision

It's sunny today!

I actually felt like I could pull out items that are suited for warmer weather. Finally.

I've been rummaging in the back of my closets the past few days. We're planning on having a Clothing Swap at work, so I've been going through all my stuff for clothes and shoes to give away. Have you ever done a clothing swap? It's great. What were doing is - all of the ladies in the office are going through their stuff as well. We'll bring it all in one day and it's just a big free for all. Everyone just sifts through all the stuff and you take what you want. Then anything that's left over will go for donation. Since most people are just bored with their stuff, it's a great way to "recycle". We're going to have cupcakes and make an event out of it.

Anyways, I've been going though all my shoes too and have been evaluating those shoes that haven't received much wear and attention. Some are vintage but some are new ones that were great in concept but then not-so-great in reality - either because of fit or some style detail. I'm trying to be ruthless!

Anyway, there were a few pairs of shoes that are in the "maybe" pile right now. Today's pair being one of them.





The shoes in question are black satin ballet style heels. I wanted to give them a shot so I paired them up with an outfit in black and white with a flippy graphic skirt from Target and a new cross-bodice jersey top I got on sale at Ann Taylor. The skirt hits me above the knee so it goes well with the ankle ties on the shoes.



Okay, here they are.

They're not a fancy brand or anything. They're Colin Stuart and I probably ordered them from Victoria's Secret (before they got totally trashy) about a million years ago.



The "ribbons" are not actually satin ribbons but actually made of fabric so the bows are a little stiff. The reason these are up for debate is bacause of the shape of the shoe. What I look at them by themselves I'm not sure they thrill me. But when I see them on I kind of dig them.



The heel is pretty awesome and they are easy to wear. I don't get a ton of use out of them but when has that ever been a concern. They already have a home in the closet so that isn't an issue.

I do like them with this skirt.





I'm pretty sure they were inspired by of a pair of Chanel or Gucci heels if my memory serves. The remind me of the shoes that Carrie wore for the cover of her book in SATC (I need to find a picture of those to compare.)

What do you think? Stay or go?