Living with Disappointment

So I was going to write this whole post about how much I really really love these feather heels from Alexander McQueen....



and how they aren't making them and I'll never get these delightful shoes that I'm pining away for....



and how lovely these Alexandra Neel heels are...



and how they would be a great substitute since I'll probably never see the McQueens ...



But then I realized - I already had!

The update is, though, the Alexandra Neels went on a big ole sale and I got them! Yeah, me!

Birds of a Feather

While I usually like having a small shoe size there are times when I really really wish I didn't.

Today is one of those days.

If you want to make me totally jealous and wear a 6.5 or 9, all you have to do is get these shoes.



Alexander McQueen feather and snakeskin heels. I could just weep.



I think these are from a previous season. I hope he makes some of the newer feather ones I've been lusting for since I saw them on the runway.

How To: Caring for Exotic Accessories

Because of the texture trend for fall incorporating exotic materials, I thought I would pass along this useful How To on caring for your exotic materials. Partial credit goes to Neiman Marcus for providing information. Thanks for the customer service!

Feathers:



Per Kiss Curl at Etsy and eBay, you should use a soft baby brush or natural bristle paintbrush to comb your feathers back into place and remove any dust. Brush in the direction of the feather grain. Feathers are very fragile so do not get them wet if at all possible.

Alligator, Crocodile or Lizard:



If your accessory is of crocodilian genus (like my vintage lizard bag) you need to treat it with high-end leather conditioner more often than you would regular leather. But before you use conditioner all over, make sure to test a small drop on a hidden spot. To remove excess dirt, wipe with a soft, damp cloth.

Ostrich:



On ostrich (like this Bottega Veneta hobo), don’t use any chemicals or conditioners. Simply sprinkle oily spots with talcum powder and wipe with a soft, dry cloth.

Snakeskin:



Like human skin, snakeskin will age more quickly if exposed to sunlight, so take special care to keep your serpentine accessories (like these Michael Kors Cairo pumps) out of the sun. While the scales will naturally lift over time, you should never apply any product; simply wipe with a lint-free cloth in the direction of the scales.

Exotic materials, whether new or vintage, are an investment and, like any purchase, require care and attention. They can be more delicate, but therein lies their unique beauty. Take care of them and they will make you look good for a long long time.

Scooped!

I was going to write this whole long and lovely post about how amazing Alexander McQueen is and how I've been in love with him ever since I saw his amazing black roses heels and I bought one of his designs.

But I got scooped! Miss Style-Spy, ever fashionable and on the ball has written a lovely post waxing lyrical about the same Collection's shoes. And well deserved it is too.

There are some amazing designers out there but I don't think anyone, besides Mr. McQueen and Mr. Galliano, are bringing fantasy to life. And I want to live in this fantasy world. These shoes are inspirational. To me they are perfect and I would wear everyone of them. I don't believe in relegating shoes like these to "special occasions." I'm the special occasion! They're the special occasion. What more do you need?

I would wear these to work, to the movies, any where, any day (ok, unless it's raining!) So, because they've been analyzed, let's just sit back and admire...

I love pink and black together, especially this shade of pink. Satin is my latest shoe obsession.



More fun pink and black. I think this combo is even sexier than red and black.



I'm loving the black lace "socks", the satin, the square toes, the height and is that a metal or an ombre heel? Who cares! Love 'em!



This is the spring version of what I'm going to be wearing this Fall - my Michael Kors heels with knit knee-socks. but the creme version is ethereal.



Hot Damn!



Excessive embellishment is one of my favorite things! I have these amazing green taffeta heels with mossy green satin ribbons that tie around my ankles. I have to share them because they are so amazing. These in the same boat!



Palest pink satin, delicate feathers with fluttery black edges. If these shoes are available, I will get them, even if I have to sell a kidney or some other bodily part.



Okay, these too. The remind me of my feather fascinators (which are amazing by the way, KissCurl!)



He used a ton of feathers in the show. Not that I want to promote excessive feather harvesting, but I love feathers integrated into fashion.

So, sorry if I'm being redundant, but, as I said, these are totally worth the additional worship time. And if you are in the market for a spare body part, just let me know.