Obviously Obvious

Well, of course I'm going to get the Rouge Louboutin nail lacquer. Why would you even need to ask?

And if I can manage the 4 3/4" heel, I hope to pair it up with the Louboutin Argotik heel.

How sexy is the red cut into the vamp?  Swoon!

Also, want to see some sexy Louboutins worn in a sexy way… go see Lucy.  Scarlet looked awesome!

Fabulous Fendi

The more I see these Fendi Polifonia spiked heel ankle boots, the more I like them.

They are not my typical style but they are unusual and compelling.  In that way they remind me of the Proenza Schouler sandals I got a few years back.  I need to wear those more this summer, I think!

Luckily, for my wallet, these are sold out at Saks (but maybe they'll come back).  There is a black version. $1368,  at LuisaViaRoma if you want to track them down!


Images via Tommy Ton for Saks

Position on Platforms

When we were in NYC last weekend, I made time to stop at the Saks Fifth Avenue Shoe Floor.

Of course, right?!?

Both Bergdorfs and Saks were having a major sale and shoes (and ladies) were all over the place.  While I love a good sale, situations like that tend to overwhelm me (which is another reason why I shop online so much) so I ended up not purchasing a single shoe.

But I did linger for a moment by the Fall 2012 Miu Miu display.  As always, the Miu Miu line had some of my favorite designs for the season with great curvy heels and glitter perfection.

But as I was standing there admiring the heels, I heard the most shocking thing!

My husband, who doesn't opinion often on the fashion front, stated he thought platforms were trashy!

What, what, WHAT!!!!

Not that this statement would stop me from wearing a platformed heel (especially that blue and gold studded number above) but I was floored.  I see quirky and maybe clunky-ly adorable but not cheap or anything.  Bizarre! Sure some platformed heels can have a "bad reputation" but not all of them.

What do you think?  Do you think all platforms look tacky or are some saved by their design and materials?

Le Sigh: Miu Miu Fall Winter 2010 Heels

I have a problem and that problem is call MIU MIU!

They really must stop making things that are so wonderful and so perfect that I have to posess them. Please Miuccia, Stop! For the sake of my wallet!

Here are the two latest "must haves"...

I adore the combination of fabric and metal in these cap-toe pumps.

Double bows!

Those are gorgeous but conservative. Equally gorgeous but less-restrained are these more loafer style with the metal flowers adorning the toe.

Same square heel, which I also love.

I'm seriously smitten.

I'm not saying that I am going to get a pair, but if I can't have both (I know! I know!), which one would you pick. Decision, decisions!

Buy them at Saks:

Metal Square-toe Platform pumps

Metal Flowers Square-toe Loafer pumps

Graphic Elements - Stella McCartney Mesh Pump

I love a good graphic shoe and am now pining away for this Stella McCartney Mesh Pump.

I love the contrasting toe and how the heels is white and the sole is black. I want this for suits and for jeans. And I bet it would look really cool with solid colored tights too because the mesh is a bit see-through.

Stella, you are breaking my heart.

Stella McCartney Mesh Pump - $725 at Saks

Fashion Night Out and a Surprise Appearance

One of the things I was interested in attending during Fashion Week as the new joint effort launching called Fashion Night Out.

Obviously taking advantage of Fashion Week mayhem and with a sort-of-obvious goal to boost sales, FNO was an opportunity to pop from store to store and see celebrities (not that I would recognize anyone) and be a part of all of the promos and general fun at a ton of stores.

I went to Bergdorf's first where it was packed on every floor. I did hit the shoe salon but didn't get anything. Sadly, the shoes I wanted were too big even in a 35! What the heck?!? But I did get to see these cute DJ boys...



I then went an got some macarons and some cupcakes. Stopped by Sephora where they had live models in the windows and were doing airbrushed make-up demonstrations and popped in to Saks.

I had headed out a bit late so I really didn't expect to see any of the designers or celebrities in person. Frankly I just wanted the deals! But while I was walking around the shoe floor, I did notice this very tall pretty woman and the fabulous shoes she was wearing (of course).

As I wandered over to the table where I see the same heeled sandals I realize they are Camilla Skovgaard shoes and when I turn around she and her pr team are talking to me and introducing themselves!




The shoes she was wearing and that I WISHED they had in my size too...




Camilla and her team were just lovely in person. They asked for a card and we talked about the styles a bit. I tried on three pairs including these very cool booties.





But in the end I ended up with these sandals with the cool discs around the ankle. They were out of my size in the other pairs I wanted. : (



I did have a $50 Saks gift card to use but I would have paid full price for these babies. They are so cool! I love her work so I can't wait to get more of them. Sadly Saks doesn't have them shown online yet but I should get them delivered soon where there will be a million more pictures taken.

Thanks Camilla and team for being so nice! It was a pleasure meeting you.

Sale! Sale! Sale!

There is an amazing sale going on at Saks right now, including 50% off of some Louboutins.



Personally, I'd like to go for these Jimmy Choo Eita Eel Sandals. They also have the Miu Miu tea cup heels marked down and some other pretty heels I've featured on here before.

Check it out and happy shopping!

Eeeewwww!!!

I am seriously at a loss for words here. Yeah, it's midnight and all but what the heck are these monstrosities and why did someone think they were a good idea.

No seriously, what is the deal here?





I just can't even comprehend them. I'm speechless.

Veronique Branquinho booties (or sandals or platforms or something) - $575 at Saks

The Shopping Experience

Where I live is really nice but it isn't exactly a shopping mecca. So this weekend I was literally driving all over the state to get in a little retail therapy. While I like having access to all kinds of stuff online, sometimes I really miss browsing at really nice store.

On Saturday, I drove over to Raleigh to the Saks at Triangle Town Center.



My main reason for going was to return a few pairs of shoes that I decided against keeping. I did like these Miu Miu sandals and the Prada sandals but decided my favorite pair were the black satin heels, so I took the others back. I'm trying to be frugal, ya know.



These are stunning in person, though. Sigh.



Since I was in the store, I did pick up a few things we needed - I needed some Clinique mascara and the hubby needed his Kheils shaving cream.

Then I remembered that I had an $80 Saks rewards gift card. Whoo hoo! Not that I needed it, but I decided to get a girly little compact for myself. So I sauntered over to the Estee Lauder counter and got them to pull out the ones I liked. The Tuberose Gardenia one was way heavy so I decided on the Heart of Hearts compact. Isn't it cute!


Everyone at the counter was very nice and helpful in a genuine way (surprisingly). They had a make-up artist in and they asked if they could make me up. I normally never go for that but what the heck, right? They brought me a glass of champagne (it was delish) and tried a few products on me. One product they used was the Bronze Goddess Shimmer Bronzer. I have never used bronzer and rarely use blush because I have a ton of pink in my skin. But this actually looked really nice. So I did buy one. I guess they made their quota off me. I used it again today and liked how it gives me color but I don't look too overdone or anything.



Saks is also doing a free gift with purchase. Not only is it filled with a bunch of great stuff, all of which seem made just for me, but it had 2 travel bottles, a small case and a travel toothbrush. Perfect for decanting when packing for a trip.



It was a nice relaxing day. Which I think is a rarity when shopping these days.

Then today I drove down to Charlotte and went to Neiman Marcus at the Southpark Mall.



The main reason for heading down there was to see a Manolo Blahnik trunk show. In honor of that, I decided to wear a pair of Manolos - my red snakeskin mary janes. I also wore my JCrew scottie dog sweater and my charcoal denim skirt.



I have to interject here. I've probably said it before but Manolos and the way they are architected are amazing. On Saturday, I wore my JS heels. I barely walked around in them and they were starting to bother me a bit. But today I wore the Manolos, walked all over the mall and they weren't bothering me at all. I had actually brought a pair of flats to change into, just in case, and I didn't even have to crack them out.



So, back to the trunk show, it wasn't thrilling me. While they were lovely, I didn't really see anything there that jumped out at me. I was hoping for something unique and amazing, but left without buying anything.

I also have to say that, while I love Neiman Marcus, I find their Sales Associates a bit annoying. They tend to run the gamut from obsequious to condescending, or are both. I usually do two things when I'm planning a trip to a NM. I dress up a bit (half the reason for the Manolos) and I carry a shopping bag with my book, or like today, an extra pair of shoes. I know it's kind of a lame cop out, but I think of it like being at a frat party. I used to carry around a glass of water or a soda around just so everyone would quit bugging me about not drinking. They just want you to join in the consumer frat party. If you don't have a bag in your hand they're all over you. Not very relaxing.

And if you have a few nice items on, like your bag or shoes or jewelry, you actually get better service. A very large part of me hates that. Who are they to judge by what I'm wearing? But part of me wants the better service and I also like dressing up a bit when I'm going to a nice place to shop and to have lunch. Obviously I am not the only one, because I saw a lot of nicely dressed ladies in the mall. And that is not usually the case, especially in this state. Still. The NM Associates can be snobs.

So after wandering around NM for a while, I took a leisurely non-husband-rushed stroll around the mall. I wanted to go into the Hermes store, but it was closed. I did go into Nordstroms which was having a big shoe sale (didn't get anything and found their SAs to be too helpful. I wanted to shoo them away like gnats) and then went to Sephora.

The make-up artist at Saks had used a brush to put on some foundation and a wide brush for the eyeshadow. I liked how they worked so I decided to get some for myself. Both ones are Sephora brand.



Foundation/concealer brush




Eyeshadow brush

I also wanted to try some very glossy nude-pink lip glosses. I didn't want anything shimmery, just really slick and glossy looking. I got two to give a try. The first is Sephora's ultra-shine lip gloss in Natural Pink 14.

The second is Smashbox lip-enhancing gloss in Pop, a sheer pale pink. Much more nude than that swatch appears.

From Sephora, I also got a free mascara sample, so now I'm overwhelmed with mascara options. After Sephora I had a uber-filling lunch at Cheesecake Factory and then I headed back home. I capped off my glamour shopping weekend by hanging out in the yard with the chickens and freshening up their coop. Talk about a contrast.

Did you do anything fun over the weekend?

It's Sass, Right? You're Sassing Me...

What is it about the scalloped edging that is just so adorable?



These Nanette Lepore heels are an easy way for someone to venture into wearing a more feminine style and/or heels. The shape isn't too fussy and that heel is chunky enough to be stable. But they wouldn't be out of place in my closet either. Look at the details, the button and the retro-y shape.

Plus how cute is the name - I'm Not Your Baby.

How sassy! I love a shoe with a little attitude.

Feathers and Rope

That header sounds far too kinky for such a refined and delicate shoe.

I'm totally crushing on these lovely peep-toe pumps from Alexandra Neel (at Saks - $695).





The shape is just perfect and they actually look comfortable and wearable.

Of course, they are just a substitute for the feather bedecked heels I really really want and am totally pining away for...



Oh Alexander McQueen, will I ever own these????



Le Sigh!

Eeeewwww!!!

I know that I am probably very limited in my shoe love, but I just don't like anything about these shoes from Chloé.



The color is on trend (I'll give them that) and the style is very edgy and fashion forward, but I think the heel would make you (me?) look stumpy and the strappy area is designed to disguise the fact that I actually have ankles and not cankles.



If you can wear these and the look great, I applaud you! You are a brave soul with more vision than I.

If you want them, they're at Saks for $595.

Le Silla Sale

If you are lucky enough to wear one of the available sizes left, here's a classic and pretty open toe pump by Le Silla.



Available at Saks for $138.54 down from $385!

If you get them, I will be so jealous!

Not for Shrinking Violets

So, as to be expected, the shoes coming on the scene for the next season are airy and colorful. Vibrant shoes with streamlined styles that let the color take center stage. They aren't overly embellished or precious. And definitely not pastels!

Here's a collage sample of the gorgeousness (Click to enlarge):

Photo Key:

1 & 2. Brian Atwood Harlow Suede Platform Sandals in Rubino - Saks - $740
3. Brian Atwood Harlow Suede Platform Sandals in Saffron - Saks - $740
4 & 5. Dior Suede Slingbacks - Saks - $660
6. Elie Tahari Ashton Patent Ballet Flats in Laguna - Saks - $195 (also in mandarin)

7. Gucci Grease High Heel Platform Sandal - Saks - $595 (Do you think it is named after the movie?)
8. JCrew Cameron Printed Espadrilles in Burnished Yellow - $148 (other colors available)
9. JCrew Cameron Printed Espadrilles in Flame Dots - $148 (other colors available)
10. Gucci Swing High Heel Pump - Saks - $575 (also in black)
11. Manolo Blahnik Criss Cross Python Sandal in Blue - Neiman Marcus - $675
12. Manolo Blahnik Criss Cross Python Sandal in Pink - Neiman Marcus - $675

13. JCrew City Printed Ballet Flats in Burnished Yellow - $128 (other patterns available)
14. JCrew City Printed Ballet Flats in Flame Tiles - $128 (other patterns available)
15. JCrew Vachetta Wedges in Dark Poppy - $160 (also in driftwood)
16. Louboutin Foil Rings Slide - Neiman Marcus - $720
17 & 18. Louboutin Trescobaldi Gisa Sandals - Saks - $720

19. Manolo Blahnik Criss Cross Slingback in Yellow - Neiman Marcus - $585 (also in black)
20. Dolce & Gabbana Suede Pump in Fuchsia - Trunk Show at Neiman Marcus - $550 (also in black)
21. Miu Miu Open- Slingback Pump in Dark Turquoise - Barneys - $395
22 & 23. Jimmy Choo Once Patent Sandals in Pepper - Saks - $595 (also in taupe)
24. Ralph Lauren Satin Sandals with Flower - Saks - $425

25. Prada Camoscio Deco Suede Platform Sandal - Saks - $650
26 & 27. Jimmy Choo Patent Sandals in Fuchsia -Saks - $585 (also in black)
28 & 29. Louboutin Passmule Sandal - Saks - $620 (also in grey)
30. JCrew Cameron Suede Espadrilles in Burnished Yellow - $145 (also in fresh tangerine and black)

31 & 32. Louboutin Joli Noeud 957 Satin Slides in Fuchsia - Saks - $550 (also in black)
33 & 34. Louboutin Comme Ca Gisa Wedges - Saks - $735
35 & 36. Louboutin Noeudette Gisa Sandal in Pink - Saks - $740 (also in black - I think this will be THE hot shoe of the summer.)


So lots of pink with some very sunny yellow. Perfect for chasing away winter doldrums. This is just a small sample - check out the full listing of bright beauties at these stores -

Saks Fifth Avenue - Bright Shoes - Premier Designer

Saks Fifth Avenue - Bright Shoes - Designer

Neiman Marcus - Bright & Cheerful Shoes

Sale! Sale! Sale!

Big sale notice!

Today only Saks is having a sale on a bunch of designer clothes, shoes and bags.



I only looked through the shoes section but there were some really pretty items and the markdowns made them much more accessible. I've mentioned liking some of these before, but here are a few highlights of items in the sale:


Le Silla Modern Mary Janes - were $548, now $328


Le Silla Tuxedo pumps - were $488, now $293


Jonathan Kelsey Metallic Leather pumps - were $695, now $486

No sizes left for me, but go.. shop!

P.S. With code HOLIDAY7, you get free shipping!