Not then, Not now

Not only is this a knock-off, but I didn't like the mold inspiration in 2007 from YSL...

And I certainly don't like it now from Stuart Weitzman.

 

Stop trying to make "mold shoes" happen. They aren't going to happen!

 

Party Glam - Owls, Sequins and Mohawks

On Saturday night, we went to a local "runway" charity event.   So since the event has a fashion-y spin to it, we decided to get a bit glam and have fun with our outfits.

The husband wore his new tux and I donned a shiny sequin patterned dress from LuLu's.

(insert obligatory bathroom selfie here!)

I wanted to be equally fun with the shoes and bag.  I mean the Kate Spade Night owl bag is always an adorable addition but how often can you really wear the YSL Mohawks.  They're just too kick-ass for everyday mortals.

Such a fun dress in person!

Even with a bold dress, at the end of the day the heels are still the star of the show.  I mean, I fell in love with them from just this image.  How can you resist in real life?

As per usual, we were a bit too much for the rest of the attendees, I'm sure.  But we certainly had fun!

Sandal Substitutes

I'm terribly sad.

I adore, I mean ADORE, the Saint Laurent "Jane" sandals. But although they are perfection they are not perfect for me.

I tried on the size 5/35 and not only are they wee bit too high they are also too big. Too big!!!

But, they are so sigh-able….

As a runner-up option, I've found the lovely Alexandre Birman ankle-tie sandals.  I got these in the cobalt, although I'd love the black as well. 

I love the little tie details on the toe and ankle strap.  The black would be more versatile but the blue is so striking.  They'll be great for Summer.  Unless I find the black… then I may have to make a trade…

Sleek, Sassy and Schoolgirl for Fall

My Fall 2012 Inspiration/To Buy board is filling up rapidly.

It's shaping up to be filled with witty embellishments, sassy patterns and fabrics, whimsical materials and a definite schoolgirl vibe.

I've already got the perfect loafer to pair with tights and skirts.

The YSL black and gold plated loafers are going to add that bit of edge to so many of my fall outfits.

Now... on to everything else on my list....

Fashionably Flat

Am I losing my focus?  It seems to be all about flats and oxfords around here and not so much with the heels.  But when you see a rainbow of adorable square-toed ballet flats, you can't help yourself.

This Love ballerina flat design by YSL isn't new but they are expanding the range of colors and I'm in love (pun intended).  I especially like the sweep heart cut-out on the toe box.

They'll be hitting stores soon.  I wonder if I can afford every shade???

Love Ballerina Flats - YSL stores - $485

Cage Match

We all know I totally loved these...



But what do you think about these "Cage Boots" from Manolo Blahnik?

Do you think it is odd that they did there is now another "cage boot"?

Also, WTF is with there being Pre-Fall shoes already? I can't even wear shoes for Spring yet because it's too darn cold and rainy. I don't want to think about Fall yet! I swear to the lord, if they start combining Easter and Christmas I'm going to lose it! Quit pressuring me!

Eeeewwww!!!!

I didn't like the moldy wedge look the first time around, even when it was done my YSL.



I certainly don't like it any better done in cheaper materials by BCBG.



But, oddly, I do kind of like the look of black on the toe cap over the cork. Is it because the shoe is a more elegant shape? Not sure.




Not that I'm getting any of them....Blah!

Just Rip My Soul Out, Why Don't You

So I got them.

I tried them on. They fit great. Love. Adoration. Etc. Etc.

Looked at them in the mirror.

Agast!

What do you mean these look best on someone a good 4 -5 inches taller than me and on me they cut me off horribly?

Sob!


P.S. I quickly returned them so I wouldn't not get more attached than I already was to them. Do I regret it already... yes.

: (

Under Lock and Key

You don't always go looking for a new love. Sometimes they just find you. Last fall, I saw these cage boots on the YSL runway and thought they were interesting. But over time they have continued to grow on me and my love for them grew as well. I said I wanted more graphic edgy shoes...

well, I think these fit the bill.





They are even more structural and Eiffel Tower-like than the Jil Sanders heels I was denied.

I. Love. This. Heel.

When they were shown on the runway, they were paired some some amazing classic and artfully draped styles that contrast with the graphic nature of the boot.

I love this. A slouchy dress that you could almost mimic with a big sweatshirt and jersey fabric skirt.

And the simple knit top and pencil skirt in a very class taupe.

If I do get these boots (ohhhh... I'm so tempted!) they will be a great conterpoint to my simple styles.

Eeeewwww!!!

Dear YSL,

Ummmmm........ yeah.....



I don't want my feet to look like this:



Thanks!

Poochie

YSL Trooper Platform Pump - Neiman Marcus - $695

Kick Ass Shoes

I haven't even really had a chance to wear any of my Spring/Summer shoes yet (I was so chilly today I actually was wearing a tweedy jacket to work) when all of the new Fall shoes are now already hitting the market. Time is just flying by.

I'm not sure I would get these and they would be a very large departure outside of my typical comfort zone but I love these sandal/booties by Yves Saint Laurent (even Saks doesn't know what to call them).



I would wear them with jeans or a skirt and then into Fall with some grey tights. Thank goodness tights are still going to be around.

I'm not too sure about the metal embellishment but the heel is just sick! Gah! I love them.



It's too bad these are in pre-order. I'd love to try them on in person when I'm in New York. Just to see if I can actually walk in them.

Decisons... Decisions.

I have a wedding to attend this Summer and I'm thinking I may wear my new dress from Target. It's sort of casual but the color and detailing give it a dressier edge, which I think will be a perfect match for the style of wedding this is going to be.

The question is, what shoes do I pair it with? I'm not sure if' we'll need to be walking through grass or not so I'm leaning towards wearing heels but there are a few options to choose from, each of which will give the outfit a different feeling.



The options, starting from the top left, are:

The Jessica Simpson Hardie peep-toes. The circles go well with the embroidery and they have that neat graphic look.

Prada "flower heels" black satin peep-toes. Elegant yet also a heel to stand out. A dressier option.

The next option are the YSL "Tribute" slingbacks. Simple, elegant, but not boring. It would be more about the dress than the shoes, although they hold their own too.

The most sensible in the bunch are my Old Navy sandals. I wouldn't have to worry about walking in potential grass or anything and the shine makes them dressy enough, but they're just flat. Miss out on an opportunity to show off my heels? Maybe I'll bring these as a backup.

The JCrew satin mary janes are great for a wedding but they might be too conservative. I like pairing a really colorful shoe but the pink satin might be too staid with this dress.

Alexander McQueen rose-embellished anklestrap peep-toes. Will this be the perfect time to finally wear them????

And last but not least... I don't have these Kate Spade heels, but boy do I wish I did. I just love them. They're dressy but the ribbon is grosgrain so they're not too fussy. These are the perfect pair, right? Then I would need to buy them!

What do you think? One of these or any other inspired ideas out there?

A Bloody Mess

Do you remember the hideous Raspail tote from YSL?



I've found a shoe that's its perfect match made... in hell! Mwah-ah-ah!

Why did this seem like a good idea, Sergio Rossi? Especially for $464.

Imitation = Flattery?

Everyone should be familiar with the YSL Tribute shoe. It was all over the place last summer. Here it is in black...



And the more recent gold version.



As we would expect, Steve Madden did a knock-off pair. Why upset his whole business strategy, right?



But now we have a new contender in the imitation realm. BCBGirls "Lora" heel. The style and shape are identical. At least they had the decency to change the color.



I'm not even sure how much I like this platform heel, so I definitely don't want the fake version.

Tribute or Desperate Attempt?

So here is one of 2007's "It" shoes - the YSL Tribute platform. Personally I thought is was only okay and while I like the white heel, I thought the platform was ridiculous. No matter how many stars wore it. I much preferred the non-platform slingback which is what I got.



So when I see this new version of this shoe I just think it is a sad desperate attempt to try and recapture that top spot status again this year.



I mean, I know they will be popular because they're flashy and all but they really are not attractive.



Would you wear these if the price were not a barrier (they're $690 at Saks)?

By the way, there is also a woven leather version for $760, if you are so inclined.

Eeeewwww!!! Part Deux

So as a follow-up to the horror-show that were the YSL "mold" platforms, I present you with the YSL "blood-bath" bag -



I could maybe give this the benefit of the doubt and say that it would be rather striking against a monochromatic outfit but then again.... Nah!

YSL Raspail bag - $995 at Neiman Marcus

UPDATE: Bagsnob also featured this monstrosity. Check them out too.

Ensemble du Jour

So yesterday I had a bit of an outfit challenge. I had to go to a seminar out of town all day and then straight from there go to an office Holiday cocktail/dinner party. I needed to drive 2 hours each way, so I had to get up around 5 a.m. to get ready then drive to the seminar, sit around all day but look somewhat professional, drive back and look sort of festive for the party.

Not easy.

So, here is what I came up with:

The Outfit
The top was an Ann Taylor v-neck black top and I paired that with a Mossimo silky black skirt with a red border print. The bracelet was black acrylic with pearls and for shoes I wore my YSL Tribute sling backs.



I know that's a horrible view of the skirt. This is what it looks like, but instead of teal, it is a dark red. The skirt is very swishy and has a very expensive look that belies it's $25 price tag.



Here's some close-ups of the bracelet. I actually have this in 4 versions and wore the camel version with the teal skirt above a while back.



What I love the most is the mix of the edgier acrylic with very traditional pearls.



Etsy is the best!



The Focal Point
Everyone knows that killer shoes can elevate any outfit. I went with the YSL Tribute slingbacks because they are comfortable, graphic, and have a great shape. The white heel is really different and eye-catching.



I think these were one of the best shoe buys of the year.