Adorables - Sophia Webster Coralie Sandal

I have no idea why I like these, but I do.

Maybe it's the colors or because of Sophia Webster's whimsical design but I just think they are so cute for Summer.

I probably won't get them but I sweetness is so appealing.  I didn't really wear jelly sandals in the 80s, not sure if I will now, but how cute are they???

Sophia Webster Coralie Jelly Sandal - $295 via Bergdorfs

Picking on SJP - SJP Shoes at Nordstrom

So I'm going to do the potentially unthinkable for a shoe blogger... I'm going to diss on the upcoming SJP shoe collection from Sarah Jessica Parker and Nordstrom.

No really.

After seeing the recently released shots from Glamour, I have to admit I'm not impressed.  From what I've seen the designs aren't that spectacular and the quality and workmanship does not seem to justify an average $350 (and up!) price point.

Let's start with the Diana.  Interesting strap placement.  Very Maison Martin Margiela and Prada Fall 2012... mixed with the iconic Manolo Blahnik Campari (you know, the "urban shoe myth" although no longer), don't you think?

But that's to be expected when your partner is the president of Manolo Blahnik.

I'll be eager to see the shoes in person to see how the quality nets out but the pictures don't wow me.  The red Lady pump is b-o-r-i-n-g.  Even with the ribbon accent.  That lackluster heel just makes me yawn.

The Carrie is pretty but reminds me of a  Dior pump from a few years back.  I don't know.  It's just not anything special (Want to see a great t-strap? Check out these Gucci ones)

Who plopped that polyester (maybe it's silk, who's to know yet) on that boring bridesmaid heel? If the flower was in a shocking bright color and had a thinner heel, I'd be more interested in the Etta but not for $425 to be sure.

$200 for plain canvas espadrilles? No.

This is the one that actually pisses me off though.  The top image is the SJP Alison bootie.  How much has it ripped off the Ann Demeulesmeester open front ankle strap bootie? Um yeah... a lot.

That's pretty horrible, if you ask me. Maybe I should do a special Imitation = Flattery? post just for that pair.

I've seen other sneak peek images online but from what I've seen, I'm not going to be running out to get a pair from the SJP collection.  Bummer, too.  Sarah Jessica Parker could have brought some of her and the SATC fashion flair to this line.  But mostly they look like a boring miss-mash of knock-offs and boring bridal heels.

Flashy New Year

I'm not going to be subtle in the new year if my recent aquisitions are any indication.

It's all metallic and shiny and iridescent and FUN!

I saw this metallic cable knit sweater at Gap when walking in downtown Chicago and promptly ordered it and the stripe-y skirt it was paired with.

I was also smitten with over-the-top gold sweaters and this cable-knit version from Michael Kors is perfectly excessive.

I've been eyeing up this faux leather cutout dress from Betsey Johnson and when prices dropped, I nabbed it!

A while ago I saw a gorgeous shot on Pinterest of a woman wearing a gold foil skirt paired with a white button down shirt.  I knew I needed to get one.  This one from Zara's is perfect.

Plus this dark green coated denim skirt was calling to me too.  Also Zara.

Spring will be here soon.  The Sugarberry dress from Anthropologie is perfect for day or night.  I love the unusual color especially since it is covered in pailettes.  Plus 50% off and then another 25%, made it actually pretty reasonable for such a fancy dress.

But the best are the shoes I've been stalking went on sale!  Sophia Webster's iridescent peep-toe crown heels - aka Gigi - are finally mine!!!

So yeah.  Nothing subtle here!

Maybe I need a metallic silver sweater too.... hmmm....

I may have overpacked

When we travel by car, all of the space available makes me a bit frivolous.

Four pairs of boots is not too many for a week, right?

I definitely need my Sorel boots for the snow.

And the Hunter wellies are a must too... it will be slushy or rainy, right?

And the Betsey Johnson black boots are a basic.  So they need to come along, of course.

And the Frye Melissa boots are just too pretty to leave home.  Maybe I'll only wear them in the house.


Other than that....


I only brought 2 other pairs of shoes.



So totally not overpacking.  Right?  Right????

Making a Recommendation

Let me give you a recommendation...

If you're around 5'4" get this Zara Fitted Checked Dress.

It hits you at the perfect point just below the knee, has great quality fabric and details (for only $99) and looks great in a 1960s kind of way.

I paired it with deep red Blahnik BB heels for a wiggly vibe.

Get it while you can!

Time to Shine

I'm not big on the "office holiday party" picture but we did at least have a venue to dress up a bit.

 My husband wore a navy velvet JCrew blazer and pants in a dark grey with a plaid bow tie. I wore Zara's Jeweled Print Tulip Dress paired with Miu Miu silver glitter pumps and a silver belt.

Details!

Isn't this print great?

I adore Miu Miu glitter...

This dress has such a great shape, I really need to find more in this style.  Two more parties to go.  I may have to wear this again for at least one of them!

Smart-Tee

I love a good smart ass tee. I can't wait until these arrive!

The Be Kind to Animals... shirt is via Etsy and the f-bomb shirt is via The Bloggess' Zazzle store.

 Sass comin' atcha!

Two Years, Too Late?

Two years later, after Wendy Brandes has been extolling the virtues of her Ash Thelma wedge sneakers, I'm on the bandwagon.

These just arrived and I'm curiously excited to try them out.

I don't think these are the exact same shoes but I did love the variety of outfits paired with wedge sneakers in the Pitch Perfect finale (not my typical movie choice - so blame my Pop-loving friend).




Now I want them in white too! Gah!

Audio Files

I'm no audiophile but I'm excited about my new mini Jambox from Jawbone.  It's super cute and small. And since we watch most of our TV via the computer or a tablet at the dinner table, small portable speakers are a must.

I don't use speakers at work (that's what the headphones are for) but I can't wait to test this baby out watching Bob's Burgers!

Buying BBs

Manolo Blahnik really knows the way to keep me buying their shoes. They tend to take my favorite style - lately the perfection that is the BB pump - and make it available in tons of different fabrics and colors.

And they are continuing with their "made-to-order" option, now via Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

I first fell in love with the BB when I got a pair in neon lime green (similar to the current Cocorita option) but I've now expanded my collection to black, red, and the grey/burgundy Bipunta cap-toe version.

But I'm thinking ahead to spring and I really think I need the marine blue and nude options.  Of course the fuchsia and cobalt are beautiful too. 

I love that you can chose your height preference too... although I think 105mm is the only option to truly showcase the slender, iconic BB heel.

Ribbon Wellies Are Back!

For those of you who have been asking me for years where they can find the be-ribboned wellies, well... Joules has a new style in two colors!

There is black with gold and navy with red.

The style is slightly different than the pair from 2010 and they are $167 but I KNOW you want them!

Le Sigh - Prada Spring Summer 2013 Sandals

I don't need them but I sure do love them.  Even as Fall sets in, I still love these Prada heeled sandals.

Le Sigh, indeed.

Semi Formal Sequins

So I'm attending a wedding in mid-November and feel like I have nothing to wear (of course!) so I'm on the hunt for the perfect dress.

 As this is an early evening, Autumn, semi-formal wedding I don't want to wear short and sleeveless. Plus that's just not my comfort zone anyways. But I want something interesting and in a good color.

 I'm thinking this sequin stripe dress from ASOS may be the perfect dress.

I like the mix of colors and the relaxed shape paired with the shiny sequins.

I'm thinking I'd wear my burgundy patent Via Spiga Refer loafer heels with it.

These are really gorgeous shoes and I think the color will be a perfect match. The good thing is that if it's too cold I can wear burgundy tights for a tonal look. Not sure what clutch I'd wear with it but I'm thinking a black stone one that I have.

 Of course, I'm still shopping around....

Macaron Dreams

I'm glad pastels are still in for Fall.

I'm dying to get this Creme De Couture eye shadow palette.  I know I'm too make-up lazy but the colors are just as dreamy as a pile of macarons are to indulge in.

Le Sigh!

Art in Asheville

We went and had a lovely weekend in Asheville, one of our favorite places to visit.

Days of great food, gorgeous weather and finding new wonderful local artists.

I was drawn to this adorable owl locket by Marisol Spoon...

But was drawn to their amazing art in hand carved frames.  I had to take this lovely one home.

I love that the Fall art and antique shows are gearing up. There are always some great discoveries out there!

Antique Treasures

Over the weekend we went to my favorite antiques festival.  There are some amazing vendors and there are always a million things I want to bring home with me.

But while I'm identifying trends, I try to limit myself to just a few special items.

This season it was a vintage clutch with gold metallic threads and squares.  Very modern and glam.  I had been needing a gold but not all gold clutch and this was perfect.

The other item just jumped out at me.  It's a very dreamy 50s-60s babydoll nightgown with black mesh over a pink satin-y base and a long pink satin ribbon, edged in lace.

I've already been lounging around in my new nightgown.  I can't wait to take the clutch out for a night on the town.

Dreamy Rose Heels

I'll be right back.

I'm busy searching for these dreamy heels....

Le Sigh!!!!