Imitation = Flattery?

I'm kind of torn. Nine West has put out a total knockoff (they are habitual!) of the Miu Miu two-tone satin platform mary jane from the Spring ready-to-wear collection. Here are a pair from the runway - in a luscious pink and burgundy satin.

These are another of the Miu Mius in a dreamy creamy white with deep navy blue on the toe. I actually bought these from Bergdorf's. I was seriously tempted to keep them. The color was glorious with that depth only satin has. But the platform was ridiculous. And coming from me that is saying a lot. So I returned them. My only regret is that net-a-porter didn't have my size in the pump version that came in a cream-white and burgundy combo.

Well, now Nine West is making these similar *ahem* Vasca mary janes in purple/fuchsia (they also come in dark green with black but they aren't as pretty) and I'm torn. I'm not torn about buying an "inspired" shoe because I'm not trying to pass them off as the originals. What is bothering me is the quality of the fabric. It looks very one dimensional without that satin glow.

The heel and platform look more accessible. I may just have to get them and then return them if I am not happy with the quality. What do you think?

Ensemble du Jour

The Outfit
It looks kind of lazy on the hanger here, but my comfy outfit today is a dark grey denim skirt with a lavender grey 3/4 sleeve shirt from Old Navy. The necklace is a coral color and made from lace by Cursive.




The Focal Point
It's ALL about the shoes today - Pedro Garcia Vera in Poppy. What I love about these are the distressed edges and the depth of the color in the satin. You can't get this from cheap fabric. They are a deep red, almost rouge. Hmmm...Dreamy....

Silver or Gold?

I'm sort of debating between these two versions of Mr. Louboutin's glitter sling-back. The silver is very pretty. But I think it is a little too "cool". It's almost too elegant. And if you getting really high glittery heels, subtlety is not really what you are going for.


I think I am actually prefering the gold version. It may just be the photography, but I think the gold brings out the glitter colors more and will grab more attention. Not that I think you could miss them.




I saw an image the Selfridges in the UK may also be getting these but a pump version, which I think could be really neat. But I haven't seen that option here and you can't order online with them, which stinks

What do you think?

Oasis in the Desert

On my recent trip to Las Vegas, I was swamped and exhausted. It may have been the weather (100+ degrees!) or the amount of work. There is no other explanation for this fact.

Zappos has two outlet stores in Las Vegas - and I didn't go to either one.

I know. I feel sick about it too.

If you are out there for a visit, let me know if it is really great or not.

Pretty in Pink... vintage

I think I'm sensing a trend here. I tend to like pink in my accessories, but I just noticed that I recently have bought quite a few shoes that are pink or have pink in them. I like how the color can be calming or really bright and shocking and goes elegantly with all black or becomes preppy with white and green.

I also love neat vintage shoes (see the post on La Rose). These first pair from Circa Sixty Three are a great example of his unique sense of design. How awesome are these pink, blue and gold wingtip pumps. Perfect cocktail shoes that can glam up any outfit they are paired with.



I found these cuties on Ebay for $15. They were made exclusively for Saks Fifth Avenue in the 50's or 60's. I love the pink braiding across the front.

These are another Ebay purchase. The description says the were for the "Young Elite" shop at Saks, in the 50's or 60's as well. They're probably ritzy kids shoes. I love the bubblegum plastic-y-ness of them.

These last shoes are a true find! I can't wait to get them (another Ebay buy). How gorgeous are these? These unique Italian-made mod mary janes were just $23. I've seen uber-designer shoes with giant buttons, and of course, the new Miu Miu multi-strap mary janes. I think the snake-skin, mother of pearl gianormous button and triple straps have them all beat! Plus, they look comfy too.



I luv luv luv Ebay! My mailman can vouch for that.

Ensemble du Jour

The Outfit
While I was out of town on business I dropped into Old Navy. I haven't shopped there in a while because sometimes the disarray and noise makes for a stressful shopping experience, but as my luggage got lost I wanted to grab something comfy to wear in the hotel room. I got a cute t-shirt and some pj pants but I also grabbed a few tops, including a poof sleeved white button down.

My outfit today started with this top and then a dove grey pleated Isaac Mizrahi skirt from Target. With it I wore my Lecia peep-toe slingbacks in Parospa from Nine west (in real life they are more nude than pink).



This was a very cool and neutral outfit for my first day back to work.

The Focal Point
And every outfit has a focal point. Typically, for me, it's shoes, but today it was the poofy-ness of the shirt sleeves:

They poof just at the elbow and have a Marie Antoinette feel to them that I luv! I'm inspired to buy more embellished girly things. What will eBay turn up??? Hmmmm......

I'm afraid of flying - redux

I just wanted to say my fears were confirmed. When I arrived home late after hours of uncomfortable traveling my bag did not greet me at the airport. Luckily I had packed all of my shoes, laptop, make-up, jewelry and cords into my carry-on bag. It weighed a million pounds but at least all of those items were safe.

I had to fly out again the next morning and had to scramble to get a new toothbrush - but at least my Manolos made it home okay.

Favorite Store: Shoe'Ture

I wanted to introduce you to some of my favorite shoe-shopping stores. Not only do they have to have a great selection but the experience should be fun too. Winter Park, FL is home to a great store- Shoe'Ture.


They have really grown over the years and their website is fun too! Make sure to check it out.

What I like about them is they see the shopping experience holistically - not just running in to buy something but more of an event. You can get a pedicure before you slip into your new lovelies. And the shoes are all displayed more as art than just "product". They also carry unique brands, with swoon-worthy designs like these:

How pretty are these, no? I think I need them! Over the years they have really expanded the lines they carry. And they are also very involved in the community. Many time their fun events will benefit a local or national charity.

It's always worth a visit to Winter Park, so you should stop by when you are there. Tell Cinderella I said "hello!"

Don't throw shoes in glass houses

I feel so official now – I got my first “hate” mail! An anonymous (???) e-mailer seems to have some concerns about me and my blog because:

"Could you be any more superficial? Talk about priorities -- you sound like someone who is totally self-centered and selfish and who thinks of nothing important."

I am responding because, well, how could I resist?

Dear Pot,

First off, I’m the one doing the writing here. What the heck are you doing? Why don’t you go get your own site and vent all you want?

Secondly… um, hello!!!! Superficial? Self-centered? Selfish? Heck, yeah I am! What are you, Sherlock Holmes? I thought you knew me. I don't think anybody would be surprised by that. Duh! And why shouldn’t I be self-centered when you obviously care so much about what I say and do.

And, maybe I’m confused about the concept. This is a blog about shoes! What kind of redeeming purpose are you expecting from a fashion blog that’s about shoes, buying shoes, commenting on shoes, shoes I want and shoes I don’t like? What isn’t superficial about it?

And don’t you come off a bit self-centered too since you sent this comment hoping it would bother me? Welcome to the club, baby! And thanks for giving me some great material.

Love,
Kettle
(a.k.a. Poochie)

PS. Since you you’re so obsessed with me, why don’t you go buy a t-shirt from my store.

I'm afraid of flying

I'm not really afraid of flying. I'm afraid of my luggage flying. The thing is, I have lots of clothes and shoes and accessories - and luggage - that is really cute and fun. And most of the time, just "too much" for everyday use, although I am trying to get away from that thought process. So when I travel, I would love to bring my cute, fun, extravagant stuff with me to wear on vacation.

But I can't. Because I'm afraid.

I'm afraid I'll never see my stuff again. It's not so far-fetched, you know. Millions of bags get lost every year. And with my luck, it will be mine the one time I bring my favorite pair of shoes (which is every pair of shoes I own). And given the time and money I've invested in finding them, and the fact that they probably aren't making them any more, I just don't want to risk it.

For example, I'm going to Vegas this week. If you scroll down to the very bottom of this page you will see a beautiful pair of nude patent Louboutins with Swarovski encrusted heels. Could there be a better place to wear them than Vegas? Swarovski meet Vegas, Vegas meet Swarovski. But, I have to check my bag. And there is noooo way I'm putting those babies in the hands of the TSA and the airline. Uh-uh. I could carry them on, but I already have to bring my purse and laptop, so I don't think they'll let me bring a special bag o'shoes.

So, the shoe lover dilemma, bring the shoes or not? Maybe I need to just buy an extra seat for the shoes so they can sit next to me. They won't fuss or be any trouble, I promise!

Happy Birthday to meeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Okay, it's not quite my b-day yet but, Holy Sales, Batman! Jimmy Choos at 50% off! Who could resist this gorgeous emerald shoe. I only wish I had them in time to take with me on my trip to Vegas this week!


Get on over to that sale! But I think this shoe is all sold out. You're jealous, right?

Fit Flops

I read about these "Fit Flops" on Shoewawa and they seem interesting. If you believe the Bath and Body Works site description they sound like they could have some therapeutic benefits: "Get a workout while you walk! Every step you take improves your core muscle strength, absorbs shock on your feet, knees and back, and strengthens and tones muscles in your feet, legs, buttocks, stomach and back."

Given the amount of time I spend in heels and at the computer, it will be interesting to see if they work. They're on back order but I hope to get them soon. But I've never been a big fan of flip flops in general, so I only plan on wearing these around the house. When winter comes I can get some Chinese socks and keep my toes toasty while still wearing these. I'll let you know how they do.

Touchstones

Most people have a favorite "old" movie that they love the story or the casting or the memories associated with watching them. Many of my favorite oldies are because of the fashion. I wish I could live with a wardrobe made up from these moments - and that I had a place to wear them.

Grace Kelly in Rear Window - I love her perfect elegance. This dress is perfection. I also love her in the suit with the white halter top (I wish I had her shoulders) and her cropped jeans and weejuns at the very end. I love the chunky bracelet she wears with the suit. And I think the reason I have so many overnight bags is because of her Mark Cross (?) overnight case. She is the refinement to Jimmy Stewart's rough. Her aesthetic of elegant execution - from a four-star catered dinner in to essentials being a peignoir, robe and satin slippers - is one that I aspire too as well.


Kim Novak in Bell, Book and Candle - Quirky and sultry with a little bit of dangerous mixed in. She is equal in feline grace to her Pywacket with a throaty voice that I can't even get close to matching, and eyebrows to die for. I especially love her nightclub shoes. I know its a romantic comedy but I liked her better as her witch-y self.



Cyd Cherise in Brigadoon - If I could have any dress in the world made for me, I think it might be this dress. I love the stand up collar and the bright underskirts. I first fell in love with this dress when I was about twelve I think and used to try and draw it all the time.



Vanessa Redgrave in Camelot - Another great voice. I love the 1960's take on Medieval dress - especially the ones during the love song montage. And her hair! Definitely an inspiration to have really long hair. Her dress and hair has to have been an influence on George Lucas' Queen Amidala. And in this picture you can see Guenevere's wedding rings. I think it's a small ring on the top of her finger and that acts as a barrier to the larger almost masculine ring below. Seeing this I realize where I got the idea to have three rings as my wedding ring set.



Leslie Caron in GiGi - This might be my formal choice for the one dress I would want made for me. I love the flow-y skirt, elegant neckline with the black swallows adorning the shoulders. The perfect juxtaposition of white and black and creating a balanced sense of movement.

If I look through accessories like gloves and wraps and hair and jewelry, I can pick out elements that have come from these inspirational guideposts. It's a shame that we have lost the use of so many of the opportunities to wear clothes like these and can only incorporate small elements.

Why would anyone want these shoes?

I'm sorry for subjecting you to two hideous shoes in a row, but I saw these Louboutins (?!?!?) on the Net-a-Porter website and was just floored. I mean, seriously, these are horrible.


And what I really hate is when the "editors" or "stylists" try to convince you that they are AWESOME! Who is fooled enough by this copy to buy these things? - "A sleek evening wear style with fantastic Pop Art detailing."

Uh, not for $675.

Eeeewwww!!!

While be-be giraffes are cute and anerable and all that...


that doesn't mean I want to look like I have a giraffe hoof for a foot!


Prada, what the heck?!? As if "banana heel" is any better.... Ummm, no thank you.

Classic cork

We are in the throes of summer and that is the time for seasonal shoe materials to get their time to shine. Rope, straw, canvas and seersucker get a lot of play but the material that I think is the most unique is cork. It's light, has a great texture, and, unlike the other materials, can be played up fancy or dressed down and casual. While espadrilles and flip flops say summer casual - cork can be crafted into a shoe that will make a statement at the most stylish event.

My favorite cork is used on this pair of Louboutins, below. Pair them with a belted white shirtdress or dress up a pair of jeans - summer doesn't get any more glamorous. There is a contrast with the soft but choppy sheeted cork, the gilded leather below and the vibrant red sole. It is a true marriage of materials and style that creates a classic shoe epitomizing the spirit of the season.

Nine West made their attempt at imitating the Louboutin with the Liatris below. As you can see, although the silhouette and shape is very close, the inferior quality of their cork in comparison to the above, makes for a vast difference. The balance is lost.

But even the master may stumble - with this criscross platform, all of the elegance and class found in the first example is gone.

And then there is that poor unfortunate shoe that should never have been made at all - Office's Wafa Cork sandal.

What's in your wallet?

Well, what's in mine ain't much - but what's in my online shopping carts is alot! Is there some kind of correlation???
Anyway, here's a rundown on just a few of the delish new shoes that I'm pining after. Maybe we'll win the lottery and I can "Click to Buy"....

(Marc Jacobs Satin Pump - cutesy and extra girly like a pink icing-ed cupcake)


(Manolo Blahnik Jacquard D'Orsay - the syle of this shoe is great and I love the teal in the pattern)

(Manolo Blahnik Houle 2-tone pump - sex-ay!)

(Louboutin Rougue Gathered Slingbacks - the dimensional aspect of this design is amazing)

(Valentino 2-tone Peep-toe Mary Jane - classy, sexy, different)

(Jimmy Choo Sandie - a really sexy take on a classic t-strap)

So there you go. Sadly just a sampling of shoes I wish I had. All gorgeous. Any "Sugar Daddies" please feel free to send them on to my house. Size 35 or 35.5.

*wink*

New heights of white

Growing up in Florida, I always felt the "no white after Labor day" shoe rule was bit absurd. There was many a Christmas that I was still running around in shorts but now that I've moved a bit more north, I understand what led to this creation of this rule - snow, sleet and ice are not kind to white shoes. But it seems a shame to limit the amount of time to admire, purchase and wear beauties in white such as these:

(Gucci New Bond Pump)

(Louboutin Mouche Zeppa)

But since I already have about five (or is it six or seven?) pairs of white heels including the ones below, Iguess I need to refrain.

(Charles David Entice - yummy white patent with tassles)

(Jessica Simpson Like in Bianco - I know, I know, Jessica Simpson. I'm ignoring that fact because they are really comfortable and I love the little suede snub nose in natural)

(Via Spiga Portillo - in Dove Grey/White. They are very intricate and Garden Party-ish)

It's such a tempting time of year because all the summer shoes are going on sale while you can still wear them for several months, but all the awesome Pre-Fall shoes are coming out. And you need to make sure you get the ones you want. Decisions, decisions! Plus, I do love the Fall shoes.

What to do? What to do?