Perfect Polka-Dots

Not that polka-dots are ever really out of style, but if these Loeffler Randall Natalie cap-toe polka-dot flats aren't perfect for traipsing into Fall, I don't know what shoes are.

They're a beautiful blush and black and the cap-toe makes them extra special.

They're available straight from Loeffler Randall - $295

Looking for Leopard

Flats are slowly taking over my life and my wardrobe.  Not sure what's happening here, but the cute stuff is happening in loafers and oxfords, sneakers and slippers.

I am currently trying to decide how to incorporate some sweet leopard flats (I only have a pair of leopard kitten heels) to carry me through Fall and Winter. 

I've narrowed it down to 2 options, the first is this Aldo Buschur pair for $125 via ASOS.

The second pair is from River Island and are a bit more detailed and a less expensive at $53.91. Also from ASOS.

Which do you think???

Featured Shoes: Bass Loves Rachel Antonoff Wendybird and Aurora

Bass and Rachel Antonoff brought back memories of growing up in parochial school but made the cute, saucy and cool.  I'm so excited to have been able to get my hands on these awesome loafers.   My wardrobe of flat shoes is growing much faster than the number of heels.

They're so pretty....

The Wendybird heart penny loafers and the Aurora tassel loafer are still available on the Bass website, but I also saw them pop-up on ideeli the other day, so check the sales sites!

Angel Wings

I've always been a bit smitten of the Adidas x Jeremy Scott winged sneakers but they felt a bit too hip hop for me.  I think they look great with skinny jeans but just aren't my style.

But now the pairing has come up with adorable winged flats and these are perfect.  How can you not like the combo of wings, polka dots and pops of color.

Of course I like the original white version the best.  I can get up to mischief while looking angelic.

Adidas x Jeremy Scott Angel Wing Flats at Luisa Via Roma - $182.40

Spring Kicks

Although you may not think so, I'm kind of a fan of Payless.  They're doing well (pretty well) with their designer collaborations and have some cute shoes.  If you're looking for some fun flats for spring and summer, these are cute and affordable options.

I really think these Lela Rose Carolina black flats ($35) are interesting. They're not totally peep-toe so they'd still work in the office but aren't plain jane.

Also by Lela Rose are these Miraflores flats ($35) that are really neat with their mixed materials. I especially like the knot detail on the toe and they'd be great to ground a sundress or with a denim skirt/shorts.

I adore gingham, especially in the summer. It just says sunny skies to me.  These American Eagle Audrey knot ballet flats are so sweet ($17, in multiple fabrics).

I love that Isabel Toledo is back.  I've been wearing my oxfords and flats all winter and I think these urban Mesh flats ($35) would be great walking around or biking around the city shoes.

And the Champion Gem skimmers ($28) just say "yoga shoe", which to me equals comfort.  They come in black as well and the toe band is adjustable. I like to wear shoes like these to walk around our favorite near-by destination, the mountain town of Asheville, because they are soft and light on my feet.  Perfect for shopping on a relaxing weekend.

I still love my heels, I promise, but with all the cute flats out now, it's hard not to get get my eye redirected.

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

Bountiful Bows

I am in the middle of a big yet very small project that involves shopping for the perfect chair.  And when I stumbled upon this bow-filled Starck Mademoiselle chair for Maison Moschino hotel and Kartell, I was smitten. 

And while I track that down, as it is perfect for what I'm planning, I've also had my attention captured by the adorable Moschino-Kartell bow flats. 

I've been wearing flats more and more, and these are delightful.  The "BowWow" flats are made of interwoven plastic and the colors are stunning.  I love the peach, the hot pink and the two-tone black and white.  The jaunty, offset bow ups the adorability factor.

These cute flats will be available for $119 in the Moschino boutique and on the Kartell site.

Spontaneous Whimsy - Marc Jacobs on Ideeli

If you have a moment, hop on to Ideeli and nab some of the adorable whimsical designs up for grabs today.  I think these are the best examples of Marc Jacobs shoes - funny, tongue-in-cheek, and fun!  I have the stitched mouse flats myself but you would do well with any of these.

If you need an invite for Ideeli - here you go!

Featured Shoe: Isabel Toledo Pom Pom flat

I like to get inexpensive flats for keeping in my office or for walking around city streets when know they might get a bit beat up. But I also want them to be classic and cute, because I know I may need to grab them in a hurry and pair them up with a random outfit.

I usually prefer a metallic color or black and these pom pom flats from the Isabel Toledo for Payless collection fit the bill perfectly.

Cute. Simple. Fun. And only $35! Grab them while you can.

UPDATE - Fashion's Night Out Events with Payless.

Payless will be having a big Fashion’s Night Out event in NYC.  You can hop on board one of Payless’ Fashion Rides – free grey line double decker buses – and head to the Lexington Avenue store (between 57th and 58th streets) on Friday, September 10 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm with all four Payless Guest Designers: Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, Patricia Field and Isabel Toledo on hand, who will be available for a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity

WHERE: Payless ShoeSource, 716 Lexington Ave. at 58th Street

Payless is also selling an exclusive limited-edition Fashion's Night Out Totes for $10 in more than 40 stores throughout the city, while supplies last, beginning Sept. 10 with $5 per tote sold donated to the NYC AIDS Fund.

A limited quantity of totes pre-signed by all four Payless Guest Designers will also be available at the Lexington store only Sept. 10 beginning at 7 p.m.

SD Review and Preparing for Inclement Weather

I like to baby my shoes. Have I mentioned this before? I mean, if I'm going to spend any amount of money, I want what I'm buying to last as long as possible.

So I don't wear my good shoes out in the rain and I certainly don't drive in them if I can help it. I have a stick-shift car so my shoes would be very likely to get scuffed or smudged or worse. Plus it's not really safe to drive in heels, especially if you are trying to shift gears.

So I have car shoes.

I carry by nice shoes in a canvas bag from the house to car to office. Then I switch them. So I'm perpetually switching from flats or wellies to heels. I'm wearing a pair of Old Navy flats now but they are about ready to go bye-bye. So I was excited to receive a pair of Kushyfoot's Flats-to-Go portable ballet flats.

I actually ended up giving these guy quite the workout because the day I wore them we had a massive storm and I still had to run all over. So they were subjected to walking, driving and rain. And I have to say they help up pretty well.

I did slip a bit at one point so I scuffed up the toe on the left shoe, as you can see.

Part of the Kushyfoot story is their wavy insole that is to help massage your feet. I found them to be comfortable but a bit thin, at least for me anyways. I have very sensitive feet, though!

I would say that they fit true to size as well. The pair I received were for a 5/6 so they were a bit loose on me but not falling off.

The sole did fine outdoors and held up but my slip happened when I was walking quickly into the grocery stores with wet feet, so bit a bit cautious.

These are handy flats to tuck into your purse if you have to quickly run somewhere or are like me, not wanting to get your nice shoes wet. I'd keep a pair in my purse, car and even carry on suitcase. Have you ever had to sprint through the airport in heels? It's no fun, I assure you.

I'm also interested in a new product that I just heard about called Shuellas.

They are meant to go over your heels or flats (not athletic shoes they say) and protect them from the wet. I really like this idea because wellies, while wonderful (I love alliteration), are kind of a pain to shelp around and not very portable, you know?

Of course, shoe covers are nothing new but I like that these seem designed with heels in mind rather than most others that are more focused on flats or for men's shoes.

They come in pink, black, yellow and green, so that's fun. Plus they fold up when you are done with them and even come with a handy wiping cloth. They are a bit pricey - $50 - which is more than some wellies, so I'm not sure when I will get a pair. But if I do, I'll let you know how they work.

Cat and Mouse Games

My Dad made a joke asking if my new mouse flats squeaked. I wondered what my kitties would say...

Talus seems unimpressed. Maybe these kitties and mice will get along better.

Squeak! Meow!!!

Ensemble du Jour - 6-11-10

This dress may be the best thing I've bought recently. I have worn it plain, with cardigans and camisoles. It's the perfect shape and color and is just really darn comfortable.



On Friday, I wore it to work with awhite cami underneath and my new "mouse" flats.



Yes, it's just a cotton jersey dress but it has some cute elements like the great deep v-neck and pleats on the shoulders and little tabs pulling in the waistline.

The hem has an unexpected band with raw edges which match the waist tabs.

My jewelry was equally simple. A large oval moonstone ring set in beaten silver and this necklace I made from my posey ring and a small crown charm.

And, of course the flats...

Cute!

How do you stay comfortable and cute at the same time?