Dots for Days

Sometimes you have to go big…

And sometimes you have to take the pattern one more step.

Always loving polka-dots, the shirt from Ann Taylor is new.

The tights are from Wolford, which I've have but haven't worn, and then paired with the "urban shoe myth" Manolo Blahnik Camparis.

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!

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....

Back in Black

If you've been sad that the "Urban Shoe Myth" Manolo Blahnik Campari black patent mary jane has been unavailable for a while, you are in luck!

Bergdorfs is selling them again!

It's hard to tell from the site's images, but the heel looks a bit lower than the pair that I have.  I'll have to go home and measure them.


If you want a sexy, classic, never-going-out-of-style heel, this is the mary jane for you.

When you see a shoe myth in the wild, you need to pounce!

Shoe Focus - Manolo Blahnik Fiocam Mary Jane

What can I say that isn't already obvious when you look at this shoe?

It's Manolo Blahnik, my favorite designer.

It's a patent mary jane, one of my favorite styles.

It's got an adorable bow.  I can't resist a cute bow.

But it's the combination that makes it irresistible!

Manolo has taken his power shoe - the urban shoe legend, no less  - the Campari, and evolved it.  The heel is not as overtly sexy.  It's a bit lower and more walkable.

And adding the peek-a-boo window and a sweet bow... now you have sweet and sexy.

Of course I got them!

Manolo Blahnik Fiocam... get them at Saks!

Featured Shoe: Manolo Blahnik Nesti Slingbacks

I admit it, there are a lot of shoes that were on Sex and the City that I loved.  Sure, it's a bit cliche but for someone outside of the City, it introduced me to designers I had not know before.

One of my favorite style moments from the series came in Season 4, Episode 65 - "A Vogue Idea".

The episode was famous for the Vogue closet and the urban shoe myth, the Manolo Blahnik "Campari" black patent mary janes.

Yep, I had to have them and I love them, but there was another pair I had to track down as well.


I totally pined for this Vivienne Westwood suit that Carrie wore to her meeting at Vogue as well as the perfect taupe patent slingbacks she paired with it.  Check them out in action here.

I tried many other shoe hopefuls but I never found a good candidate.  Then one day I saw the following on the Saks website.  The are the Manolo Blahnik "Nesti" slingbacks.  Not quite the same shape and a bit pointier but perfect color, slingback and heel.  I was so excited!

But then I found out they were exclusive to Saks and they had not purchased my size... Oh Noes!!!

I called the buyer, the Manolo Blahnik rep, was going to special order a pair through the store... a real Shoe Search.  The Saks folks were great and helpful and even offered me a deal on another pair of Blahniks.  As I was mulling this over several weeks, my luck changed.  They did end up getting my size and the coveted shoes were mine!

These are the perfect neutral classy shoe.  I don't often suggest getting a "classic" heel when you are investing in a designer shoe but the exact shoe I wanted seemed so elusive that I had to grab it.  I'm so happy I did. 

The heel shape is stunning.

This Saks exclusive is still available.  If you need a shoe that will go with everything, check them out.

Manolo Blahnik Nesti slingback - $725 at Saks.

Ensemble du Jour: 7-9-11

I couldn't wait too long to wear the red version of the black & white dress from the other day.  I paired it with an olive embellished cardigan, also from Target, a skinny patent yellow belt and this cool vintage purse.

The purse was from an antiques fair I go to twice a year.  There a few favorite vendors that always have the best stuff.

The purse is strips of wood and opens from the top.  Perfect to take to our group lunch event.

The heels are Manolo Blahnik Uliepes - the perfect pump - and an awesome yellow.  They're so pretty I took a bunch of shots so they'll get a post of their own.

I had to redo my nails so I chose a neutral dark taupe - Zoya's Pasha.  It's a bit conservative for me so I'm not sure it'll stick around for too long.

This was for a group lunch with folks I hadn't met before.  Fun, comfortable but with some interesting color matching.  I hope I don't bore you, because I love these two dresses and they are going to be fun to play with.

Not Middling Style

Yes, I am doing a "I Love Kate Middleton's Style" post.  I can't help it.  I mean, she's seems nice, they both seem totally in love, she wears great fascinators and hats and she's a pro at mixing high and low.  Even her first post-wedding outfit was a Zara dress.

But what really caught my eye were these perfect black patent espadrilles.  I discovered they were the "Greta" style from L.K. Bennett and, sadly, were from Spring/Summer 2008.  (2008! Three years ago. Kate hangs on to her shoes too. Look at her!  Awww... I'm smitten!)

Anyway, so I now need to have perfect black patent, closed-toe espadrilles.  How have I lived without them?!?  They're so perfect and just what I need. Not too platform-y, nice materials, not sandals. I must have some!

Shoe Search Time!!!

The first, and closest, I found were from Lanvin at Nordstroms.  Pretty but not quite as casual and they don't have the 1/2" platform.  Also, I refuse to think I can't find a cheaper option than $550.

These from BCBG at Zappos have a good shape but are a bit too tall and not patent.  I could lose the ankle strap too.   But at least they are less, $175, and close too.

The Steve Madden (I know, I know, ick!) Monarchy pair are at least closed toe, patent and a decent price, $89, but I don't like the cork heel/sole and they are much too high to be casually elegant. So I think a "No" for these too.

Who knew it would be so challenging to find a similar style.  Everything else were open toe and that's just not what I want. 

But, I haven't given up hope! 

I wrote to L.K. Bennett asking about the style (figuring they've fielded a ton of requests as the designer of her engagement dresses did).  I was hoping they would be bringing out more inventory, not realizing at the time that the style was from so long ago.  And good news, they said they would be putting out a similar wedge, the Kate (ha!), in the next month or so.  I'm hoping it will be very similar.

Now I just need to get a pair.  Wish me luck!

Tappety Tap Tap

As much as I love heels, I can be a smitten kitten for penny loafers, tassles, and saddle shoes.  And these Rachel Antonoff for Bass designs are perfection!

Red and white heart loafers!

Patent saddle shoes!

Hello kitty!  Yes, I do want you shiny white loafers with red tassled bows.

The heeled saddle shoes in pink and white and the florals are to die for. 

Right now I seem to have about 7 pairs that I must get!  But you can see the full lookbook on the the Bass Loves Rachel Antonoff page.

It's going to be a saucy spring.  I can't wait.

Oh, and follw Bass Love RA on Twitter too.