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…

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

Sweetie Pies

I don't need any new sandals or wedges or pink shoes for summer but how sweet are these cuties from Old Navy???

I love the 1970s styling and pink and red combo.  I also love the knot details.  These are perfect for jeans and dress.  And for $28, I could get the black and white version too!

A-dor-a-BOWS!

I'm so sorry to have left you with those hideous monstrosities over the weekend.

Here is a refreshingly adorable palate cleanser in the form of bow-tie sandals from Gianvito Rossi.

They really are too cute for words!!!  I can't wait to wear them!

Searching for Forever

Happy Hearts Day!!!

You know I love a good heart heel, so how smitten was I when I saw these beautiful heels from Charlotte Olympia, aptly named "Forever"

Here's to a love that lasts forever... and not just a love of shoes....

Pre-order "Forever" from Charlotte Olympia - £660

Would you... - YSL Rubber Tribute Pump

I have a few pairs of the Melissa shoes, know for their bubblegum smell, fun designs and, of course, rubber materials.

But would you expect to see jelly rubber and YSL together?  Neither did I.

Modeled after their classic sandal heels, these are super high and on a platform, which combined with what their made of, makes me a bit scared!

Would you wear a pair of heels in rubber and such precarious ones too?

YSL Rubber Tribute-Last Sandal - $495 at Bergdorfs.

Shoe Search: Manolo Blahnik Abrocado Sandal

Missed connections. Ships passing in the night. Late arrivals.

I somehow missed seeing these adorable Manolo Blahnik sandals and now my size is nowhere to be found. Such a pretty pink satin paired with the softest dove grey velvet bow and milky iridescent rhinestones.

Pretty Abrocado, why aren't you mine???

Ensemble du Jour - Color and Stripes

I didn't realize that it was going to be so chilly in New York (or in NC for that matter) in mid-May.  I'm so glad I ended up packing my vintage red trench.  It was the perfect weight, went with everything, is a great bright color and waterproof!

I wore it paired with my new JCrew Maritime dress and Franco Sarto sandals plus a woven belt from Target.

The best part of this dress, aside from the comfy slightly-heavyweight fabric, are the side zippers.   I love having them totally unzipped to make the dress even swingier.

These sandals are also perfect with the dress.  A great neutral contrast to the bold colors.

Measuring Up

I like what you've done here, Mr. Louboutin.  Pretty clever.  Most women don't mind having a measuring tape near their feet.

Christian Louboutin "Police" Measuring Tape Sandals - at Neiman Marcus - $795

Spring in my Step

While I'm very excited and pining for the Prada and Miu Miu spring shoes, I'm a bit smitten by the playful polka-dots of their Resort sandals. The whole collection is great.  I'd love to have matching shorts and color coded neck puff as well.

The blue heels are available at Bergdorf Goodman for $495

The red heels are available at Saks for $495

Net-a-Porter has a nice selection from this collection as well - from scarves to skirts

Eeewwww!!!!

I probably shouldn't be so harsh.

I'm sure there's a dress or some cropped pants that these would look great with.

But for me, it's a big "Eeeeeewwwww!!!!"

I'm sorry, Prada. I'll love you anyways.

Prada Perforated Raffia Wedge - on sale for $275 (from $690)

Imitation = Flattery?

While I was on Twitter today I received an update from Lucky (@LuckyMagazine) talking about their online store and how the items were "curated by their editors". So I thought I would take a peek at what they had out there.

I opened the site and saw this and was immediately shocked. Why? See that sparkly bejeweled sandal...



Here's a closer look...




Yes, it is a total knock-off (rip-off!) by BCBG of the Miu Miu Capretto sandal from the Resort 2007/2008 line. I even wrote about them... and ordered them (but I ended up returning them. Sad face.)

I know these are a few seasons back and the price difference is significant but I'm surprised that a major fashion publication is knowingly promoting these shoes that are obvious and less well executed lifts from Miu Miu's designs. Is it possible that they didn't notice it? Or did Dillards (where these sandals are being sold) just buy space on the Lucky site and this over-rode the whole authenticity of the "curated" statement.

Which would be worse to you - lying, ignorance, theft? I'd love your thoughts.

Lela Rose for Payless - Spring 2010

As we've seen, the designer & mass merchandiser collaborations have been kind of sucking lately. Which is really disappointing because there is great opportunity to do cute design at a mass-retail level.

And we know it's doable. The Mizrahi collection did it well for a number of years at Target. Heck, Merona and Mossimo have done well there for ages too. I've bought tons of clothes and shoes from there.

But it's really changed lately. Either they've had to cut back on design & quality due to economic conditions or they really don't think we'll notice.

Well, people are noticing. I'm sure that's why they've changed the whole Go International program. Of course, it becomes a vicious cycle - we don't buy it, they cheapen it up to cut costs, so we don't buy it, etc.

Luckily there is one collaboration that seems to at least be making an effort and that I still think is doing a good job - Lela Rose for Payless.

I often get the snob label placed on me, especially when it comes to shoes. That I only like or buy expensive stuff. And frankly, that's not true at all. I totally judge each shoe individually. If I like (or don't like) the looks of a shoe, I don't care who makes it. And I have to say, most of the time, I'm a fan of this line.

And the Spring 2010 collection seems like it will have several pieces that I will want to get. My favorite is this style called Bently in a really pretty citrine fabric and twist bow.



The other colors are really pretty too... fuchsia, stone, taupe...

I really hope they keep the height they were shown in. Payless does tend to "tone down" the designs between runway and store and I really wish they wouldn't.

I also really like the casual and sort of preppy wedge sandal Ashland which comes in cute combos like the black and white gingham with green accents, the cross-hatched circles with taupe and the modern geometric pattern with black.

The Zephyr cross-strap sandal is cute too, especially the delicate ankle straps.

I like the citrine pattern again but also the solids in the fuchsia and navy.

There are a few other styles that are cute too, including a multi-strap wedge and a elegant heeled sandal, so check them out here.

I'm really looking forward to trying them on. The styles will be available in February per the site.

Simply Fierce

I love color and wear everything from bright blue to lavender to bright pink all the time but I also have a great love for wearing all black. It just lets the graphic nature of certain pieces stand out in a way they just would not when mixed with more colorful options.

Yesterday, with my Aldo shoes and and black lace stockings was an all black day and I did it again today. It's funny how some of the best outfits just sort of happen on their own. All I was thinking about was wearing my new Camilla Skovgaard Chastity heels, that had just arrived, and something comfortable and warm because the weather here was rainy and nasty.

I pulled out a this black jersey dress from Target that I love so much I have 2 of and my Forever21 sequin hoodie. Black sequins!






For some reason, these pieces must have worked really well together because I was getting compliments left and right. Maybe it was the all black, the shiny sequins and the cut of the neckline all together.

Guess I'll be wearing that combo again.

Of course the totally fierce (Yeah, I said it. Probably one of the very rare times you'll hear me use the word) heels helped too.

These shoes are amazing. Unusual. Edgy. Comfortable and well made. Why have I not bought this brand before?!?

Picture overload, I know!

So I'm a total Camilla fan now and know whose shoes I will be targeting to add more of to my closet!

If you like these, I got them at Saks, but I've also see them at Shopbop too.