Last spring I had a minor love-affair with my Postman. Meaning I waited not-so-patiently by the mailbox everyday for a week until he delivered a box full of spring footwear. Unfortunately, I am not waiting for the same box this year. But, I have been pining away in my shoe-closet, waiting for the non-snowy, non-slushy, non-rainy day when I can wear these beauties again. Please bless Spring comes quickly! My feeties won’t be able to go much longer without some peep-toe wedges and some spring colors! I mean, I’m all about having multiple pairs of black shoes; but sometimes a girl just needs to wear something in emerald-green suede! Or these gorgeous embroidered mary-janes. I need a change in weather so I can swap out my (drab, boring, completely unoriginal) winter footwear for something considerably more fabulous!
Absolutely fantastic with a sky-high wedge and a snake-skin looking print on the straps.
Red satin straps and tiny little buckles. These absolutely qualify as lingerie for your feet; I miss these shoes! Dear Spring, hurry up!
Swoon! I wanted these shoes for over a year before I took the plunge and bought them. $120 for Emerald Green shoes seemed a bit extreme when I wasn’t planning on visiting Oz anytime soon. But $40 on clearance in Santa Monica was the highlight of last January!
Spring just isn’t spring without a pair of mary-janes spangled with embroidered Mexican flowers. A goal for this spring: find more reasons to wear these shoes! Mmmm, maybe with a white eyelet shirtdress, or a pale blue cashmere sweater.
What are you going to be wearing this spring?
The other day I was standing in front of my closet, post-shower and still wrapped in a towel; and for the first time, despite about a completely color-coordinated, two-level closet, it occured to me that I have nothing to wear. Seriously? No really. Nothing. If I could leave the house in nothing but a pair of heels and a fabulous trench, I’d be set! I have a large and exciting selection of funky, eclectic, surprising and all-together show-stopping shoes and coats…but because I’m not trying to jump-start a career as a flasher, I need to add an outfit in there somewhere. Granted, I have piles and piles of clothes but they seem completely stale to me! I need someone to look at my closet and pick out new outfits for me; I need someone to rearrange everything and see what new combinations they can come up with. Any volunteers? Any suggestions? Is there a fail-proof method of revamping a closet without spending hundreds of dollars?
Also? I need to figure out what I want for Spring. Yes, it is snowing and there is no possible way a cute flirty skirt, a short-sleeved jacket and peep-toe wedges will make the cut this week, or this month…or even next month. However, I stopped by the mall today and the ONLY thing in any store is short and flirty and filmy and absolutely adorable, but completely inappropriate for 15 degrees and four feet of snow. Remember seeing pictures of celebrities bundled up at Sundance? Yeah, that’s MY town. It’s cold here. And snowy. And silk and chiffon just doesn’t cut it.
And lastly, why is it so difficult to find a kick-ass black, pointy toe heel? I am not complicated, I just want it to be perfect. I want 4″ of height, pointy toes, nice scoop for ultimate toe-cleavage, and preferably an ankle strap so I can run in them. Apparently this shoe is not to be found, at least not in a size 10.
So, this being said; if you happen to have any brilliant ideas on revamping my entire wardrobe, please send them my way. And, most importantly, if you happen to come across any amazing black heels, please send the link a.s.a.p.
I know it’s generally bad form to write about the weather, so I am apologizing in advance for this introductionary paragraph. However, this morning while I went to work it was a beautifully gorgeous day; those type of winter days that make you hopeful that the rest of February will not be hell with a side of slushy-ickiness. The air was clear, the sky was bright blue, there was a bit of a breeze; all-together a lovely day. I practically skipped out to my car. A few hours later I happened to poke my head above the walls of cubiville and was shocked to see the sky was completely black, and the wind was blowing like crazy (seriously, it hit 100 miles per hour in some places!) and the clouds were so low and so thick I swear I couldn’t see the tops of some of the buildings across the block. It was, in conclusion, the beginnings of a Big Fat Nasty Storm. Within fifteen minutes snow and slush and ice were whistling through the streets at wonky, perpendicular angles. The wind was whipping around the buildings, turning the hail-like snow into rock-hard clouds of frozen moisturey stuff that pelted the windows. I coudn’t help but say a little prayer thanking whomever is responsible for the lovely covered (and surrounded by thick, concrete walls) parking spot I now call mine. (Seriously? THANK YOU!)
In lieu of attempting to drive home for some lunch, I decided I should probably leave Miss Daisy safely tucked in the parking garage; which left me with two choices. Choice A: Starve. Choice B: Brave the elements and walk the one-and-a-half blocks to my favorite sandwich place, which happens to serve my favorite soup on Mondays. Tough choice, but being the type of girl that I am, I chose the sandwich.
Now, remember how it was a fantastically beautiful day this morning? I almost forgot about the storm; and definitely did not wear “trudge through six inches of sludge” shoes to work. Not even close! I did, however, have my “snow slippers” in my car. I wrapped up as best I could (coat, scarf, gloves. check.) switched my black, satin slingbacks for my snow shoes and headed outside.
What are snow slipper-shoes? Well, they are only The! Best! Invention! EVER! Granted, I think they are technically just regular bed-time slippers, but they happen to work out splendidly in whatever Big Fat Nasty Storm the weather demons happen to send along. Round trip, I trudged 3 city blocks in a raging blizzard and, even without any socks, managed to keep warm, dry feet. And under the circumstances, may I add, absolutely fashionable footsies. What do you think?
Pro’s:
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Excellent traction in slippery or snowy conditions
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High enough platform to keep my feet (and the hems of my pants!) out of the slush and snow
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Super warm and fuzzy
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Fantastic leopard print (other colors also available)
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Faux fur is PETA approved
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Surprisingly water-proof. I wouldn’t take them on my next SCUBA trip, but for ankle-deep slush they were marvelous!
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Feel like you are walking on air; incredibly comfortable
Con’s:
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….
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…….
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(cricket)
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….hm, look at that. No Con’s.
From now on I deem these togs my footwear of choice for wintery blizzards.
Filed under: Shoe Addict
If you were me, and you knew you were going to see an x-boyfriend tomorrow night, and you knew you wanted to look absolutely fantastic, would you poll the internet for shoe advice? That’s what I thought, of course you would!
Alright, here’s the scoop. I am going to a play tomorrow night, and a little bird told me that a certain x of mine (not naming names, because it doesn’t really matter) will also be in attendance. Handsome V. is going with me, which will be lovely, but I am in desperate need of some kick-ass shoes. So, I am sharing part of my closet with the internet, in hopes that you will pick the perfect pair for me. (Note: all have four-inch heels; that’s just how I roll. There will not be any concern with tripping in said four-inch heels because, hello, I have Barbie feet.)
Outfit A: My most favorite dark, skinny-but-not-too-skinny jeans, a black v-neck sweater with a black lacy tank peeking out.
Shoe Option 1:
Shoe Option 2:
Shoe Option 3:
Shoe Option 4: 
Outfit B: My most favorite dark, skinny-but-not-too-skinny jeans with a creamy tank and this short-puffy sleeve jacket in cream, tan and gold brocade that is absolute perfection. Edit to add: Due to quite incredible demand; here is a pic of the jacket. Please discuss amongst yourselves and let me know. xox
Jacket:
Shoe Option: 
Alright Internet, you have come to my rescue before when I needed fashion, and specifically shoe-related advice, so please, for the love of all things that are holy (in this case, that is any piece of footwear that will elevate me four inches closer to heaven), Choose My Shoes! I leave this very important matter in your hands, or rather, at your fingertips.
I have been to San Francisco several times in the last year (ok, make that eleven. wow!) but in all those trips to The City, I never managed to fully explore the fabled shopping… or even really get a taste. This weekend, that was fixed. And while I didn’t purchase much I did see a LOT of absolutely adorable things that were almost right, ones that nearly fit and a plethora of shoes that were so so so great – but not quite right for me. We went downtown and I found a few pairs of pants that I loved so much I just had to take them home (3 pairs of wide leg dress pants that are long enough to wear with heels and have a slight stripe, or plaid, or whatever). We went to Haight-Ashbury and wandered around the hippie-punk boutiques and second-hand stores. We wandered down Fillmore and I found my store, literally:
Now, Heidi’s had a lot of fantastically adorable shoes – but nothing that I fell in love with – so after a photo and a happy sigh, we were on our way. Now, I know there are several of you that I know (and probably many that I don’t know) who assume that my well-being revolves around shopping, shoes, and/or shoe-shopping. And the fact of the matter is it’s just not true. Yes, I love shoes. Yes, I love shopping. And yes, the combination of the two will almost always lift my mood – but that doesn’t necessarily mean I always have to buy new shoes to feel better, nor does it mean that everytime I am feeling down I log onto Piperlime and click-up a storm. Alright, that being said: Friday & Saturday’s shopping trips were awesome! I loved looking at all the different fabrics and shapes and all the funky funky stuff that passes as “high fashion” in The Haight. Fan-freaking-tastic.
NEXT POST FROM SAN FRANCISCO: Love Affair on a Saturday Night
Filed under: Shoe Addict
I know several of you have been waiting for a shoe post; specifically, THE shoe post. Well, I’m working on it, it’s coming I promise. But I decided as a little shoe teaser, that I’d post pictures of the shoes I am taking with me to California. Are you ready for this? There are several different activities we will be doing; everything from taking a canoe out on a lake to going out on the town, to spending the day in San Francisco. Which means I will most likely need an extra suitcase for my shoes. I have done a little figuring (with charts and graphs and quadrants) and I have narrowed my footwear down to a few essentials (and I use the term “essentials” very liberally, just by the way). Are you ready? Ok, here it goes:
Red satin straps with a teeny buckle at the ankle, these are like lingerie for your feet. Will be wearing them with jeans and a white ruffly shirt to go shopping and with with an adorable polka-dot dress to go out on the town.
One of my favorite pairs of shoes – and surprisingly, one of my most comfortable heels. These will be worn with dark, skinny jeans to go out for sushi and with a bright yellow dress to go to church. Love love love these shoes!
These shoes were purchased as an early birthday present for Miss Daisy. Yes, I bought new shoes for my car. What? She’s yellow, these are yellow, it’s a perfect fit! Besides, she’s two years old next week and it would be rude to miss her birthday! These will be paired with a gray striped shirt and a bright yellow pendant (with a hot pink patent clutch, love it!). They may look like insanely high heels – but they are actually really comfortable.
Perfect for running around San Francisco; they are cute, comfy and will look great with my favorite “short” jeans (meaning I can’t wear them with 4″ heels) and a red tshirt. Thank you, Nordstrom Rack.
For the canoe trip… I am still a little nervous about this. I heard about it for the first time last night and was also told that my two co-pilot’s have never been able to take a canoe out and not capsize it. Which means a couple of things: Firstly, I needed a waterproof shoe that would stay on my foot in the likely event that I am lurched in the lake. Secondly, I will not be taking pictures on previously mentioned canoe due to the non-waterproof-ness of my camera. Thirdly, I will probably have to find my swim suit… something I had conveniently “lost” almost a year ago. And lastly, I’m sure it will make for a great blog post (sans capsizing photographic evidence), so stay tuned!Filed under: All about me, Run! Run! Run! just as fast as you can..., Shoe Addict, There and Back Again
I am not the type of person who actively searches out activities, events or lifestyle choices that give me that rush of adrenaline, the flood of endorphins or whatever other chemical reaction that produces a natural high. It’s not in my nature to jump off sky scrapers, or out of airplanes, or something just to get a little buzz. Although, I wouldn’t expressly rule it out of my entire future. Who knows, maybe bungee-jumping from skyscrapers is going to be the next big thing in New York and Chicago – they could market it in conjunction with Spiderman 4.
On occasion I will actually complete all the minimal tasks to get my butt out the door and running up the canyon. (Locate running shoes, locate socks, change into sports bra, tie on running shoes, grab mace, water bottle, cell phone and i.d. and head out the door…. that’s a lot of steps. I am easily distracted by a book, magazine, chocolate, phone call, or just about anything shiny.) And while running usually makes me feel better, it is kind of a dull warm fuzzy, not a sudden spike in adrenaline that usually results in pumping fists into the air and making noises that resemble a cave-man (hello, have you seen an End Zone dance? Absolute Neanderthals, all of them.) However, most of my “natural high” type feelings do not come from physical activity – it comes from lining up all the spices in alphabetical order, or reorganizing my bookshelf by color and size, or seeing my DVD’s in a perfectly straight row starting with A Beautiful Mind and ending with When Harry Met Sally. I get giddy when I shop for shoes, and the hunt for the perfect pump is more exhilarating to me than parachuting out of an airplane. Similarly, finding a steal on airfare makes my heart go pitter-pat, and I even get a sick and twisted thrill from making it through airport security without being pulled aside, or given the full stare-down by the enormous guy at the metal detector thing. I love the idea of meeting new people, new possibilities, new experiences. In fact, most of my rushes are based in expanding my world and learning to appreciate the small things in life; red suede heels, chocolate truffles, a truly beautiful sunset, lemon madelines, a single daisy from a new boy or a spontaneous kiss.
Alright – so what is the reasoning behind this post? Well, here’s the thing: I haven’t bought shoes in over a week. The buzz from purchasing plane tickets has worn off. My spices and DVDs are already in order and it’s just too damn hot to go running. My favorite bakery for madelines is closed for relocation and I finished my last chocolate truffle from Chicago last night. Work is crazy-insane this week and I guess I just need a little pick-me-up, and all my usual tricks aren’t working. I was hoping some kind of reflective post would give me a little perspective… but mostly it is just convincing me that I need to get excited about something again. Alright, here it goes – two steps in a positive direction….. ummm… ok. Ahem.
I am going back to California tomorrow, although I am more dreading the piles of laundry threatening to take over my closet than excited about the prospect of going to a new city with a new boy. That sounds horrible. And it’s probably untrue. I am not excited about laundry, but I am very much looking forward to spending a few days in Sacramento. Take a little break from work, ignore my email completely for 4 days (yikes! that sounds a little scary, actually!) and just enjoy myself. On Thursday night we -the boy and I- have tickets to see a play and on Saturday we are going to take a daytrip to San Francisco. Favorite. City. Ever.
Today is a holiday in Utah. Huh? Yes, it’s true. The 24th of July rivals the 4th of July in terms of celebration, parade and fireworks. Businesses are closed, doctors take the day off, banks are even closed. The streets downtown are blocked off for the parade and people started camping out last night to reserve a good spot in the shade. Rodeo’s have been held all week long as well as a beauty pageant, a handful of state-fair type activities and just about anything else you can imagine for a major celebration in the West. Ok, so you are probably wondering what on earth this holiday is, yes? Well, on July 24, 1847 the first Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake valley and began to lay out their city. They founded the State of Deseret, which at the time was independent of the United States. Also called Pioneer Day or The Days of ’47, the 24th of July is essentially a celebration of the founding of the state and the settlement of the Mormon pioneers.
Which is lovely, but here’s what it means to me. Paid. Day. Off. There are several things I love to do on holidays; most of which have been or will be accomplished today. I stayed up late last night reading a new book (finished it around 5 am) and slept in. (Item number one: check!) I spent most of the morning taking pictures of ALL of my shoes for the great Shoe Album that was supposed to have been started over Memorial Day but was delayed due to a semi-serious case of the flu. (Item number two: check!) I have every intention of rearranging my bedroom and taking a scrub-brush to the kitchen. (Item number three: check!) Later this afternoon I will most likely attend a BBQ and then watch the fireworks tonight (Items number four and five: check! check!) Which basically means, this holiday is looking to be quite fantastic! I didn’t watch the parade this morning (remember the 5 am readathon?) but I vaguely remember the roar of the fighter jets as the buzzed the parade route.
What would you do on a Tuesday holiday?
North of the Chicago river, Michigan Avenue is known as the Magnificent Mile and is lined with every fancy store you can imagine. Prada, Burberry, Coach, Tiffany, Gucci, Versace… it’s like a window shopping orgy! And yes, I willingly (and happily) participated. And I may have accidentally gone into Kenneth Cole. I couldn’t help it! They had a “SALE” sign in the window! And while I was (accidentally) there, I may or may not have found the most gorgeously funky pair of shoes, ON SALE! 
Soft navy leather with brown suede trim, over a 4″ heel, funky straps and snazzy buckles; it was love at first sight! Besides, did I mention they were on sale? Original price: $265. My price: $76.97 with tax. That’s correct, something like 75% off! And besides, they are the perfect fall shoe! And may I just say one thing before certain someone’s start chastising me for my footwear addiction? While in Chicago there are certain things one must experience: Steak, Shopping, Sights, Sports, etc. My Steak was paid for by The Company, the Sights I went to were free and I rarely watch Sports. Which means Shopping was my one place to splurge – and I carefully selected a single item (see picture above) and decided that was all I would bring home. Granted, most of that reasoning had something to do with suitcase restrictions – but even so. I was really really good on this trip! And my shoes are fantastic!NEXT POST FROM CHICAGO: Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge
So, I wish I had some fascinating story to impart, some bit of fantastic hilarity. But, unfortunately, I have spent the last 2 days in bed with a cold. There is nothing worse than being sick while you are on vacation. I totally feel your pain!) I was planning on rearranging my shoe closet and photographing it for you to admire. I was planning on doing something remotely productive. Instead I have been watching some of my favorite movies (Pretty Woman, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, When Harry Met Sally) and flipping through magazines. In actuality, it’s been quite nice. The constant feeling of exploding sinuses has been less nice, but the time to myself has been, well, lovely. So, I’m afraid that my shoe closet overhaul will take a little longer than anticipated. Sigh.
