Footwear Flop

image source

You know what "hot" trend I'm totally over even before it hits the mainstream?  This flat platform bs.  It's chunky and unflattering to everyone.  Just stop already.  That is all.

Shoe Intrigue - Tibor

So I'm poking around on heels.com for fun on Friday afternoon when I come across this shoe:  the Tibor.  I can't stop looking at them.  I kind of want them, even though they are bordering between fabulous and absurd.  These little pretties also come in black and brown, but I really only would want white.  What do you think?  Love 'em or hate 'em?

Summer Shoes

image source

I need it to hurry up and be summer again so I can wear my new shoes.  They're white canvas with blue lobsters printed all over them.  I can't even tell you how excited I am to sport these bad boys around town.

The Shoes

I have decided on a shoe for the wedding!  After I wrote that post, I kept coming back to the blue Badgley Mischka Odell pumps over and over again.  I knew I was smitten.  They were about twice as much as I wanted to spend, but I knew in my heart that they were the ones.  Even though I hate it when people say, "Monica, they're so you!"  I have to admit, these shoes are so "me."

Notice the four-inch heel.  Do I get a pair of shoes with a lower heel and an ankle strap for all the booty-shaking I'll be doing later in the evening?  Maybe I just pack a pair of flip flops?

Bridal Shoes

I'm on the hunt for a shoe.  I'm going to need to have my dress fitted soon and it's important for me to make sure it will fall at the right length, which means having my shoes with me at the tailor.  The dress is a bright white satin with some bling on it.  It's sort of an "old hollywood" look.  I can't show a picture of it because Andrew reads this blog and I don't want to spoil the surprise.  He loves surprises... which is the opposite of me.  That being said, I don't think he'll care whether or not he sees my shoes ahead of time.  Here are some of the options I've come up with that are sort of in the right price range.

Traditional White:

Metallic: Silver/Pewter:

Blue to Coordinate with Wedding Colors:

These last ones aren't navy, but I think the antique blue would match the blue hydrangeas in my bouquet, so they made the list.  Not to mention they are gorgeous.  So there you have it.  Thoughts?

What I'm Wearing - Say It Loud

sources: necklace, earrings, dress, shoes

For those of you who know me, you already know I like to pair conservative clothing with crazy shoes.  Today was a page right out of that book.  I'm wearing a very conservative sheath dress, crazy red shoes, and then taking color cues from my shoes for my jewelry.  These shoes are oh, so much fun.

Here's the key to wearing sex-pot shoes without looking like you're asking for it: show as little skin as possible and absolutely no cleavage.  Today, I'm even wearing opaque black tights for this reason ...and because it's helping to cut the chill.

Fashion Update: Casual Cognac and Navy

sources: earrings, pendant, boots, dress

I noticed recently that many of the shoes I've acquired this year have been a cognac color.  Shoes I'd normally stroll right by have grabbed my attention in cognac.  It's such a warm casual look - lived in, natural, and comfortable.  I love it.  In fact, the dress I wore today was purchased specifically to work with my collection of warm leather boots and pumps. 

On another note, now that the weather seems to have turned, I'm feeling the urge for classic fall activities;  this morning I baked apple bread with cinnamon and nutmeg.  Once I get a free moment, I'd love to start quilting again.  Now that I have a new laptop (a generous gift from my loving fiance), the dinosaur of a cpu that used to take up over half of my desk can be put into storage and I will have a permanent place to set up my sewing machine.  Maybe I'll brew some pumpkin ale or hard cider this year.  I've been meaning to try that for ages.

Did I Mention I'm a Shoe Girl?

I had to do it.  I needed them.  Few shoes call to me in the way that these did.  They are sexy, a little naughty, and oh, so delicious.

source

It's the zipper on the back that really gets me.  They could *almost* be trashy (and I'll tell you, the black ones cross that line), but I think with the right outfit, they are a great Saturday afternoon shoe.  Here's what I put together:

sources: top, jeans, bracelet

If they're worn with faded jeans, a slouchy casual top, and a funky wood bracelet, they take on a weekend-in-the-city sort of vibe.  Couldn't you see me in this outfit at King's Hardware?  Yep, me too.

Black Boots

My friend Anika needs some black boots.  I've spent a little time pouring over my three fave shoe shopping websites and grabbed a selection.  Let's vote (in the comments section).

Under Go Bootie

found here

Foldover Bootie

found here

Daisy Doo Bootie

found here

Ava Bootie

found here

Ultimo Bootie

found here

Dos I Do Bootie

found here

Oxford Lace Up Patent Bootie

found here

Rosabella Bootie

found here

Ruffle Bootie

found here

Fiddle Bootie

found here

Propose Bootie

found here

Ruched Bootie

found here

And one more, which are open-toed and I know not what she wants, but they were funnnnn:

Kernal Bootie

found here

Ok Ani, are there any on the right track?  There were a ton more I passed over just because I didn't want to overwhelm this post.  Do we need a round two?  Leave your votes in the comments section.  I need to figure out how to get a vote button on my blog one of these days.

If My Girlfriends Were Shoes: Alexis Edition

get the shoes

Alexis is one of my nearest and dearest.  We've gone through a lot together and between study sessions in Mission Gardens, crying our eyes out at the marina in Barcelona, and somewhere in there becoming responsible adults, we've gotten ever closer.  She reminds me of a spangly gold stiletto sandal.  Classy dinner or party all night, Alexis is up for it and always has a great time.  She's leading tomorrow's generation by day, but after the students are out of sight she knows how to let loose.  Catch her in the right mood and she just might take you up on that crazy dare!

If My Girlfriends Were Shoes: Allison Edition

get the shoes

I had a couple glasses of wine with Allison at an old haunt of mine on Saturday night.  Got to talking about shoes - one of my favorite subjects.  She reminds me of a pair of sexy boots, good for any occasion, and kick-ass in all weather.  Meet me at a Saturday afternoon book signing at Elliot Bay?  Lookin' hot.  Party that night in a short skirt?  Yep.  Still hot.  Whether she's ordering her dim sum in Mandarin Chinese or sipping her whiskey at the end of the bar, this woman can hold her own.  That's why we love her.

If My Girlfriends Were Shoes: Sabina Edition

get the shoes

Sabina is a strong sexy woman.  She blazes her own path and looks hot every step of the way.  Architect, artist, and new wife, she's a renaissance woman and gets the naughty housewife nod for shoes.

If My Girlfriends Were Shoes: Koriann Edition

get the shoes

Koriann is bright and fun.  If she were s shoe, she'd be these adorable turquoise peeptoe slingbacks with a bow.  She's a classic design with a sweet feminine flourish.  Whether it's at the office, a garden party, or a night with the girls, she'll be there fresh faced with a treat in hand.

If My Girlfriends Were Shoes: Michela Edition

get the shoes

Michela is a busy lady.  She doesn't have extra time to go home and change for each facet of the day, so when she leaves the house in the morning, she's dressed to sway your vote, then drop in on an MBA networking event, followed by a fundraiser gala.  And that's a light day.

If My Girlfriends Were Shoes: Anika Edition

get the shoes

Anika takes it to the edge.  She knows when to push the fashion envelope just a little bit and how make it work.  She has the proverbial balls to pack up and leave the country just to do it, but she also understands the value of friends, family and a place to call home.  Ani, you rock.

If My Girlfriends Were Shoes: Kate Edition

get the shoes

Kate is perpetual sunshine.  Always classy in a dressed up casual sort of way, if she were a shoe, it would be this gladiator sandal taken up a notch.  I love the mix of greens on this shoe; it's so fresh and fun... like Kate.

If My Girlfriends Were Shoes: Abby Edition

get the shoes

Abby reminds me of the flirty 1950s.  If she were a shoe, she'd be this sassy little red number.  She'll bake you a cake and then head out for cocktails and salsa dancing. Cha cha cha.

Finding My Way In Fashion

 sources: trousers, sweater, handbag, shoes, earrings

A few years ago I realized I had terrible fashion sense.  Terrible.  In fact, I sent an urgent email out to my peers at the office describing my plight and asking for some style advice.  They all thought was hilarious, but I was serious.  I tried to dig it up out of the email archives so you'd be able to read the transcript, but alas, it's lost in the abyss.  Here's a paraphrase:

Ladies,
I need your help.  I just got a call from the 1990s and they want their pants back.  Every pair.  Right out of my closet.  Furthermore, every time I try to dress trendy or edgy, it ends in an uncomfortable frumpy disaster.  To ensure this daily fashion travesty goes on no longer, I need some tips and some serious weeding out of my wardrobe.  Please come to my rescue!  I beg of you!

I got a lot of polite responses that basically said, "Oh really?  I've never noticed you looking frumpy or 90s."  Puh-lease.  We all know that was not true.  You ladies were just too damn nice to tell me like it is.  I know what frumpy looks like.  I can't tell you how many times someone has said, "Hey Monica- this thing reminds me of you!" or "I saw this and immediately had to get it for you - it's just so you!" only to have it be depressingly out of date and/or dumpy.  I felt like Lola in Kinky Boots when Charlie presents her with a pair of  low-heeled burgundy boots.  She says:

Burgundy. Please, God, tell me I have not inspired something burgundy. Red. Red. *Red*. *Red*, Charlie boy. *Red*! Is the color of sex! Burgundy is the color of hot water bottles! Red is the color of sex and fear and danger and signs that say, Do. Not. Enter. All my favorite things in life. 

 source

That's pretty much my inner reaction too.  It's happened more than once, so I can only imagine that there was something about my style that was sending this message.  In the last two years I have taken some serious measures to refine my wardrobe to an acceptable collection.  It started with an $800 trip to Banana Republic where I bought some classic items of decent quality (including the trousers I'm wearing today).  I also "came to Jesus" about my inability to pull off anything trendy (no, Monica, it just won't work), and came up with my fashion mantra: If I time traveled to 1962 today, could I fit in?  The answer must always be yes.  I have also realized that if I wear a heel, which I do pretty much every day, it must be a stiletto - 3.5" or higher.  This may sound crazy to some, but if I get the right shoe, a 4" stiletto can actually be more comfortable to wear all day than a pair of flats.  Maybe that's just me.

My favorite shoe of all time is the Nine West Rocha Pump.  This shoe is amazing.  It's classic, sexy, and comfortable.  Seriously!  The slight platform gives the shoe support, and the inside is slightly padded, so it feels as though it's cradling my foot.

I currently have it in a dark brown snakeskin look, but I'd buy it in every color if I could afford it.  It is hands down the best shoe I've ever owned.  No contest.  If I could write a feel-good musical about this shoe, I would.  I'd take it straight to Broadway.

Speaking of shoes, I have a new obsession:  ShoeDazzle.  It's Kim Kardashian's online shoe club.  I want in.  So do you.  I can see it in that hungry look you have in your eyes.

 

Guess what. 

They've thought of everything.  You can give it as gifts to the ladies you love.  I've just done your birthday/Christmas shopping for you. I know of several inner circle girls who might get a visit from Monica the shoe fairy on her birthday this year.  Just sayin'.