Reverse heels?

Have you ever seen shoes that look like this?

(pic from Barneys.com, shoes from Jil Sander)

I guess when we wear heels, the arch actually does not touch the sole of the shoes. But still... This looks like it would be painful... 

Might have to make a trip to Barneys this weekend to find out!

Yeah! Gladiator!

I have finally gotten my gladiator sandals!  From none other than Reef. 

I've been so obsessed with getting a pair before our honeymoon in May. I've been searching for a pair for 20-30 minutes every day (what a waste of time, huh ?) And I was getting pretty discouraged that the ones that I liked were all $300+. I mean, I really want a pair, but I wasn't about to shell out that much for a pair. 

The Reefs are not my favorite design. I would have preferred a lighter color and a slightly more feminine design. But the Reef passes the test of having a classic look in brown without embellishments. It's surprising how few classic unembellished brown sandals are out there - most are metallic or have fancy embellishments. The best part of the Reefs (besides the affordability) is that they are so comfortable and well equipped for long treks. Definitely a bonus that I can forgo my ugly Tevas in favor of my new gladiator sandals.

Gladiator complex

The highest item on my shopping list this spring is the gladiator sandal. 

Only problem is, I don't want to spend too much money on it. But some pricey options have caught my eye once again! (My fav is the middle one. But alas, it's the most expensive one....)

(pics from Shopbop.com L to R: Antik Batik, Scorah Pattullo, Pollini)

More black pumps

(pics from Barneys.com L to R: Prada, Lanvin, Christian Louboutin, Louboutin, Miu Miu, Guiseppe Zanotti, Chloe,  Bottega Veneta, Manolo Blahnik)

Classic black pumps

My friend Jess and I talked about classic black pumps last night over some wine. 

We both noted how we've been buying all these boots, flats, sandals etc. And that it has been a while since we've bought a pair of classic black pumps.  So I scoured the net for a few. 

Note to Jess: The Loeffler Randalls are the ones I was telling you about last night. They also make those in a snake embossed print, which are awesome!

(Pics from Shopbop.com L to R: Loeffler Randall, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs)

Something for St. Paddy's Day

Wanna add some green to your wardrobe?

(L to R: Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Marc Jacobs)

{Spring 08} Loeffler Randall

My favorite shoe purchases from last year have been from Loeffler Randall. Their shoes are fashionable yet really comfy. 

Good news for me is, the styles haven't changed that much from last year so I guess my last years purchases are still very very wearable. Bad news (for my pocketbook) is that there are some new shoes that need to be in my closet!

(Photos from LoefflerRandall.com)

Shoe lust...

{Spring 08} Marc Jacobs

Really not feeling the dresses at the Oscars this year. Somehow everything seems blah. 

So I went on a search to find something that wasn't blah and found these colorful Marc Jacob patent heels and flats. 

(images from Barneys.com)

My favorite is the gray.  

So I guess I can't fault all the stars for being kinda blah?

Traveling shoes?

Can't wait to be in Madrid next weekend. 

But before that happens and I need to get some work done. But more importantly, I need to plan my outfits and pack!

Actually, years of traveling and packing have given me a pretty good idea of what to pack for a weekend getaway. A pair (or two) of jeans, slacks, a dress, a few tops, a couple sweaters and a scarf and I am good to go. The difficult part in packing is actually the shoes. Especially, the comfy shoes needed for all the museums and street strolls....

Years of living abroad have taught me one thing. No matter how comfy it is, do not wear shoes only for comfort. They really scream tourist and unfashionable from a mile away. Can't remember how many times I've seen Tevas and New Balances and thought "... tourists". If you don't care, I guess it doesn't matter, but when I travel, I really love just blending into the cityscape and experiencing the city like a native. 

On the other hand, you really can't sacrifice fashion for comfort (at least at my age). Or else you'll be experiencing the city in pain, rather than in peace and joy. 

 

So here are the options for me, given my current shoe inventory. 

(images from Shopbop.com: L to R- Loeffler Randall, Simple, Erotokritos)

Not exactly the same as the shoes in my closet but close enough...

Most likely that I will wear the boots and take all two options along with a pair of pumps and flip-flops. For the most part, I am guessing five pairs of shoes will cover the whole three days. 

But five pairs are a lot and I feel like there has to be a better way to travel with shoes.  

Any suggestions for fashionable yet really comfy shoes?

I want!

At Shopbop.com (from L to R: Botkier, Loeffler Randall, Pollini Studio)

In the mood for python?

I've been loving python and these Miu Miu heels are on sale at Barneys! Still not cheap but doesn't hurt to look.

(Miu Miu heels at Barneys New York)

I'll be wearing my Aigle wellies!

As the snow from the last snowfall just started melting, a new storm has moved into the Chicago area. Already, things are pretty nasty with the slush on the ground with more slush coming down. But it might be catastrophic when all the slush freezes with the cold moving in tonight and the heavy snowfall that is forecasted for tomorrow and the rest of the week. 

Hmmm...... What to do? I guess I'll be staying at home the next couple days, especially since all the meetings have been cancelled anticipating the nasty weather (which is actually a first. Chicagoans usually never cancel due to the winter weather. We're tough!) And if I have to go out, I guess I'll be wearing my wellingtons. If the winters in Chicago have taught me one thing it is that you can't wear nice shoes in the snow. The roads can get pretty icy, but more importantly, the salt eats through the leather. I have winter boots, hiking boots, , but the best shoes for the snowy weather are the wellingtons. 

Somehow in the past few years wellingtons have become pretty fashionable with everyone from Gucci and Marc Jacobs to Gap designing one. Gucci did a fantastic job at designing as well as all the esteemed designers at Gap, but I am guessing they are more for show than for use? In weather like Chicago, you really need something functional.  Like my Aigles. 

Cute huh? 

Aigle is not a designer brand, but rather a "genuine outdoor goods" brand. Many of their gear are actually made for fishermen, gardeners etc. But their boots are as cute as many of the designer brands, hence being sold even in fashionable clothing stores. The difference though is that Aigles are meant to perform and last. The best combination!