Flat Feet

 

With my recent job, I am constantly running around the building, going to meetings, grabbing samples, and crouching on the floor building inspiration boards. Needless to say, it's a very active job where I am constantly on my feet. I used to be able to wear sky high heels all day long, but sometimes, my feet just get so tired. I was browsing my very minimal flats collection and realized I need an update. Even if I just wear flats walking to work, they still need to look fashionable! I was browsing online and fell in love with the Madewell flats (most items pictured above). I recently purchased the Steve Madden loafers in royal purple (bottom, middle image), and can't wait to receive them in the mail. Hopefully they treat me well.

Random Musing of the Day

My roommate sent me this link on nymag.com and one word came to mind: seriously? I understand Louboutins are highly regarded in the fashion community, but sometimes I feel that designers overextend themselves and decide it would be a great idea to put something out there. Is it because they think that any cousumer would buy it because of the famous brand or is it really an artistic expression from the designer himself? To be honest, I don't see any fashionable woman (unless she's an oddball like Lady Gaga or a shoe collector) wearing these shoes. Why would you want to look like a fiesty feline? If you ask me, I think they're a little too much "grr."

Men's Edition: Desert Boots

Since I work for a retail company, I can't help but notice the different styles that the Levi's employees sport around the workplace. Lately, these desert boots have been everywhere. It's not casual like a converse sneaker, but it's also not too dressy either. It has the perfect balance of stylish yet work appropriate. I'm currently loving the blue and orange suede shoes--very Spring and a great departure from muted colors.

Stepping into Spring

I found myself wearing dresses and shorts these past couple weeks, despite the frigid, temperamental San Francisco weather.  I am so ready for the warm weather and have already been on the hunt for summer wedges. I recently bought these Halogen wedges from Nordstrom (center picture below) and can't wait to receive them in the mail and to wear them all around town!

wedge heaven by stylistadiaries featuring platform wedges

If the Shoe Fits...

I usually don't pay for anything full price because I simply know it will always go on sale. I have been eying these 4 inch Elizabeth and James cut out woven ankle boots for months and when I saw them featured on the discount online retailer Hautelook, I absolutely had to have them. Not only were they so cute, but they were deeply discounted--from $$454 to $180. Score!

When I originally tried to place these shoes into my shopping cart, they were on hold--which I'm sure a lot of you have had the same frustrating experience. Do you wait, shop around, and hope that they magically become available?! My adrenaline started to kick in and I spent the next half hour frantically, yet strategically (a little trick/secret that I picked up), trying to place those size 6's into my cart, and was ultimately successful. I received them yesterday and immediately switched out my shoes and wore them around the office. They were pretty comfortable; however, I felt a little blister forming. I applied my vaseline secret and the crisis was averted. These shoes are finally mine!

a tad blurry but there will be outfit posts soon

I Love The Plastics

On Sunday, I spent another day in the Marina, having amazing sandwiches and catching an afternoon movie (Eclipse to be exact!). Afterwards, we trekked to Hayes Valley to indulge in macaroons and walk around the neighborhood. I entered a frou frou looking boutique and picked up the first pair of shoes I could find. I flipped them over and saw that the price tag was $500. There was no way I was going to be spending money in there. As I continued browsing, the sales associate informed me that everything, yes EVERYTHING in the store was 50% off. How could a girl resist such a deep discount?

I scanned the shoe section and saw these cute plastic Vivenne Westwood Melissa Ultra flats. Who knew "cute" and "plastic" would ever be in the same sentence? I especially love the tortoise shell colored bow and the tiny peeptoe. The best part is that I scored them for only $65 (originally $130). They are easy on my soles and so versatile--like Dita Von Teese below, you can dress it up and wear them with a chic black trench or with casual slouchy pants like Carey Mulligan.

Shoe Fetish Anonymous?

I love wandering aimlessly at the mall. You have absolutely no agenda to buy something, and then you find something so cute that you must have it right now! I stumbled across a pair of DV Dolce Vita shoes at Macys a few weekends ago, and they were on sale for $49; sadly, they were not in my size. Then I was on a mission. I HAD to have them--no matter what! I ran over to Nordstrom and was so excited when I spotted them on display, only to find out that the last pair in my size were damaged. Feeling a bit dejected, I went home thinking of an alternate plan. Just for kicks, I tried nordstrom.com and not only were the shoes available online, and not only were they available in my size, but they were discounted for (brace yourself!) $19.50! The shoe gods loved me that day. I quickly punched in my credit card and they arrived in the mail yesterday. Needless to say, it was a successful purchase. I have a shoe problem, but then again, what girl doesn't?

5 inch heels? No Big Deal

Went to TJ Maxx today to do some shopping for some decorative housewares, and of course, I got distracted and found these great 5 inch Vince Camuto heels and for only $69.99 (originally $120). I picked the last pair in my size and made a mad dash for the register, as I couldn't wait to try them on at home. They fit perfectly and are oh-so comfortable. I had dinner at such a casual restaurant tonight, but I still found the need to wear these out. I figured this was my hour of glamour for the day, considering I wore flats all day. Sometimes I think I was born in heels!

I'm on a Boat, Bitch!

My first pair!

Summer Love #3: Boat shoes. I am a preppy girl at heart and I think these are absolutely adorable. Big Pony Ralph Lauren polo shirt, shorts, boat shoes = perfect East Coast attire. I can picture myself on a yacht right now. I was shopping online at Zappos and spotted all these patent leather Sperry top-siders and fell in love: orange, lavender, and yellow, oh my! I was about to purchase a pair when my Director at work reminded me that Levi's made their own version of boat shoes. I called my contact and got a navy pair over-nighted to me and they were on my feet the next day. These will definitely be a summer staple!

A plethora of Sperry's

Picture of the Day: Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte

I was in the Opening Ceremony store in Soho and saw these amazing Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte shoes for Summer 2010. I instantly snapped a pic (and was instantly reprimanded by the sales associate, mind you) and I had to share it with you guys! They are nearly $2,000 and look insanely crazy tall, but I would totally rock these on the streets. Wouldn't you?

In Suspense

I was cleaning out my old magazines when I stumbled across this Elle magazine with Victoria Beckham rocking suspenders. I have been indifferent with suspenders, but after working with them during the Levi's photo shoot, I think it breeds such understated sexiness without overdoing it. Not sure if I could pull this look off, but I appreciate it for what it is!

Lauren Conrad

Luella Runway Show

Kiera Knightly

Ashlee Simpson

I think the best way to wear this look is with something really casual. I always associate this look with the "hipster" scene, and would look great with a pair of skinnies and oxfords. I'm also digging the straw fedora, but would avoid over accessorizing. Avoid having the suspender straps from being too tight, or you could even look like a caged animal. Keep the fit relaxed and even a bit slouchy if possible.

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