And a Happy New Year!

I got towels for Christmas this year. They are quite lovely and will be a wonderful replacement for our current towels but the fact remains... towels. It's true: I am supremely ungrateful and bratty.

I went to bed dreaming of shoes, not towels, and woke up at 4:30 on Boxing Day, hopeful of some deals, despite the fact I don't really need anything. I (stylishly) trudged downtown a few hours later ready to push my way through hungover shoppers. It was much more crowded than Black Friday, probably because second cut sales are quite a bit steeper.

As soon as the doors were open I moved my way past everything and focused on shoes. I was glad to do so, because right as I moved to my section of the sale rack I spotted these sandals. I generally find Yves Saint Laurent overrated, especially post-Tom Ford, but I have been wanting these sandals for two years and had never seen them on sale outside of eBay, which is unfortunately littered with fakes.

Imagine my surprise when seeing the lone pair of these babies, in my size(ish), no less. I had tried them on in September, when shopping with my friend Jess. We had gone to Saks to do the Frederic Fekkai shampoo exchange and browsed around the store. They were still full-price, and certainly not a price I could stomach.

I was hoping they would be available on Black Friday, but they disappeared. Still lusting the next time I returned to the store, I spied them there and knew I had to get them.

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Tribute Patent Platform Sandal in Camel, S/S 09

Fit on these is probably true to size. These are a half-size up from my US size, but they were the only size available. The fit is fine, and the ankle straps fit quite well. They are insanely comfortable for the height (nearly 6"), honestly more so than many lower heels I have, but I wouldn't exactly call them "walking shoes". The polish is from OPI's Mini Merries collection, All A-bordeaux the Sled!

UHG

Wasn't I just talking about shoes I can't walk in? Yes. That brings me to my Ultimate Holy Grail (UHG) of shoes, Mad Marys. I don't remember when I first realized I wanted and needed these shoes. I actually wanted them in black suede with silver studs, but when I found the cream via Craigslist of all places (via a posting on the Purse Forum), I decided to bite. At first I thought they were too expensive, so I sent the seller an email offering her a lower price. We dickered a little and I found I could live with the new price she offered, so I bought them.

Wow. I wasn't sure what to expect. It's always a gamble when you are buying used shoes sight unseen. I think it's similar to meeting people online. There's talk and there's pictures with lots of admiration going on. Any hesitation is met with smooth-talking and persuasion. Both parties are selling something. Was the picture taken years ago? Did they lose a little luster? Glamour shots aren't just for people, you know.

I opened the box in anticipation and had a big smile on my face. They were perfect. Worn, yes, but nothing a little lysol couldn't correct. Well I'm gross and couldn't wait for the lysol so I quickly shoved my slippers off and the shoes on. "Hello, beautiful," I thought as I glanced down at my feet. Then I took a step. Oh.

I've had them for six months and still haven't mastered walking in them. Instead I perch my hand on whomever is closest and hang on for dear life as I try to inch my way across the pavement.

Christian Louboutin Mad Mary in Ivory Patent with Gold Studs, Shown with Hue Circle Net Tights

I am going to be the dissenter from everyone else in the world on the fit of these shoes. I find them true-to-size. Most people sized up a half-to-full size, but these are a half-size up (37.5) and I have heel and toe pads to make them fit better. They are incredibly uncomfortable, and I can barely sit in them let alone walk in them, but I mean look at them! When shoes look this good, who cares if you have to add an extra half hour to your day to allow for walking 50 feet.

PS: Still looking for a 37 in the black suede.

Baby it's cold outside

It's a nice day outside today, but I can feel the open-toe weather dwindling. Maybe in different regions one can get away with open-toe year-round, but this side of Pennsyltucky doesn't really lend itself to grin and bearing it when frost-bite is an issue.

When DSW first started carrying "luxury" shoes on their website, they were pretty cheap. Well, considering anyhow. These shoes showed up on the website 80% off retail, despite the fact they were still full-price on many websites and in-store. Never having tried anything by this brand, I decided to take a chance and hoped I would hate them in person, because I didn't really need them. Are you surprised I didn't hate them in person? Yeah, me either.

Seeing a picture of these off the foot really doesn't show them in all their splendor. On the foot? Hello, gorgeous. Lace-up shoes that hit right at the (c)ankle can be difficult to pull off, but these shoes are so damn sexy I can't stand it. (Hold the phone - I know it's creepy when I talk about my own shoes like that)

These shoes aren't in most retailers anymore, but I've seen the leather version pop-up on eBay, and I'd also check discounters as I saw this style make most final cuts. They came in fuchsia and black leather as well as the lace. They came in two heel heights, 3.5" inches and 4.5". These are the lower-heeled version.

Givenchy Gillie Lace Sandal, S/S 09

Fit is small and narrow. The 36.5 was the only size available to me at the time, but a 37 would have been much better. The leather version may be more forgiving in terms of width, since leather tends to stretch, but the canvas/linen blend of the uppers on this version has no give whatsoever.

Dancing queen

In the chicken or the egg conundrum, I'm not sure which came first: gold lurex thigh highs, or gold shimmer dress. I bought one to go with the other, I do know that much. My hosiery obsession would like to run neck and neck with my shoe obsession, and while it just isn't so, these thigh highs bring it up a notch.

I don't think there's anything as deliciously tacky, in a glamorous kind of way, as lurex. I feel like a disco ball, glimmering everywhere I go. These Lurex Shimmery Thigh Highs (available at sockdreams) are neither inconspicuous or subdued, but instead dare to say "Yes, I really am wearing this!" They are available in five colorways, but gold seemed to have the most guts.

Leg Avenue Lurex thigh high in Gold/Black, H&M dress tank dress

Fit according to the brand is one size fits most, 90-160lbs. They actually do stay up surprisingly well -- a good thing considering they are too thick for most standard garters. I did have to fold them over so they didn't roll down, but after that there were no issues.

Sale season among us

We won't see crazy firehouse sales like we did last year at Saks, but the sale season is among us. It's so hard to remain good when everywhere you look it's like the devil is sitting on your shoulder going "buy, buy, BUY!" So far I've remained staunchly on the not buying it side of the fence, but every day, every slash of price gets a little bit more difficult.

When I went on my DC trip, I had a Sales Associate hold two pair of shoes for me to try on. I ended up getting the Numero Prive in gold glitter, but I actually loved these more -- I just couldn't walk in them.

Whether I can actually walk in them seems like such a tiny detail when comparing that thought to how gorgeous the shoes are. Shoes this beautiful should come with a rickshaw voucher so I don't actually have to worry about tumbling to my death on the streets.

These were the first shoes I tried on at Neimans, and I was worried about chastised for taking pictures, so I took a quick "spy picture". I look a bit like the Wicked Witch of the East from this angle. Too bad I didn't have striped stockings with me.

Christian Louboutin Lady Page in Oxblood Patent, F/W 09

Fit on this pair of shoes is strange. The 37 was fine length-wise, but felt very short in the toe-box. I had heel slippage but could not have gone down to 36.5. There is a small hidden platform, but the pitch of the shoe is so steep that they feel like walking in 120mm without a platform. My advice? These are pretty and pretty perfect if you have a car-to-door kind of lifestyle. Otherwise you and me both need to work on that rickshaw front.

Light on your feet

What's that you say? Another eBay find? It's true, you'll rarely hear me talk about the great score of the century on hard-to-find shoes at a retail shop, but eBay is chock-full of finds like this. The other day I was lamenting on the woes of a speeding ticket and I wrote a haiku.

so many sale shoes
all vying for my closet
speeding ticket blues

So now you can see why the pricier gems haven't entered my closet lately. Thanks to a $600 speeding ticket (not obtained by moi, of course) some of the lovelies I've been eying have been put on hold. Don't worry, I rarely let things like that stop me completely, but it's definitely curtailed things.

Even worse than the speeding ticket, is "helpful" Sales Associates who have been emailing me to let me know what's available in my size. It's like they want me to slip up and just buy everything! (Okay, they do)

No matter, I was doing a cursory browsing through eBay (yeah, "just browsing"), and I saw these with less than an hour to go and the bidding unbelievably low. The shoes were a size smaller than I normally wear in open-toe, but with the open-toe AND open-back, I figured why not. I low-balled a snipe bid and voila, the shoes were mine.

I rarely buy satin, because I don't find it practical, but these are gorgeous special occasion shoes. The color manages to be understated, despite being red and the roses have a multi-color effect to them -- paler on some petals than others.

After trying them on with little black dresses and jeans alike, it's unsurprising that Msr. Louboutin had created another versatile pair of shoes that seem to go with everything.

Christian Louboutin Guitone in Red/Orange Satin, 2005

Fit on these is true-to-size, perhaps slightly large. These are a 36, and the 36.5 would have been perfect, but I don't find the heel overhang unbearable enough to complain.

The Quest for Ankle Booties

For a few years now, I have been trying to find a really nice pair of ankle boots. It seemed a simple quest, but I couldn't quite find something the right heel height, shape or material. I thought I had found the perfect pair in Rock & Republic's Sabra Bootie, but I was thwarted by the fact that said bootie was sold out in my size everywhere I looked. And who was I kidding, really? Suede in Pittsburgh's brutal weather?

I finally decided I wasn't going to find perfection, and didn't want to spend the money to find it for a pair of shoes that might possibly get ruined. In comes Mossimo's Kalila boot (available at target). I had read various reviews talking about the comfort level of the shoe and decided to check it out myself.

After walking around the house in these booties, I have to say they are quite comfortable. The shoes aren't leather, but for the price that isn't surprising.

Mossimo Kalila, Fall 09, shown with American Apparel Thermal Leggings

Next up is a bootie my lovely friend Cecilia recommended to me. (Recommended may not be the right word so much as pointing out to me shoes she was considering, and then me swiftly single-white-femaling her) They looked really cute online, but took quite a bit of searching to find my size. In the end, I sized up and ordered from a site that has easy returns.

The leather and shape of the shoe looks quite nice... off my foot. I can't decide if the shoes are just too big for me, and that is what is causing my "eh"ness about them, or if the shape is just not suited for me. From the front they look fantastic, but the side view is a bit clog-like. This is not helped by the large ankle opening. All-in-all, they are nice shoes. Leather uppers and rubber soles - perfect for rough winters, but I am not sure they are "me".

Me Too Lunar, Fall 09, shown with Givenchy Chevron Tights

Fit on both shoes seems true-to-size. I took a US 7 in the Target boots, which is perfect to wear with thicker socks and tights. The shoes are, again, non-leather and cheap material. I don't expect them to look stellar for longer than one winter.

The Me Too shoes are a US 7.5, and a 7 would probably suit me better, but I've yet to find it in-stock. I think the Mossimo pair may win out, at least to get me through another winter until I decide I've found a more perfect pair.

Diamond in the Rough

Shopping on eBay can be very frustrating at times, but it's always worth it if you are willing to dig a little for the gems. On my recent trip to DC I pretty much trashed my favorite pair of black maryjanes. They are salvageable, and I will certainly save them for dancing, or on rainy days when I don't way to ruin other shoes, but I still needed a replacement pair of black maryjanes.

I came across these shoes when someone on The Purse Forum had posted another of pair of shoes from the same seller. I bid on both pairs, but ultimately lost out on the second pair (black pony hair and lizard heels). Because the seller listed the item with only one picture, and had a vague description, I was skeptical of what condition they would arrive in. They arrived this morning and while the soles are a bit more worn than I'd like, for 80% off retail I'm not complaining. All in all, a great find for an incredible price.

The fishnets are from the ubiquitous sockdreams order. They are quite well-made and feature great diamond-net detailing on the sides (that go from the toe to the tops of the stockings). They don't seem to be available on the site anymore, but are available for purchase at several other websites.

Christian Louboutin Double-Strapper Maryjane in Black Nappa, shown with Leg Avenue #9053

Fit on the shoes is true-to-US size (37). They are a touch big on me, but I imagine as I purchased them used they have stretched quite a bit. Fit on the fishnets is "one size fits most, 90-160 lbs". They are very comfortable and the net pattern is pretty even from top to bottom.

Secrets and Lies

I really need to tell you the truth about my feet: I have fat pinkie toes. It's a shameful secret that I try to hide in shoes that don't reveal this, but every once in awhile I find a pair of shoes that make me want to forget about my pinkie toes (or at least get cosmetic surgery on them).

Nine West is kind of a cheapish guilty pleasure. The quality is decent for the price, and I generally find them pretty comfortable. When these shoes first came out they sold out and I couldn't find them in my size. Since I tend to think (and am usually right about this) that nothing is ever really "sold out", I held steadfast on my quest for these shoes. Sure enough, they produced more and more to meet demand, and then found their way to clearance.

While strolling through the mall with a fussy toddler, I stopped in the store to check if my size was in-stock. It was and 5 minutes of protest and a cursory glance at the shoes on me later, I was wearing them out the door. It was only later, when I arrived home did i realize my pinkie toes were trying to escape the confines of these shoes. I guess I'll just have to relegate them to night-time so no one notices. I haven't seen them in-stores, but they are still available many places online.

Nine West Balboa, Spring 09, shown with Forever 21 Lurex Leggings

Fit is slightly large, but true to my US open-toe size. My feet slid forward in these, but rather than size down, I will just have my cobbler add another notch so I can buckle them tighter. Comfort is just "okay" for the height (4"). I wore them out dancing for hours, and while my feet felt like they'd been through the ringer, they at least didn't look like it.

Time to Scale Back

The Decollete style is one of the most classic Louboutin styles of shoes, in my opinion. A tall, but not overbearing heel and a sexy shape and line to the shoe make them a staple for anyone's closet. This fall brought us the shoe in blue acid python (available at Saks). It's really gorgeous in real life, a deep jeans-colored blue with flecks of orange and brown. Acid python is so beautiful, but I think I prefer the color/leather in an open-toe shoe. Nonetheless, after admiring these online and in-store, I couldn't help but try them on.

Christian Louboutin Decollete in Blue Acid Python, F/W 09

Fit is small, in my opinion. While these shoes might stretch, I have not had luck with python stretching much in the past. Saks (the only stockist I've seen for these) recommends ordering true size, but the pair I tried on is a 37.5 (half-size up from my true size), and seems to be my standard size in the Decollete (that I have tried on, I do not own any). This style is not made for wider feet.

All That Shines

The first time I came across Eileen Shields, was in admiring the Juliette t-strap flat. Not being very familiar with the brand, I had just heard the shoes were incredibly comfortable and I was intrigued. I had spied the Marilyn shoe on shopbop, in an electric blue and proceeded to stalk the website for a sale on those. After awhile, I forgot about them and then opened my email to an extra 20% off code for the website. Armed with the code and a mission on finding cute sale shoes, I saw both the blue and the silver pair were on sale. I hadn't even noticed the silver pair before but I loved them even more. They are gorgeous with the embossed leather that looks so similar to real exotics, a metal tipped heel and the ribbon detailing at the toe. The low heels (less than 3") make them perfect for weddings or holiday parties where you know you will be on your feet for awhile. The d'orsay style isn't quite for everyone, I will say. If you have wide feet it will only emphasize that, especially as these are particularly unusual with the opening on the outside of the shoe instead of the inside.

Eileen Shields Marilyn in Silver, F/W 08

Fit is slightly small. These are a 37, but translate roughly to a US 6.5. There is a slight gap in the heel, but I could not have worn a smaller size. The toe polish is one of my new favorites, OPI's "No Spain, No Gain" from their Coleccion de Espana (available at amazon). It is a true, rich berry that seems to match everything.

Criss-Cross Applesauce

I've yet to meet a seamed-stocking I didn't like, and these Cuban Heel pantyhose are no exception (available at sockdreams). An intricate lace-up pattern in the back that goes clear up to the waist and a delicate bow at the heel make them quite sexy. These are head-turners to be sure, and not for the shy.

Faux Corset Cuban Heel pantyhose from Leg Avenue

Fit is "one-size" 90-160lbs. They were comfortable and easy to wear and I had no issues with them rolling down. Quality is so-so. The stocking material is quite thin and fragile, and unfortunately after one wearing, already have a run in them.

S-s-s-snake

The best thing about vacation is always the shopping, at least to me that is. Living in a smaller city does not always afford me the luxury to try on shoes I am interested in because the stores simply don't carry the brands I like. While visiting DC, I made a point to try on as many shoes as possible. I am pretty much "shoe-banned" for awhile, but that doesn't stop me from admiring pretty.

I had seen these shoes on ShopBop and loved the styling of them (they currently do not carry the snake print). They look great on and would be perfect with jeans or tights and dresses. Sadly, after trying them on at Cusp, I placed them back on the display. I already have several pair of non-traditional black pumps and didn't need to add another.

Loeffler Randall Ramona in Black Snake print, F/W 09

Sizing seems true to US sizing for these shoes. I find Loeffler Randall sizing to be all over the map in general, but despite a mildly narrow toe-box, the size 7 fit me perfectly. They felt comfortable and much lower than their actual height of 100mm (4"). They are available at Barneys.

Glitterati

I had once called these shoes the "Ultimate Vegas shoe" and after seeing them in person, I can't think of a better description. The shoe signing I attended required a purchase, and these were the shoes I decided on after a helpful sales associate sent me numerous pictures, and then trying them on in person (a dedicated shoe lover always makes an informed decision).

They are ridiculous and over-the-top, but their uniqueness makes them that much more special as I associate them with fond memories of my DC trip.

Christian Louboutin Glitter No Prive, F/W 09

Sizing is slightly small, but I took my usual 6.5 for open-toe. Fit is narrow as well, but I tried on a smaller size of this shoe that had obviously been tried on and stretched out, and the leather seems to stretch quite a bit.

May I Have Your Autograph Please?

This weekend was a flurry of shoes, drinks and fun. The culmination of the weekend being getting to meet Msr. Christian Louboutin and getting my shoes signed! I have many pictures, but I think this is my favorite.

I asked him to write something "dirty French", to which he responded he was not dirty but would try. I might have shocked him quite a bit with my zany tales, but what resulted was quite a fun message on my favorite shoes. More to come.

"For the wild side of Erin" C Louboutin

The Perfect Companion to any Well-Heeled Lady

As the weather continues to drop, I find myself going bare-legged less and less. I have for quite some time heard about Sock Dreams and decided to check them out. With a wonderful selection, excellent customer service and quick shipping, it's no wonder people rave about them.

In my first order from them, I chose a variety of tights and stockings, some pretty standard and some unusual. The striped fishnets from Leg Avenue were my favorite of the bunch. Probably the most unique pair of thigh highs I've had the pleasure of seeing. The quality isn't "high-end" but it's perfect for the price.

Leg Avenue Opaque & Net Striped Thigh Highs

The site says they fit 90-160lbs, and I fall within that range. They are quite stretchy and feel nice, but they do not stay up without garters on me as the website suggests.

Go Ahead, Make an Elvis Joke

No one ever really needs blue suede shoes in their life, but when a lovely fashion pal posted a picture of these shoes from gimmeshoes.com, I fell in love. They are the softest, most supple blue suede and feel like walking on air, which is a difficult trick on shoes this high. It was a shoe miracle, and I really truly believe in them, because I had ordered these in August from gimmeshoes, only to have my order canceled. I ended up finding them on eBay for much cheaper and in my size.

Loeffler Randall Neve in Blue Suede, S/S 09

Sizing is true-to-size, to slightly large. These are a US 7 and the 6.5 would have fit as well. They have a 4.5" heel, but with the inch platform, they feel incredible.

Well Played, Target

It's hard passing up cheap shoes. They look nice at first, but usually I know better. I try to summon images of blisters and pain to keep me away from cheap leather or pleather, but sometimes the pull is just too strong.

I first heard about these Mossimo Valonia pumps ($29.99, at target.com) on MakeupAlley. Someone had posted a picture of their outfit which included these beauties. I was shocked to learn they were from Target, and more importantly, were "very comfortable". I sought them out at my local Target and was pleased to find them on the clearance rack for less than eight dollars. Not sure I agree with the original wearer about the "very" part in comfortable, but I have worn them out dancing (and lots of sitting breaks) with minimal discomfort and no pain.

They aren't on sale online, but the price is still really good for how amazing they look in person. Definitely worth checking out in black patent, and the other colors available.

Mossimo Valonia in Black Patent, Spring 09, shown with Forever 21 sequined leggings

Sizing on these is slightly large. These are a US 6.5, and I still need to pad them with insoles to make them snug on my foot. They are quite tall, at 4.25" and no platform, but easy to walk in and moderately comfortable.

Kiss Me Tender, Kiss Me Sweet

Somehow I always manage to find interesting deals on eBay, but these I didn't find on my own. A great website, The Purse Forum, has a deals section with many a wonderful authentic pair of shoes posted for your buying pleasure. These happened to be posted and while the listing was vague, and had two different sizes listed as the actual size for the shoes, I took a chance hoping they were my size. I won the auction for a song and they did end up being my size thankfully (which I clarified before paying). Gorgeous black suede with bright patent leather lips... these shoes might be slightly outside of my comfort zone in terms of material and loudness, but they won my heart as soon as I put them on. And really, what better message to send out there than for someone to plant their lips where they rightly belong: at my feet.

Christian Louboutin Kiss Me Wedge, Fall 07

Sizing is true to US size, though possibly due to the fact that I bought these used and had been worn-in. These are a 37, my typical Louboutin size. They are incredibly comfortable and perfect to walk around in for hours.

Lady of the Night

I've been a fan of over-the-knee boots for a long time now. Even if they had never been "in-style" until more recent years, I had a vintage pair that wore perfectly with everything. They could be sexy, for sure, but they were also very practical for someone who frequently wears dresses and skirts, but is generally too lazy and warm to wear stockings. I came across these shoes by accident when someone on a messageboard I frequent posted another pair by this brand, Jeffrey Campbell. I checked out the website where the shoes could be found (lorisshoes.com) and fell in love with these gorgeous boots. After some brief deliberation, aided in part by a coupon code, I ordered these and they arrived in a few days time. They aren't quite the mummy spectacular that is a similar pair by Rodarte, but these quell my need for a pair of thigh high boots that actually come well up in the thigh region, and don't slide down.

Jeffrey Campbell A-Plus, F/W 09

Sizing is true to US standard sizing. These are a US 7, and they fit pretty good. The shaft of the boot is SNUG. These boots are not made for anyone with bigger calves and thighs. The thigh area has a bit more give since it is open in the back, but they would still be a hard fit for someone with curvier legs (my calf circumference is under 13" and I could barely zip these up). Great find for the price in general.

Well Loved

Knockoffs are a tricky subject and seem to keep coming up lately. I'd never buy or wear a fake, but something "inspired by"... well apparently I have and would again. Probably one of my most worn pair of heels were "inspired by" a pair of Miu Miu double-strapped maryjanes. The Miu Miu pair had a 4.5 inch heel, and were quite gorgeous, but harder to find and out of my price range at the time. When Steve Madden's line "Steven" came out with this similar pair, I quickly ordered, paying nearly full-price. I didn't wear them for at least six-months because I found them uncomfortable, yet when I brought them out again last year to wear with something I found they actually were quite comfy after being broken in. They are my staple black shoe that can be dressed up or down.

Steven Playful, S/S 07, shown with Wolford tights

Sizing is true, to slightly small in my opinion. These are the 7.5. I tried the 7 but it felt too snug with tights for the winter. They gap slightly in the back, but the straps keep them securely on my foot. I can walk miles in these shoes, unless some of my other 4" numbers.

Clear as Day

Vintage shoes will always have a certain something that new shoes will never attain. Even if the style is mimicked or borrowed, it's something that's hard to completely capture. Over the years I've acquired various vintage shoes, and loved them dearly. I'm a hard fit for vintage, because they often run very narrow, but when I find a pair that fits me perfectly, I know they are mine to keep forever.

This vintage pair is fairly new, at least age-wise. I would say 80s (which is barely vintage), but I've yet to see another pair like them. I appreciate the velvet coupled with the sheerness of the shoe. Plastic has never looked so sexy.

Amanda Bamboo, vintage 80s

As with any vintage pair of shoes, these run narrow, but not so much as a pair from before the 70s. These are a 7.5 US, and I am typically a 6.5-7.

Obsession, Confess

I fully admit to my shoe addiction. It's only a problem in that I want so many shoes, but like anything, I indulge accordingly with restraint. When the Miu Miu "Ice Cream Pumps" came out, I was in full-blown obsession. Candy-colored and positively delectable, I couldn't wait to get them. Sadly unable to swallow the heel height and the price tag, I settled for the flat version once they went on clearance. It wasn't settling, really, as their comfort and style made them my go-to pair fairly quickly, but I still lusted after the pumps.

Many months and daily favorite searches on eBay later, a pair of Ice Cream Pumps showed up in a 36.5! I was wary that they wouldn't fit, not having tried on the shoes, but I decided to bid anyhow and won. The shoes arrived in need of a little TLC, but will be making a spa trip to the cobbler shortly so they can get put in heavy rotation in my wardrobe.

Miu Miu Naplak Patch Pump and Flat in Rosso, S/S 07

Sizing for the flats is flexible. I have tried on the 36.5, the 37 and 37.5 and they all fit relatively the same due to the elastic nature of the shoes (but I kept the 37). Sizing for the pumps is only slightly large, due to the shape of the toe-box.

My first Chanel

I'm not a label-whore. I'm not a label-anything. I like pretty, it doesn't matter who makes it. There's no denying the allure of Chanel, though. It's this timeless entity that somehow never seems to go out of style or become irrelevant. I'm not really into purses, so I don't covet a 2.55 the way some ladies do, but my eyes have roved over the classically styled ballet flats with a patent cap-toe, or t-strap heels with discreet C's intertwining on the buckle.

I didn't think Chanel would ever be a part of my closet, considering the prohibitive cost of most of the wares, but lo and behold a freak incidental pair came before my eyes while strolling through Off 5th. I remembered seeing these awesome shoes on the runway with two-toned tights (which I have since purchased a knockoff of at Asos, but knockoffs can be found everywhere) and squealed in delight. I didn't want to get my hopes up too high since they probably weren't my size anyhow. I plucked them out of the box and shoved my foot in and HELLO! When I still couldn't justify the price tag, I accosted a sales associate to ask about any coupons and she said she would give me hers that was 40% off! The price was right, and now I am a proud owner of these shoes.

Chanel Patent and Leather Spectator Maryjanes, F/W 08

Fit is small-to-size. These are a 37.5 and fit tight, I could have even gotten a 38 and I am never a 38. If I wanted to wear them with thicker tights or socks, it would be tough. (note: they are death-traps. I have fallen twice in them, but that never stops a shoe lover)

Harlequin Romance

The Spring/Summer 08 runway show of Miu Miu was filled with delicious images of harlequin patterns and masked girls on babydoll dresses. I loved it so much when it came out, but didn't purchase anything from the collection. One of my eBay saved searches is Miu Miu shoes in my size, since I almost always love the design and these popped up in my email one day. They were in gently used condition (yes! I will buy used, just swipe some lysol on the inside and it's all good) but the seller had listed them quite high. After months of stalking the listing and subsequent relistings, the seller lowered the price and I snatched them up. They are gorgeous with suede and leather and lovely crystal detailing at the heel. The laces add a nice touch.

Miu Miu Suede Harlequin Halter Pump in Grigio, S/S 08

Fit is small to size. I am a 36.5-37 in Miu Miu and Prada, and these are the 37.5 and they are a perfect fit.

Blue crush

I had always avoided exotic leathers because I wasn't sure I could be a good enough shoe mom to them. When these python Rolandos popped up in my size on the Barneys sale, I quickly ordered, unsure if they would actually deliver or not (having had several orders canceled by Barneys before). I was kind of wishy-washy until they arrived and I opened the box in awe. Inside was one of the most stunning pair of shoes I'd ever seen. Gorgeous, small scale python leather in an aqua blue. Definitely a show-stopper.

Christian Louboutin Aqua Python Rolando, S/S 09

Fit is small. I ordered these in a 37, because another pair of shoes I had in this shape were too big in a 37.5. The length is slightly short, but tight in the toe box. I'm leery of letting my cobbler get his hands on these, so I will have to stretch them out the old-fashioned way: with time and wear.

Back on the Chain Gang

When first seeing the small trend of shoe chains trickling in, I scoffed. The idea to me of blinging out already expensive shoes seemed to detract from the beauty of the actual shoes themselves. That is until I saw these on Revolve's site, ForwardForward. In search of a nice everyday black pump with a taller heel, I found these Laurence Dacade Nana shoes perfect. By themselves, they seemed classy and elegant, with a touch of badness. With the Wingtip chain, from Blisslau, they were "Satanic" according to a friend (which he assured me wasn't a bad thing).

Laurence Dacade Nana with Bliss Lau Wingtip Chain, S/S 09

Fit is true to size. These are a 36.5, and I am normally a US 6.5-7 in closed-toe shoes. They were tight in the toe box, but after a trip to the cobbler fit perfectly.

I love shoes.

I really do. As my inaugural post, I will talk about my favorite buy of the year so far: Christian Louboutin Studded Very Prive. I had come across these first while browsing the Saks website. The more I looked at them, the more I knew I needed them. They were pre-ordered in July, and due to ship in October. They ended up shipping at the end of July and I couldn't decide as they ran larger than expected. After tracking down the smaller size, and discussing the pros and cons with friends (there were no cons, really) I decided I had to keep them.

Christian Louboutin Studded Very Prive, F/W 09

Sizing is true-to-size to US size, or slightly larger. I am normally an open-toe 6.5, 36.5 and these are the 36. They are tight, but I am counting on the leather to stretch slightly.