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.