In the age of dinosaurs

Probably the thing I love best about my job is that we don't have any kind of official dress code. With some casual inquiries and slowly testing the waters, I'm happy to report that so far my quirkier clothes haven't raised any eyebrows -- in fact, my boss' wife called these my "dinosaur tights".

Having no dress code is good and bad. Most of the time, it makes me pretty lazy and indulge in yoga pants and tees. Despite those days, I genuinely like getting dressed up and try to make an effort at least 2-3x per week to ditch the house clothes and instead wear something I wouldn't be embarrassed to run into a frenemy in.

Today's outfit consisted of my favorite new tights, a sale find at Marshall's. When I first saw them I thought "huh. What's with the ruffle?" but the more I looked at them (and the price! they were cheap!) the more I loved them and couldn't wait to wear them.

Wearing something more ostentatious like these requires a bit more of a subdued outfit. I paired the tights (Trasparenze "Melbourne") with an American Apparel wrap dress, Express tank top, and t-strap maryjanes from Kimchi and Blue.

Trasparenze "Melbourne" Tights

The tights are a size 4, which I typically need in Trasparenze (aka "large"), and they are very cozy. They are nicely opaque but not too thick. The ruffle in the back is a chiffon that sways when I move.

I took these pictures while out and about during my lunch break, where I stopped at a thrift not far from work. I found a great pair of flat patent boots there, and for $6 I couldn't say no. They are fun and even better -- insulated! Perfect for the upcoming snow.


Not much else going on in the shoe front here! The snow is kind of getting me down about pretty shoes, but Spring will be here before I know it.

Love Angel Music Baby

There are a lot of celebrity designers out there, but very few that I think actually do anything creative -- at least more than just redesigning things already in their wardrobe. Or telling their minions to redesign them, anyhow. I find Gwen Stefani to be the exception to the rule.

I really like her designs, both shoe and clothing, but have never crossed that bridge to actually owning anything from the line. Maybe some day.

While at Nordstrom, I tried on the Glamette and Plum shoes from the fall line. Both looked super hot from my viewpoint of them not being on my feet.

I really loved the Plum. The style and design is very retro in my opinion, and they felt wonderful. The price was very decent for a bridge line, and even better if they hit the sales!

The Glamette... well yes these were hot as all get out on. I know everyone is sick of thigh high boots/over-the-knee boots but I still love them. Will still wear them. Even with my love of OTK, these were a little too over-the-top (even for me).

L.A.M.B. Glamette in Black Leather

L.A.M.B. Plum in Black Suede

Fit on the Glamette was true to size. I tried on the 36.5 and the fit was perfect. I would possibly have wanted a 37 to allow for socks. The comfort was nonexistent. Seriously, these may have been the most uncomfortable shoes I've ever had on my feet (and I owned Rolandos until recently, so that is saying something). There was no cushioning and I felt like there were knives jabbing me from the 2 feet I walked in these. I know "pain is beauty" but I don't roll like that.

Fit on the Plum seems slightly large to size. I tried on the 36, and while they were incredibly snug, I'm not sure I would have sized up due to suede's tendency to stretch a lot. They were very easy to walk in and the comfort was pretty great.

The Glamette is available at various places, including Shopbop. The Plum wedge is available in black at Nordstrom online, grey and black at Shopbop, and in a delicious wine color at Nordstrom retail locations.

Note: I wear the shoes pictured a LOT. They are pretty much my go-to black shoe. I wrote about them here.

Betty or...

I always think of that scene in "Never Been Kissed" where they talk about Betty and Veronica.

Sam: I always liked Betty better.
         
Josie: Really?
         
Sam: Yeah. Betty was so spunky and fun. I mean,
Veronica had the great legs, but she was too
moody. Very high maintenance.

It's true. I like cornball movies. I want to be Betty but somehow I always go in for Veronica. That goes for shoes, too, apparently.

Motorcycle boots seem to have a certain cachet, and something about them that never goes out of style. Add to that the Frye factor, and you have an eternal classic. I rarely wear flat boots, but these have become a staple in cold weather. I don't mind letting these boots get rough or worn, even dirty, because it's part of their charm and actually makes them look even better like that.

I loved these so much I actually bought them in both brown and black. I've since sold the brown and just stayed with black, which suits both me and my wardrobe better.

Frye Veronica Slouch, 2006 (?)

Fit on these boots is true-to-size BUT has the added difficulty of being hard to pull on the foot. I sized up because the foot opening is incredibly narrow, but then my foot slides in the boots. It's a catch-22, not only could I not size down in these, but I cannot wear thick socks to make up for the size difference either -- the narrow opening doesn't allow for it. Due to the sizing issues I only find these moderately comfortable.

It's snowing, it's snowing! God, I hate this weather...

(Now I walk through blizzards just to get us back together). Who could resist a little bit of Cub's "New York City" when thinking of snow? Not me. I really do hate this weather though. I hate being bundled up, frostbitten fingers while I try to drive, slush. Really, though, I think I hate the most that I feel so unfashionable in the wintertime. I don't subject my shoe babies to the salt-littered streets, and you shouldn't either.

I've never tried on a pair of snow boots that didn't make me feel like a suburban soccer mom. Rainboots on the other hand -- hmm. Maybe it's the rubber or the wonderful patterns that are out there that make me smile every time I look down at my feet.

I love Pucci prints, but it took awhile for me to find this specific print. They had sold out cheaply in-stores, but like anything I was late to the train of realizing I needed them. Several months of eBay searching turned these up. They aren't warm at all, but armed with a pair of wool socks and hot cocoa in hand, they keep me toasty.

Pucci always does a different printed rainboot, but these still pop up on eBay occasionally.

Emilio Pucci Rainboots, Fall 2006 (?)

Fit on these, like any rainboot, is huge. These are a 37 and I really need a 36 (even with the overly puffy wool socks). The comfort is so-so, but relative to the material. They do make quite a splash in puddles.

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.