Think pink

I've been trying to be better about more regular haircuts, and having finally found a hairstylist I really find amazing for the first time in a good many years, I actually decided to stick with it (Shane at Ross Park Philip Pelusi). While I was there, I talked about how excited I am to be working at a job that doesn't care if I have pink or blue hair, and he mentioned that they were doing pink extensions for breast cancer awareness/fundraising. I decided to get one. I think it looks awesome.

While at the mall, I tried on a few pair of fall shoes and really liked these.

Joan and David Jora pump in Violet Suede

Fit was true-to-size to slightly large. These are the 6.5, but a 6 would have fit with some stretching. The length was okay, but I did have a bit of heel slippage. Comfort was "okay". The pitch is a bit more severe even though the height is only 4", but they would be okay for a couple hours on my feet. They are also available in black, orange and red at Nordstrom.

Also really into the brightly hued versions of these patent leather and suede pumps from Enzo Angiolini.

Enzo Angiolini Castalia in Dark Blue Suede

Fit on these is slightly large to size. I tried on the 6 and they crunched my toes slightly, but with some stretching would have been great.

Missoni X Target

I had the day off today, so I made a quick trek to Target to check out the Missoni stuff. Boy was it picked over! That's okay, though. I checked out the shoes and clothes, and ended up with the sweater pictured (size medium, though large would have been nice too), a bra/underwear set.

I'm already on the fence about my purchases, because I think I was buying into the hype, but they are cute and out-of-stock so I'm going to wait-it-out to see how I feel over the next few days.

MissoniXTarget sweater

MissoniXTarget Children's Rainboots

MissoniXTarget pumps

Fit on the rainboots is large. Those are the children's size 5, and they fit me perfectly. I did not try on the adult versions because the color selection seemed washed out. I'll admit, if I did not already own rainboots, I would have picked these up. They are super cute.

Fit on the pumps is slightly large as well -- but in line with mass-market sizing (which seems to run much larger for me), these are a 6.5. Personally, these didn't impress me at all.

This line was much-hyped, and well-worth the hype -- but the intense Black Friday feel of the merchandise/shopping experience leaves me loathe to go back and see if they restock/what else I'm interested in.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Yep, that time of year again. I hadn't had a chance to stop by the infamous Anniversary Sale until this weekend, but lots of great shoes up for grabs. Of course, instead of the sale shoes, I was instantly drawn to the ones that *weren't* on sale, but that's okay.

Of the two sale shoes I liked best online, I was disappointed by the "Peyton" shoe from Sam Edelman. I've really been wanting a wool heel to wear with dresses this fall/winter to replace a pair I have that's too big, but I found these just a little bit too pointy. The material and execution of these shoes were great otherwise if you are into a pointy toe.

Sam Edelman Peyton in Grey Wool

Fit on these is true-to-size (I am wearing the 7.5 in the picture and they are a bit big), and the comfort seemed very decent for the height. They are available in Grey as pictured and black patent here.

Next up is Enzo Angiolini "Mistle". The colorways available for this shoe are what really makes it, beyond the lovely corset/bow detailing in the back. I loved the purple best, but tried on the black because it was on display in my size. The taupe patent is really stunning as well.

Enzo Angiolini Mistle in Black Patent

Fit on these is true-to-size, though a bit narrow in the toe box, in my opinion. These are the 6.5 and the length was great. I think they would maybe need broken in a bit for comfort. Other colorways besides those mentioned are grey wool and leopard pony hair. They are available here.

I didn't see them in-store, but I'm also loving Cole Haan's "Air Violet" boot with lace-up detailing and a suede inset. I tried on the pump version, but they just didn't have the same cachet as the boot. I'm not sure how much wear I'd get out of suede in these winters, but they sure look gorgeous.

I didn't get to try them on since they weren't in-store, but most Cole Haan shoes run slightly small for me. I would order these in a 7.5 were I inclined to get them. The boots are available in limited sizes here.

More to come on the non-sale shoes later.

Sale season: Miu Miu spectator sandals

My friend Sarah said it's too hot to even look at clothing, let alone blog about it. I agree, but here's a pair I tried on in New York that I never got the chance to post about.

The sales are ON! I'm holding back for second cut, but here's a peek at something fabulous that's made the sales racks currently.

These Miu Miu spectator sandals are so lovely for summer and perfect as a transition shoe in the fall. Catch em on sale at Barneys in black or Bluefly in the colorway shown.

Miu Miu Oxford Sandals

Fit on these is small. I tried on the 37 and they just barely fit in length. They were really comfortable for the height, and the strap across the toe is adjustable to accommodate wider feet, or in my case, future bunions.

Boots and a bonus!

So I didn't really pick anything up in New York (a pair of hold-ups at Agent Provocateur and some inexpensive lingerie at Century 21), which is good because when I went to Off 5th, I also happened to pick up this pair.

Let me preface this by saying I hate peep-toe boots. Well, hated. I mean all I can think is "why?" or "when am I supposed to where these?!" The booties seem a little bit more reasonable and year-round, but boots are generally meant for cooler weather and the peep doesn't mesh with that.

I also kind of think Alexander Wang is overrated (there, I said it). Or maybe just overpriced.

When I saw these Freja boots in-store, though, I thought they looked really cool. Not in the hip minimalist way I'm always jealous I can't pull off, but just cool-kid awesome. They were on sale pretty cheap and I had an extra coupon. I couldn't resist. The best test of knowing that these were for me was that I wore them within a few days of buying them.

Alexander Wang Freja Boot

The shoes can be worn up or folded down (I prefer them down), and even have a snap in the back to keep them in place.


Fit on the shoes is true-to-size to slightly large. These are a 36. I really needed a 36.5 and probably could have worn a 37, but this was what they had and I had no toe overhang. Comfort is so-so. I think had I sized up in these they would be really comfortable, but the zipper area digs a little. I might try to put moleskin underneath where the zippers are to see if that helps. I wore these for 4 hours the first time I wore them and I definitely felt it. They are still available on Outnet in many sizes (though for considerably more than they were at Off 5th).

As a bonus, I wanted to talk about Sally Hansen Salon effects nail strips. I was skeptical of these, and worried they would look tacky on, but I LOVE them! I bought the laced-up and misbehaving (bogo at Rite-Aid). They took awhile to put on (maybe 20 minutes), but they were very easy to work with and the kit has long enough nail strips to do two applications. It's only been one day, so I will report back how long these have lasted me when they start to chip.

Sally Hansen Salon effects in Laced-Up

Back from the Big city

So my trip was fabulous, as expected. I got to see some lovely people I've met before, and some great new faces to add to my circle of friends. There is too much to document in one posting, so for the first one I will just feature my purpose of the trip - hang out with my fellow shoe lovers.

I arrived a day earlier than the meetup, and had a great shopping buddy in my friend Jan. We weren't sure what stores we would get to see with the meetup crew, so we decided to hit up the Louboutin Boutique in the West Village (58 Horatio Street).

I fell in love with the Luxura style online, and was happy for the chance to try it on in-store. Not gonna lie, it was hard prying these from my feet. They looked so sumptuous and the maryjane style made the height really secure. In the end, 140mms are just not practical for my everyday life, so here's hoping they pop up on sale or eBay for a decent price.

Christian Louboutin Luxura 140mm in Ultraviolet Suede

These were fairly true-to-size for me. I tried on the 37, and while they felt a bit big, I'm not sure if that was because I had been walking around since 6:30 that morning. I would want to try them on again when my feet aren't swollen, but I would feel confident ordering either a 36.5 or 37. The comfort was decent for the height, but again, being 140s the comfort wasn't amazing.

Since none of the styles were really wowing me, I decided to instead try on the 'wilder' pairs. This was my favorite by far, the Pigalili. I cannot walk in 120s without a platform, and I definitely cannot walk in these death-traps, but lawdy they pretty.

The Pigalili combines sassy spikes with refined crystals. The flashy gold specchio heel ties them all together. Personally, the gold is a bit much for me. I think some celebrity could wear them with a panache I don't have. The black was much more subdued, but they didn't have my size.

Christian Louboutin Pigalili 120 in Gold

The sizing on the 120 pigalle is huge. These were the 36.5s and as you can see they are big on me. I would need a 36, however the sides cut SO low that my foot was spilling out. This really isn't a style that works well on me (in 120, I love the 100s), but there's no denying their sex appeal.

On Saturday, my lovely shoe pals and I headed to several stores, and nearing the end of our tour at the Madison Louboutin boutique (965 Madison Avenue). There was quite a large group of us, but some of us posed in a "shoe circle" of sorts. I'm in the blue leopard pair.


I scaled down my travel bag to contain 3 pairs of shoes (plus one I wore there and back), and 6 outfits. I didn't end up wearing everything, but I was pretty happy with my choices. This is what I wore on Friday. I will document the other outfits with the other New York installments.

Helmut Lang jacket, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Atlantic Sunday dress, Christian Louboutin Adona flats, Botkier Trigger, Vintage necklace

Mix and match, or I have great friends part deux

I'm not really an oxford kind of girl, but once awhile there's nothing like a good saddle shoe. A saddle shoe with lace? Well, color me sold.

The Bass loves Rachel Antonoff collection is a girly, fun take on the staple shoe. Perfect for Spring and Summer, and I think will be fabulous as I break out the vintage dresses.

These shoes were made possible with the help of my wonderful friend Sarah, of Motion and Heart. Not only did she help me get these, but as many things in fashion, she turned my eye to this collection in the first place.

So the shoes! It's not obvious from pictures online that I've seen, but the whites are actually more of a cream patent leather. The alternating parts are white leather covered with intricate black lace. I can't wait to wear them!

As a bonus, I am showcasing the lovely shoes with a pair of tights I couldn't pass up as well. I love the cheeky House of Holland designs, and these are no slouch. Please note, their "one size" is ridiculously small.

View the whole collection of Rachel Antonoff shoes on the Bass website.

Bass <3 Rachel Antonoff Beatrix Lace-up Oxfords, shown with Henry Holland Superstar tights

Fit on these seems true-to-size. I sized up a half size to 7.5 to allow for socks, but I think a 7 would have been perfect since I generally don't wear thicker socks in the warmer months. Comfort is really great! I'm a little worried about getting these dirty, so I don't foresee wearing them on mile-long walks, but I can tell they will be comfortable for all-day wear.

A day at the outlets

Nothing says "Spring Break" like shoe shopping, right? Or maybe that's just how I am enjoying a nice day off from my usual routine. I haven't been outlet shopping in at least six months (maybe even a year) so I decided to make a venture there with my sweetie in tow. (Him? not so psyched on the shopping, but that's okay!)

I so rarely have someone shopping with me that it was a very nice treat to not have to take my own pictures. I tried on a zillion shoes, since the closest Off 5th to me is about 40 minutes away, and I wanted to get more bang for my buck!

The favorite pair of the day, that I didn't actually buy, were these boots from Proenza Schouler. I really loved the idea of them -- a backless boot with straps. The execution even felt amazing to me, but I didn't want to spend the money (they were still pretty expensive) on brown shoes. If they were black I might have gotten them just because they were awesome and so ridiculously comfortable.

Proenza Schouler Boot in Brown leather

I tried on the 37.5, and as you can see in the picture they are pretty big on me, especially around my ankles. I think the 37 might still have been a little big, but I like a lot of "toe room" in boots. They are available at Endless, but I would check around other Saks outlets because they are still nearly full-price. La Garconne has a similar pair in a high-wedge style for 50% off as well (though be aware they are final sale).

These Rag & Bone wedge booties were an amazing deal, but I had to pass on them because as much as I loved them, they aren't really "me". They are some cool hipster girl I'd like to be (well, sometimes), and I couldn't see them meshing with my wardrobe. Normally I go by "buy now, think later!" but I'm trying to keep myself instead to "will I really wear these?" La Garconne has them on sale in Taupe (though they were MUCH cheaper at Off 5th, if you wear a 7). Comfort was only so-so, which was another deciding factor in me passing.

Rag & Bone Combat Wedge

I'm really obsessed with python (or python print) in shoes, so of course I loved these pairs from Elizabeth and James. They were a size 10 (sandals) and 11 (wedges), and I couldn't find them online but the Off 5th at Tanger Outlets has them with an extra 20% off.

Elizabeth and James Sandal and Lace-up Wedge

As I've said a bunch, I really like netting/mesh in shoes. These Loeffler Randall "Georgia" booties were pretty cute and a really decent deal, but I found them uncomfortable. Loeffler Randall seems hit or miss on comfort in general (these are the 37).

Loeffler Randall Georgia in Black mesh/leather

And last but not least, a picture of me trying on the Loeffler Randalls, and the rest of my outfit. I like dressing up for shopping, because I can always get a better idea of how shoes I like will mesh with the rest of my wardrobe.

Vintage Coat, 3.1 Phillip Lim dress, Trasparenze Renella nylons, Loeffler Randall Georgia

All in all, a good day! I had a lot of fun trying on clothes, and I did pick a little something up, but I'll save that for next time. Happy Easter!

On the fence: opinions needed

I've been "visiting" these shoes at Nordstrom for the past two months. They went on sale and I finally bit. I think they are beautiful, and I'm pretty into the mesh/netting trend lately, but as much as I love them... trying to decide how much I need another pair of black dressy shoes.

Pros: D'orsay style (big fan), beautiful tulle detailing, very flattering on, comfort is okay for the height, perfect for weddings.
Cons: more than I'd normally spend for shoes made in China, do I really need these?

Discuss.

Note: The heel grips are temporarily place, the sticky backing has not been removed. It's just for fit.

Badgley Mischka "Dusk" in Black Tulle/Satin S/S 2011

Fit on these is slightly large. These are the 36.5, though the 36 fit as well (but was snug in the toe box). For the 36.5 I need heel grips. All of the Badgley Mischka shoes I tried on seem to fit slightly large as well.

Lots of Choices

Pittsburgh may not be a mecca of fashion, but there are still some great gems around town. I found myself in one of them yesterday during a trip to the East End to get some specialty food items from another store in the area.

Choices has been around for over a decade, and has in my opinion, the most well-curated clothing and shoe selection I've seen in Pittsburgh. The clothing is chic and elegant, very minimalist in style with luxe accessories to match (including gorgeous Bottega Veneta woven clutches).

With pieces from Acne to Givenchy, each item seems to be artfully selected to have a spot in the store. I've long admired the shoe selection, as I can remember them carrying lovely styles I've lusted after over the years (including those Prada flower heels I have -- they carried the mule version), and the clothing is of impeccable taste.


I had the pleasure of talking with the owner Jeff Malkin, and it was really interesting hearing about the store from a retail perspective. I mentioned I was a Louboutin girl, and he talked about his first year with the store, when they weren't sure how much they were going to focus on shoes. When he spoke with the Monsieur at the time, they didn't have the production capabilities to handle the orders they already had taken. Alas, no Louboutin in Pittsburgh.



Too many standout shoes to list, I still wanted to highlight some favorites. Despite the lack of weather-incentive I have for Spring, it's still quite on my mind, so here were my favorite offerings for the season.

A sumptuous black leather wedge sandal from Givenchy. The width of the straps and height of the shoe seemed just perfect. They looked like a great go-to wedge for the Summer.

Givenchy Ankle-wrap Wedge in Black Leather

The Acne snake-embossed wedge sandal was a cool kid's cross-breed of sandal and bootie. I could see these toughening up any outfit.

Acne Wedge Sandal with Snake-embossed Leather heel

And, of course, I'm always drawn in by pretty. These Lanvin bow espadrilles are exactly that.

From L to R: Jimmy Choo Glenys, Bottega Veneta sandal, Lanvin espadrille

These are only a select few of what this amazing store has to offer. The size range varies by brand, but typically from 36-41, with an occasional 35 or 42 depending on brand and style. If you are in the area, and would like to stop in and check them out they are located at 5416 Walnut Street in the Shadyside area of Pittsburgh. Not in the area? Give them a call at (412) 687-7600.

Situations wanted

Had a quick twirl around Nordstrom today and these shoes were the brightest stars I saw, Jeffrey Campbell "Situation". A gorgeous two-toned shoe with a pretty bow, they looked perfect with the tights I happened to be wearing.

Jeffrey Campbell "Situation" in Beige/Black

The color in-person is much closer to that of the first picture, a really warm, buttery caramel. A very nice lady-like heel, perfect for year-round wear. They come in two other colorways on the Nordstrom website (pink/black and grey/white), found here.

The tights were a Marshall's find recently, by my favoritest brand Trasparenze. I love that they give a kind of "leggings" look but are closed-toe nylons. They are great for the transition weather in which i kind of want the look of bare feet, but my feet are still pretty cold!

Trasparenze Riki in Cosmetic

Fit on the shoes is true-to-size. I tried on the 6.5 out of laziness, and would have needed a 7. They are lower-heeled so the comfort was higher than normal for heels, but being patent, I think these would need "broken in" a bit to make them more comfortable.

Stuart Weitzman Kimbow

Shoes just keep getting higher and higher, don't they? I've been trying not to go too much above 4" on the heel height (right), but I love these feminine shoes from Stuart Weitzman.

At 5 1/4" inches in height, it's hard to deny their power. Anything that tall automatically makes me think "fierce", but not these shoes. They are so pretty and dainty, a feat for something so high, in my opinion. I am in love with the stitch detailing on the platform. I think I would prefer these as a closed-back peep-toe, but I admit they are pretty great as-is.

Stuart Weitzman Kimbow in Adobe Aniline

Fit seems to be slightly small for open-toe, and especially considering the height (where I usually have to size down because of the pitch). I took these in a 37. Because they are slingbacks, I perhaps could have taken my usual size, but I may have had a bit of overhang in the back. The comfort was "okay" given the height. I think the sling factor might make these slightly more difficult to walk in, but I didn't find them painful.

They come in black, adobe and cream patent. Available at Zappos and other retailers.

Tory Burch does tough girl

Tory Burch seems to be like Coach -- everywhere. Everyone swears by the comfort of the Revas, but they stabbed my foot when trying them on (my toes are very sensitive and the metal plate was hurty). I've avoided the brand for the most part, because I'm not a huge logo fan.

Fast forward to a recent trip to Nordstrom. "Oh hey, those blue shoes are niiiiice." And then I look closer and see the logo (on the inside of the shoe). I felt a little duped, but I'm not going to deny the beauty of these shoes. Plus they are named after me. Kind of.

Tory Burch Erinn

For the non-heel wearer out there, they style comes in a flat version, too.

Tory Burch Courtney flat shown with Erinn heel

I didn't try on the flats, but the heels fit large. I would have needed either a 6 or 6.5 with heel grips.

Note from the Shoe Lady: I'm going to be honest and admit I used to own a very discreet Tory Burch dress.

Celebrity designer doing it right (or at least doing a good job of copying others)

Jessica Simpson shoes have kind of been on my radar ever since she knocked off Louboutin Brogues (I think she did a patent/cork version? I remember seeing them sell for serious money on eBay). I find a lot of the shoes are "inspired bys", but sometimes there's something unique.


The Ely pump caught my eye immediately when I was at Macy's checking out the shoes. Very reminiscent of Ruthie Davis shoes (which I've lusted after but yet to try), I thought the powdery pink with the black was stunning.


Endless has them in three beautiful colorways, but I still like the one I tried on best. Fit was true-to-size to my open-toe size. I took these in a 6.5.

I haven't quite seen anything like these Cheetah pumps. The look of exotics without the guilt (or price, for that matter).


Fit was true-to-size. I tried on the 6.5, but the 7 would have been best for comfort.

Aldo shoes

I had a bit of time to stroll the mall recently, and checked out the new shoes in at Aldo. I was pleasantly surprised by the lovely styles (though some of them were very heavily "inspired by" other designers).

They had a pretty varied selection, but there were three pairs I liked best.





The Flothom, a gorgeous patent peep-toe wedge, had a cool vintage vibe to it. The nude was perfect for me, and I think these would look great with skirts and skinny jeans alike. It came in three colors (nude, black and red) but I liked nude best.



Fit was smallish. My open-toe size is usually 6.5 and I took the 37 in these and they are just shy of being short in length.

I am super drawn to the contrast of nude and black lately, so the Elyce definitely caught my eye. I love the drama of them and the cutout is pretty sexy, I think.



Fit was true to size, though I could have sized up and added an insole to make these more comfortable.

Lastly, since Spring seems so much about wedges this year, the Gayner style. I tried on the beige, so more details could be seen... but these in black were seriously smoking hot.


Fit on these was smallish for open-toe. I took these in a 37.

I didn't end up buying any of them, because let me get real here for a minute -- they felt like death. Synthetic shoes don't always feel painful to me, but I don't like to have to "break in" shoes. These shoes may actually break me.

That said, I may crack and get the Gayner if they hit sales, or I can find a similar style. (Maybe the Diane Von Furstenberg Opal? It has a similar feel.)