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!

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.

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.