The worst kind of sale goggles

So my life has been in flux a lot as of late, hence the length between posting. I did start a job recently I had hoped would turn permanent, but alas, it didn't end up that way. On the bright side, I found a job I'm very excited about in my chosen field (graphic design). I start Tuesday, and as a treat to myself I bought a pair of shoes (surprise!).

I think my love affair with rubber is growing, and I was ecstatic to see these Melissa x Jean Paul Gaultier stilletos on major clearance. The lines on them are so sexy, and the thinness of the heel slays me. From the other pair of Melissa shoes I have, I knew these would be incredibly comfortable, too.

Here comes the caveat. I take them home to try on and get more excited about my great find only to realize the pair are two right shoes. I called the store, they have no more and they are unable to track them down. So bummed. Yoox has them, but for $100 more :/ If you see them for under $100 (in either black or black/grey), let me know!

Melissa x Jean Paul Gaultier Heels

Fit on these is true-to-size to slightly small. These are the 38 or "US 7" and they are a little big in the back. I could have taken probably either a 7 or 6 and been fine. Now I just have to find them!

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.

Boxing Day

The day after Christmas seems a time for family, but at 7:30 am, I quickly dressed and headed downtown for Second Cut at Saks. First things first, let me talk about the appalling service at the Saks shoe department in Pittsburgh (putting keywords here so they are hopefully reading). I didn't see anything I loved really in the sale section, so I inquired about another favorite brand of mine that they don't stock regularly, but sometimes keep a pair or two in the back from returns. I asked two sales associates before someone would help me by taking a peek in the back.

I understand every second lost on the sales floor during the frenzy means a possible loss of a sale, but a polite "I don't have time now, but I can check later" would have been helpful. The only sale section that seemed wonderful to me was Chanel. They were only first cut for those (30%), so definitely not enticing me to bite, but some really cute styles (and all my size!).

My favorite find was a velvet lower-heeled shoe, adorned with the signature camellia. Beautiful and a manageable height, these ran surprisingly true-to-size for Chanel. These were the last pair (I believe), a 37, and they fit perfectly.


I really am not a fan of the clog-style shoes, but I couldn't help but try these on for fun. Maybe UNfun, I should say. I know I get annoyed when people ask me "how can you walk in those?!" but I can't imagine people walking gracefully in these. They were uncomfortable, awkward and heavy (to me, anyhow). I admire the chutzpah of clog-wearers, but they most definitely aren't for me in form or function. Sizing seemed to be small. These are a 38 (the only pair there), and the 37.5 would have worked best for me, but the 38 wasn't unbearably large.


I love, love, love the cap-toe maryjane flats. These were so soft, and I had a gift card so it was difficult for me to put them down, but for such a staple, I can't imagine purchasing it in bone. Already in-store I could see some light stains waiting to take form, so I placed them back on the rack after a quick try on. These also ran small. I tried on the 37.5, but I could have worn a 38 comfortably.


All of the above are (or were as of yesterday) available at Saks in Pittsburgh, so it's worth a call to see if they are still there for purchase. Unfortunately, I don't have a Sales Associate to recommend, as everyone seemed pretty inattentive and rude.

Black Friday

I am usually too lazy to do a lot of shopping on the busiest day of the year, but I do like to go downtown to check out Black Friday, since it's never usually too crowded there.

This was the sale selection in my size at Saks (this is the 7-7.5 rack):


It's crap, right? I'm on a no-shoes except for the Mauds ban for awhile, but I was still disappointed. The clothing selection wasn't much better, imo.

The only pairs I really loved there, were some from Kate Spade, especially these glitter pumps. The last pair was an 8 (too big for me), but they were darling in person and perfect for holiday parties.

Kate Spade Charm Glitter Bow Slingbacks, FW 2010

If you'd like to try to track them down, they are sold out on the site, but you can still use the store locator. Here is the link.

All is not lost though, I finally ended up buying those Doc knockoffs at Kmart. Really, one of my best buys all year. $20, and I've been living in them this weekend!

Playdate

I realized something after seeing the phrase "winsome blogger outfit" on a message board recently that this blog is woefully lacking in "winsome blogger pictures". I had some time on my hands this morning and decided to change that!

Frequently with shoes that I somewhat consider grail-esque, I see them, think "oh they are great, but you know I don't really need them..." until I realize, oh yeah, I do need them! I had pretty much given up on this pair, though, because while they did make a lot of sales, I didn't see them (in my size, anyhow) in a lot of second cut sales.

A lovely lady posted about these popping back up on the Barneys sale, and I snapped them up quickly, thinking it was "guilt-free shopping" since their stock is never updated and I've frequently had orders canceled from them.

Well! They shipped and showed up and I couldn't be happier.

Climbing up steps

Going down the slide

Chilling on the swingset

Obligatory shot actually on the feet
Christian Louboutin Clic Clac Bootie in Suede with Embroidered Mesh inset, shown with Leg Avenue seemed stockings

Fit on these is slightly small. I got these in a 37, and would say the 37.5 would be slightly better. These are based on the Declic shape (which I LOVE), so the toe-box is nice and roomy, and since they are suede they will stretch quite nicely to make them fit better. Most people that reviewed these, however, suggested a half to full size up from US size. It's possible my feet are shrinking.

The stockings are the "Two-Tone Red Cuban-Heeled" stockings from sockdreams. They are just "okay" in my opinion. I agree with the review on the website that they are best with a garter, because they definitely do not stay up on their own. I do like the red cuban heel instead of the typical black, and think they look great setting off the red of the sole.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

I was "in the hood" and decided to stop by the local mall. I didn't even realize the Anniversary Sale (AS) was going on. (I rarely shop brick-and-mortar)

The AS is usually pretty cool. They put brand spanking new fall items out at a steep discount (I believe 40%) for two-ish weeks and then as soon as the sale is over, the stock goes back to full-price. I think it's kind of a jump-start for fall, and gives them a boost of sales before any sale season actually starts.

I walked around the shoe department and was pleasantly surprised by the styles on sale. Lots of nice pumps, boots and all kinds of cool shoes. I'm pretty predictable, and being so, I tried on the pumps mostly. Here's what I loved.

Stuart Weitzman's Stiltspump, a gorgeous exposed platform pump, was my favorite of the night. It was classy and sexy, with unbelievable comfort. I'm usually not a fan of a stacked wood heel (painted black or not), but I actually may cave on these because they are something I've been looking for for awhile -- black nappa, decent heel, comfortable, round-toe.

Stuart Weitzman Stiltspump in Black Nappa, Fall 2010

Fit on these is large. I don't own any Stuart Weitzman shoes, but when I've tried them on I've usually found them narrow and small. These are a roomy 6.5, and I possibly could have worn a 6 if need be.

Steve Madden Linderr boot surprised me with how nice they seemed. They were on a table with Frye boots (which were also on sale), and I automatically assumed they were Fryes as well. I sold my Veronicas (I know, but after they stabbed my toes on my New York trip, I gave them the heave ho. They went to BCO's emmmmma) and wanted to find a comparable pair of flat black boots. I liked these a lot, and the comfort seemed decent, but I'm not sure about the ruching around the toe.

Steve Madden Linderr Boot in Black Leather, Fall 2010

Fit is true-to-size on these. I am wearing a 6.5 in the picture, but with socks a 7 would be best.

I had to try on Calvin Klein Scarlet for Sarah, of the Worn In Love blog. The color and shape was very similar to the shoes I was wearing that she has been lusting after (Loeffler Randall Neve, hard to find outside of eBay). The suede is a rich jewel-blue tone and they are gorgeous in person. I'm kind of wondering how hard it would be to find a leather-worker to make a perforated suede "bib" for these shoes to get the same look?

Calvin Klein Scarlet Platform Pump in Royal Blue Suede

Fit on these is very comfortable and (my theme of the night) seems to run a bit large. These are the 7 I tried on, but 6.5 would have been perfect.

I didn't take a picture on my my foot, but I also liked Joan & David's Flipp pump. I love the bright blue one, obviously, but the chocolate color in the back eerily reminded me of the scrumptious CL shade "marron glace".

Joan and David Flipp Pump

I tried these on and also found them to be large. I took the 6.5. Comfort seemed nice (though not as nice as the Weitzmans).

All in all, a really nice selection. I stuck to the pumps, but everywhere in the shoe department had a few items here and there that were cute and nicely priced. Oh, and for the lower-heeled lovers, they had Danskos on sale, too.

Not quite

With "second cut" in full force at most department stores, the shoes are quite steeply discounted... but also just as picked over. In my recent outing, I tried on a few pair of shoes that were cute, but not cute enough.

First up, Ann Demeulemeester "Open-front Buckled Sandal boots" (this is what Saks calls them, anyhow). I've never tried anything from this brand. Generally, I find the look a little too utilitarian for my aesthetic (which could maybe be described as "whimsically tacky" or perhaps "sweetly gaudy").

Off the foot, I really liked the look of these shoes. I don't have anything like them, and they definitely have that "I will cut you" look to them that I tend to enjoy. I like how they look on the side angle, but looking at them head on... well, I thought they rather looked like those boots you wear when you break your foot (not that I ever have, I'm very precarious in heels).

Ann Demeulemeester Wedge Boot S/S 2010

They seem very comfortable, and the fit is true-to-size (these are a 37), but in the end they just weren't "me". (Saks has several sizes available on the site, at 60% off, though)

Next, we have Prada bow pumps. These are classic and practical. You can see how that would influence my not-buying-them. They are lovely in person, and Saks had them marked quite low, but somehow I feel like if I am shelling out money, the shoes better be as ostentatious (read: gaudy) as the price.

Prada bow Mid-heel pump, S/S 2010

Fit is slightly large. These are a 36.5, and they are still a bit big on me, but Prada typically runs large for me anyhow. Comfort is extraordinary. (shoes in background are Devotte "Leeloo", a favorite summer staple my dear friend Cecilia tipped me off on)

Side note: pics are blurry as I only had my cell with me.

Shine on you crazy diamond

I've been trying to abstain, really. Unfortunately (for me), someone posted on one of my shoe boards about a pair she was returning that was (kind of) my size. I called post-haste to a handy sales associate in the shoe department and inquired about the insole measurement.

After being told the insole was "9.5" (which is typically what I need), I asked the sales associate to hold the pair so I could come try them on. She assured me they "probably" wouldn't be sold if I came in the next day to try them on. That wasn't good enough for me, so I hustled downtown in rush hour traffic (AND rain) to try them on.

The shoes in question are maybe too tight, I'm still deciding if I can stretch them sufficiently (the toe box is incredibly narrow) so instead I offer you these. Yeah there are no words, so I'll just let you look at the picture.

Jerome C. Rousseau Aizza in Green Glitter

Fit is big. These are a 37.5 and I can't tell if they are a half-size or full-size too big for me. I love these so much that if I cannot find a smaller size, I may just stuff them to bits. Either that, or I am seriously considering DIY-ing once I find the perfect shape and glitter to use. I need more green glitter in my life.

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.