shoes of the day

It is no secret around here that I am broke as a joke. The little money I do have is not my own, and will have to be repaid with interest. So I don't go online-window-shopping like I used to- it is too depressing. But I am just dying to get my hands on some summery sandals. I am craving huge platforms that go with everything. When I wear heels to school, I feel a little overdressed for some reason, but sky high platforms are easier to walk in and a little more casual. Shopbop has a wonderful selection right now.


Marc by Marc, $111

Ash, $87


Twelfth St Cynthia Vincent, $106. Ahhh I want these so bad.

Unfortch these are all still out of my reach, even though on sale. But seriously if you have some cash burning a hole in your pocket, send it directly to me go over to Shopbop, they are having grrreat sales right now.

I love loeffler

So, I got those boots. My local Target had them in stock, so I didn't have to order online and fret about the quality after I had already parted with my precious, precious $34.99 (+tax). The quality isn't top-notch, duh, but they really don't look bad in person. I tried them on, looked in the mirror, and chanted "Until I can afford Loeffler...until I can afford Loeffler..."

Yes, they look kinda like a poor man's (woman's) version of Loeffler Randall's gorgey half-wedge boots. I'm sure Jessie Randall wouldn't mind, right? She did a collabo with Target earlier this year. For now I'm a Target girl, but my eye's on the prize...

Just swooning:






All can be found here at Shopbop.

shoe of the day

Today is shoe of the day-- budget version! A girl in my class (from AZ) and I were lamenting our lack of cold-weather appropriate footwear for the upcoming winter. We both come from climates where little flats and some heeled sandals will do you good all year long. Last February on my trip to Idaho & Utah, I attempted to wear my flats in a blizzard. I guess I figured if they were closed-toe, I would be fine. Wrong! My shoes got soaked through (not to mention the uncovered tops of my feet) in minutes. So I have been searching for some (VERY) budget-friendly/cold friendly shoes. I found today's pair here from Target.



It's really hard to find boots on a budget, but I think retailers are doing a better and better job of putting some affordable and not TOTALLY chintzy options out there. For only $34.99, these might do the trick.

shoe of the day

Today's beauties come to us from the Prada F/W 08 collection. If you remember the runway collection, the shoes were real showstoppers.





I haven't seen real-life versions of these runway shoes yet, but the ruffle peep-toes from Neiman Marcus are more wearable while still keeping that extra-large-ruffle-flair. Both the real life and the runway versions are definitely fantasy shoes...only wearable in my dream life in which I sit by the pool in heels sipping bellinis all day. The new Linda Evangelista ads only add to their whimsical appeal.




pictures from Style.com and foto_decadent.

and it continues...

Oh boy. The ennui continues. I had forgotten how much of your life is taken up by full-time lifeguarding. Yes, that sounds pathetic and believe me, it sure is. This is a job that practically anyone could do, and it's not very rewarding. But yet it kind of consumes your whole life. Working outdoors on your feet makes you very un-stylish, among other things. On a hot sunny day, you only dream about a cold shower and a nap in the dark with the fan on high. On cold, wet miserable days (like today, omg it was horrible) you dream about a hot shower and a nap wrapped in all your fleece blankets. If tomorrow is your day off, it no longer means "yeah! let's go out tonight!" but "yeah! I don't have to shave my legs tonight!" The days are 10 or more hours long, and by the time I get home and wash the chlorine and sunscreen off of me, it is past 8:00 and it doesn't leave much time to look cute (or have a life).

hmmmm....what shall I wear today...decisions, decisions...

Of course, there are some perks. Lots of overtime pay, it really is an easy job, and no matter how much SPF 30 I put on, all those hours make for a deep, natural tan (just ignore the gosh-awful tan lines that make low-cut shirts impossible)! But luckiest of all, this job is very definitely very temporary...I am officially going to law school this fall. I am accepted, just haven't decided where I'm going yet. It means, among other huge life changes, many fashion adventures in my future.
I am trying hard to not become a sun-baked zombie and trying to get re-inspired. There is a massive amount of cute shoes out this season. I can't remember when so many unique, fashion forward, detailed shoes were available at all price points...it's almost overwhelming!

these mirror one of my favorite silhouettes of the season. great detailing, too.


These shoes from Antrho
are almost too sweet... but not quite enough to deter me from coveting them anyway. yes, those are shimmery pink resin candies on the toes.


Granny-ish, cute, multi-seasonal, and only $38? yes, please.


Ok, so these aren't even close to affordable, but I love them.


Michael Kors has similar wedges for over $100, but I'll take these, from Target, for only $19.99


I can picture these with just about any outfit, ever.


These are the last pricey pair, I promise!


Do you like these? well, you should...because I just bought them yesterday and they are more of a cream color in person, so I plan to wear them daily.

on my mind

Did you ever know something wasn't good for you, but you just had to have it anyway? No, I'm not referring to my sometimes insane cravings for ice cream or cookies. This item on my mind is widely regarded as unflattering, too 80s, or just plain ugly. The item is this pair of trendoid shoes.

I have pictured them with my dresses, with my skinny jeans, with my tights. I am watching them on 4 websites, hoping one will just lower the price a little more. I have tried to justify that they would act as my "Florida equivalent" to winter boots, since they truly just don't stock knee-high boots in the stores here.

I haven't made up my mind yet, but I will keep holding out until they drop in price or drop out of my mind!

shoe of the day

Chloe triple strap shoe at net-a-porter

I have been semi-obsessed with these shoes since I saw them on Kate Bosworth. Since she has perfect tiny legs, they probably would make most other girls' legs look a little stumpy. Of course, that would not stop me from buying them if I had the chance!


photo from Teddy & Moo's

shoe of the day

anthro-lily
Originally uploaded by c_noel.

I am going to keep the Anthropologie love flowing, since I spent all my free time at work today on their site. They actually had a pleasant surprise...a new collection of heels for $78, which is low for an Anthropologie non-sale shoe. These gray Lili Peep-Toes are an adorable example. Also look for yellow slingbacks and purple bow-topped sandals.

shoe of the day: get a wedgie

I just realized that almost all my featured shoes have been wedges. There is no denying that heels are sexy, but wedges are sturdier without giving up the height. I have more than a few wedges in my closet: some of my pairs are even more comfortable than flats.



Unique and versatile. I can picture them easily with jeans, capris, or a sundress. Kenneth Cole Reaction, $79, at nordstrom.

shoe of the day: bottega veneta

So I have a thing for Bottega Veneta. Their whole s/s collection is full or gorgeous pinks, mauves, and lavenders that all work together. I wanted every single piece that came down the runway. The clothes drape beautifully, and I love the basketweave/smocking details.
These sandals are just great. They have the signature Bottega details, and as such, are far out of my price range. Once I was so crazy about some sandals that I tried to DIY....don't ask...but I don't think I'll try (& subsequently butcher) these perfect summer shoes. Fantasizing will have to do!

$540 at net-a-porter.com

shoe of the day: the search for a summer boot

Although it is still getting down in the 20's at night here where I live, I definitely have summer on my mind. I think I have dreamed about the beach almost every night lately. I know many fashionable people think that it is much easier to be stylish in the winter, when you can pile on boots, cute coats, trousers, and scarves. I happen to love summer style and it always lifts my mood a little to see the first sundresses of the year on magazine pages. I love the simplicity of summer fashion, and you can finally wear layers for their look and not for their utility. You can wear dresses and skirts and not worry about freezing cold legs. Anyway, I have been looking for some boots to wear for this summer. After my perfect pair disappeared from anthropologie (promise, this is the last time I mention them!), I have been on the hunt. Here is what I've found so far.

First off, summer is the perfect time for ankle boots.

this Jeffrey Campbell pair hits all the summer trends: bootie, mod, and yellow. Perfect with a pencil skirt or a shift dress. Is it obvious yet that I have a thing for shoes with bows??

a year-round staple, Frye boots are especially appropriate in summer.

With dresses so in right now, nothing balances out a pretty, girly dress like these Engineer boots. I like this style because they are a little shorter (no hot, suffocated calves) and brown shoes go great with warm-weather clothes.

I am so happy that Wellies are in style right now. They look great on the sartorialist and on j.crew.



I want some because summers are so rainy where I live, and I hate walking around in wet sandals. They can add some color to any casual outfit whether it be slim jeans or patterned shorts.

Here is another pair I can see myself wearing year-round.



Again, great with dresses but even more versatile than the Fryes. If these ever come back into stock in my size, they will be mine!

shoes 1-2 from zappos.com, 3-4 from urbn.com

shoe of the day

12th Street
Originally uploaded by c_noel.

I have been lusting after these shoes since I saw them in the January Glamour (in one of my favorite spreads EVER). They are 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent at shopbop.com. I found a cheap version at Old Navy (I have never seen them online, only in the store), except mine have a strap where the bow should be, they are slingback, and the wedge is raffia. I have been trying to figure out a way to add a bow without making it look too horribly DIY...hmm...

shoe of the day

yellow boots
Originally uploaded by c_noel.

I am seriously considering buying these now that they are on sale at anthropologie. I can imagine them scrunched over my dark wash cigarette jeans , or with leggings and a skirt. I don't look the greatest in yellow, so I have to add this season's best color any other way I can!