Ruby Slippers Redux or Ding! Dong! The Wicked Witch is Dead!

Speaking of ruby slippers, I thought I'd share some pictures of a strange and curious gift I once received:

The box (looks innocent enough):



Then the surprise...


In use as a doorstopper!

"She's gone where the goblins go below - below - below. Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out."

What's up with the tacky stockings?!

Another functioning shoe gift from a dear friend (pictures slide into the metallic wedges):

Nude + Black + Ruby

Silk Cardigan: Banana Republic
Top with Sequin Trim: Alessandro Dell'Acqua
Necklace: Aldo
Jeans: Urban Outfitters
Platforms: YSL

I normally hate a drop-waisted look, but I couldn't resist the gorgeous sequin detailing on this substantial top (I know you can't feel it, but it's a weighty piece with multiple layers; plus, the top edges contain black slivers for contrast):

None of my shots from yesterday's outfit worked except one of the shoes. I call these my "ruby slippers":

Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore.

On Helping Style Spy (and other bloggers) Achieve World Domination

Gorgeous Style Spy herself, featured above in a drool-worthy YSL dress ~

If you haven't already checked out the glorious list of highly-addictive blogs featured on the right side of your computer screen, do so. I've already mentioned some of my favorites: Wendy Brandes Jewelry, Nini's Style, Diabolina's Super Sweet Fashion Diary, Hanh's Life in Travel, The Little Fashion Treasury, and Miss Cavendish are all among my daily cyberspace visits. Here are a couple more that I must alert you to:

1. STYLE SPY: Style Spy provides discount deals on goodies, works in conjunction with non-profit organizations to help women in third-world countries, and highlights covetable pieces for her fellow fashionistas. But what I love most about this woman is her incredibly humorous wit and sharply-written commentaries. (She also recently posted about yours truly, but I swear this post had nothing to do with that!) She's determined to achieve world domination, and she offers a tempting gift basket to anyone willing to help her do so (visit here to find out).

2. STREET STYLE LONDON: Watch out, Scott. Polka Dot's got London covered, and she does so with a magnanimous eye, highlighting high, low, and quirky fashion--and everything in between.

Isn't Polka Dot adorable?!

Lust List

Exhibit A: Another shockingly gorgeous pair of Chanel platforms, this time with classic pearls in unusual spots (photo credit: Bag Snob):



Exhibit B: I've never loved a jean jacket quite as much as I do this lovely Junya Watanabe, complete with exaggerated lapels and a fob:


Exhibit C: Shakespeare-meets-Star Trek in this Gareth Pugh sci-fi stunner (cuff not included):

Little White Dress

Jersey Dress: Yigal Azrouel

Slip: Unknown

Fairy Sandals: Prada (from Spring '08)

I adore white dresses in summer, and Yigal Azrouel's version of jersey--substantial, weighty, and cool--is perfect for broiling hot days. When wearing a white dress, don't hesitate mixing in funky accessories for a shot of color.

~

Enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend!

Get a Grip

Dress and Belt: Burberry Prorsum

Pumps: YSL

Tired of slipping out of these shoes when walking, I finally headed over to my cobbler for an easy fix to this annoying problem. He gave me these "heel gripper" rubber pads to affix on the inside part of the backs, and they worked wonderfully--at least for the one block I had to walk to get to my building. Let's hope they stay grippy!

Reworked Vintage

Dress: Vintage (mother's from the 1960s)

Cage Belt: YSL

Sandals: Proenza Schouler

When I received this gorgeous dress from my mother, it had no buttons, so I visited a button store in the Fashion District and chose these black and silver ones. To be honest, I was a little stunned that they were so expensive (I had never bought buttons before but I expected them to be quite cheap; of course, this particular dress required eight of them and I bought two more in case I lost any), but in the end, they were worth it. Buttons are enormously transformative! (Imagine sailor buttons...or hot pink ones...you get the idea.)

Women don't buy enough blue shoes...Of course, I adore the architectural heel on these:

And Mary Kate Olsen wearing similar ones in beige (thanks to In the Olsen's Closet for this photo):

Masculine

Tux Jacket: H&M

Striped Blouse: Banana Republic

Belt: Max Azria

Jeans: Silence + Noise

Pumps: YSL

Dressing these days has been an absolute conundrum; this morning it was a frigid 45 degress, but by the afternoon, it was a balmy 70-something. I passed women on the street in high boots and winter coats and women in shorts and sandals.

~

Speaking of shorts...I saw the most amazing woman on the street today (unfortunately I saw her from the bus so I couldn't get a candid shot of her) wearing a black blazer, a simple white tank, short jean cut-offs (the length of the blazer just hit the bottom of the shorts), an Hermes belt and Birkin, and t-strap flats. Although this outfit was somewhat basic, she looked so chic and pulled together that I couldn't help but stare. It didn't hurt that she was gorgeous. Personally I'm a bit of a prude when it comes to showing skin--perhaps it's a result of Catholic schooling or being a teacher--so I avoid short shorts like the plague (or swine flu, take your pick). But the idea is quite tempting...

Under the Sea

My husband and I decided to revisit the New York Aquarium on Coney Island--quite a trek from the city! I managed to snap some shots of our favorite aquatic friends before my camera inauspiciously died (so I don't have any outfit pictures, either, sad to say).
~
We saw a sea lion show, but I'm not sure if it was THIS sea lion. Although I know all about conditioning (I had to take a boring college class on it), it still amazes me that humans can train animals to behave like performers.


Aren't they scared?!

Eyeing me suspiciously...

Talk about giving someone the evil eye...

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Stunning, isn't it?!

A "red striped sea nettle":

After our pleasant visit at the aquarium, we took a stroll along the boardwalk and had some funnel cake (something about it brings back nostalgic memories of summer beach days) before it began to pour.

Rocky Road

Blouse: Banana Republic

Corset Belt: YSL

Skirt: Oscar de la Renta

Sandals: YSL

The weather warmed up again (I swear it's bipolar)--a perfect day for ice cream! Instead of Rocky Road (one of my favorite flavors--next to Mint Chocolate Chip, of course), I indulged in a vanilla soft-serve cone with chocolate sprinkles (or "jimmies," as we Philadelphians call them).

~

Have a wonderful weekend!

Ruffles and Sheen

The actual shade of the skirt:

Blouse: Chloe

Corset Belt: YSL
Skirt: Martin Grant

Pumps: Prada

~

I apologize for the lack of outfit posts recently; I've been enormously uninspired lately, and dressing for two seasons with almost interminable bouts of rain has given me the case of the fashion blahs. It doesn't help that I had an awful day at work. Well, some Korean comfort food and a good movie sound like heaven right about now!

Ladies, Get Your Pre-Sale On!

YSL Cage Necklace in Silver

YSL Platform Pump in Black Patent

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For those of you who have eyed runway goodies since September but who have been blinded by the astronomical prices, here's your chance to get your pre-sale on! Although "Pre-Sale" can mean different things to different brands (for some, it means instant sale; for others, it means being allowed to reserve things until the sales actually begin), it's an advantageous opportunity for any recessionista. Pre-sale at YSL begun yesterday, Missoni last week, and many others are slated to begin this Friday. Call your sales associate to reserve items now!

Creamy

Jacket: Mason

Dress: Prada

Belt: YSL

Sandals: Prada

Have a restful weekend, and let's celebrate our wonderful mothers!

Orange Sherbert

Blouse: Alice + Olivia

Pants: Banana Republic

Pumps: Salvatore Ferragamo

~

I wore these pants uncuffed (they're wide-legged) during the day, but when it began to pour, I immediately cuffed them to prevent staining. Oddly enough, I like them better cuffed!