Strong Shoulders Part II

Origami Blouse: 3.1 Philip Lim

Skirt: Miu Miu

Wedges: Fendi

I've added the link for Gilt Groupe (for those of you who want to join); see the post immediately following this one.

Gilt Groupe Link

For those of you interested in joining GILT GROUPE, use this link:

http://www.giltgroupe.com/invite/cl221

On Shoe Shopping

Enzo Angiolini Waters, on sale for $89

Enzo Angiolini Felissa, on sale for $98.96

Kors Michael Kors Bang Platform Sandals, on sale for $156.90 (down from $225)

Jill Stuart Salem High Heel Gladiator Sandals, on sale for $161 (down from $230); also available in white or camel

L.A.M.B. Frankie Open Toe Thong Pumps, on sale for $248.50 (down from $355)

Coach Jenkins Gladiator Heel (also available in beige), $328.00

In this dismal economy, it's perfectly understandable for one reader to ask about inexpensive shoe options. Here are some pointers about shoe shopping:

1. Nine West, Aldo, Steve Madden, and Enzo Angiolini have budget-friendly shoes with high fashion styles (many of them actually mimic high-end designer fashions), but keep in mind that many times, these shoes may not be as comfortable or high-quality as designer shoes (I warrant that this is not always true, as I have seen poorly-made expensive shoes, but generally, this is the case). If you want a trendy style that will be worn for one or two seasons, these brands provide good options.

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2. Keep in mind that you can purchase higher-quality shoes during sale seasons for similar prices as the brands listed above. Many designers have diffusion lines (lower-priced or contemporary lines) that are in the $200-300 range. Some of these include BCBG, Kors by Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and See by Chloe. Tory Burch, Pedro Garcia, Coach, and other contemporary designers also have high-quality shoes for lower prices than high-end designer ones (I'm waiting for those green Coach beauties to go on sale).

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3. If you live in NYC or LA, check out sample sales for inexpensive shoes. (I have seen Devi Kroell python shoes for under $100.) Of course, if you don't live anywhere near a major city, check out online sample sales: The Outnet (Net-a-porter's discount site), Billion Dollar Babes (slashed contemporary goods), and Gilt Groupe** (this site is for discounted high-end goods). If you live near an outlet, such as Woodbury Commons, you're sure to hit upon a veritable mother lode of discounted goodies. If you aren't squeamish, check out your local consignment store.

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**You have to be invited to join Gilt, but use this link to join:

~http://www.giltgroupe.com/invite/cl221

4. Consider investing in expensive, well-made shoes that will last years to come. My YSL Tribute platforms are incredibly well made. Although I "walk like a horse" (to use a friend's self-disparaging comment) and tend to ruin cheaply-made soles, these shoes hardly look it after a vigorous walk down NYC's mean streets. They are worth the expensive price tag. (Many women can hardly stomach the thought of spending that much on a single pair of shoes, but if they add up the price of several of their cheaply-made shoes that wear out very quickly, it would equal those and last longer.)

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5. Take care of your shoes to make them last longer. I know this has nothing to do with purchasing "inexpensive shoes," but I think care is another important element to consider when thinking of your shoes. I used to horribly mistreat my shoes: I'd wear them in the rain, day after day, etc. Make friends with your local cobbler to add a protective sole (to extend the shoe's life), repair ruined soles, and shine them when they get dull. Wear rain boots in rainy weather, and purchase two types of shoes: nice ones for work or special occasions and durable, cheap ones for wear-and-tear situations. Knowing how to take care of your shoes ensures more use and pleasure. And we all know that shoes bring pleasure to the fashionista within each of us!

Short Stories

Blouse: Banana Republic
Shorts: Zara
Pumps: YSL

Jacket: Tree

Top: H&M

Shorts: Banana Republic

Sandals: YSL

I apologize for the lack of posts recently; I'm fiercely finishing up my grading for the school year, which means copious exam marking and report card commenting. (In truth, grading has got to be my least favorite aspect of teaching. I really envy college professors who have graduate student assistants.)

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Back to the post...I've recently rediscovered the joys of shorts (I've lifted the personal ban against them), but there are a few TF-imposed rules I'd like to share:

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1. Shorts must never be an excuse for sloppy dressing. Pair them with something dressier, like a nice top or a structured jacket or, better yet, with stunning heels. (If you can't wear heels with them, at least choose nice flats. Avoid flip flops.)

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2. Short shorts should be not be slutty. Please--nobody wants to see your butt cheeks hanging out of them or varicose veins, cellulite, or any other unsightly parts reserved for dark rooms or forgiving lovers. Wear a length that is appropriate to the situation and that's flattering to your particular body type.

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3. Shorts should not be expensive; this is not the time to splurge. Look to H&M, Zara, Gap, Old Navy, or Banana for budget-friendly versions that are just as chic as the expensive designer ones. Save your dough for a well-made, structured jacket or a pair of classic pumps.

Vintage; Gladiators; Zootopia

Silk Dress: Vintage (mother's)
White Bag: Vintage Chanel
Gladiators: Guiseppe Zanotti

Last Saturday's weather perfectly complimented another trip to the zoo, this time being the Bronx Zoo. Thankfully, my husband's company sponsored a free trip; otherwise, we would have spent a steep $27 per person (plus extras for the Monorail, the Butterfly exhibit, the Apes, and any food expenses). In the end, however, even an expensive trip to this zoo is worth it; we walked around for at least four hours and didn't even get to see everything.

I bought these gladiators on sale last summer, but they're still available at various department stores (now on sale again). They're pretty indispensable: the neutral metallic shade goes with almost anything, they're comfortable, and the back zippers ensure easy access:


Some highlights from the zoo:

Hogging the limelight:


Awww, isn't he cute?!

The Three Stooges:

On the prowl...

Living the good life:

Hang tight:

Home, home on the range: Where the deer and the antelope play!

Preening peacock:

They give stinky a good name:

Possibly the oddest-looking creature I have ever seen:

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.

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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):