Breaking out of the shoe box

Shoes: Prada (also love these & these for Summer), Denim: Rag & Bone, Sweater: Joie (similar here), Top: ATM (similar here), Bag: Louis Vuitton, Sunnies: Oliver Peoples (similar here).

Over the weekend, I took on the daunting task of organizing my shoe collection (And no, I did not get trapped under 5000 shoe boxes as my husband likes to joke).  As I organized shoes by style, I noticed one pile towered over the rest: Pumps.  Yes they are a classic silhouette and usually a comfortable choice when in comes to heels.  Although I have quite the array of colors, textures and heel heights, I surveyed the pile and thought “I’m in a shoe style rut”.

Here’s my thought process.  A pump is classic at its base and even if you dare to choose a bright color or print, the foundation is solid. With the higher price tag designer shoes carry, I often justify them by picking pairs I can wear “forever” and that aren’t overly trendy.  Of course I lust over the bejeweled gucci platform heels or the fur adorned Nicholas Krikwood loafers, but my inner fashion voice asks-will I still be into these a year from now?  Of course there is always a factor of I love the shoe so who cares what the masses think.

Enter the creeper.  These platforms come in many different iterations and styles and I have secretly always wanted a pair.  The issue was, they look nothing like my usual style.  I decided to give in a buy the pair that spoke to me.  It came down to the Stella McCartney’s vs. Prada.  Stella’s platform was intense and I have to admit, the height I gained without the pain of a heel was tempting and made me giddy with the additional 5 inches I would gain. Ultimately I chose the Prada version with a modest 3  inch platform.  I love the classic brogue details melded with the sporty creeper sole.

As I added the pale blue box to my shoe stack, I felt like I had finally taken a step outside of my usual (shoe) box 🙂

 

 

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Birthday week details

//Favorite flowers on my birthday// Cuff: Hermes, Denim: COH, Shoes: Sophia Webster

This past weekend kicked off my Birthday week (I always keep the party going for at least a week in Jan).  I was overwhelmed by all the birthday wishes and sweet gifts from my friends and family.  They really know how to make a girl feel special!

//Planning our Anniversary trip// Candle: Cire Trudon, Ring: Loren Stewart.

//Taste of Paris in Soho// Cire Trudon candles (My favorite scent is Trianon)

//One of Hubby’s Birthday gifts// Book of Mormon

//Favorite combo// Blazer: Veronica Beard, Mug: Anthropologie.

//Birthday cupcakes from my sis// Molly’s Cupcakes NYC

//Favorite Matcha latte spot// Chalait NYC   Bag: Chanel, Muffs: Adrienne Landau

 

 

 

Cheer

// Pre-shopping micro break // – Shoes: Christian Louboutin (similar here), Denim: Rag & Bone, Sweater: J. Crew (on sale), Sunnies: Oliver Peoples, Bag: Louis Vuitton, Bracelet: Hermes.

// Green Matcha latte // – Cha lait NYC

// Bundeled // – Muffs: Adrienne Landau (similar here), Scarf: Burberry, Leather: IRO

// Celine & Chanel // Sunnies: Celine, Blazer: Helmut Lang (similar here-on sale), Pin: Chanel, Nails: Chanel, Lace: Journelle.

// Holiday treats // Martha Stewart’s Ginger Cookies, Shoes: Chanel, Polish: Chanel

 

 

 

Necessary

If I could only take a handful of items to a deserted island, I’ll be honest, it would be a challenge picking favorites.  However, rationally speaking, my most versatile, high rotation pieces always seem to be vintage cut offs, a leather jacket, a good tee and timeless pouch.  These seemingly basic pieces can be worn so many different ways and never go out of style.

The pouch perfectly morphs from a daytime brunch to rooftop drinks.  Add a blazer and heels to my denim and I’m ready for dinner in the Meatpacking. Last, a well fitted leather jacket in black is a fashion staple every girl should own.  The motto detail on this IRO jacket (no one does them better than IRO) gave just the right amount of edge.

Jacket: IRO (also love this & this faux one), Tee: Monrow (similar here), Clutch: Louis Vuitton, Denim shorts: Vintage (similar here & here), Sunnies: Lucky Selectism (similar here).

 

IRO in Paris

Fresh off our trip to Paris, I’m still wishing I were eating a croissant at Cafe de Flore and wandering the streets of Saint Germain (my favorite area thus far).  Paris and Lyon were amazing and it being my first time to the city of lights, we made sure each day was full.

The food, the fashion and the people were lovely (more on the food and fashion in my upcoming two part Paris post).  I found most days, while not planned out, began and ended with a stroll through the beautiful streets lined with flower boxes and Juliet balconies. The quintessential effortless Parisian girl seemed to be everywhere and I found myself, unconsciously one afternoon in head to toe French labels.

IRO has always been a favorite of mine, particularly their leather jackets. I brought along a recent piece I’d picked up in the States that worked perfectly in Paris….of course. A wander into IRO’s Paris boutique resulted in more goodies joining my already loved collection 🙂

Dress: IRO (also love this color), Shoes: Balenciaga (also love this option), Pouch: Louis Vuitton, Sunnies: Celine.