Breaking out of the shoe box

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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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Keeping it neutral

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Texture is always something that pulls me in.  The ideal of a cozy knit with a high chunk factor is irresistible, especially with frigid New York temperatures. The woven detail on this piece is fantastic.  I have paired it with almost everything in my closet, making a simple sweater my key piece that elevates any outfit.

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Sweater: Ulla Johnson (similar here, here & here), Denim: Citizens of Humanity (similar color here), Sunnies: Illesteva (similar here), Bag: Prada, Shoes: Christian Louboutin (similar here).

 

 

Snowday

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Winter chill = Matcha Latte // Chalait NYC

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Aussie’s first blizzard // Central Park

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Snowday in West Village // Boots: Rag & Bone for Hunter, Denim: J. Crew-ON SALE!, Puffer: Moncler, Bag: Prada, Scarf:  White + Warren, Hat: Intermix.

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Fresh details // Shoes: Aquazzura, Gloss: Tom Ford

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Into the storm // Boots: Sorel (also here).

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Cozy details // Hat: Rag & Bone, Scarf: Steven Alan, Sunnies: Barton Perreira

 

Getting Warmer…

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Last year’s Winter was quite literally unbearable-especially coming from Sydney.  Fortunately this year has not been as bad….yet.  It’s still felt like a sub-zero deep freeze stepping outside this past week and throughout the weekend, but layering a warm and fuzzy accessory definitely kept me cozy.

I have inherited a few real fur pieces over the years from my Nanna which are amazing, but I also love a really good faux version.  I snapped this one up two years ago and love the color and texture.  Regardless of your view on faux vs. real, adding texture combined with the additional warmth always elevates any outfit.

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Faux fur snood: Asos (also love this & this color). Sweater: Vince (also love this one)-ON SALE!, Denim: AG Jeans (also here), Shoes: Loeffler Randall-ON SALE! (also love this color), Bag: Prada, Sunnies: Oliver Peoples (also love these).