No. Just no. If I want my ankles to be warm, why do I want my toes exposed? Koolaburra, I literally DO NOT UNDERSTAND this $140 sandal though I welcome any explanation you see fit to offer.
Shoes
Venturing Outside of My Comfort Zone: Tsubo
Comfort is actually one of the least important things that I consider when buying shoes. Silly me, I pay more attention to irrational elements like the perfect toe shape or the appropriate heel silhouette. But comfort is a tenet of the Japanese-inspired line Tsubo.
A design-driven collection with a focus on smart ergonomics, Tsubo's footwear is a bit quirky but definitely has sartorial appeal. My favorite pair from the Fall/Winter collection are the Nabu ($140), a shoe/bootie hybrid that boasts a three and a half inch heel (incorporating a covered platform.)
The Nabu have an interesting elfin look and I love the idea of pairing them with a contrasting tight or a pair of dark denim skinny jeans. And when it comes to comfort, these can't be beat - especially when you take the height into consideration. I feel like I could run a marathon in the Nabu, which is more than I can say for any other three+ inch heel that I own.
Do you have any wardrobe items that take YOU outside of your sartorial comfort zone? Share in the comments!
FTC Disclosure: Tsubo Nabu received for review.
For the Love of Uggs
When thinking of the items that I appreciate and unequivocally love the entire time I'm wearing them, very few things come to mind. But you might be surprised to learn that at the top of that short list, particularly this time of year, are my beloved Uggs.
Yes, I know there's a huge contingent of Ugg haters in the world and I get it, I really do. Let's face it, they're not particularly flattering and to call them feminine would be a stretch. But haters, lend me your ear for just a moment and let me extol the virtues of the Ugg - they're fluffy, they're deliciously soft and most importantly, they're WARM. In fact, on a 12 degree New York day like, oh, for example, today, my feet stayed cushioned and toasty. From the knees up was a different story, of course.
What do you think? Do Uggs serve a greater sartorial purpose or are they just ugg-ly?
Shopping My Closet: Loeffler Randall Estella Heels
It's my early New Year's resolution to wear more of the beautiful things that I own, instead of falling back on my tried and true basics each day. Out of the closet and on my feet today are the Loeffler Randall Estella heels.
These shoes are just basic enough to match almost anything but thanks to the ruffled peep toe, they're just special enough to add a little interest. And best of all, the 2 inch heel (once a Loeffler Randall signature) is eminently walkable. Love that!
No Miu Miu Left Behind
There's no better way to celebrate holiday bonus time of year than with a trip to Woodbury Commons. So this past Saturday, accompanied by Kristin of Fashion, Style, Beauty and Felicia of FeliciaSullivan.com, I hit the stores with a vengeance, determined to leave no Miu Miu or Balenciaga left behind.
Above, part of my outlet bounty - a gorgeously detailed pair of Miu Miu peep toes that I snagged for just $430 (originally $860). Truth be told, I could have done a LOT more damage in the Miu Miu outlet (which is shared with Prada), but luckily for my wallet, sizes were limited.
What holiday gifts have you snagged for yourself this year?
Holiday Gift-terrific: J.Crew's Shoe of the Month Club
As is the case with many women, shoes are my kryptonite. Flats, wedges, pumps, peep-toes or boots...I'm equally helpless whether faced with a supple leather or bejeweled detail. If that sounds remotely familiar and you're gifting a woman like me this season, please (!) consider J.Crew's Shoe of the Month Club.
For an $1,800 investment, the lucky giftee will receive one pair of J.Crew's Italian-made footwear monthly, hand-picked by their designers. Choose from flats, heels or a mix. Just two caveats - the recipient cannot exchange for color or style, however picks can be exchanged for an alternate size.
If shoes aren't her primary vice, you can also splurge on the Cashmere of the Month Club ($1,875) or the Jewelry of the Month Club ($850).
Call 1.866.739.5944 to order.
Weirdly Tempting: Miss Meghan's Ankle Boot
I'm not one for booties or cheap shoes, yet I'm oddly intrigued by these cute ankle boots ($39.87) by Meghan Cleary, better know as shoe expert Miss Meghan.
Available exclusively on ShopNBC, these gorgeous, suede ankle booties feature throat-cut detailing for a flattering, leg-lengthening silhouette, as well as a walkable two-and-a-half inch heel and loads of latex padding for comfort. While the more conservative among us might choose black or brown, I'm just itching for the plum version pictured above. They'd work beautifully with an opaque black tight and drapey skirt or with dark denim skinny jeans.
To shop Miss Meghan's collection, visit this link.
Designer Collaborations Gone Bad: FitFlop & Anna Sui
Designer Anna Sui has teamed up with FitFlop this season and the result is the Shakoha ($195), seen above.
While I have no doubt that this winter boot is both toasty and comfortable, the aesthetics are a bit questionable as far as I'm concerned.
The Shakoha will be a Net-a-Porter exclusive.
What do you think? Would you rock this boot?
Get the Boot: Tips & Tricks for Fall Footwear
Boot season has arrived and NOTHING makes me happier than breaking out my favorite Loeffler Randall, Coach and Frye. One of my fave ways to wear them is over a great pair of dark denim jeans and since wearing the skinniest of skinnies doesn't always prevent bunching at the knees, a solution was in order. Entrepreneur Lisa Church knows what I'm talking about and created Stirrupz ($25). These detachable, comfy clips keep jeans in place no matter how you move. Best of all, enter eye4style at checkout for 10% off from now through 12/31/09.
And of course, boots ARE made for walking, so make sure that yours are as comfortable as possible with Apara's Boot Comfort Kit ($20). Each kit comes with a pair of gel "Slingies" to cushion the base of your heel to the ball of your foot, "Heel Appeal" heel cradles to avoid blisters and black "Grippy Steps" to avoid slips. ($20)
If you have any boot related tips, I'm all ears. Leave a comment and share!
