How NOT to Wear the Dillians

What is Vanessa Bryant thinking? Has she not heard of the concept of "overkill"?

Christian Louboutin's Dillians are a LOT of shoe to begin with. To add the matching python ruffled bag is just too much. Subtlety is key. Mrs. Bryant just ended up looking like she's trying too hard.

Burberry Drawstring Leather Tote

My heart just skipped a beat when I saw this Burberry Tote. Yes, it's not your usual run-of-the-mill "it" bag but that's probably why I love it. It has that slouchy, broken-in look that I absolutely adore. It's a pretty straightforward tote. There are no screaming logos and no fussy embellishments. Perfect.








Available at Saks for $550.

Because I'm a Sucker...

Everyone who reads my blog knows that I have a weakness for shoes. Only my close friends know I have a weakness for bikinis as well. I don't even know what link I clicked on which led me to a coupon code for 40% off on one clearance item from Victoria's Secret. Sweet, right? I couldn't help myself. I had to get over them to browse what they had. And with me, browsing ALWAYS (well, almost always) turns to buying. And I can't just get one, I had to get TWO. Such a sucker.

Here are the suits I bought.

Montana Ave. Sidewalk Sale

A few years ago, JJ and I ventured the Montana Ave. sidewalk sale. We were new friends bonding over shopping on a nice and sunny Saturday morning. I think it was her first time on Montana Ave. since she told me that she rarely shops at boutiques.

A few years later, recession and all, the Montana Sidewalk Sale is still alive and kicking. If you are in the area, check it out. While you're there, you might want to check out Aura - that's where I got my Nicholas Kirkwood slingback sandals back in March.

Sale Season is Here!!!

It's time to pull out your wallets ladies! It's summer sale time!

I don't even know why I'm so excited. I have never had great luck with sales and I shouldn't really be shopping anyway. So why is it that I am anxiously waiting to hear about the sale dates? Because as much as I'd like to stick to my list, my judgment gets clouded by sale prices. As soon as prices get slashed, all sense goes out the window. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who feels that way either.

Current CL Want/Need List

I think I mentioned before how I love making lists. I make shopping lists, grocery lists, to-do lists. Recently, I started a CL list since I wanted to restrict my CL purchases. Here's my list so far:

1.) Black Jazz DecolletesWe all need a pair of basic black pumps. I know CLs can be a little bit much for basic black pumps but the red sole adds a little kick to an otherwise bland/boring shoe. And yes, I, in fact, do NOT own a pair of black CL pumps. These need to be in my closet. NOW.

2.) Madame Claude in Hot Pink Patent or Blue Suede
I've posted about the Blue Suede and how much I love them. A couple weeks ago, I tried on the hot pink patent ones at Barney's and I fell in love too. I'm not sure which one wins in my book but I know I need a pair. Maybe even both.

3.) Something nude.
The Nude Patent Very Prive (not the one above) is probably one of the most sought-after nude-colored shoes out there. The CL boutiques received shipments of these shoes early this year and were pretty much sold out as soon as they received them. One day, I'll own a pair. At this point, they don't have to be VPs as long as they're nude. On second thought, maybe these aren't for me. Back in February, I tried on a pair of Nude New Simples and they couldn't find the mate. We'll see.

4.) Something fun.

This is always the best thing on my list. It doesn't really restrict me with my choices and I already have a couple in mind...both of which I've posted about before.
The Differa is one FIERCE shoe. Probably hard to pull off without giving off an S&M vibe which is why it's probably best in a softer color - bone or ice blue. As much as I love it though, I really have no where to wear it to.

The Dillians scream fun and spring. Although a little bit too girly for my taste, I still love staring at this shoe. Like I said in my previous post on these, if they go on sale, they'd come home with me.


Note: Wedding pics will be posted soon. Sorry for the delay on that. I'm also studying for the GREs and I have a paper due soon and finals coming up so I'll be posting sporadically.

All images above courtesy of Saks and Net-A-Porter.

Shoe Boxes

I never really paid attention to shoe boxes. Before I accumulated more than enough shoes, I used to toss my shoe boxes as soon as I got home. I realized later on that it was a bad idea since all my shoes that were on the shoe racks started gathering layers of dust. Then I started buying designer shoes. I couldn't let these babies get dusty so I kept them in their shoe boxes. Like I mentioned, I never really paid attention to what the boxes look like because I couldn't wait to get the shoes out of those boxes.

I was pretty satisfied with my Christian Louboutin shoe boxes:

At first I was a little put off by the simplicity but I realized that the packaging doesn't really matter because it's what's inside that counts.

Then I came across a Lanvin shoe box:

The box is so pretty. Every time you open one, it's almost as if you're opening a present. It's so pretty but when you really think about it, who has time to go through all that when you're in a rush in the morning. Hmmm, that might just be me. But yeah, impressive shoe box right?

I thought so too until I came across an Alaia shoe box:

The Alaia box looks like a little treasure chest! The belt might make it hard to open when you're in a rush, definitely much harder than the Lanvin box. But isn't the box gorgeous? I almost want to buy a pair just so I can get my hands on the box. Yeah, kinda sick when you really think about it, I know. *Sigh*

Stunning!

I love this pic of Kate Hudson. She has such a bright smile and it lights up the whole photo.

I think Kate Hudson always looks great on the red carpet. And while I love her boho-chic fashion sensibilities, I think she belongs on the red carpet. She can pull of such risque gowns without looking tarty or trashy (I think it's coz her breasts aren't obnoxiously huge). She also always manages to look glamorous without looking stiff. Love it!

Alternative Apparel

Lately, I have been on a shopping binge for basics. Basics are the backbone of a great wardrobe. They can be dressed up and you come out looking chic without trying too hard. They can be worn on it's own and you come out looking comfy and unpretentious. Casual but chic. It's not as easy as it sounds. A lot of people try but get it wrong. If not done right, one can look sloppy and unkempt. As much as don't like her, Jennifer Aniston is the queen of casual chic.

Even in jeans and a tee, she still manages to look great. A friend once told me that the secret is to have great hair and great skin and you'll be able to pull off any outfit. I think confidence is key as well. If you have the confidence to strut your stuff, sometimes that overshadows your outfit...which is a good thing because you can pretty much wear a potato sack and you'll still be able to pull it off.

So, like I mentioned, I went on a crazy basics binge. Normally, I buy my basics from American Apparel and Madewell. As much as it broke my heart to NOT buy from Madewell, I wanted to try a new brand - Alternative Apparel. I previously hear about them from a friend. He told me that they were a "higher-end" American Apparel. Their prices are slightly higher but the quality is much better. So, I decided to take the plunge.

Was it worth it? I'm glad to say it was. Their selection isn't nearly as huge as American Apparel and their shirts aren't nearly as soft as Madewell but the fit is perfect, for me anyway. Most of their colors are very earthy and they also offer an organic line which is great for naturalists. Oh yeah, and I also appreciate that they don't have those cheesy/raunchy model pics like American Apparel.

Some of my faves: