Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#10)

“You can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes. Too many women think that they are unimportant, but the real proof of an elegant woman is what is on her feet.”
—Christian Dior

 Oh shoes... I love them so.  My shoe obsession has been well documented here on RGR.  I purchase shoes in all price ranges but I firmly believe that shoes should be in good repair.  They need to look well cared for and not worn down.  Once they get to the worn point, they either need to be repaired or retired.  It's hard to let go of a favorite pair but if they don't look good it's time to let them go. Great shoes can be found in all price points. My biggest pet peeve is that some people think that basic rubber flip flops go with everything.  It takes just as much effort to slip on a flip flop as it does to slip on a pair of cute flats.  Don't get me wrong, I love flip flops at the beach in the summer time.  But there are some places that flip flops just aren't appropriate.  Like at the White House. 

There are too may great shoes and too many would love to have.  It was hard to narrow it down but here are a few of my favorites this season, from inexpensive to outrageous.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Pace First $69.99

Carlos by Carlos Santana Driskal Black Studded Bootie $99.95

Zara Pointed Court Shoe with Studs $49.90

J. Crew Viv Metallic Flats $188

Christian Louboutin Croisette Leopard Calf Fur Flat $795

Valentino Rockstud Strass Studded Slingback $1295

My Birthday Wish List - The Dream

Hopefully I'm not the only one that has a realistic birthday list and a dream birthday list. As a fashion girl there have always been those quintessential items that I want and long for but for me are not realistic. Mostly, it's because of the cost.  I just can't justify spending that much.  Others, they are possible but not in the budget right now. My realistic list is the one that I give to {msL}or my family when they ask what I want for my birthday. Today  I thought I'd share my dream list with you.  On Friday, my actual birthday, I'll share my realistic list.

 ASOS Leopard fur coat / Christian Louboutin leather pumps / Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Speedy / Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster Clutch / Stella & Dot Pegasus necklace / Apple® - iPad® 2 / Levenger Circa iPad Foldover Notebook / TOM FORD Black Orchid Perfume

• A Leopard fur coat (faux of course) has been on my list for a long time. I found this version at Asos and love it but spending over $100 on a coat right now isn't in my budget.  I've started saving and hopefully it will still be available when my piggy bank is full.  
• The Stella & Dot Pegasus necklace is fantastic.  It's a little more expensive than most of the Stella & Dot pieces. I'm planning to use my hostess credits to buy it but I'll have to wait a bit to save the rest.
• Oh, Christian Louboutin, why do you have to make such great shoes?  And those red soles. They are irresistible.  There are lots of great styles but if I can only have one pair, they would be a classic pair I could wear for years. 
• Every time I use a friend's iPad, I feel a bit of envy.  My iPhone has become a piece of technology that I can't do without.  I'm sure an iPad would be the same.  
• As much as I love technology, I still love to take notes by hand. The Circa iPad Notebook by Levenger would be the best of both worlds.
• The Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster clutch has been on my lust list for a long time. It's the perfect combination of pretty and tough.  I'd love to wear it with pretty dress. 
• A few years ago, I tried on Tom Ford's Black Orchid perfume and fell in love.  I didn't fall in love with the cost but it never left my must have list. Someday...
• The Louis Vuitton Speedy is the perfect bag for me. I love the top handles and size.  The simplicity of the Epi Leather and the single monogram are classic. 

My dream list is just that, a dream.  Hopefully, one day, when {msL} wins the lottery, I'll get the items on my list.

Moment of Lust - Christian Louboutin Morphing Leopard-Print Bootie

There are so many things that make the Morphing Leopard-Print Bootie from Christian Louboutin perfect. Is it the interesting heel? Is it the leopard print? Is it the ankle boot style? For me it's all of the above. The only thing I don't love is the price.

I searched and searched and didn't find a bootie exactly like the Loubs but I found a few decent options for the thrifty girl.  This first version by Steve Madden is a tad western but still a cute option.

This version from Charlotte Russe has a much more stiletto like heel than the Loubs but it's a steal at $17.99. Perfect if you think this will be a passing fancy for you.

This bootie happens to be my personal favorite.  I know it's a peep toe and a wedge. Both of these facts keep it from coming close to being a substitute for the coveted Louboutins but I love it!  The wedge is perfect for me, the peep toe means I can wear it for many months. This one is on my list. I may have to use my DSW certs and cash in to get a great discount.

Friday's Fancies - DC Fundraising Chic

I did a little contributing post on GalTime.com today.  There is a weekly post titled Friday's Fancices.  It is the brain child of fellow blogger, {av} of {long distance loving}. The idea is to create a Friday outfit with a limitless budget. It's exciting to pick items just because you love you them and not think about the cost.

Well you know I couldn't just leave it at that. I love a challenge. I recreated the outfit, RGR style.  I got the same look for just a few dollars more than the cost of the blouse in the original outfit! I even threw in some neutrals from the Spring Picks list.

Here is my Frugal Edition.

Friday's Fancies Frugal Edition Political Fundraiser by Real Girl Runway featuring a sequin skirt

Now click over to GalTime.com and check out the original outfit with Balmain, Alexander McQueen, diamonds, and Christian Louboutin.