I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Lace-Up Sandals

My obsession with lace-up sandals started last spring. I think it might be full on ridiculous now. I'm kicking myself for missing a pair of black lace-up lower heel sandals that Zara had on their site. Now they are gone. Last spring I was in search of a lower heel pair and found these at Nordstrom Rack. Now that the weather is warm, they have become staple.

Recently I spotted a black pair and I might have squealed with glee. Until I realized that they were Jimmy Choos and cost,$995! They are on my lust list but I definitely won't be buying them (below, bottom middle).

Clockwise from Top Left  Aldo / DV by Dolce Vita / Tahari / Zara / Sole Society / Jimmy Choo / Candies via Kohl's / MIA

It was hard to decide which ones to include. I loved so many. These choices are a good balance of color and neutral, with high, low and mid heels.  Are you obsessed too?

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Silver Shoes

Currently I own six pairs of silver shoes and frankly I want more. Yeah, I'm nuts. I wear most of them often. They are my go to neutral shoes. The pair that get the most wear are my silver oxfords. I LOVE them. So much so that they need to be resoled. I've searched for another pair but haven't found any that I like quite as much and are available in my size. I purchased mine over two years ago. They are so popular now that if you see a pair, you should grab them. I've found myself wanting some flats and a pair of dressy sandals.

 1 /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5  /  6  /  7  /  8

I'm thinking that number four and number six are my next go to buys but seven and eight are also on my radar. Definitely color me obsessed with silver!

Happy Friday Real Girls!

In the Navy

Navy items were all over the fall runway shows and it's easy to see why. It's a flattering color for all skin tones, it's a neutral (just like black) and is a fun a versatile color. I did a little virtual shopping and selected some great navy items. Most of them are under $100. There are even accessory options in navy. Try replacing your favorite black item with one in navy. I'm betting you'll be sold.

Click on any item above for buying information.

 

Sweatshirts are a great seasonal trend. These two in navy, from Old Navy also add sequins and a graphics to the basic sweatshirt. Bold necklaces and earrings are great ways to incorporate the navy trend. By adding some pretty black lace, this basic blouse goes from blah to wow. A classic blazer with white trim can go from weekend to office. This great dress is more interesting in navy and the bottom ruffle is fun. Jacquard print takes this basic navy pants and ups the chic factor. Navy suede pumps are versatile and pretty with a scalloped edge. The pointed toe on these basic loafers makes them more flattering. A quilted vest with a fur collar can take you into winter. Gold buttons and trim are great accents for this classic navy coat. Teal trim is a modern accent on this pretty navy tote.

Do you have your eye on any chic navy items for fall?



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Trend - Kitten Heels

Kitten heels were declared a spring trend but they are definitely flowing over into fall.  I may be in the minority in my love of kitten heels but I know I'm in good company. Marc Jacobs showed them for his line and for Louis Vuitton. It just so happens that his long time muse, Sofia Coppola is a fan of low heels. Many stylish women, including First Lady Michelle Obama, First Lady of France Carla Bruni, Alexa Chung, Mary Kate Olsen and even Princess Kate. Michelle Obama was even photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue wearing kitten heels.

I LOVE high heels but unfortunately for me, my battle with Rhuematoid Arthritis makes them difficult to wear.  I favor lower heels, wedges and flats, on a daily basis. I'd planned to wear high heels on my wedding day but {msL} asked me to wear lower heels so that I wouldn't tower over her. I gladly obliged when I found a pair of Manolo Blahniks for a steal. It's great to see that they are making a comback. I'd wear them anyway (popular or not) but I'm happy because that means a better selection. Here are just a few styles I love (affordable and not so affordable).

Click the photos above for buying details.

What do you think of kitten heels?


photo credits: Vogue, AP, AP, Rex, wireIMAGE, wireIMAGE

Fall Shoe Wishes

Zara always seems to have the most incredible shoes and for some reason, I've never purchased a pair from their site or the store. I don't really have an explanation but hopefully I will remedy that this fall.  I'm loving lots of their fall styles. Each of the pairs have qualities that I love in shoes.



Click on the photos for buying information.

From the top left...

 

• Low Heeled Pointed Toe Ankle Boots - I love low heeled ankle boots. They look great with pants and skirts and this suede version is dressy enough for the office.

• Ankle Boot Sandal - A funky take on a sandal. These ankle boots have a cool rocker edge to them. The ankle straps and chunky heel are sturdy and the wide toe strap will hide my pinky toe that insists on sticking out when I wear strappy sandals.

• Red D'Orsay Flat - You know I'm loving D'Orsay flats this fall. Red ups the pretty quotient on this version.

• Nude Pointed Toe Ballerina Flats - Nude flats are so versatile. I prefer pointed toe flats to round toe flats because they lengthen your legs.  The ankle strap adds sophistication.

• Black Leather D'Orsay Kitten Heels - The cut of these D'Orsay pumps is unique. I also love kitten heels for those days when you don't really want to wear a sky high heel.

• Combination Ankle Boots - The cut out, the color blocking and the low heel of these ankle boots (yeah, you get it, I love ankle boots) create a not so typical boot. I'd wear these on the weekends, with jeans or a winter maxi skirt.

Do you have a wish list of fall shoes?

Moment of Lust - Jenni Kayne D'Orsay Flats

It's hard to make flats look sexy but these are at least a little sultry, thanks to the d'orsay style. A little skin never hurt, even when it comes to shoes. Jenni Kayne's come in lots of colors but I love this animal print. I can't imagine spending $595 on one pair of flats.

Jenni Kayne D'Orsay flats $595

These options are more in my price range.

Steve Madden $79.95

Corso Como $109.95

Steve Madden $99.95

Chinese Laundry $59.95

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

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Plaid

Admittedly when I think of plaid, the first thing that comes to mind is my dad.  He loved his plaid shirts. In fact, we have a photo of him when he was hiking the Appalachian Trail, he's wearing a plaid shirt and he looks like Paul Bunyan.  Thanks to designer creativity, plaid this season is far from Lumber Jack status.  Some of the shirts and skirts make me think of 90's grunge and Marc Jacobs' iconic collection.  But there are tons of other options too.  Pair you plaid with some neutrals

I just got a great pair of plaid pants and I can't wait to wear them!

Inspiration - Silver Accents

My love for all things silver is pretty obvious.  I've done many posts with silver jewelry.  I always gravitate toward silver over gold. I just love the way it sparkles.  Here are just a few of my silver loves and inspirations.

Thrifted Watch Band Turned Bracelet

DIY Upcycled Tray, Spray Painted Silver

My Stella & Dot Alexandria Necklace

DIY Silver Skull

ASOS Paris Metallic Pointed Heels only $20.44!

Coolest DIY Silver Leaf lampshade from Design Sponge

DIY Silver Leaf Chest from Little Green Notebook

ASOS Spike Stretch Bracelet

My thrifted tray and after Halloween sale, skull became great home accents.  A thrifted watch band has become one of my favorite bracelets. I'm in love with my Stella & Dot Alexandria necklace (c/o). It's in regular rotation and I get compliments every time I wear it. A pair of silver pumps are on my list and these are on sale for only $20.44 at ASOS!  I love simple DIY projects and this black and silver shade just that. Some silver leaf will transform a blah black shade. There is a brown buffet sitting in our dining that I bought via work list serve many years ago.  I've been debating about what to do with it and couldn't decide. Then I spied this silver leaf DIY on Pinterest and I knew I'd found the solution. DIY here I come! I can't resist a spiked bracelet. The gunmetal version is one of my favorites and I definitely need to snatch up the silver one too.

What's your favorite accent color?

Spring Picks - Neutral (But FUN!) Flats

I have a confession to make. I don't think flats are sexy at all.  My sister and I were discussing this the other day.  Flats are cute, they are fun, they are interesting but not sexy. Even the peep toe ones aren't sexy.  Even though I feel this is true, on most work days I gravitate toward my flats.  Unless the heels are super comfy I leave them in the closet. I don't like commuter shoes but sometimes will wear a pretty pair of flats and carry my heels.  I don't like to do that because I feel like, if I choose heels, I want to wear them all day with my outfit.

I've noticed that my stash of flats is becoming worn and frankly kinda stinky. I wear my flats without socks, hose or footies. Because of this, the curse of stinky feet that I inherited from my mom, can render some shoes unwearable. I've tried insoles and they only work temporarily.  I'm also really hard on shoes. I wear the toes down, scuff them, and nick them. If the shoes are of high quality, I will have them repaired. If not, they are either donated or trashed. Spending $20 to repair a pair of $15 shoes isn't usually worth it. The neutral shoes are the ones I wear the most.  My bright colored flats are fun but I don't mix them in as often.  Almost all of my neutral flats (black, nude, and metallic) need to be replaced but I don't want them to be boring. I went searching for flats that had a price tag of $100 or less. 

Click on the picture to get purchasing details on the flats above.

1) These silver flats have a cool zipper detail that sets them apart from your average metallic flat.
2) I like the t-strap on these nude flats. It adds a girly vibe.
3) The mixed metals of these metallic flats give them an interesting twist that I love.
4) I love the classic and girly bow on these flats. It gives them a Ladies That Lunch look.
5) I feel like the horse buckle on these black flats ensure I'll fit in at the country club. I might need to buy a polo shirt too.
6) Many might not consider glitter a neutral. Silver can be a neutral.  I think the glitter mixed with the silver studs is both tough and cute. 
7) These flats have so many great details.  I love the d'orsay cut, the nude and black mix and the ankle strap.   
 

I think numbers four and seven are my favorites.  It's funny because I started hunting for silver and gold flats and the ones that I ended up loving aren't even metallic. 

Which flats do you like the best?

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Glitter Shoes

I'm so obsessed with wearing a pair of glitter shoes or boots that I'm working on a DIY.  I've been seeing them everywhere.  Here are some of the different styles that are grabbing my attention.

Miu Miu Glitter Bootie

Giuseppe Zanotti Glitter Boots

Top Shop Jamaica Curve Heel

MIA Jem

Steve Madden Hastt

Top Shop Maddie Glitter Brogues

ASOS Dune Luckie Loafers

Converse Black Sparkle Lo Tops

Wear the Trend - Orange You Lovely!

A month or so ago, Pantone issued their Spring 2012 fashion trend colors. The top color is Pantone color 17-1463, Tangerine Tango.  I love me some orange, whether it's peach, tangerine, salmon, or coral. Any color that has those orangey hues works for me.  I know you all don't feel that way but I'm here to tell you that anyone can rock orange. Even if you don't want to wear a top, pants or skirt in orange, you can incorporate it into your wardrobe.

Essie polish in Too Too Hot (no longer available)

Beach outfit, including orangey tank

There are so many easy way to incorporate orange into your wardrobe. If you aren't ready for a full outfit, you can try accessories like a bag or shoes. Try just one piece like a simple tee, even a cardigan.

Orange You Lovely by realgirlrunway featuring collezio watches

You can even go for orange lips, if you have the skin tone or orange nails.

Mary Kay Lip Color - Nourishine Lip Gloss in Mango Tango and Creme Lipstick in Sunny Citrus

Essie polish in Meet Me at Sunset

No matter what you chose, have fun with it!! You can wear the trend. Just make it work for you.

Frugal Fashion Friday (well Monday) - DIY Silver Oxfords

These oxfords have been sitting in my closet for a while now.  I've worn them a few times but they don't really excite me.  They are a good standby color but for some reason, when I reach into my closet I don't think of them.

This past spring I fell in love with the silver oxfords seen on Olivia Palermo in lots of photos.  If a girl like Olivia that can wear any style she likes, chooses to wear the same shoes often, that's a good sign.  I think metallics are a great neutral.  They go with anything but give a jazzed up look to the most basic outfit. I searched but never found any that I loved and were within my budget.

After I bought that great Krylon Chrome paint to DIY my Holiday decorations, I knew it would be useful for other projects.  I decided to take the boring oxfords that were dusty in my closet and turn them into some new shoes.

I started by removing the laces and taping off the heels and soles.  Then I inserted toothpicks into the lace holes so that they wouldn't get clogged with paint.  I stuffed the insides with newspaper to prevent myself from painting the inside of the shoes.

In order to get solid coverage and avoid any drips, I gave the shoes three fine coats of paint and followed with a clear coat.  I allowed the shoes to dry for 30 minutes or more between each coat. Once I was confident in the coverage, I let them dry overnight. Then I removed the tape and the toothpicks.

The laces I removed from the shoes still worked without competing with the new silver finish.  I decided to reuse them until I find something I like better. I'm thrilled with the finished product and I'm sure I'll be wearing them often.