Closet Organization 101

What? You don't have a wing of your house dedicated to storing your clothes?

The Ultimate Closet Clean Up!

Today we're talking closet clean ups, Oprah and cute dogs. Trust me, it will all make sense soon.

{Guest starring Pepper The Dalmatian}

SPRING Into SUMMER With Espadrilles

I Heart Espadrilles 

Today we are discussing the style that sparked my love of footwear.  

(p.s wow my legs are white)

Nine West + InStyle + Nothing 2 Wear

9W♥InStyle

Designed by InStyle editors for Nine West, tried on and coveted by moi. 

Read on for more on the latest Nine West + InStyle collection.

Peter Pilotto for Target: A Review

Peter Pilotto for poor people the people. Did you shop in your pjs or join the mob scenes outside your friendly neighborhood Target store?

Lets discuss...

Hat Head

If you're uneasy about trying out one of this seasons hottest fashion trends not to worry.

Today Nothing 2 Wear will be your guinea pig as we discuss wearing wide brimmed fedoras in winter.

Trust me, its a lot more exciting than it seems.

2013 Fashion Time Capsul

2013 is about to bite the dust. Join Nothing 2 Wear as we round up the past year's hottest trends and fashion obsessions.  

To Buy Or Not To Buy

My search for a mature sequin skirt my finally be over. 

A Public Service Announcement...

on buyers remorse.....

Are you a chronic impulse shopper? The sad reality is that most of us who give in to the thrill and excitement of the impulse buy usually experience something less thrilling several hours later. That "something", is buyers remorse. 

While I have experienced other types of fashion related grievances such as "cut too much of my hair off remorse", and the always painful, "wish I had bought those pumps before they sold out of my size remorse", I rarely suffer from buyers remorse.

This is mainly because I carefully choose which big ticket items I am going to purchase, and I  budget for them or wait for the BIG sales to begin. I have learned that designer shoes at 80% off are MUCH more spectacular then at regular price, and trust me they are always worth the wait and unless you're attending Paris fashion week, nobody is going to notice your shoes are last season. 

But every few years I do end up with something in my closet that makes me cringe every time I  lay eyes on it. hey, nobody's perfect. Last year it was a Marni bathing suit with NO LINING! What is the point of this? Who lounges by a pool or seaside and resists the urge to take a plunge? What sort of cruel joke is that? REGRET!

I also have a few pairs of shoes that fall into this category. Mainly Tory Burch logo flats and a pair of raffia Pucci pumps that are so painful they are impossible to wear for under five minutes. REGRET!

But, all in all I have noticed over the past few years that I have matured in such a way that has allowed me to almost never feel those tinges of buyer’s remorse, and I am quite proud of myself.

Last week while I was purchasing a new dress at BCBG I overheard a young lady at the cashier returning a stunning gown. “I brought it home and felt sooo guilty spending $400 on a dress”. She returned the gorgeous frock for a full refund and then left the store with her head held high and $400 in her pocket. What this lady did was quite brave, not only did she have the self-control, and enough sense to part with the stunning dress, but she was honest with the sales girl. I can only imagine the list of excuses I would have made if that were me, “I ended up finding something I liked better the next day at a diff store, sorry”, “When I tried it on at home I realized that I didn't like the way it makes my backside look”, etc, etc.  

How many of us would have been honest and revealed that the dress was out of our budget? 

Funny enough, while I was writing this post a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to buy a SPECTACULAR pair of Pre-Fall' 13 Gucci pumps off of her, sadly they are not my size, but kudos to my fashionable friend who just told me "I am suffering from buyers remorse!". 

This had me thinking; what leads to impulse purchases?

I believe it may stem from how we feel when we are about to purchase an item, a shopper often feels positive emotions associated with a purchase  and an anticipation of the enjoyment that will accompany using the product. Afterwards, having made the purchase, that is only when we are able to experience any negative aspects associated with the purchase, such as having to pay off the credit card you used, and even realizing once you cut the tags off that it is not as amazing as you thought it was when you spotted it in the store. 

We have a "proper" term for this now - "post-purchase rationalization"; which is when someone purchases an expensive product or service and overlooks any faults or defects in order to justify their purchase.  

Expensive purchases often involve a lot of careful research and deliberation, and many consumers will often refuse to admit that their decision was made in poor judgment. Many bit ticket purchases are made emotionally, based on factors such as brand-loyalty and advertising. Have you ever purchased something  solely because you were loyal to the brand?

Such as my BCBG experience  my loyalty to the brand is what lands me in the store time after time, have I purchased items from that store that were not necessarily what I was looking for or within my price range? I will admit, yes! 

OK, enough with the smarty pants talk...my brain hurts.

So what can we do to prevent buyers remorse? 

"How to prevent buyers remorse and impulse buys from occurring". I found this interesting "worksheet" which claims to help prevent buyers remorse, sounds a bit hardcore, but I chalked it up to personal development and gave it a try. 

Check it out for yourself, the first step is to identify 5 items in your closet that you LOVE, and ask yourself why? Logically, the next step is to identify 5 items you wish you never bought, this is hard to admit, so try your best to be honest with yourself. The last step is to make a list of items you believe are MISSING from your wardrobe, there is even a list of "wardrobe-essentials" to guide you. 

So, I'm going to open up the floor now and let you share your regretful fashion purchases, cmon, I know you can do it. Look at it as an exercise towards rehabilitation. Acceptance is the first step you know. 

I Got It From My Mama

“Mom”; it’s the hardest job description to define, but any mom would tell you that being one is a joy, and in fact not a job at all. While a dictionary search will tell us that a mom is simply a female parent, we all know there is much more to this full time career than that definition lets on.

This is actually a difficult post to write, mainly because my mom is my best friend, but also because I recently moved out and I miss seeing her on a day to day basis. And also because I am an emotional sap, I’m not going to lie to you, I’m not emotionally stable enough to watch The Notebook let alone discuss my mommy in a blog post to the general public. 

But my mom truly deserves a shout out on Mother’s Day, in fact all moms’ do, so I figure my way around having an emotional break down while typing is to discuss her fashionable influence on me over the years. Although I should say the fact that I write this blog is attributed to her respect and love for literature. She taught me to always be reading SOMETHING, she got me my first magazine subscription, took me on coffee dates to book stores and always encouraged me to read rather than sit around and watch television. 

The only reason I started this blog is because of my passion for reading and creative writing, so thank you mom.

I’m getting mushy so I feel like I should move on…. Obviously your mother would give you the clothes off her back if need-be; mine just lets me take them straight out of her closet.
While we joke that I am a jewelry, scarf and purse thief my mother has always trusted me with her most valuable possessions, diamond stud earrings that I wore on my wedding day, her precious canvas Fendi purse, a set of pearl earrings I haven’t taken off in 7 years (they were a gift from my father before they got married), and her irreplaceable vintage Wayne Clark dress.

I love borrowing (stealing) from my mom's closet.

Over the years it became a habit because I was a starving university student for 7 straight years, and being a fashion loving adult there was nothing better and cheaper than sneaking into my mom’s closet when I wanted a “new purse”.

But my mother’s influence on my fashion tastes dates back much further than just my early 20’s. Over the years we experienced together shopping in Milan, a brave venture out to the fashion outlet in the middle of the desert in Vegas, a trip over the boarder to Buffalo for deals and many, many, MANY last minute visits to the mall because I “ didn't have anything to wear” to whatever event I was attending that night.

Don’t get me wrong, she is often the first person to remind me that I don’t need another pair of shoes (can you really even have TOO many pairs of shoes mom? Really?) But she still remains tolerant of my fashion obsession through years regardless of the fact that my closet in her house is still over flowing, even close to 1 year after I moving out.  What can I say? .…I have clothes in different area codes ;) 

But one of the most influential things my mother has always done is speak her mind when it comes to fashion. Actually, if you know my mom,or me for that matter, then you are aware that we speak our mind about EVERYTHING!

So I wanted to share with you a few of my mother’s most noted fashion tips/tricks and general pet peeves.

1.      White shoes should be banned. This is a sweeping general statement, and it is precisely as it reads, all white shoes should be gathered up and burned. The end.

2.      White pantyhose also should be banned. Same explanation as above.

3.      If you’re pants are too short you are waiting for the flood, proceed immediately to a tailor and have your hem lowered.

4.      If your thong is showing whether you bend over slightly or bend over completely you are in trouble.

5.      PINK, is not a color, it’s a nightmare (now you see where I get it from)

6.      Short skirts are reserved for those under the age of 40.

7.      Don’t you dare leave the house with a visible wrinkle on your clothing. Go back inside, take off that top and teach yourself how to iron darling.

8.      Shoulder pads should have never been invented. I fully agree mom!!! (I have broad shoulders, they make me look like a football player)

9.      The 80’s and everything fashion related should stay in the past.

10.  NEVER perm your hair! This is valuable advice people, take it from someone who premed her hair over the course of 3 decades.

I hope you can relate, and if you have your own set of fashion rules inherited from your mother then please do share below in the comments. I sure know my mom will be commenting the second she reads this post….

To all the moms out there, keep doing what you’re doing and don’t under estimate the influence you have on your lil girl, because who knows;she may blog about you one day and you wouldn't want to be called out for wearing white pantyhose with white sandals!

I love you mom, happy mother’s day!
xo

pics by Laura May Photography * 

The Round Up: April 26 2013

Here we are, its Friday already, and while I hate to repeat myself every...single...week...I have to inform you that the weather here in Toronto SUCKS! Hubby had to scrape ice off his wind shield this morning, and he was not impressed! Plus, lately I have been feeling a bit like the dude in the pic above...

Regardless of the turmoil our weather system is in I have been right on track stock piling my spring and summer essentials. With a trip to sunny Dominican Republic coming up in 3 short weeks (for my best friend's wedding! but more on that later..) I have been thinking warm, tropical, humid thoughts. It will be nice to get away and finally bare my ankles without getting frost bite. 

So this week's round up includes a few items I have picked up for the trip. Also one item I discovered which is absolutely unnecessary, yet totally irresistible. 

Enjoy, and have a great weekend :) 

1. YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in No. 27 "Rose Paris". This pinky coral is what I will be wearing down the aisle at my best friends wedding, and probably for the majority of the trip. I love the silk smooth texture of YSL lipstick, and although its not cheap a tube does last quite awhile so I of course justify my purchase that way ;) 

2. DVF Reagan Blouse: in a punchy bright pink. Bright pink silk was all I needed to know when I spotted this beauty last week. And yes I know I don't wear pink, but there's a first time for everything I guess. 

3. Anthropologie lipstick holder: seriously, how cute is this? This is the item that falls under the totally unnecessary but completely irresistible column. And what a perfect way to display my 'better' lipsticks, such as the YSL mentioned above. Also, Anthro suggests this is a perfect gift for Mothers Day, which is right around the corner, and I completely agree. 

Shoe-icide

Shoe-icide
Verb: intentionally sacrificing comfort for fashion and wearing shoes that are known to be uncomfortable.  "She committed Shoe-icide last night by wearing her new suede pumps for longer then 2 hours" 

Synonyms: self-destruction, idiocy, martyrdom, misery, tribulation 

I'm not going to lie to you; the shoes I am wearing today are not my correct size. Cute leopard print suede BCBG flats with a lil black bow I found two years ago on sale (when ISN'T BCBG having a sale?) They were the last pair in stock, a size 7.5, half a size too small for me, but such a good deal I couldn't resist.  Wear them bare feet and I'm rendered useless, unable to walk longer than ten feet because my toes crumple up, but throw on a pair of trouser socks and they are slightly more bearable. But still not acceptable, right now I'm sitting with my shoes off of course, wondering why I subject myself to this cruel and unusual torture all for the sake of fashion???   

This is not an epiphany I came upon this morning while driving barefoot, no, no, I have been stewing on this one for a while.

You see, every time I wear heels it’s the same thing, only ten minutes in my feet begin to swell, one hour in I lose sensation in my toes, three hours in (if I’m still crazy enough to be my wearing heels) my toes feel broken and are so swollen I know that if I take the shoes off now I won’t be able to get them back on to hobble out of wherever I may be. Before any of you expect this to mean that my high heel collection is up for grabs I want to assure you that this is in fact not true. This is simply a realization, but I am unsure of whether or not I will change my habits because of said realization. Although it would be wise to pursue more comfortable, practical shoe options my heels are still my favourite.

In fact, it wouldn't even be fair to place all the blame on high heels; I own more than several pairs of flats that massacre my feet, Tory Burch logo flat I am looking at YOU! I was warned by a good friend not to buy these shoes, she offered me honest advice and said if I knew what was good for me I wouldn't spend $230 on a pair of flats that will make my feet bleed, and what did I do? I didn't take her advice; instead I got myself a bright purple pair and wore them only once. These flats are so uncomfortable that the only time I wore them to the mall on a shopping trip I found myself in Michael Kors buying a new pair of flats just so that I could finish my shopping trip with shoes on, bare foot was my next option, you gotta do what you gotta do right?

Why do we constantly do this to ourselves? Why?!?  Us woman are so intent on making a fashion statement that we squeeze our feet into these unnatural positions, use roll on lotions and potions to get our foot to glide into a tight shoe, add insoles and bunion and blister cushions, all for what? At the end of the day I am constantly nursing my feet back to life, massaging to regain circulation, adding Band-Aid’s to my heels and baby toes, and swearing I will NEVER wear those shoes again…..until next weekend. Seriously, its shoe-icide! 

There seems to be no rhyme or reason when it comes to which shoes massacre my feet and which ones I can literally wear for days in a row. Some of my heels are more comfortable then flats. Its a confusing world out there when you're shoe shopping, there are already so many designers and cute shoes to choose from, throw comfort factor in there and I am lost! 

Some of the questions I ask myself when purchasing a shoe are: Can I wear them on a plane trip longer then 5 hours? Can I walking in them for longer then 2 hours? Can I drive in them? And the always important, can I walk in them at all? 

Usually a heel higher then 5 inches will send me flying face first into the pavement. And looking like a fool, not able to walk in your heels is the worst thing any self respecting woman could do. That's an entire new topic for another blog post though...

Often I have thrown all caution to the wind and ignored my conscious and just gone for the shoes that look obviously uncomfortable  Sometimes certain occasions require a killer pair of heels and bleeding toes and broken toe nails (eww) are just the price I am willing to pay. 


So tell me, because I would really like to know. Where do you stand on this issue? Do you commit shoe-icide often? If not, what do you do to avoid these painful situations? 

Also, if anyone has any recommendations of comfy heels please include in the comments below. I already know that Geox and the basic Michael Kors pump are very good options, but I am always looking for an excuse to buy new shoes so please share! 

Happy Tuesday

Happy Tuesday! Its not often you hear people say that, but I figured I would shine some light on this dreary, rainy day with the introduction of a new pair of shoes and the subsequent cute pattered pants I paired them with.  

I'm not usually one to embrace the 80's revival trends, but the past few season's coloured basic pumps are out of control. I wish I could collect them all, but sadly my husband, closet space, and my credit limit wont allow me to. Pictured above are the pair we picked up in Florence last week, they really are something else, so shiny and actually pretty comfortable. Well, that was a bit of an embellishment, they are very uncomfortable, but not AS bad as some of the other pumps I own. Look at me, always finding a positive spin on life :)  

Surprisingly I have already worn them outside, but only once, lets not get crazy here. I prefer to wear them indoors, example below. And even though the shoes already speak for themselves I paired them with patterned pants, I think they both managed to hold their own, what do you think? 

The Round Up: April 12 2013 A Lesson in Gucci

Today's round up is about shoes, but not just any shoes...Gucci Shoes! Last week at this time I was in Florence falling head over heels (pun totally intended) for Gucci. Florence screams Gucci, be it the amazing flagship, the fact that there are three Gucci stores in the span of two city blocks, or the Gucci Museum complete with gift and coffee shop (the coffee shop has sugar cubes in the shape of the Gucci double GG's, brilliant!), the city embraces the fact that one of the best fashion houses in the world originated there from humble beginnings. 

Of course my version of the Gucci experience in Florence revolves around a pair of shoes, what else would I fall so hard for; knowing my number one obsession?  My husband was actually the one who spotted the "sexy" bright, jewel tone patent shoes in the window of the Gucci store. The rest of the afternoon was spent between the three Gucci locations trying to hunt down a size 8 in the shoe I chose as my 30th birthday gift.  Turns out, turning 30 isn't that bad after all...

For those of you that don't know the history of the brand here is a quick run down, before we get to the good stuff, the good stuff of course being shiny, colourful, designer shoes, duh. 

Gucci originated in Florence, in 1921 with the opening of a leather goods and luggage store. The brand prides itself on the "Made in Italy" standard, today 100% of its leathers goods and ready-to-wear are still produced in Florence, keeping with the company's history and dedication to its Italian employees. 

You are likely to recognize Gucci horsebit, as seen on the three shoe designs below, it has been around since the 1950's and the inception of the brand, originally as part of the hardware on the stitched saddle bags. It was then added to the men's moccasins in the 1960's. Nowadays Gucci still uses the horsebit design on everything from handbags, to shoes and even in its jewellery line. It is one of my personal favourite hardware elements from any Italian designer!

Another distinctive Gucci element is Flora, which is a stunning multicoloured floral pattern originally commissioned for Princess Grace of Monaco in 1966. This is another distinctive feature of the brand which can still be seen today. The pattern includes butterflies, dragonflies and in bloom pink, blue, purple and yellow wild flowers is one of the most recognizable designer patterns out there. The moment I walked into the Gucci flagship store in Florence last week I saw the influence of the flora pattern this season was evident. 

Not only does Gucci still regularly use the Flora pattern for silk scarves and other accessories but they have incorporated it into their shoe line.

The colours from the Flora pattern have been carried over to the shoe line this season and the result is a punchy, bright and cheerful line of shoes that cannot be missed. I tried on every colour, pink, blue, emerald, yellow and burnt orange, finally deciding that I desperately needed a bright pink pair of patent leather shoes in my life, who doesn't? 

And here they are, the pumps I chose, in a bight pink, with a 5 inch heel (1 inch higher then my usual rules allow me to wear, but hey they're Gucci and almost demand for you to be sexy, so I went for sky high and broke my rule) 

Links a la Mode: March 21, 2013

Thank you IFB for once again including my post in your weekly round up. My chambray 3 ways post was inspired by my dreams of sunshine and patio's, pedicures and open toe sandals. Unfortunately the weather here in Toronto hasn't been in agreement with the fact that Spring began several days ago now. But you can still check out my post and use it as inspiration for that day in the near future when hopefully the snow stops falling and you can bare your ankles without getting frost bite. And of course please check out the other 19 chosen posts and enjoy :) 

Spring Fever
Yesterday Spring officially sprung. While some of us are spring cleaning, some of us are coveting the trends and outfits we can wear with warmer weather. I know I'm into it after a cold winter! Anyway, we've got a really great mix this week. From learning what exactly "Haute Couture" means, to various explorations of all the Spring Trends for this year, some really great remixes how to take it all in with your camera phone. I'd say it's a great way to kick off the season, and hopefully you're as excited as I am!
Now... let's get started!

Links à la Mode: March 21, 2013

    
Attire Club: 12 Facts About Haute Couture
    
Cheap 'n' Chic Living: DIY Better Pics from Your Camera Phone
    
City of Gentleman: Blue Blazer
    
Empathetically Elle: 3 Reasons Why It's Great to Be a Fashion Blogger
    
In Jackie's Shoes: Pastels in The City
    
Inspirations and Celebrations: How to Dress Casual for Work
    
Laughing Latte: First Trimester Style
    
Nothing to Wear: 3 Ways to Wear a Chambray Shirt
    
Primped and Primed: Trending: Holographic 
    
Pop Culture du Jour: Fashion Card Collectables
    
Post Modern Royalty: Paper Tigress
    
Shoe Pendant: How to Feel Good: Ladies Guide
    
The Fashion Style: Trends Mixing Prints
    
The In Club: Why I Haven't Read Mens Fashion Magazines
    
TLV Beauty: Best Body Treatments
    
Tobruck Avenue: Feeling Green 
    
Two Take on Style: 5 Things for Spring
    
We Are Ready Made: The Importance of Dots
    
Wild Beauty World: Beautiful People: Hedy Lamarr
    
Wishing for Chanel: Fashion Week Show Spaces

 

Blue Suede Shoes

Shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes

Its hump day, and it also happens to be really gloomy in Toronto today, day light savings time is this weekend and I'm not seeing any signs of spring here! I'm loosing hope, but that hasnt stopped me from continuing my quest to build my spring wardrobe. This morning I got an email from My Theresa with a picture of some gorgeous colourful suede pumps paired with acid wash jeans. Now THAT is a great pick me up. I decided to research further and went on a hunt for colourful suede pumps. There was pink and orange and even white (amaaaaaazing) but the real stand out colour was blue. I came across not one, not two, not three, but like, forty pairs of blue suede pumps. I kid you not! 

So, I'm throwing this out there; blue suede is this spring's IT shoe. When it comes to coloured shoes the blue suede pump is the one to add to your wardrobe. 

A few weeks ago I got my hands on a perfect pair which I have become obsessed with even thought I have yet to wear them outside of the house. So I thought I would provide everyone with a list of my fav blue suede shoes, currently out there on the inter-web, just waiting to be added to your cart. 

The List
1.  "The" simple blue suede pump. Get yourself a pair with the following attributes and you are good-to-go! Pointy toe, at least a 4.5 inch heel, in either a bright cobalt blue or a soft baby blueGuess by Marciano Suede Pump

2. Next up, if you already have the basic blue and want to add another pair to your spring wardrobe (an idea which I support whole heartedly) then try the embellished suede pump.My Theresa Isabel Marant Suede Star Pump

3. Why not get a pair with a platform if that suits your taste. I personally don't ever wear platforms because I opt to not come in at a towering 6 ft tall with my shoes on, but I love the look. My Theresa Christian Louboutin Platform Suede Pumps

4. Why not try the trend in a sandal?  If you're not into the whole 80's revival and don't enjoy pointy pumps then at least try blue suede in a more strappy, less intimidating version. These Gianvito Rossi's are pretty sweet

5. Super affordable. Seriously why would you turn down a pair of shoes under $100? These are on sale at Aldo right now. So, gooooo, run, get in your car, drive to the mall and get them. 

The Round Up: Feb 22 2013

Happy Friday! This week the Round Up includes a follow up to yesterday's post about accessories. Yes, I caved and got myself the gold BCBG cuff I mentioned yesterday, check it out below, as well as the rest of my weekly round up. 

1. BCBG cuffs - Just yesterday I posted my top accessory  cravings for 2013. In that list was a gold cuff from BCBG, not known for my ability to refrain from shopping I have purchased said cuff ;) But to be completely fair I had a very good reason, you see I have an important event this Sunday (see below for more on that). I love BCBG jewellery because it is affordable and of course gorgeous. And if you don't think a gold cuff is an important item to add to your collection and you don't believe me then check out this weeks "The Edit" On Net-a-porter where they discuss the "game changing" power of the gold cuff ! 

2. Blue suede shoes - Elvis was right to say don't step on them, cause these babies are precious. Mine are obviously tucked away for the next few months until every last drop of snow melts, and the street cleaners come out, and the sun comes out to ensure there isn't any flash flooding, and still then I will most likely never drive in them, or wear them outside. Seems like I haven't really learned my lesson have I? Mine are from Marciano and they are the most perfect shade of blue suede. 

The Ada Pump by Marciano

3. Best Friends - this Sunday we celebrate my bestie and her last few months of the single life. We are hosting a candy themed bridal shower and I am sure it will be a great day filled with tons of memories, and surely lots of photos we can look back on one day when we are in our 50's. Cheers to friends, they are the family we choose for ourselves ;) 

The More The Merrier

Here in Toronto its still pretty frigid at the moment, its been a long harsh winter and I haven't seen my own arms in months. I've been hiding under layers for far too long now, and all I can think about is spring. You may have seen my past posts about the skirts, and strappy sandals, I am coveting for Spring 2013, am I making it obvious enough, I am l REALLY looking forward to the end of this dreary winter. And with that I will be layering on the accessories once the snow thaws. 

Why wait for spring to play up my accessories you ask? Well, maybe some of you who live in cooler climates can attest to this, winter is not exactly conducive to accessory overload. Earrings get stuck inside your toque eh, rings stop you from wearing gloves and no sane person would skip gloves in -20 Celsius.  Don't even try to wear a stack of bangles, there's is no point since they will be hidden by your sweater, plus they will get caught in the arm of your coat which is uber annoying. 

This week in anticipation of the much warmer and cheerier weather I have put together a collage of my top accessory picks. I have scoured my my fav on-line shopping sites to bring you my top accessories under $50, under $100, under $200 and even a few "splurge" items.  P.S if you follow me on Pinterest you know I have a whole board dedicated to accessories which I just updated with tons of new eye candy. 

Under $50 clockwise from top: anchor earrings J.Crew, ring Kate Spade, lips earrings Marc by Marc Jacobs, gold cuff BCBG, tribal necklace Zara, ring Kate Spade.



Under $100: necklace J.Crew, leather wrap Tory Burch, gold knot ring Tory Burch, aqua earrings from this cute Etsy shop


Under $200: ring Kenneth Jay Lane, gold and stone cuff BCBG


Splurge! YSL ring from Net-a-porter, gold cuff Tory Burch, multi colour stone bib necklace Kate Spade, stud cuff Valentino from Net-a-porter 

Booya

Check it, pictoral evidence of my Furla handbag out and about in public last weekend. That means I still have 3 small, tiny, sad purses to bust out over the next few weeks so that I can prove to myself that they were not sick wastes of my hard earned cash..wish me luck. 

Purse Furla, Wool Cuff Marni, Brocade Pants Topshop, Rings...you have to get hitched to get  a set of those

The Most Impractical of Practical

Say you find yourself in Holts on a bright and sunny summer afternoon when you've played hooky from work, and you discover they just happen to be holding their annual summer sale. You peruse through the purse section, check out their denim collection but ultimately land yourself in the shoe department! What factors help you determine whether or not $400 for a pair of fuchsia sparkle Miu Miu sandals (also, they look wildly uncomfortable) are practical? Or impractical?

Recently this has been a topic of debate between myself and well; myself, after I counted the numbers of dress shoes I owned. The tally, 30 pairs, of sandals and pumps. That can't be healthy. I used to have a strict filter, and rules that I would apply when purchasing a new pair of shoes. My first question posed to myself would be "Do you already own a similar pair?" This went out the window when I began my love affair with the Michael Kors pump, I now own in three different colours, two of which are taupe....I guess that's only two colours then. Next I would ask "Are they affordable?" This used to mean something different to me when I was unemployed, and I'm sure it means something different to everybody depending on how much you're willing to spend or how much you have already spent on shoes that month "affordable" could very well be $400. So here you find yourself with the sparkly sandals in hand and you ask your final question, the question that always gets me, "Are they on sale?" Listen, when a spectacular pair of shoes carries a $900 price tag I always walk away, I'm not willing to drop that much on one pair at this point in my life. But, I know in three months from now they will most likely be half off or somewhere close to that. The thought of passing up such an amazing deal always pulls at my heart strings, I tell myself "They're practically free!" But they very well aren't free, and after you walk away with the $400 sparkly friends you ask yourself where the F you're going to wear these puppies?

This brings me back to my original question of, what makes a shoe practical? Is it colour, material, price tag? I realized that once I owned a pair of pumps in all the staple colours, black, brown, taupe, and more taupe, I ventured out into the more daring orange, sequin, sparkle, purple velvet, red, satin, jewel encrusted, I can go on....trust me. So I wanna know, what do you consider when considering a new pair of shoes? To help get you going here are some examples of my most impractical, practical shoe purchases.