Shoe challenge #81: Party in the back

Words cannot describe how awesome these shoes are. I'll tell you that they are so awesome, that I really needed a second pair of Lorissas. Oops. I especially adore the element of surprise: all business in front, party in the back.

I'm still denying Fall with bare legs and peeptoes, and so far I haven't had any trouble doing so. We're even supposed to get a sunny day tomorrow, so who knows what I'll pull out of my hat next?

Friday was the first time I ever wore these shoes to work, or even in the daytime for that matter. I'm happy I did though, because I'm sure I'll wear them even more now. I've worn them lots for nights in the pub, and my friends are always asking me about them whenever I'm not wearing them. They're a real hit with most people.

And why would they not? Like I said, they're awesome sauce!

Skirt and jacket Zara / sweater H&M / shoes Sam Edelman

Teaser

Yes, I'm wearing these to work today. With fluo orange nail polish. Because I can. Full outfit post coming soon!

Diamante

These Stuart Weitzman peep toes are really rather plain, until you look at that sophisticated bow. I love little ribbon bows, especially when they have bling on them. They would be perfect for any kind of cocktail/party occasion, and would work with virtually any outfit. As if all that wasn't enough, you can currently find them 60% off here, bringing them to an affordable €128.

Corset

Man, Sam Edelman never seizes to amaze me. At first glance this Evan pump might seem a bit plain, but wait until you see its backside!

I love them, but not so much that I have to have them right now. But if they would pop up on sale somewhere, I won't pretend I wouldn't be tempted. So far I've spotted them in this gorgeous black, in a cheetah version and in a beautiful metallic snake upper.

Also: booties! The pumps will set you back €175, the Elsa booties €240.

Jekyl

It must be crystal clear by now how much I love Sam Edelman's Lorissa. Which is why I don't understand why people would pay £99 for an inferior version of them. It's not that I'm against designer inspiration on the high street, that's to be expected as a natural reaction of the fashion industry after all, but I think the price on these is still quite steep, to be such poorly executed as well. Who in their right mind would pay £99 for a pair of shoes that aren't even real leather, I ask you?! To quote the product info on the New Look site: "Shoes with personality! Dollybird brings a unique look to any outfit with a vibrancy that is difficult to ignore". "Unique", yeah right!!

Shoe challenge #63: Hint of leopard

It's no secret that I pretty much hate trousers. I'd rather wear a bikini than jeans, it's that bad. I just don't think they do anything for my figure, as I have quite a bum and heavy thighs. But, like I said earlier, it was weirdly cold on Friday, so bare legs were not an option I'm afraid. You've already seen my evening outfit, so here's the day look. I wore this to work and as you can see by the background, I visited my mum this weekend, so my little doggy (he's so cute and I miss him so much!) made a surprise appearance as well. For some reason he always storms the camera when he hears the shutter click.

I wore my new peplum top and my trusty China shoes. These are one of those pairs that have emotional value to them and are comfortable on top, so if I'd have to get rid of all my shoes except for ten or something, these would definitely make the cut. Keepers, they are! My BFF bought them for me in China. She doesn't know much about shoes (although I make sure she wears nice ones, haha), but what she does know is that red soles are special. I love their classic shape, the black (fake) suede (I love the boldness of a black suede) and the little leopard print touches on the platform and heel.

 

And there he goes again! He hears the shutter click and he goes mad, I tell you, MADDD!!

And then he goes cute again. He makes my shoes look goooood!!

pink jeans Zara (seen here) / peplum top New Look (seen here)

leopard print belt Asos / shoes gift from China (last year's challenge)

Pixelate

How awesome are these? That heel is insane! It doesn't hurt that they look more McQueen than Topshop either, even if the price tag (£90) is a little steep for high street standards. They are real leather though, and they'll surely earn you a few stares.

When Shoeperwoman Amber showed them last week in metallic pink, I wasn't very enthusiastic, but now that Topshop has launched a toned-down black version, I'm all aboard this train!

Quilted Lita

The strangest thing just happened: I figured this version of Jeffrey Campbell's infamous (you either love them or you hate them) looked sort of Louboutin-esque. I guess it's because that fierce toecap reminds me so much of Louboutin's Asteroid. I'm still not a fan of the Litas, but if you're going to wear them, at least make them crazy-ass. These are currently out of stock, so you will not be able to spend your $185 on them, but perhaps you can still find them elsewhere.

Shoe challenge #57: Do the peplum

I don't often jump on the bandwagon of trends (I think), but I was very curious to try out the peplum. I've been seeing it everywhere online (not (yet?) in the Belgian streets though) and I figured it might be flattering on my kind of curvy bod. And I know you just saw this red lace skirt recently, but I try to mix and match my clothes, and not wear them only one time on the blog. After all, this is real life blogging here yo! At least now you get a good peak of the intricate detail of the lace.

For some reason I'm always scared about wearing these. Maybe it's because I know that it would be so hard to replace them if they ever got "injured". Apparently they are going on eBay for as much as £130! I believe I only paid €80 or something for them, and they're the real deal, so I'm very careful not to ruin them in the rain or on uneven pavements. They're very ladylike, but also very vampy and vixen-y. For sure I felt like a million bucks today.

I did accidentally flash my belly button to some strangers while I rode my bicycle to the train station this morning though. The wind got a hold of the peplum, and whoopsiedaisy, there was my bare midriff for everyone to see! Oh well, it was worth it! I'm already thinking about buying another peplum top in a colour or a print.

PS: These photos were the first ones I took with my new tripod. Obviously it was still an experiment, but I can't wait until my remote control gets here, so I can really venture out.

Top and belt New Look / skirt Mango (seen here) / shoes Zara (last year's challenge)

Shoe challenge #56: Basic black

I actually managed to save two pairs of shoes at my birthday party yesterday. Once we left for the festival in town, I slipped into something more comfortable: my black ballet flats that I bought a couple of weeks ago in New Look. (yes, in the actual store, imagine that!) Not even I am foolish enough to spend a night in stilettos on a market square full of cobble stones.
These flats were exactly what I was looking for: real leather, and full of detail. I love the toe cap, the bows and especially the stitching.

Shoes New Look

Cage

I adore the detail on these. The gold cage toe and the precious little bow give such an edgy yet sophisticated look to this plain black ballet flat, it truly elevates them. I love, I want!

Raw

So, these are pretty fierce, right? I mean, look at them! They look like they might protect you in the dodgier parts of town. Then again, they might just get you in trouble for sending out the wrong signals though, so that might even itself out? Gosh, now I'm getting confused. Anyway, with the multiple straps, the sky high heel and the studs, these might be considered a bit much. And you haven't even seen its sister shoe. Tadaaaaaa!

River Island decided that the above sandal wasn't enough, and threw in some gingham! And I actually like these ones better than the "plain" black ones. I can totally see them with some capri pants and a plain top, for a bit of a rocker chick "Sandy" look. Or with a cutesy dress, for contrast.
You're probably thinking I'm crazy right now, so I'll just shut up. But I will also leave you with the news that these are £65 and I may or may not buy them. Eventually. (If they go on sale, I'll probably won't even take the time to think about that though)

Black crystal

I love these. Now don't get me wrong, I'm still not completely on board with the pin needle heel. But these, these I can stand the sight of. I might even allow them on my own feet. That said, these aren't any plain old pair of pin needle heels though. These Giuseppe Zanotti booties are completely covered in black crystals, which is the main reason why I like them so much. Because, you know, I rarely meet a stud or a crystal I don't like.

These booties will remain the subject of my dreams however, as The Outnet is still charging €598 for them (as opposed to the original €1195, but still way too much for my budget) and most sizes are completely sold out. If you can't say no to these though, feel free to splurge on them here.

Project 5

Finsk is one of those brands that I really really can't imagine wearing myself. Even when they try to do "normal", the shoe will still be unlike everything you've ever seen before. They're "out there" with their designs, and they'll charge you for it as well. Take the curiously named Project 5. Looks like a plain black boot (a quite pretty one, I might add) that's placed on top of an ornament of some sort. Now how in the hell would you walk in these? I usually love their ideas conceptually, but I can't imagine them selling enough shoes to keep afloat. Because seriously, who in the world would be spending $1000 on these?

Shoe challenge #49: Angel or demon

We're suffering a major heat wave this weekend and Friday was only slightly less smoldering than today. Luckily we have airco at work, pfff! Anyway, I couldn't imagine wearing anything else but comfortable cotton and flat sandals during this heat, and I guess this is what I came up with. I really loved the juxtaposition of the white lace against the black leather and the studs.

This was only the third or the forth time I wore these Exie sandals, but it was the first time they didn't kill my feet! They have literally made me bleed every time so far, but on Friday they were fine. No damage done to my feet whatsoever. Maybe I finally broke them in? Let's hope so!

Dress H&M (seen here) / shoes Sam Edelman

Ilene

Sometimes all you need is a really simple shoe, sophisticated and timeless, and not overly frilly or absurdly high. Enter these gorgeous Miss Sixty sandals.

I especially love that low cut vamp and the surprise detailing in the back. Sparkly!

These are currently 40% off, so grab a pair for €89.

Prop in metallic

Do you know those infamous striped platforms by Charlotte Olympia? Because I sure do, as I've been lusting after them since forever. When I saw these Asos pumps, I was immediately reminded of those beauties. In fact, I think this shoe is a real beauty in itself as well.
Granted, the shape is somewhat different without that signature platform the Olympias have, but for €64 you can't have it all. You'd still get a glamorous shoe that can easily be dressed up with a cocktail dress or down with skinny jeans. These are definitely going on my wishlist!

Striker

Holy moly! Are these fierce or what??! I'm totally loving these Dolhouse spiked peep toes because, let's be honest here, how could I ever resist such a tough little stud? And they are very striking indeed. Personally I'm leaning more towards this relatively simple black version with teal accents, but if you feel like going all out, this fuchsia version might be more to your taste.

Either way, you can get these at Amazon for a mere $44.

Kamilia

Sometimes all you need is a simple shoe, that you'll be able to wear for years to come. I love Bebe's summer take on the black pump, with the cork, the peep toe and the slingback. If you like them too, you're in luck, as these are currently marked down to £66 and available in blue and orange as well.

One two three

This is what happens when I have a couple of days off from work: I arrive at my desk, only to be greeted by lots of packages. I can think of worse ways to start the day! I'll keep it short and sweet, and will let you enjoy the photos of my latest purchases. All sales, obviously.

First up: blue slingbacks (avec bow, of course) from Rocket Dog. They're a bit snug, even if I was convinced that my Rocket Dog booties are a size 4 as well, but they fit, so no problems there. The electric blue is stunning though.

Also: leopard courts from Blink. I had my doubts about these, as they're a bit too shiny up close, but they look fine when they're a bit further away. By which I mean, on my feet.

The grand finale: the biggest score ever. They are pure dynamite. Sheer perfection. I might just display them in my living room...

I just have to be careful that I don't accidentally drool on them. Now all that's missing is a pair of Loubs for them to make friends with!