Shoe challenge #60: Twist

I thought you're probably not tired of my Dorothy Perkins dresses yet, so I thought I'd show you the one that started it all. Unfortunately this one is a whole lot shorter than the others. But I love the busy print, and I actually don't even mind the green dots. Today I decided to play out the purple with my satin Zara peep toes. I even thought about adding a purple cardigan, but thought that would probably be a bit too much, so picked this white one instead.

The shoes are still too big, and in desperate need of some heel grips. By the end of the day they had gotten truly uncomfortable. I figured I might as well wear them to work though, even if they are satin and more evening-appropriate. I'm guessing I'll have to find some way to make all my "party shoes" work during the day, or they'll never get saved. I have a few weddings on my social calendar for next summer though, so I'm sure they'll get their proper place in the spotlight eventually.
 

I must say, I'm always surprised at how sophisticated these look. If I saw someone at a cocktail party wearing these, I would never guess they were Zara. The pleating on the toe is so delicate and exquisite. Simple yet elegant.

On a more general note, I was very surprised to see that I have managed to save no less than twenty pairs of shoes this month! Woop woop! I'm definitely planning to continue my winning streak this weekend, but I'll be staying at my mum's place so all shoe challenge posts won't go online until next week.

dress and belt Dorothy Perkins (seen here) / cardigan Mango

shoes Zara (last year's challenge)

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)

What's new at Zara?

New collections are upon us, and thus there are new shoes to be seen and had everywhere! Zara has been pleasing me a lot lately, and their new shoes are no exception. I wouldn't know which ones to pick first. Or actually, I do know, because I'm quite sure that I'll be stalking my local Zara for these amazing Charlotte Olympia-esque platforms! I wouldn't know which ones I would choose! I love the tan ones, but I looooove the red heel on the sand-coloured version. Dilemmas! You can pick one for £50.

I also really love this colour blocking heel, even if the shape is a bit clumsy. I don't own any shoes with this silhouette (pointy toe and chunky heel), but I love the colour combination. These are also £50, and would work well with Mad Men-inspired outfits.

Next up, pink! Of course this bootie was going to make this selection! It wouldn't fit in with my personal style, but that doesn't mean I don't like to look at it. A pair of these can be yours for £60.

And last but not least: these festive peep toes. They remind me a lot of these Blink platforms, but honesty commands me to admit that I liked those a tiny bit better. Still, these would make a great pair for a night out, so if you like them, you can hand over your £40 to Zara.

What's up stud?

I don't usually stray too far from the shoe department on this blog (even if I do have a real soft spot for pretty dresses in real life as well), but I'd gladly make an exception for this awesomesauce clutch. It's totally bad ass and looks way more expensive than the €70 Zara is charging for it. Let's get real though, I'm not really into purses or bags, so I'd probably wouldn't spend that much unless it's a bag that will get used daily. That said, at first glance this studded number could easily pass as designer.

Striking

I thought I'd open with a shot of the most distinct feature of this shoe, which isn't, as one would expect, the neon pink colour, but the striking industrial heel. It struck my fancy the second I saw the back of this otherwise also rather fetching sandal. In fact, I want these. Like, desperately want them.

The problem is, I'm not completely comfortable with such an open shoe (and such exposure of my not so nice feet) and I'm not totally sure about the pointy toe either, so I really want to try these on before I commit to buying (ordering) them. Especially since at €80, they're not exactly cheap. So a trip to my local Zara is in order, but what do I do if they don't have them? Should I take the plunge and order them anyway? Dilemma!

*editted to add* I did swing by Zara yesterday to try these on, and even though they were relatively comfy and very pretty irl, I decided against buying them. I just don't see me getting enough use out of them. This is Belgium after all, with typically rainy weather, and that is a very naked shoe. I am wishing Zara will go for a nice pump or a cute bootie with this kind of heel though...

Black+gold

These Zara wedges are amazing. They're not really my style, but I can still appreciate the gold wedge (for once without a massive platform in the front!), the minimalist strap across the foot (Jennifer Aniston style) and the structural detail at the back. I think it's safe to say that these look way more expensive than their £60... They even vaguely remind me of those YSL wedges from last year, that looked like they were a couple of sizes too big for your feet, which is a massive compliment, because I loved those!

Black stars

Summer is crawling nearer, I can tell. (I'm no psychic though, but I can see the sunshine outside my window) And with warm weather come off the tights, and go on the sandals and other summery fashion statements. That said, I love these studded sandals. I'd consider them more of an 'evening' shoe, seeing how elegant and shiny they are, so I'd love to wear them to a barbecue or something. If you do too, Zara is charging £40 for them.

Turquoise

 

Sometimes a girl can be happy with simple things. Like these turquoise courts from Zara. Bright colour on a classic shape (there's that broken record again), a 4 inch heel which is perfect for everyday wear and a great price: £26 to be exact.

Basic

These Zara sandals had already caught my eye when I visited the site earlier, but it wasn't until I saw them on the feet of this blogger that they really grabbed my attention. They don't fit my usual aesthetics or personal style, but I still think they are a more timeless approach to the colour blocking trend: classic enough to still be worn after the hype fades away. And they're pretty to look at, that too.
If you want to do more than just feasting your eyes on them, you can order them here. Expected collateral damage to your bank account? Only €40.

Shoe challenge #85: Not an outfit post

I just came home in the pouring rain, absolutely torrential, and every piece of clothing you see in the picture is soaking wet. The reason why the bows and the trims on my shoes are so dark, is just because of the rain, I literally had to pour water out of them. I also had an hour delay on my train, but as there are actually casualties at one of Belgium's biggest music festivals, I don't think my little inconveniences matter right now. My heart goes out to the victims, and I wish all my friends are safe and sound.

Shoes (Zara).

Shoe challenge #58: Neon lace

Last night my new little home had its first party, the house warming party to be exact. It was a fun night, with lots of my friends whom I hadn't seen for ages, so it was cool to see everyone again. We kept it rather quiet, no crazy stuff, and I didn't have too much trouble cleaning up  the place.

I wore my new Kookai dress as planned, but I couldn't find the shoes I originally wanted to wear with it. I have a pair of disco ball shoes, covered in silver sequins, which I have never found an occasion for. Sadly, it was not meant to be, so I opted for these classic black beauties from Zara.

There are no words to describe how much I love this dress. I almost bought it in neon yellow, but I opted for the safer lipstick pink instead and broke up the pink with a skinny yellow belt. It fits me like a glove, the lace is beautifully detailed and I just love the back, even if it means I have to go braless...

Excuse the crappy pictures, I took them this morning, since I ran out of time yesterday. Hence the bad hair and the baggy eyes.

Dress (Kookai), belt (Asos) and shoes (Zara)

Sneak peek of tomorrow's outfit

I love laying out my clothes the night before, so that things are a lot smoother in the mornings.

Shoe challenge #50: Paint the roses purple

We went out celebrating one of my best friends' birthday yesterday night, so I decided to wear yet another of my new New Look dresses. Wearing a pretty dress and a pretty pair of shoes is really all I need in an outfit to feel happy. I decided to coordinate with the bits of purple in the dress, instead of using the blues.

I just love this bow ribbon detail in the back, as well as the exposed zipper, which gives this otherwise romantic look a more modern vibe.

I have almost never ever worn these shoes, even if I think they are absolutely stunning. They are a bit too big though, and I have to be very careful not to lose them while I walk. And I do always tend to think my toes look wonky in them. Still, I was ademant that the twisted satin over the toes is too pretty not to be worn, and I'll do my very best to keep wearing them. For an evening of getting to the pub, sitting down and getting back home, they were fine. A very reasonable heel as well, as you can see.

In with the new, out with the old

Today I went on a well deserved shopping trip to Antwerp, and even if I hardly bought anything, at least it was succesful, because I'm very pleased with the few things I did buy. I had high hopes for River Island and New Look, but no peanuts. I had been especially hoping for these floral wedges and these lilac studded pumps, but no such luck. Damnit. I did find these, on sale even (€30) but I decided against them because they were a bit too big and thus not too comfy, even if they were very pretty.
Things I got: a very bright orange flowery full mini, a turkoise cardigan and those gorgeous black pumps I've been lusting after, all Zara. True, they are Stella McCartney knock-offs, but there still sooooo sexy and perfect. Designer beauty for €80, got to love it.

Now fair is fair, I did get rid of a pair of shoes, to make room for these ones. But I did cheat, just the tiniest bit. When I had first bought these leopard print ballet flats, I quickly realised how much I loved them. And that since they have fabric uppers, they would get ruined quite quickly. So I bought a second pair, as soon as the Asos sales set off. It wasn't until I put both pairs together, that I could see how much wear I got out of the first ones. Good thing I have a backup. Smart thinking, huh?

Viscious green

And bààààààm! Just like that I'm throwing some green in your face. These toxic green courts are one of my many examples of the rule I live by: a nicely shaped shoe needs no more embellishment than an eye-popping colour. Zara certainly knew what they were doing with these.

Not only are they reasonably heeled (10cm/4'), for those of you who are naturally tall or just not very stable on stilettos, but also reasonably priced at just under €40. They'll most certainly earn you some looks on the street, probably even when it's already dark. Bingo!