Shoe challenge #58: Soft kitty

Today's outfit was a bit of a blast from the past: the force of the nineties is strong in this one. The T-shirt, the maxi skirt, the sneakers (I love their broderie anglaise texture). All it's missing is a big flanel shirt. That said, I was very conscious of this look not being my usual style. It was comfortable, yes, but I wasn't. Ah well, you win some, you lose some.

After all, fashion is about getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things. Where's the fun in finding your signature look and wearing similar outfits every single day? Even if I must plead guilty to that stagnation. I almost always go for the dress + belt + high heels + cardigan combo, because I know it works and it saves me the trouble of having to "invent" a whole new look. You could say it's my safety blanket. And sometimes we need to step away from the blankets, no matter how snug and fuzzy they are.

This T-shirt is the reason I wore this outfit. I love The Big Bang Theory and I love Sheldon's character even more. Not many people get the "Soft kitty" reference, but at least the boyfriend does.

Skirt Clockhouse (seen here) / T-shirt The Big Bang Theory / shoes New Look (seen here)

Shoe challenge #41: Ombre hues

New shoes, so you just know I had to wear them as soon as possible. I decided to play up the ombre effect of these crocheted platforms with my mustard yellow shirt dress, and I quite liked the result. I had a sushi date with my BFF after work, which explains the rather grainy, unfocused and underlit photos (taken at 10.30 PM).

I must say, I absolutely adore these shoes, but I do not like ankle straps. Am I the only one who can't handle the rubbing? The backs of my feet are killing me right now, I'll have to think carefully about which shoes to wear next...

Dress Modcloth (seen here and here) / shoes Jeffrey Campbell

You asked for it

Look what popped into my inbox a couple of days ago. Oh, the irony! When I think about how much effort it took for those shoes to get here... But yes, you've read that correctly, they are finally here. I will have to reconsider buying from the States though, as I've been paying my ass off on customs fees and taxes. They almost cost as much as the shoes themselves! I've got the idea that I pay more whenever I buy discounted items, it's as if they add up the discount to the customs fees, and I end up paying just as much as I would have before the sales.

The Bette platforms are definitely a lot nicer than I had expected. For a purchase that was essentially an afterthought, they are stunning in the flesh.

The colours are much more vibrant, the crochet lace is gorgeous and elegant, and they'll look good even with tights come wintertime. And the best part? They are very comfortable, the US7 fits me perfectly as usual with Jeffrey Campbell shoes, and the padded soles make all the difference.

Bonus points for the major toe cleavage! Ssssexy!!

The pair of shoes that all the fuss was about, the Rockettes, are a bit of a letdown actually. They are gorgeous, as I was convinced they would be, but the sizing is completely off. When I tried them on this afternoon, it was tight but bearable. I could walk in them. Tonight, it has proven to be damn near impossible to get my feet in.

Lengthwise I can barely fit in them, but the problem sits within the very narrow toe box. My Daisy D's are narrow in the front as well, but at least I can get my feet in. I don't really understand the problem, as all my other pairs of Jeffrey Campbells are all size 7's and I've had no (real) problems with any of those. With the massive taxes I've paid for them, I guess there's nothing left for me to do but to try and stretch them out a bit. I'll keep you guys posted, that's for sure!

Cinderella

I love it when two of my favourite brands combine forces. The shoe god, mister Christian Louboutin himself, has put his own touch on Cinderella's glass slipper, in honour of the film's Diamond anniversary. Disney is rerealising the dvd this fall.

It goes without saying that Louboutin did a really good job as well. His interpretation of the infamous glass slipper involves white lace, butterflies and Swarovski crystals, and of course a 5 inch heel.

I really like the result. Beautiful, isn't it?

Lyla

I love Fornarina. I have a couple of dresses by them, as well as a little blazer and a pair of shoes (which still seem to be available by the way). And these mint green pumps are just the way I like them too, like a breath of fresh air, perfect for spring! I don't need to tell you mint (and its pastel sisters) is going to be huge this summer, right? Added bonus: the intricate lace detail, which checks another box of the "trends for SS2012 checklist". Two trends with one stone, albeit an expensive stone... €150.

Little secret though? I initially meant to write about these babies, but they seemed to have sold out completely since yesterday. Guess I wasn't the only one who loved them.

Net

These have a very burlesque feel to them, I think, what with the contrasting colours and the net overlay. I'm glad they have used the black netting moderately though, instead of covering the entire shoes with it, as it would have made them very heavy. This approach however, has left us with a pretty elegant and fresh sandal. I love the shape and the appliqué flower, but I'd have loved this shoe even better without the platform and with a cream heel. But hey, who am I to think I could do better? (I totally could though, right?)
If you love them, just the way they are (quote Bridget Jones, I soooo need another girly movie marathon!), you can get them at Dorothy Perkins for £45.

Corsage

Generally I'm not one for the overly sweet shoes, and although these booties are far more romantic looking than I generally go for, I still like them quite a lot. The combination of the intricate broderie anglaise, the soft suede, the pink tones, the wooden heel and the delicate roses conjures a very girly, dreamy vibe.
These Ruby Shoo booties have a tougher sister though, with a plain grey uppers and some vibrant fuchsia flowers. Whichever one you prefer, you'll have to shell out £50 for them.