Pick-nic a date

As soon as summertime arrives, so does the gingham. But usually we get that lovely print in either black or red, it's very seldom that we see such a lovely turquoise gingham like this one. I am happy that they kept it rather demure though, with the gingham as the focal point, and didn't slap it on the entire shoe. The matching piping along the edges is terribly cute too.
You can get these at Modcloth for $55, but beware of sizing. If we can go by the reviewers, these fit terribly small. So you better double check before taking the plunge.

Shoe challenge #34: Palmtrees

Back in the days when I started working fulltime, these were one of the first pairs of shoes I ever ordered online. How far I've come since then... Even though I have required many many more, these shoes have always held a special place in my heart and they do get worn quite a lot. Luckily they're quite sturdy, and thus they "age" well.
They aren't in fact blue, like they look in this (crappy mobile phone) picture, but more of a greenish turquoise. Shoeperwoman still has the original product shots from way back when. (I'd say the left picture is the most accurate) Today I paired them up with a black and white outfit, for a bit of "pop". I love this palmtree dress from New Look, but I can't wait to wear it again and properly show it off... (it has cutouts in the back yo!) But, as the saying goes, the show (or rather the shoe challenge) must go on!

Speaking of turquoise shoes, of course I caved and just ordered these.

Dress New Look / cardigan Mango / bag Esprit / denim jacket Zara / shoes Asos (seen here)

Shoe challenge #33: Cartoon colours

This morning, waiting at the train station...

Sometimes I don't know why I bother with the blogging. I don't wear makeup. I don't know how to work the jewellery or accessories. I don't even like separates, I prefer keeping it (relatively) simple and just throwing on a dress and a pair of heels. Not much fashion sense required  there. And then some days, I even do less of an effort. Tonight after work I'll go out with my boyfriend and some friends for all-you-can-eat spareribs in Antwerp, so I wanted to have some room in my clothes for the "sparerib baby" that I'll have grown after dinner, and I knew that I'll have to do some walking, so comfy shoes were a must as well when getting dressed this morning. My turquoise Converse wannabes were the obvious choice. I'm rather surprised myself at how often I do wear these. (at least once a week) Hopefully this doesn't mean that I'm getting bored/fed up/tired of high heels... (I'm sure it's not)

Dress Folter (seen here and here)  / shoes New Look

Sienna

I have been a sucker for studs lately, so obviously I'm seriously tempted by these. I've always loved the combination of a greenish (in this case turquoise) suede upper with a gold heel, and the general pretty shape and of course the studs only give these shoes even more kryptonite-like powers.

At only £35, they're quite the steal as well. Just leave one pair of fives for me, will you?

New Look haul

I think I even outdid myself with this one. Four pairs of shoes in one order! Luckily not one pair cost over £10. And the craziest part of all? Not one pair of heels! I'm totally ready for summer now, especially for daytrips with the boyfriend and festivals with my friends. I can't wait to take these babies out.

I've been thinking about getting a pair of Converse sneakers for a while though, but decided they were a bit expensive for a style that I wasn't sure I would get much wear out of. So when I saw these cheap knock-offs on the New Look website, I didn't hesitate. I would've loved a hot pink pair like the ballet flats, but I'm so glad I chose these turquoise ones. They give my legs an instant tan!!

Two weeks ago I ordered the strapless dress with the pink car print, but I decided against this white palm tree print dress. And then my size was sold out. So as soon as I saw my size pop up again (on sale!), I couldn't help but slip it in with my overload on shoes. I'm in love with the cutout in the back.

Pink glitter sandals
Orange raffia sandals
Pink velcro ballet flats
Turquoise sneakers

Pizzazz

Stripes. Wedges. Colour blocking. Three things that will still be big this summer. And this shoe incorporates all those wonderful qualities. If you like these, you have the choice between four colour ways: this grey-yellow combo, which is my personal favourite, as well as seafoam, tan and coral.

Very on trend, me thinks.

Splash

Will I ever get tired of colour blocking? In fact, I hope I never do. Not as long as New Look keeps making such cute shoes on the cheap.

Mint and turquoise

I already own a pair of mint green suedette shoes, but as I have described here already, they are not very comfy. So if that doesn't validate buying a second pair, I'm not sure what will... Besides, these New Look platforms sport the added bonus of adding some turquoise to the mix. Oh, colour blocking, how I still love you! Plus, only £20! You can understand why my mouse is hoovering over the 'order' button, right?

Helium

Oh, will the colour block trend ever fade away? Not too soon though, I hope, because personally I'm a rather big fan of wearing as many colours as possible at once. I know it, and you know it, which is why you can probably guess that I'm a big fan of these Dune sandals as well. I fear they'll look to clumpy on my feet, but I do love me some vibrant suede, especially when there's pink...
And they don't look half bad in blue tones, either.

They will set you back €122 though... At least you get real leather and 14cm worth of heel in return.

Lassie

In the mood for some Louboutin for Summer, but no funds to get any redsoled babies on your feet right now? Maybe you can try this great alternative from Topshop.

Very similar to Louboutin's Super Dombasle (on top) but in a neutral nude, and at only a fraction of the cost: £55 versus £345. Not quite as striking and with a stacked heal instead of a cork one, but still a good deal if you ask me.

D'Ambra

These are amazing. But even though they would be very weather appropriate right now (more rain in Belgium), I'm still optimistically counting on some sunshine really soon, so it seems like a waste to spend €180 on boots right now.

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.

20 years Louboutin

It's been twenty years since shoe god Christian Louboutin started designing his trademark red soled shoes. To celebrate, the man himself is coming out with a capsule collection of 20 shoes and 6 bags, based on his repertoire of the last two decades. No doubt all you shoe-loving girls are seeing some familiar faces, euh shapes, up there.
The capsule collection will be available to buy at an exclusive pop-up shop in Selfridges in London from 27th February, before hitting Christian Louboutin (online) stores in March. You can catch a sneak peek at Louboutins Facebook page, where you can also subscribe yourself for an exclusive invitation to the sales.

Although there are a couple of gems in there, I'm generally a bit disappointed. This turquoise beauty has stolen my heart though. The Lady Gres combines the gorgeous design of the Greissimo with the towering platforms of the Daffodil (good for a 16 cm stiletto). Smack on a vibrant colour, and obviously yours truly is sold.

Another favourite of mine is this elegant peep toe, called the Armadillo Bride, although I would've preferred a different kind of heel instead of a metal needle one, like the one on the original version sans ankle strap.

Again the massive Daffodil platform on these ankle boots, named the Daf Booty Tag, which exude an Iron Fist vibe to me. I must be that graffiti-like print, which is also the only update from the original version of the Daf Boot. But I like them . No way I'll ever be able to pay for any of these though.
What do you think about this special collection? Which ones are your favourite? Let me know in the comments!

Red+turkoise

Do these shoes hurt my eyes? Yes. But do I love them? Double yes! This red version (with a dash of turkoise) is my favourite, but you can also get these gorgeous canvas wedges in black/red, green/blue and navy/yellow, whatever suits your wardrobe best.
I'm always a huge fan of mary jane styles; a strap across the foot makes most heels so much easier to walk in. Add to that the bright colours and the contrasting white trim, and I'm sold. I know I feature a lot of New Look shoes on this 'ere blog (you'd think they'd start sending my shoes by now, hint hint), but how can I not with such enticing prices? These are no exception to New Look's great-looking-shoes-for-less rule: £25!

Boost of turkoise

I couldn't leave for Serbia without showing you these. I actually noticed these a while ago, which explains why the green version of them has already sold out in a couple of sizes. They're very clean, very classic (very sexy too), but the colours are so eye catching that they stand out in a crowd. I really like this turkoise version, and I even like it that much that I might be tempted to buy them eventually. (if they're still in stock when I come back) If you want to beat me to the punch though, you can get them at New Look for only £20.

Turkoise dreams

These Topshop Sultry (gotta love the name!) platforms have gotten me pretty excited! Vibrant coloured suede tends to do that to me, even more so if you throw in a pretty shape and a towering stiletto as well. The price isn't bad either: these puppies will only set you back £65. For real suede!
One thing that I'm not crazy about is that they covered the inside of the heel with suede as well. For someone who rides her bicycle everyday (like me) it can be really difficult to keep that part of the shoe safe. Slide of the pedals once (which happens to me a lot, especially when it's wet and they're slippery) and the heel will be ruined.
And, they'll get you almost as many attention in the street as these...

(I just had to throw in some Louboutin, didn't I?) It's okay to be jealous, I am too.

Shoe challenge #84: Rainbow bright

Excuse the pictures one more time if you will, again they were taken in the lift at work, on my way to yet another date. (yes!) The weather was lovely today, loads of sunshine, and I felt that I needed to take full advantage of it to dress up to the nines. To get a better look at the dress and its gorgeous turquoise colour, check out this post. The pop of turquoise in the heel of the shoes matched the dress perfectly. I felt sunny, cheery and pretty, which is always a plus. I had my mother cut my fringe this weekend and I coloured my hair yesterday, so that helped as well. It turned out a little bit darker than expected (intended?), but I like it.

Finally, after more than 8 months, I have worn these shoes. Why have I not before? Well, first of all because they were in a box and I kind of forgot about them. Second, well, because they're too small. But they were the very last pair and heavily reduced in price and I did fit into them after all, so I couldn't leave them behind. (now I would have been a stronger woman) But are they comfortable? Hell no! Are they at least more comfortable after they've been worn in a bit today? Yes! But I was still glad I had a spare pair of flats in my bag nonetheless!

Dress (Promod) and shoes (Office).

Fashion crime: Litas

I know, I know, I can hear you thinking: what the hell is she still yapping on about, the Jeffrey Campbell Litas have been around for aaaaaages! Well, don't be mistaken, these Litas are intended to be worn by men. I'll give you a moment to let that sink in.
I can't seem to find a photo of a man actually wearing these, but a double check on the website does confirm that these are men's shoes, as part of JC's range First. And they're only available in this multi glitter version. I'm not quite sure who's supposedly wears these. Transvestites? Because as far as I know, they have better taste than this. (if I were a transvestite, I'd have the perfect excuse to wear lucite stripper heels and lord knows I wouldn't wear anything else)
After all those horrible mental images (men in glitter Litas, me as a transvestite) I'm pretty sure you need some cheering up now? There you go. Also courtesy of Jeffrey. (I really don't understand that man's train of thought, he's a hero and a villain!)

Sassy, $145. You're welcome.

Bright canvas wedges

Just a light post to end the day on a summery note. I really like these canvas wedges from New Look. They also come in 'winter white', but to me it looks more like beige, which I really really hate. It would be hard for me to have to choose between these two colours though. Fairly certain I'd go for the aqua, they would look great with white skirts and dresses. At £20, I'm not sure I won't.

Shoe challenge #39: Colour blocking

Skirt (Asos), Tshirt (Dorothy
Perkins), tights (New Look) and
shoes (Irregular Choice)

Yet another shoe rescued. Ah, the altruism of it all... These are a rather recent purchase, but already I have worn them so much that the gorgeous purple (with little bunnies in tea pots, very 'Alice in Wonderland') soles have already faded beyond recognition. It's a pity, but then again, that's what shoes are made for after all.
I took a shot at colour blocking today, but I'm not 100% sure about the result. I feel like the outfit needed another colour, maybe some bright orange to break it up a bit? Different tights? I don't know, it was too early this morning, so I just quickly threw on a black cardigan and hopped out the door.

Maybe even more than these Irregular Choice Northern floral wedges, I absolutely adoooore this skirt. It's from the Asos sale and it's bound to attract a lot of looks. In daylight it's a really neon hot pink which just grabs your attention. Cheers up any bad mood, garanteed!

PS: Yes, I'm wearing legging underneath my tights, one of my many tricks against the cold.