Saturday, July 30, 2011

What Would Project Runway Shoe? (#WWPRS) Season 9!


Hey Ladies, it’s that time again!  Season 9 of Project Runway is off and running!  The double dose episodes of seeing those that made the cut and those that made it in catered to my longing for some good fashion and drama.  As such its also time to start up with the weekly ‘What Would Project Runway Shoe?” (#WWPRS) where I pair a shoe or two to go with the winning look of the week.  SPOILER ALERT!  Stop reading if you want to wait and watch the first episode and not spoil the winner of the first challenge here.

The sweet and unassuming Bert Keeter took the win last night with his uber chic dress made from his adorable boxers and t-shirt.  He sort of won my heart over with the story of his struggles of losing his friends and partner to AIDS and pulling himself out of alcoholism to return to his passion of design.  Aren’t we lucky to have him back in the mix making the world more fashionable?  If nothing else, his design in this first challenge proved that.

Now, while like Nina, Heidi and Miss Michael Kors, I adored the dress, I did NOT adore the shoe choice.  I think he was going for a nude look to elongate the endless leg of the gorgeous model, however, the yellow heel was a bit of a fail.  What I would have gone with was the ‘Ionia’ from Sam Edelman.  The truffle color is absolute perfection because it plays to the taupe shades in the dress and also is a neutral that lengthens the line of your leg.  Because the hemline is rather short, flats keep the look at a chic and elegant place. For us lovelies that are 5’ 4” and under, you could do a pointed higher heel but that’s really more about your own vertical comfort level. ;)  The geometric details that create the modern edge to the garment are well complimented by the pointed toe and stay on ‘point’ with the clean lines of the look. 

The sweet gingham checkered print from the boxers also lends itself to be paired with some espadrilles because it just screams summer fun.  However, care needs to be given to picking out the right kind of espadrilles because the feel of espadrilles can take you into Frumpville in one quick step.  These ‘Ruckus’ from Charles by Charles David have that very clean look and feel while still having those natural and organic fabrics that exude fun in the sun.  Color is just as important as style of the espadrille because keeping it in that taupe range will ensure that you’re not detracting from the very cute details of the dress that made it the winner that it is.  Espadrilles also let you get away with the higher heel because the natural fibers have a more playful and youthful feel that don’t say you’re turning tricks later down on Sunset Boulevard.  The tweed on these ‘Ruckus’ keep you being the proper lady that you are. ;)

See you next week for Episode 2 of “What Would Project Runway Shoe?” (#WWPRS)  *hearts* 

   

Monday, July 11, 2011

‘Flipps’ Not Slips…



You may recall my fabulous Nordstrom Rack super find of the Joan and David’s 'Flipps' in two colors last Fall.  Well, I have been wearing these wonderful patent pumps well through this Spring and Summer to make my work outfits classic and yet fresh and modern.  They have been fantastically comfortable and truly versatile with so many different office appropriate looks.

My ONLY issue arose when traversing the various office terrain consisting of very slick cobblestone tiles and marble floors.  I’ve had more than one near fall experience.  Had it not been for my cat like instincts of sticking to landing on my feet, I’d have fallen flat on my booty on more than one occasion.  So, having grown tired of the continual worry taken with each step in these fabulous heels, I decided to resort to my shoe guy for help. 

I took my Flipps over to him and asked him to resole them, not because I had worn out the soles, but because adding a new sole would be a rubber base for my little tootsies to run about town with no worry of slipping anymore.  The added investment proves its worth when not having to think that at any moment, you may end up showing your “C U Next Tuesday” to every pedestrian in eyeshot, coworkers more likely than strangers…  Given that I had gotten them for such a deal, a few more extra dollars doesn’t take away from the overall bargain that they were to begin with at The Rack.

A few words on finding a good shoe guy…. If you’re finding yourself in a new neighborhood, ages from your old shoe guy…. The best way to find a new, good and reliable shoe guy is by either word of mouth or Yelp.  Also, walk in, get a feel for him.  Look at the sample shoes on display that he’s fixed and already has waiting for pick up.  Also, test him out by doing something small like re-heeling your favorite Winter boots.  Summer’s a great time to do that because it’s off season so no matter how long it takes him to do it, or more importantly, how long it takes you to make it back during the hours he’s open, it won’t affect your wardrobe outfit choices. J  Depending on how well he returns the shoes, you can gauge whether you can trust him with a “real” job…  Trust your instincts ladies.  If it feels ghetto, don’t go back… if you feel pampered, and your SHOES feel like they’ve been pampered… chances are, your shoe guy is a keeper. ;)

*hearts*