Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Here Kitty, Kitty



Those of you that have been following me for a while may remember my post on jelly shoes.  Well my friends, jellies have really come a long way.  I’ve since discovered this rather amazeballs vegan brand called Melissa.  They are a Brazilian shoe company that uses 100% sustainable practices to make their shoes - recycling everything plastic and rubber from water bottles to used tires.  And the styles like these Ultragirl Cat cute ballet flats just speak for themselves. 



The Ultragirl Cat ballet flats don these crazy adorable cat ears on the top of the toes.  They are plastic and lightweight.  When I first thought about getting them, I was really worried I’d be stabbing myself all the time with those ears jetting out.  Surprisingly, I really have never even bummed them on anything or more importantly, any ONE.  (at least not without intention ;) ) They never get in the way of crossing my legs, sitting cross-legged on the floor, or even walking the pooch. 



They have a concealed ½” heel that give you that nice little vertical boost that flatters all universally.  The exterior is a textured faux suede that wears really nicely over time.  I have actually had this pair for about a year now and have worn them in extensively because I LOVE them so much.  They’ve traveled with me to the East Coast a few times getting me compliments from the TSA security.  I love to take advantage of the strategically placed peep toe by going with pink, red and even silver nail polish making the kitty cat’s “nose” pop.  Over time, the edges have gotten dirty from lotion, and just dirt in general.  But they are such a cinch to clean.  A wet paper towel or even a sticky tape lint roller makes them look brand new in under 30 seconds flat.



One of my favorite things about them is the Melissa signature scent.  Unlike other jellies or plastic/rubber shoes, they don’t smell like plastic.  They have this really nice powdery light scent that lasts through humid summers and fall showers.  I have no idea how they do it but its really fantastic.  Your feet NEVER smell in these.  And they are sooo comfy.  Truly comfy.  These have become my go-to black ballet flat despite how “costumey” they are.  I’ve found they add a little hint of fun to my basic outfits in a really unexpected way.  And the compliments are unending.  In line at the store, walking on the street, in bathroom stalls, ladies are just all too happy to tell me how much they love my shoes. 

And did I mention they are totally a deal?  They average out at about $100, these specifically retailed at $110.  But, depending on the style, they range and their site also has great sales.  The problem is that they usually sell out before they go on sale because these shoes are all so awesome and worth the price.  Comparing these to other cat ballet flats like Kate Spade’s Cecelia Flats at $258 and Charlotte Olympia’s Sunkissed Kitty Canvas Slippers retailing for a cool $495, these are totally the cat’s meow.

Melissa shoes are really going to hit big.  They have done mega collaborations with Vivienne Westwood, Jeremy Scott and Jason Wu just to name a few.  The styles, the ethics, the value, the comfort… wins across the board.  Which pair is going to start your new Melissa obsession?


--> *hearts* 

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Reigning Rain Boots



No matter what part of the country you live in, you’ve undoubtedly had to pull out your rain boots this season.  Some of us have had to live in them with the seemingly endless storms.  Living in Southern California, we haven’t had much opportunity to pull our rain gear out these past few years.  And, thankfully we have been able to make up for it these last several months. 


And while it’s been some several years since I’ve had any inclination to shop for them, rain boots have definitely become more fashionable and more adorable.  Kate Spade hasn’t disappointed with Raylan donning the sweet bows.

But rain boots have also grown in variety becoming far more functional as well as being very stylish.  Gone are the days of your childhood galoshes with the tote bag stiff handles.  Still holding my number one pick are the Steve Madden Tsunami.  Getting out of those slippery suckers when I’m drenched make me so grateful each time I zip out of those in under 30 seconds flat. 


While the Hunter Gabby has proven to be as rugged as they are stylish over time, the Hunter knee-high wedge rain boots have become one of my go to pairs.  
















A wedge rain boot.  Genius!  You get the all the awesome slimming height of a heel with the stability of flats you need on slippery surfaces.  And of all rain boots, this silhouette is my favorite for office wear.  They go so perfectly with skirts and dresses.  They are sleek and so unbelievably comfortable.  Truly.  I swear these suckers are squishy in all the right places and yet supportive in all the essential places.  This is like taking jellies to a whole new level!

Most of all I’m jazzed about all the awesome rain boot options we have to switch up our daily work wardrobe and break out of any fashion work wear rut you may find yourself in.  Let’s go celebrate the great rain and splash like no one’s watching.


*hearts*

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

2017 Trends Taking Us To New Heights

Versace Spring '17


As we move into the new year, the Spring and Summer shows move us to new heights… shoe heights that is.
















One thing is really clear about this year’s trends, they’re bringing back all the fun in fashion.  

Vivienne Westwood Spring '17

The exuberant proportions of the 90’s serve as a reference for where we’ll be going this year.  And this time around, it includes our shoes in a totally new way.
















Last summer’s platform sandals and espadrilles have crossed over into more than just leisure wear taking it to another level.  And we see the introduction of ultralow loafers and ballet flats.


Boots are being designed with mid-calf shaft heights which makes them wearable by more calf widths for one, and more COMFORTABLE so you can be stylish that much longer in your marathon long working days to nights.

Louis Vuitton Spring '17

The trend I’m most excited to see and try is the new heel heights that are not the basic 1", 2", and 3½” heights.  The new heels are about ¾” high and 2½.  Most shoes I’ve seen in this height have a block heel.  It reminds me of kitten heels but far more stable to walk in.


Louise et Cie Brianna, 1 1/4"
While I don’t know if I’ll be rocking the gladiator platforms, I am rather excited that 2017 promises to bring innovative styles to this Working Girl’s Shoe Closet.


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Wishing you a stylish new year!

*hearts*