Saddle Me Up (With an Overstock.com Discount)

The only word that popped into my head when I saw this shoe was ADORABLE!  The ‘Neveau’ by Diesel is a fantastic update on the retro 1940’s classic t-strap style that’s a win all around. 

Starting with the most sophisticated interpretation of a saddle shoe, you have a perfect ‘go to’ to go with every pencil skirt or circle skirt in your closet.  If you read my Fashion Blog feature on yesterday’s post, you are well aware of my adoration of t-straps.  And Diesel did not disappoint.  The leather straps are so incredibly soft they are like pretty shoelaces. 

Now as for the heel, well, it should just be labeled "the stabilizer”.  It is a chunky, but tapered, heel that has a wide base - so very Pin Up Girl!  This keeps you so well balanced that even subway grates and sidewalk cracks won’t make you slow your street-chic fierceness.  At 3 ½”, the heel gives you a great vertical “boost”.  In terms of comfort, Diesel had the smarts to put cushion in BOTH the ball AND the heel – perfect for those extra long days! *swoon*

Here’s the best part.  They’re only $55.99 on Overstock.com and, wait for it, you can get an extra 10% off with my promotion code: 121728.  Given that these retail for $125, you really can't get a better deal.  This is just a little thank you for being one of my followers.  You can use this discount for these or any of the Overstock.com products with FREE shipping on your first purchase.  So, saddle up ladies! ;)

PS. (some legal stuff) All the ideas and opinions expressed are my own.  No monetary compensation was received for doing this post, however, I was provided with a discount code just for y’all.

The Girl Behind the Shoes

Wondering a little about who this Working Girl is?  Check out this recent feature on Fashion Blog. 

Flipp Me Baby One More Time

This weekend I found myself in the Nordstrom Rack.  Having been working overtime this past week, I didn’t think I had enough energy to elbow my way through the shoe racks, so I figured I would just give a quick once over.  Turns out, massive deals on designer shoes gives me a HUGE adrenaline boost. ;)  

I came across this chestnut/taupe ‘Flipp’ by Joan & David amid the shoes that were strewn about the racks.  I immediately slipped it on for a perfect fit.  I was absolutely in love with the shimmery bronze color.  The platform was so incredibly comfortable, I could actually feel the sponginess of the cushion with each step I took.  The almond toe makes this an instant classic shoe that is an essential for any working girl’s shoe closet.  It’s 4 ¾” inch heel seems crazy to be able to make it through your 10 hour days but the 1” platform lowers it to a 3 ¾” heel.  But if that still doesn’t convince you that they’re comfy enough to make you last through the day, the rave reviews on Piperlime, Zappos, Endless, and Nordstrom.com should. ;) 

The monster bonus was that they were priced at $99.50.  Yes, ladies, 50% off.  They are regularly priced at $200 give or take $5 on various sites.  Also, some of the various colors are on sale for as low as $140.  So you know that when I found them in black on the next rack, I had to say, “Flipp me baby one more time!” ;)  Such a major score!  

If you’re not fortunate enough to be near enough to a Nordstrom Rack or find them at your local Nordstrom Rack, fret not. The $200 price tag is truly worth it as these, especially the black, are a true investment piece.  They are an essential piece that exudes sophistication and classic style.  The fact that they are so incredibly comfortable will have your feet thanking you every evening you aren’t feeling the balls of your feet burning.  This is well worth your weight in shoes! ;)  They also come in various patent finish colors: tan, cherry red, deep red, electric blue and reptile print.  Your feet will thank you for years. :) 

I LIKE:

Flipp by

Joan & David

What Would Project Runway Shoe? Episode 10: Memories, Tears and ‘+’

Welcome to Week 10 of  'What Would Project Runway Shoe?’ (#WWPRS) where I suggest a shoe to go with the winning look of this week’s Project Runway episode.  Over the seasons, my love and adoration for Project Runway has grown and now inspired this weekly post.  Spoiler Alert!!  Stop reading if you want to wait to watch last night's episode first. :)

Wow, what a seriously MAJOR episode.  This episode left few dry eyes due to the designers’ emotional vulnerability, so much so even Tim Gunn was weepy.  Having all the moms (and one partner) come in with so much love brought out the human realness in the remaining designers endearing us to love them that much more.  Guest judge Rachel Roy brought her expert fresh fashion eye to give my most favorite critique this season… ALMOST.  She wrote, “Almost, so almost.”  In all honesty, I really loved Gretchen’s print.  Although it was inspired by earthy things, I found her print to be very Kate Spade and clean.  Michael Kor’s comment about having mixed up the size of the print truly would have taken it to another level.  See all of the designs here: Project Runway on LifetimeTV.

Making it a three-in-a-row streak, Mondo took the win.  And rightfully so, as his design was phenomenal. Taking a very serious situation and reinterpreting his HIV positive status into a fun and funky print was incredible.  His strength in sharing his HIV positive status for the first time publically was the major moment of the episode. 

I agree with Nina that the high waist on the pant was a tad too high.  But that’s truly the only critique I could dare say.  I gasped the second that Mondo’s model hit her fierce pose on the runway, just like everyone else.  This is one of those funky outfits that is refined with polish and a chic, expensive feel.  I’m dying to have this ensemble added to my closet.  (Mondo, feel free to send me over one. ;))  You know I loved him before but now I just want to hug him and play dress up with him forever.

I felt that this over the top outfit needed a shoe that could stand up to this fabulosity without competing with it.  So that’s why I went with the black Fendi 'FF' Platform Pump.  This pant length demands a platform but not just any platform. The height is a major must with the length of this pant.  You need the right amount of peek through the bottom of the seam to confirm your fierceness in this outfit.  So this 5 ¼” heel gives you all that with the almost 1 ½” platform.    You need a shoe with a real heel, meaning one that’s not a needle thin stiletto.  Because of the thickness of the print you need something that is just as visible in your shoe.  The FF has the perfect heel that compliments the lines of the graphic print.  

The round toe with the square sole underneath it is the perfect silhouette you want to play off this kind of graphic print.  Lastly, the smooth leather is the perfect finish for this color scheme.  A patent leather could work but again, because there is so much going on already in the outfit, you want to be subtle in a way that still carries the vibe of the outfit down to the little Fendi gold emblem on the tip of your toe. ;)

Clearly, this is SPLURGE at $730 either at Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Ave.  But the fact that you can wear these with this outfit prove that there’s very few things in your wardrobe that wouldn’t go with these! ;)  They are truly an investment piece.   Next week’s episode promises more drama with accusations about cheating.  I can’t imagine what will happen next. 

If you’re in to fashion enough to follow my blog, the horrible disease of AIDS has likely affected you or someone you know and love in some way.  This WWPRS is dedicated to all of our little angels that have left us due to AIDS. RIP AJ. xoxo.

  

Coulda, Woulda, Prada

I am trotting out my now “vintage” Prada’s that I was able to score at the Barney’s Warehouse Sale back in 2004.  I was back in grad school at the time and this was SUCH a major splurge.  I look back and think that was such a MAJOR score. They were originally priced at $550 and I got them for a steal at $220. I DIE just looking at them. ;) 

They are made of grey lizard skin with fuchsia pink suede detailing on the cross straps and heel edging.  They have a 4” heel and no platform.  Now, you know how much I love my platform for their shock absorption (and height of course).  But these are so amazingly comfortable, that they surprise me each and every time I wear them.  The slightly thicker square-ish heel really helps you feel stable in them despite their height.  They are incredibly versatile.  They go from season to season by adding tights for the cooler months and wearing them sans tights in the warmer weather.  The neutral grey with the nice gradations of grey makes them easy to match to most of your grey wardrobe options.  And the pinky and plumy fuchsia just makes the girly girl inside me jump for joy.

I have NO idea what the style name is on this other than the box is imprinted with “Tejus” and the label reads “Tejus Chic” under the Group Name.  I actually think that’s a type of lizard skin.  Prada seems to think its chic lizard, and I really do have to agree.  I haven’t been able to find them anywhere to give you a link to share.  But if you do come across one, I’d be so happy if you could share it with me. ;)

Happy Project Runway Eve!

My Blue Suede Shoes

Awhile ago, I noticed that my navy fabric Martinez Valero square toed pumps were looking pretty sad - beyond repair sad.  I’ve had them visit my shoe guy about 6 times for resoling and cleaning.  I bought them at the Macy’s in the Sacramento mall back in January 1999, well technically December 31, 1998 because I got them to wear for New Year’s Eve in San Francisco. 

I accepted that I had to find a new pair of blue pumps.  So, I ventured to the Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale with hopes of finding a great pair of blue replacements.  I never realized how hard it was to find navy shoes.  It’s really rather weird because they are such a great neutral.  I’m not sure when, but sometime in the last year, blue became one of my most favorite work wardrobe colors.  I think it’s because it’s a nice alternative to black and its still dark so the slimming effect still stands true.  Anywho, as I strolled through the many gorgeous shoes and great bargains, I came across these Steve Madden ‘Caryssa’ and could NOT resist them.

They have this great shade of electric blue that is SO this Fall.  From their 5” heel, they look incredibly scary and uncomfortable to walk in.  After trying them on and walking around the entire Nordstrom’s shoe department about 7 times, I realized that they were really rather comfortable.  They seem a bit stiff when you touch them and try to put them on, but they are surprisingly well molded to walk in.  They have a 1 ¼” platform that helps those of us vertically challenged get to be eye to eye with our coworkers. ;)

They strike a great balance between the lines of a classic pump and sexy secretary without going overboard.  They have become more comfy as they’ve molded to my feet over the six times I’ve worn them to work.  Haven’t had a blister yet!  AND, they have proven to be quite popular at work as I spied a coworker of mine wearing them last week.  They’re only $90 regular price.  She’s not the “friendly” kind otherwise I would have snapped a picture to share.  I did get a chance to ask her how much she liked them.  She said they were great!. :)  I’m not done looking for more navy pumps but for now, I’m pretty happy with my blue suede shoes. ;)

(Apologies for the belated post, lots of things on the horizon. ;) )

What Would Project Runway Shoe? Episode 9: $20K Pageant Dresses aka Couture

This is my 9^th week of doing 'What Would Project Runway Shoe?" (#WWPRS) is where I suggest a shoe to go with the winning look of this week’s episode.  My love for Project Runway and fashion helped me come up with this little ditty.  Spoiler Alert!!  Stop reading if you want to wait to watch last night's episode first. ;)

Last night’s antics were nothing short of dramatic, from the added ready-to-wear look, to Valerie’s endless tears, to the slicing judges’ remarks.  The designers also brought drama to the runway with Andy’s uberchic futuristic dark angel samurai couture complete with faux boots to Michael C.’s exaggerated cathedral train gown.  Mondo took the top prize, and Project Runway first, of $20,000.  Inspired by L’Oreal’s brite High Intensity Pigment  (HIP) eyeshadows, Mondo translated these colors into a beautiful and original couture gown in true “Mondo-ern” (Mondo Modern) style. I honestly think that Gwen Stefani should be dying to wear it since it really goes with her aesthetic.  His ready-to-wear look was incredibly well edited that was still consistent with the couture dress.  And I totally believe that I would wear that “very slimming” dress when I would want to be channeling Gwen Stefani. ;) See the designs here: (Project Runway on LifetimeTV).  

On the flipside, it was Ivy’s “bridesmaids under the sea” with “nursey” necklines that got her sent home despite her hard work.  Michael C.’s Scarlet O’Hara look and Valerie’s Miss Guatemala pageant dress were spared the ax.  It’s clear that even Valerie agreed that she made it an “unbelievably tight race for hideous.”  But, in another PR first, Guatemala got a shout out! Holla! ;)

Mondo paired his winning couture look with some thicker strapped sandals and his ready-to-wear look with classic black pumps.  I think the pumps were a good choice but I would have gone in a different direction for the couture look.  I think that you have to commit from head to toe with a look like that.  And Mondo did a great job with the head part making that super cute hat and great hair and make up choices.  But that’s why he need me to help him with the shoes. ;)  I think that the ‘Nixie’ platform pump by Sam Edelman really do the look justice.  The front laser-cut detailing really compliments the bodice of the dress perfectly.  The platform on this shoe has that edged square finish that works much better with the striped geometric element of the dress than thick sandal straps.  In the words of Tim Gunn, the thick straps were too literal of a translation.  The peep toe keeps the pump, and overall styling, from being too heavy but still commits to being high fashion.

For the ready-to-wear look, I found that the ‘Mason’ by Elizabeth and James platform pump carry the Mondo-ern edginess better.  Again, going with that square-edged platform compliments the geometric detail of the dress in a fresher way.  The almond toe gives the pump a classic and ladylike feel.  Its great balance between high fashion and timeless style make it very wearable which is why I really love it.

I’m curious to see what the designers will make for their HP textile challenge, if the designs will make Heidi ask “boobs or legs”, and who the special guests are next week.  Hope your first Fall weekend of the year is great!