Sometimes I have trouble finding exactly what I’m obsessing over looking for, but I know it exists! This time, I’m in search of flat ankle boots that are sleek, not rugged.

They need to:

1. NOT look like something a cowboy/biker/member of a grunge band would wear on casual Friday.
2. Have a bit of a heel or wedge so I’m not forced to walk like a duck. Completely flat flats make me walk weirdly.
3. Adjust to properly fit my ankles. Otherwise, my chicken legs look like twigs growing out of a gaping hole when I wear skirts.
4. Be, like, 1/8 of the price of these Chloe ankle boots.

Suggestions much appreciated!

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So, I have a “problem.” I’m suffering from shoe withdrawal. I haven’t bought a pair of shoes–any shoes–in over 6 months, and I’m starting to feel it. My left eye is twitching.

Add to that the fact that in the last two weeks, not one but TWO pairs of my favorite walking flats have developed holes in the soles. I know shoes can often be re-soled, but, really, where’s the fun in that? Shopping is much more satisfying! I was thinking about…

Cafe noir wedges; Topshop animal print sandals; Marci crisscross sandal

I prefer shoes with an ankle strap (support & adds visual weight to chicken legs) and a slight wedge (helps me walk), but I really just need something cute, walk-able, and under $100. What do you think?

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Plastic Island dress; vintage shoes; hand-crocheted clutch made by a friend; Forever21 ring

I’m not usually one for bright colors (even though I’m trying, I swear!), but a pop of hot pink does wonders for even the most sedate color schemes. Apparently, my girl Barbie still wields a fair amount of influence over my sartorial choices.

Have a great weekend!

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After yesterday’s sunny-and-70′s weather, I no longer feel like it’s delusional to actively look for summery footwear, so I’m forging ahead. I should at least know what my options are, right?

I was cruising the Internets working online when I noticed that a J. Crew ad had been following me for, like, five sites (have you noticed those Google Engage stalker ads?) and decided to have another look at their always-inspiring lookbook:

As I was browsing the shoe section, I came across a lovely selection of heels that (I think) would be okay for walking! In order to stick to my one and only New Years resolution, I need shoes with a platform, ankle strap (or some type of ankle support), and a sturdy, relatively low heel–something like the Ugly Shoes. I found several that look like they fit the criteria!

What do you think? Am I fooling myself thinking any of these are walk-worthy?

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Tank, Forever21; bustier, Grey Ant; cardigan, H&M; shoes, Topshop; bag, ?? There’s no label!

Have a great weekend!

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Have you ever seen something you put off buying, only to have it disappear/sell out before you had a chance at it? I’ve kicked myself more than once for letting the perfect whatever get away, until I realized how easy it is to stalk merchandise* online. Here’s my technique:

I saw a pair of sturdy-yet-cute sandals on the Urban Outfitters site a few weeks ago. I’ve been on the lookout for a pair of walkable heels since the Ugly Shoes proved to be pretty darn comfy for up to 12 blocks, but I held off on buying the sandals since I’m trying to sensible purchasing decisions and whatnot.

PS: The secret to walkable heels = A shock-absorbing platform, ankle support (in the form of a strap or similar), and a sturdy (not spindly) heel. Trust me, stiletto heels and sidewalk grates to do not mix.

When I went back to the site weeks later, they were gone! Or, they’d disappeared from the shoe section. They were still visible in some of the outfit shots. Hmm…

Step 1:Figure out the manufacturer

If you can locate the brand, you can find the style name/number. This is the key, and the part that takes the most effort. There are a few ways to go about it:

1. Look at the brands available on the original site.

Online shops usually carry a few select brands, so there’s a good chance the item you’re looking for is made by one of them. Most shops will also list the different brands they carry–check it out and see if anything rings a bell. I noticed that there were a few different styles of Seychelles sandals available on UO.com, and it sounded familiar…
2. Look at other shopping and personal style sites

Sites like Kaboodle, Polyvore, and ShopStyle, and even personal style sites like Lookbook and Chictopia let users bookmark items and note the brands they’re wearing. I noticed the shoes I was looking for had been bookmarked 5 times on Polyvore!

3. Do a search on mainstream retail sites

Retailers like Zappos, Endless, and Piperlime may carry the style. Include standard characteristics (platform, heel height, material) in your search to see if the desired style (or something similar) comes up.

Step 2: Search for the brand and style

Once you know the brand, Google it if the style name/number hasn’t already popped up in your search. Most brands are online and list the season’s available styles even if they don’t sell directly.
I went to the Seychelles site and browsed until I found the shoe I was looking for (and happened upon their neat blog) and discovered it was called “Gypsy”. After a quick Google search, “Seychelles Gypsy” popped up all over the place!

Step 3: Compare availability and prices

I wanted the black, which seemed to be sold out on Zappos, Lori’s Shoes, and Endless. They were available on the manufacturer’s site, though, so I took action!

Step 4: Make your purchase

You’ve hit the home stretch! Now all there is to do is wait for your purchase to arrive. UPS/USPS tracking will be your new best friend for a few days.

Step 5: Get ‘em!

Once your order finally arrives (try not to hug the delivery person), take them out and try ‘em on! Walk around a bit and see how they feel. I usually wait a day or two before throwing out the shipping box, and I always hang on the the bill of lading and return label.

Now all that’s left is to look cute and enjoy the compliments!

*Note that this is an exercise in using the net for research, and can be applied to more than apparel and accessories–think job openings, information for a project, or people you want to stalk meet. Um, yeah…meet.

Have you ever stalked anything online? Is the feeling of triumph a huge rush for anyone other than me?

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I took a trip to New York City this past weekend to attend my good friend’s wedding. I hadn’t been to NY since–well, I don’t remember exactly, but it’s been at least 2 years. I love the city, but haven’t had the time or funds to make my regular pilgrimage, though I have been faithfully praying to the shopping gods on a regular basis.

After being “welcomed” by the rudest cab driver ever, I checked in with my friends and we got down to wedding business. I’ll spare you the details for the sake of privacy and interest, but my friend is a stylist and was surely the most all-out glamorous bride to hit NYC since Carrie Bradshaw at her non-wedding to Mr. Big. She was so beautiful I teared up a bit even though I promised myself I wouldn’t cry. I won’t show the whole look (though believe me, it was fabulous), but here are the Patricia Von Musulin lucite bracelets she wore. They looked like miniature ice sculptures–very heavy, very editorial, and all-out amazing!

It was chilly that morning, so I was glad I packed appropriately. I wound up wearing an H&M dress I purchased a few years ago (I actually wore it as a dress this time) with brown tights, boots, and my vintage Ewok vest. The forests of Endor* get cold, you know.

*Props if you’re enough of a sci-fi geek to understand that reference.

I also had waaaayyy too much fun eating at the reception brunch that followed the ceremony. Pain au chocolate and flaky french croissants? Count me in! Lovely pastel-colored cakes and cupcakes in different flavors, including pear almond, caramel opera cream, and red velvet? I’ll try ‘em all!

Man, I need to hit the gym-bo.

Yes, but did you go shopping?
Um, have we met? Is this your first time here? The answer, of course, is of course! I didn’t have much time, but my mission was clear: Hit Century 21, H&M, and Topshop.

Century 21 was a madhouse–there was an actual line to get to the women’s shoe department– and I know I threw my share of elbows once I got down to the Designer area. I found the most gorgeous pair of purple patent leather Miu Miu booties that just happened to be one size too small. I tried so hard to squeeeeze my feet into those bad boys, but it just didn’t work. I was extremely disappointed. I mean really, do you know what I could do with purple patent leather booties?

A lot, I tell you. A lot.

I intended to stop in at least one of the H&Ms in Soho, but got sidetracked by Zara, Mango, D&G, et. al. By that time, I was in one-track mind radar mode and determined to make it to Topshop, if for no other reason than to see if the NY outpost lived up to the extreme hype generated by its opening and the glorious piece of heaven that is the Oxford Street store in London.
The verdict? Meh. There was plenty to love, but the atmosphere of cameraderie and discovery that exists at the flagship location was lacking at the Broadway store.

Still, being the resourceful gal that I am, I made my way to the top-level shoe section, where I had plenty of fun reacquainting myself with much-missed brands like Office and Faith. I also managed to pick up a pair of red shoeties I had my eye on:

I consider red a neutral, so I’ll get plenty of wear out of them. Did you buy anything last weekend?

Thanks so much everyone who took the time to express sympathy about my cat. It sounds corny, but your comments really make a difference.

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