I’m not sure how I first came across shoe designer Anita Moser‘s designs, but I know it was love at first sight.

Really, how could you not love fluorescent yellow peep-toes and slouchy purple leather boots?

And the production process? Amazing.

Dip-dyed shoes! Almost makes me want to take a cobbling class. And the toe on those brogues is PERFECT. Check out the rest of the collection here.

Sidenote: Even though I’m no longer publishing the magazine, I still seem to feel the need to editorialize everything. I have a spreadsheet bursting with designers, illustrators, entrepreneurs, etc.,  so y’all might be subjected to the fallout every now and then while I get all the “editor” out of my system. I hope that’s okay!

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I’ve never been good at New Year’s Resolutions. I have a serious sweet tooth, so for a long time I made the standard “Eat healthier” resolution. It always failed because I just crossed my fingers and hoped that I would wake up on January 1st WANTING to eat only raw broccoli with lemon zest for the rest of my life. That cookie/cake/pint of Haagen Dazs Dulce de Leche calling my name in the freezer wouldn’t seem appetizing at all! Unsurprisingly, that bit of post-holiday magic never happened.

So, this year, I’m trying something more realistic that makes sense for me:

I’m not saying it won’t be difficult, but this one? This one I think I can tough out for one measly year. Do you have any realistic resolutions for 2011?

Also, earlier this week I posted that I’m pulling a Carine and Style Sample magazine is shutting its doors. It’s been an amazing ride and I’ve learned more than I could’ve imagined–which is one of the reasons I started it in the first place. I’m still drawn to the idea of publishing a magazine, so who knows what the future holds?

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Sometimes I dream up these grand fashion fantasies wherein I fixate on one item that I think will change my life. I imagine that this perfect blazer/shoe/pair of jeans will enhance my entire wardrobe and it’s Definitely Worth Buying because I’ll Wear It All The Time!

Street Peeper, Stylesightings, Copenhagen Street Style

This week (yes, this happens quite regularly), it’s lace-up booties. Seeing these chunky-yet-seasonally-appropriate babies in numerous fashion shows and street style photos makes them seem like a logical investment for strutting around in the cold. They’re warm! They have a lug sole! They’re practical! For walking! In snow!

1. Pour la Victoire, Urban Outfitters; 2. Aldo Lecaros; 3. Steve Madden Cadette, $170; 4. Sam Edelman Vancouver, Endless

Whenever I start convincing myself something is practical, it’s almost certain that no good can come of it. But since I’ll probably buy some anyway just for giggles, which ones do you think I’d get the most wear out of?

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When I woke up yesterday, it was eight degrees. 8. Single digit. I don’t know why this surprises me since I’ve lived in Ohio my entire life, but every year I’m shocked and appalled that the temperature would dare to drop below freezing. SHOCKED!

What that really means is that it’s time to pull out the big guns. And by guns, I mean sweaters.

I would like to take a moment to point out that it’s officially okay to wear socks with heels. It’s cold, people. If you’re going to torture your feet by wearing heels (come on, we all know it’s true) at least try to keep your toes toasty!

H&M cardigan; American Apparel tee; thrifted trousers; Report shoes; no-name bag & hat (procured from the same boutique, now that I think about it)

I was in the holiday spirit despite the cold since I went to Salon Beck‘s Open House and got my nails did with OPI‘s “Here Today, Aragon Tomorrow.” How much fun would it be to sit in on the board meetings when they’re coming up with these names?

I picked the green because it’s festive, but not necessarily traditional. LOVE IT.

The salon is warm and inviting, and it’s obvious a lot of thought and planning went into the design. The lighting was designed for photography, and the blow dryers are easily accessible for each stylist–they hang from the ceiling!

How’s that for high-tech?

I later decided to sit down for a lesson on how to do a red lip, which I’ve never properly mastered despite watching several YouTube tutorials. I think I just wasn’t using the right combination of liner and gloss–which means a trip to Sephora is in order! Whoo!

Have a great weekend!

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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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