In My Shoes: Thrifted Cowboy Boots

Damn I love these boots. They cost me $8, and I would have paid way more if I had to!

They're from this great little vintage shop in Peterborough (where I went to University), called "Sympathy for the Rebel." I found soooo many treasures there, but this is definitely one of my favorites :)

Ways I've styled these Thrifted Cowboy Boots...

How would you wear them?

Shoe Lust: Holiday Sparklers

With the Holiday season fast approaching, I couldn't help but check out the sparklers.
I know I'm on a shopping ban, but I can always daydream....

top: Steve Madden; Sam Edelman; Aldo
middle: Spring; Steve Madden; Aldo;
bottom: Sam Edelman; Betsey Johnson; Jeffrey Campbell

In My Shoes: Chinese Laundry Wedges

I bought these babies at the beginning of last summer and the beginning of my first management job in hopes that a wedge would still give me height, plus the added benefit of comfort. My bf at the time told me they looked like something an old lady would wear. I never did listen to his opinion when it came to shopping, haha.

The comfort ideal lasted for a whole five minutes before i had blisters ALL OVER my toes. Fortunately, once the leather became a bit more worn in the pain stopped, but their cuteness lived on.

How I wore them...

In My Shoes: Aldo "Urquiza" Loafer

It's been a while since I've done one of these, but my collection grows every month so I thought I would continue with this feature!

Ah, Aldo. You never steer me astray.
I bought these last winter and it was love at first step. Not only did they fit perfectly into my then-corporate wardrobe, they are incredibly comfortable.
I'm so glad I purchased them when I did since I see this trend popping up again everywhere for the fall!
You can purchase a similar style here in black.

How I've worn them...

I thought I'd posted this.... I really did...

Between studying for my exam last Saturday and welcoming the boy back from Europe, I have been super busy these last few days, so pardon my absence!

Yesterday was St. Anthony's day here in Ottawa, the official start to Italian Week in Little Italy. It's an event I go to every year, and absolutely love. It starts with an outdoor mass and then a huge parade down Preston Street. Basically every Italian in the city attends and dresses up. It's practically a fashion show, and I love it. While I didn't get a shot of my own outfit (shame on me!) I did manage to snap a few shots of some really pretty looks, including a few of the individuals participating in the precession in their period costumes.


Despite being incredibly tired after a long day out in the sun, I had the sudden urge to reorganize my closet last night. I feel like I can finally see everything in there, which is super exciting! I did, however, take off the door, and while I do enjoy being able to see my handiwork right now, I'm sure that will eventually bother me. If anyone has any suggestions on how to creatively solve this problem, I'm open to suggestions! My room has a black & white theme with a slightly vintage (based on my refurbished furniture and empty picture frame jewelry holders) feeling to it.

Decisions, Decisions...

I would just like to say how very proud of myself I am.
It's 1/3 of the way through the month, and I haven't bought ANYTHING with my clothing budget yet! I guess studying has left me a bit distracted though.
My celebration will be short lived as I plan to reward myself with something pretty after my exam tomorrow morning.

Here are two pairs of shoes that I'm SERIOUSLY debating over... I know flat sandals would be a lot more practical, but these just seem like a lot more fun!

First is the "Dyle"... I love the green and white together. SO fresh and summery!

And second we have the "Krugh." (Who names these things?! I feel like they should be hair-metal bands from the 80s and not pretty platforms!)
The color is a lot more neutral, but it's the adorable crochet detail that has me absoluetly smitten...

Which do you prefer?

Fire in Your New Shoes

I've come down with some sort of flu, so to make myself feel better I thought I'd blog about my favorite topic: New Shoes.

I definitely went over my monthly clothing/shoe budget this month. While a "Monthly Money Check-Up" is actually on its way this month, I thought I'd take a little survey to find out whether a recent purchase is a yey, or a nay.


cardigan - Dynamite (2011); tank - Dynamite (2011); pants - Gap (2010);
clogs - Aldo "Markley" (2011)

So I realize that they're not 100% "my style" (if we can say i have a specific style...), but I'm so in love with the clog trend, and these are surprisingly easy to walk in...

What do we think?

In My Shoes: Aldo "Moos" Heels

Really, there is nothing that makes me happier than a gorgeous pair of shoes. After the awful few days I've had, I thought I would take a lil break from my 30x30 and focus instead on one of my loves to put me in a better mood. Usually I would shop for a new pair after a few days of "ugh," but I'm keeping with the challenge rules and enforcing my shopping ban, so instead I'm sharing one of my favorite shoe purchases.

Ah, my beloved "Moos." Probably one of the plainest and most basic shoes in my collection, but that's probably why I love them so much. Their understated sophistication is what I think makes them so sexy - that and of course the fact that they make a pair of legs look ten miles long.
Your beauty makes up for the fact that actually walking in you for long periods of time brings me to tears. I wore them to my Aunt's surprise 50th on one of their first outings, and after drinking and dancing all night, I learned that lesson pretty quickly. But I will never give you up, nor shove you to the back of the closet because you are GORGEOUS! And I'm sure after enough practice in heels this high, I'll become immune to your pain.

A Solemn Goodbye

* sigh* Yes, I'm parting with my lovely Diors without having once worn them. That isn't to say it wasn't attempted though... they're just far too squishy on my toes. Perhaps I'll style them for a random photo shoot, but they definitely won't be worn to work anytime soon. I run back and forth to the photocopier far too often to endure that kind of pain. /cry.

On another note, I've kind of sort of been getting the hang of my wonderful new camera, and that makes me happy. In no way have I gotten my money's worth yet, but I'm working on it.
I've also been super good about shopping lately, and since I can't seem to find anything on my list I've refrained from buying any new items. I DID get my wonderful wool skirt from Etsy today though, so that will premiere soon enough... probably not tomorrow though. It's supposed to be 19'C... what IS with this weather? It can't seem to make up its mind!

cardigan - BCBG (2009)
dress - Smart Set (2010)
tights - Ardene (2010)
heels - Spring (2010)

Goodbye Dior...

These beauties just made their way into my shop or swap... make me an offer :)

In My Shoes: Aldo "Mignona" Wedges

Oh my birthday wedges, how I love thee.
I have gotten so many compliments on there heels, makes a girl feel pretty damn good.

How they've been worn:

In My Shoes: Franco Sarto Boots

I found these beauties at a random little store in a small own called Bobcaygeon about an hour outside of Peterborough. I had been looking for a new pair of boots and actually had my heart set on a $250 pair of BCBG's... don't ask why, I was definitely a broke student at the time.
Instead I found these on clearance and marked down to $60 from $220. They looked like nothing I had ever owned boots-wise and I was sold on the spot.
My younger cousins have lovingly dubbed them my "Hannah Montana boots."


Ways I've worn them:

Cropped Vesty Goodness

No fancy, long winded stories today, just some pictures! Today I'm showcasing this lovely cropped knit vest. The proportions are kind of odd, and my boobies are kind of large and it has no closures, so I never think to wear it. That and it serves no real purpose except to be a decorative layering piece. But it's cute, so I can never bring myself to give it away!

vest - Old Navy (2008)
tee - Dynamite (2007)
pants - Gap (2010)
wedges - Aldo (2010)
necklace - Spring (2010)

And lookie what came in the mail today!

Are they keepers?
I dunno... I think i ordered them a size too big and they don't carry them in stores to test them out. Pro? Real leather and super cute! Con? $150, and kind of slouchy... is anyone else seeing the bunching in the leather or is that just my critical eye?

A Conundrum

Another dreary day here in Ottawa. All this rain gives me the notion that it will be a snowy winter. It figures though, we were definitely spoiled last year... I think there were all of three times we recieved substantial snow.
Anyhoo, last night I had a blast shopping with my step mum and cousin Teresa. We went into a couple of stores I'd never ventured into and I purchased a few shirts, but nothing too crazy. My step mum ended up getting the most fabulous suede ankle boots though. Kinda jealous.
This wasn't worn yesterday, but a few days ago.

button down - YDE (spring 2010)
skirt - Mavi (2004)
belt - Thrifted (??)
wedges - Aldo "Mignona" (bday 2010)

This cold weather has me fantasizing about my own new winter boots. I ADORE BOOTS! If you've been following me since last winter, you know I have quite the collection (SO necessary in Canada!), so this winter I've decided I should only be allowed to buy ONE pair... at least only one pair before 2011 :) I don't own either a decent pair of ankle boots (the Dior's don't count as their wearability is minimal, unfortunately, and the other pair was given to me for free), or a pair of over the knee boots... and since OTK's are a little racy for the office, I've settled on ankle boots.... but now to choose!!!

MERCKLING - PHIINMENA - SANDIDGE

EYLENJA - CAMPAGNE - LECAROS

A tough decision, right? So I obviously need your help!

This Cardigan Makes Me Feel Like I Should Go Sailing...

I forgot my lunch at home today which makes me a sad panda (points if you get that reference!). On the positive side though, it gives me lots of time to blog lol.... not that I have anything super interesting going on to blog about. Uhm... OH YES! My Dior suede ankle boots came in the mail yesterday! I won them off ebay and they're soooo pretty! They look like they're probably from the 70's and they're this beautiful shade of emerald green. Unfortunately though they were marked a size 6-6.5, they're a *tad* too small :( But they're DIOR so I'll probably wear them once or twice and then save them for my future daughter.... or pass on the love and sell them. Who knows.

Anyways, here are a few outfits from Thursday/Friday last week... I have some catching up to do, I know!

cardigan - Urban Behaviour (spring 2010)
tee - Smart Set (summer 2010)
jeans - Smart Set (2008)
wedges - Steven by Steve Madden (2009)

tee - Smart Set (summer 2010)
pencil skirt (summer 2010)
heels - Spring (spring 2010)
belt - thrifted (??)
bag - Aldo (summer 2010)
bracelet - Juicy Couture (???)

Happy Hump Day!

Laced

A photo from last weekend... Went to see a girlfriend I haven't seen since grad back in June. We had an amazing morning with brunch at Cora's and lots of catching up. I don't know what took us so long to get together, especially since she's one of the few that moved back to Ottawa as well. Hopefully it won't be that long before we get back together again.

Also, I LOVE these shoes! I know a lot of people don't like Spring, but how can you beat their clearance prices on trendy pieces? These shoes cost only $13. So what if they only last a season or 2? The trend won't last forever, so who cares if they don't either?

blazer - Ricki's (2009)
sweater - Dynamite (2010)
skinny jeans - Smart Set (2010)
shoes - Spring (2010)
bag - BCBGeneration (2010)

In My Shoes: Guess? Pink Heels

I ended up purchasing these shoes while on vacation with my best friend in Niagara Falls. We randomly wandered into some hole in the wall shoe store and they were the first thing I noticed as soon as I walked in. Who could resist this girly shade of pink? Of course I snatched them up right away, and for $25 they've definitely paid their dues over the years.
Lovingly I've dubbed them my "Barbie Shoes."

Outfits They've Been Worn With...

In My Shoes: Steve Madden Peep-Toe Wedge

These shoes were the first "big name" shoes I'd ever bought. I'd never even owned a pair of Aldo shoes before this! I remember them being $90 and slightly freaking out at the incredibly high price, but I was in love, and it was meant to be. I deemed them a birthday present to myself (a trend I would continue in future years) and brought these babies home with me from Montreal.
Imagine my dismay when in the months to come everyone from Spring to Walmart had knocked them off and I could have bought them for a mere $20.
They've definitely stood the test of time though. After 4 years of continuous wear the only visible damage is a couple of cracks in the patent leather. And they're SO comfy!

Outfits They've Been Worn With...

In My Shoes: BCBG Suede Heels

I've decided to start this new feature, that will be pretty sporadic in posting, because I absolutely LOVE my shoe collection. While not every single pair has a brand name or a crazy design, they're all equally loved and were chosen for a reason, so I would love to share my extensive collection with you!
First Up....


I bought these shoes while shopping with J's mother down in Texas. Oh how I envy their department stores!
I saw this pair and instantly fell in love with the button details and how long they made my legs look. While they're not the easiest things in the world to walk in, I still like to bring them out for special occasions.

Outfits they've been worn with...

It's like a heatwave burning my heart...

Sunday consisted of flea marketing with mum, and since Ottawa is currently in the middle of a heatwave, a light white dress seemed the only plausible option.
I did still manage to sweat buckets though. 32C and humidity is WAY too hot to handle, especially because less than 2 weeks ago we were chilling at a mere 10C and temperatures still went to below freezing at night!
So what did I find you may ask? Why these adorable miniature shoes to add to my collection!

Worn Sunday, May 23rd:

dress - Urban Planet (2009)
belt - Thrifted (???)
shoes - Aldo (2009)
bag - g-ma's basement (mine since last week!)

I love this bag! I found it in my grandmother's basement last week and love the chanel-esque gold chain and quilting, and the fact that I'm adding navy blue to my neutral repertoire!

And because its been stuck in my head for the last few days: