Style Dilemma: The Shoe Challenge

WebMama wrote last week: I'm writing to hit you up for some fashion advice. I'm going to a wedding Saturday and am wearing this navy dress.

I also bought blue tights. Question is, what color shoes should I wear? I could go black patent - but like the idea of a lighter heel. What do you think of these? Or I could go even lighter like in the attached picture. Just curious what your gut reaction is. Thanks in advance!!

I messaged back (after letting it go too long because I was under a RealJob rock. Sorry, WebMama!): Yes - love the idea of lighter heel - pewter v pretty. but i would personally go with a rounder toe (though have had these pumps before and they're great).

ok, have a couple of suggestions.

on simplysoles.com, there's a blush-colored lillybee wedge that'd be darling, and a chie mihara round toe pump in tan (might be a bit casual)

on zappos.com, there's a sofft pump (fiorella) in a grey (darker) suede, and a vigotti ulinda in a pale grey.

are you going to wear tights, like the pic? LOVE the look

And in fact, I have had the pumps linked above. Nine West has absolutely reliable pumps/stillettos. Keep them in mind as a fallback plan for any shoe dilemma.

And the conversation continued...

WebMama: Awesome, thanks!! I did order the pewter pumps. I'll see how they look. I LOVE the pale grey pumps you recommended more though. Maybe I'll see if I can get them for Saturday delivery. If not, I'll order them for another time. Thank you so much! Of course, it's okay for you to post. I did get blue tights like the picture. My friend, Liz, said "yuck yuck" to the look but my sister really liked it. You're the deciding vote and I'm happy you tipped the scales in favor of "yes" :)

Now we're all just waiting for pictures!

Style Dilemma Solved: Black Pumps Are In the Closet

...and begging to be worn tomorrow. Now. If only I had the rest of the wardrobe.

Seriously, waaaaaay back in March, I announced My Search for Black Pumps. And yes, I've been going that long without them. I limped along in my old Nine West Katarras for a while, but for a few months now, I've been wearing everything but. Unfortunately, my feet are starting to get old, too, so I've resorted to flats, and have now worn out my black patent ballet slippers.

So after the first zappos.com attempt - lovely shoes, but none of them fit quiiiiiite right (totally bummed about the gorgeous Sofft pair) - I kept putting "buy shoes" on my to-do list, but never got to it. I finally forced myself the other day, and today the results of my purchase arrived. I am the proud owner of two new pair of shoes.

Perlina Paris - advertised as "luxury comfort," but made in CNINA (yes, that's really what the label reads), I was skeptical, but the reviews were fantastic, and the style retro, so I jumped - and boy, am I glad I did. They really are cushy, with nice soft leather uppers, and the details are just right - solid 40s heel, peep toe pseudo-d'orsay (the sexiest shoe style ever). They also have an innovative elastic band inside the heel to keep from slipping.

Clark's Lakeville - uh-huh. Clark's. Seriously. Never known for their style, the English walking shoe company now makes sweet little flats with their signature comfort and support. Can't wait to wear them. Slippers, slippers, I tell ya. And they're made in Brazil, which just supports my theory that Brasilian shoes fit my foot - all the more reason to hit Hu's Shoes ASAP (they just got in the new Chie Miharas).

Reuse, Recycle, and Rejoice!

We all have those items in our closet that, for whatever reason, just sit there.

And then we pull them out.

And get compliments up the wazoo.

My orange Nine West Gian flats, bought at the end of last winter, when I was starting to not be able to wear heels as much, normally sit in my closet. Members of the Infintessimal Readership know I'm a proponent of Shots of Color as Neutral, but the flats just haven't been as practical as I'd have liked. A leeeetle bit of something about the fit, too.

This morning I threw them on with my Friday trouser jeans and brown merino/silk shell (with preppy grosgrain ribbon belt for a bit of cheer).

In the office elevator, "Great shoes," says the woman next to me, and coming out of a regular Friday meeting, "Love your shoes," says a colleague. "I was looking at them under the table the whole meeting."

They're coming out more often, methinks. This girl's way of saving the planet.

Style Dilemma: It's That Time Again

Time to buy new black pumps.





Depending on which style tomes you read, the black pump is a staple. Genevieve Antoine Dariaux, for example, reinforces the idea of wearing monochromatic shoes and stockings to elongate the figure: "It's always a good idea to wear beige shoes, the same shade as your stockings, with a very pale dress." She's right, absolutely, except that, as the Infintessimal Readership well knows, I'm only a proponent of "stockings" if they're actually tights, worn in the colder weather. Her concept holds, true, though, even with bare legs.



On the subject of black shoes, though, she supports the patent leather choice, as they "harmonize with the colour of every outfit." Amen, Madam Dariaux. She's silent on matte black shoes.


With that in mind, and my own style principles in hand, I'm off in search of a black pump to replace my reliable kitten-heeled Katarras (which I've had reheeled about 3 times, already - enough is enough). The requirements:

• Black
• Mid-height heel (so I can wear to drive without having to keep other shoes in the car)
• No pinching, rubbing, or other types of hurtfulness
• Preferably under $100
• Well-made - leather, reliable brand
• Versatile, but absolutely not boring, staid, or otherwise "old ladyish"

I started my search on zappos.com. Great selection, and if I see something I love but don't know, I can track it down in a store, try it on, and then order it online if the price is better. Their return policy is fabulous, and ridiculously easy, so no worries on the fit/return front.

I haven't yet gotten H's opinion - which is valuable. But I'm opening up to the Infintessimal Readership. Here are my choices so far. Tell me what you think, especially if you've worn or tried a pair.









Nine West Nuncio - hooray for black patent, and the pointed toe is good with trousers or skirts













Sofft Gabriela - black patent, flirty 40s platform, and Sofft is reputed to be amazingly comfortable












Bronx Shoes Flore - another 40s throwback, interesting cutouts - but I don't know the brand at all

Nine West Bradeton - more black patent, pretty peep toe

Style Challenge: Bring It Out

This morning I pulled out a favorite, but barely worn, pair of flats. They're now happily cheering up my otherwise boring Friday Ensemble (too baggy khakis and a black turtleneck).

I challenge you - dare you - to dig through your closet this weekend (it's a long one, after all), and find at least one item of clothing, pair of shoes, or accessory that you love but never wear. Then build an outfit around it, and wear it next week.

Then report in.

Hint: colored shoes, accessories, pair really well with a monochromatic neutral ensemble - black, navy, grey. 'Cause I know that more than a few of you must have a favorite brightly colored piece you bought because you love it and can never figure out what to wear with it. Don't forget, you can always email or comment for advice (send along a snaphot for even better results!).

Style Dilemma: Burch or London?

Vivien writes:

I've been trying to find Sue London's "London Slipper" forever, and I can't seem to find any boutiques or department stores that carry them in D.C. Would you know of any places that do carry them?

Also, do you think they're worth buying? I'm trying to decide between Tory Burch's Reva Flats, or a pair of Sue London's London Slippers...any suggestions would be great!

Vivien:

First, Sue London's "London Slipper" (above right, in my favorite Malay) can be found at Martin + Osa in Tyson's. It's a great store with tailored casual clothes inspired by a traveling couple from Kansas. (They left Kansas in 1917 to photograph Africa and the Pacific.)

Secondly, if you've read any of my missives on flats, you'll know I feel for you. Choices between flats are always tough. My answer: it depends on what you're looking for. Both options you name are great higher end flats. But here are the factors I'd consider.

1) Fit. Plain old try them all on (and pray you can remember how they fit between stores). One may come across as the clear winner.

2) What are you really looking for? A comfortable flat or a style piece, or both? There may be other options out there, like Nine West's Tuti, which may fit better.

3) Price. Tory's (right middle, in equestrian orange) are just a leeeetle bit more expensive, at nearly $200 to Sue's $130. Then you can jump down to $70 for the Tuti.

4) Color. Once you have the right fit & price, there are color choices with each option, though the London Slipper tends to neutrals. Are you the sort of gal who just has to match her metals? If so, then Tory's are gold logo only, so that would rule out silver jewelry (but only if you must keep them matching; not matching doesn't bother me in the least - in fact, I relish it!).

Good luck in your search, and let us know what you decide!

What I Actually Wore in L.A.

So when I got there, I got lazy. And comfortable. Thank goodness for the California vibe...made me not need to worry so much about clothing...sounds like an oxymoron, I know, L.A. and not worrying about appearance, but honestly, when you're looking out at the ocean from your balcony after your massage gift from H, who the heck cares?

Tops (yes, I packed too many, but they all fit with room to spare, so why not? You never know how you'll feel, right?)
H&M babydoll sweater*
Favorite brown merino v-neck (Banana) all-weather sweater*
Favorite black holey cowl neck sweater (also Banana?), just in case it's chilly
Banana indigo babydoll T**
I.N.C. nearly sheer, ribbed printed indigo T (yes, I'm apparently in love with indigo)
Brown merino shell (Banana)
Brown F.C.U.K. kinda racer-back tank (yes, brown's a theme, too)Romanian iie (my fallback, ahem, signature, look)
Indian-inspired beaded orange tank (I'd tell you the designer, but it's packed, and all I can remember is that it was a Nieman Marcus purchase and the logo reminds me of Guns-N-Roses)
H's old school warm-up jacket

Bottoms
Ancient Citizens trouser jeans*
Boring but functional (and well-fitting) khakis (Banana)*
Boring but functional (and not-as-well-fitting) pseudo khakis (Banana?) - original plan are still at the cleaners (sorry, H, I forgot, too!)
Too big (but fit the mildly growing bump) Kate-inspired pinstriped trousers**

Sole dress H&M wrap dress (we'll see if I feel up to wearing it, but it packs too well to not come with me)

Shoes
New orange Nine West flats
Ancient and holey Target mocs
Ancient (what will I do if they ever die?!) bronze/gold sandals (for evening with jeans - perfect) ***

*On the original list
**Gotta-go-to-work-don't-want-to-bother-to-change-before-the-plane-wear
***which, since I haven't worn in 3000 years, gave me a BIG ol blister on the bottom of my foot.

Packing for L.A.

After I finish up a few things for work, pretend to work on my thesis (which now has a very pressing deadline), feel sorry for myself because I'm so tired, I have to pack.

I hate packing.

I especially hate packing when I don't like a fair amount of the clothes in my closet or when I don't fit into a lot of them.

I especially hate packing for a vacation trip when I don't feel like I have a lot of casual options.

The good thing? L.A. is unabashedly casual. And rubber bands are my friends.

Things that will definitely go in the 'case:

H&M babydoll sweater
Ancient Citizens trouser jeans
Boring but functional (and well-fitting) khakis (Banana)
Favorite brown merino v-neck (Banana) all-weather sweater
New orange Nine West flats

See? Boring. Not happy. I'll just have to dig and see what I can find to add in the 'case.

DC Celine's Recurring Style Dilemma

Woo Hoo! Success!

Finally, I found a(nother) pair of flats that work! My apologies to those of you who've heard this rant before. But I really needed to replace my nasty ol' but originally adorable black patent leather flats. H is ready to throw them out and have me go barefoot, they're so nasty.

I was walking down Wisconsin Avenue Thursday, and crossed the street, just in case there was something at Nine West. I'd been in a few weeks before, and each pair I tried on had something irritating about the fit. Cute, very cute, but just didn't fit right.

So on Thursday I walked past the window on Wisconsin, then did a double take. Brilliant green flats! What more could a girl ask for to pull her out of a Fashion Rut? The Winter Blues cured in one quick shot.

Then I spotted the orange version on the shelf above. This warrants a spin through the store. Noisy rolling briefcase in tow, I purused the store. There were definitely some options, but I didn't feel like trying on anything, so I put it in my head to come back this weekend.

Mickey couldn't make it today (her poor little one was puking), so Greek Goddess came to my rescue as Wing Woman. We dashed in to Georgetown, made a beeline for the Nine West store, and oila! there I was, trying on shoes.

I tried the black version of Lavetta first. I fell in love with the red version, but it's suede, and just not as practical. They were soft, soft leather, and very comfy, except for the teeny part right at the corner that rubbed. I'm a strong proponent of "if it's at all uncomfortable in the store, that will multiply 1000-fold when you get them home," so off came the incredibly cute driving loafers. (Both GG and I did the "oooh, they're so cute" as soon as they went on.)

Then I tried the orange version of Gain. Because while the green version caught my eye in the window, orange acts as a more versatile "neutral." In my hand, the leather wasn't as soft as Lavetta, but on, they were perfect. Comfy, great color, and as a bonus, the perfect counterpoint to the indigo top I had on today.

Out came the check card (no deficit spending for this fashionista), and in the bag they went.

That was easy.

And that success of course means I deserve a kleiner Brauner at Kafé Leopold.