Clipping, Pinning, and Daydreaming OR How a Style Blogger Passes Time While Waiting for Others to Meet Their Dealines

I have a demanding day job. At times, this day job requires long hours. Sometimes, I edit. Sometimes I write. Sometimes I'm triaging questions and issues for resolution, trying desperately to keep an unmanageable schedule on schedule (thankyouverymuchfederalgovernment).

And sometimes I'm waiting.

We have division of labor, which means I don't touch the documents I manage at times. On purpose. We also have experts who need to answer things.

So sometimes I'm waiting.

The Grown Up in me should read ahead on future opportunities, hone my skills, take online classes. The human in me needs some mental and physical downtime.

So I clip. And I pin. And I blog.

In no particular order, for no particular reason - other than they caught my eye - here are some things I've seen lately.

I hope they inspire you.

Clockwise, from top left, Zero Maria Cornejo long half foil dress (hu's Online), Vector Formations Dress (ModCloth), Fall 1935 Elsa Schiaparelli Evening dress (The Museum at FIT Online Collections), 3.1 Phillip Lim Pre-Fall 2011 dress (Voguepedia), Robert Clererie lace up patent heel (hu's Online), Chanel dress from Daphne Guiness' collection (The Museum at FIT Daphne Guinness Exhibition)

Want more inspiration? I'm on Pinterest and on Polyvore. Pin and clip away!

Drool

If only I had a spare 1000 smackeroos...

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).

Shop in Style: Black Friday and Beyond

It's been yeeeeaaaaars since I, uh, indulged in Black Friday shopping. Can't even remember the last time I braved the crowds. I'm a shop-along-the-way kinda gal. And then I save some things, like Santa's stocking purchases, for the week before Christmas, head to Chevy Chase, and walk around (Rodman's, World Market, Saks) to soak up the atmosphere and crisp wintry air. I love the carols playing and the lights twinkling...just like in Silver Bells (Strings of street lights, Even stop lights, Blink a bright red and green, As the shoppers rush home with their treasures). I have to figure out how I'll manage that this year, as The Bean goes to bed right when I'd normally be shopping...hmmm...

Anywho...for those of you who feel the urge to shop, but want to avoid the box stores on Friday. Make sure you check the Washington Post's Sunday Source for their list, too...

Cusp - new markdowns starting Friday through 2 December

Daisy Too - sparkly stuff is 20% off (what a great promotion)

Hu's Shoes - D.L. & co. candle with purchase

National Jean Co - the sale's already started, and runs through the 25th - 20% off everything, and some stuff up to 50% off

The Purse Store - 30-70% off everything, no code required. Easy as pie.

Sangaree - 30% off the entire collection 23-25 November

And don't forget to hit the online sales - no better way to skirt the crowds at box stores and online boutiques alike!

*Photo courtesy of Ledgen Lighting

Shop in Style: Gunmetal Designer at Hu's Shoes Friday

Meet one of hu's shoes favorite designers tomorrow...

Saturday March 23, 2007 from 6-8 pm at the Georgetown store, 3005 M Street, NW

A casual gathering with Gunmetal's designer Michael Spaulding.

Michael will discuss his inspirations for the breathtaking Spring/Summer collection and his vision for the Fall/Winter 2007 collection -- all of which will be on display for sale and F/W presale.

Please RSVP to: ask@hushoes.com - tell them DC Celine sent you!