The Gift of Comfort

My mommy’s birthday is in a couple of weeks. She’s not an easy woman to shop for, so when this time of year comes around, I can’t help but struggle. She’s a woman of fabulous taste–a total fashionista, which is where I probably get it from–but she hates uncomfortable shoes. So okay: no heels or super-pointy shoes for mom… But something just as fabulous? Enter, UGGs. I know, I know–everyone’s got a pair, but my mother doesn’t! In fact, there are lots of non-converts out there. Many say these boots are “fuggs,” but I disagree. You just have to know how to wear ‘em. Here’s how:

1. Only rock ‘em with skinny jeans. Don’t do the sweatpants and flare-leg jeans thing. It makes it look cheap. 
2. Showcase the boots. Not sure if you can show off black or brown ones? Go with metallic! Yes, they have metallic UGGs.
3. Be confident no matter what. Don’t walk in UGGs as if you’re trying to hide ‘em. Just flaunt ‘em.

Hopefully, those tips will convert some of you. Check out the fabulous UGGs at WhatSheBuys.com, for starters. If not, oh well. Good luck in those uncomfortable, pointy things.

“You Look Too Good for a Sunday Morning,” He Said

I’m not embarrassed to admit that I love a good cat call. I left my guy’s apartment this morning still wearing what I wore last night (forgot to pack a bag with a change of clothes), and as I walked to my car, I encountered a cat call. 

A jogger shouted, “You look too good for a Sunday morning.” I was shocked initially, then all I could do was giggle. (He was kind of cute, after all.)

I can’t say I blame the stranger–I was definitely dressed for a Friday or Saturday night, hardly a Sunday morning. I had on my favorite black liquid leggings, a black boyfriend blazer, a textured/frilly gray top, a navy blue square scarf and my favorite platform heels. It was my fall wardrobe at its finest.

Some might say it was the shiny pants, I think my secret were my BCBG Max Azria Diva Platform Pumps. There’s something about the “divalicious” footwear–not only did it give me height, it also endowed me with some extra confidence. You can never have enough.

So here’s the scoop on the sassy shoes: They’re $274.95 at Endless.com. Sure, that’s a little steep, but its rewards outweigh the splurge. Oh, and my guy was a fan, as well. He found them to be so sexy, he wanted me to leave ‘em on all night.

White Treats in the Form of Booties

The other day, I went downstairs (of my office) to get a snack from the market. I came back up to the office, however, with a pair of white leather boots by Max Azria. I couldn’t help myself! They were so reasonably priced at the sample sale. Not to mention, insanely adorable. I had heard somewhere that the rule that you can’t wear white shoes after Labor Day no longer applies. Yippee! I was in luck.

I wore the white boots the next day, but to my dismay, no one else had white shoes on. I couldn’t help but think I was alone on this fad.

So this is my attempt to get the rest of you to join me on this white-booties adventure. That way, it’ll be obvious that it’s hot (and I won’t look silly). Take your pick from the three cute finds. And lucky for you, they’re all on sale! 

                               

From left:

For the Funky
Type Z Markela Booties in Winter White ($85.50 at Zappos.com) 

For the Casual
Frye Women’s Reba Short Shaft Boot in White ($141.61 at Endless.com) 

For the Girly
Marc by Marc Jacobs White Patent Boots ($240 at Zappos.com)

Meeting the Friends in Penny Loves Kenny

There are a handful of significant moments in a new couple’s relationship. There’s the first kiss. There’s the moment they realize they like each other. There’s the first weekend getaway. Then, the first time each meets the friends. 

That happened to me this past weekend. I went out for brunch with the new guy (who has yet to be deemed “boyfriend,” but fingers crossed that he becomes that at some point) to meet one of his best friends. I had no idea what to expect at first, but then my guy warns me: “My best friend is a very sarcastic guy and he’ll likely put you on the spot.” Way to scare me, guy.

What I thought was going to be an easy get-together with eggs and pancakes near my apartment ended up being an intimidating inquisition. Naturally, just like soldiers prepare for battle, I armed myself… but with the proper footwear. I wanted to wear shoes that indicated that I am sweet yet hot, but that I don’t put up with sh**. 

I went with my Penny Loves Kenny Belle Suede Knee Boots. I paid $120 for them when they first came out last fall, but just in case you’re interested, the saucy shoes are on sale for $59.99 at SmartBargains.com. (Lucky you!) 

I felt cool, confident and ready to face anything in my brown suede shoes–I even got a few (good) stares from ladies waiting for their breakfasts and one compliment as I walked into the restaurant. I was ready to wow the friend.

Fast forward an hour, three plates of brunch treats, a few cups of hot cocoa and the inquisition was over. Yeah, the friend put me on the spot. Yeah, he asked me some tough (not to mention borderline inappropriate) questions. But, I faced everything with poise thanks to the pair from Penny Loves Kenny. After all, shoes give us support–physically and mentally.

Reminiscing About My Retired Dancing Shoes

An old friend tweeted last night that he was paying a visit to a club we used to frequent when we were in college. Gasp! No way! A part of me wanted to go. I contemplated for one hot minute. Do I really want to be trapped in a crowd like a sardine, listening to the best house music ever with a bunch of sweaty dancers? Ummm, yes! Yes, I do.

So for good old time’s sake, I threw them on–the red Diesel Protons (right) I’ve loved since the moment I tried them on at Journey’s back in 2001. To date, I can still honestly say they’re the most comfortable pair of shoes that have ever graced my feet. And beyond their pillow-like benefits, I have so many memories attached to my beloved kicks. From good times with friends dancing for hours on end to meeting cute boys on dance floors, this pair and I have been through thick and thin. I love them so much, I ended up collecting them, hoarding five other pairs in different colors (and I even bought pairs for my sister and dad for Christmas one year). They, too, can attest to how wonderful these shoes are. (Can you tell I’m obsessed?)

It’s almost 2010 and I kind of want a new pair. I went on a hunt and failed. To my dismay, the Diesel Protons have been discontinued. Le sigh. But good news–the Diesel Windom (on sale for $49.99 at Journeys.com) is still around. (I have three pairs of these.) The flatter sneaker is just as comfortable–though not as cute–but if you try them, you’ll love them just as much.

I’ll Always Remember What I Wore When I …

… realized what I’ve been looking for.

On our first date, I had on my Hush Puppies T-strap wedges. (That’s right, Hush Puppies.) They’re the most comfortable pair of “sexy shoes” I have in my shoe repertoire. You’d never know they were made for grandmas. That night, over wine and a shrimp appetizer (and me in my purple maxi dress that has been deemed my first-date uniform), I had no idea what was in store. In fact, I expected nothing. I had been on so many dates the past few months, and–let’s face it–I was starting to lose hope on the male population. But, this time was different. He was actually kind of … awesome.

For our second meeting, I deviated from my second-date uniform (which would have been the very-casual combo: leggings, a tunic and ballet flats). Instead, I thought long and hard–I really liked him, after all! Hence, special guy = special shoes. I opted for something comfortable, yet something that really personified yours truly. For the first time with said man, I was going to let my guard down and let him see me for who I really am. Not only did he say and do all of the right things, it appears that we are in sync. I was mega crushing, and he was worth the footwear effort. (I was not about to throw on my default Xhileration ballet flats–not that there’s anything wrong with ‘em–because this was no ordinary night.)

So, I rocked Chinese Laundry’s Kingwood booties (pictured; $64.99 on sale at ChineseLaundry.com)–they’re fun, flirty, unique and reliable. They’re just my style. We sat at Marco and Pepe, a great restaurant he picked out, and learned more about each other. He told me about his close-knit family, impressive career and quirks–le sigh… He winked at me from across the table, and I was sold. Still awesome. And as I swooned over my risotto and his comments/thoughts/words/wink, I realized my date was just like my booties–he’s fun, flirty, unique and reliable. Score!

We Are Our Parents’ Children

We met up for dimsum a couple of weekends ago for my sister’s birthday. It was a casual affair so I stepped out in my Cole Haan Remy Ballet Flats in red ($98.75 at Zappos.com). They’re my favorite walking shoes (next to my Target ballet flats). 

Whe my sister arrived, she was in her Cole Haan Air Billie Lace-Up Sneakers ($148.95 at Zappos.com). It’s as if we called each other and planned to wear fab and comfortable footwear. You know what they say–great minds think alike.

Then, my dad walked in wearing his Lacoste Cabestan Boat Shoes (pictured; $119.95 at Zappos.com). My mom was also in a pair of cute flats with white flower embellishments (I don’t recall the brand). No surprise here–our parents are quite the fabulous pair. They know how to put outfits together, spend free weekends at malls and designer stores, and know what’s hot and not in fashion. No wonder my sister and I are the way we are. We are our parents’ children.

Frugal Fashion Week Footwear

Fashion Week can be a very stressful time for fashionistas. As these style mavens roam the streets of Manhattan (and, yeah, I guess I’m one of them), sidewalks become catwalks, and ladies and gentlemen strut up and down Bryant Park in their most fab gear. Of course, I didn’t want to disappoint.

I woke up for the Brian Reyes and Walter runway shows one morning (with a Halston preview that afternoon and the GenArt Fashion Show the same night), and contemplated on footwear. I knew I’d be out and about from 9 a.m. to midnight, so this could be tricky. I needed gorgeous shoes–after all, it is Fashion Week–but I’d also need to be comfortable to keep my sanity.

I went with my trusty BCBG Leader Boots (which retail for only $87.64 now on Zappos.com). And I will have to tell yah, my boots didn’t fail me at all. The platform heels were heaven to my feet, and I even received a ton of compliments on them. Mission accomplished.

Pretty Power Pumps

Yes, you can flirt with shoes. And while some believe that flirting to get what you want in the office is totally unethical, I say, some women can’t help it if their cute feet do all the talking and land them some office fans. Now I’m not saying that I personally do this … I just want to put it out there as an option.

Who knows? This might be the best $34 you’ve ever spent. (That’s right, this cute Patent-Look Bow Pump is only $34 at Newport-News.com.)

I bought them in deep violet, but it also comes in black if you’re more conservative with your footwear. Sport ‘em with pencil skirts, skinny jeans or dress pants–perfect for an office chic addition to any wardrobe.

I have yet to “test” them out, but I’ll keep you posted!

The Boots Return: It’s About the Principle

When we first met, I was smitten. This French man made me smile. He was sweet, kind and really funny.

Fast forward a handful of months, and I realized, my mind was playing tricks on me. This French man was actually arrogant, weird and a tad crazy. 

I broke up with him at an instant and never looked back … until I realized he had my favorite pair of flat booties! My sister gave them to me–she knew they were just my style. I wore them with almost everything–skinny jeans, black leggings, dresses, even shorts. 

And no, they weren’t designer shoes. In fact, they were quite the opposite. These Slouch Suede Buckled Ankle Boots were only $18.60 at GoJane.com. Even though I wanted nothing to do with this arrogant, crazy French man, I just had to swallow my pride to be reunited with my favorite footwear. I guess I could just buy another pair, but at this point it was partially about the principle!

I e-mailed him.

After a lot of back and forth and frustration, he finally sent them to me via certified mail. I never thought I’d be that happy to see the mailman (unless he was carrying a check from the Publisher’s Clearinghouse, that is). Now that my shoes and I are reunited, I can wear them all autumn long. Le sigh.