A Year of Pretty - December 29, 2014

Today's Pretty Post is this FANTASTIC pair of shoes. Well, one shoe really. But I'm sure it has a mate somewhere close by.

I may have posted this photo before. Doesn't matter, because I yearn for these shoes  . . . both the left and the right one. Together. As a pair. In my closet.

I'm sure that a good part of the appeal of this photo (which has no original source when I follow the link, just some ghost hosting site called fashionjot.com) is the lighting. The lighting is so important in this shot. Almost as important as the shoe. But not quite.

There is so much detail in this shoe. All those difficult swirls and scrolls to cut out, all the tiny little holes that border the edges. Of course, I would imagine that the shoe(s) were cut using a laser machine.

I really like the slim gold leather-strap-almost-cording that is threaded through the holes like a corset. As long as these cords look, I would imagine they wrap around the ankle a couple times before being tied in a leather bow at the back. Sexy.

Also check out that stiletto heel! Four and a half...five inches maybe. That is some serious damage for the poor man who gets his foot (or something else) caught on the wrong end of those. Never mind height adjustment. I'd go from 5'6" to 5'10 in those babies.

I wish I knew who the shoes were designed or made by. Please let me know if you can read the print inside, or if you just happen to know. Not that I would run out and buy them; they are probably at least two if not three of my pay checks. It's just nice to know these things.

Since metallics are in such style right now, these would be fantastic shoes for New Year's Eve. That is, until about 1am when you are leaving the restaurant or party and teetering down the street after too much champagne (Wait, what's too much champagne? There is never too much champagne!) and trying to hail a cab. Or maybe these would help you get a cab driver to stop.

I'd stop for these shoes. But only if there were two of them.

January 29, 2015 - update - and the shoe maker is . . .Christian Louboutin. Also available in Jet Black and Sterling Silver.

A Year of Pretty - February 21, 2014

Tomorrow night is the first of two shows I am presenting with a Great Gatsby theme. Both shows will be for charity, and I am looking forward to both as a way to not only highlight my designs, but as an opportunity to learn what works and what doesn't work during a live show. When I presented my graduation collection, I wasn't able to be backstage, so I had no say in how the models were dressed. This time I will have that chance and as such, will be able to style the ladies as I wish.

I am lucky to have a fairly good collection of costume jewellery from which I can select pieces that will compliment each look. I also have a number of shoes in different sizes that will work for the looks for these shows. Every year in early September when wedding season is over, shoe stores start offering amazing deals on all their strappy, sparkly summer heels. Last year I picked up six pairs of the same shoe in gold and silver in a variety of sizes from 8.5 to 10 for 50% off the last ticketed price - $15.00 each pair. It may seem strange to spend money on shoes that don't even fit me (I'm a size 8.5), but it ensures that I have shoes that I know will work for the models; not only for this show, but for for other shows in the future. Choosing shoes with classic profiles and in neutral tones (silver, gold, beige and black) means that the shoes are pretty much going to go with any look.

I adore the look of these shoes here. I like the attention to detail, and how the art deco feel is continued on through the punch work of the pale pink instep. Having not one but two adjustable straps is also handy. Unfortunately these will not be my show, but they embody the feel of the 1920's art deco period, if higher heels had been in fashion at that time. Most heel heights were only between 1.5 and 2.5 inches during the 1920's, whereas today's average height for runway starts at 4.5 inches.

So enjoy these darling shoes and I will be back tomorrow with a review of the show. Fingers crossed.

A Year of Pretty - January 06, 2014

It's a shoe. It's a boot. It's today's Pretty Post.

More Shoes - take 4

Le sigh . . .these are enough to cause major swoonage . . .

. . . .a la Christian Louboutin.

Design Inspiration - part 2

I won't lie . . .every time I see this picture in my "virtual closet", I lose control of the function in the lower half of my jaw. Extreme gorgeousness.There were no details with the original photo, so I can't even credit the designer. But whomever they are . . .so inspired !

Layers upon layers of fabric without creating bulk. And seemlingly light weight and a flutter. Stunning colour, like a summer rose in bloom. Simply stunning. Simply amazing.

This dress would not need much in the way of accessories . . but of course would need the perfect pair of shoes. Might I suggest these by Parisxox . . . .


le sigh . . off to Fashion Design class I go . . .

More Shoes - take 3

have I mentioned I adore shoes? Well, I do. Here are the pair I am lusting after today:



A girl could easily fall in love with this pair. And really? . . .wouldn't blame her.

Shoes . . . again

Sigh . . . . note to self. When you see a pair of shoes that catch your attention while travelling and they are on sale (well, actually, they don't necessarily have to be on sale). . buy them. Just buy them. These lovelies were in a store window in Amsterdam last year in May. Pay special attention to the pair in the center with the satin and silk two tone rosettes. Yes, the one with the yellow SALE sticker . . . .

The other day I was looking for a pair of shoes to wear with a blush and copper toned dress. Do you think I could find something I liked? that wasn't the same price as a mortgage payment? No, of course not.

Pretty Organza Posies

These organza flowers are absolutely gorgeous. I can just see a bunch of them in cream and pale blues sitting in an ironstone pottery bowl on my dining room table. They would be fantastic pinned into a bridal or prom up-do, attached to a classic headband, or pinned to a lapel to brighten a dark winter’s coat.

The handmade set in red wine by supplier (shown left) would be stunning for a winter wedding.


Handmade Organza Flowers in Red Wine
by supplier

Pin a couple in the bride's hair, one for each of the bride's maids and one for both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom. And at a very reasonable price, you may be able to request larger quantities to outfit the flower girls as well. (how adorable one of these would be pinned at the shoulder of the dress)

Another way to wear these are as clips on a pair of peep toe shoes, as shown by Clark and Diversey (shown right) or by jurgitahandmade (shown below).The clips add new life to the shoes and give them a very sweet and romantic look.

Ivory Bridal Shoe Clips with Rhinestones
by Clark and Diversey

                           "Mary" Ivory Organza Shoe Clips
                           by jurgitahandmade

The addition of pearls and rhinestones to the centers of the flowers give them that extra sparkle and make them oh-so-much-more glamorous.
Hmmm . . .I have a beige pair of heels not unlike the style shown left that would benefit by adding a couple coffee colored concoctions to.

Whether structured like the ones by supplier or David and Diversey, or more flimsy and whimsy like the ones by Reese Dixon or jurgitahandmade, these little beauties are sure to add interest to your existing wardrobe without a huge investment. Just attach . . .  and be prepared for the compliments.

Super crafty and wanna know how to make them yourself? tutorial here by Reese Dixon

Did Someone Say Shoes ?

Gorgeous Red Hot Sexy Shoes dubbed "The Tango" by Parisxox

tickled pink . . .

In honour of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, here are a few things pink that have caught my eye. All these items are available for purchase on Etsy; and some feature partial proceeds being donated to Canadian Breast Cancer Society.
Shown left is a brooch of beautiful frothy pink blooms titled LETITIA. They are made to order by RiRiFisch. This brooch is very soft and romantic, and can be worn as shown on the shoulder, or at the waist of a sweater dress or on the brim of a hat.
To the right is a vibrant and sassy pleated hot pink clutch by letsglamup. The textured pleats add glamour while the color adds a bit of zing to your wardrobe. Perfect on a drab day.
It's no secret that I love shoes. These vintage Calvin Klein pale pink pumps available from TwirlVintageCo are gorgeous and reconfirm why classic Calvin Klein is well, in a word . . .classic. If you do purchase these (or any item with ribbons such as these), I suggest lightly searing the ends with a flame to prevent fraying.
I also have an affinity for pretty beads. This set of seemingly random hand made beads titled 31Pink Experiments by paulinabeads do in fact look gorgeous when strung as a group. Space them out with some pale pink Austrian or Swarovski crystals for a super elegant look.
And with all your pink garb in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness, what better was to show your support than by hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness Party. A party where women (and men) come together and through donations and pink-themed beverages, nibbles and decor, raise money to help fight this terrible disease. These pompoms by (who else) PartyPom are a great decorating idea for such a party. Like big balls of cotton candy hanging from the ceiling, they are sure to bring delight and are also available in other colours and a variety of sizes. Afterwards, they would be perfect for a little girl's room to to reuse for a gender reveal or baby shower.
To women everywhere fighting the battle against breast cancer each and every day . . .keep fighting. We support you.

These Boots Were Made For Walking . . .

The cool weather of fall has definately arrived in Vancouver and along with it the rain. That means one thing for footwear . . BOOTS !

Personally, I can't think of any redeeming features of UGG boots or the woolly mammoth things I've been seeing some people wearing. I mean, how attractive is strapping two dead beavers around your calves before heading out the door?

That being said, every wardrobe should have a good pair of stylish boots (although judging by the lovely lady to the left, that's about all she's got in her wardrobe right now).

over the knee stretch boots from Victoria Secret

I had been looking for a great pair of everyday boots for some time. Sure, I already had a half dozen or so pairs in my closet, but either one was too tall or the other I didn't really care for the zipper. Then while browsing through the stalls at the flea markets in Amsterdam . . . I found them. My perfect boots. They are black leather to-the-knee riding boots, lined inside and with a low profile heel. I put them on and they just fit so perfectly and were so instantly comfortable I wore them walking around the canals for the next 4 hours. And at €20.00, how could I not buy them? I found out later after I googled the brand name that JJ Footwear has been a making custom sized boots in Holland for over 80 years, and my flea market find was roughly a $350.00 steal of a deal.

The right (emphasis on "right") pair of boots can add class to a pair of jeans and a dress shirt worn on casual Fridays at the office or can be worn with a jersey t-shirt dress and tights for a night out. Classic boots will also last many seasons and are definitely worth the investment.

1. Black boot by Prada, $1,200,
2. Animal print boot by Manolo Blahnik, $1,495,
3. Caramel boot by Gianni Barbato, $1,535,
4. Brown crocodile boot, by Rocco P, $1,195,
5. Patent leather Dolce & Gabbana boot, $1,450,
6. Greenwich flat high boot, by Louis Vuitton, $1,490,
7. Dexter boot, $268 at Anthropologie,
8. Cherry-picked boot, $228, at Anthropologie

Look for classic styles in fun fall colors such as rust red or plum purple. Again, pair these with dark denim, a white shirt, a wide belt and some draping gold jewelry for a chic polished look, as shown by these ladies below:

Happy Shopping and Keep on Walking . . .