A Right to Choos...and Blahniks, Louboutins, Zanottis...

While it is easy to take issue with many of the story lines in "Sex and the City," and I would never utter the words "I'm totally a Carrie," I can't say there haven't been a few quotes that resonated with me. 

Truth be told, Carrie Bradshaw and I do share some superficial commonalities. I happen to live on the same block her address claims she resided (since we all know that brownstone is actually in the West Village), I daydream about being a writer (different topics of course), and my little Upper East Side rent stabilized studio comes with an over-sized closet stuffed to the brim with shoes. So it won't come as a surprise that the message in Season 6's "A Woman's Right to Shoes" hit a little close to home. 

At the end of the episode, Carrie explains that "The fact is, sometimes it’s really hard to walk in a single woman’s shoes. That’s why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun.” 

And because this isn't a dating blog, I will not go into detail about the trials and tribulations of being single in New York City; but it is certainly no secret that I could write an entire book based solely on those experiences. It will suffice to say that Carrie Bradshaw got it right, sometimes an exceptional pair of shoes is just what a single girl needs to put a little extra spring in her step. 

Luckily for me, I was able to combine my patience for a sale and my work discount to snag the perfect pick me up. 

My lovely leopard cobalt creatures

Peek-A-Blue

As the New Year approaches, I have the satisfaction of knowing that whatever 2014 holds, I will be hitting the mean streets of Manhattan in some fierce and fabulous footwear.

Totally Pumped

Despite having a shoe collection exceeding 75 pairs (yes, I know I have a problem), up until recently, I did not own any simple black pumps, as shocking as that may seem. Luckily, after a recent impromptu trip to Nordstrom Rack, I came away with these beauties.

They are Enzo Anglioni, and pretty friggen sophisticated for a mere $59.97. I since tried to search for them, but oddly was only able to find them here on some weird Canadian Nine West Outlet site.

Ubiquitous as the term "Classic Black Pump" may be, they are darn hard to come by without shelling out hundreds of dollars for a Prada, Choo or Blahnik. I have to say, I am pretttty satisfied with my find, proving once again that a bargain hunter must always be on the prowl....

Never-Ending Neon

While there are plenty of people that are looking forward to the day when the neon trend fades away, I am pretty sure it isn't going anywhere for awhile. I still see plenty of chic women sporting some pretty intense color, notably in outwear and accessories.

                        

 

 Sigh, that Acne coat...

 Punchy beanies to top off your look...                       

And certainly don't forget your feet...

Images courtesy of Refinery29, Atlantic Pacific, South Molton Style, Brooklyn Blonde, and The Cut

With or without staying power, I know I will be wearing neon forever. I'm a child of the 80's and 90's, it's in my DNA.

I Happen to Love Trigonometry, But Fashion Math is Much More Fun.

I would like to begin this post with a personal thank you to all of my coworkers who complimented my outfit on February 10th (I meant to post this the same week so I apologize for my lapse in blogging). Not only did it tug at my little stylist-at-heartstrings, but it is now archived in the "go-to outfit" section of the fashion reference library known as my closet. And, since my blog is dedicated to individual style on a budget, it is quite fitting that both pieces I wore that day are from H&M.

The boots are Lanvin Fall 2009, purchased at Loehmann's for about 85% off, and I extend an apology to the woman who was following me around hoping I wouldn't buy them, because she is missing out on a lot of shoe admiration.

Note: This outfit contains black and navy. I have learned that this is a viable color combination despite initial reservations, and now I kinda dig it. So you have my seal of approval to wear it too, not that you need it.

And now onto some other ensembles that give great style at a great price:

GAP open cardigan + American Apparel braided belt = DVF-inspired wrap worthy of a street style snapshot. I like to pair mine with gray over-the-knee socks from H&M and a more fitted bottom, mostly because I spend too much free time stalking Lookbook.

White burnout tee + H&M spandex mini = simple East Village Evening outfit.

Worn specifically with Hue Super Opaque black tights and sample sale Giuseppe Zanotti booties. (Best $15 I ever spent! And no that's not a typo.) Other footwear alternatives: $35 H&M wedge booties or $28 Forever21 Workman Lace Up Booties. I just like to write the word "booty."

Forever21 floral chiffon dress + J. Crew Outlet argyle cardigan + Buffalo Exchange Vintage GAP belt = a lesson in layering, a tutorial in textures, and a play on pattern mixing. I'm all about the Jenna Lyons J. Crew styling aesthetic of mashing up lengths and textures and patterns, then cinching it all together with a belt. I'm still perfecting my own version, but this is a pretty decent replication for my body type.

Express Tuxedo boyfriend blazer + gray American Apparel Tri-Blend v-neck + Hue black leggings + multiple Trash & Vaudeville studded bracelets = Kate Lanphear Rock Chic. I have made clear my obsession for Kate, so this equation needs no explanation.

If you can't tell, I have a mild case of fashion schizophrenia. I don't think I have one distinctive style, but rather I dress for my mood, which can change every day or every minute.

Now it is your turn to come up with a style equation that multiplies the contents of your closet! Let me know what you come up with!


I would also like to apologize for the crap quality of my pictures, as I rely solely on my BlackBerry and Photo Booth for iMac. One day, I promise to upgrade. If I can just stop buying nail polish and shoes...

Choose My Shoes!

Because I can never get enough of a good rhyme and a great pair of shoes, I have created this post so that my readers (how many of you are there anyway?) can give me advice on what to buy instead of the other way around. Now doesn't that sound fun?!

If you are a Bloomingdale's Insider then you know that five pairs of shoes on your Bloomies card gets you 25% off a sixth pair at regular price, and I have gone through a lot of shoe cards in my day. I happen to have one burning a hole in my wallet right now, and yet another one on its way. I tend to use them for either every day basics that need frequent replacing, or for those special, one-of-a-kind, statement shoes that you'd never pay full price for. As of now I can't seem to find either of these types of shoes, but have been eying the following:

Boat shoes! I had Top-Siders in the 4th grade and have been craving bringing back that preppy casual look since last summer. I think it might be time to cave, but which color? Gold, Bronze, or the scrumptious Plum?

Wedges are Aytch-Oh-Tee HOT for Spring/Summer and super comfortable . I have a ton already and they are my go-tos for a summer night out so I can walk/dance/stand posing painlessly at the bar all evening. These leather neutrals are kind of my thing this time around.

And if they have these in store? There was another Michael Kors pair I saw in Lucky Mag, but they seem to be MIA on the Internet right now...

Now, let's say you don't like any of the above options (I'm not really sold on a particular pair either, except the Sperrys, and I do have two shoe clubs cards...), you're in luck! There also happen to be two other pairs of shoes I've been stalking online.

Bass Hearts Rachel Antonoff. I'm dying over these. Frankly I'm going to buy them whether you like them or not...if I can ever figure out when they are going to be available for me to get my clammy little palms on them.

These sassy cheetah platform pumps are only $68...and currently unavailable on the Victoria Secret website in anything but bronze metallic despite being featured in this month's Lucky magazine. These are now the third pair of shoes I've seen in Lucky that I can't buy (the Bass loafers were in there too), I'm starting to feel like a little child being mocked relentlessly on the playground. Not cool Lucky, not cool.

Any favorites of the bunch? Do you hate all of them? I'm desperate for your feedback. Frankly I'm desperate to know if anyone reads my blog. Anyone? Bueller?

New Year. New Blog. Sort Of.

I promised myself in 2011 that I'd write more. In my blog, in my book, in general. But due to my perfectionist nature, I'm my own worst editor and it takes me forever to crank out a post. So in the spirit of writing more, I will probably write less in each post, but post more frequently. Let's kick it off with:

Five Things That Are Getting Me Through This Crappy Winter:

1) Hot pink lipstick

2) Over The Knee/Thigh High Socks

3) Edgy Nail Polish

4) Moto Ankle Boots

5) Tights - sweater, opaque, patterned...

Featured in pic: Nars Semi-Matte lipstick in Schiap. Nars Zulu and Chanel Black Pearl nail polish. Madewell boots (over 50% off!)

Five Things That Are Getting Me Excited For Spring:

1) Hot pink lipstick (fun for all seasons!)

2) Rachel Antonoff for Bass Loafers (Already envisioning these with my pleated skirt, rocking the school girl look)

3) Nearly Neon Nail Polish

4) Wedge Sandals (Would I dare attempt to wear with socks? I'm probably not cool enough)

5) My leather moto jacket as sufficient outwear (Hands down, Best. Fall. Purchase. Ever.)



Featured in pics: Old Navy wedges. Theory pleated skirt. Premise leather jacket. China Glaze Sky High Tops and Zoya Kiki nail polish.

Everyone knows how bad the weather has been this winter, and in order to combat the days on end of rain boots and snow shoes, we all have to find those little things that make the season (and our outfits!) brighter. I'm of the philosophy that all you need is one awesome* accessory to complete an ensemble, and I tend to lean towards bright lipstick, unexpected nail polish, or a kick ass shoe to pull a look together. Now, if it would just stop precipitating so that my hair could look put together...

*Awesome does not have to mean expensive. While my favorite items may range in price, some of my most complimented pieces were super affordable. Note the Old Navy wedges...$25!!!

On A Shoestring

Just because this blog is dedicated to style on a budget, and I cringe at the thought of paying retail for almost anything, it does not mean that sometimes when I flip through a magazine or read another style blog, I am not envious of the items I can not afford. I could rattle off a laundry list of my most desired pieces, but would have to forfeit months of rent to buy any of them. These would include:

Hermes Collier De Chien
Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag
Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel
Almost any pair of Givenchy shoes
Miu Miu loafers either studded or leopard
Loubutin booties

The point is: if I had endless sums of money, there are things I would snap up in a heartbeat, and there are many days that I dream of not having to crunch numbers to keep my monthly budget out of the red. But alas, this is not the case. Instead, I try to drive home my position that when it comes to lack of money: a little extra thought goes a long way.

It was the Bloomingdale's semi-annual shoe sale: buy two or more pairs and get an extra 20% off your purchase. I had found two great shoes, a BCBG patent wedge, and Betsey Johnson spectator Mary Janes.

There was only one problem: the Mary Janes had THE ugliest choice of laces. They were a black and white satin ombre, and they made the shoes look incredibly cheap and tacky. But instead of deciding the shoes were unfit to buy, thereby forfeiting my extra discount, I took some time to brainstorm.

Have you ever been to M&J Trim? Go. It is amazing. It is the kind of store that makes you wish you could sew. Unless you do sew, well, then it is a mecca of crystal, applique and ribbon, oh the glorious ribbon: M&J has an almost infinite selection. With this tidbit of knowledge, rather than hastily tossing the shoes aside, I decided to purchase them, and throw the laces out instead.

Now not only do I not have hideous ombre ribbon shoelaces on my funky Mary Janes, I have a multitude of alternatives. I purchased a few different options, black with white trim, black with gold, thin, thick, velvet, satin, and all for a total purchase price under $5!!

Before

After


Under $5!!


This little discovery is part of the same theory that sometimes you have to alter a garment to make it not only fit your body, but fit your style too. M&J is a great source of products and inspiration that can instantly turn plain into perfection. Atrocious into awe-inspiring. Fine into fabulous. (You get the picture.)

So, if you have not yet figured it out, my point is this: do not overlook something that may only be just shy of amazing, because alterations are almost always an option. And this argument does not only apply to clothes, as clearly demonstrated here. It is all about looking beyond the obvious, something anyone on a budget has to challenge themselves to do every time they go shopping. Sure, even I get sick of constantly having to play mind meld with my clothes to feel like I'm changing up my style; and yes, sometimes I just want to walk into Barneys and--without remorse--buy something I find intrinsically cool, but that is not an option for me.

So there you have it, yet another example of how powerful the creative mind can be. And even if you do not have an item in your wardrobe that needs a little alternation or sprucing up, making a trip to the Garment District may help feed your creativity. Just take a stroll on 6th Avenue between 34th and 40th street, and you are bound to be inspired; because with a well-trimmed budget, your wardrobe will not seem like it is hanging by a thread.





You can find M&J Trim at 1008 6th Avenue



~~Thanks to my guest editor Kendria for all her help on this post! Check out her blog Random Acts of Kendy for great stories, including one about me!~~

Sole Mates

I am just going to say it: I love my shoes.

As a single, 27 year old with no pets, or even plants; they are my children. And as any good parent, I take extremely good care of my babies: all 55 pairs of them (not including flip flops, sneakers, snow or rain boots of course!). And while shoes certainly are not children, they do require constant upkeep: the price you pay for a pair of shoes is not limited to the day you purchase them.

Sure, some people rely on the philosophy that you buy a pair of shoes and wear them until they are worn out, which is not a terrible thing to do if the shoes do not cost much to begin with. But, as I tend to find myself drawn towards more expensive footwear (at a discount of course!), I refuse to leave them to the elements unarmed. I spray all leather and suede with water repellent, I keep the "special" pairs confined to the office and locations to and from which I am taking a cab, and never hesitate to bring any pair to the doctor: otherwise known as the shoe repair.

No one should ever underestimate the importance of a good shoe guy. You wouldn't take your kids to any old dentist, ophthalmologist, or pediatrician, would you? Okay okay, I know, shoes are not children, but they are the closest things I have at the moment. And, like I will my kids, I spoil them. While many swear by the "Best Doctors" issue of New York magazine, it is "Best of New York" issue that is my bible, and I live by the gospel of Empire Shoe Repair. Located on Lexington Avenue between 71st and 72nd Streets, this tiny hole-in-the-wall takes all my old soles and restores them to their original luster.

Of course, the importance of a shoe repair goes far beyond what you may initially imagine. They do much better work than just putting on a new heel or a no-slip sole. They can stretch the toe box, fix nicks, recolor any part of the shoe, they even work on handbags and other leather goods. Ever have a belt that needs more holes? They do it for free. Need it to be shortened? Expect to spend around $10. Trust me, you do not know how good your shoes can look until they have been in the hands of a seasoned leather surgeon. Think of it as a face lift for your shoes, it shaves off years!

Everyone who knows me is aware that I have a weakness for incredible footwear. I tend to choose a new pair of designer shoes over many other things in life (food, activities, vacations). I am not condoning this behavior, as it is not especially helpful for my non existent savings account. But, if I am going to choose to invest my money in shoes, I do so wisely, and look for a good return: years of wear. To ensure my shoes look as new as the day I took them home, I must rely on "my shoe guy," as I so lovingly refer to him. He is my insurance, and I know my shoes are in good hands. Finding a good match for your soles is a much easier task than finding one for your soul. And while shoes can not call you on your birthday, they sure can take you out on the town. And trust me, you will look and feel fabulous.

The Dr. Is In

The last time I laced up a pair of Dr Martens, I was in the seventh grade. I had two pairs - suede blue low tops as well as the ankle boots...in an incredibly 1990s, loud and outrageous flower pattern.



I spent $114 on them, using a gift certificate to Nordstrom's that I received for my Bat Mitzvah. I had been eying them for months, but in 1995, $114 was a lot of money to spend, especially on a pair of shoes. That's right, it has been 13 years since my 13 yr-old self slipped her feet into those clunky boots that, despite their ugliness, were extremely desirable.

When I was wearing my flowered Docs, I thought I was the coolest. Well, as cool as any awkward seventh grader could be, I guess. But the trend faded fast and pretty soon my shoes were so out that they became nothing but a surface on which dust collected in the back of my closet. Eventually, the blue shoes were donated to charity, but the thought of discarding my flowered boots made me sad and nostalgic. I convinced myself that I would wear them again, hoping that maybe they would come back into fashion. But time passed, the dust layers thickened, and I had yet to wear my British imports.

After graduating college and moving to New York, every time I came home, I was asked what I wanted to do with my shoes. (My parents are constantly looking to clean out my closet so it is no longer a shrine to my middle and high school self.) And every time that my mother questioned my reasoning for keeping them (Are you ever going to wear them again?), I insisted that one day I would feel cool enough to do so.

Finally, after picking up the September issue of Teen Vogue (true, I am no longer a teenager, but the looks in Teen Vogue are far more accessible - yet barely so! - than those in Vogue), and reading their Fall A - Z style guide, I learned of the fact that Dr. Martens were making a comeback. This realization brought me nothing but hope, and that perhaps I would at least be given the push to clean off my boots and make some space for them in my New York City closet.

In further attempts to assuage my fears of stepping out in such statement boots, I scoured the internet to see if I could find any reference to my Docs. Unfortunately, Dr. Martens no longer produces the style I own, but I did manage to find a few ebayers that were selling my exact pair. According to one seller, my shoes were worn by Sienna Miller in Nylon, and are rare enough to be auctioned at the buy it now price of $300. While this does not tempt me to try to sell my vintage kicks, it further inspires me to take the plunge, bring them out of their thirteen year retirement, and back into wardrobe rotation.

While the weather is not yet brisk enough to take my Dr. Martens out for a test drive, I am eagerly awaiting the day that I walk out on the New York City streets rocking my flowered boots, some sort of black dress and tights ensemble, finished with my new fabulous leather motorcycle jacket. I have recently been feeling the urge to update my current style, and I think these shoes will ultimately be the prescription that will cure my fashion rut.