Flat Out

I gotta be honest, I love me some heels and always prefer how they look compared to anything else but unless I am going out on a date with my man, a girls night out in the city or some sort of social event you will always find me in flats. While I have already shared some of my favorite ways to break in some new shoes, I wanted to tell you about my new favorite product Compeed that has saved my heels & toes when wearing some new flats this fall. This magical second skin adheres to your heels preventing blisters to ever happen. They are a total lifesaver with new shoes, pick up a pair & try them...your feet will be eternally grateful.
{p.s., this is not a paid product ad, I just am completely obsessed with this product}

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Flat Out

While it may not yet feel like spring here in Boston the calendar says otherwise, which means I am retiring all my boots {possibly even burning my snow ones}. I literally have exhausted the boots and sweater look this winter and refuse to wear them again.  I am determined to challenge mother nature and walk out the door in Spring fashions even if it means I am freezing. My first spring style adjustment is the change of footwear. I am all about flats for walking comfortably around the city and have my eyes on a few pairs below to help amp up my wardrobe as the snow melts. Hurry up Spring, we need you BAD in this city!

shop the above & more stylish flats below

A Boot Tale

The other day on the news I saw a disturbing segment where women were getting their calves surgically reduced to fit into certain style knee boots. I couldn't believe that women would go to such extremes for fashion. It reminded me of a time when I was working in NYC and I justified the hefty price tag of a certain pair boots because I swore that they went with everything I owned and were the only boot I would wear all winter long. So let's paint a picture of how it all hillariously went down... I am 22, living part time in my parents apartment in NYC {because I couldn't afford my own}, I decide to go into a high end department store {one that I definitely shouldn't even be looking at considering my entry level salary} I head directly to the shoe department, I spot a pair of delicious cognac colored boots with a modest heel height that I think is the prettiest damn thing I have ever laid eyes on. I tell myself even after looking at the ridiculous price tag that if I can get them on, they are coming home with me. So there I am amongst the beautiful people of NYC breaking into a full on panic sweat {ya know those times when you get nervous you will get the item on but not be able to get it off} pulling with all my might to get these painfully gorgeous boots on over my bulky cuffed jeans {skinny jeans weren't a thing yet}. I am pretty sure the salesperson watched on in horror as I wrestled with the luxurious leather all the while reminding himself to zip his lip because he wanted the commission. Then after one final labor-like pull, the boots were on and while they were certainly snug, I was in love. I walked around the carpeted sales floor in a victory lap, so proud of my accomplishment to get these reluctant things on. I stupidly charged the boots so I was to not clear out my bank account on a single purchase and happily skipped out of the store with my retail glow. Fast forward to a ridiculous night out with two of my friends where I had a few too many drinks and my nightmare came true....the boots were stuck...like really stuck. I literally was lying on the couch while my friend Craig and Enzo pulled and pulled trying to get the SOB's off of me. Ya know, one pulling while the other simultaneously trying to unzip the jammed zipper.  In my liquored state and the claustrophobic feeling of being in these boots forever started to roll in, I just said, "cut the damn things off of me...I need to be free" and so they did. The following morning I looked down to the floor at my sad soles and was full of regret. Not only was the bill still being paid off, I had taken the murdered boots to a bunch of cobblers for repair of which no fix was available. SO what is the moral of this ridiculously long and embarassing story?!  One - charging items we can't afford is a BAD idea, that credit card bill will haunt you the following month and two - don't buy shit that doesn't fit...style shouldn't ever be a struggle. There is always a way to have things fit properly without sacrificing how fashionable it is. Just take a look below at my favorite boots of the season available in a slew of styles for every woman of every size!

Boots - one {25% off with code fallstyles} // two // three 

Booties - one // two // three 

Extended Calf - one // two // three 

Borrowed From The Boys

Ok, I am all for flats as as sensible shoe, they can be cute and comfy. So while I am really a heels kinda girl, city living means lots of walking and that is definitely not friendly to a stiletto. I however am having trouble getting behind the recent trend of menswear being translated into woman's footwear. This year at NYFW sneakers, loafers and oxfords were seen all over the street styles of fashionista's which I am sure was welcomed jumping show to show but part of me just thinks the look was way to bulky and unfeminine. I'm curious, am I alone here???
What do you think of this trend? 



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Fancy Feet

Summer may be coming to an end but that doesn't mean we have to transport our little tootsies right from sandals to boots! I personally love transitioning back into flats come fall, especially when flats are getting some serious style like the little lovelies below. Living in a city means a lot of walking and it's very important to me to not sacrifice style for comfort. While I do dread the initial breaking in of the shoes, I have learned a few tricks to avoid the oh so painful back of the heel blister. One - break in the shoes with some socks around the house, the thicker the sock the better. Yes you may look like a crazy person but it stretches them out just enough to be comfy when you hit the streets. Two - Wear advanced healing band aids before the blister, protecting the back of your foot with these cushy band aids will help soften the rubbing on the back of the heal. Three - Add a sticky gel cushion to the back of your shoe so the soft material touches your foot instead of the stiff leather.  Four - Some department stores offer complimentary stretching of the shoe with purchase. Neiman Marcus has done for me in the past & it was awesome & if not a local cobbler can likely do for you too. Finally, Five - Apply subtle heat with a blowdryer to the part of the shoe that is tight and when warm flex the fabric around by hand to loosen the trouble spots, be careful on synthetic materials. Enjoy your happy and fancy feet!

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Sexy Sandals

I like to think that when I buy something for my wardrobe that its something I will have for a long time. I tend to avoid trends and anything that I am pretty confident I will be sick of in a short amount of time. However, every once in a while it's a lot of flipping fun to purchase something that is not sensible but makes you feel great. That is exactly how I feel about these turquoise sandals that have been on heavy repeat here in Nantucket. When I purchased these jeweled babies I knew it was going to be love at first wear. The color combination of the bright aqua with the neutral nude screamed summer oh and on top of that they were super comfy - who knew that was possible?! So every once in a while go ahead and treat yourself to a purchase that might not be a long term fashion choice but one you will love for the moment!



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Flattering Flats

Living in the city means a lot of walking around town and heels are definitely not a friend of the broken sidewalks of our little historic neighborhood. I recently picked up these two pairs of flats trying to replace my old favorites {available here in other colors} that are literally worn through the sole and I am having trouble on which pair to keep. I personally love the look of the d'Orsay style with it's pointy toe and open middle. Just feels a bit more dressy then the typical ballet flat. It's perfect for the warmer weather and available in a plethora of prints, materials and colors. A little round up of  some my favorites are below.



Shop the Post

Bows For Your Toes

Morning lovelies...quick post today as we got in very late from our Arizona travels. I have a bit of an obsession with bows, especially when it comes to footwear. My favorite flats are adorned in sparkly bows and always my first choice for comfort and style but I am admiring this little feminine embellishment on everything from pumps to flip flops. A round of up a few that I am coveting are below. How flipping awesome are those Valentino thong sandals, I think they need to be mine STAT!

Mulberry Grey & Pink Bow Pumps // Salvatore Ferragamo T-Strap Bow Sandal // Forever 21 Bow Thong Sandal // Tory Burch Wedge // Tory Burch Black & Tan Flat // Kate Spade Floral Pump // Valentino Lace Print Flip Flop // J.Crew Viv Printed Flat 

Have a great day everyone!

SJP

We all remember the shoe obsessed character Carrie Bradshaw played by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex & The City. So it comes as no surprise that she has launched her own shoe line named SJP  {a collaboration with the CEO of Manolo Blahnik} exclusively sold at Nordstrom. Now I don't know if you recall but this isn't her first time at the fashion rodeo. A few years back she produced an affordable clothing line called "Bitten" exclusively sold at a store called Steve & Barry's where the slogan for the campaign was "fashion is not a luxury". I personally remember the line and admiring her for choosing a retailer that catered to a more cost friendly market while not sacrificing style in her designs. That memory lead me to some new excitement when I shared the launch date of this new shoe line on my Facebook page back in January. However this weekend the line launched and I saw the price point on this brands new collection and was pretty surprised how high the price point was. Sandals that start at $195 and pumps that $350. Is it me or is that a drastic change from her former line where nothing was over $20???  So while I am a huge fan of shoes as much as the next gal {and SJP as an actress}, I would love to know what changed her tune on her original motto and if y'all would be willing to fork over a few Benjamin's for her new line of shoes and accessories???

all the above shoes available here