Wintery Wonderland

Ok I feel a lot better now that the cold weather has kicked in.  Not necessarily happy, because each year I am reminded of how much I hate the cold, but relieved that this December is not going to resemble that of September.  I think that's someting to cheer about a bit.
This also means it's around that time for warm and toasty socks, while you sit on the couch or favorite chair, with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, and enjoy the happiness the holidays bring.  I love this time of the year, it's always special to me.  This year should be extra special because I get to see family that I haven't seen in years!
It's a time for loving and being with the ones you care about the most, and ringing in a safe, prosperous, and happy new year.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

It's your choice

When it comes to buying clothes, shoes, and accessories, some people go for specific brands, while some go for non label clothing.  Personally I prefer to have clothes that did not cost me an arm and a leg without you knowing that I only paid $50 for an entire outfit. 
That's why I like stores like Marshalls and TjMaxx.  Thrift stores are great places to find clothes as well.  I am a little skeptical of buying already worn shoes so I tend to stay away from that area but it doesn't hurt to look. 
Now don't get me wrong, like most girls I would like to have at least one major label in my closet, but I will at no means starve myself so I can buy the hottest shoe that just hit the runway.  The only exception would be if I was in a position to afford it, and splurging was something that could safely be done.  Affordability these days is key.

If it's one thing I know, shoes always fit.  Waist line may change, and so may the pant and shirt size.  The way shoes fit are one of the few things in life that hardly change.  Love, love those Louboutins!  One of the few times I do not mind brown and black together.  And the purple ankle boots, very rocker chic, and also because purple is my favorite color!  You can never go wrong with black.  Updates with platforms and cut-outs are a good choice.

No more scrunch!

I'm sorry, but these look rather uncomfortable.  Definately not a pair I woulld be purchasing!

Pose for the camera now

It's a must now-a-days to have a camera handy whenever you go out.  When you go to the zoo, the playground, the couch, and ah yes the bathroom shots.  It's as if there is a sudden fear that the night and day will not be remembered if there isn't any evidence to prove its occurrences.  I like to take pictures with my friends when I go out but not an excessive amount.  Taking one or two pics before leaving the house is fine, but when you go out and realize that you're taking more snapshots than actually enjoying the evening out, well then there's a problem. 

I've always found it interesting when I go out and see people taking more pictures than actually walking!  Every two steps was " ok ready...1...2...3! Oh that was cute let's take another one!"  Why?  What was the difference in the other thousand you just took 1minute ago?  Well we're all different I guess.  A few snaps here and there, and I'm good. 
Extraordinary, abnormal, and hot mess photos are always welcome in my book.  Those are the ones worth taking.  But a person's face does not do that much changing in a short amount of time that is worth taking a picture every 2 seconds.  Maybe its just me. What do you think?

Post Thanksgiving break, Pre-winter vacation

Is anyone else just about ready to have this semester over and done with?  Well if you are not I certainly am.  It's strange that I cannot believe that it's November already, but at the same time it is as if time is standing still with it being the last few weeks of the semester.  I am ready for a much needed vacation, and I don't mean a few days; more like 12 or more.  Even then I don't feel like that amount of time can erase 15 weeks of headaches, stress, and sleepless nights, only to start right back at it again in January.  I guess it comes with the whole college life thing.  Right?

Paying Attention

Today was a day filled with lots of movement and excitement.  What struck me the most was the unevitable fact that it is winter time.  But somehow the weather is not so proving of this fact.  Is anyone else a little worried that there are a few stragglers out there still wearing flip flops?  Well I sure am and it is definately November the last time I checked.  Yup still November. 

Normally around this time people are heavily secured within their winter coats and are looking foward to the comfort of family time and all the warmth it brings.  To my surprise, this is not the case.  Here I am walking to my classes in a hoodie, or a light jacket.  That scares me a little.  So much for having snow on the ground by Christmas time.  The leaves are all gone, or at least in the process of shaking off their last layer of shade, and there is no white layer on the ground to tag along.  Global Warming in effect?  I think so.  Whatever the reason I have my plane ticket handy to head straight to the Caribbean.

Open toe boots

I am still trying to figure out this latest fad: boots with an open toe.  Call me conventional, but everytime I think of a boot it usually has no openings except for where your foot is supposed to enter.  I have seen some very cute boots from the side, and the back, but have changed me mind completely when I see that they have the toe part exposed.  I like me toes to be covered, and secure when I wear boots.  Can someone please explain this to me?

Texting: The cyber cocaine

These days it seems as if every 1 in 7 persons text.  I remember overhearing someone say that their grandmother had sent them a text message earlier on that day.  What?!  What has this world come to when grandparents are now in the cyber loop? 

I must admit that I am a victim of texting especially to people whom I may not have enough time to speak to directly.  Everyone is so caught up in their daily lives and obligations, that sometimes a text is the perfect way to get in contact with someone.  They are quick, fast, and the conversation can be ended at anytime without the weird pause that occurs when a person tries to indicate the end a conversation with someone that is standing directly in front of them. 

I do however, pick up the phone and call people.  Yes this is true.  The thing is sometimes I just do not feel like having a back and forth battle with someone whose response comes with a little BEEP every two minutes.  The sound of a human voice is more reassuring to me than an incoming treat of a message.

Texting does make for a good distraction though, especially when you are waiting in an office, or line with nothing else to do.  How about if you spot a great pair of shoes either on someone's feet or in the window of a store?  Can you just call someone and try with all your might to describe to them what these shoes look like? NO!  But a handy dandy photo text can.  See this is where the advancement in technology comes in, because it saves some people the drama, and frustration of having to explain something with words that can only be explained when seen. 

Of course there is a time and place for texting, and at work in front of your boss while in a meeting is definitely not one of those moments.  Also, if you are in the same area, room, or locality as the person you are texting, is it so harmful to get up and have a normal conversation with this person?  I didn't think so either.  I am just trying to help you save as many messages as possible.  Unless you have unlimited text messages then feel free my friend to text your life away.  Feel free.

Adventures of 10/31/09

Well yesterday was Halloween, and cities all across the country were celebrating this holiday with jaw-dropping, eye bulging, loud gasping costumes to have a good time.  Some friends and I ventured into Pittsburgh to make our own fun, minus the crazy costumes.  I had on a pair of my favorite shoes.  They were grey and had ruffles on them, if you can picture it, but trust me they were cute. 

So we make the drive into Pittsburgh to find a party only to get lost and get sent on a wild goose chase.  We were supposed to be somewhere close to downtown, got there, then ended up on the Southside only to go to Oakland and then back to the Southside.  Talk about burning gas.  In our defense the majority of us were not from Pittsburgh.  The ones who were from Pittsburgh were terrible at giving directions, or probably had no idea where they were going as well.

Overall it was a very entertaining night spent when we finally decided to stay at the Southside and people watch.  If you have never people watched before I highly recommened it as a wonderful pass time.  Halloween was one of the best nights to do this, but I am sure there will be other opportunities.

Artistic expression

I like a lot of color and detailed designs in my shoes. If the color is simple, but has intricate detailing that gets me every time! Sometimes simplicity is the best form of sophistication, but I'm all for artistic expression. The more overt and unconventional it is the more personality I see.
Courtesy of secondsister.ca/shoes.html

Annoyances in phrase form (a little something different)

Annoying phrases, what would we do without them? They were obviously used for a reason before people decided to overuse and drag them out until their death. Thanks to a poll that was taken from Marist College, “whatever” was the most annoying phrase.


Now even I find this appalling because it’s a word I hear so often and in so many different variations. For instance someone saying, “well whatever is best for you,” or “whatever you like,” or “I’m just going to do whatever.” It’s one of those words that can be used in a wide range. Sometimes I feel like the people who find these word annoying in the first place are the ones who probably use it the most. Hmm now there’s a thought. Almost like hearing someone say that they hate a song only to find them singing it 5 seconds later. That makes me laugh.

Here I have some phrases that bug me a bit, and make my blood run a little faster whenever I hear them. Take for example “life goes on.” Well we all know that life goes on, it's one of those things that are out of our control. Then there is “that sucks,” “that’s crazy,” “you’re killing me,” using “like” after every 3 words in a sentence, and “yea, cool” as a passive response from someone you know is not listening to you.

I can definitely agree with the poll on “you know” being a very annoying phrase. It is very irritating to hear someone dominate their conversation with “you know.” Well what if I didn’t know? Would I have to sit and listen to you until I do know? No thanks, I don’t have time. There are other phrases to use, but I think sometimes it takes too much for people to think of new ones. Acronyms just won’t cut it. Let’s be creative people.

Platform shoes

I was having a very material conversation one day with a friend of mine, and she pointed out to me the reoccurring style of the platform heel.  At first I hadn't realize how common this style was in shoe stores, but thankfully it was brought to my attention.  I mean it is everywhere.  I can bet any amount of money that if you walk into a mall and search the shoe stores that you are guaranteed to find a pair of these shoes I speak of.  Now in moderation I don't mind the shoes, but they are appearing in almost all of the runway shows I have viewed.  Take for instace the John Galliano shoes above.  Beautifully designed.  I would love to have these in my closet.  I can picture myself wearing these out on a Saturday night with the girls.  Somehow I just can't shake the vision that I have seen these before.  Not the exact shoe of course, but the overall construction, and framework.  That's one thing about fashion though, like history, it definately repeats itself.

Fall fashion week

It's fall fashion season people, and oh is it exciting! 
This is one of the times during the year where designers get to showcase their latest work, and remind everyone what they are capable of.  This is also the time where we see some pieces on the runway that make us think, "who in the world would wear that mess?"  Some of the fall designer include (and this is a very brief list):
BCBG Max Azria
Balenciaga
Peter Ingwersen for Noir and Bllack Noir
Calvin Klein Collection
Carolina Herrera
Christian Dior
Charlotte Ronson
DSquared
Donna Karan Collection
Issey Miyake
Jean Paul Gaultier
John Galliano
Ralph Lauren
Salvatore Ferragamo
Zac Posen

Hopefully one day I can attend one of these shows, but until then I am confined to watching their work via Pitt Greensburg internet.

Hard toe boots

I have a pair of boots, which I love, that serve more than one purpose.  They are very cute and wear-able, as well as pain savers.  Just recently I discovered that they are very protective too!  I am somewhat of a clutz at times, which is ok from my perspective.  When I feel familiar in an environment I tend to not pay attention as much to where I am walking.  I was distracted one afternoon as I was walking into my on campus living room but some reading material that was in my hands.  Then out of nowhere I stubbed my foot on the corner of the wall.  Normally I would scream in pain, feeling blood rushing to my head with anger managing to wonder, "who the heck thought to put that wall there!  Idiot!"  Luckily for me I had my trusty boots on which secretly seems to have a steel-toe built right in.  I walked away from that wall that day ready for a challenge, confident that my painful toe smashing days were over.  I was saved from an extreme amount of pain while being trendy!  Treat of the day. 

Louboutin Website

Well here it is. One of the most desired websites (well at least for me!)
Enjoy as I have.

http://www.christianlouboutin.com/

Dazzle away ladies...dazzle away.

I was lazyily scanning the internet, distracting myself from work I needed to get done, when I somehow found myself on the Christian Louboutin website.  Now, let me make this clear.  Currently, there is no way I can afford anything from that website, only to visit it and hope that one day I will be able to purchase a pair of these wonderfully made shoes.  It is free to web surf.  After all I am a college student.  There is no way I am going to buy a pair of $500 + shoes, when that money could buy my books for a semester!  Somehow the allure of these show-stopping shoes pulled me in and led me to my doom.  Well not technically, but it was a tease to see all of these shoes that I know I cannot afford.  Doesn't hurt to look though.  Red Soles.  What could be more classic, yet memorable?  Mr. L knew exactly what he was doing when he created this label, which is one of the most saught after label when shoe talk arises.  The brand Christian Louboutin was established in 1992, only to then leave its mark in fashion history.  From thigh high boots, to strappy heels, to classic pumps, these shoes are desired by women world wide.  The website is very animated I must say, with pop-ups and a circus-like essence.  Colors, twinkling stars, handbags, and of course, shoes!  It is somewhat of an addiction to shoes that I have, but I think it is only because with each pair I see that I really like, I automatically think of an outfit that can be made around it.  I think an outfit starts with the shoes, and everything else follows behind.  Maybe that's just in my world.  Whatever the case may be, Christian Louboutin is definately one of my favorite shoe designers.

Official

It has officially been made clear to me that it is now fall.  I gradually noticed this change when I had sandals on the other day.  My toes were so chilled, you could serve a beverage at that temperature to guests at a party.  But I was in denial, since I did not have much of a summer.  I wanted to prolong the remaining time that was alloted for summer before fall arrived.  That gradual warning came full blast this morning when I left my court apartment to go to class.  Boy what a surprise!  The days have been rainy so boots, and full shoes were in order, but it was something about this morning that really woke me up from my mid morning daze.  Thick socks with my boots were definately in order, as was a scarf, and extra jacket to put over my sweater.  I just do not do well in the cold, especially when it comes in intervals of shock as this morning.  Winter coat soon, maybe? 

From my previous post, I thought it was very interesting to learn that heels existed for so long throughout history.  I honestly did not think that they had such a history, and just saw heels as a necessary fashion accessory.  From Egyptian butchers to Roman actors I must say the idea of heels has definately evolved from more practical uses to being an essential in coordination.  Who knew you could get a work out while looking cute?  Ladies, ever notice the amount of work, and strength it takes to walk in heels, especially when they are new and you have to break them in?  Yes definately a work out.  But the allure and the appeal outweigh the trouble.  Or maybe that's just me.

History of heels

I was a little curious/bored when I decided to Google this topic.  This is what I found.  Pretty interesting I must say.

Some of the earliest pictures of shoes were seen on ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to around 4,000 BC. These were pieces of leather laced onto the feet or sandals made of woven rushes. It is thought that Egyptian butchers would wear a heeled shoe to keep their feet away from the gore involved in their job.


In 200 BC the heel made its way into the world of fashion among Roman actors with the arrival of wood and cork platform soles called kothorni.In the 1600s the heel once again became a practical item as they were added to men's shoes to help keep their feet in stirrups when riding.

1533 saw the first women's heel designed to lengthen the legs. They were most notably worn by Catherine d'Medici for her wedding, at age 14, to make her appear two inches taller. Also around this time Mary Tudor began to wear high heels. Again in the 16th century, a busy time for the development of heels, the kothorni made a reappearance but this time as 24-inch pedestals called chopines, which were popular across Europe.

Later, and named after their inspiration, Louis XIV, the “Louis” heel became popular with both men and women. Some of the shoes owned by Louis XIV had five-inch heels resplendent with miniature battle scenes. In 1793 Marie Antoinette, so fond of her fashion and shoes she is said to have spent the fortunes of France on them, went to her execution wearing two-inch heels. (For the Sophia Coppola film Marie Antoinette, Manolo Blahnik designed over 100 pairs of shoes.)

From the 1850s to the 1950s the heel stayed around and below two inches, but the '50s saw the arrival of screen sirens such Marilyn Monroe and the shoe that encouraged her seductive wiggle, which was the stiletto. The stiletto was invented in Italy and shares its name with a short daggerlike knife. Also in fashion was the kitten heel, which looked much like a miniature stiletto. While the stiletto was the Marilyn of the shoe world, the kitten heel was the Audrey Hepburn.
womensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_history_of_the_heel
http://womensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_history_of_the_heel

In my boots

So I'm walking down the street in a new pair of boots I bought over the summer.  I can't even explain how much I love these boots.  They practically go with almost everything that I wear, and they even make a cute little clicking noise when I walk.  Can you say multifunctional?  That's the name of this game, because if you can't get a good wear out of them, then what's the point in buying them?

How much is too much?

Honestly how much is too much when purchasing shoes?  Sometimes I think that some prices for shoes are way too high.  I mean is there some secret party that goes on when you put your feet in a pair of $3,000 shoes?  Hmmm I am still waiting to discover this theory so in the mean time my limit remains under $100, unless I win the lottery or get a really good job.  I guess the other side of it is you pay for quality, which would also include the different materials used.  If that is the case then I completely understand, but if it is just because of the name/label then its just wrong.  That explains the reason why people purchase knock-offs.

Moccassins

So lately I have been contemplating about moccassins.  I don't yet have a set opinion formed about them only that they seem really comfortable.  I am in college and afterall comfort is a big plus especially when walking from one end of campus to the next.  I am not one to wear sneakers all the time, although I do own a few pairs, but I like variety.  From boots, to sneakers, to sandals I don't wear one shoe all the time.  Mocassins seem like a good choice, because, other than comfort, they can be worn with almost anything.  Just pick a color, find some clothes and head out the door.  Sounds like a good plan to me, but is it enough to make an investment in a pair of these shoes? 

The higher the better

For some odd reason, whenever I wear heels there is a certain height requirement that I firmly stick by: 4 inches or higher.  I know it sounds a little crazy, but I blame my height that was so wonderfully given to me by my parents.  In person, without any vertical enhancements, I am all of 5 feet 3 inches.  Now do not get me wrong, I happen to like my height; short is cute.  It is easier for me to walk through doorways, trains, buses, or anywhere else that may cause some issues for taller folks.  Short is compact.  But there is an inexplainable feeling that happens when I put my heels on, and get ready to head out into the world.  Almost every female knows the feeling I am talking about.  The confidence level is risen, the walk changes, and a brand new attitude takes form.  It seems to me that the higher the heel, the more outward, and inward effect it has on a female.  Normally I would not suggest wearing heels if you have to do an extensive amount of walking, especially if there is no form of comfort.  However, they are perfect for going out with the girls, a date, for work to show a certain kind of professionalism, or if you just feel like putting on a pair of your favorite pumps.  Every now and then I don't mind temporarily adjusting my height, its a nice feeling.  But most of the time, on a regular day to day basis, I enjoy being closer to the ground.

5 things I love

I found it rather difficult to sum all the things I love into a list of 5, but these are the main ones I think about on a daily basis.

1. Shoes
2. Clothes
3.Travel
4. World hunger/poverty
5. Relaxing

Shoes. Where do I begin. Well I realized I had a borderline obsession with shoes when I was in high school. I went to a private school where there was little room for expression. My way of showing my individuality was through my shoes. Although there was a strict rule about the color our shoes had to be, that did not limit my expression. As the years went on there were some changes in taste as well as physical changes, and maturation. Outfits were built around the shoe of choice never the other way around. It was as if the shoe itself brought the outfit to life, bringing a new definition and appeal. The heels became taller, the designs more intricate and bold, and color was limitless. Regardless of physical changes, shoes are the one part of the wardrobe that always fit. Pant size may increase or decrease; shoes fit. Top size may increase or decrease; shoes fit. The first time I saw a pair of shoes I thought to be classic was on a TV show. The exterior was all black, suede I believe, but very simple. What caught my attention was the attractive red coloring on the bottom of the shoe. I was so taken by this because I had never seen such a simple shoe with such personality that called for attention. It represented confidence, class, style, power, and sensuality all in one. I thought to myself, "I will own a pair of these shoes one day." To this day I believe that the all black shoe with the red bottom, in all it's simplicity, is one of the most powerful shoes a woman can wear. No fancy designs and multitudes of color are necessary, just plain black and red. The way I look at it, for everywhere you have to go there is a shoe for each one of those steps to take you there.