Cause it's too cold to go outside and do it. (Or: My online habit)

Well, now that all the excitement of the holidays is over, it's time to get back to the real world.

I had my last day of rest on Tuesday and then the rest of this week was about getting back into the pattern of being back at work (my office is closed for 10 days over Christmas and New Years), and trying to right my sleep pattern. So far, it's been a bit of a losing battle...

But, what better way to pass the time when you're playing the insomniac than to go online window shopping and see what things I could happily have in exchange for maxing out my credit cards.

I'm a bit of a vintage freak, so I like to check out Ebay, because you never know what you'll find (I can look through results for "vintage louboutin" for days). And, while I love vintage styles and details, I don't necessarily need to buy actual vintage shoes, as they're often in rough condition and incredibly narrow, which doesn't suit my feet at all. But, the good news is, by searching for vintage shoes 7 (which is generally my size), I will also get new pieces that are vintage inspired.

For example, I think these are beautiful:

And they're brand new! You can see them (and purchase) here.

I also like to play on betseyjohnson.com, pinupgirlclothing.com, and beyondtherack.com (which is actually where I picked up my newest shoe rack, so it's good for more than clothing).

There are always good deals to be had, and things to drool over!

Plus, anything droolworthy that I see, is yet another thing I get to share with you!

What are your favourite online shoe sources?

Mix or match?

There are a lot of interesting flats out and about in stores right now. I think they're darling. Especially these little charmers I picked up in New York (of course):

Just a little Missoni knit to brighten your day! They aren't real (unfortunately), but adorable none-the-less.

We're also seeing lots of bright colours (remember my bright blue tassels?) and details (cap-toes, fabric, studding, etc, etc, etc), and the big dilemma becomes: mix or match?

Do you mix patterns, colours, metallics, brights, fabrics, or let the statement stand alone?

And the answer is: it's really up to you. 

Depending on the day, I will do both. Today, I'm wearing those lovely little cobalt tassels, but the rest of my outfit is neutral (actually, black, to be honest), so that those shoes are my statement piece, and they get the spotlight (it's working, too, I've had three compliments on them, already, and I've worn them to my office already). But, I've also worn the Missoni knit flats with a bright cobalt polka-dot shirt (I'm just realising that that is a lot of cobalt for one paragraph), mixing patterns, quite boldly.

If you're going to mix colours, try to stick with two brights, max. Do bright shoes with a bright dress, and then black tights, or bright tights with bright shoes and neutral clothes. Some people can get away with three (I remember nights where I would be in a bright skirt, bright tights, and bright shoes of all different hues), but, especially if you're not used to colour-blocking, play it a little safe. At least to start.

As for patterns, if both are multi-coloured and obvious, keep them as far from each other as possible. For example, you'll look more fashionista with a bold patterned shirt and bold patterned shoes, but if you wear a bold patterned dress, shoes, belt, and tights, you may look more like you got dressed high on acid. And these aren't the kinds of things one wants to broadcast.

If you want to mix patterns closer together, look for pieces that are tone-on-tone, or softer colours and that the patterns lend more texture to, for example: tweeds, flocking, meshwork. Keep it subtle, and you can mix all sorts of patterns!

Metallics are neutrals, so you can do whatever you want when it comes to mixing them. Don't be shy!

Except maybe this:

So, you really can mix or match, to your heart's content! As always, go with your gut, as to what you're comfortable with, but have fun with it! Who says that because the winter weather is dull that your look has to be?

Hurricane Shopping

I've returned, once again, from New York. Ah, New York, shopping mecca of North America, fountain of life for my sizeable closet! My second home.

It was, as always, a whirlwind trip, a hurricane of retail insanity, if you will (too soon?).

And, of course, there were shoes.

The plane ride was spent doing some much needed research in InStyle, and I have a few quick gems to share (pick up the issue if you have a chance, there's some good stuff in there, footwear and otherwise!) before I get on with my stories!

Just a couple of cute things!

After a good nap and some page flipping, we had arrived! Then it was off to the hotel, then straight out to shop. And we didn't stop for three days.

At one point during this spree, my mum spied these in the window of New York Look:

Naturally, we popped in for a closer look. And, that was when I found something glorious!

Beautiful, no? Ok, I admit it, I was afraid to look at the price tag. The floral booties were $218, these had to be around $500, right? Wrong! They were $96! That's just all sorts of right. And, my amazing mummy offered to purchase them as an early Christmas present!

So, the only possible outcome was:

Floral booties for mum, and purple tweed for me! How divine!

Of course, I picked up a few more pair through the rest of the trip, but I'm not going to give the whole game away just yet.

Although, to my previous point about tuxedo slippers and androgyny, I did pick of these pals:

Blue, tassels, tuxedo? How can you go wrong!

And, I tried on the closet thing I'll ever wear to tacky New York tourist souvenirs:

Which I think are actually rather adorable. Irregular Choice. But then, who else could pull off putting the New York skyline on a pump?

Sadly, Tuesday came all too soon (though I was glad to come home, as I was missing my man and my kitty!) and it was time to pack up and fly away!

I think that that last photo is evidence of just how successful a trip this was! Eight pieces of newly-filled luggage later...

A very different kind of monkey feet...

 

 

These appeared in my shoe calendar on the day we left for New York.

 

I thought that was slightly applicable.

 



Monkey feet (or: the lesser of two evils)

New York story the first: the monkey feet.

As I told you, my mum had been having trouble with her orthotics, and was wearing them in a pair of those Sketchers Shape-Ups (which are pretty much the reason she fell last trip, the soles of those things can be precarious...). She was suffering from cruel and unusual punishment, walking on them 10-12 hours daily, and had had enough.

So, while I was shopping for snuggly sweaters for my man, she snuck into the shoe section and attempted to find something sensible (read: comfy, but inevitably ugly as hell). She found a pair of really awful fleece-lined clogs, a pair of less awful pseudo-Mary Janes in tan leather, and a pair of horrific Fila toe-shoes in baby blue.

Thankfully, the clogs for vetoed, the toe-shoes didn't fit and the Mary Janes made the cut. They worked spendidly... until the next day, when the blisters kicked in.

Slightly enamoured with the toe-shoes (which I had not-so-lovingly dubbed "monkey feet"), she struck out in search of a pair that did fit, and we found them, in Soho. Adidas, this time, which I suppose is a little better...

 

Once we had located the things, we went through a very round-about process of men's sizes masquerading as women's sizes and finally, my mum found the ones that fit her tootsies...

 

And, her feet breathed a sigh of relief, while I promised that I "wouldn't not be seen with her" while she was wearing them.

 

I tried them on, too, a purely academic exercise. I'm not above doing unpleasant research to please my readers.  

 

Verdict? They're weird. I used to wear toe-socks when I was about 12, and these were a lot like those, but more sturdy. I won't be rushing out to buy them anytime soon, but my mum swears they were the most comfy thing she's ever put on her feet. So, there you go... If you're going camping, marathon walking, or need to walk several miles everyday on pavement, these may be for you.

I would most likely hate them less if they were black, or some less-conspicuous colour...

I guess these aren't so offensive... No, forget it, I hate them.

Also, my absolute worst nightmare embodied in footwear was realised during this trip. We were shopping in the massive dollar store, and stumbled upon these:

Not only are they monkey feet, but they're Crocs. Worse, they're foam Crocs from a dollar store. I shudder just looking at them.

One day in the very near future, I will write a post (read:rant) detailing exactly why I despise Crocs (and their wintertime partners-in-fashion-crime, Uggs), but for now, let me just say this: they should be outlawed.

The only redeeming quality about these is that they're childrenswear. Children can get away with wearing the most horrific things and they're still cute. I will admit there was one day where I put on a plaid dress and a pair of bright polka-dot socks, thinking they went together because they were both patterned. Give me a break, I was three.

Not quite like this, but I'll go with it. Think smaller, louder, and more multi-coloured.

Always practice safe... shoe?

Now that sex ed is starting to open up past abstinence a little (no pun intended), and condoms are passed out by the bucketful at every free clinic, no one has any excuse not to know that safe sex is a must. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go to YouTube right now, and search Sue Johanson. She'll teach you everything you need to know.

Any lady who makes friends with hookers and has what it takes to do that on stage, is a friend of mine. She also happens to be a speaker for the agency I work for. Check her out here.

So, now that you all have pocketfuls of condoms and pamphlets, I would like to show you a very different kind of condom, Heel Condoms!

I came upon these gems when I was in New York with my mum in May. They actually come in two styles, condoms and panties (is it wrong that I love the shock value of being able to tell that girl that fawns over your feet that they're "condoms"?).

This is a condom:

They slip over the heel of your shoe, and turn a pair of plain blue stilettos into a masterpiece. These are my favourites, with the feather, but there are lots of different styles. Check them out here.

There are also "panties" and they look like this:

These don't cover the heel, just the back of the shoe. You can check them out here.

Shoe accesories are underrated, in my books. There's plenty to be said for buying statement shoes, but, if you think back to my post about a basic shoe wardrobe, think of the possibilites of expanding those basics with a few accesories.

Especially if you're not in the financial market to buy 1,000 pairs of Louboutins, it's much easier to make a statement or ten with a pair of black heels, a pair of bright heels and a few sets of these.

Plus, if you're a jet setter like I am, this makes your packing much lighter, and your wardrobe much more diverse. I'll be headed to New York again a week from Saturday for Fashion's Night Out, and now I can use the same pair of patent black heels for dinner before a Broadway show and to go drink champagne and rub elbows with Oscar de la Renta (last year I had the pleasure of listening to him sing with a band in his boutique while standing next to Barbara Walters. Literally, rubbing elbows with the elite).

And, retailing for around $50.00 each, it's a small price to pay for fabulousness.

I'll be sporting these babies for sure:

The circle of sandal

Something divine has happened.

I found new indestructable flip-flops. Pink ones this time!

These things always come from the most unexpected places... These guys are from Shoppers Drug Mart (weird, I know) and were a grand total of $4.00.

It's ridiculous.

And, these ones should last longer than their blue counterparts, as they are made from rubber rather than foam, so they'll be harder to walk through.

Here is the circle of sandal-life, for your viewing pleasure!

I also have a horrifying flip-flop tan, despite my best efforts to wear different shaped sandals. Alas...

It's been a really busy summer for me, so, as you can see, I haven't been posting as much as I should be.

Two trips to Vegas, lots of parties and a new boyfriend will do that to a girl.

Not to mention New York coming up in two weeks.

Pray for my credit cards.

Prison and The Big Apple

This weekend, I went to prison.

Ok, I don't mean it the way it sounds, but at least the shock value was there. My partner in crime and I hosted a party at our house on Saturday night that was prison-themed. We dressed as cops and policed the evening, while our guests came dressed as criminals and debaucherized until dawn.

I looked a little something like this:

And, of course, there was some delicious footwear involved! These bad boys are Vera Wang, and I have them in a slate blue as well:

Yummy, no? And with some wild fishnets? Let's just say those legs went for miles.

Overall, it was a great weekend.

Sunday was spent in my indestructible flip-flops, lying in the sun in the park near my house. It was delightful. I really feel like summer has arrived, and hopefully it will stick around for a good while!

Cause, really, all those bright summer shoes would look so much better against a tan...

Also! I'm headed to New York with my mum on Thursday night, so I'll be MIA for a while. That being said, I promise to have lots of stories, and photos, to share with you upon my return!

Staying on track.

Once upon a time, I refused to attach the term "New Year's resolution" to anything that I actually wanted to accomplish. Buy fewer shoes? Sure, that can go on that list, because, the second that it does, I know it will never happen. In fact, if I resolve to buy fewer shoes under such circumstances, I'll almost certainly have 12 new pairs by Valentine's Day.

Such is not the case any longer, though I still prefer to make "new year resolutions" on my birthday, rather than "New Year's resolutions" on January 1st, because they're more personal and I feel less like another hopeful who will start out attempting to run 15 miles a day and end up ordering greasy Chinese food from the take-out place up the street and demand that they deliver because one simply cannot leave the house with a waistline in such a state. 

All that being said, setting goals any day of the year is good practice, and you're actually far more likely to succeed if you make a point of writing them down. Which is why I told you all mine, way back in January. 

If you recall, my New Year's resolution was nothing quantitative, but qualitative. More exercise, more fruits and vegetables, spending less money on eating out, and spending more time making healthy meals. In short, healthy. 

And, I'm very, very pleased to say that I'm keeping on it! Nearly two months into the year, and I've been walking to and from work everyday (though I've given up on the idea of wearing running shoes in favour of my trusty rainboots, due to my severe lack of faith in the ever-changing Vancouver weather... and they're way cuter), swimming lengths with a lovely friend from work once a week, and, after having a fantastic bicycle ride with my brother on the weekend, have decided that it should be a weekly affair as well. 

On the food front, things have been delicious, nutritious and inexpensive, so we're doing well there too! And, the inexpensive part means that I was able to pick these up, guilt-free:

Vera Wang perfection! I also have the same shoe in flesh pink:

Delish, no?

And, when paired with my new bright pencil skirts (which look awesome on my newly healthified bod!) either pair look simply divine!

They also look fabulous with stovepipe jeans.

In other news, I think there's a gremlin in my basement... I'm missing three different boots, and one pair of heels. He's probably responsible for all the holes in my tights, too. Curses.

When you find a pair you love...

There is absolutely something to be said for buying multiples when you find something you love. In a fashion world where there are so many body shapes, and so many companies trying to accommodate them all, I have a rule of thumb.

When you find something you love (and I mean really love), buy it in every colour. Heck, buy two in every colour, if you can see yourself wearing it almost every day. 

The same goes for shoes. These are the magenta counterparts to the blue heels I was wearing the other day when I was writing Highheelaphobia.

As you can see, they're every bit as stunning as the royal blue ones, and at $15 a pair, I couldn't resist!

The other perk of having the same shoes in different colours is that you can wear one of each. How smashingly colour blocked would it be to wear one of each shoe and then a dress of another colour?

Fabulous. 

Highheelaphobia.

We all have that friend who looks at our shoes and gawks a little. She's can't believe that you wear those, don't your feet die?!

But, this is a totally unnecessary phobia! Anyone can wear big heels, it's just a matter of practice.

To illustrate, I'm currently wearing these:

And, yes, that's a 5 1/2 inch heel. 

But, I've been wearing them for 8 1/2 hours, and my feet haven't fallen off yet! 

There are a few reasons, I'll admit, but, first, a little background about these darlings!

I got them from Necessary Clothing, in New York (where else?), and I have them in magenta as well. 

Necessary Clothing has the world's weirdest shoe system. My mum and I were both trying on shoes that day (they had amazing deals, these were $15 each), and they would only bring us one shoe at a time. 

Yes, that's right, I didn't get to put on both shoes at the same time until I had bought them. And, to make matters worse, their shoe storage was downstairs from the sales floor, so the poor sales girl had to run downstairs, grab a shoe, run back upstairs, wait for us to try that shoe on, then take it, run back downstairs, grab the other shoes and run back upstairs with that one. For each pair. 

And, if you know anything about me yet, you can probably guess that we tried on just about every pair they had.

But, now that you're in shock at the insanity of that system, and shaking in your (flat) boots at the height of that heel, let me remind you that these lovely little treats are friendly, as long as they're treated well, and respected. 

Personally, I subscribe to the New York professional shoe method. I hardly ever wear my fancy shoes outside. This keeps the soles from being worn down too quickly, and they stay dry, so the upper doesn't get ruined either. The other reason is because I do not trust the weather in Vancouver. Especially at this time of year. So, if I'm going to work, or a houseparty where I'm able to keep my shoes on, I pack my shoes in my handy-dandy shoe bag (which was a cosmetic gift with purchase, so nothing too fancy) and puddle jump all the way there in my rainboots. 

I also walk to work, so 45 minutes in either direction would easily destroy not only my shoes, but my feet. If you're going to be walking for a million years, giant heels are probably not going to be a good idea. 

This also speaks to the idea of having cute transition footwear. In New York, everyone packs their shoes and wears running shoes to and from work. I think that athletic running shoes belong in a gym, or on someone who is actually running, but there are so many cute options as far as supportive street shoes go. Try to find something that won't make you look like you pulled them on in the dark. Black is probably best, as it's the more versatile. 

Secondly, I have a set of gel insoles that I wear in my heels. Sometimes, wearing the gel pads is hard because it makes the toe of the shoe too tight, so watch for that, but for the most part, they really help. 

Lastly, when you're buying shoes like these, look for something with a significant platform on the toe. Mine have about a 1 inch platform, meaning that, while they make my legs looks 5 1/2 inches longer, I'm only standing on a 4 1/2 inch heel, which is much easier to make friends with. It's also worth putting them on and walking around the store while you do the rest of your browsing. Chances are, if they start to hurt in the ten minutes they've been on your feet, they're not the shoes for you. 

Now, I will admit that wearing giant heels all day is not for everyone. If you work on your feet all day, I would not recommend wearing a 5 1/2" stiletto. I've worked in grocery stores, clothing stores and restaurants, and will openly admit that it's suicide. But, that doesn't mean that you can't have fun with your toes! Again, this is a time when practical shoes are an asset. This doesn't mean you need to wear those beat up running shoes, though! Look for something stylish and comfortable (they do exist, you know!) and you'll find that you not only look more polished, you'll feel more confident!

Now, if only there was a secret to being able to dance on skyscrapers all night! 

Magic rainboots

Call me crazy, but I have magic rainboots. They control the weather. Cool, right?

The problem is that they're mischievous, (little bastards) and are bent of making me look stupid.

Ok, now I do sound crazy. Let me explain.

If I put on my rainboots in the morning, and look outside and it's not raining, but it looks like it's planning to, it won't rain (result=Katy looks stupid for walking around in the sun with rainboots on). On the flip-side, if I look out the window on the same day and decide to risk it and wear any other kind of shoes, it will, without fail, rain (result=Katy looks slightly less stupid, but stupid nonetheless for running around in the rain in open-toed stilettos).

Sneaky, no?

Who would have thought that 20$ Walmart rainboots would have such an effect on the universe. Now I know how those kids felt when they put the hat on Frosty...

Man, busy makes it hard to blog.

Hello, my darlings!! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I know it's been awhile!!

But! I have stories to tell you. Promise!!!

Ok, where did I leave you off....? Right! I was working at Vorum and trying to make the best of the summer while still wearing fabulous footwear.

What has happened in the meantime? Ohhh, sooo mucchhh!

Let's go chronologically:

Labour day weekend, we went to Nola! (New Orleans for those who don't know) and practically lived in my indestrucible flipflops (as always). Actually, by the time that the real fall weather hit, I had a pretty impressive tanline...

Anyways, after that, I continued working at Vorum for awhile, and we were told that we were going to get AMAZING custom boots from our partner in the UK and I picked THESE beauties:

They're forest green suede, and black patent. Yum, no?

You can check them out on the website too! Anyways, this whole process involved getting my feet scanned so that custom lasts could be made, so that custom shoes could be made! Neat, huh?

Anyways, moving on! I've since left my job at Vorum, although I'm still getting my boots ;), and am working at a new company called National Speakers Bureau/Contemporary Communications, as an office administrator/accountant of sorts... So far, so good!

But I'm getting ahead of myself. I've also been to the Vancouver Museum to see a shoe EXHIBIT with my mum! Check out the flyer, as found on a lamppost:

Those gorgeous stained-glass leather boots are Fluevogs, and he was one of Vancouver's FIRST fantastic shoe-designers. Now, he has a cult-following. Anyways, it was an amazing exhibit, and ran through all the history of Fox & Fluevog as designers and as a company. Neat stuff if you ask me! This was my favourite sign:

Truth, sir, truth.

Ugly flip-flops

Ok, so remember in my post-pedi rant, I was talking about how every girl should have a pair of flip-flops? Well, these are my current pair:
As you can see, my beautiful pedi is LOOONNGGG gone, and I've been to the beach a few times this summer... Well, and Vegas. Lots of tanning going on (I promise, this is the last year that I laze about in the sun, walking that fine line between gloriously golden and, as we've lovingly dubbed the shade of pink our good friend Seanie turns in the sun, cotton candy pink. Well, until I change my mind next year.).

Anyways, these BEAUTS (I actually think they're some of the ugliest shoes I own...) came into my life the morning after a pool party we went to out at a friend's place in Cloverdale. Of course, being the ridiculous glamazon that I am, heels were worn (you'll see them soon, I promise). Yes, yes, I wore heels to a pool party, don't judge, just be jealous. Continuing on! The next morning, my DARLING friend Miss Annie and I went out to Metrotown to do a little shopping, and I decided that flipflops were in order! So, we went to a dollar store (of all places to buy shoes, I knowwww!!) and these guys were stuck in a shelf somewhere obscure (I think they were with the birthday crowns and Disney princess plates. It doesn't make sense to me either) and when I scooped them up and put them on my feet, they were just my size! 30 seconds after I had de-tagged them and stowed my heels, we walked around the corner to see a HUGE wall of flipflops just like them, but these ones are lucky. I think.

Well, that was a frightfully convoluted story, but here's the scoop on my flippy-floppies. They're made out of the same material as Crocs (ew, I hate Crocs) so, they're SUPER comfy. In fact, they're the BEST shoes to slip into after a LONG night of dancing (read: drinking) cause they also have killer arch support and massage your poor lil tootsies while you walk. I'm the kinda girl who dances to the point that she can't walk the next morning, and these guys have saved me. Often.

And, for 2$, how can you lose? ;)

Welcome!

Hello All,

Welcome to What's On My Feet!!

The blog is pretty much going to consist of a photo of whatever shoes I'm wearing that day, and some kind of blurb about them...

So, enjoy!!!

These are generally my work shoes.