Thift in Vic (Or: Spring heels & Smurf's Greatest Hits)

One of my favourite things in the world is thift store shopping. Not because I'm a wannabe hipster who will only wear clothes that have been worn by other people until they're useless (or look like they've been worn by other people, but have actually been destroyed and distressed carefully by the manufacturers, so as to warrant an enormous pricetag), but because of the strange things (and occasional treasures) you will run across.

For example, while visiting my favourite lady, Miss Estee, this weekend, I found myself in a Salvation Army Thrift Store in downtown Victoria. The first thing I noticed was the shoe section, which was right in the front (as it should be), and that was where I saw these eyesores:

Not a huge fan of orange and yellow plaid to begin with, I had to stop and giggle when I saw these. Yes, that is a spring in the heel, and, after testing it thoroughly, I will admit that these are probably quite comfortable, as the spring has a good amount of give. That being said, they are a little difficult to get the hang of right away, as they feel a little like walking on Moon Shoes.

Sitting right next to them were these:

A little too Barbie's stripper limo party for my tastes, though Steve Madden (who typically rocks my world, footwear-wise), I can't really question why their previous owner chose to donate them...

And, in case you're concerned that wearing actual bling around your legs in the rain will cause your adornments to rust, I have just the thing for you!

That's right! Chains and bling printed right on to your rainboots! Genius, no?

I joke, but let's move on. Not everything that people donate is worthless, I actually found a few things that I thought fit more into the treasure category than the "oh-my-goodness-why?" category.

These little pumps would be lovely for work, or a dinner out:

With black tights and a pencil skirt? Super cute! Again, these are Steve Madden, though an example of how he does it right, this time!

I've been seeing a lot of geometric patterns, metallics, and, of course, colour-blocking, so these little flats would be a sweet way to run around town in your favourite jeans, while still looking put together.

And, finally, I have a belt that these would go magnificently with, and how perfect for a night of dancing with the girls? Spicy!

Unforunately, none of my treasures fit, which is the chance you take shopping second-hand. One shot, one size. Sometimes you win, sometimes you take photos.

I did, however find something that was a definite one-size-fits-all: a full selection of Smurf vinyls. If only I had a turntable...

Stretch your shoes with ice!

MichellePhan, you are a genius!

Check out her video on how to stretch your shoes with ice. So clever!

Personally, I've never used this method, have you? Let me know how it worked for you!

Michelle Phan also has lots of beautiful makeup tutorials, and some really cool costume makeup tutorials, make sure to check out her other videos!

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?

2013, here we are!

We made it! 2013 is off to a great start!

I got to spend midnight at a party with my man and a bunch of his friends (some of whom are my friends as well!) and sadly, as it was a house party, I was unable to wear the amazing heels I had bought for the occasion. Take a look at these lovelies:

They're by Anne Michelle, and the style is called Assassin. And they went perfectly with my black peplumed, cut to my bellybutton, meshed out New Years dress. Oh, woe.

Ah well, I'm sure they'll get their day in the sun. There are plenty of excuses to wear killer heels. Like a Tuesday.

Happy 2013, everyone! I hope this year is extraordinary for us all!

Goodbye 2012, it's been a slice!

Well, we've made it... Nearly. Just a few hours to go!

I'm all ready to tear the night apart! I'm headed to help a friend set up her party, and then attend another with my man. I'll show you the shoes tomorrow!

Here I am:

I hope that everyone has a great new years and I can't wait to see what 2013 has to hold for us. It's going to be a fantastic year full of opportunities. Sky's the limit, my darlings!

Hope your evening sparkles!

Walking in a winter wonderland

This past Friday, I took a little trip with my man to Whistler, land of winter and snowflakes.

It was so lovely! I took a bus up and spent the night the Summit Lodge and Spa, had a lovely dinner at 21 Steps, and then got to wander the village and relax, all with my charming boyfriend, Milos.

Being the shoe-aholic that I am, I, of course, was in heels for dinner. One of my favourite things is when Milos and I get all dressed up and go out together, so I was not going to waste an opportunity because of the cold. So, with a wool overcoat and a velvet scarf over my lacey dress and tights, I popped on a pair of Vera Wang stilettos and stepped out into the snow.

They're a little hard to see in this photo, but those are suede, and strappy with open-toes. Not necessarily the cleverest choice to go tromping through the snow, but I made it work. The platforms kept me high enough off the ground to get wet, and the dry snow didn't stick. It was a chilly stroll, though!

I probably won't be attempting open-toes in the snow again in the near future... At least not unless there's a vehicle involved!

The rest of the trip was spent in my knee-high black boots, a much more winter-friendly choice, with their fuzzy lining and unexpected waterproof exterior (I was pleasantly surprised by my bone-dry toes after 90 minutes of kicking through fresh powder).

Overall, it was a sublime weekend, and got me very much in the Christmas spirit. So much so, in fact, that I spent all day Sunday baking Christmas goodies with my best friend, Estee.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

23? Done for me. 24? Time for more!

Today, I am another year older.

Not that that really changes all that much in the grand scheme of things, but it's worth noting.

Or, at least I think so.

It's been a lovely day so far, I saw my Mum this morning, got some beautiful flowers from my Daddy, and a gorgeous bracelet from my man, followed by dinner with his family.

Tomorrow night, I'll put on some tall heels and a pretty dress and celebrate with my some of my favourite friends, and on Sunday, I'll see my family. Overall, pretty stellar!

Now, I think that one's birthday is a prime time to reflect, take stock of the last year, and come up with some goals for the next year. New year resolutions, as opposed to the traditional New Year's resolutions that tend to appear on everyone's Facebook feed on January 1st.

So, looking back on the year, I feel accomplished. Not only has my shoe collection grown, but I feel like I have too. I've gained some life experience, perspective and some fabulous people. I met the love of my life this year, as well as my best friend (two different people, to clarify, and I love and adore them both!). I've travelled, shopped, revamped, decluttered, and rebuilt my life. 23 has been very good to me.

And now, 24, is a clean slate, full of possibilities. I can tell already that it's going to be full of love, laughter and adventure, but there are some things I want to accomplish this year, beyond enjoying every second.

24 is going to be a creative year. Lots of projects (I won't give them away just yet...). I've been steadily becoming more domestic in the last few months, and part of that is bringing my sewing machine out of hibernation. For you guys, this also means that I'm going to work harder to make sure that reading What's On My Feet never gets boring!

Not that it ever would be.

So, there are going to be many adventures coming, and stories, trends, photos and many, many posts to follow.

Thanks to everyone who reads me here. It's so much more fun to write knowing that you enjoy reading!

Here's to another year together!