Art You Can Wear

Maybe I'm just a bit of a snob (okay, probably I'm being a bit of a snob) but I can't help to feel that anyone that doesn't see the beauty in these Nicholas Kirkwood sandals...

...is likely an open mouth breathing cretin who goes to art galleries only to exclaim, "I don't get it, my FIVE YEAR OLD could do that!" upon seeing Pablo Picasso's Summer Bouquet.

While not explicitly inspired by Picasso's line drawings (as far as I know, I've not asked the designer, surprisingly Kirkwood does not show up on my speed dial, Dominos does though), Nicholas Kirkwood has designed shoes in the past based on the art of Keith Haring. I quite like this trend, how about you?

Oh, and no, your five year old probably could not design these shoes. Though I'm sure s/he is a genius.

Green with Envy

Back in the 1976 (aka before Katie was born), Kermit learned that being green can be pretty fabulous; it's beautiful.


You know what Kermit? I think green is what I want to be too. Especially if I can be green with 100mm Valentino patent pointy pumps.

If worried about blending in, I'd set the green against a bright and light color like Nicholas Kirkwood did with these ankle strap pumps.

Manolo Blahnik makes it very easy to want to be green in a low heeled Mary Jane Pump.  I know sometimes being green is harder in a high heel, so here we have easier green.

And while not Kermit's particular shade of green, Prada, B Brian Atwood and Semilla (shown left to right) all have great options in very vibrant colors.

But green's the color of Spring
And green can be cool and friendly-like
And green can be big like an ocean
Or important like a mountain
Or tall like a tree
~Kermit the Frog 

Vampires v. Werewolves v. Shoes

So, I'm a little too old for the Twilight Franchise, a little too HBO-less for True Blood, and I can't get into Anne Rice or the Charlaine Harris novels for that matter.  And that's not to say I don't enjoy novels that are light and silly, it's not all Edith Wharton up in here.  I even like werewolves (see Remus Lupin, Michael J. Fox, Oz...) and I'm okay with some vamps (The Count, Spike, Jack Bauer...).  Anyway, although I may not be the target demographic for Vampires v. Werewolves that's not to say I can't appreciate shoes that look like they should be worn by monsters.

source

I KNOW RIGHT?!  Anyway, you must go to the United Nude blog post to read about these, maybe if we all ask pretty please they'll make a limited edition... A limited edition I can't afford anyway.  But, I'll be happy to know that a few pair are out there on other people's feet, causing folks to point and smile.  Besides, my dogs might try to pick a fight with these shoes.

Are you ready for some football?

What?  They're sorta shoes.

You will experience déjà vu

You will experience déjà vu.

HA! When I was around 7 or so I remember an evening of watching The Karate Kid on VHS with my two best friends and chewing Bazooka Joe gum. The title and first line of this post were my fortune. At 7 it was possibly the funniest thing I've ever read and I still remember it and giggle to this day.

Onwards to the déjà vu.

In the Spring/Summer 2008 Prada collection these heels with the sculpted floral heel were hugely popular.

I love the heel, but I must admit, the rest of the shoe, meh.  I don't particularly like that style of open toe shoe.  I don't typically mind a peep toe (though I'll admit I hate the constant pressure of having a perfect pedicure and I have been known on occasion to fake it by only keeping the piggy that went to the market and the piggy that stayed home perfectly done) but open toes just feel incomplete.  I'm weird.

Fast forward to 2012 and Valentino has a flower heel.

Oh, irony, you fickle mistress.  I love this shoe (a nude point toe pump?  yes please!), but the rose heel is hideous.  If only I could get the original prada heel on the nude pump I'd be in heaven.  But alas, it is not meant to be for me.

Going Red for Women

Today is Wear Red Day, a reminder to women that heart disease is our number one killer.



Elizabeth Banks is so my lady crush. In my fantasies we go to cafes together for lunch, sit outside, and make fun of each other using our best potty words.

I digress.  Macy's has gone red for women by offering a 20% off sale by wearing red for women at any of their participating stores.  To get you started, here are some red shoes you can find at Macy's:

1.  Ellen Tracy Carlton Pumps
2.  MICHAEL Michael Kors Mid Flex Pumps
3.  Nine West BeeOut Wedges
4.  Caparros Zsa Zsa Peep Toe Pumps
5.  Nina Evelixa Evening Pumps

And for those of us who aspire greater things than Macy's offers, the YSL Tribtoo Suede Pumps in red (get 'em before Christian Louboutin gets them on a retrial!):

Stay healthy ladies!

Orthopaedics for the Pole

Tell me I'm not the only one that sees these:

Gianmarco Lorenzi

and thinks they're a stripper version of these:

Dr. Scholl's

No?  Just me then.

What in the name of Sir Isaac H. Newton happened here?

Like all children of the 80s, my nostalgia runs deep.  My generation had the best movies, the best cartoons, and the best promotional giveaways.  Why wouldn't fashion look for inspiration in my childhood.

It looks like Brian Atwood took direct 80s inspiration with these Alima Neon Patent Leather Pumps.

In fact, they remind of being 8 years old, at Pizza Hut, Huey Lewis and the News playing on the jukebox (quarters begged from parents), with my two best friends getting our free personal pan pizzas for being such voracious readers.

Good luck getting that one out of your head darlin'!

Anyway, I remember two Pizza Hut movie giveaways that threw me into a tizzy as a child, the plastic Land Before Time puppets (that bastard Don Bluth always made me cry at his movies) and the Solar Shades to promote Back to the Future II.

 

Can we get a side by side comparison?

That's the power of love.

Tell us what you really want

Some women prefer to be subtle in their sexuality.  A shy smile.  Eye contact.  A kiss at the door at the end of the first date.



Mr. Louboutin does not design for those women.

Christian Louboutin Sex 120

Considering most men, I really think this is the one thing they don't need spelled out for them.

Katie Likes Stationery: Lanvin

I love Lanvin; not least of all because I think Alber Elbaz is absolutely adorable.  And, as we all know, I love stationery.

But I dunno, I've always felt Lanvin's paper goods were a bit twee.  Which, granted, is fine if that's your style aesthetic.  But for me, I hate cupcakes (I also hate full sized cake); if all the rain drops were lemon drops and gum drops, well then we'd have a drought wouldn't we; I prefer Clooney to Joseph Gordon-Levitt; and I would neither ironically or sincerely wear a tiara.  It's simply not my bag.

Too Twee for Me:  JGL in GQ, Tiaras at the Louis Vuitton runway show,
Martha Stewart Chrysanthemum Cupcakes, gum drops and lemon drops

So, while the price tag of $115.00 slightly annoys me, I know quality stationery can run that high (usually because you having it engraved with your name or initials but I'm just being nitpicky), I can't imagine ever having this adorn my desk.

Plus, who sends notes in colored pencil anyway?

Point and match.

Anyway, for the more acerbic of us, Lanvin does offer a plain hardcover fabric bound notebook...

...for $90.00.  Hey, it's cheaper than Smythson!

When Not to Be Like Katie

I do certain things incredibly well, and if a person wanted to emulate these things, I'd be all for it.  I'm a superb driver; always use my blinkers!  I chop wood in the back yard like Paul Bunyan (though I'm sure I sound more like Monica Seles).  Also, there is none out there that can unjam a paper jam with the speed, dexterity, and creative language like I do.

But then other times...

Back when I was in Las Vegas, I did something I'm not proud of, something that should in fact stay in Vegas.

It started, like most bad decisions, with wine.  It's not my fault that the restaurant we went to served free house wine with your meal.  I was not expecting that!

Already a little buzzed from more than my fair share of wine, our group headed to Fremont Street to continue our drinking.  The lone gent that forgot to bring cash to the restaurant bought everyone a round to make up for it, so continue I did with a Gin and Tonic.  After that, my best friend came back with a beer for me and Mr. Tolerates Shoes.  After a bit of woefully embarrassing white girl dancing (Mr. Tolerates Shoes and the other 3 gentlemen in our party wisely sat it out, I imagine they discussed things like sports and video games, I'll never know) we all split some cabs back to the strip and ended up at Gilley's because there was no line or cover.  I do not remember how many beers I had there, but I do remember drinking "one more because no one else wants it."  Gilley's is at Treasure Island on the northern end of the strip, I was staying at the very southern end at Mandalay Bay, 2.3 miles between the two.

Thus starts Katie's stupid decision.  In order to sober up a bit, I figured it would help to walk a little ways down the strip before getting a cab from another casino.  I was wearing heels, but I figured a bit of air would do me some good and I was in the mood to walk down the strip to enjoy all the obnoxious lights (which are far less obnoxious and much more magical at my level of intoxication).

Then it became a game.  How much further can I walk?  2.3 miles isn't even that far.  I can save money, sober up and burn the alcohol calories if we just keep walking, but oh, first I want to stop in The Mirage, Excalibur, New York, New York.  Two hours later I got home, ready to saw off my feet in pain.

Don't be like Katie.  Be like Oprah.

Tieks by Gavrieli

There is no shame, NONE, in flats.

But seriously folks, remember to use your blinker.

Don't Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth

Today's high in my neck of the woods is going to be about 65 degrees Fahrenheit.  It may be kinda overcast, but hell, I'll take it.

In gratitude, today I'm happy I'm NOT visiting the Weisman Art Museum on the campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis where it's a bitter 16 degrees currently.

The current main building was completed by architect Frank Gehry in 1993.  Sadly, I cannot  afford Frank Gehry for Tiffany.

Only $9,250, if you're looking for a birthday present for me.

But, I do have these United Nude Lo Res Pumps that have a similar feel without completely breaking my bank.

Well, I think I will take advantage of this lovely weather and wash my dog.  A life of glamor, mine.

Where Is Katie Wishing She Was Now?

Some hints:

• Temperatures will be in the 80s there this week (Fahrenheit)
• 4th largest city in the world
• Five of the Fortune 500 Global Companies are located here
• You may know it as the home of Bollywood.

That's right, today I'm day dreaming about a trip to Mumbai, India.

Walking around Mumbai you may notice an amazing luxury apartment complex, the Kanchanjunga Apartments, built by famed Indian Architect, Charles Correa.

In order to take advantage of the sea breezes, buildings in Mumbai are built facing the east.  To avoid the harsh monsoon rains and the heat from the sun, residences are generally built bungalow style with a veranda built around the living areas protecting them from the weather.  Correa built into his apartments, several deep open air garden verandas, the living space inside was elevated above each veranda, and such stacking aided the building in climate control and shielded the residents from the harsh elements.  In other words, it wasn't just built to look like a game of Jenga in progress for aesthetic purposes.

Unlike the Kanchanjunga Apartments, these Prefab Platform heels from Ruthie Davis serve no greater purpose than to look awesome.

This is exactly what I'd wear while going to see the newest release from Bollywood.

Can't Have Too Much of a Good Thing

It's a glorious 79 degrees Fahrenheit in Singapore today.

In Southeast Asia the Durian is known as the King of the Fruits. 

It's thorny exterior so matches the exterior of The Esplanade theatre that locals in Singapore call the theatre the Big Durian.

It's a bit rainy in Singapore today.  January is still part of the monsoon season.  I wouldn't recommend sandals or open toes, but if you're going to go see I Have a Date With Spring at the Esplanade outdoor theatre venue, perhaps these Roza pumps from Sam Edelman will fit the bill.

Be sure to take an umbrella!

More World Travels

It's still winter and it's still rainy here at Katie Likes Shoes Central.  Instead of accepting this I will close my eyes and think of sunnier, warmer places.  Like Sydney, Australia.  As I type this, it is 72 degrees Fahrenheit in Sydney.

Of course, you cannot mention Sydney without immediately thinking of the Opera House, possibly the most recognizable building in the world.

The Danish architect, Jørn Utzon, won an international competition in 1957 with his entry for the opera house.

Naturally, you would think referencing a famous Dane would be my cue to show a shoe from Camilla Skovgaard, but HAH, you'd be wrong poindexter.

No, the beautiful curves of the Sydney Opera House reminds me of the Origami Low Boots from Alejandro Ingelmo, in fact you might remembering seeing them in black and gold before on this blog.  But, with 72 degree weather I'm going for the peep toe.

Well, back to relentlessly craving for me.

Wanderlust

Every once in awhile, usually in winter, I am bitten by the travel bug.  I spend hours daydreaming extravagant trips I'll never be able to afford.  Right now, I'm dreaming of Kuala Lumpur.  The KL annual floral festival just started and it's 79 degrees there today.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

In 79 degree weather I could wear sandals.  In fact I could MATCH my sandals to the convention centre.

These Burak Uyan 130mm Leather Geometric Sandals were inspired by the architecture of Paris, the colors are based on butterflies the designer had shipped to him in Paris from Indonesia.  And they are the perfect antidote to the mid winter doldrums.

It takes a lot of effort to look so effortless

There are days when the mere task of getting out of bed seems insurmountable.  These are the days we break out the pants with the comfort waist, that old, oversized sweater that feels like a hug, and flats.  We may still smear on a bit of make up to hide the baggage under our eyes, hair goes into a pony tail if it's long enough, or in a headband for those that rock the shorter styles like myself.  We wear our glasses instead of fussing with contacts, and frankly, we don't care.  This isn't necessarily a style statement, but rather, armor against bad days. 

In this past fall season and going straight into resort, designers have capitalized on this idea of comfort, but not comfort for the soul's sake, but for fashion.  I must admit, the pajama style of dressing did not, and does not bother me like it bothers so many.  In fact, many of the styles I quite like and could see myself wearing (not together though, as separates).

If I were a little bit taller, and if in fact, I were a baller, I'd love to wear these Indigo City Grid Ground Print wide leg trousers from 10 Crosby Derek Lam.

Granted, I wouldn't wear them with the matching Kimono top, but I get this vibe.  I love the way the fabric moves, it's easy but still elegant.

But pajama dressing can get a little too literal.  I can't imagine rolling up to work wearing clothes that look like they should be slept in, wearing slippers, and styling my hair to have that "slept in" quality.  Do you know how much money and work that would take (the pants are $335, way more than my usual slim black pants from the Gap)?

And slippers?  Don't get me wrong, I'll wear flats.  I love loafers, ballet flats, they're fabulous.  I wouldn't wear my Homer Simpson slippers to work, and I just can't get on board with the slipper shoes.  It's not even that I don't like them!

Cole Haan Morgan Velvet Slippers

I love leopard print!

Sam Edelman Satin Crystal Stud Smoking Slipper

I love studs!

Ralph Lauren Quinly Suede-Crested Loafer

I love... okay, you got me, I love nothing about these ones.  Moving along.

Jimmy Choo Wheel Paisley Slipper

What's not to love about a paisley!

But, I'm not Hugh Hefner.  I don't have the aplomb it requires to leave my house wearing slippers.  I remember once, as a kid, my dad managed to go to the corner market wearing his slippers.  He simply forgot to change them and was just stopping by to get milk.  He said as soon as he noticed he affected a limp, so people would think he had a reason to be in slippers, rather than just being a crazy man that can't dress himself.

So for my dollar, I'd rather buy Jimmy Choo pumps that will last seasons, instead of slippers that may be wearable for 2012 resort, and then relegated to the "what were we thinking" fashion trend pile.

We owe it to that old '57 Chevrolet

So, when I heard that Prada was coming out with Car Shoes in 2012, I originally thought, "But Prada already bought the controlling shares of Car Shoe a few years ago didn't they?"

Oh Katie, you ignorant slut.  Don't be so literal, Prada fashioned shoes that LOOK like cars (and *I'm* the literal one?).

The inspiration:

The end result:

Yeah, and I'm totally the literal one.

As much as I love a good gimmick and an artistic shoe, I'm not so sure I like these.  In theory they're fabulous, in practice they're a little, well obnoxious.  That said, I do quite love the retro car prints used in the Prada ready to wear collection.

Unlike in W magazine, I would style it without the chipmunk, but Carey Mulligan makes it work.

Well, that doesn't seem appropriate

Most folks wouldn't wear 5" platform stripper heels to work as a dental hygienist.  Why not?  Well, people tend to dress for occasions.  Work requires work shoes (and unless you are paid by Huggy Bear work shoes aren't likely lucite sandals) and fancy events require fancy shoes.  Right?

What is Shailene Woodley wearing to the InStyle Golden Globes after party?  Are they just shoes that don't photograph well from the back?

Oh my.  Are those Vibram FiveFingers?  Hmm, yes, yes they are.

Be Like Barbie

Man, that bitch Barbie has it all.  She's been a pilot, a doctor, a vet, a teacher, a princess, a punk rocker, a life guard, a race car driver, an astronaut, a cheerleader, a cowgirl, and she's even enlisted in each branch of the military at some point in her 53 years.

She's had a dream house and parked in her dream garage she has had her restored '57 Chevy, Corvette, a camper, and a tour bus.

Sure, her boyfriend has no genitalia, but have you seen her closet?

Babs and I aren't the same shoe size, but that doesn't mean I can't take a bit of inspiration from her signature color.

Giuseppe Zanotti has the quintessential Barbie pumps in these 110mm Patent Pink Pointy Pumps.

I adore the classic shape in the lovely Barbie Pink.

To add a bit more texture Barbie might like these croc effect patent pumps from Jimmy Choo.

The platform isn't very Barbie-like, but the color is perfect.  Maybe on those evenings Barbie needs a bit of edge.

When Barbie travels abroad a pair of pink wedges is perfect for those cobblestone streets you don't want to snap a heel on and Lanvin offers just that.

But my favorites, and the shoes that, were I Barbie, I would absolutely MUST have are the 100mm Signature Patent Pumps from Mulberry.

Le sigh.