The Sam Edelman Louie Times Two

The Sam Edelman Louie boots in rose suede (see it in more colors) that I bought at LF are becoming my cornerstone boots for summer days, so I bought them in black as well. To me, the Louie boots are the poor woman's version of the ubiquitous Isabel Marant Dicker boots, except that the fringe detail, inside zip, and foldover cuff gives them more character.  I can attest to their high comfort factor after being on my feet in them for several hours at street fairs and while sourcing vintage apparel.  I initially chose the rose suede because of its neutral hue and leg-lengthening effects. For fall and winter, the black ones will not only show less dirt, but they'll work well with dark tights. (See more colors here.)

Two other things I'm obsessed with this week are vintage 501s that I've bought over the past few months and turned into distressed cutoffs, and any ivory or white top that's lace or crochet. My go-to outfit for casual summer days is fast morphing into an iteration of the aforementioned items.





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In Anticipation of Fall

images from asos.com, boohoo.com, topshop.com, rivithead.com & modcloth.com

 

As retailers begin to stock new fall apparel in richer autumnal hues, I'm starting to compile my wish list. (I admit that it's challenging to buy fall items on a hot summer day.  Thick sweaters and faux fur coats are simply not appealing when you're perspiring.) Along with the Teddy Girl/1960s and Mod punk trends, I'm also warming up to the eccentric ladylike theme. Think pencil skirts with thigh-high slits, polka dots (thanks, Stella), bow blouses, mixed prints, Peter Pan collars, and animal motifs. My must-have shoe of the season? Creepers, of course.  Although I haven't bought any yet, there are a few Jeffrey Campbell styles that look promising.  I'm also on the hunt for an adorable sweater with an animal motif.  The face of a puppy, sheep, or bunny, perhaps? So what are you looking forward to buying and wearing for fall?

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The Steve Madden Shazzam Sister Heels

I'm excited to be adding these '70s-inspired gold glitter platforms to my nighttime shoe collection. I first admired the Steve Madden Shazzam heels on Nasty Gal. In the end, I refrained from buying them online because I wanted to try them on first.  Good things come to those who wait; I lucked out on Saturday when I found an identical pair by Wild Pair at a mall in L.A. for $40-$50 less.  (Same leather/glitter construction and materials as the Steve Madden Shazzam heels, but with a different label and lower price.)

The natural color of the leather straps will give me the leg-lengthening effect I desire, while the 6.25" heel and the 2.5" platform add both comfort and stability.  Unlike some platforms which are heavy and tiring to walk or dance in, I'm pleased to report after wearing them around the house that these are incredibly lightweight.  They are currently the most vertiginous heels I own, and the true test of comfort will come when I wear them to a wedding later this summer and test them out on the dance floor.

Wild Pair 'Sister WP' heels in light tan, $110.

April 4, 2017 update - Shop a similar style by Jessica Simpson.

Shop glitter heels for spring 2017:

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The D.I.Y. Isabel Marant Dicker Boots

To say that I've developed an obsession with the ubiquitous Isabel Marant Dicker boots might be an understatement.  In an effort to achieve that understated, wear-with-anything glamorous ankle boot, I bought a pair of affordable mid-calf cowboy boots for about $30 from Wet Seal. What drew me to them was their two-tone faux leather and canvas fabrication, the shape and height of the heel, and the nice buckle detail.  



I used my imagination when I first saw them and thought they'd make great ankle boots.
A little trimming, folding, and some hand stitching did the trick. 



In the end, I have a pair of cowboy ankle boots that are more flattering and versatile than what I started with, and I'm happy with the final result.  They'll work well this summer with floral maxi dresses, cutoff colored denim, and skinny jeans tucked into them.

Browse more Western ankle boots:

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