For me buying new shoes is a real ordeal. Shoe shopping is time consuming, brain hurting and it is expensive. It can take me up to a month until I find something that I like which fits my budget, personality and my feet. I wish I could just grab an 8.5 size pair and go home, but not all sizes are the same. Also a size just determines the length of the shoe, some shoes are just too narrow or too wide. And some have impossible high heels, shoe rims that pierce into your skin or zippers that just don’t zip up. Here is my shoe shopping saga on how I go about when searching for that perfect shoe.
1. Window shopping. When in need of new shoes I am on a prowl, hunting for those shoes that I want and need. I decide what type of shoe (flat, pumps, boots, sandals) I am looking for, and then I spend weeks window shopping. Selectively remembering which brands, stores, and looks appealed most.
2. Price. Everyone has a budget. So what is your maximum? Are you willing to pay $300 for a pair of shoes that will last you 2 seasons tops, or is a $100 your cut off line. Decide your maximum and look at the shoes that you are thinking about buying. If they are over your budget say goodbye and carry on.
3. Inspect the shoes. Think of a store where you saw most variety of shoes that you liked. Go into that store and inspect all shoes that you liked. Touch them. Look at them. And smell them if needed. If the stitching looks good, shoes don’t smell like glue, they can stand on their own without falling, the leather is nice and soft, and there are no rough edges proceed to the next step. If shoes have any obvious defects don’t even think about trying them on.
4. Try them on. Ask for your size and + half size. This will save you time. Then once you have the shoes, try both of them on. When they are on go for a stroll inside the store. Are they falling off? Is one shoe a bit too snug? Can you balance your walk? Is there any discomfort at all? If they are not comfy, give them back.
5. Inspect the shoes. If you like these shoes and they are comfortable (i.e. you can wear them in your daily routine and by the end of the day you won’t have any pain) don’t rush into buying them. Take off the shoes and inspect them for defects: scratches, stains, glue marks, bad stitching, etc. If all is well take them home.
I hope my suggestions will help you out when shoe shopping and will save you a buck. I am currently in a process of shoe shopping for spring shoes, so if interested keep posted on my progress and other shoe related blog posts.
Diana ♥
Hot trends of winter 2012: Style
1. Seductive lace. Lace has a rich history tracing back to Europe in the 1500’s and China. 19th century women’s fashion boosted demand for lace. So why not now? Get yourself a dress, skirt or a blouse executed in lace. Go for neutral colours, making this one piece a classic addition to your wardrobe. In the picture: Body suite by Antonio Berardi executed in French lace.
2. Gold accessories. Gold accessories carry on their spotlight from fall to this winter. Enjoy wearing these accessories while you can! In the picture: Necklace by Roberto Cavalli.
3. Black + Gold. Why not wear Coco Chanel’s favourite colour in combination to all time representation of wealth and riches - gold? The simplicity of black combined with the richness of gold helps to create a look that will make people turn their heads. In the picture: Earrings by Dolce & Gabanna.
4. Nude. Nude clothes are super hot and are a classic item which is sure to reignite or start a fire. Need a date for Valentine’s? Stroll down the street in a dress executed in nude, and that perfect date will come running after you. In the picture: Dress Marc by Marc Jacob.
5. Decorated flats. Decorate your flats with statement jewels, feathers, bow or a buckle. Check your local shoe store for these fancy decorations. Spotted at Aldo & Town Shoes. In the picture: Roger vizier (black) and Nina Ricci (forest green).
6. Floppy hats. Hats are a great way to accessorize during winter by adding a touch of colour to an outfit or just to keep those flying hairs under control! For a touch of warmth try cherry red or burnt orange. Or go cool with forest green or deep blue. In the picture: Turquoise hat by Gucci.
Huge trend!!! I have been dying to get this nail look for ages now! And here is a step-by-step insanely easy way how to pull it off. I would suggest doing the second “dark” layer when the 1st layer of colour is 100% dry. Great tip: Reversing the light and dark colours will add that extra oomph to the look ;)
Diana ♥
(via makeup-creations)
There are so many choices of bags and purses out there. Which one is right for you? Right now the most fashionable shapes are envelope clutches fig. 2 & 7, box shaped purses fig. 4 & 5, and over the shoulder mini briefcase purses such as fig. 1,4 & 8. Also a modern take on the classic Channel is never a miss (fig. 3), it is always better to wear a “modern take” versus a fake. If we are talking about colour and texture great choices are: black, brown, creme, orange, oxblood, navy blue, snake/lizard texture and last-but-not-least feathers.
In picture: a selection of trendy bags for this fall & winter. All bags are from Asos.com ranging in price from $24-40
Diana ♥
Want to know the trends in beauty for this November and coming month of December? Read on…
1. Navy blue nail polish is the hottest thing this fall. Though November is almost over, you still have a couple weeks time to rock it. In the picture: Glossy Nail Polish America, La Ric.
2. Cream blushes are in. Not just for November but for the entire winter time. Why? Because they will add a beautiful natural glow with a moist feel, instead of a matte finish. In the picture: Posey by MAC.
3. Any fragrance you like really. But as a winter and fall pick my vote goes to Aromatics Elixir Perfumer’s Reserve by Clinique - lovely fragrance released for its 40th birthday as a modern interpretation of Chant’s original. It has simple and elegant notes: tuberose, jasmine sambac oil, verbena, patchouli oil and oak moss.
4. High ponytail is the highlight hair style of this fall, though it is almost over I dare you to continue this trend into the winter. In the picture: a girl from Marc Jacob’s fall show, backstage.
5. Get your sparkle on this festive season! Use body shimmers, sparkly creamers, highlight products and glitter - all means will do ;) In the picture: Tarina Tarantino Shimmer Dust in silver and gold.
6. Go red or go home. Red & orange lips are a big trend. I love them both equally. Right now I am rocking my Revlon’s red lipstick or an orange lip tint by Lush.
7. Daphne Guiness. Who is she? Look her up online or read a book. You’d better know who she is as by the end of December MAC is going to launch LE product line by her, a woman who inspired Alexander McQueen.
8. Prepare your skin for this winter by stocking up on skin nourishing cremes, shower gels (soaps actually dry up your skin), body butter etc. In the picture: “Winter Skin Care Boost” by Yes To Carrots, a natural product company.
Diana ♥
XMAS DIY ideas
1. Make your own wrapping paper / fabric - a. Buy cheap fabric and dye it with tea or ink b. Buy sketch pad paper in an art store, the cost is about $1-2 dollars for a pad. The undid natural colour paper is the cheapest one and has a beautiful organic look to it. *Instead of lace & ribbon use thread - the heavy duty one which is usually used for moving and old style parcels
Click here for a tutorial.
2. Christmas Banner - DIY banner. Click here for a tutorial.
3. Stamps - You can use these stamps for cards, tags, wrapping paper, and any paper related decor that comes to mind. Go to a craft store, buy a piece of lino and a carving tool. Or use cardboard, scissors and a needle. Remember that your stamp image is supposed to be an inverse “Negative” version of what you want.
Click here for a tutorial.
4. Wreaths - Either a huge wreath for your door or a mini wrath as a centrepiece or a christmas tree toy they are easy and fun to make with plenty of material to keep in mind - drained empty egg shells, fake plants, paper, discarded wood, felt, cardboard etc.
Click here for a tutorial.
Diana ♥
All these different style names are driving me insane. What is this supposed to mean: “You are so boho chic today?” or “Your jacket is too military for my taste. ” or “OMG Look at that outfit. It is sooo prep. OMG! ” I have a feeling that fashion industry comes up with all these names on purpose to confuse us and make us feel not up to date - so that we would be chasing after those latest magazines, craving to find out what all this means: Boho, Glam, Prep, It Girl, Bombshell, Bohemian, Classic, Princess, Military, Retro, Vintage, Casual, Trashy, Edgy, Sophisticated, Pin Up, Dressy, Sporty, Hippie, Urban, Chic, Artsy and the list goes on and on. With my articles “My style?” I am going to explore each individual style with its key elements, and who knows maybe you’ll find the look that you have been searching for all along :)
Diana ♥
Before winter kicks in we have the luxury of enjoying our fall and late summer shoes. He are my all time favourite shoes, which are my personal classics:
1) Sperry Top-Sider “Josephsen” shoes. Low heel slip on boat shoes that had my heart as soon as I saw them in navy blue (one of my favourites shoe colours) $100
2) Tretorn “Omli” are lovely rubber rain boots with warm fleece lining, which makes them ideal for fall and winter - just add warm socks. $85
3) Diserens in midnight black. I always was fond of Dr. Martens, when I saw these shoes I was just blown away. Floral pattern has never looked so good on a shoe $170
4) Clint Eastwood, Wild wild west, desert, saloons and cowboys. All that is missing are the cowboy boots. Love the stitching detailing on these Anick shoes by Jeffrey Campbell. If you are lucky you can get them on sale for $170 or lower.
5) I discovered Keds 2 summers ago and I am in love with them since. I think that they have to be in everyone’s closet - perfect summer and spring shoes, super comfy, great for maintenance (just throw them in a washer, they are canvas), and good for fall if it’s not rainy. They come in a range of all rainbow colours and I just love them! $20 when on sale, regular price $40
6) Love manly shoes on women! I used to wear my step father’s dress shoes all the time when I was in high school. And now that these boy-girl shoes are in I have the great opportunity to stock up. These forest green Druetta shoes by WeWhoSee are a dream. $35 on clearance, regular price $120
7) If I had unlimited income I would spend it all on John Fluevog shoes. Their daring and beautifully crafted shoes are to die for. Needless to say that the quality is impeccable and they will last you a lifetime if treated with respect. My fall pick are these gorge Portside pumps $305
8) These shoes definitely have a WOW factor. If you want an alternative solution to the usual cocktail shoes pick these beauties by Sam Edelman. They also come in black $265
9) I LOVE ankle boots & Geox. They make amazingly comfy and anti smelly shoes. I own a pair of their ankle boots for over a year now and they are incredible. These lovely Minear shoes are the closest thing to what I own $180
Stores where I shoe shop: http://www.littleburgundyshoes.com , http://www.fluevog.com/ , http://www.townshoes.com/ , http://www.localeshoes.com/ , http://www.geox.com/
Diana ♥
Just because we grow up it doesn’t mean that we need to stop loving dolls. My obsession with dolls is omnipresent from when I was little and until today. Here are my absolute favourites mastered by beautiful craftsmen and craftswomen at Etsy.
1. Rouquine $49
2. November & December $12
3. Leona Lentil $28
4. The black bear $23 *this item is a brooch
5. Queen of hearts $55 *a trinket box for your jewellery
6. Purple moons with owls $15 *Xmas ornaments
Diana ♥
After I graduated from high school I found out that my grade 12 math teacher passed from prostate cancer. He was 32 years old, a lot of girls in our school had a crush on him, he was a kind person, and died 7 days after he was diagnosed because the cancer spread too fast. November is a men’s health awareness month in Canada also known as Movember. Why Movember? The name comes from moustache + November, men sign up to an online charity and grow out their moustaches for the entire month.
A loved man is a healthy man. I think that all of us can participate in Movember by appreciating the men that we have in our lives right now - our boyfriends, brothers, fathers, grand dads, and husbands. And how do we appreciate? Usually with gifts and surprises, bought or handmade. Sometimes I find it difficult coming up with gifts for guys so I made a list:
1. Breakfast - In bed or on the table it is a sentimental gesture. If you like to sleep in you can make the breakfast and write a note on a card then go back to sleep.
2. Perfume - Smell perfume that he already has and pick one with a similar scent. If you are not good at scents, write down perfume that he has and look up online key ingredients, then find a perfume with similar stuff. My favourite: Canali’s Summer Night $60
3. Hand cream - A good hand cream goes a long way, men get dry skin too especially in winter time. My favourite: Hemp hand protector by Body shop $20
4. Wallet - I find that my boyfriend wears out his wallet every year, I am sure other men aren’t that different. So wallet should be a great gift. Make sure that the wallet colour will match the colour of his wardrobe and personality. My favourite: Roots wallet $100
5. Hat - Great gift for fall and winter to keep your loved ones ears warm. My favourite: Zara hat $15-25
6. Love note - Write a love or appreciation note and put it into his bag, laptop case or wallet.
7. Shaving kit - They all need one :) My favourite - Baxter’s shaving kit $25-40
8. Razor - Necessity. My favourite - Vintage looking razors compatible with Gillette razors by D.R. Harris $200
9. Massage - everyone loves it. Depending on your budget you can get a certificate to a spa or a massage bar. My favourite: Lush’s massage bars $10
10. Balloons - Decorating his room or study with balloons is a cute idea with a sure guarantee to bring a smile to his face. Grown ups don’t get balloons as often anymore so it is has a built in element of surprise.
Diana ♥
