Urban Girls Garage Sale - Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!

Dare I part with my shoe collection? No.. but there are some I have worn maybe once or twice, and some that I have never worn... It's time to let them go!  Here's a small sample of what I will be selling.

Getting shoes ready for the sale!

Urban Girl Garage Sale! Sunday, March 17, 2013

So, it's finally time for MAJOR closet purge.  After seeing an ad for an upcoming event, I've decided to  take part in an event called the Urban Girl Garage Sale!  It's happening in Belltown on March 17, 2013.   Over the next few days I will be posting some previews of what I will be selling.. of course if anyone is interested in anything, please contact me! :)

Stylish Comfort Shoes and Boots - Do They Even Exist?

Let me start by saying that I am not a “comfort shoe” kind of girl, I love my Louboutins, and Manolos and anything that will give me 4-5 inches of height!  But at the same time, I have been known to rock some Dansko boots, or peruse a Walking Company store from time to time, just in case they have something for me.  This usually results in a wasted effort and I walk away with nothing. Most comfort shoes are horrendous.  Most are chunky, and heavy, and resemble orthopedic prescription shoes, and they are for the most part, just plain ugly.

Rieker Anti-Stress Valentina Boots

Rieker Anti-Stress Valentina Boots

So as I’ve stated in previous posts, I am not a big fan of synthetic leather.  During  a trip where I needed some comfortable boots, I decided to take a chance on the Reiker Valentina Boots and I am so glad I did!    The heel is approximately 3.5 inches, with a good rubber sole.  These are some of the most comfortable shoes I have owned, and kept my feet super comfortable during hours upon hours of walking and touring around London!  

Rieker Anti-Stress Peggy Boots

Rieker Anti-Stress Peggy Boots

Hmm.. .I don’t know if I love the style of these.. But, they are super comfortable.  They were purchased while in London, and at a great price, so I kept them.  They make my legs look short if I wear them with a skirt, but if I wear pants it hides the cute straps. I needed them for the trip as I had a blister fiasco, and overall they have turned out to be a good throw on shoe for running around.  

Rieker Anti-Stress Aurica Boots

Rieker Anti-Stress Aurica Boots - Black

Another fantastic Rieker purchase!  These are a low heel boot, but super comfortable and adjustable enough to fit on my wider calves.  I was desperately looking for boots that would be extra comfortable for travel and extensive walking and Rieker shoes always fit the bill!  Yes, some of the styles are horrible, but these were basic, black leather boots, exactly what I wanted!  

Frye Veronica Slouch Boots - Extended Calf

Frye Veronica Slouch Boots - Extended Calf in Brown

I have wide calves.  It sucks.  It sucks to never have owned a pair of knee high boots.  It sucks to see so many cute styles and just keep walking on by, not even bothering to give them a chance.  It sucked when I was in High School and everyone rocked knee high Doc Marten’s and I couldn’t wear them because the laces bulged.  It’s also mortifying to be persuaded by a sales person into trying on a boot in the middle of a Christian Dior store and the two of you are trying to cram you leg into a boot that you know won’t fit.  Yes, that’s me.  As embarrassing as it is to even write this, it’s me.   

Hunter Glossy Wedge Ankle Rain Boots

 

Hunter Glossy Wedge Ankle Rain Boots in Black

I love stores like Nordstrom Rack! Where else can you find a pair of Hunter boots for $49.97?  I tried these on and, wham, instant love.  I love that I can splash around and not worry about where I step on rainy Seattle days!  I can walk on wet grass, mud, well, wait, hopefully that was mud…. Anyways, I can rinse them off, or wash them, whatever.   And it’s a wedge boot that is also really comfortable!  I bought them in black and navy and keep one pair in my car, just in case!  These clean up well with a warm damp cloth and soapy water.  Fantastic!

Sofft Trapani Wedge Sandals

Sofft Trapani Wedge Sandals $34.90 (reg. $109)

When the sun finally comes out in Seattle I am ready for a pedicure and sandals... The other day I was in the southend, and decided to stop by Nordstrom Rack at Southcenter in Tukwila, WA.  I like their shoe section, instead of throwing one side of hundreds of shoes on a shelf, the Southcenter location has them all neatly lined in boxes.  I really appreciate that, it's not nearly as messy and you don't have to wait in line for the "mate".

Anthropologie - Antilles Tank by Lili's Closet

Antilles Tank by Lili's Closet $39.95 (reg. $68)

The first time I tried this on, I was put off by the unflattering fit. There really isn't much shape to it, so a bigger bust just makes it look kind of like a mu'umu'u.   No one wants to look like they are wearing a mu'umu'u, unless of course, they are wearing a mu'umu'u.   But I love the mustard yellow color, so when I saw it on sale, I decided to give it another try.

Anthropologie - Pezza Dress by Deletta

Pezza Dress by Deletta $69.95 (reg. $128)

I have noticed that each spring Anthropologie releases a few cotton jersey dresses that are heavier than a summer dress, and perfect for sunny spring days in Seattle. The Pezza dress is fantastic!  I love the thickness of the dress, but it's still breathable.  Because it's jersey, it's super comfortable and very flattering, even with a bigger bust.  I still love cowl necks, They are universally flattering if you can get it to lay just right. 

Corso Como Sale Today - Ludlum Mary Janes & Leonor Boots!

Today at 8:00am PDT Ideeli is having a Corso Como sale!  I love Corso Como shoes, they are super comfortable, without compromising your style... Most of their shoes have gel linings and are cushioned for comfort.  I can easily wear the Leonor Boots or the Ludlum Mary Janes for an average 8 hour day!

The Leonor boots in gray are on sale for $59 - what a steal! You can read my review of these shoes here...

Corso Como Leonor Boots

And the Ludlum Mary Janes are available in black and dark brown (Coffee) for $55.. I think I am going to try to get the dark brown ones...

What To Wear - Anthropologie Esmeralda Dress

Anthropologie's Esmeralda Dress Outfit #1

I recently purchased Anthropologie's Esmeralda Dress, and because the weather is still pretty cold in Seattle, I wanted to pair it with a cardigan, and possibly some tights.  I decided to wear the dress with Anthropologie's Scaffold and Scrim Cardigan in green.  I wasn't sure if this outfit would make me look too much like a school teacher, so I decided to pair it with 4" red patent leather platform pumps.

Corso Como - Leonor Ankle Boots & Ludlum Mary Jane Pumps

I love Corso Como shoes!  They are well made, with gel insoles that make for very comfortable shoes.  When I was in my 20s I lived in 4 inch stiletto heels, with surprisingly very little pain.  I didn't even own a pair of flat shoes.   A friend once called them the CFM shoes.  At some point between 25 and 30-something, I decided that I would save the heels for special times, and stick with practical shoes while trotting around in Seattle's not so predictable weather.   

Enter, Corso Como.   This line focuses on comfort without compromising style - well, at least for most of their shoes.  The shoes have a padded liner, and most of them have flexible soles too.  Some of the heels go up to 4-5 inches, and they are definitely more comfortable than your average high heel.

Corso Como Leonor Ankle Boots in Smoky Gray $70.50 (reg. $235)

Anthropologie - Frosted Flowers Mukluks, Alice in Autumn Sweatercoat

Anthropologie Frosted Flowers Mukluks by Eloise $9.95 (reg. $58)

It's freezing cold here in Seattle.  29 degrees outside, and I am cold, even with the fireplace and the heat blasting.  My feet are always cold during the winter.  I work as a telecommuter, so I am always in velour Juicy pants and hoodies, and these mukluks are perfect for my work attire!   For $10, these were mine - I don't think I would have given them a 4 star rating and loved them so much, had I paid full price, so I guess the rating is subjective. 

Nordstrom Rack - Splendid Bias Rugby Cardigan, Manolo Blahnik Camo Sedarabys

There is something exciting about finding a great deal at the Rack. Additionally, there's something that bugs the hell out of me when I pay full price for something at Nordstrom, only to find it go on sale at the Rack soon after.

I have a shoe addiction - yes I do. Some shoes I have that I just look at - but I am still waiting for the perfect outfit or opportunity to wear the shoes. How many pairs of shoes you ask? At least 250, but who's counting? I am sure there are some women out there that have double what I have. Don't worry, I'm catching up!

Anthropologie - Juerga Gathering Skirt, Hide and Slink Pumps, and Hellebore Skirt

Anthropologie Knitted & Knotted Juerga Gathering Skirt $49.95 (reg. $158)

So, to be honest, practicality wise, I have no where to wear this skirt. It's a sweater skirt with ruffles of chiffon and crocheted lace and it's beautiful. Being that I'm not a skinny girl, I worried that this would add volume to my hips and thighs, but I ordered it anyways. I saw it in a small at the Downtown Seattle Anthropologie and they were able to find it in my size in California. I had it sent to me, (shipping is free if they can't find the size you need locally!) and as soon as I tried it on, I fell in love. I am hoping to wear this on Valentine's Day - if we go out.. we might stay in.. I think my SO is going to have to take me somewhere to warrant the purchase of this beautiful skirt! Now what to wear with it??

Nine West - Debutante Sandals, Verbenia Booties

Nine West Debutante Sandals $32 (reg. $89.95)

These shoes are listed as dark gray, but in my opinion, they are definitely closer to brown, and the red part is definitely darker than the photo. They are comfortable considering the height due to the double platform. I love shoes that make me taller than I really am! (Only 5'4", so these pump me up to about 5'8"!) At $32 I decided to buy both colors, the brown/mustard combo is actually my favorite of the two: