Magical Draping - Ralph & Russo

When it comes to dramatically draping fabric, I have been amazed by Ralph & Russo. This satin corset gown is from Autumn/Winter 2015/2016 collection.  It is absolute perfection.

  
Autumn Winter 2015 / 2016 Lookbook

If you haven't heard of Ralph & Russo yet, you will.  This British design house founded in 2007 and they are taking the fashion world by storm.  

Ralph & Russo site

What's was Old is New Again - Cape Coat

Dita Von Teese is on of my one of my favorite fashion muses.  She blends vintage and modern effortlessly while always looking like a lady.  

Here she is spotted strolling through a modern vintage cape coat by Buzz Feed.

Here is my inspiration from vintage cape coats. 

I think I may need to add a cape coat to my wardrobe for the upcoming 2 days of winter 

in Florida!

For more cape coat inspiration, 

I included some other sources:

20 Style Tips On How To Wear A Cape This Fall

Who to Wear

Worst Shoes Ever

Worst Shoes Ever!  Wow!  I never thought I would say that out loud, much less write about it.  If you read this blog from time to time (because let's be honest, I only post from time to time), you are well aware that I seldom meet a pair of shoes that I don't like.  

Miu Miu shoes

I came across this outfit in a Net-A-Porter email.  I love the Miu Miu jacket and dress.  What a perfect fall look.  But the shoes?  Really?  If you don't believe me here is the link to 

Net-A-Porter Miu Miu shop.

Love the outfit

Miu Miu is a subsidiary of the Italian brand,  Prada.  Prada has been around forever, but Miu Miu was established in 1993.  

Me at the Prada store on Rodeo Drive

Christian Louboutin Mandolina Bootie

Christian Louboutin is more of an artist than a simple shoe maker.  

This Christian Louboutin patent leather bootie has caught my eye.  

The Mandolina Laser-cut Mesh Bootie is no longer available at the official website, and it is sold out at Neiman Marcus and Bergoff Goodman websites.  In fact, the only place I can find it for sale is on eBay.  Even though it retails at $1400, it must be a very popular shoe!  I suppose I not the only person who loves it!

Black Pumps - The LBD of Shoes

The classic black pump is the little black dress (LBD) of the shoe world.  This is the shoe that can be worn anywhere with almost anything.  It is timeless and classic.  

I put together a collection of black pumps ranging with prices that whose prices range from "more than my car payment" to "I can buy that".  

Christian Louibiton $675
us.christianlouboutin.com

Jimmy Choo - $595
jimmychoo.com

Kate Spade $298
katespade.com

Shultz $179
zappos.com

Aldo $90
aldoshoes.com

Jessica Simpson
jessicasimpson.com

To learn how to wear these shoes with comfort visit my blog post Wearing High Heels Painlessly

One of my style icons and author of The Little Black Book of Style Nina Garcia says “you should have at least one classic high heel that you can rely on”.  The black pump is by far the most reliable piece to complete your look in a classic and sophisticated way.

I hope this inspires you.

To read my Nina Garcia inspired blog posts:
The Basic Rules of Style  - from Nina Garcia - Rule 1
Nina Garcia's Rule 2 - What every Style Icon has in her Closet.
Nina Garcia's Rule 3 - How to Buy with Drama

Wearing High Heels Painlessly

Source:  http://us.christianlouboutin.com/us_en/shop/women/cristacora.html

It is no secret that I love high heeled shoes. But the pain that comes along with wearing them? Not so much. You can imagine my delight when I ran across an article from Who What Wear.

Who What Wear states the taping your 3rd and 4th toes together can alleviate pain when wearing high heels. Why? There is a nerve that runs between the 3rd and 4th toes, and taping these toes together removes the strain on this nerve. 

Source:  http://haute2wear.com/5-tips-to-more-comfortable-shoes/

Sounds too good to be true? I felt compelled to do more research. The name for this condition is Morton's Neuroma. According to foot.com, Morton’s Neuroma. is a common foot problem associated with pain, swelling and/or an inflammation of a nerve, usually at the ball-of-the-foot between the 3rd and 4th toes.Wearing high heels regularly can aggravate this condition.

According to Vinod Panchbavi, MD writing for footeducation.com excessive loading on the front of the foot can cause neuroma to develop. 

Source:  http://www.podiapro.in/medical/mortons-neuroma/

In addition to taping the 3rd and 4th to together, according to WebMD and the American Podiatric Association, “Cushion, cushion, cushion”. Cushioning can relive pain on the ball of the foot and prevent damage. It is also interesting to note, the as we age, we loose fatty deposits on the bottom of our foot, which makes cushioning all the more necessary. 

Source:  https://www.perfectionsecrets.com/Shoe-Accessories.htm

You better believe I am going to tape my toes and put some cushion inserts on my favorite high heels and see how it works!  Please feel free to comment on this and let us all know your results!

Source:  http://www.lesliechristenblog.com/2014/12/the-secret-to-wearing-high-heels.html

Sources:
http://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-make-heels-comfortable
http://www.foot.com/site/foot-conditions/mortons-neuroma
http://www.footeducation.com/foot-and-ankle-conditions/mortons-neuroma/
http://www.webmd.com/women/features/tips-to-avoid-foot-pain-from-high-heels

For more high heel hacks follow these links:
http://www.empoweringwomennow.com/5-heel-hacks-every-woman-should-know/
http://thefashionfoot.com/2015/02/19/how-to-make-heels-more-comfortable/
http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2015/11/5-genius-heel-hacks-you-need-t
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/purewow/7-high-heel-hacks-every-w_b_7570986.html