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

Almost time to go to Paris!

A week and few more days to go before I leave for the romance and style capitol of the world - Paris France!  Très excitant!  The city of lights! (La ville des lumières!) The city of love! (La ville de l'amour!)

Alexander III Bridge in Paris

I have tried to soak up as much advise as I could about the city, the culture, and the language.  I will admit my French is a bit rough, but at least I have a few basics down.  This week is going to have to be my crash course in French.  

If I cannot speak the language very well, at least I will be well dressed.  I have carefully chosen and successfully borrowed (thanks neighbor), simple pieces that I can mix and match.  I am going for casual, yet well dressed.  I plan to do a lot of walking, so flats will be a necessity, although I cannot resist packing at least one or two pairs of heels.  

Since the weather is a little chillier than what a Florida girl is used to, sweaters and leggins will be my staples.  A few simple sweaters and a versatile mid-length trench coat will complete my look.  

This is my plan, and any advise or comments are most certainly welcome.  Please visit this blog next week, as I will be posting pictures and stories from my travels.  

Unitl nous moi encore mes amis!

Frugalista

A new trend for frugal fashionistas can proudly label themselves frugalistas.  In fact, investopedia.com even saw fit to define a frugalista as “people who keep up with fashion trends without spending a lot of money.”

 

Here are some ideas for every frugalista:

Audrey Hepburn
Classic never go out of style.

1.  Find a good shoe repair shop.  Shoes are expensive, so why replace when you can repair? 

2.  Shop at second-hand stores and consignment shops.  You never know what sort of treasure you will find. 

3.  Rent a knock-out outfit for your next big event.  Pay a fraction of the cost for gowns and dresses you may only wear once. 

4. Clothes and purse swap with your friends!  Just make sure you return them clean and in good condition, if you want to keep your friends!

5.  Find a good inexpensive seamstress.  You may find something that is a bargain, but not the right size.  A good seamstress can alter it to make it the perfect fit. 

6.  Accessorize!  Creative use of accessories can change the look of an outfit.  Bright scarves can add a pop of color to an all-black ensemble.  Belts, jewelry, shoes can also change the look of an outfit.

7.  Go for quality over quantity.  Good quality classic pieces will last many many seasons.  Don’t try to follow every trend that will be out of style next year. 

Saving money does not mean sacrificing style, with a little creativity you can save money and still be a fashionista.  Therefore I say viva la frugalista!

Photo source:  http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/articles/fashion-designer-quiz