Found: Patent Closed-Toe Espadrilles!!

Okay, so ever since I saw Kate Middleton wearing those cute patent espadrilles and the Internet was abuzz with the lack of such a shoe (surprisingly, closed-toe patent espadrilles are hard to come by...?), I was sad and depressed. I never lost hope and I've been occasionally still Googling and hunting for the perfect pair. Today marks the day of triumph!! Behold:

Via Spiga Quip

Also available in red and papaya here

I ended up getting both the black and nude pair at Nordstrom, because I earn rewards there and I had Notes to spend. I couldn't decide if I also wanted the red and/or papaya, but I decided I needed the two neutral colors for now. They are a bit pricey for what they are but, seeing as how hard it was for me to find them, I snapped these up without a second thought before they sold out.

Below is a picture of the L.K. Bennett pair that Kate Middleton owns.

(Picture courtesy of Coolspotters)

There are some marked differences, such as the raffia wedge and boxier shape. Also, the toe are is a bit more squared-off compared to the Via Spiga, which are round. And is it just me, or is the patent a bit more muted in the L.K. Bennett pair? All in all, the Via Spiga's are a good interpretation.

Huge Purchase at Bakers

GLISTEN WP

ADELE in Purple Velvet

(Also available in black satin, but they are more expensive)

SAV VEE

(Also available in other colors)

I only got 3 pairs of shoes, but I got a lot of other things--water & stain protector with suede kit, lots & lots of shoe accessories (heel pads, sole grips, foot cushions, etc), boot tux, and the jean kit. If I know I'm going to be at a social function where I don't have to take my boots off, I usually tuck the hem of my pants into my socks (ghetto, I know)...but I like the idea of the boot tux or the straps better. We'll see how they work out! I mostly wanted to stock up on heel pads and sole grips, though. I'm also looking for some good quality shoe and boot trees that are inexpensive, since I need a lot of them.

Zigi Soho Jamie

Zigi Soho Jamie

Also available here in black and here in brown (on clearance!)

There was only one left in my size on DSW so I snagged them. I may get the brown too, but I want to wait until a sale comes along. Tried to use a promo code but had problems getting it to work. Oh well, such is life.

Bakers Haul

JILL WP

LILY WP

MELINA GLITTER

MELINA SEQUIN

I also wanted these, but I will save them for a future purchase when there is a better sale:

JILL WP

LOLITA WP

SHOWDOWN

(Almost bought these...love the fringe detailing! $30 off all ankle boots right now...)

Fergie Protest

I received my Heels.com order today! I ordered the Bebe Clarice in black and pink - they are gorgeous in person, but unfortunately they are painful. The shoe rubs and digs into the back part of my ankle and hits right at the spot where it's the most sensitive. I may have to get creative to solve the problem. Maybe I can find some fabric to soften the edges. I would return them if there were more issues, but the rest of the shoe is just fine. They fit nicely and look great in person.

I also ordered the Fergie Protest in green patent and OH MY they are great!! The color is so vibrant and electric, and they are super comfortable. The pointed toe is not too extreme, the heel height is perfect, and the toe cleavage isn't bad at all (one of my biggest gripes about pointy toe heels). I am so enamored with them, in fact, that I ordered the rest of the colors. As of next Monday, I will own all 5 colors of this shoe. I'm a nut.

Fergie Protest

The green I already own and, of course, I had to order the yellow, orange, and pink for the simple fact that I'm obsessed with fluorescent/neon colors right now! They will be great for spring. I also ordered the black because they will go with everything. I have a black pointed-toe kitten heel, but I also wanted a higher heel. Knowing how comfortable and perfect these are, I figured it's a safe gamble to get them in black as I know I will wear them a lot. I was holding out for Louboutins in black, but these are so much cheaper and I know that Louboutins aren't always the most comfortable. Do love the red soles, though...

The promo code "BETATEST" still works, and I also stacked my Mr. Rebates for an additional 10% off. 

Bebe Clarice

Bebe Clarice

Fergie Protest

Bright colors are everywhere right now, and I'm loving it!!! My spare bedroom project is coming along nicely, and I am having fun organizing my shoes - but I didn't realize I had so many until I couldn't fit them all where I wanted them to go. LOL! So much for my idea of keeping them all in one spot. I need a bigger house before I can truly dedicate all my shoes to one area.

Anyway, I got the Bebe Clarice in fuschia and black, and the Fergie Protest in green. I was tempted to get the other colors in the Protest because I love how NEON they are, but for now I limited my purchases to just three pairs.

Right now Heels.com has a promo code for their new website for 20% off with code BETATEST so go check it out! Remember to also use Mr. Rebates for an extra 10% cash back.

It's Officially Winter...

We had some oddly warm weather up until now but, as of today, winter is officially here. It hasn't really snowed too much yet, but the wind chill was definitely present. I guess I can't complain too much since the fall season was so amazing. Anyway, here is how I am preparing...

Sugar Tied Up Rain Boot

I actually got these rain boots in a red/black color with black laces, but I couldn't find a large enough picture to post for you. The black/white is pretty cute, too.

Zigi Soho Amy

Yep, I already own these in the taupe color. Had to add the black to my collection. I'm crazy like that.

SOPHIA

TATE

(I officially own all three colors now!)

LOLA

Although I eventually want to own every color of the LOLA/LOLITA, I ordered just one pair because I'm not sure how they fit. They appear to be a little narrow in the front, so I ordered 1/2 size larger than my actual shoe size. If they feel comfortable enough and I can manage to walk in them for a few hours without my toes screaming in agony, I will purchase the other colors. The black/black that they used to have mysteriously disappeared, but they still have the red/red and three more colors with the snake platform (black, blue, purple).

Bakers Boots

LAFAYETTE

FEISTY

BONITA

FARAH 2

CAROLYN

My collection of OTK boots this season is complete! I still want the TATE in grey but I'm waiting for a better sale price to come along. They are awesome boots if you are looking for an OTK flat boot - I have been wearing my black pair almost every day this winter.

Bakers is offering a Buy One Get One 25% their clearance items, and it is a stackable deal. I ended up getting the LAFAYETTE for under $30 per pair!

Didn't Take Long...

I decided to get over my previously negative experience with Steve Madden, because I figure if I shunned every single retailer I've ever had a bad experience with, my shopping destinations would become pretty limited. Also, he always has such great styles for great prices. I found these in the sale section:

Steve Madden Wildd, in Black Floral ($34.98)

Steve Madden Wizzard, in Red & Blue ($44.98)

Use code "WINTER15" to get an additional 15% off plus free shipping on orders $75+

I was also browsing DSW in search of some winter snow boots, because my current pair is pretty battered and beaten. I used some of my rewards points and got these for a steal!

Bare Traps Emilse, in Black

Considering my current pair is a cheap $10 Ugg knock-off I got at Target on clearance and has lasted me over four years, these Bare Traps will probably last forever. Okay, maybe 5-10 years. These are much more durable than my Target pair, not to mention more stylish with the faux fur, buckle, and stitch detailing. I can't wait to finally toss my Target boots and wear these!

Happy New Year!

I know I'm 5 days late to say it, but I hope everyone is having a great year so far! The holidays went by in a blur and part of me is relieved. I love getting together with family and eating great food, but all the planning and entertaining gets pretty exhausting!

I've been laying off the shopping for a while, but I did manage to get some shopping done. Mostly for clothing, but a few shoes:

Sam Edelman Nansi

Zigi Soho Amy

I also got a pair of Jessica Simpson Baxterr high-heeled "hiking" ankle boots, but I can't find them online anywhere. They remind me of the Alaia hiking boots, except with a lower platform.

My shoe purchases will probably dwindle now that it's the end of the sale season and I'm trying to focus all my energy on redecorating my spare bedroom into a walk-in closet and office. School starts next week too, so I will be super busy. Once I get my room set up and I don't have random shoe boxes everywhere, it will be easier for me to post actual pictures of my shoes! Keeping my fingers crossed that will happen sooner rather than later. :)