Adding a Little Color to my Life! Carabella -Bow, Natural

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, I am back at it again, infusing color into my life!  My foray into the world of color has generated quite a lot of feedback, and I'm glad to say, all favorable!  Who knew it could be so easy?

In my last post on Adding a Little Color to my Life, I explored two color combinations I wouldn't ordinarily pair with Olive Green: Red and Petal Pink.  Today, the bright, bold hues that InStyle matched with Navy in their Neutral Know-How color palette, instantly grabbed my attention; navy-colored capris, a turquoise bell-sleeve trench, a fuchsia v-neck top and an orange suede shopper.  My neutral Carabella slides add a sexy subtlety to the ensemble without competing with it, which is perfect for this daytime look.

 

What I am starting to love about these cards is that I can add as much or as little of the accent colors to suit my taste.  When I opted to leave the bag out of the look (below left), the outfit works just as well, as when I button up the trench and add the bag (below right).  I'm still a little wary about trying four colors together, but the next time I try the Navy as my neutral, the kelly green is a must.

 

What do you think?  Have you tried either of the color palettes I've posted?  I'd love to hear from you!


Ciao a tutti!

Stella Notte


Day 258: Sunday September 30th 2012
Designer: Carabella
Name: I call these my 'Bow' shoes. Carabella, a subsidiary of the Spiegel Corp., sadly, is now defunct.
Color: Natural
Style: Slide Stiletto Sandals
Heel: 4 inches (10.16 cm)
Material: Strappy Leather Upper with delicate bow on vamp detail

Capri pants by Attention at Kmart, tops from Old Navy, Trench by Sonoma at Kohls and Suede Shopper from il mercato italiano.

Beautiful in any color; click here to see these beauties in Black!

 

 

 

 

Adding a Little Color to my Life! Nine West -Bottos

Ciao a tutti!

Finding the right shoe to go with an outfit has never been a problem for me, especially since I adopted the philosophy, Buy the shoes and the outfit will come (it was much more difficult finding shoes to match the outfit!)!  But finding the outfit, or rather assembling the wardrobe to go with the fabulous shoes has been more challenging than my simple mantra would lead one to believe.  That is until now.

 

I have quite a few neutral colored shoes (blacks, browns, tans and not to be redundant, neutrals), which pair easily with other neutrals in the same color family.  And over the last few years, I have been trying to infuse color into my life, but I have played it relatively safe, pairing the yellow shoes with the yellow in a dress or the fuchsia flats with the matching purse, but I never truly embraced color, mainly because I wasn't sure how.

After thumbing through a past issue of InStyle magazine, I came across an article referencing the magazine's annual edition on color; Neutral Know-How:  five inserts, each containing a different neutral color (navy, khaki, ivory, olive and grey) were juxtapose with four complimentary colors (and all with a designer look to illustrate the color combinations) creating five distinct and exciting color palettes.  For my first go-round, I paired Olive green shorts with a petal pink blouse and topped it off with a red jacket.  The shoes were an easy choice, these dark green Bottos, from Nine West.  What do you think?


Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 257: Friday September 28th 2012
Designer: Nine West
Name: Bottos
Color: Dark Green
Style: Platform Wedge Sandals
Heel: 5.25 inches (13.34 cm)
Platform: 1.75 inches (4.45 cm)
Material: Leather Upper with cork heel, jute and contrast stitiching along mid-sole

Jacket, shorts and belt from Old Navy; Tube Top from Forever 21; Bag, ORMI from il mearcato italiano

Luichiny -Sweet Feet, Brown-Multi

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics...there is something about this autumn weather...something which makes me want to slow down and take it easy...something that makes me want to catch my groove and feel my groove...I'm an Orange Moon...how good it is!

Orange Moon*

I'm an Orange Moon

I'm an Orange Moon

Reflecting the light of the sun

Many nights he was alone

Many, many, many nights

His light was so bright that they turned away

And he stood alone

Every night and every day

Then he turned to me

He saw his reflection in me

And he smiled at me when he turned to me

Then he said to me

 

How good it is, how good it is

How good it is, how good it is

 

I'm an Orange Moon

I'm brighter than before

Brighter than ever before

I'm an Orange Moon and I shine so bright

Cause I reflect the light of my sun

I praise the day, he turned my way

And smiled at me

He gets to smile and I get to be orange, that I love to be

How good it is, how good it is
How good it is, how good it is
How good it is, how good it is
How good it is, how good it is

Shine so bright
He ruled the day, I ruled the night
Shine, shine, shine

How good it is, how good it is

I'm an orange moon
I'm brighter than before, brighter
Reflecting the light of the sun
Smile at me

Catch the soulful songstress here...

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte


Day 256: Wednesday September 26th 2012
Designer: Luichiny
Name: Sweet Feet
Color: Brown Multi
Style: T-Strap Stiletto Sandal
Heel: 4.75 Inches (12.07 cm)
Platform: 1 inch (2.54 cm)
Material: Multi Leather Uppers

*Erykah Badu

Beautiful in any color; click here to see these beauties in Pink!

 

 



 

Precis Boot in White

Buongiorno a tutti e benvenuto l'autunno!  Good Morning everyone and welcome Autumn!

Fall is officially here, and with it comes Boot Season!  Although it is rather difficult to usher in the change in climate when there hasn't really been a change in temperature, you see, the mercury on the thermometer today is scheduled to reach a balmy 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius).

I think it is days like today, when I appreciate summer most; I know the remaining hot days are numbered and I shan't be able to "Play in the Sunshine" any longer.  When I have to cover up sun-kissed skin long before tan lines fade or no longer worry about polished toe nails, it is precisely these moments that I miss summer all the more.

So today, I shall raise my glass and toast the retreating summer of 2012 (and subsequent bikini season) and salute the autumn and the fabulous boot season that awaits us all!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 255: Sunday September 23rd 2012
Designer: Précis (now defunct)
Color: White
Style:  Mid-Calf Lug Sole Boot
Heel: 1.5 inches (3.81 cm); 0.5 inch (1.25cm) Lug Sole
Material: Leather Upper, with embossed name

Naughty Monkey -Tallest in Class, Brown

Ciao a tutti!

It's Friday, and I'm dressed!  Can you guess where I'm going?  If you guessed that it's a Girls Night Out, and I'm headed to the Martini & Chocolate Bar, you're right!

 I've gotta go...happy hour only last three hours, and there is a Very Berry Martini waiting for me!  Here's hoping your Friday is as fabulous as mine!  Cheers!

 

 

 

Baci a tutti!

 

Stella Notte

Day 254: Friday September 21st 2012
Shoe: Naughty Monkey

Name: Tallest in Class
Color: Brown
Style:  Platform Wedge Sandal with Ankle Strap

Heel: 4 ¼ inches (11.4 cm)
Platform: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Material: Leather Upper with contrasting snake skin strap on vamp.  Buckle, stud and o-ring detail throughout

 

Do you remember what I was Thinking where I wore these beauties in Black?

Click here to see my great dilemma!

 

 

How I styled it?

 

I'm going to let you in on a little secret...I love clothing which is a polyester-spandex mix!  Between 5 and 8 percent spandex, I have found to be ideal!  Why? Because the polyester has the perfect amount of hold and the spandex has just the right amount of stretch, that I don't need any "foundation garments" (you know, Spanx, girdles, long line bras, support hose, well, you get my point!). This outfit, the halter top, full skirt, jacket (and I have the matching tank top and pant) I bought in 1999, and it is as fabulous today as it was then.

If you're looking for the perfect summer top, find one that is a poly-spandex mix in a dark print; it doesn't wrinkle, and if you sweat, no one will see!

The clothes are from the now defunct Eye Candy, and the belt is Zuiki.

 

SN

BCBG -Rachell

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, I shall begin today's post with an apology; for this is yet another pair of shoes which have been sitting in the Shoe Arsenal for years, but I have never worn until today...but I'll make it up to you by the end of the blog!

 

I cannot believe that I waited so long to wear these! With it's simple design and braided jute mid-sole, I garnished plenty on compliments as I headed out for an early evening meal. Comfortable to walk in, my feet were pain-free after a trip to the mall!

 

 

Both sexy and stunning, I love the way these shoes make my legs look! 

Tell me, do you have a pair of shoes that make your legs look unbelievable?

 

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 253:  Thursday September 20th 2012
Designer: BCBG
Name: Rachell
Color: Brown/Natural
Style: Platform Pump Sandal
Heel:4.5 inches (11.43 cm)
Platform: 1.25 inches (3.18 cm)
Material: Vachetta leather upper with Jute mid sole





How I styled it?

Being somewhat vertically challenged (I'm 5'6 1/2" or 169 cm), I love wear heels to compensate.  The taller the heel, the more leg-lengthening I get.  Ergo, I paired these beauties with a denim mini in order to highlight my gams! Denim jackets are a staple in my wardrobe and this Chadwick's Moto paired up (fabric and color) nicely with this skirt from Old Navy
I topped the skirt with a glitter embossed top with a sexy bone o-ring halter tie.  The bone bracelet was a gift from a friend on a trip to Bahrain.  The bag is from Bongo.

SN

Oh, I almost forgot, I had something to make up to you.  In the first picture, my legs are glowing!  No photoshop here, it's my lotion!
Some yeas ago, a friend told me about Olay's Quench daily lotion plus shimmer.  Advertised to break the cycle of dry skin for 24 hours, I was instantly hooked. My favorite part is the 'sparkley' effect it gives your skin...it leaves you glistening in the sun!

 

Mossimo -Verdie, Wine

Ciao a tutti!

Living in a town with a strong arts community, I have had the opportunity to enjoy many of my favorite pastimes; make that thoroughly enjoy, because although I attended artistic gatherings in Sicily, and I can speak  and understand the Italian language to a great degree, there were, unfortunately, some things that got lost in translation.

This past summer, I came across an advertisement for a movie I have always wanted to see -Casablanca; and what made the announcement so tantalizing was that the movie was going to be shown, as it was originally intended, on the big screen. 

Amazing to say the least, this marked the first of many old movies that were released before I was born, and since have had the extreme pleasure of seeing; Cape Fear (with Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum), Breakfast at Tiffany's and last night's digitally remastered, Citizen Kane -iconic movies of bygone era, that I can now check off my list of the 100 greatest movies to see.  Next film, Gone with the Wind!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte


Day 252: Wednesday September 19th 2012
Designer: Mossimo
Name: Verdie
Color: Wine
Style: Peep-Toe Wedge
Heel: 4 inches (10.16 cm)
Material: Patent Man Made Upper with a Donut (Cut-out) Wedge

Beautiful in any color; click here to see these beauties in Gray or here to see them in Brown!

Monday's Must Have Shoes: Mojo Moxy -Pippa

Ciao a tutti!

With the last weekend of summer officially behind us, and as we countdown to falling leaves, cooler temperatures, woolly socks and oh-so-fabulous boots, I would be remiss if I didn't post one last Must Have shoe for the summer of 2012 (and for any die-hard Shoe-A-Holic). 

And here she is...let me introduce you to Pippa, by Mojo Moxy!

 

Every Shoe-A-Holic needs a pair of over-the-top shoes!  Yes, we all have the smart shoes, and the sexy shoes, and the comfortable shoes, and beach/pool shoes, and the bedroom shoes, and the house shoes, and the yard shoes, and the exercise shoes, and the 'pick-up the kids from school' shoes...but how many of us have a pull-out-all-the-stops, take-no-prisoners, party-'til-you drop shoes?  Exactly!  So what are you waiting for?

 

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte


Day 251: Monday September 17th 2012
Designer: Mojo Moxy
Name: Pippa
Color: Blue
Style: Platform Peep-Toe Pump
Heel: 5 inches (12.7 cm)
Platform: 1.5 inches (3.81 cm)
Material: Leather Upper with contrasting strap and bow at vamp; wrapped platform and heel

How I styled this?
I waited a long time for these beauties.  And with a mix up with the delivery, and after several weeks, I had to start the process all over again!  My biggest dilemma when purchasing them was the color; these sexy stems came in five delicious colors and it was a choice between the yellow-lemon drop color with the pink band and blue bow or these baby blues with the tan band and pink bow!  Being partial to pink, the blue pair won, but what to wear with them?  I needed a dress that could pull off the sassiness of these shoes, and through the power of positive thinking (I believe), the dress found its way to me, one summer morning during my tax-free weekend shopping at Bealls! Dots had just moved, and I got an additional 40% of this gorgeous dress from Nine West!  Am I the only who didn't know they made such fabulous clothes?

SN

Antia -Gianna, Black

Hola amigos!

While in Europe, I had the opportunity to visit Spain; first the island of Palma de Mallorca (pronounced my-orca), the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea.  (My blog post during my visit to Palma: Cruise Diary Special Edition: Sketchers –Step Up, Gray, is my second most popular post!)  I concluded after spending the day on the island of less than 500,000 residents, I came to the conclusion that I could easily live there.

But at heart, I am a city girl, which brings me to the second port-of-call on that fabulous Med cruise (minus Naples of course), was in Barcelona.  The second largest city in Spain, after Madrid, this city of 1.6 million people, inundated by cruise ships daily, felt anything but crowded!

With all the quaintness of the Sicilian towns to which I have become accustomed, infused with large piazzas and restaurants with ample dining al fresco, Barcelona was a city I could definitely see myself revisiting, or perhaps dwelling one day.

So, my fellow Shoe-A-Holics, why am I reminiscing about Spain today?  Simple: these Gianna sandals by Antia!  These Spanish beauties I came across recently, and they are so luxurious!  Calf leather upper with leather lining and a leather wrapped wedge.  The cutouts and the dual buckle detail are just icing to this scrumptious piece of eye candy!  Hat's off to the designers at Antia for one fabulous pair of shoes!  These are on my Top 10 Shoe Picks!


Besos!

Stella Notte

Day 250:  Sunday September 16th 2012
Designer: Antia
Style: Gianna
Color: Black
Heel: 4 inches (10.16 cm)
Platform: 0.875 inches (2.22 cm)
Material: Calf Leather Upper, leather lining and leather wrapped wedge.  Cutout  detail on vamp with top contrast stitching and dual buckle detail


Would you like to know how I rated these shoes?  Check out my Tumblr page!

 

 

Beautiful in any color; click here to see these beauties in Cognac!

 

 

How I styled it?

I always look to Europe for inspiration.  Europeans often have an eclectic look which translates into effortless style! 

Both the hat and scarf I bought in Sicily (the scarf was a euro at the market).  The belt is from Old Navy, the v-neck t-shirt is from the GAP, while Newport News linen boyfriend blazer was thrifted and the denim shorts are from Walmart!  The bag was a find at the leather market in Pisa.  I love mixing jewelry: cuff was 3 euros at the market and the charm bracelet/watch is from Anne Klein.

SN