Sunday Show Stopper Alert! No. 704b -Moira

Attention, Shoe-A-Holics!

We interrupt your regularly scheduled blog for this Shoe-Stopper of a post!

I'm thinking about a few of my fellow Shoe-A-Holics this morning, and I thought I'd share some inspirational words about life; hoping this enables you to move one step closer to you!

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.”

–Mother Teresa

 And my personal addition to such inspirational list: Life is a playground...have fun with it!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 205: Sunday June 17th 2012

Designer: No. 704b

Name: Moira

Style: Gladiator Ankle Wrap Demi-Wedge

Color: Camel

Heel: 3.5 inches (8.89 cm)

Material: Leather and Stretch Elastic Uppers; ankle strap with snap closure

Sunday Show Stopper Alert! Type Z -Lynet, Purple

Attention, Shoe-A-Holics!

We interrupt your regularly scheduled blog for this Shoe-Stopper of a post!

The word of the day, my fellow Shoe-a-holics...Excited! It's hard to believe that we've been on this amazing shoe journey through my Arsenal; 200 pairs of awsomely sexy (and some not-so-sexy) shoes, boots and sandals...but we're not done yet! I still have quite a few beauties to thrill you...surprise you... and maybe even a pair or two that will make you say, "Ahhh!" 

So, today's blog post, my fellow Shoe-A-Holics, is dedicated to you!  Thanx for reading!

Baci a tutti e grazie mille!

Stella Notte

Day 200: Sunday June 10th 2012

Designer: Type Z

Name: Lynet

Style: Platform Back Zip Sandal

Heel: 5 inches (12.7 cm), Platform: 1 inch (2.54 cm) 

Material: Leather Upper with  cutouts and back zip closure

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

Naya -Fauna Tan/Coffee

Ciao a tutti!

Casually cool, I stepped out of the house this morning feeling very European.  I love the European style of laid back effortless dressing which is always well put together.  The mixing and matching of textures, fabrics and prints is a very flavorful fashion expression that I witnessed all over the European continent.  Regardless of age, our European counterparts, ditch the tennis shoes and sweats in favor of shirts, scarves and chinos, giving a relaxed elegance from shopping at the market or dining al fresco!

Today, in this ensemble, I am headed to the park with the children.  With the coolness in the air this morning, these ballet-type flats are perfect to keep my (always cold feet) warm.  The arch support and cushioned insole are great for the walk and whatever may come our way.

Now you know, my fellow Shoe-a-Holics, I love me some heels!   But when I saw these beauties on sale (I had been eyeing them for a while in the grey...they were already sold out of them in the black leather), I couldn't resist...so much so that I bought two pairs, the other I plan to have dyed black!

From the park, we headed down to the River Front, where I encountered some fans (if only of my hair); on assignment with their Cosmetology Class, these beauties asked they could snap some pictures of my curls, I agreed!  I was extremely flattered.  This curly hair is a recent style for me (within the last few years), and brings out my inner wild child!

Adventure worthy, I can't wait to wear these beauties again...in black!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte
Day 191: Monday May 28th  2012
Designer: Naya
Name: Fauna
Color: Tan Suede/Coffee Bean Leather
Style: Ankle Cuff Ballet Flat
Material: Suede Upper and lining with contrast leather stitching along heel and vamp

Cindy Says –Jaguar

Buongiorno!

One of my favorite games as a child was Simon Says…why? Now, I’m really not sure…I was never very good at the game…I was never really good at listening either, come to think of it…but here is an updated version on the game…let’s hope you can keep up…ready?




Cindy Says…everybody get up!

Cindy Says...strike a pose to your left!





Cindy Says...strike it to your right!



 

Now work it like a supermodel! 

 

Cindy didn't say!

Baci!

Stella Notte

Day 84: 06-12-2011

Shoe: Cindy Says –Jaguar

Color: Black

Style:  Platform Demi-Wedge Sandal with Ankle Strap

Heel:  4 ¼ inches (11.4cm)

Platform: 1 inch (2.5cm)

Material: Leather Upper

My Trapani Getaway: Naughty Monkey –Traveler, Brown

Buongiorno!

I woke up ths morning smiling...I had such an amazing time in Trapani that I didn't want to leave. I often think, that (my) life should have a soundtrack...playing just the right song, at the right time...that summizes the moment and/or sentiment. I have a personal anthem, which brings a smile to my face whenever I hear it, and if it were not written by India Arie, I would have sworn I had written it myself...enjoy!

VIDEO*

Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don't

Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won't

Depend on how the wind blows I might even paint my toes

It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul

I'm not the average girl from your video

and I ain't built like a supermodel

But, I learned to love myself unconditionally

Because I am a queen

I'm not the average girl from your video

My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes

No matter what I'm wearing I will always be the India Arie

When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me
Every freckle on my face is where it's supposed to be
And I know our creator didn't make no mistakes on me
My feet, my thighs, my lips, my eyes; I'm lovin' what I see

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be the
India Arie
 

Am I less of a lady if I don't wear pantyhose?

My mama said a lady ain't what she wears but, what she knows

But, I've drawn a conclusion, it's all an illusion, confusion's the name of the game

A misconception, a vast deception

Something's gotta change

but, don't be offended this is all my opinion

ain't nothing that I'm sayin law

This is a true confession of a life learned lesson I was sent here to share with y'all

So get in where you fit in go on and shine

Clear your mind, now's the time

Put your salt on the shelf

Go on and love yourself

'Cuz everything's gonna be all right







I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be the India Arie

Keep your fancy drinks and your expensive minks
I don't need that to have a good time
Keep your expensive car and your caviar
All I need is my guitar
Keep your Kristal and your pistol
I'd rather have a pretty piece of crystal
Don't need your silicone I prefer my own
What God gave me is just fine

<><><><><><><><>

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be India Arie*

Baci!

Stella Notte

Day 83: 06-11-2011

Shoe: Naughty Monkey –Traveler

Color: Brown

Style:  Platform Wedge Sandal with Ankle Strap

Heel:  4 ¼ inches (11.4 cm), Platform: 1 ¼ inch (3.2 cm)

Material: Leather Upper

* Lyrics are from the India Arie song entitled Video

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

My Trapani Getaway and My Favorite Places: Ristorante Hotel Moderno (Buon Ricordo), Mossimo –Presta

Ciao!

Today my shoes are taking us somewhere great to eat…up, up, up and away we go!

Located on top of Mount Erice, about 750m above sea level overlooking the city of Trapani, Erice (ancient name Eryx) and its foundation was associated with the eponymous¥ Greek hero Eryx. It was not a Greek colony, but was largely Hellenized. It was destroyed in the First Punic War by the Carthaginians, and from then on declined in importance.

A quick drive to the city center brought us to the base of Mount Erice, and the funivia (pronounced foo-nee-vee-ah, or cable car station).












Literally translated as Good Memories, Buon Ricordo Restaurants are what I refer to as the Italian version of Hard Rock Café. Restaurants throughout Sicily, Italy, Europe and Asia belong to this association of restaurants which prepare a local dish which is typical of the area.

 

 

When you order the specialty dish (which is designated on the menu with a B.R or Buon Ricordo), you receive a commemorative hand painted ceramic plate decorated with a design symbolic of your meal. Every year, in every restaurant, the plates change, inviting you to make the annual pilgrimage so that you may add to your collection.

At Ristorante Hotel Moderno, the Buon Ricordo dish was Stone Bass escalope in orange-lemon sauce and cost € 18. 

Note Bene 1: Directions to Ristorante Hotel Moderno

Once you exit the cable car station in Erice, make the right and follow the road toward the arch (on your left).  Go through the arch, and you are now on Via Vittorio Emanuale (which is the main road). 


Follow the road up.  It is a bit of a climb, so wear shoes which have rubber soles.  The road is extremely slippery!

When you get to the fork in the road, veer left.  Ristorante Hotel Moderno is on your right.

Note Bene 2:

Follow directions to the funivia.  The parking lot in front of the cable car station is under repair. 
We parked on the road between the station and the parking lot.  Last year, we parked in the same place (because the parking lot was full).  An old man directed us to the spot, and we paid him a few Euro.  This not uncommon to find in Sicily; I don’t mind paying them, because I haven’t had a problem with my giant American van in the four years we’ve been here.  And if the alternative is someone being angry in the vicinity of my car, while I am out and about, a couple of Euros is certainly a small price to pay for piece of mind! 


Note Bene 3:

It is possible to drive to Erice, but I have never driven so I cannot lend any insight into the experience!  But the Cable Car is a fun way to start of your sightseeing in the morning or to reach your dinner destination in the evening.  For €6,50 return, splurge!  Don’t forget to check the running times of the cable car, they do not run 24 hours!

Fun Facts:

Check out this info on the Cable Car:

Technical Data

Valley Station Elevation: 40 meters (m)

Mountain Station Elevation: 703m

Slant Height: 3099m

Drop: 663m

Travel Time: 10 minutes 40 seconds

Operating speed: 5 m/s

Hourly capacity: 1000 people per hour

  

A Word About the Shoes...
I bought these beauties at Target.  Target really does have some fashionable shoes at a great price (Follow this link to see what other beauties I bought at Target: Mossimo Verdie).  What I love about Mossimo shoes is that they are very consistant in their sizing.  It's been some time since I've been in a Target store, but I know when I order a pair of Mossimo's, they are always the perfect fit!


Buon Appetito!

Stella Notte

Day 81: 06-09-2011

Shoe: Mossimo –Presta

Color:  Black

Style: Platform Wedge Sandal with ankle ties

Heel:  5 inches (12.7cm) Platform: 1 ¼ inch (3.2cm)

Material: Fabric Upper

*  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erice

Find a Buon Ricordo Restaurant here:
Buon Ricordo Web Page

---

¥ e·pon·y·mous - (of a person) being the person after whom a literary work, film, etc., is named (just in case you didn't know :)

My Trapani Getaway and My Favorite Places: Onda Blu, Two Lips –Rainbow, Purple

Buongiorno!

Today my shoes are bringing us to my favorite summertime oasis – Maréttimo, to have a favorite dish of mine…andiamo!

The second largest of the Aegadian Islands, the ancient name of the island was "Hiera Nesos", which means "Sacred Island" in Greek. The name Maréttimo comes from the words Mare (Sea) and Timo (Thyme) due to the profusion of thyme on the island.*

Me on the ferry!

This morning started off with a ferry ride to Maréttimo. After switching boats in Favignana, we arrived on the island shortly before 11:00, just in time for lunch at the Onda Blu. 

With menu suggestions on the doors… 

And so many choices on the menu…

I went to my favorite three years running; my suggestion, especially after a day of swimming: Insalatona –a tuna salad, but not the tuna salad to which you are accustomed!   Feast your eyes on this fresh feast…

Served with Balsamic vinegar and olive oil, I opt for the salad exactly the way it is made…perfetto!  My suggestion for dessert is a caffé crema –an espresso infused whipped cream drink.  When you arrive at Onda Blu, look for Rosaria…she will turn your meal into an experience! 

Rosaria and me

Note Bene 1: Directions to Onda Blu

After leaving the port, head for Piazza Umberto 1^◦  in the centre town.  If you get ‘lost’ (for which the town is really too small to become truly ‘lost’), head for the clock tower.  Coming from the port, Onda Blu is on the left.  The sign is posted on the door, so look for the restaurant with the blue wooden deck!

Note Bene 2:

Today’s adventure actually started yesterday evening when we made it to Trapani.  After gassing up, we made a quick stop at the ticket booth (biglietteria pronounced: bee-leeyet-tare-ree-ah) to prepay for our ferry tickets.  You can buy tickets on the pier at the little kiosks or across the street at the main offices.  For two adults one way we paid 32,60 € plus 3 € to pre-purchase them.  Why would we prepay?  Tourist season has arrived in Sicily, and while 70-80 degree weather may not be hot here, it is definitely hot for northern Europeans.  I’m glad we did pay ahead because two tour buses arrived shortly before the ferry was to depart (with their prepaid tickets) and several locals didn’t make it onto the boat!

A Little Known Fact:
Three years ago, someone suggested we visit Favignana (pronounced: Fah-veen-nyah-nah). After telling my Italian teacher, Marisa di Costa, my plans for the weekend, she asked me why I was heading there… “To swim.” I replied. She then asked, “Do you like to swim with Jellyfish? To which I answered, “No!” Marisa said that if you like to swim, you can take a boat to the grottoes and swim in the crystal clear waters…without jellyfish! And we have been back every year.

Maréttimo, I miss you already!

Baci!

Stella Notte

 

Day 79: 06-06-2011

Shoe:  Two Lips –Rainbow

Color:  Purple

Style: Platform Wedge Sandal with ankle strap

Heel:  5 inches (12.7cm)

Platform: 1 inch (2.5cm)

Material: Leather Upper

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marettimo

 

A Bit About the Shoes…

A DSW special for less than $20, I bought them last summer along with their Tan complement. Extremely comfortable, I worked these 5-inch wedges from the time we left the hotel…take a look!