Hush Puppies -Limon

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, whether they are quirky, clever or cute, I love a pair of shoes that are different...or at least, secretly so.  And these gladiator flats from Hush Puppies certainly fit the bill!  If you are like me and hate fidgeting with buckles, especially after the nails are done or once fully dressed, these cleverly designed beauties have two functional buckles, but as an added convenience, each buckle has a hook which can be used to open and close the shoe.  Brilliant!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Designer: Hush Puppies
Name: Limon
Color: Black
Style: T-Strap Gladiator Flat Sandal
Heel: 0.25 inches (0.64 cm)
Material: Suede Upper with dual adjustable buckles

To see how I styled these beautiful Gladiator Sandals, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

MIA -Zeus, Pewter

Ciao a tutti!

Confession time, my fellow Shoe-A-Holics...as I near the farthest corners of my Shoe Arsenal and survey the 30 or so remaining pairs of shoes (and some boots), I have come to the realization that I have worn very few of my dressier shoes over these last few years.

So, while I come up with ways to best style the beauties I have yet to wear, I shall continue to wear some of my favorites and pass along some shoe advice or tips that you, my fellow Shoe-A-Holics will find useful.

A must for any Shoe Arsenal is a metallic sandal.  Bronze, gold or pewter, like these, are considered a style essential because metallics are the new neutral.  Capable of styling with any and everything, a metallic sandal is an indispensable piece of footwear you'll be sure to wear season after season.

 

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Designer: MIA
Name: Zeus
Color: Pewter
Style: Flat Gladiator Thong Sandal
Material: Leather Upper with side buckle detailing

To see how I styled these beautiful Sandals, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

Report -Julian, Tan

Ciao a tutti!
 
My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, living in a country (Italy) known for its fine leather goods, I quickly found out (after dispensing about half of the shoes I owned before I moved), that I couldn't buy all the shoes I had dreamt of buying because of my...ahem, large feet (as I was (im)politely told after having asked for a size 42.5 (US 11) in a sexy leather boot, and that a 'size 42 is a man's size!').  Shopping online was my only alternative; while it has become a lot easier with easy returns and free shipping , this was not my experience back then.  So here is some shoe advice:

SEEK OUT REVIEWS! An invaluable tool when shopping online, or even just researching a future purchase, reviews are the next best thing to trying on the shoes in a brick and mortar establishment. In the past 6 years, I have bought only one pair of shoes in a store, so I do practically all my shoe shopping online. When I bought these sandals, there were no customer reviews to aid my buying experience.  Inexpensive and gorgeous, I went ahead and purchased them (and their compliment in black).  I wish that there had been reviews or even a single review (you can read my review of these shoes), because these shoes are as painful as they are beautiful.

 

Now, nothing is absolute. Reviews only reflect one person’s personal experience with an item, which may or may not be the case for you. When I read reviews this is my approach:

1. I read the reviews and take an average of the ratings, usually disregarding the very best and the very worst. Some people rate the shoes based on appearance alone, indicating they have never worn the shoe, so 5 out of 5 is meaningless. Also, the manufacturing process is not perfect, and if someone received a defective item, then a zero is most likely indicative of the defect and not the shoe. I have also read some reviews where people rate the time in shipping, and don’t even review the shoe!

2. I like to look for specifics in the reviews. For example, I was researching a pair of shoes, and the website on which they were priced lowest, it read that the upper was manmade, but the other websites the upper was listed as suede. The first reviewer had pointed out the error in the specification, and that they were in fact suede.

3. The last thing I look for is if there is a commonality in all the reviews. For example, I found a beautiful pair of designer sandals online with a wooden mid-sole, but every person indicated that after the first wear, the wood had chipped. One person had written that the wood had been chipped upon arrival, indicating poor materials had been used. Another time, I read reviews on a strappy studded sandal, and all the reviewers mentioned the studs fell off with the first wear, indicating poor craftsmanship.

There are so many things to consider when choosing to shop online, but my best advice is to read the reviews, and if you are able to buy online with free shipping, free returns or free in store returns, then your online adventure will be virtually hassle free!



Baci a tuttti!

Stella Notte

Day 310:  Tuesday February 5th 2013
Designer: Report
Name: Julian
Color: Tan
Style: Heeled Gladiator Sandal
Heel: 3.75 inches (9.53 cm)
Platform: 0.5 inches (1.27 cm)
Material: Suede Upper and leather lining with metal rings and stud details

Curshing on these beauties?  You can still find a pair on Amazon.com...if the size is right!

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

How I Styled It

 

One sure fire way to get more milage out of your summer clothes is to winterize them; that is making them wearable both in the summer and the cooler months, by adding normally cold weather items to them. With this dress (I got from Rue 21, years ago), I could have added a sweater over it and tights under it and worn it as a 'skirt', or, if the straps were thicker (these are spaghetti straps), I could wear a turtleneck under it and pair with with leggings and wear it as a tunic. To winterize my sundress today, I decided to wear this suede button down dress (Bomb Boogie Clothing, I thrifted in Italy) open (like a vest). Suede is my cool weather luxe fabric, and with the suede sandals, and teal suede bag (a market find for 5 Euro, $7), I manage to stay warm when a breeze comes along. SN

 

 

 

Worthington -Honor, Black

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, I am feeling Hot in the City today!  For the second time in as many weeks, the unseasonably warm weather has me putting my boots on temporary hiatus and rummaging through the back of my Shoe Arsenal for lighter, cooler footwear.  A couple of weeks ago, I asked on my Facebook Page if you have a break from the winter's cold and snow, what is your go to footwear?  Many responses were of remaining in boots or shoes, but some mentioned that sandals were an option if the weather was warm enough.

 

Erring of the side of conservatism, you will remember that I opted for a peep-toe wedge, but today in this 80 (26 Celsius) degree heat, although it way be 'winter' here, that is summer in Toronto, and I put on sandals.  Okay, so I didn't break out my 'summer'  summer sandals, I opted for these strappy gladiators which did manage cover most of my feet, yet keep them cool enough during the day.  The only thing I need now, is a pedicure; although the weather is sandals ready, my poor tootsies are not!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 308: Thursday January 31st 2013
Designer: Worthington
Name: Honor
Color: Black
Style: Gladiator Sandal
Heel: 4 inches (10.16 cm)
Material: Interwoven Leather upper with stud details

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

 

 How I Styled It?

I love dresses!  I would wear them everyday if I lived in a tropical locale; they are very forgiving like skirts, but unlike skirts (and other separates), there are no co-ordinating pieces and the styling is already done for you.  I'm going to let you in on a little styling secret of mine: make a polyester and spandex blend dark print dress your new warm weather best friend.  Here's why: the summer can be brutal, and if you are headed out on a warm or hot day, you always want to look your best.  After living in Sicily and experiencing their dry desert heat (and no summer breeze), I would shower and dress in the morning, only to have my clothing drenched in sweat by 10am. And it wasn't cute especially when meeting with Local Nationals and trying to give a good first impression.   The beauty of a mixed fabric print dress (like the one I'm wearing from Ross Dress for Less, I found for $4.99 on clearance) is that you can sweat, and if doesn't show! The print, unlike a solid, hides this little embarrassment, and the fluidity of the material, unlike cotton or a cotton blend, will mask any wetness; so when the mercury rises, I still manage to look cool and fresh which is always chic.  SN 

 

Steve Madden -Tarin, Black

Ciao a tutti!

Are these any Shoe-A-Holics out there in the world of shoes enjoying this nice weather besides me?  No complaints here, these added days of warmth allow me to wear many things which, during the summer heat, I didn't get to wear.  Case in point: these sandals and dress.

One of my favorite trends for warm spring days and cooling summer nights (which was next to impossible here...some nights bottomed out at 80 degrees with close to 100 percent humidity), is a maxi dress; but not just any dress, but the ridiculously long, floor sweeping maxi.  I love the illusion of added height it gives me, but due to my vertical impairment, I need some pretty high sandals to compensate for the hem of the dress.  And these maddies fit the bill!

 

Strong and sturdy, with just a touch of gladiator chic, I'm off to enjoy another summer indulgence: a caramel frappuccino*!

 

Baci a tutti!

 

Stella Notte

 

 

Day 270: Thursday October 25th 2012

Designer: Steve Madden

Name: Tarin

Color: Black

Style: Gladiator Wedge Sandal

Heel: 4 inches (10.16 cm)
Platform: 1 inch (2.54 cm)

Material: Leather Upper and Lining with cutout and stud detail. Wood platform and wedge.


Frappuccino is a frothy coffee drink made of blended ice and milk ususally topped with whipped cream.  Frappuccino is a trademarked line of coffee beverages sold by Starbucks.

 



  

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

 

 



Anna Capri -Tamara

Ciao a tutti!

A quick shout out to my neighbor, before I head out for the evening. 

And where exactly am I going?

Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back.

Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win, it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game.

Crushing on these Italian beauties? you can find them here at Amazon.com

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 235: Sunday August 12th, 2012
Designer: Anna Capri
Name: Tamara
Color: Natural
Style: Gladiator Platform Wedge Sandal
Heel: 4 inches (10.16 cm), Platform: 1.5 inches (3.81 cm)
Material: Leather Upper with metal ring detail along vamp

Bucket List: Nine West -Bolero

Ciao a tutti!

Are you ready my fellow Shoe-A-Holics?  I can officially check off #4 on my Bucket List: Strut in my Bolero's!  Look at me go!

Six down and four more to go!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte


Day 228: Thursday July 26th, 2012
Designer: Nine West
Name: Bolero
Color: Natural
Style: Gladiator Platform Sandal
Heel: 4 inches (10.16 cm), Platform: 0.75 inches (1.91 cm), Shaft: 6.5 inches (16.51cm)
Material: Leather Upper with Strappy Multi-Buckle detail, Back Zip and cone heel




Here are some collages of pictures taken during today's photo shoot...watch me strutin'..and posin'!

Sunday Show Stopper Alert! Nine West -Tautou

Attention, Shoe-A-Holics!

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

It's a Fashion Show, my fellow Shoe-A-Holics,
and guess who was putting her best fashion foot forward?

At this mid-summer outdoor fashion show, Express clothing company Rocked the Sidewalk with fashions from their Fall 2012 Collection.  From formal wear to furry vests, mini skirts and easy to wear suits, locals visually feasted on fashion, and they didn't leave hungry. 

The proverbially kid in the candy store, to my surprise, I caught more than just a glimpse of my favorite Super Model, Alek Wek!

And of course, I was scoping out these shoes; even Christian Louboutin made an appearance at the show...this shoe looks a little like the beauties I posted two weeks ago!

And after the show?  We headed out for dessert at Lulu's Chocolate Bar!  Very Berry Martini's and a Cappuccino Brownie...ahh, it was another memorable night in some very memorable shoes!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 225: Sunday July 22nd, 2012

Designer: Nine West

Name: Tautou

Color: Black

Style: Platform Gladiator Cage Sandal

Heel: 4.5 inches (11.43 cm), Platform: 0.5 inches (1.27 cm)

Material: Leather Upper with O-Ring, Stud and Buckle detail

Here are some collages form the pictures taken at today's photo shoot...enjoy!

Monday's Must Have Shoes: Hush Puppies -Limon

Ciao, Amici!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, I know what you're thinking...Hush Puppies, Stella?  Really?  And you know what?  Yes, I thought the same thing, too!  But these Limon beauties, are not your mother's (or grandmother's) sour old shoes of yester-year.  Soft, supple and oh, so comfortable, these are one of my recommendations for your Must Have shoes of the summer!

From the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial (pictures above) to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the White House (both pictured below); spending the day sightseeing in the nation's capitol, required a shoe that would stand up to the walking (or hiking, depending on how far or high you climb), yet was still sexy and stylish!  Then there was the $17.99 I snagged them for, I couldn't pass up the deal!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 217: Monday July 9th, 2012
Designer: Hush Puppies
Name: Limon
Color: Black
Style: T-Strap Gladiator Flat Sandal
Heel: 0.25 inches (0.64 cm)
Material: Suede Upper with dual adjustable buckles

I hesitated when I first thought about buying these beauties,

until I saw this video from Zappos.com,

check out the dual functionality of the buckles...this you have to see for yourself!

Here is a collage of the pictures from today's photo shoot...enjoy!

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

MIA -Zeus, Pewter

Ciao a tutti!

Fellow Shoe-A-Holics, I received an email recently from a fan of the blog regarding a picture I had posted of me in flats; to which the fan quipped, "What?  No Heels?"  Now, you know, I love heels just as much (well maybe more than) the next  girl, but I love my feet a little more.  Don't get me wrong,  I have sacrificed my feet quite a bit for my shoes...my people have a saying: Pride feels no pain, but I do want my feet to last me all the days I have been given to walk with them...so here is my advice as sandals season swings into full gear... Be kind to your feet!

Sandals can be just as rough on your feet as boots; hard leather straps, polyurethane uppers, and even leather lining which can soak up oils and lotions, leaving in their wake, dry (dry), skin!  And don’t get me started on wooden soled sandals without so much as a cushioned foot bed…Mamma mia!

Tips for your Tootsies: Give your feet time to breath -if you wear closed toed shoes in the heat, you are asking for bacteria to grow which bring odors and infection; give your feet time to air out and dry out during the day, if not give them ample time to do so when closed-toe shoes are not required.

 

Try a quality lotion (I like Olay Quench with the sparkles) -dry, cracked feet are never in style!  A quick way to soften up feet over night is to slather them in Vaseline, then put on cotton socks and wear them to bed.  The next morning you will wake up to soft supple feet!

Alternate between flats and heels -the pitch of a heel (especially worn for hours day after day) can cause joint and leg problems causing walking difficulties over time. You legs and feet need a break from the stress. If you want to wear heels for years to come, don't work your feet to the bone now!

 
Use gel inserts if feasible -while many shoes do come with cushioned insoles, some are lacking completely.  The uses of inserts can make the difference in wearing your dancing shoes all night, or kicking them off and dancing in your bare feet (I do not encourage the latter)!

Get a pedicure (if your budget allows and this goes for the guys too!) -what an amazing feeling it is to be pampered!  If you've had a pedicure, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, you don't know what you are missing!  Get thee to a pedicurist!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 199: Thursday June 7th 2012
Designer: MIA
Name: Zeus
Color: Pewter
Style: Flat Gladiator Thong Sandal
Material: Leather Upper with side buckle detailing

Dress: Wet Seal
Belt: Tally WEiJL (Italia)

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

Here are some more pix from today's shoot....enjoy!