Shoe Binge

Sorry for being MIA lately, getting an audit at work can be quite time consuming.  The thing with audits is while preparing for them, my normal tasks don't stop, they just pile up.  But enough about work, back to my shoe binge.

I was so proud that during boxing day, I did not purchase a single pair of shoes.  But man lately I have been on a shoe binge.  I basically purchased a pair a week.

Every Girl Needs A...

Good cobbler, especially if you're a shoe luving gal.  I'm sure I am not the only one who has bought shoes purely on it's looks.  And for some reason most of the prettiest looking shoes are also the most uncomfortable shoes.

Blog Inspired Purchase

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who has made purchases motivated by blogs. Well at least I hope I'm not.

During Boxing day, I picked up these B by Brian Atwood sandals; I have to admit that I purchased them partially because I kept seeing cage like sandals pop up on several fashion blogs.

Elody Caged Sandals

Why is my Bag so Damn Heavy?

This is my version of what's in my bag.  Lily has always complained that my bag is super heavy; and I quote "I know you work in a hospital but you don't need to be carrying around body parts".  And lately I have come to the realization that my bag is quite heavy, but I don't think I carry more than any other girl out there?

So let's take a peek into my bag.

I finally got a pair of sneaker wedges

Okay so.... I really wanted a pair of sneaker wedges and I've been on a hunt for them since the Winter season.

Shoe Addict?

So maybe I am a Shoe-Aholic? I will admit that I love to buy shoes.  I would rather spend like 75% of my budget on shoes and the remaining 25% on the rest of the outfit. Maybe it's because I feel that shoes make the outfit or that shoes have the ability to make you stand a little straighter and walk with a little more confidence. Suffice it to say I have XXX pairs of shoes (I will never admit to how many pairs, I really have  

; )!. But the Bay was having it's end of season wrap up sales and the discounts were too good to resist.

The Shoe Haul

Please note that I am not the only one who picked up shoes, Lily scored a couple of pairs herself. Maybe I can finagle her into posting them.

It's raining Shoes

I guess I may be a shoe-aholic, as promise here is my shoe haul for the month of November.  I had been doing so well until November.

And then this happen...

I was doing so well...

And then I caved and almost bought 2 pairs of shoes in a day!  I have been trying to be good this year and stick the the notion of not buying anything I don't really need (i.e no clothing or shoes).  And I have been doing pretty well, I know I posted about a pair of House of Harlow shoes I picked up at a sample sale, but those don't count they were only $15. Plus I walked away from a pair of pretty ballerina flats when they had a 30% off sale (which is rare), so that has to count for something! But man I really regret not pick up that pair of flats, I really need a new pair of metallic flats : (

Now the summer sales are starting and it's really hard to resist and I ended up with "almost" 2 pairs of new shoes.

So I fell off the Wagon

Today was the second day of the Annabelle-Marcelle warehouse sale, B and I decided to check it out.  We had never tried the Annabelle or Marcelle brand and figure this was a perfect way.  Hence I fell off the wagon, but completely not my fault!  This is the first time we attended this warehouse sale so we decided to meet there at 9AM in anticipation of a long line up (after having gone to the L'Oreal and Guerlain sales, we have learned that people are hard core when it comes to cosmetic warehouse sales in MTL, I'm talking about how people show up 2-3 hours prior to the start of the sale armed with folding chairs and coolers).  Surprisingly, there was basically a shot line up and everyone was let in at the same time. I think that was a mistake, because there was so many people in there at the same time you barely could move. Out goes being polite and courteous because if you wanted to get close to the products you have to shove your way in!

They had a Marcelle skin care products which basically nothing was more than $9 (not sure about the anti-aging products since I basically skipped that part). We wore even tempted to buy the Marcelle BB cream for $15, but resisted temptation especially since every other make up product was only $1.99.  Yes you read that correctly lipsticks, lipglosses, eyeshadows, mascaras, powder, blushes, bronzers, eyeliners, and foundations wore all $1.99.  B and I wore like kids in a candy store; we have been to several of these sales that I think we have developed a very effective technique. Grab what you catches your eye, do not debate if you really want or need it.  Just dump it into your bag, once you have gone through the entire sale, find a corner and then sort through your bag.  This way you 1) avoid having to go through the crowd again and 2) insure that you get the product (reduced risk of having the product be sold out).  They even had a liquidation table where their makeup brushes wore being sold 4 for $1 (we may have gone a little crazy there). 

Here is the basic set up: I should have taken more pics, but there was just too much craziness and my arms wore full, sorry guys!

The layout

Crowds of people wore slowing moving in

The haul (not bad I only spent $38)

I know I went a little crazy with the brushes!

Warning if you have never been to cosmetic warehouse/sample sales I must warn you that do not expect to find all the products that are currently in stores, you will be surprised.  Most products there are either overstock, left overs from previously unsold collections, and quite possibly products that are sold in different countries because often B and I would be confused with certain products we came across.

Are there any Marcelle or Annabelle products I should have to try?

♥ Viv

Marcelle and Annabelle Warehouse sale

The Marcelle and Annabelle sample sale just popped up on my radar and it happens to be right around the corner. It is scheduled to occur at the end of March (March 30-April 1 to be precise).

For those who are not familiar with the Marcelle and Annabelle brand, they are a Quebec based cosmetic company that manufactures skin care and cosmetic products locally. Both brands can typically be found in drug stores or super markets. Marcelle is known more for their hypoallergenic and perfume-free products. Where as Annabelle is a brand that carries the latest and most trendiest shades (to me this translates to Marcelle is targeted towards a woman who is 25+, where as Annabelle's target customer is much more younger).  I personally have never tried either of these brands, but as of lately Marcelle and Annabelle have been making the rounds on the Canadian Beauty blogs, which has peeked my interest. The fact that that the Annabelle brand has been since I was in elementary school also speaks volumes (they must be doing something right).

I have never been to the Marcelle-Annabelle warehouse sale butI have heard that prices for products are ridiculously  cheap. To me that equals a perfect timing to try out Marcelle-Annabelle products.

One problem. I am on a self imposed beauty ban. And I definitely have not used up 50% of my stash.

B should we check it out? (I'm only looking, for research purposes of course!)

♥ Viv

TAG: Confessions of a Shoeaholic

I saw this TAG on Jen's Blog (From head to toe), I thought it was such a fun TAG.  I wanted to join in on the fun even though I don't film.

Shoes are the one item I am willing to splurge on, to me shoes are the foundation to all outfits, I treat them like an accessory. I often buy shoes first and then work to build an outfit around them (I know it's a little a**-backwards.).

So here are the questions:

1. Heels or Flats?

At heart I am a Heels girl, outfits just look so much prettier with heels. There is just something magical about slipping on a pair of heels, you stand taller and exude more confidence. But if I have to run errands or I know I will be on my feet a lot, flats it is.

2. What are your go-to shoes?

My go to shoes are the following  ( I have 2 pairs that I constantly reach for)

The black ankle booties are from Nine West, I picked them up last winter during the post holiday sales. They are currently my go to black shoes.  I love the fact that I can pair them with pants or skirts (they hit at the perfect place on my ankles so I don't look like I have stick legs).

The plaid pumps are from the B2 line at Browns, I picked them up gosh I think at least 3 summers ago and I still reach for them. I'm a sucker for plaid pattern. But I love the fact that its a perfect punch of color/pattern when I'm dressed in solid colors.

3. What's your favorite shoe trend at the moment?

My favorite shoe trend at the moment, would have to be color blocking. I think its the perfect way of playing with bold colors especially if you're a little afraid to experiment with it clothing wise.

4. What's your least favorite shoe trend?

My least favorite shoe trend would have to be CROCs! (the original ones). I don't know who invented them and no one should be wearing them unless they are either a surgeon or a nurse.  Even then I would impose restrictions, working hours only!

5. What's your most expensive shoe?

My most expensive pair of shoes would have to be these Dolce and Gabbana one. It was love at first site.

6. What are your most wanted pair?

Hummm, there are so many of them, but I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of black pumps, that can transition from day to night.  I would love to add a pair of classic black Christian Louboutin pumps to my collection.

7. What's your most embarrassing shoe story?

I have quite a few, but the most recent one involved this pair of Valentino shoes I picked up during my vacation in NY.

First of all in my defense I was just returning to work after walking all over NY in flats.  For some reason when I slipped on these shoes, I felt like I had sea legs, but I was determined show these puppies off. Where I work there is a slanted stone path in front of one of the entrances. It's typically a little uneven, especially after winter. So here I am, walking down this path to work , when I stumbled. No I didn't fall on my face (maybe I should have, that would have been less embarrassing), all the sudden I hear a random stranger yell out "Don't worry the streets in MTL are all uneven, its ok everyone stumbles, especially with shoes as high as yours. By the way I love your shoes, great choice." And all I'm thinking is OMG, shut up! shut up!, I don't need you drawing attention to me.  I thanked him and made continued on my way.

8. Pick a shoe and share a story.

This may also fall in the category of of embarrassing shoe story. 

This my first pair of stilettos. It was also my last, come to think of it, when I dug them out to photograph them, they're really not that high. I wore these to CW's university graduation which was held at Place des Arts. There is a gorgeous fountain outside, which makes for an ideal back drop for pics. So here we are posing for pics, when I stepped on the grass I  immediately sank into the grass and had a little difficult getting out, but I freed myself without drawing much attention to myself. Then we walked to towards the fountain, I accidentally stepped into a crack between 2 huge stone bricks (those who have been to Place des Art know what I'm talking about) and gotten my heel stuck. I couldn't wiggle myself loose, so CW's mom had to bend down and free me. Then CW's mom proceed to give me advice on how to walk with stilettos.

9. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

At my last count I owned the average number pair of shoes that is considered normal for a girl. 65.  (its true I saw on a documentary on the doc zone: High heel confidential).

10. When was the first time you wore heels?

I got my first pair of heels when I was in grade 3, I remember they were black suede heels adorned with gold music notes , the heel must have been like 2 cm.  But what I loved most about them was the sound they made when I walked. To this day I still love the sound of heels against the floor.

11. How much do you spend on shoes?

I typically will spend any where from $100-$300. That's because I attempt to catch shoes  on sale. I refuse to pay full price because I know a designer pair of shoes typically cost like $40 bucks to make.  Yes, I am not ashame to admit I like to stalk sales. I spot them then I stalk, and when price drops I pounce.

12. Where are your favorite places to buy shoes?

In MTL, there are not a lot of great places to pick up designer shoes, besides Holts (but they never really have sales). So my go to place for heels would have to be the bay (I would say its equivalent to a Macy, but lately they have revamped their stores, especially the one downtown so now its much more closer to a bloomingdales).  For flats my go to place is pretty ballerina.

13. Do you have a pair of shoes you regret purchasing?

I have several regret purchases, what can I say I was young them. But the ones I regret buying the most would be these Betsey Johnson Heels:

I was instantly attracted to them because 1) they reminded me of a pair Louis Vuitton 2) the detailing was irresistible, and 3) the soles wore a hot pink.  And here is why I regret the purchase. I'm typically a 7, but when I tried these on the 7 wore too big and the 6 wore a little snug. I really need a 6.5 but apparently Betsey Johnson did not make half sizes. So I bought the 6 thinking it would stretch out a bit (rookie mistake), plus I was able to slip my feet into them easily with a pair of stocking on. Now I find them a really tight, and haven't worn them since. I tried to pass them on to Lily, but her feet are too small.  On top of that I paid full price for them.

14. Show your favorite pair of shoes.

My favorite shoes would be my dolce's.  There is something about them that draws them to me, they're a classic style, but the combination of the nude and navy blue make them irresistible. Fret not I had my eyes on them and when they went on sale I snatched them up.

Feel free to leave your shoe confessions below.

♥ Viv

To Keep or Not to Keep?

I recently just picked Daphne up, but I'm not sure if I want to keep her.

Dolce Vita Daphne boots

I picked these up during my last ditch effort to pick up some Sorel Winter boots.  I've been putting off buying new winter boots since 1) we didn't really have a winter this year (until today, 25 cm of snow is expected.  Damn those boots would have come in handy); 2) I'm trying to convince myself that my current winter boots can last another season; and 3) the Bay is having its end of season sales and Sorel boots wore 50% off so I figured why not. Unfortunately I couldn't find my size, even after going to 3 different Bay's, but at the last Bay, I spotted these.  Typically me, I go shopping for a specific item, only to walk away with another item. They wore marked down to $249 from $425, and then I had an extra 50% off (I couldn't resist the deal).  Plus I have been searching for a pair of flat leather boots. 

Daphne has 2 inch hidden wedge heel, which is wearable for extended periods of time. The only problem, do I want to keep her?

Yet a little part of me feels like I only purchased them because it was 1) an incredible deal, 2) I have forever been on the hunt for the perfect pair of flat boots (my dream pair would be from Chloe!), something similar to these beauties:

 

But until I win the  lottery I don't think I can spend ~$1000 on a pair of boots.  3) I kinda of feel like I settled for Daphne.  But I do have to admit I spotted Daphne before the Christmas holidays and I thought to myself, if I can get these for a decent price I would purchase them.

Should I keep or should I return?

What do you guys think?

On a side note Esprit is closing all stores across North America to focus more on their stores in Asia and Europe, so everything in stores is 70% off.  Apparently Esprit is hugely popular in Hong Kong.  The exact date of the closing has not been announced (more like they won't tell me) so you better head over there for soon! 

I was recently at the Rockland and downtown location and it was rank sack, very little to pick from.  A sale associate at the Rockland store informed me that the store with the most selection  was St. Bruno (very true, Lily and I had some amazing finds).  B informed me that the Fairview Point Claire location also had barely anything left.

♥ Viv

Casual Fridays

By the time Friday rolls around, I have grown tired of wearing skirts, blouses, and heels. Thank god, Fridays are Jean day at my office.  Depending on the pair of jean, I either opt for heels or ballet flats (for a little girly touch) but lately I have been in a much more causal mood, so I have been sporting these ankle booties I managed to snatch up during my boxing day blitz.

Rosegold Nolan flat ankle boots

Typically I would walk by these without a second glance, but as of lately I have acquired a taste for more causal/laid back clothes. Maybe it's because every time I wanted to throw something on to run a quick errand all I had to choose from wore heels, dress pants, skirts, and blouses. I'm ashamed to admit that I don't even own a pair of runners.  I do own several pairs of jeans, but I only owned 1 t-shirt.  I know sad, but what can I say I'm a girly girl. Perhaps this predicament is what inspired me to acquire more causal clothes;  clothing I never even thought twice about before.

Confession: I have one pair of black skinny jeans that I pass off as work pants when I'm not in the mood to wear a skirt or dress pants. I almost got busted too, of all the people who could have picked up on the fact that my pants wore actually jeans happens to be one guy who works with us. In which I promptly replied "Noooo, what are you talking about, they're dress pants".

♥ Viv

Pretty Ballerina's are my Go To Flats

Thrusday's shoe of choice wore my suede Rosario flats in magenta pink by Pretty Ballerina.

My personal collection

I pretty much live in ballet flats 365 days a year; they are my preferred choice of footwear. I wear flats when I commute to work, schlep around town, or when I'm having one of my lazy days. I have tried and tested many pairs of flats before and nothing has even come closed to the flats made by Pretty Ballerina.  I 'm the proud owner 4 pairs.

I have to admit I coveted the  Tory Burch Reva ballet flats when they wore all the craze; I even traveled all the way to NY to purchase them because they wore nearly impossible to find here (plus they wore much cheaper in the states even with the conversion). The first year I loved them, then it slowly grew into a love hate relationship. On certain days they would be super comfy, but on other days, the elastic on the back would be digging into the back of my ankle and I couldn't wait to take them off. 

I have even tried a pair of  Belle flats by Sigerson Morrison that I snatched up at Club Monaco. I really should have listen to my gut instinct and put them back, but the deal was too good to pass up they wore marked down to $30 from $195. Now I know why, they turned out to be one my of regret purchases; talk about paying to be tortured.  Not only was the leather stiff and I kept getting blisters, but the vamp was too narrow and didn't really fit me correctly. The feel of the hard leather should have been the warning sign to walk away, but I somehow convinced myself, that once I broke them in they would be super comfy. Boy was I wrong! The only reason why there are still in my closet is because I have yet to replaced them with a pair of metallic ones from Pretty Ballerina.

The same goes for flats I have purchased from Nine West. I have always been a fan of their heels and found them to be pretty comfortable, but for some strange reason, their flats don't fit me as well.

What's not to love about Pretty Ballerina, their store front just beckons you to enter, and once you step through the door, its like walking into a candy store. The walls are the perfect shade of ballerina pink and lined with boxes of shoes, a shoe-aholic's dream come true. 

A shoe-aholic's dream

Pretty Ballerina flats are are hand crafted from the Island of Menorca, Spain. Their leather is so soft they don't require any breaking in; to date I have never gotten a blister or felt uncomfortable in them.  They have several models, so you are bound to find one that suit you. My preference is the Rosario model (I owned them in 3 different colors). Flats from Pretty Ballerina typically will cost you anywhere from $190-$250; a little on the pricey side, but well worth it. The first 2 pairs I owned are still ticking, they're a little beat up, but still wearable. I wore my black pair in NY last time I was there ; we literally walked everywhere and they are still intact! I can definitely say they are made to take a kicking, this may be attributed to the fact that Pretty Ballerina is a division of MASCARÓ, who are known for manufacturing footwear and ballerina shoes.

The only thing I did notice was that their flats are made differently depending on the season. The last 2 pairs I purchased in winter have a more durable rubber sole, whereas the ones I purchased in the summer have a more delicate sole (but that can be easily fixed by getting the shoe re-soled, I definitely would recommend getting them re-soled to extend their lifespan). Bonus, when you purchase them in winter they come with a little pink dust bag, which is very practical.

I will definitely be expanding my collection this summer.

♥ Viv

So Shiny, So Pretty

Took the day off work = no shoe of the day post. So this post will be about a pair of shoes I spotted yesterday while perusing the internet yesterday.

Miu Miu Platform Peep Toe Mary Jane

Isn't she PRREETTY?  I want.

♥ Viv

Tuesday's Shoe

Tuesday's Shoe

Today's shoe of choice:  black suede Giuseppe Zanotti  pumps. The height and material deem the pair more suitable for the evening , but currently I am still on the hunt for the perfect pair of black day time pumps. So in the mean time these will have to suffice.

Only compliant: 

The in-step is on the high side, so I can only  can take tiny careful steps; combine that with a pencil skirt = Me praying that I will not have to walk anywhere far or fast, thank god the elevator did not break down!

Confession:  

I actually have several pairs of backup shoes underneath by desk, so if I had to be mobile today I had the solution.

♥ Viv

This is for B...Shoe of the Day post

I think the title says it all.....

♥ Viv

A Bargain I couldn't pass

Hey guys,

Long story short, before the Christmas break started I was at Winners with Chhaya and we always go straight for the shoe zone. So I saw these really cute ankle booties from Coach and I honestly wanted them. I grabbed a size 5 and a half (I literally have like the smallest feet in the house) and I dived for a seat to try them on. They fitted perfectly and I literally wanted to get them right on the spot. But when I saw the tag with the numbers $179.99, I had to put them back on the shelf and say goodbye. I didn't wanna crack my piggy bank for these booties. So three weeks into school, Chhaya and I made a fast pit-stop to the store 'cause we were curious what was new. After a few minutes walking up and down the shoe lane; my heart stopped for a minute 'cause I saw my booties. Ba-da Boom Ba-da Bing! The booties I wanted were on sale for $48.00! I texted my sister asking for her opinion and after getting her approve that they were cute & the price was exceptionally good, I took the booties and went to the check-out line. I love these booties. Insanely cute and I cant wait for the weather is get warmer. I really wanna start wearing these booties.

 I honestly I have this love and hate relationship with Winners.

Love:

• cute merchandise
• great brands
• cheap & affordable prices (especially when another red tag is stamped on)

Hate:

• merchandise can be destroyed
• too expensive  

 

♥ Lily