Hello Lover...

I'd like to start this by stating that I'm not big on logos. At all. I feel that clothes should speak for themselves, and that it shouldn't take a splashy logo on things to signify how much it cost, or how great the piece is (exception - Chanel). One item that has become ubiquitous with college campuses and citys alike is Tory Burch Reva flat. They aren't my favorite flat by far...especially since they're SO highly recognizable. But...Miss Burch has turned out a shoe that has made me fall in love. Behold - the Tory Burch Jude Pump:

From the front, we have your standard, everyday black patent pump (abet some interesting design detail at the platform). But from the back...

WahBANG! Talk about a sexy detail. It's like a mullet shoe! Simple and classic in the front, party in the back. Now, how to make this appear in my closet...

"You see how picky I am about my shoes, and they only go on my feet"

I love going out. Let's be real, it's always fun getting dressed up with your besties and hitting the town (or in our case, the dance floor). There's always one part of the going out ensemble that, at least for me, tends to be a tricky balancing act - shoes. There's nothing I hate more then having to park myself on a bar stool because I chose shoes that are closer to torture devices then cute accessories. Lately it seems that shoes keep getting higher and higher! I'm sorry, but I don't believe that anyone can spend an entire evening dancing and strutting in 5.5" heels. Especially for me, being a size 5, these crazy high heels are just too tall for the length of my feet. I put them on, and feel completely pitched forward (and want to throw the shoes out the window in less then 10 minutes). When wearing dresses or going to more casual places, some nice gladiator sandals work well, but when you're "up in the club" you want some lift, as well as a little sexy. So, I'm on a mission. A mission for some hot, height-boosting, sleek black wedges. With wedges, your weight is evenly dispersed over the entirety of your foot, as opposed to heels, which center your weight over two points of the foot - the ball and the heel. I always feel like I can be on my feet longer in wedges then heels. After long and arduous hunting, I feel I've found a few options that may do the trick (and also come in the rare and elusive size 5!) without breaking the bank. I'm hoping with a good insert, I'll be back on my feet, dancing the night away in no time.

These cuties from Target look eerily similar to a pair of Dolce Vita shoes that I've been loving...and for $30? Can't go wrong! Target

A little higher (and a lotta more expensive), these Cole Haan wedges have Nike Air technology built in. If that doesn't make for a comfy shoe, I don't know what will. Zappos

These from White House Black Market seem the dressiest of the bunch, and with the contrasting textures, there's great visual interest. The delicate straps also adds to the sexy factor.

White House/Black Market

Feel free to link to any additional options in the comments. I'm always open to suggestions!

Savage Beauty

The current MET exhibit - "Alexander McQueen - Savage Beauty" is seriously making me depressed that I no longer live in NYC. I would absolutely kill to see this exhibit, as well as hit up the gift shop! Mainly for these beauties:

Yes'm, those are MINI Alexander McQueen Armadillo shoe ornaments. I'm dying...dying...dead. Seriously, someone send me one of these. I'm obsessed!

*ETA: They're available on the MET website! My mother is refusing to hang this on the tree. Little does she know it's going front and center.

City Mouse and Country Mouse

After spending a glorious week in both Long Island and New York, I started thinking about how my style tends to shift depending on my location. I spent 2.5 years living in the big city, and have now been back in the 'burbs for almost a year. I've noticed a distinct shift in what I'm grabbing from my closet day to day since my move. Much of my wardrobe pulls double duty, but there's definitely distinct "city" clothes and "country" clothes.

While in the city, I habitually reach for edgier pieces, usually solid or easily layered. The majority of my stuff is in the standard grey, white, and black palette with pops of color. The black thing isn't a New York cliche, it really does make things easy when you're always on the go, as well as disguises dirt - part of the territory when traveling underground with the moles in a city of 8 million people. Shoes? Must be walkable. I'm sorry, but Carrie Bradshaw is a liar. No one can run around that city in 4" stilettos without a driver, or a lot of cab money. A visual, if you will:

Sparkle Fade dress, $54

Cotton dress, $75

Lace blouse, 20 GBP

Margit Brandt vest, 100 EUR

Dolce Vita wedge sandal, $89

Cross body handbag, $128

Sunglasses black shade, $36

While in "country" mode, my wardrobe is decidedly more colorful. I feel like it's filled with more fun pieces, breezy and casual. Being that transportation is less...pedestrian, I can wear whatever footwear I like. Also, since much of the time is spent in climate controlled areas, I don't feel the need to worry about layering as much for warmth or varied temperatures. Voila, the styling of one Country Mouse:

Sleeveless dress, $90

TopShop vest top, $58

Vanessa Bruno blazer, 185 GBP

Stripe skirt, 105 GBP

Nine West wedge heel sandal, $100

Satchel bag, $158

Disney Couture chain jewelry, 27 GBP

Rhinestone jewelry, $5.99

Love me a long neck...

My absolutely favorite animal is a giraffe. I think I was drawn to them because they're the tallest in the animal kingdom, and I'm often the smallest in most social situations. They're so elegant, yet have moments of complete awkwardness - also much like myself. Lately, giraffe print has been popping up everywhere, and I'm ecstatic about it! It's color palette is still neutral, but is less prevalent then a more traditional leopard or cheetah. I fully intend to fill my future home with every giraffe item Jonathon Adler sells.

Karen Millen ankle strap sandal, $305
SR Squared by Sondra Roberts giraffe print tote, $98
Giraffe jewelry, $17
Forever21 metal bangle, $6.80
Giraffe Pillow - Robin's Egg Blue, $72
Giraffe Lamp, $395
Amazon.com: Animal Kettle 2.8 Quart Whistling Enamel on Steel Giraffe..., $40
Surface Collective - Grass Blades Wall Tattoo, $59

"On Wednesdays we wear pink"

And preferably, these shoes. Holy hot stuff Batman! The Sam Edelman "Lorissa" pump is perfection on a 4" heel. Now if only they came in my midget-feet size 5...you hear that Bloomies?

Bloomingdales