Of course it's perfect.

image: farfetch.com

I've never wanted to win the lottery more than I do right now.

DIY?

I think I've gone stud crazy after a weekend of making a Balmain style studded blazer.

My next project?

image: net-a-porter.com

It would hurt to sit on though...

VESTS

image: net-a-porter.com

I want this vest. Fortunately (for my wallet) it's ALREADY SOLD OUT. Not cool. If anyone knows where to find this vest, or something similar, you know where to find me! Honestly, why didn't he just make more, and why didn't department stores order this vest? I guess I can see why it sold out- it's really something special. I might try to ask around at some of the local boutiques to see if anyone ordered this piece.

A quick bit of etsy searching led me to etsy seller takeoffyourclothes, and this awesome vest for guys:


I love the neon, and the convertible funnel neck. This looks like something Kanye would wear, though I do not profess to be an expert on Kanye's ensembles.

Flats

This post is inspired by Kay at The Stitched, and her ode to French Sole. Bloggers tend to focus on heels, for a variety of reasons (one of which is that not everyone, myself included, is lucky enough to be as tall as Kay) . I also think its a bit harder to pull off some of the more exuberant styles with flats.

But we all need to be able to walk, and I've been an avid flat wearer for years. In fact, it was only this year that I really made the effort to buy more heels, despite the fact that they are still far from painless. Over the years, I've amassed a sizable collection of flats, but no French Soles (sorry Kay!), but most of the flats that I'm showing I don't have any personal experience wearing, just an appreciation for their aesthetics.

First, the classics:
image: Saks.com

I am (not) ashamed to say that I have three pairs of Tory Burch Revas, as played out and passe as they may be. They're comfortable, versatile, and attractive. It's difficult to argue with that.

image: saks.com

Classic, and undeniably sweet. I've had a hankering for a nude pair...

image: shopzoeonline.com

As soon as you pick these up, the quality is obvious. Lanvin is never anything short of perfect, and these flats are no exception.

image: shopzoeonline.com

If the plain ones aren't your thing, Lanvin has a selection of appropriately whimsical flats every season. I think these are adorable, and as a bonus, they come in a few different colors.


image: net-a-porter.com

These are flat versions of a pair of Marni heels. Marni also consistently makes great flats. I almost bought a pair of the elastic ones last year, but missed out. I love the twist on the bow- its a more graphic and bold version of a bow. I think that depending on how you wear these, they can be very sweet, or very adult.

image: saks.com

Miu Miu is another brand that makes flat versions of their heels. She's done a lot of open toe flats, which is something you don't see often. It's a little strange, but very eye-catching. Plus, they always involve a lot of bling, and can be easily dressed up.

image: saks.com

These are a great version of the cutout boots and sandals that Margiela did this season. I think they're surprising, but incredibly elegant.

And finally, some flat sandals:

image: brownsfashion.com

Lanvin can do no wrong. I love the use of ribbon and embellishments.

image: brownsfashion.com

I love this take on the gladiator trend, by Alessandro dell'Acqua. I like the clean lines, and the ankle straps make me think of high tops (in a good way!). However, I think these might fall in the realm of Only For The Tall.

The moral of the story: flats can be awesome too.

Inspiration

From the video for The Friendly Fires song "Skeleton Boy"
Directed by Clemens Habicht
Watch the full video here

His other videos look like they have some great imagery as well, so I'll be looking through them as soon as I get a chance.

Raf never lets me down.

I meant to post these a while ago, but didn't really get around to it, because I'm lame. I bought these at my inaugural trip to the Jil Sander store in Chicago, at a discount of 60%. It was like my own personal version of a Christmas miracle. In the cold, dark month of February. Of course, when my roommate got back, she immediately had to have a pair as well. We managed to snag her a pair just before they got shipped away to the mysterious warehouse where all unsold sale items go. Then, like the dorks we are, we hobbled to dinner in matching shoes.

In all seriousness, they're actually well balanced, though to be honest, going downhill is perilous in a way it isn't in any other shoes. But it's so worth it.

Of course, we're already planning our next Jil Sander purchase:

image: brownsfashion.com

I tried these on at Saks, and they're light and easy to walk in, thanks to the ankle strap. Not to mention incredibly striking. When these go on sale, I'll be first in line. They're pretty much magical- they don't even make my legs look short- a feat for shoes with ankle straps.

Of course, Saks didn't have them in any sizes smaller than 7.5. As we spoke to the salesman, someone managed to snatch the size 7 pair. I can't say I'm surprised. These managed to draw a lot of attention, even among the crowd of shoes in the Saks shoe section. That's when you know they're a winner.

Fendi

image: style.com

I somehow never thought about the fact that Karl Lagerfeld designs for Fendi- I think this is because I never had any particular interest in Fendi. Either way, the amount of significant work that man has done is nothing short of baffling.

Either way, when I saw these shoes on my recent trip to New York, I just couldn't help myself. I had them shipped, and I really can't wait until they show up. I promise modeling pictures when they come, as they're incredibly striking.

However, in exchange for buying these, I made myself a promise: NO NEW SHOES UNTIL JUNE. I think it's worth it.