United Nude

It's been a while since I've had the time to blog, but finally with a few days off I'm feeling like it's time to come back to tracking my various finds.

I just discovered these amazing elastic shoes in all kinds of cool colors from United Nude. They come in high heel, medium heel and flats and prices range from$180-$195.

I love how they are kind of bohemian but still modern at the same time. I didn't try them on but have a feeling that the elastic is super comfy.

Magic Cobbler

I wasn't aware that I needed sparkle boots until I saw them on DailyCandy last week. Each pair of shoes from from LA designer Marisa Spinella is handmade in her studio like the RubyK boots ($474) at left.

The collection is called Penelope and Coco which represents the two sides of the designer's personality--one more of a classic, vintage-lover, the other a bold risk-taker.

Probably a bit easier to pull off and more my style are the Capone boots ($484). These otherwise simiple combat boots feature a tough strip of spikes and studs up the back.

To order and for more email: info@penelopeandcoco.com.

The Doctor is In

I never really went through a teenage rebellion phase and maybe I'm playing that out now because I'm really craving a pair of Dr. Marten's boots. These boots also fit in really well with my whole post-apocalyptic fashion obsession.

I love the vintage 1914 boots ($200). Yes, they are more expensive, but if you are going to do it, why not get the original? As of 2003 Dr. Martens moved their production to China and Thailand, but in 2007 they started making this vintage line again in the UK. These boots are made to the original spec in the Dr. Marten's factory in Wollaston, England.

Aside from the vintage style, I also like the Triumph 1914 mid-calf boot ($150). This style can be worn laced up tight or folded down to reveal the plaid lining. They remind me of Judd Nelson's character in the Breakfast Club.

I also like the lightweight tall metallic Cato boot ($150) which has a zipper on the inside for easy on and off. I'm a sucker for anything silver and I love the burnished effect that these boots have. They are also available in a less-flashy black finish.

Slipper Round-up

Now is the time to stock up on slippers because after the holidays it is extremely hard to find a pair. Here's a few that I'm considering in my search for the perfect winter foot-warmer.

Boiled Wool

I love the simplicity of these colorful boiled wool slippers ($60) from Garnet Hill. Made in Germany with latex soles so you can go outside with them. Unfortunately the orange ones (my favorite) are no longer available, but if you happen to like pink or blue these look great.

Knit Booties

These cozy knit booties ($69) from Viva Terra are hand-made by a small group of indigenous people in South America. Made of cotten and wool with agave fiber soles for slip protection they are available in natural or grey.

Duvet Slippers

These quilted nylon slippers ($19.95) from Baffin are like mini-duvets for your feet. More like slippers than socks since they do not have a rubber sole, these slippers look comfortable and easy to pack for those weekend ski trips. Available in a variety of colors such as espresso, fern, merlot and black (pictured).

Sheepskin

I'm a little bit tired of the ubiquitous suede Ugg boots, but I love these Ugg sweater slippers ($80) with a cool cable knit exterior and the warm and cozy sheepskin inside. Available in brown or creme from Bloomingdales.

Going on Safari

Here's a few safari-inspired basics that could be mixed and matched with just about anything in your spring/summer wardrobe.

Vest

This silk vest ($109) from bebe.com would be great belted with a pencil skirt or with pleated and cuffed trousers. The vest has satin trim at the zippered pockets and smocking on the back nips the vest in at the waist. Also available in khaki green.

Seychelles Wedges

These platform wedges ($98) in taupe would be great with safari separates. Love the cutout opening in the heel. Available online only from urbanoutfitters.com.

Safari Shirt

This slim-fitting Linen safari shirt ($198) would be great dressed down wtih jeans or dressed up with a skirt or trousers. Available in khaki green or white by Ralph Lauren blue label.

Killer Shoes

I love the latest influx of dangerous shoes--a little bit edgy, a little bit S&M with lots of straps, buckles, zippers, etc. Most of them are super high--4" or higher which gives me pause since I usually have to do a lot of walking. However, here' s a few I'm contemplating...

I like that these Report Signature heels ($185) are edgy without being over the top. I like the simple patch on the front and the little studs and velcro closure at the ankle. They would be great with a pair of cropped boyfriend jeans and a little black leather motorcycle jacket. They have 5" heels and a 1" platform, so not the greatest for walking around, but that's the price you pay for fash-on. Available from Shopbop.com.

These Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent wedges ($395) are a twist on last year's ubiquitous gladiator sandal and I have to say I like them much better. The 4" wedges would be easier to walk in and I LOVE the big zipper running up the middle. Available from Planet Blue.

Pour La Victoire Gladiator booties ($314) are pretty fierce as well. I like the additional perforated patch details which look a little more dangerous. I'm not as crazy about the 4" spiky heel, but maybe some of you out there have an easier time walking around in these than I do. Available from Shopbop.com.

Which ones do you think I should get? Cast your vote on the right.

Decked Out to Deck the Halls

The holidays are a great excuse to splurge on some glitz and glamour. Here's what I hope to be wearing as I deck the halls and ring in the New Year. I just need to find that secret stash of cash!

Sexy 70's

I am obsessing about this vintage faux wrap dress from Posh Vintage ($365). Deep purple flower print and a loose but sexy bohemian style. I would love to wear this to a holiday party with a pair of silver heels and a pashmina shawl.

I'm also digging this super tight and stretchy silver sweater ($115) from Posh Vintage that would be great for the holidays with a pair of black pencil jeans.

Unfortunately it's says it's a size 4 and I'm not sure it will stretch quite enough, but for you tiny ladies out there...

Sequins

This gold and silver sequined cami ($145) from J.Crew has a delicate raw-edged silk chiffon edging around the collar and sleeve. It's available in two colors, but I definitely like this putty color the best (pictured). What's great about this sweater is that you can dress it down after the holidays and wear it under a jacket or with a pair of jeans for an unexpected flash of glitz.

Tuxedo Pants

I love the exaggerated proportions of these wool tuxedo pants from m/m. Originally $448 they are currently 30% off at Oak. What a bargain! The pants have a sash closure with metal d-rings in the back which allows for adjustable waist size. 2 1/2 inch cuff and wide silk tux stripe.

Kimono Shoes

I love vintage kimonos. In fact, I just picked one up at an antique shop in North Beach last weekend. Here's a great way to wear a kimono anytime with Hetty Rose handmade shoes (£290.00-£320.00). These shoes are made with gorgeous kimono fabrics in a variety of great styles that would instantly dress up the most simple outfit, but I would even wear them with jeans and a white t-shirt. I particularly like her latest collection 'kimono 2'. You can have a pair custom made directly from Hetty Rose. Or, you can find her shoes at The Natural Store.

Corset Belt

I've blogged about this leather corset belt ($250) from Etsy before and I'm still pining after it. Talking about kimonos reminded me that this belt would be ideal to pair with a vintage kimono, some super skinny jeans and some 4" heels. These belts are custom made to your exact size, so you do have to wait 6 weeks to get one. Probably too late for this year's holiday parties--but maybe get a jump on next year?

Femme Fatale

I usually don't go for anything too overtly feminine, but every now and then a touch of the "girly" is a good thing. Here's a few finds I'm conveting right now that definitely veer more to the feminine side of things:

Jonquil Sky Dress

What I love about this kimono dress ($198) by Anna Sui for Anthropologie is that could be dressed up with heels for a holiday event, or dressed down with tights and boots for everyday wear. What's even better is that this color palette of bright orange and blue on creamy silk leds itself to Fall and will transition equally well to Spring. Feminine and slightly retro. This just may be my holiday dress this season.

Opera Length Pearls

I've wanted a strand of opera length pearls since the mid-eighties. That was when the movie "St. Elmo's Fire" came out and I think in one scene that's all that Ally Sheedy's character wears.

J. Crew has come out with a long strand of real freshwater pearls ($495). These are 7.5-8mm pearls on a 54" strand. They are still a little pricey so I probably won't buy these for myself, but if anyone out there wants to make me REALLY HAPPY...:-)

Silver Shoes

These silver Mary Janes with silk ribbon ties ($128) are much sweeter than shoes I would normally wear. However, I'm a sucker for all things sliver and love the shape of the slightly upturned toe. Available from Anthropologie.

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are one of my Fall must-have items. Here's a few styles on my wishlist right now.

Straight Laced

I'm a big fan of lacing, buckles and straps. Love the back detail on these dark brown leather ankle boots ($548) from Fiorentini & Baker. 2 3/4" covered heel. Leather sole with rubber heel. Available at Gimme Shoes.

Feathered Friends

These boots don't even have a price tag so they are probably more expensive than a car. However, they are pretty amazing. Love the cutouts. I'm wondering if the feather detail would get wet and ruined? LD Tuttle "The Pygmalion" boots available at Creatures of Comfort.

Buckle Up

Love the slightly punk esthetic of these bump toe buckle boots from Marc Jacobs ($940). Way out of my price range, but if I win the lotto I'm going to get them. Available from Shopbop.

Brass Buttons

More in my realm are these antiqued leather booties with brass buttons from Seychelles ($98). Available from Urban Outfitters.

Big Buckle

More on the casual side, this suede bootie from Dolce Vita ($250) has a subtle golden sparkle. Trimmed with a wide leather buckle that is laced around the front and buckles at the side. Available from Urbanoutfitters.com (online only).

More Great Stores in L.A.

L.A. has so many great stores it's impossible to list them all, but here's a few of my old and new favorites (not including Planet Blue which I blogged about in a separate post):

Veronica M
This cute 3rd street boutique is right next door to the popular restaurant, Toast. A mother daughter team designs the clothing for this feminine and flattering line. I just happened to catch their sale and everything in the store was at least 50% off. I snagged a halter maxi dress similar to this one, but in shades of copper and brown. Normally $115, it was marked down to just $30! They also had shorter dresses and tunic tops, strapless styles in a variety of bold and colorful prints.

New Stone Age

Everything in this 3rd street store is amazing. A great place to come if you are looking for a gift for someone. New Stone Age carries jewelry, home decor, accessories and other things you never knew you needed. I picked up a great pair of woven straw flip-flops for $10. I also loved these Mao figurines although I did not get one.

Dave & Lil's

This store is right next to Crazy Fish sushi in a strip mall on Olympic Blvd. Definitely not in a prime shopping zone, but I always manage to find something at this hidden gem. They carry inexpensive versions of whatever the latest trend is. I picked up a great embroidered tunic top for $78, but was tempted by the gorgeous beaded indian blouses. They have a great selection of summer scarves and super cute shoes as well. Wish they had an online store!

9107 W Olympic Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 271-7858

Lisa Kline Men

Lisa Kline's original store on Robertson has expanded to include a separate large men's store and now a kid's clothing store as well. All of the stores are great, but the men's store in particular is worth a visit. Picked up one of these great vintage sport logo tee's ($55) for my boyfriend (not pictured here, but he looks just like this when he puts the shirt on). Definitely cooler than the standard sport logo-wear. Lisa Kline Men carries a great selection of jeans, graphic tee's, dress shirts, blazers and accessories and has an online store to boot!