My little shoe project

You can see them in detail, including where they are from, below

Shoes. I just love them. Maybe love is not the right word. I am just obsessed with them. Maybe I should’ve been more clear – this little project is not about any old shoes. It is about heels – needle, chunky, comma, spiky, curvy, platform, wedges, block, straight. Heels are the actual object of my infatuation.

May be I am opening myself to being called a crazy shoe lady and I couldn’t care less – to quote Imelda Marcos, “they went into my closets looking for skeletons, but thank God, all they found were shoes, beautiful shoes”. So there you go.

First of all, I love the way they make me feel. Well, tall, to start with and those 5 foot almost nothing ladies will certainly understand. But they make me feel as if nothing is impossible – you know the “give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world” say? That is right. Nothing is scary in heels – ok, maybe a wet field, going down a mountain, but you know where I am going with this, right? They make me feel happy and more confident. And that’s just on the inside.

My legs look nicer, my posture looks better (ok, orthopedists out there, I know what you are thinking, and frankly, save it!).

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t feel ugly or insecure in flats. I fell comfortable, alright. In heels, I feel amazing. There is, for me, a weird satisfaction on wearing a fabulous pair of shoes. That’s the reason I decided to document my heels. Most of them, at least. Also, I love looking at them – they are beautiful.

And it gave me and excuse to finally count them. These 90 odd are part of more then 140 pairs of shoes which include flats and boots. Amongst this selection, there are many special ones, like my first pair of Louboutins. Some carry numerous memories. Others, sentimental value; they are more than 12 years old and although I don’t wear them anymore, they are a part of me that came over from Brazil to the UK, and like me, they survived. A few tell tales of boys, usually followed by tales of a heartbreak. It is also a little reminder of pain that we all carry in our live (honestly, there are pairs I only wore once as they butchered my feet!)

Yet, they all tell tales of my life and the person I am – I feel this mosaic is a little patch from a huge patchwork quilt that is me.

Christian Louboutin

Schutz

Aldo

Jimmy Choo

Christian Louboutin

Schutz

Miss Selfridge

Christian Louboutin

New Look

Viviana

Matalan

Ibiza

Zara

VIntage

Ibiza

Asos

Zara

Arezzo

Dune

Topshop

Guess

Bottero

New Look

Território dos Pés

H&M

New Look

Território dos Pés

Bottero

M&S

New Look

Luiza Barccelos

Datelli

From Brazil somewhere…

New Look

Viviela

Capodarte

Schutz

Aldo

Prego

Topshop

Schutz

Kurt Geiger

Kandee

Zara

Topshop

Zara

New Look

Miss Selfridge

New Look

H&M

Viviana

Miss Selfridge

H&M

New Look

Prego

New Look

Zara

Aldo

Território dos Pés

Guess

Ibiza

Arezzo

Viviana

Jimmy Choo

Topshop

Território dos Pés

M&S

Arezzo

Bottero

Schutz

New Look

Christian Louboutin

Miss Selfridge

New Look

Kurt Geiger

Very

Shoe Store

Prego

New Look

Prego

Schutz

Ibiza

Vizzano

Topshop

Bottero

River Island

Snow PR Spring/Summer 14 preview

Snow PR is just around the corner from my work and I was really glad I made it to their Spring/Summer 15 preview.

On the ground floor, they had all the premium and slightly above high street designers ranges. Beautiful prints, bold colours dominated the rails. I was particularly drawn to the stunning leathers from Muubaa – their pewter-ish holographic top, skirt and dress are to die for. Amazing pieces.

Seriously in love with this leather!

Beautiful Muubaa dress

Amazing Muubaa leather!

click on images to enlarge

Jewellery designer Joanna Hynes displayed a capsule clothing collection, with her signature perspex pieces. A crop top with dangly blue and black perspex shapes really caught my attention and I think is quite wearable!

Joanne Hynes top

Joanne Hynes necklace, Ilse Jacobsen top and Mubaa skirt.

click on images to enlarge

Ilse Jacobsen displayed beautiful prints – particularly like the printed suit and a colourful rose print pair of trousers, as well as a super delicate white daisy embroided peplum top. Really wearable and elegant pieces for the coming season.

Ilse Jacobsen printed suit

Lovely Ilse Jacobsen printed trousers

Delicate embroided top from Ilse Jacobsen

click on images to enlarge

Also fond of Baum und Pferdgarten’s loud graphic prints in blue. Leopard print, which is a perennial favourite of mine feature in usual colours, but also in royal blue with sequins. Nice.

Baum und Pferdgarten animal print

Beautiful. Baum und Pferdgarten print

Leopard and sequins? Yes, please!

click on images to enlarge

Downstairs, they had their high street range, and the pieces on display were from the Autum/Winter 13-14 collection, so ready to wear NOW!

Quiz Clothing is very affordable and has great pieces. Their going out and party dresses are very good value for money. They also had lovely winter jumpers and separates – love the “studded” bodycon skirt and oversized cream crop top with a necklace. They also have accessories and shoes, so great for that party look on a budget. I would happily wear quite a few of their items, so it was a great discovery for me.

Quiz clothing Christmas sparkle display

Quiz studded skirt

Lovely crop top from Quiz

I love this Quiz jumper

❤

Quiz jacket

Shoes and accessories from Quiz

More shoes from Quiz

Quiz bags and accessories

click on images to enlarge

Another brand I came across and really liked was Madam Rage, they have lovely dresses! I totally fell in love with an embellished jacquard dress in blue, which is part of their Frankie Essex collaboration line, and will soon be available. Cannot wait! They are also very affordable.

My favourite dress from Madam Rage!

Madam Rage lovely dresses

Another dress

Christmas jumper from Madam Rage

click on images to enlarge

Also, I had to include these gorgeous Modalu handbags – look at the ombre on that. And I hear they are bringing great colours for the next season, here is a teaser!

Modalu ombre croc bag

Vibrant colours for SS14!

click on images to enlarge

These events get me all excited for the next season, and for a minute, I forget I have to brave the cold… brrrrr

What do you think of the pieces?

Thor-inspired Mojito shoes by Julian Hakes

Designer and architect extraordinaire Julian Hakes is at it again – he created a version of his work of art Mojito shoes to mark the release of Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World in the UK.

Describing his hand-carved shoe as what would be a very special and unique a gift from the Thor’s heart and made in Asgard for his companion Jane Foster, Hakes also said he “wanted to draw on some of the strong iconography of Thor and his character but in a subtle way which reflects the deeper, darker storyline and imagery of the film”.

He then created a Mojito shoe “as if it had been hammered by Thor, using Mjölnir, from a solid block of titanium or rock”. And the result is quite something! I love the colour and texture and I can see clearly he managed to convey all the ideas that inspired him!

I find it too cute that a superhero would gift their loved one with shoes. Well, he would certainly get it right if he managed squeeze in some shoe-hammering time between fighting the baddies.

If you are not getting yours from your superhero boyfriend, you can see and shop the whole Mojito shoes range for us, mortals, at the Julian Hakes website.

Chase PR Spring/Summer 14 preview breakfast

At the beautiful Choccywoccydoodah secret garden, Chase PR has shown us some of their clients new collections for the next season.

The garden is indeed quite secret – I had no idea it was sitting at the top of their building. And yes, it is a garden, with a bright green fake grass floor, benches, plenty of flowers and my favourite spot: a romantic rope swings with roses at the top.

Fuelled by plenty of sugar and delicious coffees, hot chocolates and juices, we waltzed through the goodies.

Their clients include Elie Tahari, Julian Hakes, French Connection, Red or Dead and LaidBack London, Sebago bringing in the shoes, Transitions lenses, which were in the quirkiest frames, Chesca and Red or Dead clothes and Storm watches and jewellery.

Entering the secret garden

All sugary goodness

Oh, that swing ❤

I am indeed

Action shot

Pretty lampshades

Flowers

Storm watches – pretty rose gold

I love the floating bits on this Storm watch design!

Pretty Storm watches and jewellery

Lovely rings from Storm

Flamingo!!!

Object of my desire: Face a Face glasses with Transitions lenses

His and hers. LOVE

Lovely frames with Transitions lenses

Pink Elie Tahari. How amazing is this?

Hard to choose a fave. Elie Tahari rocks

And another Elie Tahari

A beautiful sample from Elie Tahari’s SS14 collection

And some more Elie Tahari

Shoe porn from French Connection – classy!

More footwear from French Connection

The famous Mojito shoes from Julian Hakes

Zebra Mojito, anyone?

Bright Mojito

Shoes with a conscience from LaidbackLondon

Shiny, sparkly fabric from Red or Dead

Pink leopard from Red or Dead

Can’t have enough leopard, really!

Red or Dead shoes

Sebago docksides – pretty colours!

Beautiful beading from Chesca

Some more – pretty!

And another one

Love the shirt from Antony Morato

My picks are the rose gold watches from Storm, as well as some of their rings, the French Connection black and white slingback, Elie Tahari’s metallic pink high heel sandals and a zipper stiletto and the amazing Bocca glasses frames from Face a Face with Transitions lenses (which I am absolutely in love). I couldn’t leave Hakes’ Mojito engineered shoes out – although I prefer the black to all the amazing patterns they had on show.

Thank you so much Chase PR for having me that morning, especially to the lovely Charlotte who showed me around!

And judging by the looks of the collections, it seems warmer weathers is not the only thing to be looking forward to for the next season!

What I’ve been wearing – 24/10/2013

Realisation time: summer is really behind us. It actually feels like it’s been ages! I am very thorn between summer and winter wardrobes. Whereas I feel prettier wearing summer clothes, I feel much more elegant during autumn. Winter itself is a bit of a let down in terms of daily style for me, as it is too cold that all you want is to pile up 2000 layers to make sure the wind doesn’t get through.

In the summer, I feel like my skin colour is closer to what it should be (the way it was back in Brazil) and the brighter palette really compliments it. Outfits are often prettier and more feminine.

There is something about autumn that brings out harsher lines, and of course, the darker colours are in. I feel more elegant by adding more elements to a look, layering and rougher textures mixing. A lovely coat really ties it up together!

Anyway… there is no looking back now. Here is how I’ve been welcoming the new season…

Outfit #1

Red leopard print box cropped top from Boohoo, leather effect leggings from H&M, red patent courts from Christian Louboutin, necklace and bracelet from Primark, rings from Sobral, Topshop and New Look.

Outfit #2

Black mohair crop top from New Look, black and white spotty skater skirt from River Island, black and white court shoes from Viviana, necklace from Accessorize, bracelets from Primark, rings from Forever 21, New Look and Topshop.

Outfit #3

Green jumper from H&M, green and blue tartan trousers from Primark, black court heels from Christian Louboutin, necklace from Little Birdie London, bracelet from Primark, rings from Forever 21, New Look and H&M.

Outfit #4

Red V-neck jumper from Zara, grey and black tartan shirt from Primark, grey skater skirt from H&M, black ankle boots from H&M, tartan socks from Primark, bracelet from New Look, rings from Primark, New Look and Disney Couture.

Outfit #5

Grey and pink heart jumper and body-con black skirt from H&M, black ankle boots from H&M, socks and necklace from Primark, rings from Primark and New Look.

What I’ve been wearing – 14/10/13

Autumn is definitely upon us. Summer already seems a distant memory. although I prefer the warmer climates hands down, I enjoy dressing for autumn; there is an excitement about the new collections and it is not yet so cold you cannot even think!

So here is my latest selection of autumnal outfits. I am loving tartan. Always have, so glad it is out there. Also happy to see leather for another cold season. And animal print (for me, it is always in fashion anyway).

Outfit #1

I am absolutely in love with this red vintage inspired dress from Hearts&Roses London from Sirens and Starlets, necklace from Forever21, black court shoes from Christian Louboutin, rings from Forever21, H&M and Topshop.

Outfit #2

Knitted black cropped jumper from H&M, blue, green and black tartan trousers from Primark, black leather ankle boots gift from a friend, necklace from Primark, rings from Sobral, Topshop and H&M.

Outfit #3

Midi tartan a-line skirt from Zack London, black long sleeve crop top from Primark, black cour shoes from Christian Louboutin, necklace from Miss Selfridge, bracelet from Primark, rings from New Look, and Forever21.

Outfit #4

Black skater skirt from H&M, red tartan turtle neck crop top, fringed ankle boots, red socks and bracelet from Primark, rings from Sobral, New Look, H&M and Forever21.

Outfit #5

Black cardigan with embroided white bows, black top with white collar and grey denim skirt all from Primark, black leather ankle boots gift from a friend, bracelet from Primark, rings from Forever21, Sobral, H&M and Topshop.

What are you loving for the new season?

Real nudes from Christian Louboutin

I always thought it was quite odd to call a pinkish beige colour “nude” when it is meant to match your skin colour in order to be, erm, nude! Right? And last month, when I visited Christian Louboutin’s boutique in Mount St in London, I noticed I wasn’t alone in thinking that!

The French shoe designer launched last month the collection with classics Pigalle, Fifi, Simple Pump, Flo and Vendome in five shades ranging from pale blush to deep chestnut to better match different skin tones, saying “the shoes are there to give the woman an extra lift, not to take attention away from the legs and what she is wearing”. He explains that “they (shoes) disappear like magic and become a fluid extension of her legs, as in a sketch, elongating the silhouette.”

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Not only is Christian Louboutin’s Nudes Collection wheel of legs with sharp stilettos pretty (and actually, quite hypnotising, to be honest), but also shows that nude is what actually matches your skin colour.

And a free iPhone app called Louboutin Shades helps you choose the right nude for your skin tone!

Now, that is what I call nude.

Shoes I won’t dare fall in love with

Platinum Cleopatra (image: .borgezie.com)

If you think the headline is odd to say the least, rest assured – you read it right. No, I am not ill. Carry on…

At £70,000 (again, you DID read it right) for a pair, I can safely state the House of Borgenzie platinum Cleopatra stilettos will never be the object of my desire.

As described on the site, “The Borgezie Platinum Cleopatra Stiletto is a worlds first solid platinum stiletto. Like the entire Borgezie range nothing like this has been achieved, or indeed possible before. Due to the extremely high temperatures required to work with Platinum, it proved to be one of Christophers greatest challenges. The Platinum stiletto took over four years of development. Finally the most noble of all metals was formed into the perfect stiletto.”

For a metal shoe, I wonder how comfortable it can actually be?!

Does it fit? (image: .borgezie.com)

Having said that, the shape is pretty, although I really don’t like that BORGEZIE is written across the heel and strap (which is much more visible on the gold version).

This is what I think Cinderella’s crystal slippers could’ve looked like if they were sandals (minus the letters – maybe have it to spell CINDERS?), although I much prefer Christian Louboutin’s version of said slippers!

The House of Borgezie is also behind the Eternal Borgezie Diamond Stiletto. And wait for it – encrusted with an astounding 2,200 diamonds, with a total weight of 30.00 (!!!) carats.

If the £70K platinum price tag is a bit too much, go for the more affordable white or yellow gold versions of the handcrafted, custom-made Cleopatra, at £60,000 (gasp! again).

Gold-stepper (image: .borgezie.com)

And there was poor me thinking my very small (but perfectly formed) collection of classic Loubis was something else…

If you want to take a peek, head over to The House of Borgezie website.

What I’ve been wearing – 03/08/2013

My wardrobe is quickly morphing into a more sober autumn selection, and although I am very excited about the new season collections, I am really upset I have barely put my legs out and they already need to go back into tights… sad…

Here is my latest outfits selection:Royal blue crop top from New Look, midi full skirt from Topshop, nude peeptoes from Jimmy Choo, necklace from Forever 21, rings from Forever 21 and H&M.

Black crop top from Topshop, beqach print skirt from a little shop in Stratford (bargain alert!), white block heel sandals from Topshop, necklace from Forever 21 and rings from H&M and Forever 21. Black, white and grey tartan blouse from Primark, black skater skirt from H&M, black patent court shoes from River Island, rings and bracelet from New Look. Black and white carton print crop top from primark, black trousers from H&M, white stilettos from River Island, necklace from Primark, bracelet from Miss Selfridge and rings from H&M, Primark and Forever 21.

Leopard print crop top from Primark, black skater skirt from H&M, black fringed booties from Primark, necklace from Topshop and rings from H&M, Topshop and Primark.

What about you? What have you been wearing? Are you also feeling thorn about the weather change?

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What I’ve been wearing 17/08

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What I’ve been wearing

Here is my latest outfit selection – absolutely in love with this 50’s inspired dress – definitely my favourite outfit for a long time!

Outfit #1

Hearts & Roses 50’s style dress (from Sirens & Starlets), black court shoes from Christian Louboutin, necklace from Forever 21, rings from Forever 21, H&M, Topshop and Primark. Lisptick is MAC Russian Red.

Outfit #2Beach scene print dress from Primark, nude slingback sandals from Topshop, broderie anglaise bolero from Brazil, necklace form Forever 21, rings from Forever 21, H&M and Topshop.

Outfit #3

Maxi dress from Miss Selfridge, nude slingback sandals from Topshop, necklace from Primark, rings from H&M, Forever 21 and Topshop.

Outfit #4

Blue graphic print t-shirt from Primark, black cigarette trousers from H&M, black patent peep-toes from Ibiza, necklace from Primark, rings from H&M and New Look.