WINNER!!

Congratulations to reader:

Charis Shreill!!!!!!

YAY!

You've won the Cold Plasma cream from Perricone MD!

♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥

On a side note- I just got to NY and have pics to post but forgot my USB cable so I have to go buy one tomorrow. Sorry guys :(

sf/bay area blogger meetup recap

I would deeply appreciate if the world forgave me for taking so long to post an actual recap (as opposed to this sorry excuse for one) because I have a bad habit of not updating until I've emptied out my camera's guts, which doesn't happen often enough, and always feeling compelled to post everything in chronological order.

On Sunday (11/22) I attended the SF Bay Area Blogger Meetup organized by Jennie from Going West, with the other lovely (supernaturally attractive, smart, funny, well-heeled) lady bloggers Erin of calivintage, Christina of profreshstyle, Xtina of candybox, her friend Vai who is studying fashion design at UC Davis, Liz of Late Afternoon, Diane of Darling Darling, Brittany of Work It, Berk, Helen of Chictopia, Katie who writes for AOL's stylelist, and Ami from Song of Style.

I was, unsurprisingly, underdressed, as I was headed to a review session immediately after (and let’s be honest here, I wouldn’t risk not being taken seriously in a classroom setting even if it meant feeling extra out of my comfort zone in a group of intimidatingly put-together people I’ve never met). My attempt to reconcile a blogger meetup with a weekend at home’s worth of stuff and a review session and colder-than-school weather and carrying costumes for my scene with Lee and commute by BART manifested as this:

Above, check my model pose, guys.

Above, no, yeah, this is what I normally look like. Thanks for photos, Kim.

Above, black jacket: gift. Teal fake pashmina: New York street vendor. Satin shorts: Nordstrom Rack. Black tights: generic. Sparkly purple leopard print socks: grandmother’s (damn straight). Shoes: Fafi for Adidas, garage sale.

Above, I was so nervous, I even put on makeup. You can't tell. Just revel in my incomparable beauty.

So, yes, underdressed. A little cleaner-looking than I would have liked, but I liked my Sparkly Purple Leopard Print Socks®, thanks.

We met at Yerba Buena (I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to find them but soon realized all I had to do was walk behind the girls wearing the highest shoes in the park) then made our way to the SFMoMA café, where heads turned as our group walked in. You can see photos of everyone else here, here, here, here, and here.

As the youngest blogger in attendance (in terms of life years and in terms of how seriously I blog, I think), I did a lot more listening than talking, but it was enlightening and a lot of fun to be able to sound off on stuff that nobody else talks about in person. Blogging and fashion and running a blog and returning comments, the merits of Chictopia vs. Weardrobe vs. Lookbook, blogging as a hobby vs. blogging as a job, how people felt about ads and sponsorship, selling out, how people who don’t blog don’t understand bloggers, Korean spas (that would be Liz enthusing for like ten minutes… she is a riot), how people don’t take you seriously if you have an interest in fashion, or if you show any consideration for what you wear... They were all very, very nice, and very funny, and smart, dammit. And so well-dressed it was kind of gross in a dying-of-jealousy way.

Anyway, I encourage everyone to go to every blogger meetup you possibly can, regardless of how nervous you are or how unsure you are or how unlegit and amateur you think you may be, because it is so worth it to meet new (um, really talented, really articulate) people with common interests and to learn from other people’s experiences.

TAKEAWAY POINTS:

1. Fuck your fear. It's probably worth it. You gain nothing from sitting back and watching life go by without you.
   
2. Smart + articulate + fierce = the most intimidating combination you will ever find in a person. Be that person.
3. If you're doing it well, people will judge you. Let them, and then prove them wrong.
4. Life will throw things your way. Recognize them. Catch them. Milk them for all they're worth.
   
5. Wear what you want.

Posh Spice Made Me Do It!

So those of you who follow me on Twitter know that I ran into the glamorous alien known as miss Victoria Beckham at Barneys yesterday. Well, the bitch looked hot and her Fendi shoes were TO DIE for.

Obviously I had to have them.

They are SO high and so sexy. I love them.

She was there to return a pair of Christian Louboutins. I peeked in the box to see which pair but I can't find a picture of them online anywhere. They were not cute... A camel colored leather pump with a thin gold t-strap. No wonder she returned them. ;)

Here she is with my sales guy Steve. Hey Steve!! Haha.

And here is a better shot of the shoes...

You can get them HERE, or call and ask Steve to send them to you. They didn't have my size so they're being sent. Yay!

(images x-17 online)

Pleasantly Peasant-y

Off to my Harajuku Lovers meeting today...

I was told that I looked like a hippie, a pilgrim, and a slutty grandma today. Whatever, I liked it.

Love these Louboutin espadrille bottom wedge boots. So comfy and versatile. These will take me all the way through Spring. They're a great slouchy canvas and I'm wearing them here with my Betsey Johnson OTK socks.

Slutty G-ma Hippie Pilgrim dance!!!

(dress- Piko 1988, boots- Louboutin, socks- Betsey Johnson, belt- Urban Outfitters)

JLO... Your Song Sucks.

I am sorry but WTF? JLO's new single that says "I'm throwin on my Louboutins" over and over again is SO annoying. Eww.

Apparently She fell on her ass during her AMA performance but they edited it out on the broadcast. Lame. You can see it HERE. Pretty funny.

She wore flats through most of the song and then changed into her... yes... LOUBOUTIN'S for the last 30 seconds.

Great.

Whatever, I had to vent.

Red Soles and Bubbly

Last night the Christian Louboutin boutique at South Coast Plaza celebrated their 1 year anniversary and the place was bumpin with champagne a-flowin! There were shoe lovers everywhere!

I finally got to wear my Christopher Kane for Top Shop dress. Yay!

Amita's nails were out of control amazing... Japanese nail art. I told her they look like barnacles... but in a good way. They're definitely a love them or hate them trend, and I really love them.

Reghan got in on the nail art too

And she wore these amazing hand painted gold tights... So cool.

The boys got in on the action too!

I love these sneakers... I need to get Ben into them ASAP.

It was a really fun night. You should go in and check out all the amazing new shoes (including these babies...)

Yep. I have a problem. But I love them...

Giveaway!!

As I've said before, I LOVE giveaways! Anytime I can offer my readers a chance to win something, I'm in!

I love many things in life, but besides shoes, I'd have to say that skincare and cosmetics are my obsession. I find that I can never say no a great cosmetics pitch, which is why I have drawers full of once used lipsticks and bright eyeshadows that seemed like a fun idea at the time. I'm always into the newest skincare craze and facial treatment so this giveaway is right up my alley. I was very excited when the nice people over at Perricone contacted me to do a giveaway!

For those who are hearing about Perricone for the first time, I will shortly introduce the company-

Perricone MD is a US company created by a well-known clinical and research dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone. Recognized as the Father of the Inflammation Theory of Aging, Perricone developed an award-winning line of skin care products and supplements based on his long experience and research in dermatology. Perricone MD skin care line covers all skin’s needs and offers diverse anti-aging solutions. (Click here for a special Perricone Discount!!)

So let's cut to the chase- They are giving away a bottle of their Cold Plasma anti-aging cream ($150 value) to one lucky reader! YIPPEE!! This product looks amazing!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post! (Make sure to leave an email address if you are posting without a link...)

You can also enter again by tweeting me @TheShoeGirl and mentioning Perricone MD. Yep, it's that easy!

The contest starts today and I will announce the winner (chosen randomly) Monday, November 30th, 2009.

Good luck!!

(sorry- US residents only)

Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi!!!!!!

Oh my goooooosh. I can't believe I've been gone TWO whole weeks!

I've tried all the little tricks to get around my blog being blocked in China but I just can't get around it. It's such a bummer! Did you guys like the re-posts? It's funny to see old posts again, right? I've been blogging for over a year and a half and it's gone by so fast.

Anyway- I'm back and it's good to be home. My jet lag is worse than it's ever been and I feel like crap, so let me keep this short.

Remember that boot sketch I posted? Well, I toned it down (sad) and ended up making it!

So this...

was made like this...

Higher shaft, lower platform, no metal toe and no spikes.

This is a prototype so it's not a final sample but you get the idea. Pretty cool, huh? I still like the spiky version better...

Oh and I am going to post about Shanghai but I'm waiting on pictures. All the good ones are on Amita's camera!

XOXO

Skype-ing with Celine

Hi, this is Celine's husband Benjamin. I thought I'd share some screenshots of a typical Skype conversation w/ my lovely shoe girl wife...

I am a lucky guy.

My Night in the Clouds...

Ok. So some of you already know, but Monday night I went to a dinner for Mr. Christian Louboutin himself.

I know, right?

It was pretty much the most amazing night of my life (besides my wedding of course) and I was pinching myself all night long. I felt like I was in a dream world and I never wanted to wake up!

The night started with a small cocktail party at the Louboutin boutique. There was champagne and shoe lovers, and I felt so lucky to be a part of it. They had the AMAZING Marie Antoinette shoes on display, and some lucky women were even buying some. There was one lady that was wearing a pair (AHHHHH!!!!!! SO JEALOUS!!) and had a second pair to keep on display.

How cute is the little egg display!? So perfect.

I was really excited and surprised to run into my friend Amy and her lovely mother at the cocktail party- though I should have known she would be there. Her Louboutin collection dwarfs mine, and we were actually introduced by a mutual friend who knew we would get along great if for nothing else than for our mutual love of shoes!

That's Patrick up there. My very favorite "shoe guy". If you're ever in the boutique ask for him- he'll take really good care of you ;) He's the sweetest.

Miss Amita Singh, the lovely store manager. LOVE her. Isn't she adorable!? I got to sit next to her at the dinner and we had a really good time!! She has my favorite picture of Mr. Louboutin and I and I'm hoping she'll send it to me soon (hint hint) cause boy oh boy does my camera suck.

hahaha. ;)

On to the dinner!

So after the cocktail hour we headed across to the amazing little French bistro, Marché Modern. They were hosting the event and the whole restaurant was decorated beautifully with a Marie Antoinette theme.

Every single thing I ate was amazing. The hors d'ourves were delicious and decadent- the salad was perfect, and the main course... to die for! I'm serious you guys- I was blown away.

To finish the meal was this. The most perfectly adorable dessert I've ever seen!

I die!

Everyone took theirs home in a to go tin. I don't think anyone could bare to eat something so beautiful.

Like I said, the night was like a dream. I am so thankful to my friends at the Louboutin boutique for including me in this. I feel really honored and very special! I'll never forget the magical night that I had dinner with Christian Louboutin.

(originally posted 2/25/09)

**ADDITION**

Another night I will NEVER forget. I am so lucky to have been a part of this and will never be able to top it! I love all my friends at the boutique so much! We've all become such good friends since then. :)

Ok, So I'm a Hypocrite...

So what. I never thought I'd EVER be into a stretch boot... I mean, EVER. But whadda know? I found one- the only one- I love. This is the Jil Sander boot that I was talking about. I got them for 80% off at Jeffery and they are absolutely the sluttiest/sexiest things I own. Hahaha!

I have to tell you my embarrassing story though!

I knew I shouldn't have, but I wore them out to dinner one night in NY. I figured I'd be ok since we were taking cabs.

For some reason, I think we were trying to catch a cab, I was out in the street and I slipped on a patch of ice and totally ate shit... hard! My first thought of course was "Oh my god! My new boots!!" cause I fell on my knee and palms. Miraculously, my boots were mostly ok- no rip in the knee, but check out my knee. Ouch.

My priorities are so out of whack. Ha ha ha.

The lacquer on the inside of one the platforms got scratched off pretty bad, but I think I can fix it, and if not- you can barely see it.

Anyhoo- what do you guys think? :)

(originally posted 2/7/09)

**ADDITION**

I will never forget this fall! It was so funny and embarrassing!!

And isn't it funny how now it's all about stretch boots and over-the-knee boots. Who knew? ;) I can't believe I got these at 80% off. Ridiculous. That would never happen now!

Back on the Chain... Gang

I impulsively bought this AMAZING scarf about a month ago after seeing it on little miss Tavi's blog, and I just received it last night (YAY!)

So here's the thing... I'm not sure that I can pull it off?? I mean, it is truly amazing but I feel like I might look silly wearing it. Like I need to be a little cooler to wear it. ha ha ha. That sounds silly, but seriously.

It was handmade by the talented Yokoo (check out her etsy shop!) in limited quantity so I figured I didn't have time to think about the purchace- I just HAD to have one!

I'm totally in love with it, but what do you all think? Cool? Silly?

(originally posted 1/9/09)

**ADDITION**

Yokoo has since become a household name. ;)

I'm so excited that fall is here and I can wear this again! Yippee! I wore it to Gwen Stefani's house and she loved it so Yokoo made her one in all black!