Outfit Of The Day: Spiked Heels

I apologize for the weird quality of this photo. The flash didn't go off when it was taken so I had to do a lot of editing in iPhoto, of which I know nothing about.

What I'm Wearing:

Princess Vera Wang Sheer Top in Sandalwood

AG Leggings

Sam Edelman Lorissa Heels

I LOVE these shoes. I blogged about them a while ago in fact. I was so happy to finally make them mine, but when I wore them out for the first time the other night, I realized that not only do they look great on, but they are also the most UNCOMFORTABLE shoe I'd ever worn. How uncomfortable you ask? Well, put it this way - all I did last night was go on a date with my husband. That required me to walk from our house to our car and then from the car to the restaurant, which was about a couple hundred feet. And then we sat down for dinner for about an hour and half. So a good portion of my evening was spent sitting, and my feet were still in so much pain. Afterwards we had some time to kill before we were supposed to meet up with some friends. At this point, we usually just walk around the Town Center and go shopping. But I told my husband that I just could not walk. Can you imagine that? Me, not wanting to go shopping! That's how bad these shoes were. 

First of all, these shoes are a half size too big, but I wanted them so bad that I was willing to overlook that one major detail. Why you ask? Well, I'd been wanting these shoes for months and I'd never been able to find them for less than $100 every I looked (eBay, outlet stores, etc.), so when I found these for $79.99 at T.J. Maxx, I thought they were a great deal. I figured I could add some heel pads and footbed cushions to help with the size.

Well, I did this last night and help it did not. I felt like a stiff robot walking around in these things. The hostess that led us to our table noticed them right away and said she also had this same pair, to which I replied, "Yes, they're great, but these shoes are killing me." She completely agreed with me and confessed that even though she'd spent a lot of money on them (probably retail which was about $150) she only wore them a couple times. But I can't bear the thought of spending $80 on a pair of shoes that I can only wear once (I'm always thinking about price per wear) so I'm gonna do a little more research online and see what I can do to remedy this pair. 

Joie Belvidere Stretch Leather Leggings

My husband and I stopped by Marshall's today to do some shopping. He was looking for a bike lock and a poncho and I was looking for, well, anything. One of the things that I like about my local Marshall's is the separate "contemporary" rack. Oftentimes, I find many brands that I like such as James Perse and Free People. Today, I found a pair of Joie leather leggings.

Now I know what you're thinking. Leather leggings? But seriously, I think they're fabulous. I'd been wanting a pair of leather leggings for a while. I love the idea of pairing them with a slouchy blouse and scarf and tucking them into some tough boots. I also love juxtaposing them with some high heels and a feminine blouse. 

www.laurenconrad.com

Joie Belvidere Stretch Leather Leggings

www.bloomingdales.com

So when I found these Joie leather leggings, I decided to give them a try. Now look closely at the picture above because what you're about to see looks nothing like that.

When I first found these pants in an XS sitting on the rack, I thought to myself, "There is NO WAY I'll be able to squeeze into that!" So I grabbed the medium and the XS (just in case) - these were the only two sizes they had. Surprisingly, I was able to pull on the XS quite easily. They do stretch and I guess I should've figured that considering that they are leggings. 

I really don't like that they don't lay flat in the front like they do on the model and on basically every other person I saw when I googled "leather leggings." Probably because in actuality, a size small would've been a much better fit.

Another thing that I don't like is the low rise of these pants. As you can see in this photo, it's creating that horrible muffin top. Ugh! I wish they were at least a mid-rise legging. I tried pulling them up as far as they would go, but this was all I could manage.

A shot of the front lower part of the leggings. I would definitely have to get them hemmed as they were much too long and bunched up all over the place.

And the VPL is atrocious. But nothing that a little Spanx can't fix :)

Oh, and the price is also atrocious. $300 for a pair of leather leggings! At Marshall's! A discount store! But I guess I get it. I mean, they were originally $948, so $300 is practically a steal. When I tried to explain this logic to my husband, he just laughed.

Yay, 100% leather! But made in China. Boo!

So the verdict? I'm sure you can guess. These pants are still sitting pretty at Marshall's. I'm going to have to wait until they're on SUPER clearance before I can even consider purchasing them. I love the idea of them, but on me they just weren't that great. A bummer because I think they look great on the model and on other celebrities. If the length and rise were just right, then I'd say these would be perfect. But there're too many fit issues to make this a practical purchase. 

And the hunt for leather leggings continues...

Oxfords

I've really been into oxford shoes lately. I actually think the obsession started about a year ago when I first spotted these Cutout Daisy Oxfords from Anthropologie.

Essenza Cutout Daisy Oxfords

$188

www.anthropologie.com

$188 was a little more than what I'd wanted to spend on a pair of oxfords so I waited months and months and months for them to go on sale. When they finally did, they were sold out in my size and now they're sold out completely. I occasionally search in vain on eBay, but since I haven't had much luck there, I've settled on purchasing these Esprit oxfords.

Remember the brand Esprit? I used to be obsessed. Now I only see this brand randomly at outlets and discount stores. When my husband and I were in Paris a few years ago, we shopped at one of their stores on Champs-Elysees and he loved it. Even bought one of their winter coats. C'mon Esprit! Bring back that style I used to be obsessed with in high school!

I bought these for only $19.99 from T.J. Maxx during tax-free week. A steal in my opinion.

I love the similar cutout details and taupe-y color.

Now I admit these shoes look pretty much nothing like the Daisy Oxfords, but there are some similarities, such as the color and cutouts. I've searched for other oxfords and although I can't find anything close to the Daisy ones, I have found some cute alternatives.

Miss Mooz 'Monaco' Oxford

On sale $79.90 (originally $119.95)

www.nordstrom.com

REPORT Signature 'Harvey' Flat

$59.95

www.nordstrom.com

Sebago 'Claremont' Oxford

$144.95

www.nordstrom.com

The Office of Angela Scott Mr. Dottie Embroidered Oxford in Nutmeg

$495

www.neimanmarcus.com

Manolo Blahnik Lorenzabuc

$765

www.barneys.com

And now for some not-so-similar oxfords, but equally cute and super fun.

Toms Cordones Striped Canvas Oxfords in Navy

$69

www.neimanmarcus.com

Splendid 'Nickerie' Flat

On sale $52.22 (originally $77.95)

www.nordstrom.com

Love Moschino Cap To Lace Up Oxford Flats in Star

On sale $192.50 (originally $275)

www.bloomingdales.com

House of Harlow 1960 Lace Up Oxford Flats in Chopout Killian

On sale $117 (originally $195)

www.bloomingdales.com

Chie Mihara Isias Navy

$354.49

www.chiestore.com

Christian Louboutin Freddy Flat

$1,145

www.barneys.com

All of these shoes are super cute, but the question is, how do you wear oxfords? I found this to be quite challenging so I did a little research online and looked at pictures for inspiration, and I've come to the conclusion that oxfords look best when paired with cropped or skinny pants - something that's gonna show off the shoe and keep them feminine.

Happy oxford shopping!