Too Many Shoes? Impossible!

Naturalizer.ca had a fab sale and being the good consumer that I am, I jumped right on board. I had been eyeballing a few pairs of shoes for a while and when I saw the sale prices, combined with a 20% off coupon code and free shipping, I couldn't resist.

The first two pairs are great additions to my casual wardrobe. I love the zipper on the first pair and the cute X-stitching on the second pair.

The third pair fills a hole in my shoe collection - I really needed a pair of grey shoes and this pair is so charming with the black accents (that look like they were cut with pinking shears) and the tie in the front.

The fourth and fifth pair were no-brainers. I seem to have an obsession with Oxford style shoes lately. Observant readers will recognize the fifth pair as the burgundy version of the Oxfords I bought a few weeks ago.

The sixth pair is so wonderful. The luscious bordeaux colour, the combo of leather and suede, the stitching detail and the elegant heel shape all combine into a stunning pair of shoes.


I always used to think of Naturalizer as the shoe company for the (older) woman more concerned about comfort than style. However, I am loving the offerings from Naturalizer the past couple of years - the styling has really been exceptional. And there has been no loss of comfort - I cannot recommend the N5 Comfort Elements enough. Not to mention that I can get these fab shoes in wide widths (my feet have become wider over the years - I think it's all the standing and walking I do while teaching every day), so no more pinched toes. I really should look into buying stock in this company - I certainly do my share to make them profitable!

Me & My Oxfords

I know I said I wouldn't be posting because I'm in Florida, but I scheduled this posting before I left. I couldn't resist showing off another new pair of shoes in action.

First the outfit breakdown. I wore a Land's End long sleeved T-shirt in white underneath a chocolate brown ruffle front knit tank I made in the summer. The skirt is a wearable muslin I made for my Chanelish suit from the last Timmel SWAP. My accessories are a thin brown leather belt to cinch in the waist, some cool crochet Hue tights and of course, my cute suede/leather Oxfords.

I put this outfit together last week and I like how it came out. Considering I've never worn Oxfords, much less high heeled Oxfords, I think I did a respectable job of styling them.

Whatcha think?

Purple Nurple

Not much sewing has been going on around Chez HZC lately (due to exploding life syndrome). So in a desperate attempt to ensure that my faithful readers don't abandon me, I will be presenting some of my daily outfits over the next while (at least until I get my arse back in front of my Kenmore). Practically everything I wear has come off my sewing machine, so at least I'm still remotely on point.

I made this top and skirt in January of this year, but didn't get any photos of myself wearing them. I don't wear a lot of purple as it is tricky to find a shade of purple that doesn't clash horribly with my hair. I think this outfit works because of the copper mottling in the lace top that matches my hair colour.

To finish off the outfit, I donned a pair of dark purple tights and a funky mother of pearl and silver filigree pendant necklace. The shoes are a new acquisition from Naturalizer - a funky pair of low heeled mary janes in a gorgeous pinot noir (purply burgundy) pebbly leather. Not only are they comfortable for clomping around school all day long but they are so darn cute!


**Although I have never been the perpetrator nor the victim of the dreaded "purple nurple", I have always been amused by this rhyming phrase. However, I can't help but wonder who came up with such a cutesy name to describe this weird bullying technique. Yeesh.

Bootie or Not Bootie

In a previous post, I professed my growing love for the skirt, tights, bootie combo that I'm seeing around the fashion blogs as of late. Some commenters agreed with me that the look is potentially super cute and others were not sold on the whole thing. I must admit when I first saw booties worn with skirts, I thought it looked ridiculous. However, as time has past, I think I have become more accustomed to the silhouette and I now think it's quite fetching.

So, today I put together my first bootie-tights-skirt (I first typed this as tight-bootie-skirt and got a good chuckle) outfit. The skirt is Simplicity 4422 (view F), done up in a burgundy tweed flecked with dark brown and tan. The top is Vogue 2759 in a dark brown knit.

I must say that I felt pretty good in the outfit all day long and received compliments from both students and colleagues. Looking at the photo though, I think next time I will try and match the colour of the tights more closely to the bootie for a longer leg line. As well, I never tuck in my tops, so this was a real departure for me, but it actually doesn't look as bad as I expected. Last but not least, this outfit makes the pesky 10 lbs I want to drop a little more obvious than I would like - time to hit the treadmill and weight machine harder. So, all in all, pretty good, but a few things to keep in mind for next time.

So, what do y'all think? Yay or nay? Bear in mind that I am venturing into new territory here, so please be gentle.

These are a Few of My Favourite Things

As I browse the fashion magazines and websites the past few weeks, there are a few things that have jumped out at me. Here are some of garments and accessories that spark my lust for the fall/winter season.

Riding Boots
I love a good tall boot. They go with everything - pants, skirts, dresses - everything. This season the tall boot is everywhere, in every incarnation; flat, wedge, over the knee, stiletto, fringed, slouchy, etc. My pick of the bunch is the riding boot. I love the quaint English, upper crust ambiance of this leather charmer. My only issue is with fit. I have been blessed with athletic calves, which make finding a comfortable boot difficult. Even if I'm lucky enough to force up the zipper, my legs often feel like they are being strangled. So, I'm on the hunt (ironically enough) for a pair of fab riding boots. I just ordered a pair of Naturalizer Hunter boots in brown leather. I'm hoping the elastic and the buckle at the back will allow me to wear them.

ETA: I received the boots today and unfortunately they do not zip up over my calves. For reference, my calves measure 15" at the widest point. So, back to the store they go and back on the hunt I go.


Booties
When fashion bloggers first started wearing booties with skirts and tights, I was definitely not sold on the look. As time has passed however, I have become quite smitten with the look and now I actually want to emulate it. So, while I was shopping at Naturalizer I picked up a couple of cute booties: Corso and Dublin, both in brown leather. I adore the leather/suede combo, along with the sweet stitching accents on the Corso. The multi-colours and textures, combined with the menswear inspired laces on the Dublin are also drool worthy. I picture wearing both of these with some cozy textured tights (see below). These shoes, as well as the boots above come in wide widths, which makes me ridiculously happy.

ETA: I received the booties today and they are fairly comfortable. I think the lace up booties will require a bit of breaking in, but the other pair seems fine right out of the box.


Tights
If I could wear skirts (or dresses) everyday, I would. But, come winter, it gets a tad too nippy to be sporting uncovered legs in my neck of the woods. The reintroduction of tights into the fashion world the last few years has helped to remedy this chilly situation. So, I headed over to We Love Colors and bought up some microfibre tights in a variety of colours (rust, gold, maroon, teal and olive green - I already own some in brown, black and grey), as well as a pair of Croche Fishnets in brown. I just hope they fit well - us short folks often have leg length issues, resulting in elephant knees and crotch droop. I'll report back on my findings. I am also on the look out for some textured wool tights that don't bag out at the knees.


Cardigans
I must own upwards of 40 cardigans - some with the matching shell, some without. Being a lover of 50s style, it stands to reason that I am smitten with the ubiquitous twin set and the sweater girl look. So easy to wear and perfect for those days that deciding on an outfit seems difficult. Toss on a twin set over a great pair of pants, accessorize with a strand or three of pearls (or a vintage brooch) and you're good to go. Right now, I am lusting after several cashmere lovelies, in particular this one from Land's End. I am drawn to the simple lines, the 3/4 raglan sleeves and of course, the luscious park green colour - it would fit seamlessly into my existing wardrobe.

ETA: I succumbed to the siren call of cashmere. I now have the cardi winging it's way to Canada as I write. I'll report on the quality when I receive it.


So, dear reader, what are you lusting after for this fall/winter season?

The Taming of the Shoe

The last few months I have really been on the look out for shoes that fit the following criteria:

1. Comfort - Last summer I blew out my feet when we were in England. I estimate I walked close to 219 520 km while we were there (okay, maybe not quite that many km, but it was definitely a lot!) and since then I can't wear the crazy high heels I could in the past. So, I am having to replace many of the shoes in my wardrobe with more comfy options. I have found that as long as the shoe is well-cushioned, I can usually wear up to a 3" heel without discomfort.

2. Style - In the past, it was often necessary to sacrifice style for comfort. These days, designers are realizing that their clientele want the best of both worlds. Thank goodness because I refuse to run around in ugly shoes - it's nice not to have to sacrifice vanity for practicality!

3. Affordability - I cannot in all good conscience pay $500 and up for a pair of shoes (although you know if I ever win the lottery, I will be building a massive shoe closet and filling it with Louboutins, Choos, Blahniks and everything else that catches my eye). I try my best to keep my shoe purchases under $150 per pair. Admittedly this is still a decent chunk of change but I have learned that discount prices usually equals cheap, ill-fitting shoes.

So, when I was on the hunt for some new sandals, I made a stop at the Naturalizer store. Back in the day, Naturalizer was the brand that only grandmas would wear (and not the stylish kind of grandmas, rather the support hose, house dress wearing kind). Things have changed; Naturalizer now carries a fabulous selection of fashionable shoes. I am particularly enamoured of their N5 line, which works well for my foot. I tried on a bunch of shoes and I managed to snag four new pairs, as well as a great handbag. So far, I have worn the flat Mary Janes and both pairs of flat sandals all day long and they are heavenly!

Spring - When a Young Woman's Fancy Turns to Thoughts of Shoes...

Ah, spring is in the air, which means it's time to release the feet from their winter confines and let the toes be free! I love this time of year, when I can shut my sock drawer and put on the sandals. So, it's also time to add to the footwear wardrobe. Ever vigilant and on the lookout for comfortable, yet stylish shoes, I once again turned to my beloved Clarks.

The following shoes were purchased from SoftMoc.com (an Canadian retailer that delivers free to the closest Soft Moc store, which for me is only a 10 minute drive away - yeah, convenient!) this past week. So far, they all seem quite comfortable, but wearing them all day at work over the next week will really tell the tale.

Clarks - Miami Beach Wedge Sandal in brown

















Indigo by Clarks - Tofu Wedge Sandal in champagne
















Indigo by Clarks - Edamame Wedge Sandal in pewter

Shoe Business

As a teacher, I am on my feet several hours a day, whether I'm actively teaching a class, doing lunch duty or on hall supervision. My feet get quite the work out. I used to be able to wear sky high heels and never blink an eye. Well, apparently it's time to pay the piper. As of late, I have found that my feet are getting wider (countless hours of standing + gravity = clown feet) and many of my shoes are becoming tight and unbearable. So, I went on the hunt for some comfy, yet still fashionable shoes and I wanted to share one of my major successes.

Clarks Marilla from the Artisan Collection
* These shoes come in four colours: black, dark brown, vampire red and stone (taupe).
* I purchased my black and brown pairs from Soft Moc and the red pair from Walking on a Cloud (both Canadian retailers).



Originally, I purchased the black and the brown pairs since the colors are such wardrobe staples. I had heard good things about the comfort of Clarks shoes and I figured I'd give them a whirl around the house and if they weren't living up to my expectations, I could return them. Well, I was bowled over - I simply cannot say enough good things about these shoes.

First off, they are very well made - the leather is quite supple and rich looking. I hate paying a decent amount of money for shoes and then they look cheap or like they are ready to fall apart.

Secondly, the style is quite nice. Often, comfort and style don't tend to go together. Admittedly, they are not cutting edge high fashion, but the mary jane is in style right now. The double straps are interesting and add to the flair of the shoe. They have a platform base and a decent size heel (2.5 inches), which I need at school - I hate being the shortest person in the room! I have found these shoes to look great with pants and with skirts.

Lastly, the comfort, oh the comfort! I can wear these shoes all day long - walking around my classroom, up and down stairs, racing after students in the hallways - and I have no discomfort whatsoever. I find these shoes to be far more comfortable than my running shoes (I know that statement sounds like hyperbole, but it's not). The platform and the heel are like mini shock absorbers for my feet. The rounded toe allows ample room for my big ole wide feet, so no squished toes. The straps keep the shoes snug on my foot, so no blisters. I love these shoes!

As a matter of fact, I love them so much that I just bought the red pair and I am thinking about buying the taupe pair as well.


Please note that I am in no way affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I just wanted to share a great find with y'all.

Um, hi again...

Do you ever get overwhelmed? Do you ever feel like you're spread so thin you're going to snap? Do you ever look around you and all you see are things that need to be done and people that want things from you?

Well, I do. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, look out, it's a doozy.

I know some of you are wondering about my lack of blogging and my long absence from discussion boards and other sewing related outlets. (Actually, let me take this opportunity to thank everyone that has sent emails inquiring as to my whereabouts - I appreciate that you care enough about me to take the time to write. It touches me so deeply that people I have never formally met can become such wonderful friends.) I guess I just needed a break from the world. I can't take a break from my family (they seem to find me wherever I try to hide!) or from my job (gotta pay the bills, you know), so the only other choice was to take a break from sewing and blogging. Something had to give and unfortunately, my cherished hobbies ended up being collateral damage in my need for some down time. It has been at least three months since I really had the drive to sew and I haven't bought nor have I had the desire to buy any fabric in ages (gasp! now you know I'm a mess!). Hence, the blog silence - what was there to blog about?

Well, I'm tentatively starting to feel like myself again. I miss sewing and I miss blogging and most of all, I miss interacting with my sewing sisters. I have no one in my daily life that sews, so my long distance friends (all of you) are very important to me. I have a few projects in mind for my triumphant (I hope) return to the sewing sphere. Unfortunately, this weekend is all about painting the LR, DR and kitchen, so don't expect much just yet.

To prove that I am clawing my way out of my funk, I leave you with the some of the best medicine to turn a girl around and make her love life again. Check out the latest additions to my shoe wardrobe - Naturalizer has been offering some really nifty shoe designs the last few seasons and this fall is no exception.

I Love a Good Shoe Sale!

Did someone say shoes? On sale? 50% off? You said it sister!

My local Nine West was singing its siren song to me the other day and I couldn't resist. Four pairs of shoes later:

Brown Leather Peep Toes - I'm starting you off easy - simple shoe - tasteful - elegant - sophisticated.











"Jane Austin Goes Goth" Lace Up Thingamajigs - I don't know watcha calls 'em, but I likes 'em.









Black Patent Leather "I Mean Business" Shoes - I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan...












Exceptionally Tarty (in a delightfully demure way), Sky High, Patent Leather, Animal Print Pumps - This shoe has just the right amount of tacky to be fabulous!












Pretty good haul, eh?

I'm home this week - can I get a big ole "WOO HOO!" for March Break. I am so behind in my SWAP sewing - I'm hoping I can make some head way over the next few days. At this point, I am completely done 4 pieces, almost done 1 more and I have made the muslins or cut out the muslin/fashion fabric for the rest. Bear in mind, I have to get 11 garments done by April 11th. I just can't seem to get motivated this year - where, oh where, has my SWAP mojo gone?

More Swag

I cannot tell a lie, I bought more shoes. Hey, how could I resist? They were on sale.

Nine West Florsha - I love Nine West's shoes and these ones are no exception.











Nine West Chanise - another pair from Nine West - these babies are so comfortable. Now all I need to do now is sew up all my green fabric so that I have outfits to match these babies!











Naturalizer - Apparently T-straps are all the rage for fall. I was looking for these even before I knew that they would raise my style quotient. I bought a pair of black T-straps, too. Now, I can't wait for the weather to get cooler so I can put on my T-straps with some tights and a cute skirt!

Bribery Will Get You Everywhere

Each year when I am done school and then again when I am about to begin school, I allow myself a splurge. At the end of the school year, it is all about celebrating the fact that I made it through another year without maiming any students. At the beginning of the school year, it is self-bribery, pure and simple. Rather than laying on the ground, drumming my heels, whining about not wanting to go, I feel it is far more dignified to spend large amounts of money in an effort to soften the blow of going back to the grind.

So far this year my splurge has consisted of the following:

From Fabric Mart
Turquoise & Black Wool Tweed, Cream, Teal & Chocolate Jersey Knit, Teal Wool Gabardine, Caramel Wool Gabardine, Olivette Cotton Corduroy, Chocolate Brown Silk Chiffon, Chocolate Brown Merino Wool (from Sample Cut Club, so no pic available) - I have had a major soft spot for anything teal lately, so this grouping of fabrics really spoke to me.


From Timmel Fabric
Beige Stretch Lace, Floral Jacquard, Cuenda Suiting - this is a trio of coordinating fabrics Julie posted on her site and I just couldn't resist them.














From The Shoe Company
I actually bought the first shoe in a really neat metallic khaki green colour, but the other two pairs are black.


After all this shopping, I do feel a little bit better about going back to work!

Woo Hoo!

Hey, check it out - I won a gift certificate for shoes from The Well Heeled Society blog. The only thing that I love as much as fabric is shoes. I just hope T. Georgiano's ships to Canada. Now, which ones to choose, which ones to choose...

I've got shoes, yes I do. I've got shoes, how 'bout you?

Gimme a "S" S
Gimme a "A" A
Gimme a "N" N
Gimme a "D" D
Gimme a "A" A
Gimme a "L" L
Gimme a "S" S

What do you have? SANDALS!!! Woo Hoo!

Before you ask - yes, I was a cheerleader in high school. And ironically, that was when my addiction to shoes began - coincidence - I think not!

These are the latest members of my shoe family: