Matchup: Valentino v. Schutz

I know I'm not the only one coveting these Valentino Rockstud heels. Although it took a little effort to seduce me, the all-black version definitely won my heart. But $1000 for a pair of shoes is way too much for this girl. So I was scouring the web for a comparable version. (Get on it, F21! You jock just about everything else anyway!) I did find these Schutz Brenaes however, which come pretty freaking close...

I have to say though, I've had a pretty bad experience with Schutz shoes. I picked up the Irmas in black and white during a Piperlime sale and couldn't be more stoked. Until I wore them. Fucking.OUCH. I don't know if they're just not meant for platypus feet (I have "larger than normal" feet that are flat and a little wide...but to be honest, regular shoes typically fit just fine.), but they hurt more than any other shoe I've ever worn EVER. And they hurt in a place that's never hurt before–the arch of the foot–but.. in the inside of the foot. ALSO, I literally only wore them from the car to the restaurant and across the street to the movie theater before they starting hurting like a mother fucker. I don't know, but I will never wear them again. They're in a size 8.5 and they're gorgeous in case anyone wants to take them off my hands...Rant.Over.

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Smile! It's Mindful Monday

Susie Cakes anything

Love the life you live!

Happy [Mindful] Monday! Here are some photos of things that make me smile! And below are just some thoughts.

The Best Sandwich I've Ever Made

I know it's a big statement, but this really is the best sandwich I've ever made. I love when kitchen experiments turn out wonderfully. Especially when they're healthy!

What lies beneath...

Since we're on the subject of Shopbop... I have to say, I freakin love Shopbop. It's definitely one of my favorite online stores. Everything is just so fancy pants and comes in beautiful boxes wrapped so perfectly. I especially love when they have great deals. Because when they have great deals, they have great deals.

Sophie and Shopbop

"Simplicity is the glory of expression." 

- Walt Whitman

Sophie Hulme. She gets me. She gets my love of gold and black, simplicity, and quality materials. She gets that minimal doesn't have to be boring. And that gold plating is all that's really needed to bring out the 'holy shit that's stunning' in all of our accessories. 

Avocado Toast and Blue Bottle Coffee

Avocado toast is probably my favorite breakfast ever. Not probably. It really just is. It's so simple, but I think the simplicity of it makes it that much more appealing. I'm a big believer than good food doesn't necessarily mean tons of ingredients. Sometimes, it's all about the simple things in life, and avocado toast is a prime example of that perspective. Avocado toast and a great cup of coffee, that is.

Matchup: Mango v. Stella McCartney

I've been swooning over these Stella McCartneys ever since I saw Anh wearing them on 9to5Chic. My only problem with them was the heel height. I prefer something much higher (at least 4 inches). So when I found this Mango version, I immediately fell in love. Seriously, this shoe obsession is getting out of hand. But at least this time it's the cheaper version I'm in love with.

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It's All About Perspective

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

 - Thomas A. Edison               

Mondays are often uttered with the same level of affection as a dentist appointment. They signify the end of fun-filled weekends and the recommencement of work and responsibility. But it's time we give Mondays a break and think of them as what they really are: a new day for which we should all be grateful!

Style Steal: The Jimmy Choo Edition

Say hello to my new Jimmys. I got lucky yet again with an after Christmas sale and scored these beauties from Saks. They're a beautiful, slightly teal, navy color and the perfect height - 4.5 inches.

Valentine's by the beach

    “Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air...”

                                                                                         - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Anyone who knows me can tell you how much I love getting dressed up. I'm the type of person to mandate a dress code (actually requiring dresses be worn) at my wine & cheese parties just to find an excuse to wear one of the many dresses in my repertoire. But sometimes, casual is the way to go.