Day and Night

In classical ballet, everyone moves with such grace and ease that it’s easy to forget all the rigorous training they go through in order to display such elegance. I feel like that’s how it is with personal style. For some, it comes naturally, but for others, they must “train” themselves to find the balance between textures, colors, and silhouettes.

I’ve hit a bit of a rut and I’m reverting to what I know best…cardigans, skinny jeans, scarves, flats, and a chignon. When I can’t think of anything to wear, I pull out this type of outfit.

Outfit Details: GapKids Stella McCartney cardigan M, William Rast Jerri Ultra Skinny jeans 24, Nordstrom cami XS, Steve Madden flats, Forever 21 scarf and purse

During the weekends, I want to explore LA a little bit more. Even though I’ve been here for quite some time, I really don’t know this city very well. So, I’m scouting around for cool nooks around town that jump out at me. I pass by the LACMA (LA County Museum of Art) quite often and the streetlight exhibit really caught my eye. Finally, we had a chance to stop by at night and take some photos.

Mini Flat Collection

For the past six months, I’ve been on a lookout for the perfect flats.

The ones I wore fell apart after several months of continual use. I go through about 3 pairs a year, because I purchase flats that cost less than $30 and were pretty cheaply made. This time, I want to be smarter about my choices. So, I chose another 3 pairs that should last me another year or two given the increase in investment.

So this is my mini collection of flats that should go with any outfit, casual or otherwise.

• Castañer brown suede flats with purple bows: Yoox.com – $108
• Steve Madden Heaven Round Toe Flat – patent red: DSW.com – $24.95
• ri black patent flats: Ross – $12.99

My favorite pair are the Castañer flats. With a hidden wedge, these shoes  add a bit of height and are quite comfortable to wear. I hope these ones last forever because they are so pretty and well-made.

Overall, I spent less than $150 on these 3 pairs of shoes, which is $55.94 more than I spent last year on flats. These shoes are definitely worth the money for an increase in quality and selection. Plus, they should last longer given the thicker sole and the possibility of re-soling the bottom.

Flat collection….COMPLETE!

Into the Flatlands

I love flats but I’m pretty picky about them. The pair I owned were Steve Madden ones, but they fell apart after six months of almost daily usage. So, I’m looking for a new pair to last me a couple of years. Despite my love for cheap deals, I think I really should spend more money on quality flats because not only are they made of better quality materials, they should last longer and feel more comfortable.

Some things I look for when shopping for flats:

• A supported sole: most flats have a thin sole or base which makes it feel like you’re pretty much walking barefoot around town. I prefer to not feel every bump and stone while walking about the neighborhood…so a thicker sole is great to have.
  
• A vamp with non-toe cleavage: this is the part of the flat that covers your toes…and I’m not a fan of toe cleavage, so I want a longer vamp
  
• A little heel: most flats have a really short heel, but even a little extra can add to the comfort of the shoe and helps it last longer
• A semi-round, semi-pointed toe: for some reason, rounded toe flats make me feel very childish and pointy toed  flats make me feel vampy…so something in-between like an almond toe is just right.

Here are a couple of my options:

Castañer Ballet Flats

YOOX $108

• Sueded
• Rubber sole
• Bow detailing
• Narrow toeline

Castañer Ballet Flats
YOOX $225

• Sueded
• Rubber sole
• Bow detailing
• Narrow toeline

J.Crew Charlie ruffled suede flats

J.Crew $138

• Italian suede and finished with a gathered ruffle at the toe
• Man-made lining and sole
• Made in Italy

Via Spiga Otis 2 Flat
Nordstrom $185

• Feminine bow adorns a calf-hair flat fashioned with a black-and-white crocodile print
• Calf hair upper/leather lining and sole

J.Crew Kelcey suede ballet flats

J.Crew.com $98.00

• Italian-crafted ballet flats are trimmed with metallic piping to give them a hint of shine
• Suede upper
• Man-made lining and sole

I have five options, I’m not sure which one to pick just yet, but I know my max budget is $200. I’m really leaning towards the Castañer ones since they’re so pretty and yet, affordable in certain colors.

Which one should I pick?