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ALDO 'nealey' sandals
Gladiator. I think it goes without saying that in Europe in the summertime, sandals are an absolute necessity - compared with Wellington where I live, where I could go the whole three months not even slipping a pair on. This probably would explain why I only have one pair.. well, until recently.

I stumbled across the 'Nealey' sandals on ASOS a wee while back and was pleasantly surprised to find over the weekend that they were on sale for an absolute steal. I love the pop of neon, contrasting against the white and brown leathers - neon for dummies if you will. Should you prefer a more classic colour combination, you can get the cognac&white pair here and the tan&black pair here. Wishing that these had gone on sale before I headed to Europe, as they would have been perfect for Greece!

 

63

Indecision. Since sharing with you my travel wishlist, I've thought a little bit more about what pair of shoes I would like to buy. While I am picking up a pair of Charlotte Olympia kitty flats, I'd like something that is a little more classic, that I could potentially wear every day in the workplace if need be. As designer options are pretty limited in New Zealand, especially if I want to avoid paying high duties and taxes on shoes bought online, I figure this is my chance to pick up something special.

I've narrowed it down to four choices: Celine sandals with a metallic heel in tan, Valentino rockstud shoes (flat or kitten heel) in either the blush or black, Salvatore Ferragamo black patent varina's with a low heel or a pair of Chanel two tone ballet flats.

In the interest of not going overboard on my purchases, I'm resigned to only buying one. Which I suppose is where I am having trouble. They each have their merits, although the responsible and prudent voice in my head is telling me to get flat shoes, rather than the heels that I have been so keen on for some time now. Which would you choose?


left to right: Miu Miu python pumps, Mulberry braided boots, Marni sandals, Acne glossed-leather sandals, Stella McCartney stud-heel boots, Missoni sandals

If I weren't heading to Europe, I imagine that my indecisiveness would fall to which shoes to purchase from the Net-a-Porter sale. The Global sale started earlier this week, and above are some of my picks. Are you going to buy anything?

 

59

Uniqlo shirt, Karen Walker blazer, Sretsis Skirt, Pointer loafers (similar), YSL arty ring, Gorjana bracelet, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag
Shoes are made for walking. With each day that I take off from wearing a pair of heels, I become more and more aware that flat shoes are my friend. Generally speaking, they won't give me blisters every time I wear them regardless of how hard I have tried to wear them in, they won't pinch my toes, and the likelihood of me falling over is quite low (although I should add it is still a possibility). I could argue at length about how comfortable some of my heels are, but they don't compare in terms of comfort to a pair of flats. Nor can you run around so easily - something that I have been doing a lot more of this year as I lack the ability to drive a manual car.

I imagine that it probably doesn't show, but I've worn these pointer loafers so much since acquiring them, that the heels have worn down considerably. Obviously they are long overdue for repair at the cobblers, and as the saying goes - if you scratch my back then I'll scratch yours - if I keep my shoes in good repair, then they will continue to provide solid comfort for my feet.

And after long trying to ignore it, I've finally jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon. Must admit that it is a lot more addictive that I had anticipated - I can definitely see how many hours could be spent trawling through the site, pinning, and organising. If you want to follow me, you can do so here.

 

10

Helmut Lang blazer; Equipment blouse; Lover skirt; Givenchy heels

Considering the number of times that I have worn this Helmut Lang blazer in the last two weeks, you would possibly think that I don't own any other blazers. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's ironic, that a piece I had felt mildly guilty about purchasing while in LA - my first American purchase that wasn't food might I add - has as I anticipated, become a real workhorse in my wardrobe. While I can't say for certain that all pieces that fall on the slightly more expensive end of the purchasing scale are going to fall in the category, I find that timeless pieces like a black blazer or a white silk shirt will generally be regularly worn, unless these particular items don't fall within the confines of your lifestyle or personal taste.

And the shoes. I can't forget the shoes! I purchased these from Net-a-Porter over the Christmas break and for some reason hadn't yet pulled them out until today - although I think that they will be making a regular appearance on my feet from now on. I was drawn to the classic shape of the shoe, but the fun and interesting detail that the gold sequins add, and I was lucky to nab them in the sale. When it's the last pair, and they're in your size.. in the true words of a shopaholic, it's almost as though it's fate right?