Music Video's, Magazines and Beer Gardens, oh Mai!

Hey Guys,

I have had the busiest most awesomest (last) week evah! I have been hard at work, styling for Kenton Magazine this past weekend and met some amazing people. Tuesday, I worked with a group of talented ladies on designer Autumn Lin Kietponglert's lookbook. Autumn, has been such a pleasure to work with on set and her signature pieces are jaw-droppingly beautiful and made completely of zippers and hours of love! I say that because, if you could see the construction she puts into them, you would think someone would be insane to sit and sew every bit of it in all of its glorious construction. Immaculate work like this can only be created with passion and hard work.

The pictures are not ready to be posted here yet, but.....her latest piece has been seen on none other then, Cher! Yup, Cher's new video "Woman's World" featured Autumn's signature zipper corset. Check it out here! And you can check her out in the upcoming show hosted by Rihanna on Style Network, Style to Rock.

In other exciting news, the Kenton Magazine shoot I did was way too much fun. And when I say way too much fun, I mean "I-buzzed-off-10-inches-of-my-hair-type" fun! Erroll (hair stylist) and the entire crew and I had a great time chatting, dancing (mostly me dancing, alone) and just working alongside other creative minds.

Top: Forever 21 Bottom: Zara Sandals: Aldo Shoes Sunglasses: Ray-Ban 

What do you think? I have been really bored with my hair lately and actually wanted something fun and exciting. I was thinking of getting some color, but when Errol offered I couldn't resist. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I'll probably give it a few months and grow it back.

 If you are in Philly now or in the fall, you should check out PHS (Philadelphia Horticultural Society) Pop Up Beer Garden. It is catered by Iron Chef Jose Garces. The beer, food and atmosphere are perfect to unwind on a cool summer or fall night.

The classic Louboutin you have to have!

What a better way to launch this segment with none other than a pair of classic Christian Louboutin. I did quite a bit of research before investing in her, so I hope this will help those who are looking to add the Pigalle to their shoe collection.

"Named after one of his favorite neighborhoods in Paris, the "Pigalle" was one of Christian's first beloved styles. She embodies every aspect of her older sister, with the exception of her sky high heel being traded for a more manageable 100mm heel."

Christian Louboutin Nude Patent Leather Pigalle 100mm

Heel height: 85mm, 100mm &120mm

Cost: $625

Fit/Sizing: True to size/ I am a shoe size 5

 Louboutins tend to be smaller and if you speak to any sales person they will likely recommend a 1/2 size, or in some styles, a full size up. After reading several threads and my personal experience with Louboutins I thought I should size up. I typically wear a 35 so I ordered 2 pairs from Nordstrom a 35 and 35.5. Initially, I thought for sure I was going to keep the 35.5 because the 35 were  snug and the toe box was a bit tight. Luckily a friend of mine who actually shares the same shoe size, told me that her shoes stretched.

Slippage: No slippage 

If your feet are a petite pair like mine, you know that slippage comes with the territory. But what I have learned is, if you buy a shoe that actually fits, there should not be any slippage. My recommendation would be get the size that fits snug but not tight. The toe box will be tight but it will stretch after about 2-3 wears. If there is any type of slippage when you try them,  please do not keep them!! I made this mistake with a 35.5 Christian Louboutin. It makes walking difficult when you are constantly worried about gripping your toes into the shoes so the back of your foot won't slip out. (you know what I am talking about!)

Comfort: Easy Average Difficult Impossible

 Lets just say the 16 year old me had no problem wearing 4" heels and walking for 8 hours a day. This older Anh is much more wary about buying anything over 3". The first 2x I wore the Pigalle, I thought I was going to lose my toes and the balls of my feet. I wore them for about  4 hours with some walking and standing for the majority of the wear. I did get blisters at the toe box and the back of my feet which is quite typical of any shoe.

Verdict: Keeper!

These Nude Pigalle are classic and will pair well with anything from dresses to jeans. As far as the shoe height, 4" is probably my threshold with a non-platform shoe. The 120mm is majorly sexy but with the Pigalle's vertical drop I think it would be nearly impossible for me to walk since all the weight will be on the balls of the feet. You could go for 85mm but I don't find them as sexy so I figure the 100mm would be the best bet. After about 2 months, I absolutely love these shoes and am completely happy sticking with the in-between height. The shoe will take 2-3 wears before you truly break them in. After breaking them in I have not had any blisters. 

Similar Styles 

Christian Louboutin makes many variations of the pointed toe and there are subtle differences between each. This is what I believe to be the difference between them through research from the official website and forums. The Pigalle has a sharp pointed toe and a straight & thin vertical heel. The Delcollete 554 has the same sharpness in the pointed toe but is slightly shorter in the toe box. The heel is also slightly curved and in my opinion easier to walk in, but not as sexy. Finally, the Piou Poiu has a slightly rounded toe and even deeper curve in the heel.

Emma Stone in the platform Pigalle and Kate Moss in black. 

Are these shoes not hot, hot, hot? Pigalles are a popular shoe style and spotted on many celebs. Because of their popularity they took me more than 6 months to get my hands on a pair.  So if you are in the market for a pair, start looking now or perhaps one of the above styles may suit you more.  I hope you guys enjoy this review! What do you think of the new segment, Petite Pair? Did you find the review helpful? Is there anything else that you want to know that I missed? And what shoes would you like for me to review in the future? 

Summer Essential

I think someone has a shoe obsession like me.

"hey, what are you looking at?" bedo..beddoooooo. 

Shirt:PV&C Shorts: Zara There pink ones are great too! Shoes: CL Pigalle  Sunglasses: Zara Rings: Urban Outfitter  (old) 

Anyone have tips for eating and drinking with red lips? I smeared mine all over my chin drinking ice tea. doh!

Hey Guys, 

The last few days have been so beautiful, it makes me sad that summer is quickly winding down. It has been the perfect ice tea drinking, walk in the park and sheer chiffon shirt wearing days. 

If this printed chiffon shirt looks familiar it because it's a vintage set that comes with a skirt. The skirt can also be worn as a dress, like in this previous post. The splurge on this outfit has been well worth it since it's versatility has been endless. The first picture is probably the best representation of how silky soft and flow-y this shirt is. It's like wearing nothing and has been my perfect summer essential. Do you have a favorite summer essential?

Petite Pair

Hey Guys,

Today I would like  to introduce to you a new segment on my blog, Petite Pair. As you know,  I am a petite gal standing at 5'1 and 1/2. Yes, the half counts! One of the most difficult parts of being petite is finding things that fit. Clothing can often being altered but shoes are a whole different ball game. 

An expensive shoe habit can make a huge dent in your piggy bank so I try and research to ensure the most bang for my buck. As much as I like to jump at the chance of a beautiful pair of shoes, I have bought many pairs that unfortunately have been sitting in my closet after a few wears. My husband tends to be less than thrilled with these types of purchases. Unfortunately, shoes will not magically fit over night, shrink in the dryer and are not subject to the magical weight gain or weight loss rationalization that we apply to clothes. Yes, the occasional shoe insole or sticky heel grip will help, but purchasing a shoe that actually fits is the best strategy to ensure the most use. It has been an expensive lesson for me but now I have taken the time to educate myself.  I hope Petite Pair will help painlessly educate you as I review shoes and brands, give my personal recommendations, and share the occasional shoe lust. 

I'll be back next week for my first shoe review on the Christian Louboutin Nude Pigalle. 

The Secret to wearing Horizontal Stripes.

Loving my new Thursday Friday Chanel canvas bag and Dave! 

Putting Dave to work. 

Dress: French Connection  (On Sale now $50 from $168) Sandals: Aldo Bag: Thursday Friday

With Stripes being huge this season I could not help myself but to purchase one of fashion's biggest no-no, Horizontal Stripes. Cringe, I know. Horizontal stripes are known to make us look wider, especially in our most problem areas, our tummy and tush. But have no fear, I've found a solution to the death of horizontal stripes. Drum roll please.....  fake an hour glass! If you are like me, and live in a sea of stripes, here is what may help. When purchasing horizontal stripes, try to purchase a dress with side panels.  Be sure the side panels are strategically placed with the widest part of the panels at your natural waistline to help cinch the waist.  This will trick the eyes into believing the illusion of a slimmer waistline. Also try to have your shoulders wider than you waist and hips that will also help the entirety of your body appear smaller in relation.  Would you think twice now about wearing horizontal stripes?

Have a wonderful Monday. Say Hi to Dave!