Planes, trains and Jimmy Choo’s

Nov17

My four-foot-nothing height has lead me to constantly seek that extra few inches.
So I live in heels. I can walk, jog, run, climb, cook, clean – you name it, and I could do it in heels.

Now there is a difference between being able to do something in heels – and wanting to.
I don’t particularly want to travel in them. I certainly do not, I repeat DO NOT, want to wear my precious heel on the NYC subway.

Pretty shoes, such pretty shoes, in the smelly, dirty subway. NO NO NO NO NO.
Shoes are like a work of art to me. I cannot and will not walk around carelessly destroying their delicate designs, scratching my favourite red soles.
I mean I did on occasion. Believe me I was not happy about it. I needed a solution to keep me sane on my daily subway ride to and from work.

If I was to be caught wearing flats, they better be pretty. Seriously.
Jimmy Choo flats – enter stage left. Gorgeous, comfortable and practical for the subway.

They have however had their time and I have literally worn them to death.

Ripped backs, lost JC plate, lost flower on one….
Goodbye to my Choo.

Obviously the proof of subway dangers lies in my unwearable Choo’s. But what now? Which shoe can replace my travel companion?
So some new choices need to be made.

Pigalove Black Patent/Silver Strass Flats
$1,595

Jimmy Choo WHIRL
Textured Glitter Leather Ballet Flats

Jimmy Choo WEBER
Suede and Crystal Ballet Flats
$550

Vera Wang Lavender
Jeweled Ballerina Flats
$275

Vince Camuto Evella Flat
$109.95

Gucci Logo Ballet Flats
$495

What do you think?

|Ev xo

Glamour’s Women Of The Year

Nov13

Last night was the 22nd Glamor’s Women Of The Year Awards, held at Carnegie Hall.
There are only a handful of other times in my life that have left such a strong impression on me.

This amazing 2hr celebration of outstanding women was (at a huge understatement) an emotional rollercoaster.
I was thrilled, excited, amazed, inspired, horrified and devastated.

The stories that were shared moved me no end.
They were as diverse as they were inspiring.
Athletes, architects, pop stars and fashion folk. Not going to lie, just being in the same room as Anna Wintour made me stop breathing momentarily. SUCH A FAN.

Beautiful women graced the stage with remarkable tales. Tales of perseverance, heroism and more guts than I can even fathom.
Selena Gomez (youngest US UNICEF Ambassador ever), Annie Leibovitz (no one takes a photo like her – question though, who photographs her? Pressure much…), Zaha Hadid (affectionately known as the Gaga of architecture), Jenna Lyons (Creative Director of J.Crew) just to name a few.

Waterproof mascara was definitely needed throughout the courageous stories of triumph in horrifying circumstances.

Erin Merryn who refused to stay quiet and accept sexual abuse, and then not only save herself and her sister but start a crusade to change American legislation and ensure that children are taught that child abuse is not ok, and to speak up.
Having two girls of my own, this is close to my heart and scares the living daylights out of me. I admire Erin so much for doing everything in her power to protect children from going through the horror she had to endure.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy who is helping women suffering from acid attacks in places of the world where a woman has no rights. Giving them support, and a voice. A voice to be heard, when they are being told to stay silent. Her Oscar winning documentary Saving Face, tells the story of such brutal torture.

More information of these incredible women, and how to contribute to the fund at Glamour.

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A star studded event with an inspirational message to all women.
Go grab your heels and get your dreams or change the world, one person at a time.

|Ev xo

Winter Wonderland

Nov11

Snow storm Athena covered NY and it’s surrounds in some beautiful snow.

Yes, the tourist in me was jumping up and down with delight as I saw snow flakes outside my window late Wednesday afternoon – meanwhile my co-workers looked at me and sighed. The sight of fresh snow did not hold the same dreamlike fairytale connotations for them, as they are accustomed to such sights and the implications for travel etc.

What is it about snow though?
The beautiful white covering makes everything appear magical.
I wanted to break out in spontaneous Christmas songs (we all know that snow equals Santa, come on now), and the snow-covered street lamps taking me back to far off magical lands like Narnia – ok am I off on a tangent now?

All this white did reinvigorate my love for the colour.
Fall, winter – sure who cares, you can wear white.

I know there are those who question white in the colder months. I for one say embrace.
OK so maybe not white jeans if it’s pouring out, however there are plenty of nice fall/winter days where white items can be a key feature of your outfit.

Below are some items that I am now salivating over.

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|Ev xo

Pink Passion…

Oct27

I am officially obsessed with pink.
And when I say obsessed, I am not referring to a mere weekly Gossip Girl habit…

Just to provide you with some context I could mention a few things – this pink blog, my Pinterest board dedicated to pink (would you expect anything else?), my work desk with bright pink stationary, the children’s bedroom and clothes (I swear I will turn them off being girly and they will become tomboys or goth’s), the multiple pink OPI lacquers, Pink dedicated Instagram account I ~~stalk~~ follow.
I am going to stop there however and not further divulge symptoms of my P-OCD (Pink Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), before you think me insane.

Surprisingly however, there is very little pink in my wardrobe. So little in fact, that one would never suspect my P-OCD.
Times however, they are a changing. I was determined to turn this disgraceful situation around.

Allow me to introduce you to my new Jean-Michel Cazabat shoes.
Not only is the shoe gorge, but I love to pretty packaging. It all add’s to the super-special shoe experience. Who else puts a heart in the box?!?!?!?

Hot pink and HOT – with some nice black detail and an amazing heel (taking me from 4 foot nothing to a much more acceptable hight).
Add to some skinny leg jeans or black opaque tights & skirts for fall.
Don’t be afraid of the pink, these shoes work with everything – we are talking super versatile!!!

Look 1 − 7 For All Mankind jeans, with black satin top and grey jacket (both a few seasons old and not even sure where from – mixing up the old and new!).
Look 2 – Zara skirt and the (same) black satin top with bow tie-up at the back.

Now all I need are some pink tops and skirts to infuse colour into my winter wardrobe.
Oh dear, I will just have to go shopping again (you totes twisted my arm).

|Ev xo

Headband Heaven

Oct25

The LV S/S-13 show – where beautiful headbands came to be reborn.

There were many things I wanted from the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 13 show – and can we just reflect for a moment on the featured carousel!!!

Seriously though, all down the LV runway we witnessed beautiful girls strutting with equally beautiful satin bow headbands. This season LV Hair was ALL about the headband.

It was classic…cute…girly. It would work on long hair, short hair, mid-length hair.
Dress it up, make is casual. It just works with everything.
To quote Veruca Salt “I don’t’ care how, I want it NOW”. Preferably in every color.

While I have no problem spending a few thousand dollars on a LV bag – the thought of spending an exorbitant amount on these headbands – whilst beautiful – did leave me feeling conflicted.

That said, I am all for channeling Blair (circ. season 1-2 especially) of Gossip Girl–

“I did not buy this at Walmart”

So… here are some of my fave and more affordable solutions…

(1) Gap, Red Satin Bow Headband $5.99
(2) Johnny Loves Rosie, Flat Bow Navy Polka-dot Headband $35.18
(3) L.Erickson, Double Loop Bow Headband, $24
(4) Sonia Rykiel, Green Acetate Headband $58.93
(5) Henri Bendel, No. 7 Enamel Headband, $28
(6) L.Erickson, Two-Tier Coco Bow Headband, $43.95

Go forth, and may the headband love your hair as much as we love it.

|Ev xo

Cuckoo for Coco (Chanel that is)

Oct18

SO – i feel like the world may have just spun off it’s axis….. not even joking.
I just encountered my first negative Chanel experience.

It’s ok ladies. Take a deep breath and have a calming Chamomile tea.
I can get through this.

Obsessed. The key word to describe my feelings for Chanel.
L-O-V-E the “double C” – i mean who doesn’t? No really – who? (furrowing brow in anger)

Then there is Karl, we’re on as first name basis… and don’t even get me started on the bags. I want each and every one.

My new Chanel Inimitable Intense mascara, delightful – the lip-gloss sample i received from the lovely lady at the counter, just gorgeous.
Everything they do is amazing. Elegant. Classic.

So you can see my conundrum when today the experience was devastating.
The mission was to find a BOLD lip color for this evening’s festivities – outfit was planned, this was the final piece of the evening puzzle.
After a robust conversation regarding bold pink versus bold oxblood tones, my friendly sales associate and I landed a striking Levres Scintillantes in Myriad.
Great, happy shopper departed the store only to discover (an hour later when sharing my newly found love of daring lip-gloss with a friend) that what was placed into my goodie bag was in fact a nude colored gloss. UMMM WHAT?
Racing back to the store (remember, this is an important piece to outfit completion for this evening) down a windy 7th Avenue – no coat – bumping into crowds.
I made it back to the counter, unable to find my original sales lady. After capturing the attention of another retail assistant I was informed they were sold out of that color.

SERIOUSLY??????????????????

So my outfit may now be ruined – and not sure I am able to make it to dinner.
Does this stop me being cuckoo for Coco??
Let’s be honest, NO. The reason it was sold out is because their products ARE SO GOOD!!
I must continue on and find solace in a different lip color for the evening.

I will leave you with a few parting words from Coco herself.

“Fashion changes, but style endures.”
– Coco Chanel

Chanel love forever.
|Ev xo

When shopping gods align!

Oct14

We have all had the shopping expeditions where you just can’t seem to find anything – rest assured that this was not one of those unsettling shopping experiences.

My “accidental” shopping expedition on Columbus Day turned up some serious goods.
It was like the shopping god was in cahoots with Cupid himself – and they had struck me with the “I LOVE THIS, I NEED TO BUY THIS” arrow. Damn it, like I really needed any more push toward a sales till.

Entering the treacherous world of deceiving mirrors – annoying shop assistants and pushy crowds… this day was unlike others.
Everything I grabbed off a rack looked lovely, furthermore everything seemed to look great on. There was endless shop interiors lined with amazing clothing goods all calling my name.
In a bizarre turn of events, it even seemed that I had dropped a clothing size (not possible with the food consumption I have been indulging in – there must be a mis-labelling situation happening) and EVERYTHING FIT.

While the inner shopaholic in me (yes we have all seen the movie when “Rebecca Blooomwood” lands a job as a financial journalist in New York City to support her shopping addiction and the bills pile up under her bed) was whispering in my ear “The limit on your credit card is merely a suggestion”.
Somehow I managed to grasp a hold back on reality and contain myself. Yes, wonders will never cease.

Besides…. there is alway next weekend right?
Bringing home three shopping bags, two weekends in a row is SO much better than bringing home six shopping bags from one shopping expedition.

My loot contained some great fall pieces. Classic and versatile.

Banana Republic Sloan Fit black pants. Fantastic for pumps or boots.
Mid-rise and super flattering (by BR’s own admission – this is their sexiest fit).
They will go with everything from longer less fitted tops (day or night) to tailored blouses.
These genius pants also come at a bargain price. It’s love.

Armani Exchange black embellished off shoulder top.
Cute with skinny jeans if heading out for a casual cocktail.
We all love a bit of decorative action this season, this top has just enough detail.

Armani Exchange Funnel Neck Moto Jacket – you need to keep warm in the cold NY fall, what better way.
This jacket works with most anything and has a fantastic cut.
Zip all the way up for the cute funnel neck look – or leave unzipped with a tank underneath for a slightly more sexy revealing look.

May the shopping force be with you.

|Ev xo

Celebrating Columbus Day on 5th Avenue

Oct9

When in Rome do as the Romans do – right?!?!
It would have been inexcusable not get amongst the spirit, and celebrate Columbus Day (I really had no excuse as it was a work free day for me).
So I did it in the best way I knew how – the all american way with the Columbus Day Parade on 5th Avenue! What is more American than a parade?

The outfit I selected for such an important day?
Zara faux fur vest (it was cold!!!!), 7 For All Man Kind jeans, black Ralph Lauren ankle boots and my cherished Chanel handbag.

It wasn’t just about the phenomenal shopping on this famous New York street – I am pleading the fifth and continue to maintain I went with ALL good intentions to simply watch the annual Columbus Day Parade and then accidentally tripped and fell into Saks, Banana Republic and Armani Exchange (just to name a few)….

I walked out of Saks a woman obsessed.
Obsessed and determined that (before the year is out) I will be the proud owner of the limited edition Chanel embellished logo cuff bracelet and some Christian Louboutin Vampanodo Satin and Suede Bow platform sandals – EPIC!!!!!!!!

At $1,900 for the Chanel cuff and $1000 for the shoes, I don’t think my husband or my bank manager are going to be very impressed with a certain shopaholic.
Maybe Santa could be ever so kind????

The loot I ended up with? Well, let’s just say I did ok, but that is for another post.
For now, I’m off to dream of satin bows and intertwined C’s instead…
Goodnight to all.

|Ev xo

These boots are made for walking…

Sep30

Although I am a summer girl at heart (and could happily live in 90 degree weather all-year-round) the seasons have certainly changed – fall is definitely here and needs to be embraced.

The good part about that is winter boots – one of the perks of cooler/rainier weather (along with scarves, a FAVE accessory of mine!!!).

Aside from the Bourge Christian Louboutin to-die-for boots that I NEED to own, one must be prepared with some more practical rain-effective footwear.
I know Hunter boots are all the rage – and am normally happy to follow a fashion craze. This time however, I went an alternate path.

These Coach rainboots almost make me ok with the fact that I am not in heels – almost…
Comfortable and stylish – all while protecting me from the rain and slush that will soon cover NYC streets.
Loving the grey and the ever so subtle branding.

Ohhhh shoes, shoes, shoes… one can never have enough of them, no matter what kind!
Will now continue working towards one of my life goals – a larger shoe collection than Imelda Marcos (surely a few thousand isn’t overly ambitious)!

|Ev xo

The Standard was anything but!

Sep22

The Standard NYC is certainly anything but.
I mean look – if it’s good enough for Brad and Ange (who have partied there) then it’s good enough for me 🙂

From the outset, when you step out of your yellow taxi onto the charming Meatpacking District cobblestone street, you are hit with the amazing smell coming from the grill.
Then luxury engulfs you as enter the hotel foyer. From the dimly light sleek looking foyer – to the elevators video installation by Marco Brambilla, you know you are in for a treat and this is going to be one of those quintessential NYC experiences.
This was the setting for Lucky Magazines “Ultimate Style Guide” celebration, suiting venue indeed.

With the amazing TRESemmé stylists Tyler & Jeanie on hand to add hair glamour to a room overflowing with it, it was time to talk style.
From a short pink sequinned dress I spotted (possibly my favourite of the night), braided hair creations that would take me a week to complete, shoe and handbags to drool over, and delicious treats of both the food and beverage variety. I may have eaten more than one lobster roll and enjoyed a vodka cocktail (maybe two!)

My outfit?
Armani Exchange dress, black tights, a decorative feather headband and black Christian Louboutin Decollete pumps to complete the look.

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Until the next time.

|Ev xo