Leggings Aren't Pants; They're Better

I only have two days of classes this semester, so much of my time is spent reading, studying, and working on online classes (in web developement, I'm learning CSS, Javascript, and image maps!). Although I'm loving the freedom this schedule allows, my wardrobe has quickly become every bit as relaxed as my calendar.

I have already given up wearing much of anything other than leggings when I'm around the house. I figure that I might as well be as comfortable as possible if I'm going to spend hours on end reading Ezra Pound and designing web pages. This new uniform of black leggings calls for a pair of shoes that are as cute as they are comfy. I've been loyal to my metallic Marc Jacobs moccasins for two years, but I need something else. I love my brown Minnetonka mocs, but I'd prefer something a bit snappier if I'm going to be living in leggings.

These are on sale for $125, and while I do like them—a lot—I wish I could find something a little less pricey. Any suggestions?

I'm Throwing On My Louboutins

Never before have I wanted a pair of Loubs so desperately. Can't you just picture these with nice girl cardigans? And striped rugby sweaters? And tartan plaid scarves? They would bring a delightful edge to my saccharine sweet closet.

Does anyone have experience spiking things? Never thought I'd say this, but I almost wish I had gone through a rebellious punk stage in high school. Almost.

Twinkle Toes

This are seriously the shoes of my dreams.

Of Mice and Babies

I take back everything I have ever said about not wanting to have kids, under the condition that he or she can wear these for the first few months of life.

An alternative option would be buying two pairs and a puppy.

Little Marc, mouse-embellished crib shoes, priceless (but also $84).

Fall Flowers

The fastest way to make a fall day cheery is to wear floral shoes. Miu Miu makes the prettiest pair with embroidered and beaded floral prints, but since they cost about as much as a year's worth of college textbooks, these lovely skimmers from Delias make a perfect substitute.

The shiny polyurethane pattern will hold up against early autumn rain showers, and the delicate flowery print will look impossibly sunny peeking out from the hem of my skinny jeans. The tan could be worn with nearly any color in my closet, but the bright red would add pop to my wardrobe's wintery neutrals.

Luckily, for this price, I could buy both.

Gray Skies & Sequins

beaded taupe, $120. chain bow, $98. gold ruffle, $98.
beaded black, $120. red rosette, $98. rhinestone plum, $120.

There is no better season for embellishments and sequins than autumn. When the skies are a perpetual shade of gray, a little sparkle is just the remedy. These are from Banana Republic and are equally gorgeous.

I would wear the first with a little black dress and thick black tights, the second peeking out from inky dark skinny jeans, the third with black pencil pants, the fourth with patterned tights, the fifth with ankle length denim, and the last with... everything because plum is the new black. How does a girl decide?

What do you wear your embellished flats with?

City Mouse

Marc Jacobs mouse flats have been on my mind since I first spotted Mischa Barton wearing them way back in her OC days, and like Adam Brody, I never really got over them.

What's been holding me back all these years is that I could never quite find a color combination that inspired me to splurge. Black is versatile, but not when you have a wardrobe of navy and brown. White is gorgeous, but not when you'd rather walk two miles than drive two minutes. And as for the colorful jellies, well let's just say I couldn't stand wearing jellies when I was 5 and they cost $5, and I can't imagine that the comfort level has improved with a Marc by Marc logo stamped on the sole.

Except now, I have no excuse because the latest edition brings together brown and black in the most charming wear-every-day kind of way. I fell head over heels (or flats, rather?) for these at the Marc store on Bleecker this afternoon and I have half a mind to run back over and buy them before close. Thoughts?

Curious Case of Repetto Ballet Flats

Seeing The Curious Case of Benjamin Button reaffirmed my love for both F. Scott Fitzgerald and Repetto ballet flats. The movie made a big impression on me, but a week and a half after seeing it, it's Cate Blanchett's wonderful ballerina-esque wardrobe that's still on my mind.

I have a fair share of flats, but it is the elegant timelessness ‒ rather than the modern trendiness ‒ that sets Repetto apart. Old Hollywood starlets from Audrey Hepburn to Brigette Bardot did much of their casual cavorting around New York City in Repettos, as did Daisy in the movie.

And I want to, too!