Knock it Off!

I've got shoe beef. 

Let me preface this post by saying that I think Jeffrey Campbell is killing it. His shoes are often the biggest trending shoes out there and he obviously has a great eye. I practically live in my Litas and that's saying a lot. You guys KNOW about my shoe collection. haha

That being said, I do have beef with these cheesy blatant knockoffs. Knockoffs bug me sometimes, while other times I don't think it's that big of a deal. I get that people want designer inspired styles for less. The Litas are actually "interpretations" of an amazing designer shoe and like I said, I wear them all the time. These shoes however, really rub me the wrong way. 

You can't take a shoe that is literally an icon and knock it off like this. It's super cheesy. 

Above, the knockoff. 

Below, the original by Salvatore Ferragamo...

I don't like either one to be honest but you have to respect a classic. This is one of the most famous shoe designs in the world.

I also have beef with this shoe because the original is so amazing and these just look like bad orthopedic shoes. Yikes.

Above, the knockoff.

Below, the Original by Prada...

And finally this shoe. A cheesy knockoff of a really special shoe.

Above, the knockoff.

Below, the original by Charlotte Olympia.

What do you guys think?? There's a fine line between interpreting and knocking off but these are crossing the line. Does it bother you? Or do you think that all is fair in shoes and fashion?

xox, 

From Sketch to Shoe to Rejection

This shoe is one of my favorites and it's not being made. It happens way more often than I'd like unfortunately.

We rely on stores like Nordstrom and Macy's because without big orders, shoes just don't get made. That means that shoes that don't "fit in" at Nordstrom or Macy's don't usually get bought by their buyers.

Well apparently this shoe didn't fit what they think their customer would like. It's the nerdy shoe with a great personality that nobody picks to be on their team in P.E. cause she's not the cheerleader shoe. Don't worry nerdy shoe, the cheerleader shoe will peak early in life and get pregnant her first year of junior college.

Ummm. Ya.

It starts with an idea-

I saw this vintage lucite heel (that is not my wrinkly thumb) and thought it was so pretty and could be very Betsey.

Then, there was this Charlotte Olympia shoe that was such an amazing shape...

Based on these two things, plus the other ideas I had for a group of vintage inspired shoes, I drew a sketch...

I thickened the heel shape and changed the platform a bit. I added a sweet little bow as a maryjane strap.

Then after a trip to China and a few prototypes, the real deal was finished!

Pretty awesome! :)

Unfortunately... we won't see it in stores. They didn't think you'd like it/buy it. Maybe they're right but I wish they would have tried.

Queen of LA

I went to LA yesterday with my friend Caroline and we had no idea what we were in for. I thought I was just going to get some hot shoes, but I was wrong. Well, no- I did get some hot shoes- but that wasn't the best part.

Best part? BETTER than these amazing Charlotte Olympia pumps?

Well, hopefully you watched Ru Paul's Drag Race on Logo. If so, I'm sure you know who SHOULD have won. Yes, the amazing- the beautiful Ongina. Oh how I love her. And as luck had it- she happened to be at Diavolina at the same time as me. 

I totally had a star struck moment and gushed a little about how amazing I thought she was... and she was totally sweet! She told us that she was performing at a drag show that night at Mickey's on Santa Monica Blvd. I mean, HELLO!!! I was not about to miss that!

So my quick trip to LA turned into a fun filled day of shopping, killing time, watching a movie, and eating all 3 meals out until finally- 10pm came and we were off to the bar.

Ongina greeted us with big hugs and promises of a good show- and let me tell you, she didn't disappoint.

Bitch makes me look hideous. Totally not fair.

I mean seriously? She's so beautiful!! And the shoes?!?!?! No wonder I love her.

She was bangin it out in some serious heels. I don't know who the first are by, but I'm sure you all recognize the second pair (Giuseppe Zanotti) and the third (Stella McCartney)

You go girl.

Anyway, so that was my day in LA. It was definitely one for the books! I also got a pair of beautiful boots... but I'll save those for later.