Sneaker Peak

Christian Louboutin shoes / Lanvin leather sneaker / Isabel Marant ankle strap shoes / Yves Saint Laurent lace up sneaker / Yves Saint Laurent suede sneaker / Golden Goose laced shoes / Jimmy Choo sneaker / Miu Miu leather shoes / Rick Owens Sneaker in Pearl & White

I find myself in unfamiliar territory, friends, both literally and figuratively. Since moving to Berkeley, my preferred mode of transportation has changed. I walk EVERYWHERE. I love the pedestrian lifestyle and exploring my neighborhood and nearby San Francisco, but here's the problem: as per doctors' orders, I am supposed to be wearing custom supports in my shoes. I have pretty much ignored this medical advice in favor of aesthetics until now, but it has become difficult to ignore the complete lack of support in almost every pair of women's shoes. I am currently in the market for a pair of casual, non-athletic sneakers that can fit both my supports and my feet, and preferably don't look like sneakers. I am, ironically, out of my comfort zone here, so I asked John Henry, my 13 year old cousin and sneaker guru, for advice on a specific pair. All he could ask was, "Are they cool?" I thought, "They are sneakers, so of course they are not cool." I needed to adjust my approach. I started the research process of googling, shopping, and scouring blogs. The above designer options are lovely, albeit impractical due to certain concealed wedges and hefty price tags. I began shamelessly staring at feet (I bumped into an angry San Franciscan last week while distracted by a pair of red suede Isabel Marants). I can now say with confidence that high-tops are not for me. I'm already on the short side, and they cut me off at the ankles. And having established for myself that athletic sneakers never look good with non-athletic clothes, here are a few things that I think can actually make sneakers look cool: 1) sneakers look like sneakers, and unapologetically owning that fact is best; 2) sneakers in bright colors automatically look more deliberate; 3) non-athletic materials, such as suede, make it known that you are not on your way to the gym; 4) casual sneakers look best with cropped jeans or any pants that show a little ankle. Below are a few affordable options that I have been considering, and when I have settled on one, I will be sure to let you all know. I really just want to make John Henry proud.

Kate

New Balance shoes / NIKE / adidas Orion 2 Shoes

Fall Focus

Two major things have happened recently to make me rethink my approach to fashion. The first is my recent unemployment. When the 2011-12 school year ended, so did my teaching career and my income. The former was my own choice, the latter an unfortunate consequence. The results: no need for a professional uniform so greater freedom in dressing, but accompanied by financial hibernation. The second event was my recent move across the country. I relocated from Massachusetts to California about 4 weeks ago. Blog posts were difficult in August because many of my things were being put into boxes on the east coast. Blog posts in September were (and still are) difficult because many of my things remained in boxes on the west coast. However, those boxes made me realize how many things I own versus how many things I need or even want. Because I couldn't afford many new things and no longer wanted many old things, I decided to refocus. 

Enter the above visually approximate list of things I love for fall. (These are not all pictures of the actual items, just similar ones.) It is a combination of perennial go-to pieces that I already own and cherish, recent thrifty and deliberate purchases, and some new items which are still in the research (pre-purchase) phase. In an attempt to save money and appreciate the things I have, I find myself picking out the same few articles of clothing each morning: a perfectly draped v-neck t-shirt from the Gap that’s been a favorite for many seasons; a pair of cowboy boots given to me as a very special gift about 7 years ago; the same orange-red lip stain that I wore all summer. I recently acquired some leopard print pants and a basic pair of black pumps for future job interviews, a past-season neutral nail polish picked up for half-price at Marshalls, a pair of brown loafers because I love anything menswear inspired, and an oxblood cardigan because the weather in the East Bay requires layers and they might as well be this season’s hottest color. I am considering the purchase of the burgundy Le Pliage bag by Longchamp; the leather version is shown above, but I actually want the simple nylon version because it is more cost-effective and lightweight. Although I love my 7FAM skinny jeans, I would eventually love a cropped version from J. Crew to wear with flats (like the loafers).

While buying everything in sight was fun in the spring when I started my blog, it is neither desirable nor practical for me right now. Future posts may include even more recycled pieces from my wardrobe to give you (and me) a more realistic approach to fashion. I am personally looking forward to the challenge, and I hope you will all bear with me!

Kate