Mama needs a new pair of shoes

Needed  Wanted a pair of black flats so stopped in at Nordstrom. Could not find a pair the I liked but I fell in love with the pointy toe lace ups instead. 

Purchased the lace up flats pictured above by BP cost $59.95

Below are more options (flats only)

Pointy Toe Lace Ups by urbandoggs on polyvore.com

BTW - if you haven't been to Nordstrom lately, you might be interested to know that they have partnered with Shoes of Prey for a new service called Design your own shoes.

Here's how it works

Have a Wonderful Labor Day Weekend!

Fashions for Labor Day 

Isabel Marant red peplum top / River Island tall jacket / Vetements high rise jeans, $1,140 / Tom Ford heeled booties, $1,190 / Valentino handbag / Larsson Jennings black bracelet, $330 / Burberry rectangular sunglasses / NARS Cosmetics lips makeup / NARS Cosmetics bath body $67

My first jumpsuit

Friday night I had an evening of great food and even better conversation with good friend of mine (who I haven't seen for a while). We had dinner a a chic little Italian restaurant in my neighborhood.

I wore a jumpsuit.

It is my first jumpsuit in many, many years. I love jumpsuits and have tried them on several times since they have come back into style, 

however, I have not found any to fit me until now. 

Many have been too long (I don't want to have to wear heels)

Many of the sleeveless variety make it impossible for me to wear a bra.

This one was perfect. It has sleeves that you can roll up and is very comfy.

Later in the evening I paired it with this cute sleeveless cardigan (sold separately) 

A Night at Bucci's by urbandoggs featuring a jump suit

If you were in my shoes!

I love oxfords! 

Hated them when I was around 6 or 7 years old though. I remember wearing them to school. They were the big and clunky -  black and white ones - called "saddle" oxfords or "saddle" shoes. I was so happy when my feet grew so I could get another pair of shoes (you had to outgrow the shoe because it was virtually impossible to wear them out as they were indestructible!!)  When mine became too small for me my mother marched me right down to the shoe store and bought me another pair! They were exactly the same shoe! 

The saddle shoe originated in 1906 by Spalding company. The classic style was soft white leather with a black mid saddle (panel). The original design was used as a gym shoe and for sports.

Today saddle shoes are hard to find

Besides the pink oxfords, I also have a pair in black patent leather

In the 60's the saddle shoe returned to the scene. This time with a little strap. They were all the rage. I had to beg my mother to let me get a pair. Not so sure why she was so reluctant in the 60's when it seems that's the only shoe she wanted me to wear in the 50's.

Parents! You can never figure them out!

The “Bubble” saddle oxford became common for a few years. It was a slimmed down version of the chunkier saddle oxford and often had a buckle across the back of the heel. The soles were also thinner and heels low. It was a lighter, more fashionable, version adopted by students.

These pink oxfords came with an alternate pair of black shoe laces. 

I did finally graduate from the saddle shoes to this little number. I didn't like these much better.

But that's a whole nuther story!

For a whole nuther day!

BTW -- if you are interested, 

here 

is some info on the history of saddle shoes

Happy New Year Paris!

New Year's eve is a great time for reflection ahh the memories!

Even though I won't be retiring in Paris, it will always be my favorite city.

In 2011 we rented the cutest apartment in the 6th Arr

If you enjoy hotels, here is where we stayed in 2010

outfit from Nordstrom
Black & Silver skirt by Halogen
Silver Glitter shoes by Anne Klein

Say goodbye! Hello All Stars!

When I put on a maxi skirt or a maxi dress I usually put on a pair of girly shoes like strappy sandals, wedges, or a sexy pair of heels.

But today I thought about choosing a more casual alternative. 

I have a pair of red Converse in my closet which I call my 49er shoes. I break them out during the playoffs (that is the only time I wear them) but alas, there will be no playoffs for my team this year.

Our season is finished.

But why not celebrate anyway, even though we had a mediocre season.  I decided to wear my 49er Converse with one of my favorite black party skirts (which I bought in the Special Ocassion department at Nordstrom).

And...I have to ask myself "why" don't I wear these shoes more often? 

They are comfy and I love RED!

I think it was probably one of those "age appropriate" decisions

Made quickly, without really thinking

I WILL be wearing them in the future

I'm already thinking of all the many ways I can wear them :) 

Now, where is that glass of champagne??

I Love my 49ers and I'm going to miss Coach Harbaugh.

 I thought he did an excellent job with the team. 

Hopefully we will have a much better season next year!

oh here's the same skirt worn on a cruise formal night spring 2013

All that glitters

 might just be a flashy pair of unworn shoes

Thriller

Michael Jackson (November 30, 1982)

I'm not exactly sure what I was thinking when I bought these colorful, sparkly, glittered, slip ons by Steve Madden. I've had them about 2 years now and have never worn them. I even took them on a cruise because the ship had several discos and we were going to be doing a fair amount of dancing. Strangley enough the cruise also organized a flash mob to Thriller (which happens to be my weekend oldie jam pick) by Michael Jackson. What could have been more perfect?

But, I didn't join in the flash mob and I didn't wear the shoes to dance in any of the clubs.

So now they sit in my closet...Unworn.

Buying these shoes was probably not one of my better buying decisions!

However

Not participating in the flash mob may have been a good decision.  It was pretty sad looking  hahaha

Check it out below (they also wore no shoes)

Whatever you have planned, (or don't). Hope you enjoy your weekend!

Party over here...Party over there!

Saturday birthday celebration for our friend Keith joined by friends from New York

white capri pants by Eileen Fisher

black & white striped sheer blouse by Vince Camuto

The party goers (Keith the birthday boy is next to me)

But the real stars were the fabulous wines we tasted from the prestigious wine boutique,  Alpha Omega Winery in Napa Valley.

Our wine tasting flight included wines from the Proprietary Red collection. So good!

For any of you not near the wine growing regions a Wine Tasting flight is a term used by wine tasters to describe a selection of wines, usually between three and eight glasses, but sometimes as many as fifty, presented for the purpose of sampling and comparison.

But that wasn't it

Sunday was a new day. And a new party!!
This time a BBQ picnic with way too much food! And another hot but beautiful day in the Bay!

Here I took a break from eating to pose on what seems to be my favorite  posing wall.

PARTY #2

blue & white plaid bermuda shorts by Ralph Lauren

blue denim pleated shirt by The Gap

white leather laceless shoe by Steve Madden

earrings by Brighton

and tomorrow we go sailing