Happy Occasions! Yay!

Over the last few years I've been thinking about it and it seems like the temperature of a year can be pretty accurately gauged by the number of weddings vs funerals you're involved in. Last year? Ugh.... Zero weddings. 4 funerals. Was a tough, tough year and the last funeral coming in December was the final kick in the ass on the way out the door by 2012. Always one to knock on wood and try not to jinx it, so far so good in 2013. We are 4-0 at this point, with weddings winning and at least one more wedding on the horizon. SO thankful to have so many HAPPY moments to commemorate! Yay!

And, of course, the question is: What to wear?? Here are a couple of my recent selections:

Dress by Land's End, feather/crystal accent silk sash from J. Crew, beaded baguette from Fendi, and the icon of icons from Monsieur Louboutin, the Pigalle 120mm.

This dress was a first attempt at Land's End. I've bought tons of school uniforms for the girls there but never anything for me. The sizing is just massive, even sizing down I should have this dress majorly altered to fit better, and it's definitely a little conservative/preppy for my preferences. It's okay, though! Trying to keep an open mind! :)

If you happen to be a Land's End fan, here's a coupon code for 30% off sitewide and free shipping on $50+ through 5/21/13: Code: TWILL Pin: 5720. My dress is sold out now, but here's a kind of similar one that might be worth a shot!

Polka Dot V Neck ($98)

Belt and bag are great but let's talk about these shoes for a minute. I'm an old pro and these heels are the most challenging ones I've mastered. That being said - OMG - they are the hottest things ever. My husband bought these for me after seeing in his research that they are Kate Moss' favorite pump and I can see why. Can't remember the last time I wore a pair of shoes and had SO MANY random strangers come up and comment on how HIGH my shoes were (to me? that's the ultimate compliment! haha!)! When searching the web for photos, the first article that came up was titled "Pigalle 120, Do they EVER get comfortable?" LOL! They DO, but you have to really WANT to wear them! Which I do! I told a stranger this weekend, if you're going to do it, you have to COMMIT. One of the most affordable ways to buy a pair of Louboutins at $625, proceed with caution! ;)

And a second recent wedding outfit that I loved:

Dress by Oscar de la Renta. Shoes are Lady Peep Spikes 150mm by Louboutin. These shoes look just as fierce as the Pigalle, but have a platform which takes much of the challenge out! ;) This pair was a limited edition with jeweled heels, there's a similar style with metallic heel available here. It seems like everyone is making a knockoff of the spike pump now. Including these by Vince Camuto ($29-200) and these by Steve Madden ($35-145). You can always join the ranks of women like these and just paint the soles red yourself! LOL!


And here are a couple of my friends' gorgeous wedding cakes as a parting thought. My girls go to a wedding just to see people kiss... I go for the wedding cake! Haha! Fingers crossed that 2013 brings lots more cake and smiles!!

Tribute to Yves Saint Laurent Tributes

After seeing quite a few socialites at recent Derby events privy to a secret I know, I thought it was time to share. I'm more than a bit obsessive about shoes and have spent many a painful hour squished or squeezed or aching, just for the sake of fashion - and (as sick as it is!) I have always been happy to do it! Years ago, however, I discovered the perfect heel. For real. Perfect. All the added drama and height you want. Boatloads of style. And, seriously, they feel pretty much like wearing flats even after wearing them actively for HOURS.....

Behold. The Tribute sandal from Yves Saint Laurent!

They are a Hollywood staple and once you start looking for them, I promise you are going to see them EVERYWHERE. Every season they are released in a variety of materials and colors and there are different heel heights - but even the tallest are ridiculously SUPER comfy!!

Here are the ones I'm wearing for the Derby eve festivities tomorrow night!

My super fab two tone ones are from S/S 2012 but there are solid silver ones available HERE.

Now, admittedly, I'm spoiled and tend to take shoes a little seriously. I fully appreciate that most people can't spend bucks like that on a pair of sandals (and would think it was crazy even if they could! LOL). Lucky for you I've seen SO many knockoffs like this one by GUESS  and this $26 version from Qupid. Styles just like the YSL's are in EVERY major department store right now. Even though I can't testify to their comfort, I'd venture it's worth a shot since they look so similar!

So, there you go! One of my (and Hollywood's ;) secret weapons!! I'd love to learn some of yours!! Happy dancing into the night and happy Derby!!