{side by side} graphic shadows

image 1, 2

{style} up against a wall

Every year I look for a specific type of black shoe - last year was a pump, the year before was a high boot - and every year I get SO aggravated at how impossible it is to find what's in my head. This year's casual/weekend ankle boot search was no exception, and I even allowed myself to look at higher priced designer options after a few weeks of coming up empty. It's truly mind-boggling that a $600 leather shoe can look and feel like cheap plastic, what's the point?!

I had given up hope, until I found myself walking by Zara during an after work errand run. I figured it was worth a shot since they do quickly 'copy' other luxury designs, and what did you know, I found myself with 5 different styles of black boots to try on. This motorcycle ankle bootie was the first one I tried on, and it was almost identical to what I was scouring endlessly for. Low enough heel for the weekend, and quality leather that I can pull them off at work.

Now, if I could only get away with wearing that hat at the offices...

Worth and Worth Papillon hat [was told it was to be discontinued, similar here]

Anndra Neen 'Two Tone' necklace, c/o Paire.us

J.Crew crew neck sweater [similar here]

Madewell blouse [similar here]

Levi's 535s

Zara Leather Bootie [similar]

Coach Willis bag

BCBG leather jacket [similar here]

Deborah Lippmann 'Modern Love' polish

{beauty} before the runway

It sounds crazy, and the atmosphere backstage is literally crazy, but it's still one of my favorite places to be during Fashion Week. While it's an amazing experience to view the final look walking down the runway [billowing fabric, the lights hitting the models just right, and legs after legs after legs], for me, there is nothing quite like seeing things being brought together. There are the moments that you can, depending on the designer, get up close and personal with the pieces that give you a view to certain details and construction that a camera just can't capture. 

With that, seeing the models is a somewhat calming experience [unless they are running late from another show and get herded around like cattle]. Considering they have people pulling at their hair, and probing at their faces, they always seem take it in such stride. And there are a few moments, like the one I shared of Olga, that always leave me a bit mesmerizing. Here are some of those very moments.