a summer fashion style blog
Hermès Oran sandals… where to start?
There’s the iconic “H” cut-out across the top that makes a dodgy tan line so worth it…
There’s that smell of new Italian leather that could get you drunker than a bottle of grappa…
There are all those articles about how they’re the “#1 shoe” to wear this summer, every summer…
There are all those reasons and justifications like “…but it’s an investment!”
… but if you’re reading this it’s too late.
…
Honestly, after those Italic flats, I’m so over DTC brands.
They’re never quite as good as they claim to be.
… but every now and then, Margaux has crossed my web browsing.
…
If you’re here coming from Google, you know what the deal with Italic is.
If you’re here because you’re a regular reader (hiya!), basically Italic creates a range of products from the same manufacturers as high-end brands like Chanel, Frette, Hermès, etc…
There is one crucial thing you need to keep in mind with Italic:
My Converse were because of the Strokes.
Manolo Blahnik BBs? Emmanuelle Alt.
… and my Isabel Marant Dicker boots were 100% influenced by Lily Aldridge.
So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that my Carel Kina Mary Jane shoe purchase was heavily influenced by Alexa Chung.
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Over the last 15 years, Repetto’s Cendrillon ballet flats have been in and out of my life.
There was the first black pair I bought at Rosenstein (RIP) in Montreal, full price.
Other pairs followed — the turquoise suede pair whose blue rivals Caribbean seas, snappy faux-crocodile prints, shaggy fools gold… but they were all on sale.
Then the winds shifted and Repetto Camilles blew into my life.
With a higher heel (ok, only 2cm higher), I thought Repetto Camilles were all I’d ever need…
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With Chanel’s infamous price hikes, Chanel ballet flats have become seriously expensive.
Considering that in 2008, they cost $550 USD, it’s actually kind of nuts… actually, a 45% price increase for a pair of shoes is all the kinds of nuts.
… but here’s something even nuttier, in 2008 I skipped my high school prom for a pair of Chanel ballet flats.
While the girls in my grade were fussing over prom dresses, dates and makeup appointments, I was tracking down a pair of two-tone Chanel ballet flats.
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Available in a variety of heel heights and leathers, the BBs are the quintessential pump. It doesn’t matter if you work a 9-to-5 or if you’re Rihanna (she’s a fan!), these heels work, work, work for everyone.
“Manolo Blahnik…”
… the name is just so iconic. It’d be possible to write a review about a pair of Manolos without mentioning Kate Moss’ wedding or Sex and the City.
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Do you ever feel like you’re in a rut?
With your job, your hair, your style, your diet, your hobbies…
… I guess I mean, in life, in general.
Every couple of years those sinking feelings creep up on me.
Especially around my birthday.
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I’m pretty sure that Gucci Princetown mules was the kindling to this.
… and Isabel Marant’s Mirvin shoes was the match that must have lit it up.
All I know for sure is that a slew of designers (Marni, J.W. Anderson, and by the time this goes to publication, multiple others…) are putting out their interpretations of a classic clog:
The Birkenstock Boston.
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I love pretty shoes and I love ugly shoes.
I love trendy shoes and I love classic shoes.
… so imagine my love for Arizona Love Trekky sandals and Teva Original Universe sandals.
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