TBMD

I've been eyeing this pair of Miu Miu Studded Bow Ballet Flat in gesso + bianco, size 36 (similar) from Barneys since last fall. Retailing for $450, this patent leather ballet flat with elastic throat and gold-toned stud and bow detail at cracked patent leather cap toe and heel is just a gorgeous combination of femininity and practicalness -- in other words, perfect for me! :)

When Miu Miu boutiques had their holiday sale this past year, I could not find this color combination anywhere! Sales associates all told me that they only had these ballet flats in black/cream or the blue/cream only came in the heels version. So began my waiting game for Barneys' sale. After checking their site every day for weeks, I actually did a double take when I saw them selling for 60% off! Luckily they still had my size left or I would've beaten myself up for not snatching them up sooner :P

*Stock image courtesy of Barneys New York

The famous (or is it infamous?) Carrie's missing Manolo Sedaraby from Sex and the City might be one of the most recognized Manolo styles today. So of course when I saw it at department stores, I instantly fell in love. But the price tag of $715 (ouch!) is just a bit too steep for me because of the number of times I get to wear them. Not to mention, the fuchsia color and my size were nowhere to be found!

I couldn't believe my luck when I stumbled across these rsvp Taran in fuschia satin, size 6 (currently sold here) one day. Aren't they pretty much an exact match --- and for only $89 to boot! As usual, Zappos customer service is superb and I received my shoes in 2 days. Along with the shoes, I was pleasantly surprised to see the inclusion of a pink dust bag.
The lighting is kind of dark in this image, but the pink definitely pops in real life! I ordered these in my US size (half size up was sold out) and found them to be a wee bit tight. I figured I'd wear them around the house for a bit to break them in and hopefully stretch out the toe box. After wearing them for half an hour (most of which I was sitting down :P), my feet were killing me! So I gave up stretching them myself and stuffed a pair of woolen socks into each shoe. I took it out after 2 days and voila! the shoes now fit perfectly.
I had no problems wearing these shoes and standing all day. Very comfortable, left no blisters, and doesn't even require a breaking-in period. Love, love, love these shoes!

*Stock image courtesy of Neiman Marcus

To brighten my day... with ramblings and materialistic things that make me happy :) Lately, it's been clothes and accessories that are doing the trick, so that will mostly be what I blog about.

I'm definitely no fashionista, just your average girl living in the suburbs, going about her daily life. I tend to gravitate towards simple, laid-back, and preppy styles, with the occasional ruffles and flowers thrown in. I suppose that's the inner romantic me :) I could live happily ever after in sweats, but I do enjoy being "put together" every once in awhile. Accessories are your friend! I love bags and shoes and wouldn't hesitate to buy at full price if I fall in love at first sight ;) Clothes on the other hand, I try to only buy on sale. I'm also a fan of buying cute lookalikes of high-end items.

Being skinny and petite oftentimes make shopping frustrating, so for the most part my clothes come from the juniors department (Abercrombie, Hollister, American Eagle) :P I also love J.Crew, but sizing is often a hit or a miss for me. I find so much inspiration browsing through their catalogs though! I also like Express, Gap, Old Navy, and Forever 21.