A Preview of Shoe Spring.

Spring is in the air! Ok, well for most of you around the US of A, Spring hasn't quite hit yet (and you probably wanna kick this So Cal girl, sittin' pretty in her 75 degree weather!)--but head to your nearest Nordstrom, and you'll sure feel like it's time for bees to buzz, people to fall in love, and the Easter bunny to bring more chocolate to your doorstep! Specifically, of course, I'm talking about the fashion--and Spring 2012 shoe trends in particular. This season, I'm seeing bright hues: yellows, fuchsias, greens:


...and the beloved shooties are also back in style:


More samples and styles to come soon...but in the meantime, do tell: what do you think about the new Spring 2012 shoe styles?

xoxo,
holly in heels

The 30 Countdown

I never thought this day would come...but I have a landmark birthday coming up here pretty quick. Yep, in just over a week, I'll be turning the big 3-0! I feel like I've put a lot of pressure on myself or at least a lotta thought into that big, round number. I'm the youngest of cousins in a biiiiig, big family, and I always remember people turning 16, then 18, then 21...but then they'd turn 30 and I thought to myself: "whooooa, they're all grown up now, and surely have it all figured out!" I know that ain't the case, and I'm a constant moving, growing, learning, wandering work of art. And somehow that's comforting.

But in the meantime, I've found a few sweet sayings that I deeeeeeply wanna try and concentrate on as the countdown to 30 begins. Cross your fingers I don't forget any of these too quickly amidst all of the parties and birthday shoes - and enjoy a little inspiration while you're with me, no?...







xoxo,
holly in heels

Happy 2012!

Pretty wishes, love, and many more heels in 2012 to you!


xoxo,
holly in heels

Lazy days

It's the end of the week, I'm slowly unpacking from my week-long vacation to my hometown and family, and utterly enjoying my last few days off. Not only have I managed to eat 3 large meals a day everyday this last week, but I also have developed a terrible addiction to words with friends on my iPhone. Help me! Ahhh, but it's days like this that I just wanna curl up with a good book + some of my favorite high heels for fashion inspiration...


xoxo,
holly in heels

New Year's Pretties!

Every year, it always seems to be a dilemma--what the heck am I going to do for New Year's?! I have to say, it's gotten easier since I've gotten married. I no longer have the nervousness of looking for something to avoid sitting on the couch with only Ben & Jerry as my dates (although Phish Food is pretty amazing!). And I also don't have to worry about who to snag and kiss when the ball drops...always the dreaded thought of any single girl. Ah yes, but now my biggest dilemma is: 1) what the hubs and I do to ring in the new year, and 2) what shoes to wear to ring it in fabulously. After a little web-scouring, though, I think I've narrowed at least the shoes part down:

Vince Camuto also has some insanely chic crystal'd pumps on the scene right now--the 'Crane' pumps are a close 2nd on my top 3 list. Any color suede that Mr. Camuto offers in these babies are just right for me, although I do dig the black & teal duo for their individuality.

Enzo's 'Torrez' pumps are gorgeously feathered in all of the right ways. Sure, sure, they may be 5 inches tall (with a 1" platform), but I just figure it's good exercise for my calves.

Sam Edelman always brings it--but these scream "HAPPY 2012!" to me! I will say that I don't normally dig the spikey studs that Edelman has on a lot of his designs right now, but these are done tastefully. Yep, I'm talking about the 'Scarlett' pumps, in a beautiful peep-toe and t-strap. While $200 might be a bit steep for my post-Christmas wallet, I think I can manage to squeeze them into my shopping budget somehow!

So what's your favorite New Year's shoe? Hot hot heels or bunny slippers? Do tell!

xoxo,
holly in heels

TOMS for all occassions

Have I ever told you all how much I love TOMS shoes? I mean, I'm sure by now TOMS is old news to many of you - their "one for one" movement has taken communities by storm, with a cause worth buying for, that truly gives back. I, myself, own several pairs of TOMS, but when I got my sweet feet into a pair of their wedges recently, I fell in love! They are SO comfy, so fun and different than any of the other wedges in my closet, I really do adore them! And now with the new shiny, sparkly holiday collection that TOMS is sportin', I couldn't help but blog about it and spread the word. Check 'em, ladies:
These are a few of my faves - you can find all of the shiny styles here. And if it's TOMS wedges you're after, check out the awesome selection that Nordstrom carries.

Always on the lookout for a good wedge - especially when it comes with a great cause.

xoxo,
holly in heels

I have a crush...

...and her name is Marlene:

Small Biz Shopping

In case you haven't heard, today is small business Saturday--time to break yourself free of the two-day turkey coma that you were in, and throw on your shopping shoes and get out there to support your local businesses! Now, even though I often blog about shoes found at online shops and department stores, I've always been a true-blue supporter of small business (feel like it comes with the territory when you grow up in a small town like I did). When I finally moved to a bigger suburban area like Southern California, I thought all of that would be thrown out the window--surrounded by oversized shopping malls and corporate plazas, I thought for sure I should accept a new kinda shopping lifestyle. But oh no was I wrong! There are TONS of small boutiques and businesses all around me where I can get just as good of a deal as any other place, and get to support someone who I actually know and chat with each time I drop by their shop. Plus, shopping local and small biz means that I won't be giving the same exact boxed-up gift that everyone else is giving this season--there's always something new and unique around the corner!


Without further adieu, I thought I'd give you a peek at just a few local small businesses that I frequent in the So Cal area--feel free to add to the list in the comments below, and share your favorite small shops in your hometown area!

1. Deer Lovely
Deer Lovely is a sweet lil' spot in The OC Mart Mix that carries some of my favorite women's blouses, skirts, jackets, handbags and jewelry (think Anthropologie at 1/2 the price!), as well as some uber cute men's tees and button ups.

2. Laurenly
Found in the charming old town Orange district in none other than OC, Laurenly carries great brands like Free People, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Paige denim, and Gentle Fawn - mixed with adorable handmade accessories - with a great selection of shoes, heels, sandals and even TOMS!

3. Apples & Oranges
My most recent find--a & o sells vintage everything at insanely low prices. Here you'll find vintage Gucci, Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton--I even picked myself up a vintage Nordstrom tan leather clutch and a crazy-cool gold cuff yesterday. Also located in The OC Mart Mix.

4. Westerly
When I'm feeling like a trip to a beachy-er spot, I drive up PCH and head to Westerly, for designer labels, glamorous tops and boho-chic dresses. Westerly always gets me with their gorgeous selection of handbags, bracelets and necklaces--a bit easier on my pocketbook (yes, I said pocketbook, WHUT).

5. Spotted Moth
I just hit up Spotted Moth up yesterday for their amazing 30% off sale for the shopaholic weekend, and found soooo many adorable holiday tops, pea coats, leggings, adorable & affordable heels, and even special occasion dresses. They carry some similar names to what Piperlime carries, but with instant gratification instead of awaiting the whole ship-to-your-house part.

So this season, do what you can to take some time to discover the hidden jewels in your own backyard and support your local businesses! You may make a shop-owner friend and find just the right gift for the gift-giving season.

xoxo,
holly in heels