Suddenly the world seems so small.
We'd fit it all inside our front hall.
Edison would spin in his grave
to ever see the light that you gave.
-- Snow Patrol, Warmer Climate
copyright Hiking in Stilettos
Tuesday, February 17
Gladiators Galore
I have decided to begin the quest for the "perfect" gladiator inspired sandal this season. Thus far the Steve Madden Honour is my favorite, but I am questioning the versatility of an orange suede sandal. Alas, I'm quite sure that this is just the beginning of my search...
Saturday, February 14
Happy Love Day
However you plan to spend the day....
...Cute and Comfy:
...I hope you have a beautiful day with someone whom you love... family, friends, significant others, pets, best friends, coworkers... anyone who makes you happy. Xoxo.
...Cute and Comfy:
...Perhaps watching one of my favorite V-day movies:
Almost Famous -- Love, music, and the love of music.
Along Came Polly -- If you are in the mood to laugh.
...Or an evening out:
...Or just accessorizing:
...I hope you have a beautiful day with someone whom you love... family, friends, significant others, pets, best friends, coworkers... anyone who makes you happy. Xoxo.
copyright Hiking in Stilettos
Thursday, February 12
Blue on Black
My comfy take on Wednesday's "professional dress day" attire. (For some reason, it seems to rain every day that I have to dress up for school... try walking a few blocks in a pencil skirt and heels in the rain. Ick.)
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Wednesday, February 11
In the Flesh
With daily temperatures in the 70s as of late, my mind cannot help but wander to sandals and summer. Although the cold weather is certain to return before Spring truly arrives, I began my quest for strappy/chunky sandals with the following contenders. I must say that although I have taken a hiatus from Steve Madden, the new collection for Spring has some really great designs.
Azelia Lace Up Cut Out Boot, Topshop $160
Jessica Simpson Delanco, Piperlime $89, Macy's $66.75
Patricia Field Salsa Sandal, Payless $38
Steve Madden Thierry Sandal, Steve Madden $169.95
Nine West Kentaro Sandal, Nine West $89
Calvin Klein Dali Sandal, Macy's $130
Calvin Klein Cali Sandal, Zappos $144.95
Nine West Snooks Sandal, Nine West $89
The problem was finding sandals that were unique without a three or four hundred dollar price tag. Although I am definitely of the "quality over quantity" theory, I tried to find more reasonable options. However, Piperlime has some really wonderful sandals in the pricier range, most of which are the Rachel Zoe picks.
The Azelia boots are probably my favorite, although they don't exactly fit the sandal category. Which (if any) do you love?
*Edit: I apologize for the small image. I am having some formatting issues, but hopefully I will have it resolved soon!
copyright Hiking in Stilettos
11.02.09
The sweetest winds, they blow across the south.
-- Ryan Adams, musician
copyright Hiking in Stilettos
Tuesday, February 10
A Thousand Words
Although I can't take the credit for finding this wonderful gem, I definitely want to pass the word along. My lovely friend Jesse of The Lucky Stone shared the link on her blog, and I have decided to do the same. 1000 words is a wonderfully creative endeavor exploring the phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words." One author snaps a photo and the other creates a story to accompany, a story that must be exactly one thousand words. I think the concept is brilliant, and after reading the first installment, I am hooked. The combined artistry of the photography and the literature is simply beautiful. Read for yourself and explore exactly what a picture is worth.
Friday, February 6
Denim Days
Although I am a devout Paige Denim girl when it comes to jeans, I decided that I'd like to give Levi's another try. I have found that Paige are really the only jeans that fit my frame will without making me look younger, but I am finding skinny leg Paiges to be few and far between. Unfortunately, it turns out that the Levi styles I like are a a bit hard to find as well, so I am contemplating ordering them from the online store. Here are the contenders:
1966 Skinny Jean (Re-issue)
High Rise Skinny
Skinny 531
Skinny 521
Of the four options, I would ideally only purchase one of the higher-rise pairs, and I am leaning towards the 1966 re-issue as they honestly look more authentic. I would pair them with a great strappy, chunky nude sandal for the spring.
The other two lower rise pairs are in the running to replace my current pair of skinnys that have faded about fifteen shades since I bought them. I've been doing a bit of research to find a wash or dye that will renew my denim to its darkest shade without actually re-dyeing it. Any suggestions or opinions??
Xoxo.
Tuesday, February 3
Weekend Adventure No. 102: Nashville, TN
Just a couple of the great shots that K got of the hotel gardens
Friday night was spent at the Grand Ole Opry which is currently residing in the Ryman Auditorium. The building is gorgeous, and the music was a wonderful mix of old bluegrass with contemporary country. Although my country music taste is somewhat limited to Johnny Cash, June Carter, and a few others, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The auditorium is filled with historical memorabilia such as records, dresses, and microphones of some of the great performers like Loretta Lynn, Minnie Pearl, and Mr. Cash himself. At one point I closed my eyes to imagine Johnny and June onstage singing to an audience in a completely different decade. It was a lovely, historical experience.
Enjoying the likes of Chuck Wicks, John Conlee, George Hamilton V (and VI), Ray Pillow, and Montgomery Gentry, just to name a few!
Check out that jacket! Sequins and sparkles and diamonds, oh my!
Saturday we wandered around downtown Nashville. After a scrumptious lunch at the local Panera, we went to take some pictures outside of the Ryman Auditorium. It was cold and windy, so our excursion was cut short. (That and the one hour time limit in the parking lot.) Unfortunately, Nashville mostly consists of independent bars instead of the small cafes and bakeries that I am accustomed to in towns like Athens and Decatur. The town was definitely geared toward tourists, but I was kind of hoping to find a small deli or cafe somewhere in the midst.
Saturday night we explored the hotel a bit, stopping in every garden and gazebo to take pictures. The hotel was absolutely beautiful at night, with Christmas lights and flowers scattered about and the stars shining through the glass roof.
Sunday was a lazy day at the bookstore, drinking soy lattes and reading fashion (me) and photography (K) magazines. We ate dinner at a local Italian place, and it was delicioso. Grilled chicken, asparagus, rich Chianti, bread with seasoned olive oil, and a yummy, chocolatey dessert. Who could ask for more?
For my last day in Nashville, I decided to pay tribute to the extensive amount of sparkly blazers and hats that I saw on the Grand Ole Opry stage with this t-shirt. It's a bit hard to tell from these images, but the stripes on the shirt are actually gold sequins.
As for the hotel, to say it was huge would be an understatement. The Gaylord Opryland hotel consists of five different sections, each one with extensive gardens and waterfalls. The balconies face inward toward the gardens and restaurants, and the hotel bar sits on a rotating circle that provides a wonderful view of the "natural" surroundings. Despite the fact that you are inside of a hotel, the view is really quite lovely.
The "lobby" of our section at night, overlooking one of the restaurants and the revolving bar.
I look so tiny sitting beneath that HUGE plant!
Overall, the weekend vacation was a definite success. It was fun to see a different city and experience music history that we would never have done on our own. Although I'm not sure I'd return to Nashville for a vacation in the near future, it will always have a special part of my little heart.
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