Pre-Loved

I've never been one for "pre-owned" shoes.  I actually thought it was yucky.  I do vintage, but not undergarments, swimwear, hats & shoes.

However, years ago, I was in line behind a girl in Chicago who had these L.L. Bean boots on.  I immediately asked her where she got them, but of course, they were vintage & she got them on ebay.  I looked on their website every year hoping they would re-issue them & even looked in their flagship store in Freeport, Maine.  Even on ebay, I could never find them in my size & almost gave up, but I found them just last month.  I had my trepidations, especially since these were something you wore working (a.k.a.-sweating) in mud, but I couldn't resist putting closure to my long search.

I looked up some "recipes" on how to clean vintage shoes & I've been enjoying them since. 

You Can't Always Get What You Want

I saw these shoes & immediately searched high & low for them.  Then, I found out that she bought them at the Christian Louboutin sample sale & they have never been produced.  I almost cried when I found out!  How do you get an invite to this elusive sale! 

More Than the Sum of its Parts

I love the simplicity of this look.  It's a beautiful dress with just a belt, bag, boots & sunglasses, but the braid & the lipstick add so much more to the complete look. 

Imma Be the Flyest Chick

I know it's weird, but I'm obsessed with this look that Fergie has on the "Imma Be" video.  I love it from metal visor & clear acrylic shoulder pads down to the cape & silver Christian Louboutin booties.  It's so futuristic & creative.  I was even looking for a metal visor for a while.  (If anyone know where I can find one, please let me know!) 

I officially became a fan of Fergie after watching this video. 

I Feel Gloved

Anyone who has met me after 1998 will know how much I want to be Carrie Bradshaw.  I love accessories & this look always makes me smile.  These is nothing I love more than the edge that thigh-high hosiery & cropped gloves lend to any ensemble.  I wish this look had more air time, but a few seconds was all it took to leave an indelible impression. 

I Wanna Be a Cowboy

I don't know if it's the influence of my work place, but I've fallen in love with western culture.  I've already discussed my collection of fringed leather pieces & my endless need for western shirts, but I just cannot stop drooling over these western-inspired boots. 

So Cool You're Hot

As the fall months approach, I start to worry about bundling up for winter.  I ran across this picture of Joanna Hillman & was immediately jealous of the Proenza Schouler jacket I missed out on, but on further review, I found myself thinking, "What are these Derek Lam boots I also missed out on?"  I hate finding things I love that aren't even available if I could afford them.  (I found a picture of them--see below--when she was hosting The Coveteur.)

However, I digress...  My issue with winter is that I cannot find a way to look this chic under a million layers of clothes that still don't keep me warm enough.  How does she do it?  Is she warm enough?  Is it because she originally hails from Canada?  Is this just for the photo?  Well, whatever the answer, this is my inspiration for the coming winter.  Wish me luck!