Shop Talk: One Stop Shop for Party Dresses

Aside from an occasional internet shoe purchase, I hadn't been shopping in ages--that is until this past weekend (and only very briefly for a couple of hours). In light of the recent heat wave here, I've run out of my hot, hot heat summer dresses for nights out. I had a mission, and the flatmate led the way to... Forever 21. Oh yes, Forever 21. You'll always find something there if you're desperate.

... Like this adorable Lanvin-inspired leopard dress ($22.80)!

And this is one of many, many more. Ah, but perhaps buying cheap, disposable clothes at F21 is not exactly responsible consumerism. Hmm. I bring my own bags to the grocery store and recycle all my bottles, but I'll always have this vice. (I'll keep my purchases to a minimum).

WIWT Weekday: 11/8/2009

Using the Panda head again. Why? Ah, because by the time I get home I am drained of all life from the heat outside. Makeup is all in disarray and hair is all a mess. However, halfway through stripping myself of my clothes, I remembered it had been awhile since I posted an outfit blog. Might as well do so tonight!

Today I wore black--black silk, black wool, black patent (oh, and a black non-patent leather purse too though not pictured here). It was one of those days.

Black silk, ruffled shirt with tie collar (H&M) / black wool crepe pants (United Colours) / buckle front, black patent leather pumps (Carshoe)

Gosh I sure am tired tonight! Was going to head out with a friend for a drink in an hour, but I really have no energy.

Shoes: Flats for the road

"Hang on a minute," I told him as I balanced myself on one foot with a hand against a structural column down in the subway. I was taking off my flats and pulling on a pair of strappy, 4.5-inch sandals.

"What are you doing?" he looked appalled.

"Duh, changing shoes. Everyone does it."

"They do?"

I hesitated. Do they? The flats were going to be tucked neatly away into my purse and no one would be the wiser that I had saved myself a $15 door-to-door cab ride in favour of taking the trains that weren't quite door-to-door. Isn't that what all fiscally responsible (and, ahem, environment-conserving) women do? Oh, don't think I didn't notice that pile of shoes under your desk at work!

My friend didn't believe me. Instead, he attempted to comfort me with, "Don't worry. You'll get used to it soon enough" (implying, of course, that he was a dyed in the wool New Yorker used to the trials and tribulations of living in this city whereas I was the fresh-faced implant who still changed shoes--psshawww heehee).

Unless they're those extra comfy Frye's I keep raving about, walking over 20 minutes in heels does get to me. Not to mention, these city streets are shoe-destroyers. Getting the shoe guy to change your taps every week can become an expensive habit.

Speaking of those Frye's, they came in last Monday and are fabulous and so comfortable:

I especially love this shade of brown because it goes so well with black... comme ça: Prada FW2006 (the lover of black in me loves that collection).

WIWT Weekday: 03/8/2009

Oh, it's been awhile since I posted a WIWT! So here's what I wore to work today. I had already undressed when I decided to post an outfit update so this is what you get. It looks rather sad and dead just hanging on the doorknob.

I feel a little bit like that outfit right now: exhausted! Been extremely busy lately with hardly a moment to myself or even a square meal for dinner! Tonight, for example, I was at the UN Headquarters for a reception and had three glasses of chardonnay and a few coconut shrimp hors d'oeuvres for dinner. This was later followed by frozen blueberries as I laid prostrate on the couch watching the latest episode of "True Blood" (Godric and Eric <3<3<3).

Oh, but fret not--I love this dress and wear it frequently. I'm sure you'll be seeing it again soon. For now, it's time for me to pass out. Night!

silk, shift dress (French Connection) / light wool cardigan (Halogen) / leather, cinch belt (H&M) / leather, "snakeskin" sandals (Boutique 9)

Oh by the way, I ended up getting the Fryes (see previous post) in brown. They arrived at the office today. I was delighted. They are lovely and so sturdily built--perfect for navigating the shoe-destroying streets of this city.