A Shoe Acquisition

Sometimes, during these summer days, you just have to let go. Do something you’ve never one before, indulge in a forbidden pleasure or explore a random detail on the map. Summer is about freedom, the happy teenager of the seasons. Let your hair down, fill your closet with color, and enjoy every single flavor.

I never really got that until I moved to a place where one really has to wait for summer. Now that it’s here, I find an extra spring in my step, enjoying the blasts of sunshine and the comforting contrasts of thunderstorms breaking through the heat. It’s been the perfect sort of weather lately, though I can’t wait for another rainstorm…because of this recent purchase:

It’s a seriously SWEET Sugar boot, one of my favorite brands because of their way with marrying durability and adorable feminine designs. I adore this pretty graphic pattern on the boot, somewhat like a sketchbook tear-out, selectively-colored, carefully-inked.  I call these my "doodle" boots - they’re made of canvas with rubber soles. I think they can withstand quite a bit of wet weather.

What really gets me is the buckle on this shoe - not just for decorative purposes! You can adjust it to the narrowness of your ankle, or expand it to accomodate those big warm socks for cooler weather.

I have a mind to wear it to the symphony picnic this upcoming weekend. I think this will go nicely with a picnic of strawberries, rosy wine and Gershwin tunes, n’est-ce pas?   

"They look like two loyal puppies!" I exclaimed, after my husband finished shooting this beloved pair this weekend. I bought these Nordstrom purple ballet flats during a Thanksgiving trip to San Francisco. You can tell, from the scuffed toes and the worn soles, that was a few years ago. This is one of my ultimate favorites - incredibly comfy and surprisingly versatile. My only qualm was the suede material - I’ve had to sidestep quite a few puddles in this pair. Oh, but SO SOFT - the material hugs the shape of my foot, whilst the sole does provide good protection during long walks. A great travel pair, as you can use these with a lot of wardrobe combinations, as the purple is on the dark side  - adding a restrained touch of color. I love wearing them with skirts - even in cold weather, as you can see from this early spring snap my husband took last year. (Though I am the sort to brave the cold with bare legs if I CAN DO IT. Terrible, terrible, terrible…)

The common dilemna with worn-out favorites is finding a good replacement. I’ve tried to hunt for the same pair, but haven’t been able to find them in my price range these days. As a result, I’ve been "conserving" my use of them lately - can’t let go of my loyal, royal purple pups just yet!