heels out.......

Are high heels dead?

birks made me a hypocrite.......

Fashion makes hypocrites of us all.

approaching limerence.......

How long is too long to harbour a crush of the sartorial kind?

That is a real question, not the traditional rhetorical ones I usually throw around. I’d really like to know. Is there a timeframe? Should you move on after a set number of weeks or months or years has expired? What’s the etiquette here?

I’ve been holding a candle for a certain something for a certain time and I’m just not sure if I should continue the charade or except that we will never be together, mourn the loss and move on. Throw my unwavering adoration towards something else, probably equally unattainable, but something else nonetheless. 

In the interests of answering my own questions (a kind of hobby of mine) I googled, like all good questions answerers, and discovered there is actually a science behind crushes and even a word for a crush that doesn’t go away and is not reciprocated - limerence, in case you were wondering. 

According to the scientists, the symptoms of infatuation are a lot like those of mental illness and our brain chemistry when under the spell of the crush is comparable to that of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Things are weirdly starting to fall into place right now. 

Like going back to the same store, website, instagram account that you first spotted your favourite on repeatedly, just to check up on it. Which is strange when it’s a human - and also called stalking - and stranger still when it’s an inanimate object. 

Or like obsessively searching for said item in a bid to either a) actually find it available somewhere or b) find it in some magical 95% off sale which brings it fractionally closer to meeting your budgetary demands. 

We are, alas, powerless to stop the affects of the crush rampaging with our heads, and also our hearts. It’s out of our hands. Our obsessive, ridiculous, weird, creepy and often sad behaviour is completely out of our control. So we should just give ourselves up to the crush, let those good time chemicals flood our brains and enjoy the benefits. 

For up to two years anyway. 

After that, things get bad real quick. That’s where that limerence comes in. I’m getting real close to limerence, I think it’s time to let go. Nobody like a crazy woman possessed with uncontrollable thoughts and shortness of breath over a pair of shoes. Right?

kb xx

Philo rocks my world.......

I'd imagine by now you've seen the Celine Spring 2014 collection?

So you know that Phoebe Philo is a shoe whisperer then?

Cast your mind back to Spring 2013, remember those fur covered flat slides, reminiscent of a cross between a Birkenstock and an old school Adidas shower slide? Yep, well they spawned the Birkenstock obsession that currently has the whole world gripped with rapt admiration.

Of course she did it again with the chunky platform wedges of pre-fall 2013. And then yet again in Fall 2013 with the minimalist, bordering on severe (ok severe), boots in all the colours of the rainbow. Providing, of course, that your rainbow featured grey, burgundy, black, taupe and chocolate brown.

But she has really tripped my switches with this collection.

A mash up of chunky architectural heels, half circles and silver spheres in everything from black, chocolate brown and an old school yellow-taupe leather, to purple suede and a tweed/tartan hybrid that has me chomping at the bit - or more accurately my credit card.

I've no idea how she does it, and frankly I don't care to know. Details tend to spoil the magic, and I'm all about the magic. So keep the specifics fuzzy and just throw the shoes my way, all of them.

xx

oh my shoes: zanotti cowgirl.......

Oh Mr Zanotti, you got me, you got me good.

Before we get into a debate about the pros and cons of cowgirl boots, pros are plentiful and cons are negligible just in case you were wondering, let's take a moment to just appreciate what we have before us.

I don't know if my admiration for this cowgirl-esque boot is due to the fact that I'm currently engrossed in studying the film genre of, and watching probably too many, Westerns. Is my repeated exposure to the likes of John Wayne, James Stewart and Clint Eastwood and their respective sartorial footwear choices now spilling into my own? Am I so focused on frontier life that I somehow think I actually need a pair of colourful nappa leather boots with a concealed heel and gold, yes gold, adornments? Boots that cost close to two thousand bucks, well do I?

Perhaps I just have an overarching respect and desire for the glorious work of Giuseppe Zanotti, aka shoe god. And look why wouldn't I, he creator of the avant garde heel-less heel. That's what I'm calling them, it's quite long winded but it works. If you've happened across any of his work for AW2014, you'll most likely understand. I'm talking fringe work, serious spikes, silver and gold foil boots, gold stars, khaki lace up peep toe booties and some killer white stiletto boots. If you don't know what I'm talking about I suggest a quick, (or long), visit here.

Or maybe I just like shoes, especially really really cool ones. Ones with red and green and black and white leather. Oh the things we could do together.

Shit I forgot the debate, feel free to have it in the comments. 
 
xx

converse and my maturing mind........

Converse again? Really?

Yes, really.

Torn up jeans again? Really?

Yes, really.

Since finally investing in some sweet white Converse a few weeks ago, I have to say they’ve taken centre stage round here. I’m finding myself reaching for them again and again, they’re simple, they go with everything and they’re comfortable.

Last week one of my new favourite bloggers, Gab from Look Sharp, Sconnie, (seriously if you haven’t already, check her out, girl can write!) posted about the possibility of our sartorial choices becoming more simplified as we get older. Hitting the, (mental), speed bump that was my twenty seventh birthday last month it struck me while reading Gab’s post that I was in fact closer to the end of the supposed experimental twenties than I was to the beginning.

I wondered as I approach that seemingly terrifying milestone, thirty(!!), would my supposed young and carefree nature melt away and be replaced with a mature mind that bought basics like candy and skimmed right over the torn up denim and mens tees that seem so prevalent in my life now. See above.

Or does the fact that I've finally purchased these go with everything Converse mean that this slow metamorphosis is already taking place? Next to go the torn up denim?

I’ve always though of myself as a little experimental. Perhaps not in the way of the inimitable ADR or Susie Bubble, but in my own way, tucked away in my own corner of the world. And I have a wardrobe full of ‘statement’ pieces that can attest to that. Sequined blazers, lace shorts, gold high waisted skirts, yes, tick and check. And while these little style experiments may not have always worked they have helped to hone what I guess is a sense of style that is all mine. 

But, outside the crazy twenties, would I actually get fed up with the world that I spend so much time engrossed in?

Would I really do away with those neon pink peep toes booties?

Would my beloved and decadent family jewels suddenly be irrelevant amongst a wardrobe full of black and white?

For me style is an evolutionary concept, not a static one. So the chances of me hitting thirty and locking in a set of sartorial preferences and holding solid from that point on are probably comparable to the chances of me going to space. That would be slim to none. Which means the answers to all my own rhetorical questions are no, maybe when I'm ninety five and never.

That said I’m certainly not about to try and predict the future, I’m short a crystal ball for one thing. And there is always the possibility that I'll decide to become an avant garde hippy and wear Comme des Garcons and Isabel Marant exclusively. Either way, I do hope that mens threads and torn up denim never stop being a part of my life regardless of which side of thirty, or forty, or fifty I fall.

Thoughts??

xx

oh my shoes: fendi shoe boot........

It's quite possible that everything I write down here under this picture is completely superfluous. You don't need me to wax lyrical about all the geometric, modern yet with a distinctly eighties vibe, incredible gorgeousness of this Fendi shoe boot.

Or do you?

I happened across the sister to this here stunner a little while back and while stalking Far Fetch, my newest online shopping obsession, just the other day I found this and all thoughts of the sister vanished immediately.

Imagine the possibilities if this shoe were hanging around my wardrobe. Imagine how awesome everything I ever thought to wear would look with this chunk of shoe porn swinging off my feet. Oh just imagine.

Imagine, as I will be, as even at thirty percent off the eight hundy price tag is just a little outside the realm of possibility in my world, at the moment anyway. Perhaps one day Fendi shoe boot and I will meet again in more prosperous times and we'll become the best of friends. It's destiny surely.

xx

how i'd wear: white chunky heel......

After featuring these white Wittner babes in last weeks Currently Crushing they kept popping into my mind in a few different ensembles so I figured that meant they were destined for a little How I'd Wear action. 

Frankly I've never been a huge fan of white shoes, if a bride wasn't wearing them I always found them cheap and nasty, wow that really sounds harsh! But somehow over the past few months they seem to have crept into my good books and I now find myself a huge fan. Ahh the fickle nature of fashion, it's why we keep coming back, just never know what she's going to throw at us next.

This particular white babe, who goes by the name Ralex, is ticking quite a few boxes making her so hot right now. Chunky heel, yep and at a comfortable 8.5cm too, check. Single sole, see the revolt against platforms, check. Those ever so perfectly placed straps in a creamy white finish, check. Oh and did I mention the velcro strap, no? Well if you weren't sold before surely you are now!

Anyway enough of this chat, I put my Stylist hat on and this is what I came up with.

/ Pant: Etro / Shirt: BLK DNM / Bag: ASOS / Sunglasses: Quay Eyewear / Necklace: ASOS /

I'm calling this look Grunge meets South of France Beach, that makes sense right? Yellow stretch crepe flared pants with gold jewellery and a denim shirt, because how can I do anything without a denim shirt?  

/ Skirt: Topshop / Dress: Forever New / Jacket: Mango / Clutch: Acne /

Skirts over dresses, it's layering at it's best. Even better when you pair a paisley-esque printed shift with a bright tube skirt. Topshop believes this skirt is red, I say orange, either way it works. The linen blazer keeps things cool, literally. Added that Acne clutch again, because I'm just a little obsessed with it.

 / Bustier: Balmain / Shorts: Topshop / Anorak: Forever New /

/ Sunglasses: Quay Eyewear / Cuff: Edie Borgo /

And now for my favourite. Stamp print high waisted shorts and a Balmain leather bustier, now that is a winning combination. It's an easy way for those stomach conscious ones among us to rock the crop top look, of course eye catching print on the bottom is not absolutely necessery but comes highly reccomended.

Thoughts??

xx

thoughts on espadrilles.........

Everyone is talking about espadrilles, particularly those with that very famous double C, and I feel like it’s 1998 again and I’m the only kid without a Tamagotchi. Except this time I don’t think I want a Tamagotchi.

If it’s not clear to you by now, I’m a shoe girl. Frankly how that could be any less then crystal is a little worrying, but I digress. I’m into shoes, but I’m just not into espadrilles. I’m cowering slightly as I write that, waiting for this monumental whiplash of words from all that is fashion. But they’re so chic, so on trend, so with it right now, Chanel has them so Karl has obviously given them the seal of approval, imagine all that said in a whiny voice and you’re hearing what I’m hearing.

I just can’t get on board. And worse, I can even give you a specific reason why.

I’ve been wondering about my lack of desire since they first started popping up all over that true barometer of fashion, Streetstyle. And all I can come up with is a couple of maybes.

Maybe it’s the fact that they are so ubiquitous right now, everyone has them in some form or another. But then that saturation of trend hasn’t stopped me buying nearly ever conceivable style of clothing in camo print. So maybe it’s not that.

Maybe it’s the connotations of beachy holidays and sand and ocean and surf and all those things that just aren’t me. That’s probably going to get my Australian citizenship revoked. It’s not that I really dislike the beach, there’s just a handful, or two, other places I’d rather be. Unless it’s a cold and wintery day, then the beach is pretty rad.

It’s possibly a combination of these or even none of these at all. Perhaps I had a bad experience with an espadrille as a child, and my brain in all it’s glory has blocked said painful experience from memory. Possibly even a combined beach/espadrille thing and that’s why I can’t get on board the beachy wagon either.

Oh the possibilities.

Whatever my reason, it’s safe to say my apparent disinterest surely won’t be harming this 4000 year old shoe. Of course I reserve the right to completely change my mind at the drop of a espadrille, with absolutely no reason what so ever, such is my prerogative of course!

What are your thoughts on the espadrille, good, bad or ugly?

xx

Pics: Song of Style/Lovely By Lucy

currently crushing: gumboots.........

Yes gumboots. An unusual choice for a shoe lover? Well I'm an equal opportunity shoe lover, there's no discrimination around here. If you're a pretty, fun loving, sexy, scary, crazy, hot or ridiculous shoe, or even a combination of some or all of these qualities, you are always welcome.

Now that's established let's talk rubber on our feet.

Rainboots, gummies, wellies, rubberboots, topboots, gumbies, wellies or Alaskan sneakers, whatever you choose to call them, (I choose gumbies), they are a lot of fun. I say fun because I associate the wearing of gumbies with two things. Rain soaked mud filled music festivals and jumping in puddles. Both excellent ways to spend your time.

Now any serious gumbie connoisseur will know that Hunter is the boss of gumboots, though they call them wellingtons. They make them in every colour you could imagine, I'm talking pink and blue and metallic with both a tall version and a short. So the hardest part about this search was not so much finding the gumboots as resisting the urge to just put a big ass link to the Hunter website here and leave it at that.

I managed to resist that urge, though I have included a couple of Hunters, they're just too damn cool.

Now if you're not ready to jump head long into the gumboot wearing life why not try it out, dip your toes in with these black ankle boots by Mel, they even have little bows on the side, too cute. Or the bright red kicks from Topshop. Both are under a hundy so if you find you are actually adverse to jumping in puddles, (as crazy as that sounds) at least you won't have burned a hole in your wallet.

Right at the other end of the wallet burning scale, weighing in at $400 a pop, the shiny black Burberry rubber and twill wellington might not be at the top of your list, (they're at the top of mine!), but if you're serious about either music festivals or puddle jumping they're a sure bet.

The burgundy babes from Topshop have a lovely little ribbon to tie up, that's a gumboot accessory folks, that's the future.

And of course the Hunters. The dark green gumbies are a traditionalists dream. Plus they're styling so two ticks for them. The bright turquoise are just fun right? Even if there were no puddles or mud filled music festivals to be found you'd still be having a great time.

And lastly the gold Hunters are not only ridiculous, (in a gorgeous amazing way), they're also a ridiculous price on The Outnet right now.

Enjoy!

xx

insta-diary......

Just a few instagram snaps from the past few weeks.......

Find me on Instagram @thekirbybee

xx

instagram-ing it up......

Instagram would have to be one of my favourite apps, alongside Ebay and the iTorch (super useful!!)

Here's a few of my pics from the past couple of weeks, the theme here seems to be food and shoes,

two of my most favourite things in the whole world!!!

You can follow me on instagram @ thekirbybee

Have a wonderful weekend!!

xx

stories and memories.......

Today while doing my usual Bloglovin check, I read a post on Style by Kling about a new 

Isabel Marant watch. It’s based on a watch that was owned by Marant’s father, 

one that she still wears now, ten years after his passing.

It got me thinking about those pieces in our wardrobes that have stories, that bring back memories, 

that are more then just a dress or a pair of shoes or in Marant’s case a watch.

I have a few of those things in my wardrobe, and whenever I wear them or even just pull them out, 

I can feel that memory, I can imagine where they’ve been.

The bridesmaid dress I wore to my brother’s wedding last year, very happy memories!!

My vintage red heels, whenever I pull them out, I like to imagine who bought them,

why they did and where the shoes have been!!

A necklace handed down from my great grandmother is quite sentimental, 

whenever I wear it I always think of her and of my family. 

I take it away with me when I travel, so a little piece of my family comes with me.

I’m sure I’ll collect more of these pieces and I look forward to doing so,

 and having a wardrobe full of stories and memories!!

Do you have any pieces like this in your wardrobe??

xx