Review: Cole Haan Air Natalie Open Toe Ballet Flat

      I purchased these Cole Haan Air Natalie Open Toe Ballet Flats as an option to wear with my bridesmaids dress for my friend's wedding this summer. The bridesmaids are wearing gowns, so the feet will be covered and likely won't be seen, but I purchased a whole smack of shoes just to see if I would come up with anything I liked. The dress is apparently a silvery white (I say apparently, because I haven't seen the dress or the material yet). *If* I was to purchase a pair of shoes (I actually already own a pair of flats that I think will match the dress), I would want it to be something I'd wear more than once! Even though they aren't really my style, I thought I would try out these Cole Haan flats. I wasn't expecting much, but I was actually quite shocked at how comfortable they are. Here are some IRL photos:

Quality and Comfort: The leather is so soft and supple. The sole is leather with a rubber heel and a bit of goring at the front:

    A good amount of padding in the footbed, hence the "air", although I would say the Tory Burch "Eddie" flats have a little bit more padding. The inside of the shoe seems to be suede or nubuck, so very soft and little chance of rubbing. There is a little bit of elastic around the heel of the shoe so my heels don't slip out but they aren't so tight that they will dig into the ankles or heels:

Fit: Narrow. If you have regular width feet or wider, you may want to consider going up half a size. I purchased them in my typical size 6 and they were perfect for my slightly narrow feet.


     The color of these aren't the greatest (Marble Nappa/Light Grey). Kind of bland and not very flattering to my skin tone and they won't really match the dress anyway, so for that reason they are going back. I did order a yellow pair just to ponder over. LOL. I haven't decided if I'm going to keep them yet. But if these are your style and you are looking for a ballet flat that is not only comfortable but looks a little bit different, I highly recommend them. You know I don't say that too often. Regular price is $157.50 but selected colors are on sale at Endless with an extra 13.6% cash back from Bigcrumbs. For my link (for which I will get a small commission if used), click here.

Leggy.

    Memorial Day weekend has come and gone. You know what that means? Humidity. Not just any humidity. D.C. humidity. This is going to be my third summer here, and my wardrobe is still not fully equipped to handle it. I do have these shorts though. 

 Blouse: J. Crew 3/4 Sleeve Button Down (White, XSP).

Sweater: TEX by Max Azria Short Sleeve Sweater (Grey, size XS).

Shorts: Forever21 (Brown Plaid, size XS).

Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch Braided Belt (Bronze Metallic, size S).

Watch: Michael Kors Runway Watch (Silver).

Shoes: Miz Mooz Kaylee Cork Wedge Sandals (Whiskey, size 6).

     I don't usually make it a habit of putting brown and grey together. There's something really blah about it even though they are both neutral colors, but this isn't bad. And I'm still probably wearing one layer too many given the humidity factor.


    Do my leg muscles look like they're bulging and extra muscular today? If they do, it's because I took these photos after my very first spin class.  It was pretty difficult to walk up and down stairs for a week, but I can honestly say that I'm now addicted to spin. Highly recommended.


     Sweater can also be seen here:

Fashion Fixation: Zara Instep Strap Sandal

   I don't know what it is about these Zara shoes, but I *love* them:

$49.90 @Zara

     They also come in this amazing royal blue color:

   If I ever spot these in the store in my size they are *MINE*.

Tied Up.

Sweater: Jacob Long Cardi (Navy Blue, size XS).

Blouse: Sleeveless Tie-neck Blouse (Black/White, size XS).

Pants: GAP Really Skinny Pants (Black, size 00P).

Shoes: LAUREN by Ralph Lauren Amaya Pumps (Black, size 6).

Watch: Michael Kors Runway Watch (Silver).

      A belt can be tied on the outside of the sweater, but I usually like the cardi just to hang open. A belted sweater tends to emphasize my short waist, and even more so with a longer cardi. Not really a great look.

     I have no other commentary today, other than I'm still really obsessed with these pointy-toe pumps. I have no explanation.

      Pieces remixed: 

AFD Inspiration: DVF Pre-Fall 2011

    So we all know I'm not really the biggest fan of dresses. Not that I don't think they can be pretty, but I can feel extremely self-conscious and uncomfortable in them. I do look at them, though. And despite my general dislike for them, there are a few designers whose dress designs constantly blow me away. Diane von Furstenberg is one them. She always uses the most amazing patterns, and her designs not too overly feminine (for my taste), and so sophisticated. I don't own a DVF piece myself (yet), but I do know that the dresses have been known to be petite-friendly (her blouses, not so much).


   DVF just released her pre-fall collection, and I just love it!  Here is a taste (all from DVF.com):

     Do you own any DVF pieces? I'd love to hear about it (and post a photo if you can)!

Fashion "Smashion".

    AFD is featured today on Smashion.com! 

    Smashion is a great little online marketplace that allows you to buy and sell your new or pre-loved fashion items! It not only has a great marketplace (all free!), but it has a wonderful online community and you can participate in it's forum and talk about all things fashionable. Check out the full interview here: http://www.smashion.com/lounge/interview/1572-cher-a-fashion-deliberation. 

Adding a Little Versatility.

    I found this little Theory skirt at my local TJ Maxx:

     $60 down from $180. Certainly very cute, but also a departure from my typical work style where I usually stick to pencil skirts. I decided to play around with it a little bit. My biggest concern is that it's too short for work. It does have pockets though, which is always a bonus. I paired it with this Theory button-down that I also found at TJ Maxx on clearance for $29 down from $230:

Skirt: Theory Larryn Skirt (Black, size P).

Blouse: Theory Atticus Button-down (Black/Brown Gingham, size P).
Necklace: Target.

Watch: Michael Kors Runway Watch (Silver).

Belt: Ann Taylor Patent Leather Skinny Belt (Black, size XS).
Shoes: LAUREN by Ralph Lauren Zabrina Pumps (Black, size 6).

     It's a pretty versatile skirt on it's own. You can pretty much pair anything with it and it would probably look great, but the length? What do you think? Too short for work? Keep in mind, I work in the legal industry! You can't see it, but I still have the tag attached so I can still return it!

Review: Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boot

   [Warning: This post is pic heavy.]


    I know there are probably many of you petites out there wondering if the the Hunter Welly is a good fit. How do I know? Because I've been wondering the same thing for years. I finally decided to bite the bullet and purchase a pair. They're kind of ugly, but kind of cute all at the same time. They've always been much more prominently seen in the UK as they have been manufactured there since the 1800s (international manufacturing only began in 2007). Originally meant for the trenches in World War II and then for fisherman, it caught on in the fashion world when Kate Moss wore them in 2005 at the Glastonbury festival. To this day, many stores have a hard time keeping them on their shelves (trust me, I know, I've been trying for a few years now).

Photo Credit: Glamour.com

    The original color is green, but I went with navy. Something a little bit different from the original, but also not too out there if I wanted to wear them on the commute to work.

Fit and comfort: 1/2 size large. I read a hundreds of reviews on this boot, and I couldn't figure out if they were a full size too big or half a size too big. These boots only come in full sizes. I purchased both a size 5 and size 6. I am a true size 6. I first tried on the size 5, and it was definitely too small. I was wearing a a pair of sports socks at the time since that's probably what I'd be wearing with them. I then tried on the size 6. It was a little bit too big, but I inserted a pair of thick insoles for comfort and warmth and then they were perfect. Even though these boots have an orthopedic cushioned foot bed,  they don't have a whole lot of support, so insoles are probably a good idea if you need something to help support your arch. They have anti-bacterial fabric lining to help prevent against odor. Good rubber traction, so these are great for slippery winter days as well.


Circumference, measured on the inside of a size 6: 14".  The circumference isn't too bad. Keep in mind, my calves are about 12.5" at their widest point. A little room around the calf in these boots aren't a bad idea and don't look bad either. There is no zipper, so you need the room to be able to slip them on and off. 

     There is an adjustable buckle, but it's really of no use:

     I'm wearing them with short socks here, but I would probably be wearing them with knee high socks to help close the gap a little bit. But even against my bare leg, the gap isn't terrible.


     They also have this cute label in the inside to put your name, which I guess was useful back in the day when all the soldiers had the same boot and they were all the same color:

Height of Shaft, measured at the back of boot, but not including the small .5" heel: 15".  I read a lot of reviews, and many petites that have these boots complained that they were too high. When they sat down it would cut them in the back of their thighs or knees.  Here they are on me:

     As you can see, the don't come close to hitting the back of my thigh. When I sit on my bed which is much lower than this chair, then I do feel them but it's not bothersome (and how often do I sit on something that low?). Keep in mind that I am 5'1, but my inseam is almost a full 31". If your inseam is much shorter, the height of the shaft might be too tall for you.


Quality: Seem to be made really well. No gaps in the seams and very sturdy. I am confident these will hold up for years to come.


     The also now come in a wide range of colors and textures, including croc and gloss, and in a variety of styles include a short boot, wide calf, lace-up and wedge. Cost for a pair of Originals is $125.


    My friend bought a pair of Hunters years ago and she complained how sweaty her feet got when she wore them. I think it's a good to wear a pair of breathable socks given that no air is going to be getting to your feet with these boots otherwise. I splurged on a pair of Hunter socks ($25/pair):

     I haven't decided if I want to keep these yet. I do, but I'm not completely sure that my budget is going to allow it. Plus, I think I want the Black Gloss boot instead. =/

Saturday Morning.

     Nothing super special about today's outfit, but there's something really soothing about waking up [semi-] early on a Saturday morning, grabbing your laptop or a book, and heading to the local coffeeshop. It's wonderful in the warmer weather to sit on a patio and just people watch, but also in the winter-y months to pull yourself out of bed, put on your coziest hat and run out the door to grab that warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. This time of year in D.C., some days it's still just kind of cool enough in the mornings to be able to wear jeans and a light cardi (which you will have to tear off by noon):

Sweater: Ann Taylor Drape Front Cardi (Grey, size XS).

Shirt: AE Deep V Favorite T (White, size S).

Belt: ASOS skinny belt (Yellow patent, size S).

Denim: J Brand 10" Skinny Jeans (Ink, size 24).

Shoes: Matt Bernson Waverly Flats (Black, size 6.5).

Clutch: AA Leather Carry-All Pouch (Reptilian Poppy).

Watch: Michael Kors Runway Watch (Silver).

    Don't let me fool you. I'm actually actually working today, not going off to some coffee shop to read. =/


     Pegged denim also remixed here: