Bye-Bye Blisters

I love a great pair of flats, but I hate how uncomfortable some of them can be. I often limit myself to less put-together looking elasticated flats to spare myself the blisters.
Browsing the Net-a-Porter site, I came across these great Marc Jacobs flats. They're simple and classic, but the back is cut away, with only a thin elastic band holding them on your feet. They seem like the perfect solution to awful rubbing heels. Hope this catches on. (Plus I love the way they're styled!)

Novel Idea

As an English major, I am constantly reading one novel after another. The second I finish one, I have to pick up the next to keep up with my fast-paced lit class. But sometimes, a novel I read stays with me, influencing me in ways I wouldn't have expected.

I recently read Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko, about the struggle of Native Americans to retain old traditions in a changing world. Silko's descriptions Native American ceremonies, the costumes and headdresses, has made me seek out these traditional influences in modern clothing.

I found great beaded sandals by Jeffrey Campbell, beaded bracelets with boho patterns, and even a metal "feather necklace". I especially love the sturdy shape of the necklace's pendant.

And it turns out I'm not the only one embracing Native American embellishments. One of my friends wore a patterned beaded belt with jeans a couple days ago that reminded me of one I had as a kid. She found it at a local flea market... So I guess you know where I'll be next weekend!

H&M City Guides

I was surfing the web between classes this afternoon (as usual) when I came across the H&M website. In their menu on the site, they have a link called "City Guides". I clicked on it and it turns out they have tourist guides to major international cities - London, Paris, Shanghai, etc. There are insider tips on the best food and shopping in each city, and some video clips of fashionable women actually visiting the places mentioned.

This feature isn't exactly new - if I had to guess I'd say they've been doing it since about 2006 - but it's certainly news to me. It's interesting to watch the videos and live vicariously, and the guides are definitely a must-read before you travel. They mention a great looking vintage shop in Rome that I wish I'd know about when I visited last year. Oh well. I'll make it back there eventually...hopefully.

Girl Meets Dress

My obsession with Vena Cava has been going on for a long time now, but their gorgeous dresses are a tad expensive, so I've been holding out for the perfect one (and praying for them to collaborate on a Target Go collection).

Then I encountered their "Topanga" dress and fell in love. It combines two of my fave things - pretty dresses and Boy Meets World. Maybe it's a sign. But even if this dress isn't my dress, the name definitely solidifies my love of the Vena Cava girls.