Holiday Outfit ~ Start with Jimmy Choo

If you’ve been with me on my blogging journey from the beginning and read some of my previous posts, you already know by now a few of my shopping habits. You know I am the type who will save and splurge on that investment piece that will last a lifetime. I never venture into buying something I know nothing about. I am the type who does extensive research and dreams with anticipation about the day I can finally purchase the item I’m highly lusting over.

One such item was a pair of ballerina flats I spotted one day at the local Neiman Marcus store almost two years ago. It was love at first sight. The store carried only one pair in my size and it fit perfectly. The shoe was made in Italy from the softest, most buttery leather. It had a beautiful and unique ombre glitter finish and a delicate bow detail on the front. Walking in these shoes felt like walking on a soft cloud (thank you padded leather insoles!). I quickly envisioned myself wearing these shoes everywhere: to the park with my son once I gave birth (I was pregnant at that time), grocery shopping, to brunch with family, on date night. It was the perfect shoe for every day, as well as for special occasions.  I decided right then and there that I needed that pair of shoes in my life. But they were not just any shoes, they were Jimmy Choos. And Jimmy Choos are unfortunately not always within reach. So I didn’t buy the shoes that day.  I added them to the Wish List I keep in my phone and hoped that one day I would be able to call them mine. Some time went by, the shoes sold out in store and online. I was a little (okay a lot) bummed and figured that was the end of my love affair with this shoe. Only it wasn’t.

A few months later while mindlessly browsing on Rue La La online, I happened to spot these shoes again. In my size and for 40% off retail price. Talking about meant to be and good things happen to those who wait! I was ecstatic and this time I didn’t wait. I purchased the shoes that very second. For those of you unfamiliar with Rue La La, it is a member-only shopping site (membership is free) built on buying surplus high-end goods and selling them at a small discount. Thus, it is an excellent place for brand new designer items at a discounted price. I first learned about Rue La La while reading Lauren Conrad’s Style book and the site quickly became one of my personal favorite online sample sale sites.

A flat shoe is not something I would typically reach for when picking out a festive ensemble, but this year, I decided to try something different. I’m going to have this particular pair of shoes take center stage of my holiday outfit. I am planning my outfit starting with these shoes. The reason why these flats work with a more elevated look is the glamorous glitter detailing. It is not over done and it does not look average. It’s what makes these shoes demand attention. I opted to pair them with a simple black silk shirt, a beautiful yet understated greenish-grayish A-line pegged taffeta skirt, statement necklace, vintage suede clutch and of course, a red lip.

We live in a digital world where we have access to a multitude of ideas and inspiration coming from all over the world. You log on to Instagram and Pintrest and often times, you see the same type of outfits, the same type of styling. I think in today’s world, the challenge has become to stay unique and different, to be YOU. Try something new this holiday season. Go outside of your comfort zone and reach for new experiences.  Whether it’s experimenting with a new lipstick color, wearing something you don’t typically gravitate toward, getting a new haircut or hairstyle, trying a new type of food, don’t allow your inner fears to hold you back. Allow your inner self to shine this holiday season and always!

Outfit Details: Kenar Silk Black Blouse (similar here)~ Nanette Lepore silk taffeta pegged skirt (similar here)~ Jimmy Choo Glitter Ballerina flats (similar here) ~ J. Crew statement necklace (similar here) ~ Hourglass Icon Red lipstick