Starts with Nude Patent Pumps...

Sometimes you find true love, sometimes you have to wait for it to find you. After literally years of searching for these elusive beauties, a chance encounter at Holt Renfrew ended in a shoe dream coming true. 

Happy Monday!

Starts with Inspiration: Nude Pumps

I have been on the search for the perfect nude pump for years now. With Fall undeniably on its way, and with chilly days making open-toed shoes no longer a practical option, a nude pump is an easy way to create a longer leg while still keeping those toes warm. Below are my current top 3 nude pumps:

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In my opinion, no one does a nude colour better than Jimmy Choo.  Not too pink and not too yellow, these are the perfect match for my skin tone. I'm also loving the almond-shaped toe of the Gilbert, which renders this shoe universally flattering and a great pairing with any outfit.

Jimmy Choo Gilbert, available from Jimmy Choo online

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The Christian Louboutin Pigalle Plato pump in patent nude leather is also a great choice. Also, because a high heeled shoe is not always the most comfortable, the subtle platform not only further elongates the leg, but provides a bit of reprieve to what could otherwise be an unmanageable heel height (4 3/4 inches) 

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Plato available from Saks Fifth Avenue

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Finally, the classic pointed pump. This version, by Semilla, has a subtle point which is flattering on shorter legs (I find that pointed shoes where the point is too long or sharp actually creates the illusion of shorter legs).  

At almost half the price of the two other options above, it's an eye-catching shoe while being a bit gentler on the wallet.

Semilla 100mm Patent Leather Pointy pumps, available from Luisaviaroma

Notice a trend? They're all patent leather. For a nude pump, patent leather provides a bit more dimension so the shoe doesn't blend in with the legs exactly. I haven't committed to a pair just yet, but that doesn't mean I haven't been obsessively researching/trying on nude pumps. I think any of the above would be a great choice and would definitely be a staple in my wardrobe for seasons to come. Unfortunately, this also means my Fall shopping list is steadily growing...decisions, decisions, decisions! 

Image credits from top: Jimmy Choo, Saks Fifth Ave, Luisaviaroma

Starts with Inspiration: Smoking Slippers

I'm loving the new smoking slippers being shown for Fall. They are, to me, the  older sister to the ballet flats (which I still love!). But make no mistake, though more mature, a wall-flower this shoe is not. The endless varieties of embellishment and textures for this Fall's smoking slippers will leave you, shall we say, burning with desire? 

Here are my current top three favourite styles:

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First is the B Brian Atwood Metallic Leopard-Print smoking slipper. The embellished suede backstay is what stands out to me here. It's the perfect unexpected complement to an already pretty stand-out pattern. I'm loving the subtle leopard print, while the metallic fabric provides a great "pop".

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Second is the Prada Glitter Logo smoking slipper. A less in-your-face look, but eye-catching nonetheless. I'm loving the light gold and small glitter flecks (I'm not a fan of chunky glitter). I'm imaging these with cropped black skinny pants topped with a polka-dot silk blouse like this one.

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Last but not least is the Valentino Caviar-Crystal Lace smoking slipper. There's really nothing like Valentino's iconic lace pattern. I think the lace is a nice complement to the sometimes more masculine-looking shoe, and provides an unexpected texture to the leather base of the shoe.

So what are your thoughts? Will you be giving your ballet flats a rest this Fall and give smoking slippers a try?

(Image credits for post: Neiman Marcus)