Miss Shoeniverse

I don't know what it is about shoes that make me happy. Instead of attempting with words, let me show you through these images.

Photos by my photographer G, post-work by my T

Worth the wait!

Every shoe lover knows how opening a shoe box for the first time is almost as good as its first outing. The moment your palms touch that top of the box, then the anticipated rummaging through paper tissues, then a sneak peek of those tall heels. It's like seeing twin babies facing each other, waiting to be cared for.

Today was no exception. Imagine opening three! What a grand time I had, especially after waiting for them for two whole months! The agony!... and now the reward!

Michael Antonio snakeskin 5.5in heels

Forever21 Victorian shoes

Forever21 mesh sexy heels

The Michael Antonios were the first pair I wore. Verdict: it's one of the most uncomfortable pairs I own! Now don't get me wrong. I may not end up using them often, but I'm sure happy just staring at them!

The next ones were the brown side-buttoned booties. Amazing! Paired it with cropped trousers and soft Chinese silk vintage top. Fit was perfect!

Saved the best for last - the black mesh heels are absolute heaven! Looks so seductive, I wore it to a PR event with a tamed business suit.

Doing this online-shopping-through-relative-in-the-States is pure torture. But it was definitely worth the wait!

Parisian chic

They say Paris is the ultimate fashion haven. I've never been there, but I think I may have had a taste of it with a shoe brand called Parisian.

The mall that started it all is aptly named ShoeMart, for short "SM", which is widely and wildly popular in this side of my world for great bargains and complete selection. It did start as a shoe shop and later on grew to the most successful retailer in the country, carrying all things you can think of. Their slogan "we've got it all for you" captures it perfectly.

I remember years back, this brand was merely associated with affordable, sensible shoes. In fact no fashionista in the past decade would have dreamed of wearing one. But look at how it has evolved! It boasts of fashion-forward designs, some "inspired" but a lot are original and I am constantly awed by their creativity and craftmanship. Most of all, how do they manage to do all that and price it at $15-40!

Their current showcase comes from the Philippine Fashion Week and I might have gone back for it about four times now as I find myself craving for a pair I left behind. I might end up buying everything here.

my favorite design from this collection, but not as comfortable as the rest 

i'm still tempted to go back for these, though not very practical in this weather

 trying them out, i'm obviously panicking

 the shop literally turned off their lights as my friend and i finalized our selection

i was very torn: the white or the beige?...

...went for the beige and no regrets! i can wear it with virtually anything in my closet

trying on more styles...

Here are some other Parisian shoes in my closet:

Grey-blue victorian lace up cut out heels 

 studded black gladiators

back-studded grey suede booties

 strappy heels in delicious blue

 black booties with hot pink back detail

Vixen super strappy booties in blush color

Bangkal treasures

The places I'm willing to go for thrift finds! 
This one I've heard of in the past but really never bothered to check out. One "domestically busy" (i.e. motherly errands such as doctor checkups) Saturday, I chanced upon a feature on the newspaper on bargain hunts. One was in Makati, the commercial business district in the Phils, and the article said if you're lucky, you may even find designer's handbags and shoes! Obviously, the latter part made me drive all the way to Bangkal.


I should have expected it won't be a "stroll in the park". It was literally rows of residential streets selling all kinds of wares - from furnitures to trinkets, to used books. Think yard sale but this one's open forever. 


Here are some interesting stuff I found, but didn't buy.

Japanese scary mask (ceramic)

antique brooches, earrings, necklaces, all in good condition

whatever you can think of is here!

my K had a grand time book-shopping

I did snag a few items - an orange velvet vintage thick belt, navy blue chain belt, antique clip on earrings, and this adorable mini doctor's bag. the zipper inside is just screaming at me to buy it!

Happy Mothers Day shoes

I'm no artist but with the right inspiration I can create a decent sketch.

My last shoe shopping was super rushed and I had second thoughts with these black booties as they were not very easy to put on. The pink slingback is made of PVC/ hard type of garter so I thought maybe it's not such a practical purchase.

Several sleepless nights later, I found myself trying to rearrange my schedule so I'll have time go back for them. Even went to the same mall in Davao (southern part of the country) in between work engagements. After three failed attempts, I ended up in the same mall talking to the same saleslady. She already knew me (surprise surprise) and prepared 3 pairs of this same shoe to choose from (I check every stitching, leather scratches, etc).





Almost bought this brown lace up pair too --





-- and this





But obviously just very happy with this!





Black booties, SM department store, Php1,299.75

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Blush-worthy

These were the sky high wedges I fell in love with in Zara. Somehow I knew the shoe-niverse had something grander in store for me. And I was totally right!

Perfectly called "Vixen" in "blush" color, I bought it in between school shoes shopping with the girls. Somehow (like almost every time), I got to sneak in a couple of minutes to run to the ladies' section. Lo and behold, the (current) love of my life, waiting for me on a corner shelf nobody usually notices. 

I love how the garter stretches at the side to make room for the feet to slide in. The solid heel which gives good support, no balancing act needed. The strap-happy design. And did I mention the color? The color is to die for! Makes me blush.

The new pairs sure are piling up. But I'm definitely wearing these this week!

Vixen caged heels in blush, Parisian Jr for Php1,299 (about USD29)

Meet Charles & Keith

As usual, my Singapore trip was another toxic, sleep-depriving, must-remain-intellectual-at-all-times kind of trip. And like in any of my travels, I always hope there's that 1hour break I can manage to shop for shoes.

For the first time ever, I packed very light (key is to pack dresses and one fierce shoes!) to give space for all the goodies I'm bringing to my colleagues from all over SouthEast Asia (they love the vegetarian pork rind "chicharon" and some mangorind candies - combination of Philippine mango and tamarind). In fact, I brought so much that I had an extra overnight bag. I never expected to go home with the same luggage weight.

I guess it was "meant to be" - on the first day, my Steve Maddens failed me for the 2nd time. It got ripped just as I was presenting in front of a boardroom of highly charged, mentally superior group of people (I was the first to present). So needless to say, I NEEDED to buy a replacement pair. And as always, Mr Charles and Mr Keith were ever reliable.

These light gold sandals were the perfect shade, the perfect cut! Bought it in 20min flat, while the shop was closing. It was not on sale, but still not bad at only S$53 (about USD35). I went home to my hotel very happy.


But my pretty Thai friend was much happier, carrying 4 bags worth of 11 pairs of shoes. Look at that smile - no boyfriend can put that kind of smile on any woman's face!

And look at her loot. She actually had to request for 2 FedEx boxes and we spent our last night packing away (convinced her to keep the boxes so the shoes wont get damaged en route to Bangkok).

Two of our pairs were exactly alike. The black criss cross at the lower right of the photo above had a hot pink version which somehow didn't suit me as well, but I was so tempted to buy them. The pretty friend was very "mad" at me for constantly saying "super nice" with all the pairs she tried on (but they WERE super nice on her lovely white feet!).


Not to say, I didn't have my own share. Just 6 pairs (compared to her 11 - I'm obviously trying to lessen my guilt), though not counting the flat sandals I bought from Rubi.

All were from Charles&Keith except for the disco ball silver shoes from Rubi.


My fave pair from this splurge --

This brand has evolved so much in the past years. With fiercer designs, I look forward to more meet ups with these guys.

Friend says this shoe shopping will last her a year. I said "yeah right". Perhaps I was giving myself a reason not to abide by her rule?

all shoes ave price of S$29, 5 from C&K, 1 from Rubi