Shoes--Pumps!

I recently realized that, as a blog about the DoC's style (albeit for curvy ladies), I cannot overlook her fabulous shoes! So, I thought that since she has quite the collection of various styles, I would start with her pumps (called "courts" in some countries). Her choices tend to be classic (of course!) and able to go with all sorts of outfits for all occasions. Since I do not have her budget, however, I have had fun finding similar options without breaking the bank. So here we go!

To begin, I thought it appropriate to show my version of the LK Bennett Sledge pump in taupe:

They go with just about everything! I actually have another pair by Nine West that are a lower heel, just in case (got them for a steal). In this picture I've paired them with a favorite "original," the Jaeger yellow dress from the 2012 tour.

The Duchess is also quite fond of suede pumps--she has many colors, even various styles within one color! My blue and gray ones are from DSW, and found on major sales!

 

These are actually a purple-blue color, depending on the light. :)

 

 

Navy suede and super-comfy!!

I know these may not look comfortable, but they really are!! I can also see why the Duchess has worn hers so often--they make an outfit look really nice without having to do too much. :)

Another pair of suede pumps that I have enjoyed from a Nine West sale:

Seen in one of my earlier posts, the Hobbs Albini pumps in cherry red are an absolute favorite of mine! Hobbs' 38 is a bit big on me, but slipping in some ball-of-foot cushions has helped with that.

And as for black pumps, you might remember that shopping trip I had a couple weeks ago when I had received a nice gift and was able to buy some nice shoes. Here they are:

I love these Coach pumps! Thank you, DSW, for providing them!

So there you go! It's no wonder the Duchess wears pumps so often--they're stylish, keep your toes dry, and when you invest and keep on the look out you can even find comfy ones!

 

A-Line Time!

Greetings! As I’ve thought about the Duchess’ fashion and the looks I’ve “copied,” I decided to do a post about those A-line skirts/dresses that so many are able to “repli-Kate.” As many of you may already know, a-line skirts and dresses flatter ALL figures for one simple reason: they flatter the waist then fall gently over the hips, creating a soft shape. So, here’s a look at the look at some of those skirts and dresses of my own. Some are “repli-Kates” and others are simply because I like them—although I could easily see the Duchess doing the same! J (Several are also looks that I’ve posted here before but for different reasons.)

Below are the dresses:

 

 See how the shape of the dresses is all the same? You’d never know that I’m two different sizes on top and bottom! And when you need something comfy after that “vacation weight” you’re all set!

As for skirts, the same idea applies. Pleated skirts are pretty much a safe bet, as we’ve seen on the Duchess several times. Below are some of my a-line skirt looks:    

 

 

By now you should see the common theme of why this style is so great. I’ve gotten to where I wear skirts and dresses a lot to work—partly because it’s hot right now in Texas, but also because of how comfortable they are. (Dresses also make outfit choices easy. J )

So the next time you’re out shopping for some Duchess-inspired looks, I highly recommend the a-line skirt/dress! Go out and have some fun!!

Pied a Terre "Natural" Imperia Espadrilles

Well, I finally was able to get those natural Pied a Terre Imperia wedges!!! I have always liked them and have been kicking myself for not buying them a couple years ago when they were on sale. Oh well. Though I do not like spending over $50 on shoes—and avoid that when I can—I have LOVED my black Imperias that I bought a couple years ago, so I knew I had to have the white ones. Plus, I’ve wished many a day that I had them for my outfits. Enough talk, let’s get to the pictures! J

I was so excited when they arrived! I ordered them on a Thursday and got them the following Monday! Talk about super-fast shipping!

 

For any of you wondering, I bought them from the Dune website, but they are still Pied a Terre, and it’s the “natural” color. It’s an off-white color, almost ivory but not quite. Here are some close-ups:

 Since the foot bed is kind of a burlap-like material and rough, I bought some no-slip pads for the balls of my feet. It took a lot of wear to get my black ones to the point they didn’t rub me raw, so I’m glad this time I went ahead and got those pads, too. J

And here they are on:

 

So there you go! If you’ve been on the fence about getting a pair, I highly recommend them! I’d say they run true to size. I’m a solid US 7 and that’s what both pairs of mine are. The adjustable strap allows to make sure the fit is what you want. They are well-made and will last a while, as well as being quite comfortable. I get lots of compliments on them! Enjoy!!

Story Time!

Story time! So I was recently out shopping for some basic black pumps. I’d recently received a very nice gift/thank you, and since I needed some pumps for work, I decided to invest in a nice pair that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. Where does one go for new shoes, you ask? Why, to DSW, that’s where! J I met up with a friend for lunch, then we went of shoe shopping. And of course there wasn’t anything in the sale racks (the first place I check at DSW) so I started walking through the aisles. Finally, in the last aisle I saw some that I thought might be good for work. Two-inch heal, closed toe, and just a plain-ole’ basic black pump. The only downside here is that I have done my utmost to avoid buying designer anything (unless it’s second hand). But I had decided to invest, so for the first time in my life I tried on designer footwear . . . and didn’t want to take them off!! Let me tell you, Coach knows how to make a great basic pump! There were several other colors (white and silver come to mind) and were $100. Not nearly as much as the Duchess’ shoes, but still more than I like to spend on shoes. However, I am now a new convert to solid, reliable, wear-until-there-are-holes-in-them shoes—including heels! So I’m sure you’re wondering which ones they are in order that you can go buy some for yourself (which I highly recommend if you need a pair of basic pumps). Here they are!

And the story isn’t over! After snapping up these pumps (and a new pair of running shoes that I badly needed) we headed off to a store I hadn’t been to before: Versona. Another place that is full of Duchess-style possibilities, my friend and I both fell in love with a dress on a manikin. Once we found it, they only had my size available (sorry friend!) so I tried it on. Just like the pumps, I hated to take it off! Aside from liking the dress in general, it also has several aspects that match the Duchess’ style: a-line bottom, eyelet, solid color, and (vaguely) capped sleeves. Though we rarely see her in something quite this brightly colored, she does surprise us! Anyway, I love the dress and it’s been great for work and more casual events as well. So here it is:

 

And here’s a closer look at the fabric, so you can see the eyelet lace:

As to the color, the first picture is closer to the actual fuchsia. It also looks great with a skinny belt, jacket, pumps, you get the idea.

So that’s my story! You just never know what you’re going to find when you take a shopping day!