Showing posts with label Shoes My Husband Hates 2016. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shoes My Husband Hates 2016. Show all posts

Monday, June 13, 2016

Shoes My Husband Loves: Green Kitten Heels

And just like that, whoosh! Today was over. I don't know where it went. 
However, I do know that I had a lot of fun with "Shoes My Husband Hates" week (even though a bunch of you are not on Team Heeled Sneaker!).


  • Jacket - Alison Wonderland, consignment; last worn here in March 2015(!) with lock and key pants
  • Skirt - Pierre Cardin, vintage 80s, thrifted; last seen here in August 2015 with a bunch of colours
  • Shoes - Half-Truth Tanya, Fluevog; last worn here (3rd outfit, after the VFF Gala pics) in February with a Betsey Johnson strapless dress

I can't believe it's been over a year since I wore this jacket! I love the slim fit of it, and it's really more like a top (I'm wearing a plain black camisole under it) than a jacket. It was so hot last year that many of my jackets didn't get worn over the spring/summer. Thank goodness it's a little cooler this year.
I completely adore this wonderful handmade (in France!) vintage silk Pierre Cardin pencil skirt. This is only its 3rd wearing since I bought it a year and a half ago in Vancouver. I must make an effort to wear it more.

The stuff:
So, I'm not going to do a series of "Shoes My Husband Loves" but as I mentioned before I started the SMHH week last week, I let L pick out a pair of palate-cleansers after all those Crimes Against Shoemanity, and these are what he picked. I was surprised at these, but happy - yay, kitten heels are my favourite!

Here's what he had to say:

At last the bad shoe week is over! Here we have a pair of Fluevogs I absolutely love. Everything about these shoes is perfection, from the incredibly vibrant green, to the way it artfully fades to a darker shade. The buckles and straps are narrow and refined, and the pointed toe and narrow sole are trim and  sexy. This is a shoe that says “classy” and “edgy” with equal fervour. Would I like these beauties to be four inch heels? I’m a man, so of course I would. But these shoes are so stylish and elegant even a low kitten heel appeals. These shoes renew my faith in shoemanity.

Greenest bling:
I'm still kicking myself for not buying these shoes in the purple!


  • Necklace - Mom's vintage 50s
  • Earrings - Stella and Dot

Friday, June 10, 2016

Shoes My Husband Hates: Black Wedge Sneakers

Hello, and welcome to the last day of...

SHOES MY HUSBAND HATES

...a series that I'll be running all week, featuring - you guessed it! - shoes my husband hates. Go here to read the previous series from 2014. 

Now, a couple of things before the fun begins.

L and I have been married nearly 20 years. He in no way ever tells me what to wear, what to buy or even suggests anything to do with my appearance unless I ask him for his opinion (and he is honest when I do so). He is definitely biased by what styles were classic when he was a teenager, so pointy-toed pumps are the ultimate feminine shoe in his eyes, and he knows what he does not like. You may disagree, or you may agree, but either way, let's play nice here. 
Because chunky shoes contrast nicely with uber-girly stuff.


  • Shirt - Tommy Hilfiger, thrifted; last seen here for Star Wars day in May
  • Skirt - H&M, thrifted; purchased here for $15.00, but its (also thrifted) twin was last worn here with a hole in it
  • Shoes - Ash, consignment; last seen here (2nd outfit) for brunch in May

Overall, I like this outfit, but compared to the last time I wore this skirt, it's nowhere near as good. I think it makes a big difference having bare legs - I know I would definitely wear a longer black half-slip (I have about 6 of them) under it next time. It felt very short.
However, it was fun for a Friday, and how will I keep evolving if I don't keep experimenting?

And really, it was all about the shoes. You know I've saved the biggest "Crime Against Shoemanity" for last...
L loathes these. Let's see just how much, shall we?

These shoes are relatively new to Sheila’s wardrobe, but I doubt the horror and revulsion I feel for them will fade over time. High-heeled velcro sneakers. This shoe goes best with vinyl leggings, halter tops and bad decisions. This is a shoe for bad haircuts, Nickelback concerts and chewing gum with your mouth open. This is a shoe for looking tough enough to hang outside the 7-Eleven and not get hassled by dorks going in to buy Mountain Dew, but sexy enough to bum smokes from older guys in suits. This is the preferred shoe for the girl who likes to get "right-hammered!" for a night on the town for two reasons. First, the added support means she’s less likely to twist an ankle than when she wears her scuffed black pumps with the broken heel. Second, in the morning when she wakes up still drunk, these shoes are easy to do up (thanks, Velcro!) so she can walk home along the freeway (having spent her bus fare on that last round of shooters). 

Yee-owtch! Maybe that hits a little too close to home - I may have been close to that girl back in the 80s/early 90s, heh heh.

A big round of applause and thank you to my dear L for telling it as he sees it - his reward will be the cherry on top on Monday, of Shoes My Husband Loves. Aw, I think he deserves it after having to look at all my "awful" shoes all week.

Back to regular business. The stuff:
Are these really that bad? I like them, but I do kinda feel like I've done what I can with them in my wardrobe. I only paid $19.99 for them and I've worn them 3 or 4 times, so it's not like I spent a lot. I'll have to think about it.

Shiny bling:
First wearing of my $2.95 thrifted leather belt.


  • Belt - vintage 80s, thrifted
  • Pin - late 90s, The Bay
  • Bracelet - Ellandemm
  • Earrings - Jacob
  • Death Star ring - Soul Flower


I went for a quick thrift shop at the WIN Warehouse store after work with one of my work-friends, and the Velcro on my shoes came in handy. I found a new pair of shoes!
These are black fabric on the toes, faux black patent on the heel cup, and the strappy part is a faux snakeskin textured blue.

They're flat.
Really flat. I like that these are a pretty modern style  - someone must have really disliked them, to have donated them so quickly!

They're by Aldo, and as you can see, they were maybe worn once or twice.
And only $18.95! Sweet! Can't go wrong with that! 

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends! I have a quiet one planned: chilling and gaming tonight with L, Winesday tomorrow, and a movie out on Sunday. Sounds like a recipe for fun. See you Sunday!

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Shoes My Husband Hates: Purple Platform Booties

Hello, and welcome to...

SHOES MY HUSBAND HATES

...a series that I'll be running all week, featuring - you guessed it! - shoes my husband hates. Go here to read the previous series from 2014. 

Now, a couple of things before the fun begins.

L and I have been married nearly 20 years. He in no way ever tells me what to wear, what to buy or even suggests anything to do with my appearance unless I ask him for his opinion (and he is honest when I do so). He is definitely biased by what styles were classic when he was a teenager, so pointy-toed pumps are the ultimate feminine shoe in his eyes, and he knows what he does not like. You may disagree, or you may agree, but either way, let's play nice here. 
A funky dress on a funky gal! I've decided after many years to grow my hair out, which is why it's looking ass-tastic the past few weeks. In case you were wondering.


  • Dress - I'M Isola Marras; last seen here in July 2015 with fakes and reals
  • Boots - Prepare Maps, Fluevog; last seen here with velvet and lilac in September 2015

This is a very funky dress. I love it so much, I IRONED it last night. On the floor. On top of a towel. I haven't used the iron in years. I feel like I should get a medal or something. 

I wore lacy tights (it wasn't too hot out today, phew) and a short half-slip under the dress so that I had a bit of coverage - that's a very open hemline.
This dress doesn't just talk - it shouts! Maybe that's why I like it.

Okay, shall we talk about the shoes? L really has strong opinions about these ones!
And I'm sure some of you may agree - these are not everyone's cup of tea.

After easing our way into Bad Shoe Week, Thursday finally delivers our first true crime against shoemanity. The only thing I like about these boots is the colour, which is glorious. Otherwise, they are a demented folk-art project that has all of the worst elements of my most hated shoes of 2014 (the Dutch Elf Disease [link] and the Turquoise Monstrosity [link]. Rounded toes, rustic stitching, clunky heel – you name the feature I don’t like, and this shoe has it. The decision to take the basic design and turn it into a boot would have been an improvement if it weren’t for the tan orange beads. These create an arts-and-crafts feel that makes me think some craft fair vendor took a perfectly serviceable pair of Fluevogs, festooned them with beads, and is now trying to sell them for $30 more than original retail price. My advice: skip it, and get the homemade preserves at the booth next door.

Okay, first of all, he should trademark "Crime Against Shoemanity," right? Hilarious! And I do agree that the wooden beads remind me of some truly horrendous macrame from the 70s.

The stuff:
I'd like to remind L that he bought these for me! And I do love them - the colour, the shape and oh, they are so comfy to wear. Although a pain to take on and off - I changed into and out of them three times today and that was two times too many.

Gold bling:
Yup, that's gold (colour).


  • Earrings - vintage fair
  • Ring - some junky store in the late 90s


 This morning, Vizzini was being very lovely. Here he is with his "come hither" look for me.
"Hey, Woman, why don't you come over here and nap with me?"
I was so tempted! Thank goodness it's Friday tomorrow. Of course, that means the biggest Crimes Against Shoemanity have been saved for last - stay tuned!

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Shoes My Husband Hates: Grey Ankle Strap

Hello, and welcome to...

SHOES MY HUSBAND HATES

...a series that I'll be running all week, featuring - you guessed it! - shoes my husband hates. Go here to read the previous series from 2014. 

Now, a couple of things before the fun begins.

L and I have been married nearly 20 years. He in no way ever tells me what to wear, what to buy or even suggests anything to do with my appearance unless I ask him for his opinion (and he is honest when I do so). He is definitely biased by what styles were classic when he was a teenager, so pointy-toed pumps are the ultimate feminine shoe in his eyes, and he knows what he does not like. You may disagree, or you may agree, but either way, let's play nice here. 
Today's outfit: Retro Etro and Invisible Ankle Straps!


  • Blazer - Etro, vintage 90s, consignment; last seen here in August 2015 
  • Lace top - Abercrombie & Fitch, thrifted; last worn here in May for the Day of Indolents
  • Pants - Banana Republic, thrifted; last seen here (2nd outfit) in March for weekend brunch
  • Shoes - Gentle Souls; last worn here in April with baby blue and ocelot

I was told a couple of times how "professional" this outfit looked. I think that's code for "not your usual whackitude batsh*t crazy outfits." It feels like a very normal outfit for me, but I still liked it.

The blazer is the schtar of the outfit - I haven't worn it in ages (I noted here, way down, in March that I hadn't worn it during my fall/winter season last year). I love it, though and look how smashing it is.
 It's cotton, cupro (a wood-pulp-based fibre) and silk, and is made in Italy (like all Etro goods are).
I forgot how much I love these pants! Unfortunately, they completely hid the awesome ankle straps on the shoes.

I haven't posted details of the blazer in years. Check out the gorgeous tie silk lapels.
Swoon, and that lining? All the colours!

This is likely from the 90s, which is when Etro started making ready-to-wear men's and women's clothing.
No big 80s shoulder pads, and the length is not quite that "X-Files Scully extra long jacket" thing that was going on at the end of the 90s (although it'll be back, mark my words!). I paid $42.00 for it in 2013.

But wait, what about the shoes?
I love these shoes - what a fabulous colour and shape! But you're not here to read what I think...let's see how they fare with L, our arbiter of shoe fashion this week.

Another pair that are really only mildly disliked (Sheila’s good taste makes this task difficult) but since I wasn’t hired to be laudatory, here goes. These shoes have a chunky heel that flows down into an overly thick sole. This heel is what I would call "interesting" but only in the ominous way your enemies might say, "May you live in interesting times." The shoes are further cursed with a finish that remind me (painfully) of the ugly Sears catalogue suede jacket I used to wear in my late teens. I used to think those jackets qualified as dressing up, but they actually looked kind of shabby. In the parlance of the Sears catalogue I expect these shoes would be colour coded “003” for “frivolous grey.”

Hired? Honey, you are not being paid for this! Ha, this does remind me of those dove grey 80s suede jackets that were everywhere back in the early 80s, though, before shoulder pads took over our world. Kinda like this:
I see them in vintage stores a lot - the leather is hard and creaky. Avoid.

Moving on, let's look at our stuff:
Yup, still love the shoes, so suck it up, L.

Simple bling:
I was all about really clean lines today.


  • Cuff - POLY, thifted
  • Ring - POLY, vintage fair
  • Earrings - Dior


We had a truly spectacular sunset last night.
"I must be ever-vigilant."
Shockingly, that whole "red at night, sailor's delight" thing didn't work very well - it rained for much of today, although it's sunny and windy now.

I moved in a little closer.
"I know you're there, woman."
The nearer I got, the more his ears waggled at me and the less colour the camera picked up.
"You clomp around like an elephant. You'd be a terrible officer."
One pat and down he went, mrowring away at me. 

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Shoes My Husband Hates: Black Wedge Sandals

Hello, and welcome to...

SHOES MY HUSBAND HATES

...a series that I'll be running all week, featuring - you guessed it! - shoes my husband hates. Go here to read the previous series from 2014. 

Now, a couple of things before the fun begins.

L and I have been married nearly 20 years. He in no way ever tells me what to wear, what to buy or even suggests anything to do with my appearance unless I ask him for his opinion (and he is honest when I do so). He is definitely biased by what styles were classic when he was a teenager, so pointy-toed pumps are the ultimate feminine shoe in his eyes, and he knows what he does not like. You may disagree, or you may agree, but either way, let's play nice here. 
Aw, look at those pretty sandals. Who could hate an innocuous pair of black sandals?


  • Blouse - Alfani, thrifted; purchased here last week for $18.00
  • Skirt - Sandra Angelazzi, consignment; purchased here  for $25.00
  • Shoes - Ralph Lauren, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) in May with Danger Pants

I adored this blouse - the sleeves are like wings! I swooshed them around the office and was generally goofy. As I am.
First wearing of this awesome graphic skirt. I loved it...but it's got no stretch whatsoever! I have gotten so used to everything having a little bit of give - it felt weird. However, I really like it, so it's a keeper.

The stuff:
Okay, shall we see what L has to say?


Observant readers will already know that I am no fan of the solid wedge heel, which tends to make all shoes look like they were designed by a structural engineer. This isn’t the worst wedge heel, though. I think I picked them more for the glossy black toe strap and flat, blunted open toe which reminds me of those utilitarian dress flats that are a mainstay of old lady shoes the world over. From the bustling streets of Rome, to the dusty sidewalks of small town British Columbia, this thick strap/blunt-toed combo screams out, “I am wearing these shoes on the advice of my podiatrist.” The heel and ankle strap help counteract this effect, but not enough to keep these off the list.

I am smellin' what you're cookin', L, but I think you're pushing it with these - these aren't even close to old lady shoes! Readers? What say you?

Silver bling:
One of my favourite sets. 

  • Cuff/earrings - Fossil, gift from L
  • Shield ring - Nine West
  • Death Star ring - Soul Flower


Well, we shall see with tomorrow's outfit and shoes! Shockingly, it might be another shoe with a non-skinny heel. 

Monday, June 6, 2016

Shoes My Husband Hates: Purple Ballet Flats

Hello, and welcome to...

SHOES MY HUSBAND HATES

...a series that I'll be running all week, featuring - you guessed it! - shoes my husband hates. Go here to read the previous series from 2014. 

Now, a couple of things before the fun begins.

L and I have been married nearly 20 years. He in no way ever tells me what to wear, what to buy or even suggests anything to do with my appearance unless I ask him for his opinion (and he is honest when I do so). He is definitely biased by what styles were classic when he was a teenager, so pointy-toed pumps are the ultimate feminine shoe in his eyes, and he knows what he does not like. You may disagree, or you may agree, but either way, let's play nice here. 
First up, an innocuous little pair of ballet flats.


  • Kimono top - Urban Renewal; first worn here (2nd outfit) to see "So You Think You Can Dance" on tour in January
  • Top (underneath) - Club Monaco, thrifted; last worn here (3rd outfit) to shop with my mother-in-law in May
  • Culottes - Jones New York, vintage 80s; last seen here for a partial sick day in March
  • Shoes - Chie Mihara; last worn here (3rd outfit) with a Liberty print for shopping in May

I was quite happy with this outfit - it was perfect for a first day back after being off for 3 days last week. Only 500 emails too. I must be doing something right.
I like this kimono top/jacket thing - I preferred it worn with a sleeveless top versus the longer white shirt I wore last time. I also don't mind the blockier shape of this outfit, even with the leather obi defining the waist.

And shall we get to the shoes now?
What does L have to say?
 These shoes are really more of a "mild dislike" but because Sheila has such great taste in shoes it was hard to find five pairs to hate on. I like the colour and overall shape, but I generally don’t like shoes with big raised flowers on them. The position and shape of these flowers make them look more like some kind of moss growing in the side of a rock wall, threatening to encroach their way onto the foot of their "host."  It’s not quite “Day of the Triffids” but it is disconcerting.” 

The poor man had trouble coming up with 5 pairs that he hadn't picked on before - no repeats! - so although he doesn't have the same dislike for these as some others coming up this week, I'm sure he'd be happy to see them go. However, these are staying in my closet for now. If he hadn't chosen them, I'm sure I wouldn't have worn them for work - they are getting a bit too worn out for that.

The stuff:
Considering how simple the outfit is, that's a fair number of accessories.

Eastern bling:
I normally would do silver accessories with white/lavender/black, but why not gold?


  • Necklace - Ellandemm, thrifted (first wear), purchased here for $8.00
  • Belt - thrifted
  • Earrings - thrifted
  • Floral bracelet - Trifari, vintage 60s, vintage fair
  • Cuff - vintage 60s, Mom's


Another hot day today, and with both of us back at work, the Vizz-meister was grumpy.
"You're going to leave me?"
He was really happy to see me when I got home!