1. How wonderful are these lace espadrilles from Tory Burch, below? I truly, truly love them, and they’re a mere fraction (something like ~25%?) of those very cute Chanel espadrilles that have been tempting me for years now.
I have an unnatural amount of loathing for the gym so I like to walk whenever I can, generously estimating the number of calories I must be burning. Thus I’ve been on a flats rampage these last few months, looking for comfortable shoes to walk outside in and enjoy the warm weather.
I adore these espadrilles and they’ve been added to my “buy” list when my size is back in stock. However in the meantime, I’m also debating between this pair and a very similar version in black, which is probably the safer option if you don’t want dingy looking footwear by the end of summer.
2. Raise your hand if you’ve ever bought something from a luxury house in Europe – and marveled at just how much cheaper it is! Anyone who is interested in the still fast growing Chinese luxury market should find this article about the trend of “daigou” agents– people who procure luxury goods abroad for a small fee, in a sort of “luxury arbitrage”.
3. Can we ever get tired of Ines de la Fressange? I can’t and I adore this interview with her via the NY Time’s T Magazine. Some great tidbits about her own personal style, and advice to all the rest of us.
4. I generally feel a bit sheepish recommending books/movies on the blog which have been huge bestsellers/hits – it’s kind of like your weird relative exhorting you to go and watch that cool little movie that came out awhile ago, called Avatar. Regardless, I’m forging ahead and recommending one of my favorite books, Angela’s Ashes.
There’s been a certain amount of debate over how accurate this autobiography really is, but reality or fiction, Frank McCourt’s story of his childhood is one of the most compelling I’ve ever read. I re-read it probably every year. Some may find the stories within depressing, but I personally find a tone of perseverance and humor throughout, and always leave this book with a positive spirit.
Enjoy your weekend!
17 Comments
Pret a Porter P
April 11, 2014 at 8:53 amI’m no fan of TB but even I can admit those shoes are beautiful.
Katherine
April 11, 2014 at 9:00 amI’m not usually a fan either! I was really pleasantly surprised by these shoes, especially since there’s nary a large TB logo to be found!
alice
April 11, 2014 at 9:37 amOh god, I can’t even talk about how much I would have saved if I bought all the things I did recently in Europe instead of the States. It makes me cringe. Now the plan is to take biannual European shopping trips… I’m convinced I would save money this way. 😛
Mel
April 11, 2014 at 10:42 am….wait for the day where duties & taxes between USA, Europe and Asian Countries are history!…. 😉
KDot
April 11, 2014 at 10:46 amI just read Angela Ashes for the first time last week and absolutely loved it!
Justine
April 11, 2014 at 11:34 amAustralians take shopping trips to the U.S., usually LA. As long as Aussies buy approx. 3000 USD of goods, the trip is worth the cost of the plane tickets.
Katherine
April 11, 2014 at 1:29 pmSo AUS is more expensive than the US then? A bit depressing as I’m planning on visiting but that won’t stop me 🙂 I wish outside visitors to the US were able to get tax back, it’s only fair.
Maria
April 11, 2014 at 12:04 pmGreat TB espadrilles – black gets my vote. I wish she would just ditch the logos over all her things, too. Some of it is so stylish yet I don’t buy it because of the logo. Just can’t……
I read Angela’s Ashes years ago. Perhaps it’s time to revisit it.
Ariadne
April 11, 2014 at 3:19 pmHi! Those tory burch shoes are adorable, I bought last years style and I just have to warn you, the quality is terrible. They fell apart after a week and when I went back to the store they simply said nothing can be done because they were worn.
Katherine
April 11, 2014 at 4:07 pmHi Ariadne, that is so unfortunate, I’m sorry that happened to you! It’s making me think twice about buying them anywhere other than Nordstrom as I at least trust Nordstrom’ return policy and CS. Thank you for sharing.
Ava Lon
April 11, 2014 at 8:26 pmDear Katherine,
Might I gently suggest that while those espadrilles are cute – please get the Chanels if only for longevity issues. TB espadrilles are sub-par and like you, I am not a fan of TB items (wear-and-tear reasons), which just confirms you should get the Chanel espadrilles sooner-than-later before they do another hike in price. I walk everywhere and I have the black version from last spring/summer and the navy I got as soon as they arrived (having placed an order for them ahead of time — both canvas, the former single sole, the latter the newer double sole) and both are in great shape and I am NOT gentle with them.
Are they comfortable? That is debatable, they aren’t as miserable as Louboutins, that’s for sure. However, there is no true arch support inside so I would recommend getting an insert unless you are comfortable walking for miles on very flat lasts. I fully admit that I do derive much joy every time I slip them on, LOL. 🙂 They are easy to wear, perfect for summer, and for an avid walker, perfect for you. I promise you will feel much happier with the Chanel espadrilles than the TB ones regardless of the price. In the end, it will be worth it (re: price per wear).
I will also admit I am one of those people who keep a pair of work-appropriate shoes at work so these make the perfect commuting shoe especially if you have plans for a casual night out after work and want your feet to be comfortable. I have yet for the rubber sole on either pair to wear down, and even if it does, there are many fantastic shoe repair options in most major cities, so I am sure it can be resoled if need be.
Unfortunately, the espadrilles always all sell out before Chanel starts their private summer sale and I have never seen it at the SAKS Chanel shoe sale either…so, I would strongly recommend if you can get it now to do so, or let your SA know that you want (I would go up a size, though different generations of them seem to run differently – i.e. leather runs smaller and tighter, espadrilles a little looser, and even the different color in the espadrilles run differently in size, e.g. the Ecru (white) Canvas ran smaller than the same size in the Black canvas last Spring) and ask him/her to put you on the wait list to contact you as soon as any come in stock.
Also, as a fellow walker, I would take a look at the new Spring/Summer flats that came out so that you know your perfect size (again, I would recommend going to try on the shoes at night, after a long day of work, walking about, and eating salty foods so your feet swell to it’s maximum before you test out their flats) and keep it in mind to take note of the style number, SKU, price, color and size. I would then let your SA know that when they have their initial markdowns for sale to please give you a call (I have a feeling your feet are a popular size) so you can get your lovely Chanel flats at a discount and being that they are so classic, you will not need to worry it will go out of style. Call me a planner. This is how I got a few lovely flats on sale and have been wearing them nearly every season.
I would love to see you do another post about your skincare and cosmetics routine for the summer – if it changes that is.
Thanks for the very interesting article links in this post!
Have a wonderful weekend!
🙂
Ava
Katherine
April 13, 2014 at 7:00 pmThank you Ava! So glad to hear that you like your espadrilles. Funny you mention them as a work/commute shoe as I have been admiring them on a coworker! My SA has a list of available sizes that he sent to me, I’m still pondering 🙂
Ava Lon
April 16, 2014 at 5:24 pmYour lovely SA sent you a list of sizes? Your store has a list of available sizes? Every store I have been to has been sold out. Dare I ask which store? 😉 What a kind dear your SA is, it’s a sign, get them! 😀
I promise, you will thank me when they hike up the prices next Summer and every summer afterwards! LOL!
Which, by the way, did your SA tell you about the price hike of their bags on May 1? 🙁
I just read your post about your bowler (STUNNING – by far my favorite bag by Chanel I have seen, wish they would reissue it) and your little girl does not look like she is 12yrs old! Wow!
So, some more things to ponder…espadrilles, maybe a purse, and maybe some VCA, too, before they jump and heck, Cartier, as well, since they plan to hike, as well.
I feel like you will get them and I can’t wait to see your outfit posts and your thoughts on them!
🙂
Ava
Katherine
April 17, 2014 at 9:44 amAva if you need a SA rec just email me and I’ll pass it along 🙂 The VCA increase is top of mind for me right now, lol!
Tiffany
April 12, 2014 at 5:15 amHey Katherine,
I actually just picked up these TB espadrilles! They have the black/navy available on their direct site! http://www.toryburch.com/darian-flat-espadrille–crochet%2Fmestico-%7C-466-%7C-espadrille/887712559190.html
While I also long for the Chanel version, it’s so hard for me to justify paying so much for a pair of espadrilles. Especially since we only see about 7 days of warm weather in SF!
-Tiffany
Katherine
April 13, 2014 at 6:52 pmThank you!! I love those navy ones, I wish they came in straight black! These are calling me too…
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