TBMD

My quest for neutral ballet flats started when I spotted these Valentino flats at Saks about 6 months ago. The retail price of $495 was much more than I'm willing to spend, so I spent weeks staring at its prettiness while trying to find another that makes my heart skip a beat.

I bought these Delman Mona ballerina flats in oat crinkled patent, size 6 (currently sold here) because they retail for $195.00 and I paid $55. I can't say no to a great sale. Reviews for this pair said most people sized up, but since it was on sale, I was stuck choosing between either 6 (my normal size) or 7.5. I was hoping to be one of the minority where it fit true to size, but unfortunately size 6 was too tight on me. There was toe pinching and now I have an inkling of how sardines feel in a can, lol. Another 0.5-1 size up would be much more comfortable. From the few steps that I did take, there seemed to be a good amount of cushioning and padding, so with the correct size I can see this pair being comfortable. After all, Delman are supposed to be known for their flats.

After returning the Delmans, I then went and bought the Gap the city flat in camel, size 7 (currently sold here) over the holidays. These are actually a great look for less alternative to Lanvin ballet flats. The scrunched up shape (bottom right) looked odd when I first saw them, but don't be scared because they're quite comfortable on. What made me decide to return this pair was the color -- a few shades too dark for my skin tone, and I needed more structure in the toe box -- the leather practically molds to the feet and didn't make mine look flattering.

On the third try, I thought I had found success with this pair of Forever 21 Scrunch Flats with Bow in taupe, size 7 (currently sold here). Size 6 was too tight and size 7 is a tad loose. If only these flats came in half sizes, then 6.5 would have been perfect. After trying on the previous two pairs, I've come to the conclusion that my feet look better in flats with some sort of adornment on the toe box. I think it draws attention away from my wide feet. I decided to keep this pair, but the happiness didn't last long, as I lost one of the bows soon after :(

When the Valentinos finally went on sale at Saks, my size sold out almost immediately. I kicked myself (literally, by accident) for not being on top of daily shoe stalking, because now here I am back to square one. When browsing for other similar options (like this Miu Miu pair which is oh-so-pretty), I came across the same exact Valentinos for half off at Foot Candy! It must've been fate, first to lose a bow on the F21 pair at the same time sales are going on. So here it is, my Valentino Bow Ballerina Flats in blush, size 36.5 (currently sold here).

I did my research prior to purchasing and went half a size up. The flats are definitely more on the narrow side, so my regular size 6 would have been too small. Size 7 would have left too much room in the toe box, so 6.5 is about as good as it gets. It still is narrow, but I think over time the leather will stretch and mold to my feet. I like how the leather is super soft and buttery. After wearing it for a few days now, to my dismay there is a breaking-in period. Unlike my patenet Miu Mius where the back would rub against my feet causing blisters, this elastic back on this pair would push my feet forward a bit (but no blisters!). Now looking back at pictures, I shouldn't be surprised because out of the box the flats curved like a "U." Do you have experience with curved flats? Do they flatten out over time?

Lanvin hearts H&M = epic fail

No, the collaboration wasn't a fail, it was I who failed at getting any pieces. But really, I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up because my friends and I arrived at the DC store at 7:40 am, only a mere 20 minutes before the store opened! I remember thinking, "That's it? That's the line?!?! Woohoo, do I actually have a chance?!"

Pretty soon after we got in line, we were handed green bracelets (11 - 11:20 am shopping group). Given this, I'd estimate us to be between 180-200th in line. Wow, we were actually one of the first 320 people! But the excitement was short-lived and it all went downhill from here haha. Once the doors opened at 8 am, everyone rushed inside only to be kept out of the fenced section unless it's your group's turn to shop. The shopping section was tiny, there were seriously only about 10 items for each piece and they weren't restocking!

I know we hear stories about people buying up whatever they can get their hands on just to resell on eBay, but it was such a shock to witness. Ahh, the small cynic side of me won't stop saying "I told you so" haha. After watching the madness for awhile, we decided to just leave and come back later (since you didn't have to wait in line for the entire duration).

We came back around 10 am and pretty much the whole section was cleaned out. Nada, nothing left. There were still people standing around hoping for any leftovers from the changing rooms, but by now all the good stuff were gone. We chatted with a couple of the security guards and they guessed that by 9-9:30, everything was pretty much gone. We didn't even end up sticking around for our 11 am time slot and instead went next door to Zara lol.

Lesson learned from my first ever standing-in-line experience: I'm not cut out for this! I would guess that the only people who were able to get anything were in line by 5 am. Pieces are now up on eBay for 2-4x retail. Craaazy I say! What's even crazier is I'm contemplating getting the white side-ruffle skirt off eBay lol. Sigh, I should've realized how much I really wanted it before this morning.

Did you brave the cold for Lanvin hearts H&M? If so, was it worth it? What did you buy?

(Sadly I didn't take any pictures, but if/when my friends put theirs up, I'll update this post)

I have a thing for quilted bags. This Lanvin Amalia quilted bag is classic with a twist of girliness, which I absolutely love :) The price tag though... not so much :( They range from $2000 - $3000 depending on the size (GM sold here, MM sold here).

When browsing through my usual sites today, look what I saw at Forever 21: their version of the Lanvin Amalia which they called the Audrey Leatherette bag, at a much affordable $22.80. But... it just doesn't look as luxurious, for lack of better word haha. I know, I know, that's such an obvious thing to say. I'm more partial to Lanvin's black over Forever 21's brown. Buy it online here!

Bear with me, here goes another pearls post :) This time, imagine pearls stranded together with a ribbon. Doesn't that just seem ultra feminine to you? Behold Sarah Michelle Prinze (nee Geller) in Lanvin's ribbon necklace *swoons*

For a couple hundred dollars, that necklace could be yours. But... for under $20, Target's Merona's necklace is shorter, black in color, but also multiple times cheaper!
I promptly went to my local Target and picked up this necklace as soon I laid my eyes on it. It's not long like Lanvin's, but long enough so it doesn't look like you're wearing a choker. It's pretty heavy and everytime I wear it, I have to make sure that the knot in the back is tied nice and secure. Definitely one of my best buys!

*Sarah Michelle Gellar images courtesy of FabSugar
*Merona image courtesy of Target