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Spring Purchase List

As part of my 2014 25 items resolution, I’ve started to create lists of what I’d like each season, instead of just wandering aimlessly around the mall, consuming what doubtless are thousands of calories worth of Auntie Anne’s pretzels. I’ve been slowly adding to my spring wish list the past few weeks, and thought I would share some of the items I’ll be keeping an eye out for come spring. I would love to hear your thoughts, and as always, to hear what you’ll be looking for this spring (if anything at all)!

1. The first item on my list – low heeled pumps. Last last year, almost right before I was going to leave for holiday break, I had a spectacular fall down an entire flight of stairs at work. I really bruised up my knees and back. And I was actually wearing flat biker boots at the time. Can you imagine the calamity if I had been wearing high heels? I have days where I run around the building so much that based on my prior track record, it just isn’t safe for me to be teetering along on heels anymore. And now I always hold the guardrail going up and down stairs! For this particular item, I’ve been eyeing either the Manolo Blahnik “Newcio” and the Jimmy Choo Allure (seen above).

For a less expensive option, I love these Corso Comos, at under $120.

2. A lovely little cocktail dress. Because I adore them and I refrained from basically buying any last year. They are one of the most fun items to shop for.

This beautiful Valentino number  was originally my first pick, until I saw the price. I still think there is a decent chance somebody at Saks had their finger slip and type in an extra 0 on that price!

Screen shot 2014-02-08 at 5.30.43 PM

(left) ALC, (right) Red Valentino

These two are now my current candidates – the orange ALC on the left has a cut out detail on the back and I love that there’s a little zip at the neck so you can adjust the neckline. The dress on the right is from Red Valentino, and its only when you compare it to its big sister above that the price begins to seem reasonable!

Screen shot 2014-02-08 at 5.36.41 PM

3. A blue leather bag. Because I don’t have any and it’d go very well with many of the drab colors in my wardrobe! I really love the royal blue that Bottega Veneta has done for this season and have my eye on perhaps a Large Veneta or the classic Cervo Hobo in this stunning color.

4. The perfect maxi dress. This one is tough because I want it to be able to be worn for a casual-ish nice dinner out, but also to be comfortable for plane ride of any inter continental length (so up to 5-6 hours). It also can’t make me look too short (and I am 5’1, so I’m really asking for the impossible).

So far, this number from Nordstrom is the top contender – it has a drawstring waist to give some shape, and plus comes in petite sizes. Hallelujah!

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5. And finally….a spring patterned shawl. I’ve been eyeing the beautiful pattern from Hermes, above, but so far it only comes in the solid silk and I prefer the cashmere blends on myself. A much cheaper version that I’ve tried on and been fondling in person is this lovely one from Nordstrom, below.

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All right – and that about does it for my spring shopping “to-do” list! What’s on your style bucket list for spring?

 

36 Comments

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    February 19, 2014 at 8:23 am

    What a fun list! Now I’m daydreaming about my list instead of working.

  • Reply
    alice
    February 19, 2014 at 8:25 am

    fun list! I know I definitely want a pair of black pointy toe flats. And my hunt for a vintage box calf Kelly is in full swing (yes I’ve been bitten by the Kelly bug again). Oof.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 19, 2014 at 9:41 am

      Alice I think a box Kelly is very you, but there’s also certain difficulties with them…depends what you want to use it for, what size, etc 🙂 I also love vintage box Kellys and am happy to discuss them at any occasion!

  • Reply
    Elaine @ The Family of Love
    February 19, 2014 at 8:26 am

    For work heels, I own a pair of Corso Comos (via TJMaxx) and love them. The rest of my heels are J.Crew Everly in different color and pattern. On the days I want my feet to relax, I wear the low heel Corso Comos, the built in cushion is very comfortable 🙂

    My spring bucket list is a leather jacket 🙂

  • Reply
    Ammu
    February 19, 2014 at 9:12 am

    That Nordstrom shawl is lovely – great colour!
    The only thing on my spring list for now is a Mansur Gavriel small tote. Huge fan of their leather and the simplicity of their designs.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 19, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      Do you have a bucket tote? I’ve admired many MG totes online but never seen one in real life.

      • Reply
        Sandy
        February 19, 2014 at 3:45 pm

        i could have sworn mill mercantile in sf carried some Mansur Gavriel

        • Reply
          Katherine
          February 20, 2014 at 9:29 am

          I am so uncool I don’t even know what that store is! But I’ll swing by next time and check. Thanks Sandy 🙂

          • Sandy
            February 20, 2014 at 11:18 am

            it’s a cool spot in noe valley. a whole bunch of mansur gavriel will be stocked in the next few months, but there’s already a waitlist for the bucket bag!

      • Reply
        Anonymous
        February 19, 2014 at 6:35 pm

        I have the black/flamma bucket which I love – the size is perfect and I love the lack of hardware.

        • Reply
          Ammu
          February 19, 2014 at 6:36 pm

          I have the black/flamma bucket which I love – the size is perfect and I love the lack of hardware.

          • Katherine
            February 20, 2014 at 9:30 am

            Oh my. Now I am getting more and more interested!

  • Reply
    Diane
    February 19, 2014 at 9:26 am

    I am also a BV fan and am considering a Cervo as my next bag purchase. I love the softness of their leather. I wear maxi’s all summer. I stick with loose skirts and fitted T’s on top to balance it. If I were younger and didn’t have underarm flab, I’d love to wear sleeveless maxi dresses.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 19, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      Oh another Cervo fan! Yes I think Cervo might be my perfect travel bag..of course I’ve said that about many other bags before!

  • Reply
    Yumi
    February 19, 2014 at 9:32 am

    Love your list Katherine! I’m glad you’re okay after falling down the stairs… It sounds really terrible!

    I’ve been loving the low-heeled pumps lately and have been wearing a pair of black Jimmy Choo Vega pumps a ton and absolutely adore them. Unfortunately I think they’ve been discontinued but the Jimmy Choo Irena seems to be a really close match and I may consider indulging in another pair. Otherwise, I’m eyeing a pair of Manolo Blanhik Nasuikaba pumps in their metallic Bordeaux – just need to convince myself they’re shoes that I’d actually wear often and they’re not too frumpy.

    I think that’s honestly the gist of my list right now. Sadly nothing too inspiring for me is out yet but I’m sure a few moments browsing Net-A-Porter will change that.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 19, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      Thank you! I saw the Vega a while back and liked them too. Just looked up the Nasuikaba and they are lovely but I have the same qualms as you do about some MB styles – I’m worried they are just a teeny bit too “older” in style.

  • Reply
    Elle
    February 19, 2014 at 9:54 am

    This may sound illogical, but I find that I am most alert when on high heels. When I wear flats or low-heeled shoes, I amble along with a sense of invincibility that inevitably results in embarrassing falls. I was wearing Uggs when I slipped on a seemingly innocuous sheet on ice earlier this winter; a fall I probably would not have taken if I were on heels. I could be totally alone in this though. 🙂

    To get back on topic, I really like your Spring wishlist (that Valentino number is so beautiful). As for me, I would like to add a smaller bag in a cheery color this Spring (yellow or pastel blue) and also a maxi (but face the same challenges you do).

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 19, 2014 at 2:11 pm

      That is so funny – but I understand! You must be one of those girls who can wear heels for hours and hours. Please tell me if you find a flattering maxi!

  • Reply
    Prêt-à-Porter
    February 19, 2014 at 10:38 am

    I saw nice low heeled pumps at saks off 5th, made in Italy too. That BV hobo is beautiful, either that or the classic model. The blue is beautiful.

  • Reply
    Cassie
    February 19, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    This spring is probably all about the basics. T-shirts, underwear, bras, etc… That being said, I am considering a DVF wrap and a pair of Repetto flats, but I have to look after the other stuff first.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 19, 2014 at 2:10 pm

      I love my Repetto flats and can highly recommend them. I like your list!

  • Reply
    Trang
    February 19, 2014 at 7:43 pm

    What color shawl are you looking for? Hermes has some beautiful cashmere silk ones out this spring. I particularly love the Mors et Gourmettes and it comes in enough colors that I’m sure you can find one perfect for your skin tone. Also, the solid slik gm shawls drape very differently than the 90cms so you might want to try it in in the boutique if you haven’t already.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 20, 2014 at 9:31 am

      I would love something with light pinks, or a largely green toned one. I’m going to take a look next time in person at H and try on more options 🙂

  • Reply
    Laura
    February 19, 2014 at 8:39 pm

    Thanks for the heads up on that scarf – now to pick a colorway!

  • Reply
    Tabitha
    February 20, 2014 at 12:36 am

    The dresses are stunning. I’m on the hunt for a couple of easy, every day, chuck in the washing machine dresses – harder than it sounds to track down.

  • Reply
    a
    February 20, 2014 at 12:42 am

    I’m looking at the Trotters Penelope pumps as alternatives.

    The most comfortable premier heels for me have been Jimmy Choo Aurora. I’m looking for them in the nude, but they’re sold out everywhere.

  • Reply
    Anna
    February 20, 2014 at 4:28 pm

    I’ve already done MAJOR shoe damage this year. I bought Gucci pumps, Manolo Blahnik sandals, four pairs of Sergio Rossi shoes, a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti sandals, the Louboutin So Kates, and a pair of the most bedazzled Roberto Cavalli pumps you’d ever see. Since you really only fail if you don’t learn from your mistakes, I’ve decided to scale down my shopping and go for the minimalist challenge.

    All I could ever want (need? Maybe not) is a cashmere Hermes shawl for those cool spring days and a couple of light dresses. And that’s it for me this spring!

    I love the selection you’ve posted, Katherine. My favorites are (not at all surprisingly) the JC pumps. Have you considered Sergio Rossi shoes? They’re exceedingly comfortable, IMO.

  • Reply
    a
    February 21, 2014 at 9:10 am

    My first pair of Christian Louboutin Simple 3.5in were very comfortable. Fast forward a couple of years, I get another nude pair of Simples. These are a bit lower, about 2.5in. They hurt and my feet were blistered.

    There’s no consistency with the premier designers anymore. Very discouraging.

    Most comfortable shoes are equated with unsexiness. Unfortunate.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 21, 2014 at 11:37 am

      Oh that’s unfortunate to hear! I love my 3.5 inch Simples and have had good luck over the years. Maybe it’s the height change?

      • Reply
        a
        February 23, 2014 at 12:32 am

        It could be a quality control issue.

        I special-ordered a bi-color Ferragamo Vara – lavender and fuschia. They should be comfortable!

        Maybe I should get another pair in nude.

        How are you enjoying the Vara, Katherine?

        • Reply
          Katherine
          February 23, 2014 at 8:28 am

          Ooh, very cool! I love the Vara – there is a break in period though. I have two pairs.

  • Reply
    Elizabeth
    March 9, 2014 at 3:57 pm

    Thank you for this list – I’m in process of “finalizing” spring and early summer now and I’m probably going to try that maxi as I am your height, and maxis make life so easy. My other needs are similar: a great patterned scarf/shawl; one low sandal and one sexy one; and another dress or two, shorter and not black.
    I’ve made one big forever purchase already in 2014 (a Rick Owens leather jacket that’s multiseason and tougher than my much loved “blistered” one) and would like another Kelly. I wish I had a shot at a special order and could get a contrast lining like your black one, but alas that won’t be soon.
    FWIW, I have a Baltic blue BV Veneta and it’s massively versatile.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      March 10, 2014 at 9:08 pm

      I would like another Kelly too so we have the same wish there 🙂 A baltic blue Veneta sounds DIVINE!

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