Genius

No worries, the snow melted long ago - it covered the ground just for one night and a few hours of last Sunday, and now we are experiencing lots of rain in Seattle (we are good at it, you probably heard the rumor). Justin was really surprised to see me walking in these open shoes in snow, but hey - it was pretty nice outside, and I couldn't resist anyway. This outfit was on my mind for a while, but it wasn't completed - I just couldn't decide what shoes to wear with it. Then I remembered my beloved, my sweet, my intricate and oh so comfortable Pikolinos from probably 8 or 9 years back. Aha! Now the picture was complete!

The jacquard skirt is by Chico's, and I got it on a clearance sale for under $30 as a part of my Christmas present. I think it is the best fitted skirt in my wardrobe to date. I tried it here with my non-iron shirt (I really don't enjoy ironing and almost never iron my clothes, so it better be wrinkle resistant), a curious long necklace which looks almost like I strung a bunch of buttons with my bare hands (someone even asked me if I did). The necklace (as well as all the above mentioned items) is actually by Chico's, and is unexpectedly heavy. I love how it adds texture to an outfit (which is one of my quests these days).

As I did this photo shoot a few days ago, I did not plan any link up, but I learned today that Bella Q, The Citizen Rosebud, is having her Shoe Shine, and I thought this post is so much about shoes and decided to participate (again, for the very first time - wahoo!). It is open to anyone and just has to be about shoes which make you shine! Join the party!

Here they are, my sweeties. I adore them!

Curiously enough, I posted an outfit which included this pair of shoes about a year ago in one online style community. Probably 90% of response was not in favor of these shoes. Many girls said that the shoes were old-fashioned and suited a woman twice of my age. Really? I am not very much for "age appropriateness" either way and couldn't care less though. "Too young " or "too old" - what does it even mean? I don't find these shoes "old". I find this intricate cut-through design sophisticated, elegant, inspired, whimsical and so classical! And by the way, Sylvia's yesterday's post about the mid heel shoe trend for Spring 2014 made me realize that my shoes are actually... quite hot this year! So they never actually were "old-fashioned" - they were just a bit ahead of their time, like all geniuses are! Well, I love and wear them anyway. :)

Here is to my still wearing them when I am twice my age! ;)

Jacquard skirt, non-iron shirt, necklace and bracelets - Chico's. Pea coat by Kristen Blake. Shoes by Pikolinos (old, but found for sale here and here in three different colors). Clutch by Cole Haan.