Leopard Print - What Should I Choose?

I need a leopard print pump or bootie (closed toe is the key here) for fall. Perhaps "need" is a strong word. Nope. I just decided. Need is definitely not too strong of a word. I heart leopard print. It's pretty much a classic. Take it from me folks, leopard print will never be out of style. Which is why a cool pump (or bootie) has made it to the top of my "next shoe purchase" list. I will feature two of my top choices today and two more tomorrow. I thought perhaps you might want to help me choose and it the midst of all these choices you might just find a pair you want too!

Rock & Republic - Angie

Tory Burch - Camille

With the exception of the pump vs. bootie shape these are pretty equal in regards to cost and material. I must mention that I am somewhat apprehensive when it comes to a pony or calf hair upper. You see I had a pair of Nine West leopard print peep toe pumps and the hair rubbed off. I'm not sure how and I'm not sure why but it was as if with the turn in the weather the pony/calf shed its coat. Has this ever happened to anyone else? Or am I alone here? Either way I'm not sure I could go wrong with either of these. What say you, dear readers? Which would you choose? Tory or R&R?

BTW why is it ONLY Thursday????

It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

No, I'm not talking about Christmas in July. I'm talking about the time of year when stores start receiving their Fall merch guaranteeing daily drooling.

Fendi - Beaded Suede Bootie

And this hot little Fendi bootie is no exception. Gah! I need these in my life. Seriously?? A crazy sexy shape with a leopard print beaded design that just oozes raw sex appeal. Someone take my Visa away from me. Stat!

Leather and Lace

Nicholas Kirkwood - Leather and Lace

Stunningly gorgeous. The perfect mixture of strength and beauty this leather and lace bootie by Nicholas Kirkwood would be the ideal addition to any woman's closet. Just imagine wearing them now with a flirty floral skirt and then come fall with the addition of a pair of colored tights. Pardon the drool but I can't help myself. Pretty spectacular, eh?

Recently Purchased...

I thought I'd begin a new feature here on A Girl's Guide to Shoes to show you all what has made it from shopping bag to my closet. Despite popular belief, I don't only buy shoes : ) But don't worry, there's a pair in there.

Eyelet Dahlia Blouse - Anthropologie

You will NOT believe the deal I scored on this blouse (Although I am definitely planning on styling it more like a short sleeved jacket/blazer). The picture here does not do this little beauty justice. It is gorgeous! And although not currently available online I found it a my local Anthro so check yours and maybe you'll luck out too. I paid $39.95 for this blouse and the original price was $148! So excited about this purchase because I know I'll be able to style it in a variety of ways and get so much wear out it.

Garden Party Necklace - Anthropologie


Nine West - Stellen

Can I tell you how much I heart facebook? Yeah the social networking aspect is great but I am LOVING all of the deals I've scored by being a facebook fan of different brands like DVF or Nine West. Yesterday there was a post on my wall about a flash sale Nine West was having and when I clicked the link I found these. Just $23.75 + tax! I even managed to find a coupon code for free shipping!

Rachel Reinhardt Chandelier Earrings courtesy of Gilt Groupe

Another site I heart. Gilt Groupe. If you aren't a member yet. What on earth are you waiting for? You can click the invite link on my sidebar and join today. But if you are a member you know what I'm talking about. And as for these earrings they are part of my new pact to myself. My new pact of less is more when it comes to jewels. Spend more money on quality costume pieces and start getting rid of the cheap stuff. Paid $50 for them and they retail for $135!

Coach - Alexandra Collection

Alright in full disclosure this is not yet purchased but is soon to be. Especially since I have a gift card and a 25% off coupon burning a giant hole in my pocket. I'm partial to the kelly green but I wanted to show you how versatile this baby is. One bag that you can wear/carry three different ways. Genius!

Walking A Mile In My Shoes

Wore these last week or perhaps even the week before??? I love these shoes. The yellow is so vibrant and they manage to add the perfect pop of color to a variety of ensembles. I

However, yet again, my crappy camera doesn't do these beauties justice. Currently searching ebay for a new camera. Any suggestions???

Anyhoo, I found these at Dillard's last year and and they are no longer available but I managed to find a couple of pair that are similar.

Charles David - Bluster

Luiza Barcelos - Sandal

Who's The Big Winner???

Alright ladies! It's the moment you all have been waiting for. Time to announce the winner of the KM2 shoes giveaway! I put all of the entries into a bowl and shook them up, closed my eyes, and chose. My puppies were very curious over what all the hubub was about so I let them sniff the piece of paper before I opened it to see who won. Goofers. And the winner is.....


Blogger holly in heels said...
Hey there! Fantastic giveaway! I love the Margarette shoes--so colorful and flirty! I tweeted this giveaway, am a follower of both blogs, fan of both on Facebook, and follower on Twitter. Hoooooray!
xoxo,
www.hollyinheels.com

Huge congrats to you Holly! Just email the ladies of KM2 at info@km2shoes and get your style on. And hopefully once you get your shoes, you'll share a picture ; ) I'd love to see what you choose.

Holy Hotness + A Few Deals

Pour La Victoire - Blake

Yep. These are hot. I love the shimmery, golden, snakey, upper and the shape. I am a girl who loves her some booties. So, so happy this trend is still on the up and up. The almond toe, the stiletto heel... Yummy, yum. Dreaming of fall now. What about you?

This just in! Here are some deals and steals for ya!

TODAY ONLY score 50% off on all Jessica Simpson sandals at jessicasimpsoncollection.com. Just enter the word SANDALS at checkout.

For 3 DAYS only you can get an extra 20% off at Piperlime's lime tag sale. Just enter the code EXTRA20 at checkout.

Today is your last chance to enter to win KM2 shoes. Here are the deets in case you didn't know them already. The contest closes at 8:00 p.m. central standard time.

To enter you must:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite item is from KM2shoes.com

To increase your chances of winning you can do the following:

• Be a follower of A Girl's Guide to Shoes and the KM2 Shoes blog (2 entries)
• Become a Facebook fan of KM2 shoes and A Girl's Guide to Shoes (2 entries)
• Follow @AGGTS and @shopKM2 on twitter (2 entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway and mention @AGGTS and @shopKM2 and then leave a comment on this post telling me you tweeted (2 entries)
• If you have a blog mention and link back to this contest in one of your posts, and then leave another comment letting me know you posted about it. (2 entries)

All in all you could garner a total of 11 entries! Now what the heck are you waiting for???

Only Two More Days - Giveaway is now OVER.

See the post dated 7/21 to find out who won!


To enter for your chance to win a pair of KM2 shoes. See below for the rules.

To enter you must:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite item is from KM2shoes.com

To increase your chances of winning you can do the following:

• Be a follower of A Girl's Guide to Shoes and the KM2 Shoes blog (2 entries)
• Become a Facebook fan of KM2 shoes and A Girl's Guide to Shoes (2 entries)
• Follow @AGGTS and @shopKM2 on twitter (2 entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway and mention @AGGTS and @shopKM2 and then leave a comment on this post telling me you tweeted (2 entries)
• If you have a blog mention and link back to this contest in one of your posts, and then leave another comment letting me know you posted about it. (2 entries)

All in all you could garner a total of 11 entries! Now what the heck are you waiting for???

Discount + A Giveway!

I'm sorry. Did you not hear me?

The sisters behind KM2 shoes have been kind enough to offer an exclusive 20% DISCOUNT to my readers! Once you decide to order a pair of KM2 shoes all you have to do is email info@km2shoes and give them the code AGGTS which will be good for 20% off! Which would be good towards

These

OR

These

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

The ladies have also, oh so generously agreed, to give one lucky lady a FREE pair of KM2 shoes OR $200 worth of accessories!!! Super amazing stuff, right??? Okay now here is what you have to do. I'm even gonna make it easier for ya.

The contest will run from today through next Tuesday, and the lucky winner will be announced on Wednesday, July 21.

To enter you must:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite item is from KM2shoes.com

To increase your chances of winning you can do the following:

• Be a follower of A Girl's Guide to Shoes and the KM2 Shoes blog (2 entries)
• Become a Facebook fan of KM2 shoes and A Girl's Guide to Shoes (2 entries)
• Follow @AGGTS and @shopKM2 on twitter (2 entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway and mention @AGGTS and @shopKM2 and then leave a comment on this post telling me you tweeted (2 entries)
• If you have a blog mention and link back to this contest in one of your posts, and then leave another comment letting me know you posted about it. (2 entries)

All in all you could garner a total of 11 entries! Now what the heck are you waiting for???

Enter now!

This is an amazing giveaway!

Good luck!

Interview With THE Shoe Designers (Part 2)

I had SO much fan with Katelyn and her sister Mattison. They were kind enough to let me try on some of their amazing shoes. Lucky me!

AGGTS & Katelyn of KM2 shoes

Admiring what was easily my favorite pair

For part 1 be sure to check out yesterday's post. And now without further adieu, part 2 of my interview with KM2 shoes.

AGGTS: What role does each one of you have within the company?

Katelyn: I am director of operations. I oversee nuts and bolts stuff, AKA paperwork. Mattison is Director of Sales and Marketing, she is a selling machine and a huge driving force behind the company, she has quite an edge! Megan is a genius... I mean seriously, she dreams up new shoes and wakes up and makes them, she is the creative director.


Truth is though that we all sort of cross our borders as far as our roles, we all have so many ideas to bring to the table whether its design (we all have 3 completely different styles and tastes which make for a great blend), or even on the business and selling aspect... Km2 is a sister team effort with a capital T.

AGGTS: As a customer what should I know if I want to order a pair of KM2 shoes from your website?

Katelyn: You should know that not every style is up on the website... we interchange them to keep things fresh. We are constantly producing new shoes, new styles, new colors! That's why you've got to check the site constantly and follow us on facebook and twitter at shopkm2 and also our blog! We post new shoes and inspiration all the time. You should also know that we sometimes use vintage pieces as the main custom element to our shoes. That means that no two pairs are exactly alike so you may receive a slight variation in ornaments, which is part of the excitement. And also if you see a shoe you love and maybe you have an idea for a color you would like to add or are looking at a style to match a certain outfit, than email us at info@km2shoes.com. Let us talk it out with you, design you exactly what you want!

AGGTS: And where can we find your shoes in stores (both in St. Louis and L.A.)?

Katelyn: In Saint Louis go to CHA on Clayton Road in Ladue and Susan Lynns in Town and Country at Clayton and 141 with the polka dot awnings. Both stores are amazing and the people that run them are even more amazing. You are sure to have wonderful shopping experience at both places.


In L.A., we are at Em & Co on 3rd street right in the Fairfax District! This store is so awesome, they had our first fashion show for us during LA Fashion week in '09, we love them.

AGGTS: What are your plans for the future?

Katelyn: BIG ONES! NO SMALL PLANS MADE HERE. in upcoming months we are THRILLED about our boots coming and flats and closed toed pumps to follow. We are getting ready to be featured on a international webisode that will expand our borders tremendously. We are definitely an international brand and I am thrilled to hear stories of customers from all parts of the world. The customized part will always be there, we will always give our customers the option to decide exactly what they want and create with us. We will be doing another line that is not customized and a lower price point but with all the elements of our line now, timeless, wonderful, head turning, sexy shoes. We are on a mission to spread the love and joy of fashion we have in every day life and hopefully all women will want to "Start with their shoes!"

I really can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed meeting the incredible women behind KM2 shoes. Here are a few more pictures, including the boots Katelyn mentioned. They are amazing!

Image Source

Image Source

I had such a blast meeting Katelyn and Mattison and I hope you enjoyed learning about KM2 shoes as much as I did.

But wait! That's not all! The sisters behind KM2 shoes have been kind enough to offer an exclusive 20% DISCOUNT to my readers! Once you decide to order a pair of KM2 shoes all you have to do is email info@km2shoes and give them the code AGGTS which will be good for 20% off! Amazing stuff, right?

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

And (drum roll please) as promised there is a GIVEAWAY! The ladies have also, oh so
generously agreed, to give one lucky lady a FREE pair of KM2 shoes OR $200 worth of accessories!!! Super amazing stuff, right??? Okay now here is what you have to do.

The contest will run from today through next Tuesday, and the lucky winner will be announced on Wednesday, July 21.

To enter you must:

• Be a follower of A Girl's Guide to Shoes and the KM2 Shoes blog
• Leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite item is from KM2shoes.com

To increase your chances of winning you can do the following:

• Become a Facebook fan of KM2 shoes and A Girl's Guide to Shoes (2 entries)
• Follow @AGGTS and @shopKM2 on twitter (2 entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway and mention @AGGTS and @shopKM2 and then leave a comment on this post telling me you tweeted (2 entries)
• If you have a blog mention and link back to this contest in one of your posts, and then leave another comment letting me know you posted about it. (2 entries)

All in all you could garner a total of 9 entries!

Good luck!

Interview With THE Shoe Designers (Part 1)

As a resident of St. Louis, MO it isn't everyday one comes across bonafide shoe designers. Especially ones who actually reside in this fair city. Nevertheless that is exactly what happened when I decided to do a little research on facebook for local shoe stores. I quickly discovered the brand KM2 shoes and was instantly smitten. Their facebook page led me to their website and I couldn't believe my eyes. Gorgeously designed, ORIGINAL pieces with a uniquely artistic flair for a fraction of the price of those high end designers. KM2 shoes is a company founded by a trio of sisters (Megan, Katelyn, and Mattison) who all share an intense passion for fashion. Fashion is in their blood, after all, with a father in the industry for 26 years and a mother who has a keen eye for what will always remain timeless and feminine. I instantly knew I wanted to learn more and I naturally wanted to share my find with you (The best readers/followers out there!) so I set up an interview. Katelyn and Mattison (Megan was in L.A. but I still managed to get a few questions answered by her via email) were kind enough to invite me out to their showroom/design space to get a peek into the latest addition to their business. Just wait until you get a load of these shoes! Here is a little teaser picture for ya.

image source

AGGTS: I love the story behind how KM2 came about. Would you mind elaborating, for my readers, on how this business was first created?

Katelyn: Well Megan and I were in a marketing class at UCLA with Peter Kraus (wonderful teacher by the way) and he gave us the mission, given our background and love for fashion, to create the perfect shoe. So, we went about sketching and creating and ripping shoes apart to get ideas and loved it! We called our sister Matti and said "Oh my gosh we gotta do this thing... ". We started showing people in class our designs and the response was amazing! Our teacher told us we didn't have to have everything out, just to step towards our new found dream of having a line and that we would be halfway there, so we stepped out, invested each a small amount of money and had our shoes made at a factory in Brazil! The rest is history!

AGGTS: Tell me about the design process and where you find your inspiration.

Katelyn: Well all creative credit first and foremost goes to God, He is the ultimate creator. Beyond that we do love to follow fashion and trends via runway or just the amazing style you can find on fashion blogs from all over the world, and traveling. We are mostly inspired by people I would say. Personality, personal style... We are inspired by characters... when creating a shoe we start by thinking of the girl who is wearing them... is she cultured? Is she adventurous.. is she dainty? Wild? Rock and Roll?? There are so many facets of design and so many women of style to inspire us daily. Our mom is a style icon to us:) She is beautiful and timeless. Megan is Creative Director... I am sure she has some clear cut ideas too.

Megan: We start out designing a classic and timeless base construction and have that hand made in a factory. Once we get them in we go to town designing what we would love to see on our own feet. That includes hand sewing, dying, studding... Everything added is done by hand and therefore each shoe is one of a kind and couture.

As for inspiration, it comes from everywhere. Whether it be watching an era movie and loving a character, seeing someone on the street, studying runways and trend reports, or simply getting a divinely inspired idea. There are times when I will wake up in the middle of the night and have an idea on how to design and assemble a shoe and I'm like "Thank you God"! I have to keep a notepad next to my bed. When executing a design idea on our basic construction, our shoes become a character. The thinking becomes all about where the woman will be going in the shoes or what she will be doing. Is she going to meet her Romeo in them, is she going to get the big promotion in them, is he performing on stage in them etc...

AGGTS: What makes your shoes unique?

Katelyn: Well not only are they customized which is the obvious answer, but they are also partly handcrafted. We mull over every pair that comes out of our studio, we spend hours, sometimes even days searching for the perfect pieces to go on each shoe we design... We treat every pair as a piece of art , when a customer gets a pair of KM2 shoes they know we put our heart into them. Even our employees treat the shoes with the same tender loving care.

Megan: There is such a thought out process to our shoes. We love dressing up and becoming a character. I think our shoes reflect that. Growing up in a shoe design household, there was never a time where the outfit didn't start first with the shoes. My dad always said, "As long as you have a great pair of shoes and accessories you can pull off anything." I guess that stuck.

AGGTS: What is your favorite style of KM2 shoes?

Katelyn: MY FAVORITE ARE GLITTER! I LOVE GLITTER! Oh and this new pair we made that are AMAZING. Fire engine red with radiant swarovski crystal flowers... maybe those are my favorite. I think they are, I have worn them every day this week with every type of outfit imaginable, dressy to cut offs. This is a hard question.

Megan: I think I have worn my Esthers more than any shoe in my life. They have gone from the grocery store to the Grammys.

KM2 Shoes - Esther

Stay tuned tomorrow for Part 2 of my "Interview With THE Shoe Designers". Another teaser, here are couple more designs for you to drool over enjoy.

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Seriously??? How hot are these?

A pair of custom designed bridal shoes.

I guarantee if you come back tomorrow you won't regret it. There may or may not be a special discount available exclusively for AGGTS readers towards the purchase of a pair of KM2 shoes AND a GIVEAWAY too!!!!!!

Keepin It Real

I'm reeling with excitement right now! There are some awesome things in the works for the ol' bloggity blog. Be sure to stay tuned and check back on Monday. I've got something amazing planned. I'll give ya a hint. It has to do with shoes. ; )

But for now I will just taunt you with yet another delicious pair of shoes from Jessica Simpson.

Jessica Simpson - Gano

Well... hello there... 5 inch heel + 1 inch platform. I don't know about you guys but I am loving this 5 inch heel trend. Many of my friends would call me crazy but I know you all don't think so. You've got my back, right? The leopard print adds just the right amount of pizazz. But don't just take my word for it. You've got to get a load of these on the foot.

Walking A Mile In My Shoes

So I promised a dear friend and colleague whose last day in the office is Friday that I would wear my Louboutins before she leaves. I, of course, had to document such a momentous occasion. It is their debut appearance since I had the protective sole put on.




I love them. In fact, I am beyond loving them. I adore them. They are so perfect and I know I will have them in my life for many years to come.

Christian Louboutin - Simple Pump

Bondage, eh?

Jessica Simpson - Satino

I feel like Jessica Simpson's design team has been getting their kick ass, bondage, sky high swerve on lately. First the Dany, and now this! I mean just wait until you see them on. So! Hot!

Am I right, or am I right?

Lizzy, This is For You.

Elizabeth and James - Lizzy

This bootie has me intrigued with a capital "I". From the cuffed ankle, to the lace up tie, and the peep toe I am loving these with a capital "L". You may think I'm crazy but I am beyond happy that the peep toe bootie will continue, yet again, to be a hot item come fall. They're fun. They're flirty and work appropriate. That is a beautiful thing.

Ummm, Yes Please!

Sam Edelman - Lorissa

Solestruck.com has been BRINGING it lately. This is a stunner of a pump. With a heel covered in studs and rhinestones you've got all facets of your personality covered. Feeling dangerous. Check. Feeling glamorous. Check. I NEED these in my life. Do you hear me? The perfect juxtaposition that ever there was. So, so stunning. Le sigh...

Too Much?

Perhaps. However I was minding my own business yesterday, perusing my email inbox only to find this. Who What Where's daily email. You'll never guess what caught my eye.

Senso - Wilma

One of the things I have enjoyed most about this blog is how it has inspired me to venture outside of my box. This shoe would definitely take me there. It's almost comical how far. But that, my dears, is why I love them. And I love them in the leopard print. There. I said it. However I will say I am a little apprehensive about the pony hair upper. I had a pair of Nine West peep toe pumps made of the same material and the hair rubbed off just a few months after I bought them and I haven't worn them since. Has this ever happened to anyone else?

Also on my radar... these...

Senso - Acacia

Now tell me, what has inspired you to venture outside of your box?