Shoes, Art, Friendship

Dear readers, I return today with more recent happiness. Today is a day for celebrating shoes, an art gallery trip, and a very stylish friend! :)

Currently the smoking slipper/slipper shoe/albert slipper/etc. is one of the trends of the year (or at least 2011). As such, it has become remarkably easy to find variations on it from many different sources. You may recall last years' review of the Del Toro pair (which are still on my wishlist). However, while I save up for the better shoes, I've found that due to the increased volume, many pairs are much more affordable.

In my case, I was able to find a pair from Topshop in the UK. After guessing at the British and European sizes, I was quite pleased to find out that the shoes actually fit. A couple of things to note: the shoes are real leather (suede)... as opposed to some of the cheaper variants made of synthetic uppers. The soles are a bit flimsy and the support of most standard shoes is not present. However, all in all I really like these. Once I wore them in a bit, they fit very nicely. One of the things I like about them is how open the tops are... I hate the sensation of having my feet suffocate in shoes... these are to the contrary much happier!

Also, the color is extremely striking (I got it to match with my seersucker suit, initially)... I've found it works with everything while not being too crazy. I have been getting many compliments on the shoes, so I think this is a general success. I was thinking about removing the gold trim and replacing it with a tan/brown edging in the general albert slipper style, but I find they work this way just fine at the moment.

Notice the thin profile of the shoes

The heels are very short... almost too short... I may put a pad in the heel to cushion me when standing for long periods of time.

Again, notice the long opening... what is the point of nice socks, if you can't show them off?

Albert slippers are traditionally velvet, which is a no-go for outdoors. I was happy to find these are suede, which looks similar, but is more durable.

Next Up: Random visit to the National Gallery of Art! (A week or two ago.)

I love going to the National Gallery of Art to just walk around, relax, and eat gellato. The art collection isn't terribly huge, nor does it change too dramatically. However, the architecture of the rooms and the general atmosphere is generally happy and enjoyable. How many other neoclassical art galleries exist in such a convenient spot in DC? Also, because probably most people are bored of the gallery, it's usually not too crowded... which enhances the relaxing part of the visit.

Please enjoy a few selections that I particularly enjoyed this time around!

I especially like the dress the girl on the right is wearing... such good taste!

This is a perennial favorite of mine...

Previously, there was a piece of modern art on display that was a slice of bread. It was with amusement that I found a small French painting of butter in nearly the same location this time.

For some reason they are doing repair work on the modern art gallery section... I find it interesting that the building is actually brick, with stone stuck on the front.

Gigantic gellato at the National Gallery of Art... hand for size. (yes, it was delicious)

And now... the outfit that took me to the NGA...

I just love the slim profile this style of shoe gives! :)

The full outfit... (left) and... oh look... now I'm surprised! (right, very silly)

And last... but not least! The surprise visitor!

My friend Shayna from Oklahoma. She gets the award for good taste in style and the perfect smile! :)

This lady is up and coming in political circles, it's a real honor to know her. I should also mention this is what she looked like after a grueling day at a recent political conference (she's so awesome, you can't tell!). I'm impressed with how well she takes all the traveling and manages to consistently look well put together and ready to roll. Every time I've seen her, you could do a magazine spread with her, because she knows her style so well. :D 

Shayna, I enjoyed spending time with you and our conversations about life, politics, fashion... keep up the good work! :)