30 Soles: Take Me To The Peep...Toe!

THE SHOE: Black and white patent leather button peep toe heel by BC (Thrift store find!)

THE WHY: You will never believe it but today it was 70 degrees! What a chance! What a day! I need no jacket and I can wear summer shoes! These are actually one of my favorite pairs of shoes! And for five dollars why not! So comfy and adorable too! What a lovely day today was! And a Friday no doubt! The day began with a dreary start... as in I worked hard at my kitchen job.... but by 11am things were looking up! Today's shoes put a lovely little spring in my step for the warm day and for the first time in a few weeks the hot pink nail polish was allowed to glow brightly in todays warm sun! And to make matters better! I did well on my Japanese exams and got a perfect score on my American Literature exam!

THE TIDBIT: Today I bring you a wonderful place for a pedicure... and Boba Tea! It is in the 16th Street Mall in Denver Colorado! The Denver Nail Lounge!

http://www.denvernaillounge.com/

30 Soles: Pitter Patter Petticoats

THE SHOE: Black vinyl ballet flats MAXI by RAVE

THE WHY: I decided for some reason that I still haven't completely worked out to dress in Lolita today. I think the main reason was that I had time after work today with little studying to do so I had time to primp. I originally was thinking on pulling out those lovely ankle boots. But the sun and the warmth filtering through my window whispered otherwise. And so I opted for a simple ballet flat which in retrospect was a wise descision so I didn't clash with my piano knee high socks. I also realized today that while I was wearing my Lolita I was beginning to realize that I am actually outgrowing the style a bit. Its just a little too childish for me, yes I like the frills for special occasions but as for an everyday look I'm thinking that its time I clip those child strings and stick to the mature style that suits my personality... but it was still a fun treat today.

TIDBIT: My outfit for the day!

30 Soles: Drop Me Into Wonderland!

THE SHOE: Patent leather pin heel tea party-esque No Boundries heel with ankle strap (And hold your breath ladies... Wal-Mart)

THE WHY: Well today's original shoe selection was a pair of black ballet flats but as this modern day Alice but despite urging of my white rabbit (my boyfriend) that I would be late if I didn't hurry it up, I couldn't resist the call of these charming little shoes. I found them by sheer chance in a Wal-Mart several rabbit holes away (Colorado Springs) and I thought well despite their normal use for my frolics into the Japanese Victorian and Rococco inspired Lolita fashion... today would be the day I would answer their cries of loneliness. And they rewarded my justly. Not only did they match the vibrant pink mini skirt I wore... with tights (its far too cold to go without) but they completed an outfit that put me in the ranks of super cute when I walked in the door to my Intensive English Program volunteering. As always IEP is quite the adventure. There are people from so many different cultures that I want to talk to more! There is a student from southern China! Maybe he will teach me how to say more then "Lei hai sofa!" (I'm winging the spelling on that one) which is "You are a silly goose!" and Reagan will surely be impressed! And another girl from Saudi Arabia who I REALLY want to talk to more about what that country is like... someday I wish to visit there I think their culture is truely an interesting one... as well as many other students!

So today my shoes took me on an interesting adventure... alas, I was not able to have tea with the Mad Hatter... perhaps my shoes will save that treat for next time!

TIDBIT: My next talent that I wish to aquire is.... Japanese Tea Ceremony! I plan on starting lessons either in December or in January!! Wish me luck!

30 Soles: Rules For White

THE SHOE: White vinyl bowfront ballet flat Maxi by RAVE

WHY: Today's shoes I felt were very fitting for a warm sunny but breezy day. That and after rushing around at work for four hours a girl definately needs some comfortable shoes. I'm sure there is some rule that says I can't wear white shoes at this point in the year but what non sense. They matched my outfit perfectly and I was inspired by Hello Kitty today so this called for bows in my hair and bows on my shoes. Funny how little white bows make everything that much better!

TIDBIT: Hello Kitty has a last name. It's Shiro... or white in Japanese. So Hello Kitty White! not quite the best ring to it ne?

30 Soles: The Power Suit

Supposed to be posted on Nov, 2nd

And Shoes to Match!

THE SHOE: Patent leather heels Fioni brand, Payless

WHY: These shoes were my choice today because I felt the need to have a little extra courage for the day. As is typical for Colorado fall... the weatherman said 45... well it was 35 and more dreary then a foggy day in London.... but mostly because I was feeling puny due to my exam today. American Literature is normally fairly easy for me but for some reason... nad I blame Emily Dickenson, I was feelinga little uneasy about this exam.

I've always felt that every woman should have one pair of shoes in thier closet that when they put them on they feel pretty unstoppable. These are my shoes. They aren't expensive or gaudy, just shiny and black, but they tell everyone that I'm going to step right up and take the challenge... and if I get dirty... its nothing a little polish can't fix. Let's hope that hols true for my exam!

TIDBIT: Mary Tudor of England was actually one of the first women to wear high heels and make the shoes in fashion for females as opposed to males who used the heel for riding.

30 Soles in 30 Days!

Yes my readers (however few of you there are) it is November the 1st and as I promised the shoe blog as commenced!

THE RULES:
Each day I will post what shoes I wore for the day and why I chose to wear them... and maybe a fun tidbit or two!

SO LET'S GET STARTED!

DAY 1: Break 'em In!

The Shoe: So today's shoes are Fioni brand from Payless Shoes!


Why?: I chose these shoes today because I purchased them on Friday with some friends... Payless had a secret (it was on Oprah) sale where you got fifty percent off your purchase! I've wanted some ankle boots and these were just too cute! I put them on on this sunny sunny November day because I wanted to break them before I debut them to the whole world! Its never a good idea to wear shoes without a test drive! And as I walked down the sidewalk this afternoon I was delighted to hear that all familiar "click.... click.... click" as that lovely narrow heel daintily tapped the ground. I glanced down and was delighted to see how small my feet appear in these shoes. I always get a smile when comfortable meets darling and danity wins the day!

TIDBIT: Here's what the boots were hiding!

What Are You?

Tonight I went to lecture on identity with Kip Fulbeck as the keynote speaker. I will openly admit that while I enjoyed myself the emotions I were feeling were probably not ones that I should have been feeling but seeing him talk really made me want to put what I’ve been stuffing under the table for years to the forefront of my thoughts… and I’m putting it out there and I don’t care if it doesn’t make a lick and stick worth of sense, hey world, you’re getting it.

Like I said they were of no surprise to me and I felt that after hearing such a moving speaker for our generation that now was the time to address my own issues with identity. His Hapa Project (http://www.seaweedproductions.com/hapa/) asks one question “What Are You?” And here’s my answer…

I am ashamed. There are days I can barely handle looking at myself in the mirror. I am white. I am embarrassed. I am jealous. I am so marginal so average and so wrong. I want to have pride in my identity but there can be no feeling in a neutral color. Everyone says race doesn’t matter, yet that is how we classify ourselves and much of our pride and self confidence comes from…. Even if we don’t want to admit it. My parents say that I am British… that I’m German… but I know I am American. I am the product of the dreamer, the tired and the hungry…but most of all I am lacking in identity. It is so wrong to take what is not mine. I selfishly take pride in my own boyfriend’s Chinese heritage. So much so that I don’t even take the respect to think of him as he wants to be known, Chinese American. His parents are Chinese… but he should be my patriot, my shining United States Marine… and yet deep down I only want to see Chinese.

I am awkward. I will never fit in where my personality wants to slip. I feel that I was unjustly placed in this skin, so fair, so pale… that CoverGirl Ivory 205. I want to scratch it off and I hope to see something darker underneath. I crave a rich culture, one with strong history, a tonal language, a sense of familial honor, duty… and a cultural iconic hero like Bruce Lee. If nothing else, for one day I want an Asian identity.

But here and now let’s face the truth of what I am. I am the she, who will wear her apron and pearls in the kitchen. I am she who is happy to darn your socks and bake you apple pie. I am she who will wait for him to come home. I am she who will iron the center crease in that uniform everyday. I am a patriotic face, because in these mere movements I can build an acceptable identity. I don’t want it, but at least it will bring temporary joy and a night when I can sleep.