Caramel Covered Everything: September 2012

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

ASOS Lucky Ballet Flats review

I love the gold Velda Loafers I reviewed previously, but the Anthropologie price was quite hefty, making me ponder if I should opt for cheaper metallic shoes. Thus, I decided to give these ASOS Lucky Ballet Flats in rose metallic a try. My reasoning was if they turned out better, then I would return the expensive Velda, and be happy with these more affordable $22 flats. Here's how they turned out:

I ordered size US 5, because ASOS shoes tend to run big in my experience. Unfortunately, my sizing assumption was a little off this time. My feet are a true size 6, but these flats fit like a size 5.5...so it is a bit too snug and pinchy for my feet. The pointy-toe also contributed to the pinching, especially with vigorous walking. Thus I recommend ordering your true size, if you are interested in these. The polyurethane material doesn't seem like it would stretch much over time as with genuine leather.

On the positive side, the rose-gold color is so pretty! Here's how it compares to my Velda Loafers:

The ASOS Lucky ballet flats definitely look daintier. The polyurethane material is a lot lighter in weight than the leather Velda loafers, yet it seems sturdier...the pebbled metallic material seems like it'll last longer than the gold-paint-on-leather of the Velda (which I'm sure will scratch and rub-off over time).

The ASOS Lucky flats have good padding at the ball of the feet...but I do wish the heel was more padded, or maybe have a more elevated heel for better comfort. I've been wearing heels most of my life, so shoes that are too flat are uncomfortable for me.

The rubber sole is also very lightweight and flexible.

Aren't they pretty?

Overall, I'm convinced I need a pair of metallic shoes in my wardrobe.

Which shoe do you prefer: The Velda Loafers or ASOS Lucky Ballet Flats?

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Searching for nude blouse

Found it: F21 Floral Appliqué Top size small - Cream

The floral appliqué top reminds me of the expensive $258 Anthropologie Breadfruit Blouse from March 2009 issue page 50-51:

Another thing I learned from my nude blouse search, is that not all nudes work for one's skin tone. So now for everything I buy, I'll have to consider proportion as well as if it matches my complexion.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Metallic shoes

I try not to wear too many low or no-heel shoes because they make me me feel stumpy and dowdy, but for some reason, I had to try these gold Leifsdottir's Velda Loafers from Anthropologie (sale $99.95, with further 25% labor day sale = $74.96).

Fits true to size. I'm wearing size 36 Euro (equivalent to US 6)

I like that the overall shape is sleek and dainty.

It has slightly padded insole at the heel. As for comfort level...I rate these a 7 out of 10 (with 10 being most comfortable). I would not wear these to go jogging in, but they feel comfortable enough for casual wear-statement shoes. The slight narrowing at the foot make the feet look daintier, but would rub against the side of one's foot/toes/bunion areas with aggressive walking....as with most pretty shoes.

All leather sole, except I think the little brown section at the heel edge is made of rubber. I suppose rubber is more sturdy than leather....thus the little rubber piece is meant to hinder premature wearing-down of the heel....how thoughtful!

Leather upper and leather lining. Suede-texture lining at back of heel. Made in Italy. My only qualm is that gold paint on the outer leather seems like it'll chip and scratch off easily.

Best part is the metallic sheen really livens up one's outfit. I don't feel dowdy or stumpy in them at all! These are definitely "cool" shoes.