Holly in Heels

You guys. Has it seriously been a full YEAR since I've typed up a blog post on here? That is both depressing and encouraging. Depressing--because I feel like I have forgotten about my first "child" my Holly in Heels blog. Encouraging--because it means that I have been suuuper busy with other fun and creative projects, like my continued PR and media copywriting, contributions to Coyote + Oak magazine out of San Luis Obispo, as well as Locale Magazine 's newest San Francisco addition. I have to admit that while these other (paying) jobs keep me busy and on my toes, I do stop and think about my former life as a fashion and lifestyle blogger, and how I miss the creative outlet. To be able to write about whatever topic I choose is certainly a gift. Writing is also therapeutic for me--this blog is like a friend. Like the kind you can call up anytime, talk about the deep stuff and then mention this new conditioner you tried...and then switch back to the meaning of lif...

It's 2014, y'all! I cannot believe it. Ok, I kinda can, it was Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then time for a champagne toast, and we did it all in style, so it is about time we see a new year in front of us, frankly. But when I look back on all of the good style and glamorous shoes that have come across my fashion-loving eyes this year, I feel quite compelled to take a long hard look at the best shoes of 2013! Let's check it... THE WEDGE SNEAKS. About this time last year, we were looking at the dawn of wedge sneakers ! A trend I was unsure about, I will admit - but it did make the magazines and the wardrobes of some stylish celebs, I will say. Some metallics, some bold colors, the sky was the limit! FLATS IT. As I was prepping for spring (and a baby growing in my tummy!), I had my eye on flats. Honestly, 2013 could have been the YEAR for flats - so many brands and trends were screaming flat nation - adorable polka dot flats, animal prints and patents and suedes l...

Pumpkin spice lattes, cinnamon candles, pumpkins at the grocery store, Halloween cards stocked at Target...oh yes yes, all of these signs are pointing to FALL! And did I even mention the SHOES? Oh yes, tall leather boots galore, adorable oxfords for days, and moccasins in every shade. I will say, it makes me happy just wandering through the mall and seeing all of the pretty displays of warm colors, and cozy coats, too. These LAMO moccasins, the 'Sabrina Moc II' are red and ready to come out of my closet now that the summer sun is hiding its face. How adorable are they?! A great shoe for year-round wearing, these suede babies are lined with microfiber, stitched adorably around the toe, and a durable rubber sole at the bottom. Perfect for long walks to the coffeeshop in the park to play with the pretty amber leaves. Ahhhhh! I just adore the red shade of these shoes...not too bright, but just the right pop of color. Perfectly paired with a basic denim or a simple blac...

Sometimes, it just takes a pair of good, red shoes to get me through the day. In recent weeks, I have to tell you all that my feet have been growing increasingly swollen...due to a certain baby girl who's growing each and every day in my belly! It's exciting to be growing a sweet babe inside me, but it's also a little limiting when it comes to shoes. I figured there are a few other hot mamas out there who have been struggling with the same issue--a strong love for the leg-lengthening power of heels, but an arch or a preggo girl swelling that has you feetsies saying "oh, no, no!" So, I will let you in on a little secret: there are a TON of cute flats out there, where you don't have to sacrifice your style. Now now, don't get alarmed...I haven't totally converted, and I'm certain that I'll be back to heels in a few months time. But in the meantime, I urge you mamas and mamas-to-be to not give up on style if you cannot bear heels! Here are my...

Although I have a huge love for heels, there are days when these veteran-heel-wearing feet get a bit tired and weary, I will admit, and my feet long for a break from the heights of heels! So when I came across these portable ballet flats from a company by the name of Fit in Clouds I swear I could hear my toes-ies cheer with joy!  You may have heard of flats like this before, but just in case you need a refresher course, Fit in Clouds fold right up and fit into an adorable matching pouch that's purse-ready for a girl on the go. Just what the podiatrist ordered for work and formal events, weddings, late nights out on the town with the girls (think Vegas, ladies!), and especially long travel times in your life. The split sole on these little thangs allows the shoes to fold along the cut, and provide more support while they're on your feet! You can wear these flats outside, inside, or wherever your adventurous life on the go takes you! Heck, these puppies are so reliable and s...

On this sunny Friday, this shoe blogger and daytime marketing girl, could not figure out what to do for lunch--ever have a day like that? It's a nice day outside, but your tummy isn't quite hungry and you can't think of a place to park it and lunch for an hour? Well today was that day for me. It was Friday so I felt obligated to at least take a lunch--so where did I end up?: Nordstrom. Dear Nordstrom, you are my favorite. You have everything I need: lots of clothes, comfy couches for when my feet get tired, pretty make-up on the 1st floor immediately when I walk in, and oh yes... shoes! So happy Friday to me!--a great lunch break at Nordies and found these Julianne Hough for Sole Society 'Addy' flats in happy yellow + nude patent: They are GORGEOUS on my feet, if I do say so myself, a polished look for any outfit this spring. So happy Friday to you...and happy Friday to ME! Shoe shoppin'...there's nothin' like it. xoxo, holly in heel...

When these footsies need a break from long days of high heel wearing and high fashion sporting, let it be known that I turn to GAP for my flats. GAP is so faithful on their designs and styles--always at just the right price of about under $50. Check out the latest polka dot and animal print pointed toes , as well as the sweet bowtie round toe colors... What's your go-to pick-me-up flat? xoxo, holly in heels

As these love-r-ly fall and winter months creep in, it's time to expand the shoe selection and throw the sandals to the back of the shoe closet yet again. Maaaan, I just love this time of year! Scarves, coats, boots, corduroy, suede, leather...the bundled-up list goes on and on. The changing of the season always brings in the new--and one of my favorite things about the cooler months of October, November, December is the new styles and brands I come across. That's why I was beyond stoked when I found Burnetie Shoes . Burnetie brings to the table a product that fits every gals' lifestyle, with an un-compromised quality, and a no-nonsense price. Probably the coolest thing about Burnetie is that they strive for a "zero waste manufacturing process by factories that are as much committed to their employees as they are to their customers. " I dig! Burnetie Shoes also boasts award-winning Corporate Responsibility programs--it's no wonder, since they're outso...

There's something very classic about black & white. It's been a style staple that's outlasted the decades, that's for sure. The combo of these non-colors always reminds me of Audrey Hepburn--the classic, timeless fashion that still appears on the runways of today.   So this season, I have my sights set on black & white patterns on kicks all around town. These calf hair loafers from GAP are my latest obsession--so polka dotted and good (and under $50!)! I also be diggin' these Kimchi Blue brand canvas print pumps from Urban Outfitters--they seem to be just the right height and just the right stripe. And you score big, at just under $50 as well!  This season, bring out your inner-Audrey and class up that outfit with some black & white goodness! So chic. xoxo, holly in heels

So, we officially made it. Yep, we made it through yet another stuff-your-face Thanksgiving and probably some funny family incidents, too. I know that I made it through traveling during the so-called 'busiest travel season of the year'--scratch & stress-free, thankyouverymuch ! Aaaand, last but most certainly not least, we made it through Black Friday ! Quite the accomplishment if you dared to brave that nutty mall parking lot and the extra-ridiculous long lines at Starbucks, in between purchases. Well, now that the Black Friday madness is over, fret not--you can shop from the comfort of your own laptop today, this Cyber Monday 2010! And in honor of that, Miss H-in-H here has decided to give you a few eensy-teensy tips on the shoe sales going on today to snatch up and enjoy, over leftover pumpkin pie & stuffing... Nordstrom.com has the ever-loved free shipping offer right now and tooons of gorgeous shoes at an astounding 50% off! Pretty sure this DV by Dolce Vita ...

Packing for a vacation is hard. It just is! As a woman, you never quite know what you're going to feel like wearing once you get to your destination, what the weather will really be like, what sort of fancy-pants dinners you'll be heading out on--or if you're just going to spend the entire week on the sand living in your bathing suit. Welllll, all of this to say that I'm off to Maui this week for the wedding of one of my best friends, and the shoe-packing has been quite a challenge! That's right, my hub & I have turned this Hawaiian event into our big summer vacation and will be trading in our week of work & daily grind for a few mai tais and a nice tan. I had to share with you the 4 pairs of shoes (gasp!) that I plan on packin' away with me--it's super casual-land in Maui, so I tried to keep that in mind. Whatcha think?! I dig with a passion my Reef 'Ugandal' sandals--great t-strap and tan leather that makes my legs look simply sun-kissed...

Remember Jessica Simpson's famous "is it tuna or is it chicken" statement back in the days of beginning reality tv? If you missed this awesome episode of MTV's Newlyweds with 98-degrees-Nick, please feel free to catch up to mainstream society here . For some reason, that less-than-lovely confession of confusion on Ms. Simpson's part scarred me. I totally wrote that blond off! But I do have to say that lately, J has been winnin' my heart back with her consistently amazing Jessica Simpson Collection label. The brand is jam-packed with awwwwesome shoes , accessories , handbags , and more! My latest fave is Jessica Simpson's denim line --newly released and what a bargain! Well, now thru 8/1, the tuna-fish-lovin' lady is offering 20% off your purchase ( promo code 20BACK ), and in honor of that discounted deal, I wanted to show off a few of my favorite kicks. I LOVE it when I find a great pair of red heels. Sucha treat! But sometimes it's a real chal...

I don't know about you, but I'm royally lovin' me some scrumptious summertime style at the moment. Not gonna lie, I'm usually a fall/winter season-lover, longing for the leaves to change color and the fun holidays to start and the time to buy cute leather boots and bundle up in a chunky scarf. But this summer's style is sure getting to me--all of the preppy, sweet looks out there right now have me basking in the rays of fashion! So due to my happy-go-lucky summer soiree, I wanted to share a few of my latest cravings: First off, how can you resist these brand spankin' new Louboutin 'Praia' peep-toe espadrilles that are quickly flying off the shelves in-store & online! One larger-than-life ropey peep-toe maryjane espadrille will have you instantly throwing on your fave pair of linen shorts or skinny white jeans. And fear not, this wedge heel really only compares to a 4" heel. You can hang. Well, if your bank account's anything like mine, you...

Recently a friend popped by my house after a long day of work to have a little night of reality tv & wine with me. She had been wearing the cutest high heels all day long, and when she arrived to my home, pulled 'backup shoes' out of her big pretty Louis Vuitton bag. I did a quick double-take at my fashionista friend and saw her magical portable ballet flat thangs called Rollasoles ! Turns out they're HUGE in the UK right now (actually in vending machines outside of nightclubs, wow!) and being featured in many fa shion magazines and news feeds across the U.S. as we speak. These shiny shoes conveniently come rolled up in a sweet little bag that's 100% ready for you to whip out at the end of the eve, place your heels in that Rollasole bag, and put the rolled-up flats on your tired feet! Voila! You guessed it ladies, these adorable flats are the answer to your stiletto-wearin' prayers--perfect for post-dancing cab rides home, tossing on after work, the end of a ...

Coming from a heel girl, you're not going to believe that I want to do a special feature on flats, I know. But I was thinkin' about it, and it really is hard to survive long work days & nights in heels--no matter how much cushioning you put in those tall things! I always struggle to find the right all-day flat that isn't dull & boring, but has a little somethin' to it, to keep my outfit fresh and stylish. Well, one of my mucho creative photographer friends, Kate Noelle, came across this same dilemma recently, and I thought I'd share her story. It's pretty plain to see on Kate Noelle's photography blog that she adores love & beauty and has no trouble capturing it in a special way through her lens. But with long wedding-shooting days for Kate, there also comes the need for comfy shoes (behind every successful woman there's a pair of good shoes, right?). And I figured every on-the-go gal could use a little comfy shoe suggestion, without forget...

Guess what. It's Friday! I have to say this has been a day I've been looking forward to alllll week! How 'bout you?! From where I sit this morning, the sun is shining brightly and there really isn't a cloud in the sky. As I watched the local news this morning and saw the weatherman giving today's report, I actually thought to myself, "I wonder if he's bored with his job" haha, true story! It's just a picture-perfect forecast for every day in May, it seems! To honor the happy Spring mood that I seem to be in (thank you Friday), I wanted to show you a few shiny, sparkly, pretty shoozies. Pretty fun, right? Most of these sweet shoes I've found via ShopItToMe - one website that I've probably mentioned before, that constantly feeds me top deals on designer clothes, accessories, shoes, and more (not to mention, I'm a ShopItToMe featured 'Trendsetter' thankyouverymuch!). Well, let's get right down to it peopulll: I continue to sw...