31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 4

Shoes have always been a cornerstone of my wardrobe, they’re part of my signature style. As the world starts to open up and we venture out again, I’m sharing a sneak peek into some of my collection, and the story each pair has to tell.

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Year over year my style continues to grow more minimalist, with my shoe style has been following suit. Pointed-toe boots and heels, blocked heels replacing stilettos, and of course, neutrals, are taking over my shoe closet.

But there are still a few pairs of showstoppers that I can’t part with, shoes that you can see from a mile away. They add that extra “Katy Perry” to any outfit, they’re a personality all their own. These Rebecca Minkoff slides are a literal bow on my feet, with “look-at-me” gold metallic screaming from afar. I love pairing these with more masculine looks – a long white oxford with leggings, or cropped black trousers and a black blazer – the masculine counterbalances the gold and the bows. Oh, and don’t forget the cherry red toe polish.

Rebecca Minkoff Calista Gold Slide (old)

31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 3

Shoes have always been a cornerstone of my wardrobe, they’re part of my signature style. As the world starts to open up and we venture out again, I’m sharing a sneak peek into some of my collection, and the story each pair has to tell.

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A few months pre-pandemic, I started dabbling in at-home workouts as a way of managing my stress. During the day, I was working on a campaign that teaches parents, friends, and families how to help kids manage their mental health, and figured I should probably put my money where my mouth is and start to manage my own.

These Nike sneakers are the best physical representation of my personal mental health journey. While still a work-in-progress, I find that thirty minutes, an online workout, and these shoes have become a lifeline for me, invigorating my brain, shedding my stress, and making me feel proud that I’m putting myself first. And the extra benefits, weight loss, better sleep, and an overall greater sense of strength, aren’t too bad either.

Nike Air Max Dia sneakers | Gaim Yoga Mat | Hand Weights

31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 2

Shoes have always been a cornerstone of my wardrobe, they’re part of my signature style. As the world starts to open up and we venture out again, I’m sharing a sneak peek into some of my collection, and the story each pair has to tell.

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I was reminded by Twitter that this week, The Devil Wears Prada turns 15. While I can quote more than half the movie, I’ll never forget the cerulean blue scene where Miranda Priestly schools an unsuspecting Annie about the trickle-down effect of designer fashion.

That is the story about today’s pair of shoes. When the designer sneaker trend blew up many years ago, I was obsessed with the Givenchy Urban Street slip-on sneaker. Super sleek, but still sporting an of-the-moment logo, they were the perfect non-athletic sneaker to wear with my everyday looks. Of course, they were completely out of my budget too.

When the main street brands started replicating the designer sneaker explosion, I lost interest pretty quickly in owning a pair. It wasn’t until a chance drive-by of our Saks Off 5th that I spotted these by Vince, and decided to pick them up.

In hindsight, I’m pretty happy that I ended up with the Vince version. The Givenchy version remains a classic to this day, and the Vince version has the same level of quality and style, but without the logo, which I now appreciate even more. These shoes are fabulous for flying; comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off in the air and for TSA security checks. Even if all the traveling I’ve been doing lately is via my food through my semi-regular Blue Apron deliveries.

Vince Vista Sneakers | Givenchy Urban Street Slip-On Sneakers | Blue Apron

31 Shoes in 31 Days: Day 1

Shoes have always been a cornerstone of my wardrobe, they’re part of my signature style. As the world starts to open up and we venture out again, I’m sharing a sneak peek into some of my collection, and the story each pair has to tell.

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It wouldn’t be a pandemic shoe post without Birkenstocks, right? I never thought I would be a birks person, tbh. The amount of toe cleavage they showed always made me a little self-conscious. But after easing into the plastic one-strap Madrid version a few years ago, I knew I was ready for the more supportive Arizona style after a year of not wearing shoes due to COVID.

So here they are, my 2021 pandemic splurge, the Arizona sandals in black leather. Now that we’re leaving the house, I love pairing them with cropped Levi’s ribcages and a tank for a casual look but also hiding them under a maxi and a blazer for a laid-back but professional style.

Black Leather Arizona Birkenstock Sandals | Putti Fine Furnishings Doormat

Happy 614 Day Columbus!

View from the Rich Street bridge.

Happy 614 Day Columbus!

Move over flag day, Columbusites are always looking for a reason to celebrate the area code we call home. So when the calendar turns to June 14 you can bet this city will have some sort of celebration that suits your fancy. Here are just some of the reasons I love living in the 6-1-4.

Food & Drink Fabulousness

You can’t have a celebration without a libation, right? Luckily enough, Columbus is home to some great ones. They say we eat with our hearts, and the food and drink in this town are pretty fab. Some of my favourite local gems include Watershed Kitchen & Bar, Third & Hollywood, and Wolfs Ridge Brewing, beers at breweries Land Grant, Seventh Son or Rockmill, and of course you can’t mention Columbus without mentioning Jeni’s Ice Cream. BRB, I’m off to find a scoop of salty caramel…

Columbus = Charity

You can’t talk about Columbus without talking about its heart. And at the center of its heart is its charitable spirit. As a relatively young city, the core of philanthropy in Columbus is its community, and it’s that collective spirit that gives the city it’s heart. From Pelotonia to the Arts, Pride to the Foodbank, the support for the institutions and people that educate, advocate and provide a helping hand is second to none.

The Sports Scene

Even though all of my major league loyalties remain up North, the sports scene here is incredible. The fans are full of passion, and the in-game experiences are second to none. This summer I’m looking forward to some brews and baseball at Huntington Park, checking out the brand-new downtown Crew Stadium (home of the MLS Champs!), and later on this fall, making it back to Nationwide Arena for what I hope is the start of an almost-normal NHL season. And of course, I can’t forget my beloved Buckeyes, there’s nothing like the roar of the Shoe on a football Saturday.

Midwestern Nature

Even though we’re currently under a supersonic cicada invasion (Brood X in the house!), I couldn’t complete a love letter to the 614 without mentioning the Metro Parks. What Columbus lacks in beaches or mountains, it more than makes up for in forests. No matter where you are in the city, there’s a park within 20 minutes to escape to. And what an escape they are. One step onto the paths and a tree canopy is awaiting to envelop you, to wipe all the stresses of the day away.

My Alma Mater

A mention of Columbus by me wouldn’t be complete without a mention of my alma mater, The Ohio State University. The experience and community I created at Ohio State is a big reason why I still remain here, the university gave me my education, but it also helped give me my sense of self. I entered my freshman year at OSU a meek and introverted seedling, and through my classes and extracurriculars, bloomed into a part of the person I’ve since become today.

Summer's heat or winter's cold

The seasons pass the years will roll

Time and change will surely show

How firm thy friendship ... OHIO!

Need another reason to love this place? It’s in proximity to all of my favourite locations. We’re an hour-and-a-half flight (or less) to Toronto, Chicago, New York, Nashville, and DC, and since we’re about the farthest west place of the Eastern Time Zone, an early flight out of CMH can put you on the ground by noon when trekking out west. Wherever you’re going, you’re never far from getting home.

Happy 614 Day, Columbus!