First of all, I've been feeling low style energy lately. I haven't felt cute and I haven't felt creative. And subsequently, my challenge has been, well, a challenge. When I got home yesterday, I went straight up to my closet and started trying things on. I forgot about the challenge for a minute and started playing with all of my new things (I love clothes, I have a shopping obsession, and I own an online boutique -- you do the math). Suddenly everything old was new again. Haven't worn the blazer in a couple of years, and the shoes...
Well, they've never been worn. Not even once. Until today, that is...

Nicholas Kirkwood platforms
I absolutely adore Nicholas Kirkwood. All those crazy, completely insane shoes that he does for Rodarte. He has such a unique and distinct style -- you always know a Nicholas Kirkwood when you see it. And to me, that is the mark of a really good designer. Also, as cuckoo and impractical as his shoes seem, they are actually quite wearable. Now, I can't vouch for the Rodarte beasts that probably still have models waking up at night in a cold sweat, but I've tried a number of his more outrageous styles and they are truly honest-to-goodness, made-to-be-worn, comfortable shoes.
Well now's the time to break 'em out! I'm rocking these babies today, I'm getting positive attention from women and men, and I feel like I lost about 5 pounds, too! YEAH, Nicholas Kirkwood!!!!

Neal Sperling blazer, Rachel Comey Cabin dress, Earnest Sewn jeans, Nicholas Kirkwood pumps, Diana Broussard ring, my Aunt Ann's colored beads
Check out the gallery below for some of mine and Arlene's favorite moments from Nicholas Kirkwood, including the shoes that -- literally -- brought down model Abbey Lee Kershaw.
and for more on the "You bought it, now wear it!" challenge, read here.