RVAfashionista.com

I aim to maintain an upbeat and positive attitude on RVAfashionista.com.  I want to write about and review things that make me happy and would potentially make my readers happy.  Happiness all around, right?  It's a well known fact that I love shoes.  However, most of the shoes I lust over on a day to day basis won't fit my feet.  I wear a 6.5 W and most shoe designers don't make shoes in wide widths.  I can sometimes find a size 7 that fits but I often have to make some sort of adjustment such as adding heel grippers or putting some sort of padding in the ball of the shoe to make my toes "scoot back a bit.  I haven't bought shoes from Endless, 6pm, or Zappos yet but I'm surprised that they do offer a fairly wide range of styles that don't look too matronly.  I'm 28 - I don't want to wear shoes that make me look 78!

I wish more shoe designers offered chic styles that come in wide width!  I love the concept of these "shoe of the month" clubs like ShoeDazzle and JustFabulous but they don't offer any wide widths.  I am a member through Shoe Dazzle but I haven't bought anything yet.  There's been a lot of shoes on there that I really liked but fearing that they won't fit.  I like the price points and the personal styling of ShoeDazzle and JustFabulous but I'm not a fan that their sizes are limited to medium widths only.  What about my wide and narrow footed sisters - can't we have chic shoes for the masses?

PHOTO CREDIT: Shoe Dazzle

I am attending a "hot shoes" party tonight. I was originally planning to wear my black Jessica Simpson d'Orsay pumps but I wanted something a little more fun. On a whim, I stopped by Kohl's on my way back to town from Chester. I stumbled upon these royal blue patent shoes (I apologize for the color depiction not being 100% accurate - crappy store lighting). They wouldn't necessarily be shoes I'd instantly be drawn to but after trying them on and getting compliments from the other ladies shopping, I was SOLD! $15 and some change later, these babies are all mine. I kind of feel like Carrie Bradshaw in them but that's a good thing, right?

EDIT: If you'd like a pair of your own - Kohl's has black and grey in stock as well as yellow or white. The blue must be popular because it's not available online anymore!

My New "Emo Chucks"!

So here's three more of my "top picks" for ugly shoes! If you wish to experience ultimate fug-ness, click on the pictures to make them bigger!

Blue velour? Ribbons, appliques, and sequins? Tacky shoe party anyone?!?

High heels and athletic styling? This actually might be a cute sneaker minus the obnoxious rubber heel...

And finally last but not least, full-on-sequined ballet flats. The picture doesn't show it but it has a thin, sneaker-esque WHITE rubber sole. Sequins are fab for evening but not for day. I don't care how glamorous you think you are, your feet do not need the Vegas glitz of sequins.

I wish you all a FASHIONABLE and FABULOUS 2008 NEW YEAR!!!

Our first shoe victim is this bronze velvet bootie. This shoe has potential if it was suede and maybe the color could be a couple shades darker. All what we thought upon first seeing this shoe is that it looks like a reindeer hoof or something gone horribly wrong in Santa's workshop of shoes. *sigh*

As a teenager in the late 90's, I remember when these clunky oxfords were the rage. Well, guess what kids? THEY'RE BACK! Help. I guess the one advantage of these shoes is that you could walk in mud puddles and not get your feet wet with obnoxiously thick heel and platform.

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So this is just the first of the fug and ugh but check out ChicArmoire's "Ugly Shoes May Rule" post too.

ChicArmoire and I ventured out today for some much needed breakfast and a little bit of shopping. After hitting up Marshall's and Steinmart, we headed to DSW. While they had some fab shoes in stock, we also saw our fair share of fug shoes. With a little inspiration from past posts of Go Fug Yourself, we definitely picked some of the most fug shoes.

It's definitely a how to of what not to choose for shoes! So stay tuned!

On Wednesday I found these fab Kenneth Cole Reaction heels at Ross for just under $20.00! They're perfect "going out" shoes and the rubber sole makes them fairly comfortable. I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday. :-)

I've succumbed to the dark side and bought a pair of Uggs. I don't feel that they're the least bit fashionable but at least they're comfortable. I bought them for comfort and warmth because I find no asthetic value in them. I know a ton of people who are "Ugg-crazed" but I'm not...

I've been on the lookout for the quintessential flat boot to wear with skinny jeans tucked in or to pair with a cute dress and a jacket or cardigan. I already own a pair of Anne Taylor Loft kitten heeled pointed toe black suede boots, black cowboy boots, and my beloved caramel brown Target boots.

My definition of quintessential also includes the terms cute, comfortable, and preferably under $50. I found this pair of grey suede flat boots by White Mountain at South Moon Under that met all those criteria. The height of the shaft is great because it's proportionate to my frame. I just need to buy a can of Scotchguard and spray them down since they're suede and I don't want to mess them up.

Aren't they cute?

In sad news, the Payless store at Willow Lawn is closing because their lease is up. *sniff* I always liked that location because it's less than a 10 minute drive from my place. I do like the Regency Square location though and of course, there's always Short Pump.

Payless is having their Fabulous For Fall Sale with select styles up to 40% off - so click here to check out some great sale goodies!!!

I've had my eye on these boots for ages. They look really nice for an inexpensive price! The only thing I fear is that they might not look good because I'm only 5'1". I think I'd definitely have to try them on with an outfit that could go with the boots to get a feel...