*Full Disclosure: I am an expert high heel wearer and my feet are on the narrow side.

Now let’s get real, Ugg slippers are comfortable. High heels and Ugg slippers do not have anything in common! The So Kate pump by Christian Louboutin is celebrated for its dainty design and criticized for its sky high (4.75 inch) stiletto heel. If you’re a high heel rookie, this style Louboutin is not what you should start off with. But for everyone else, mark my words: you can do it!

Regardless of the brand, always break in your high heels before the first wear. It’ll spare you physical and emotional pain later. Blisters and buyer’s remorse are not fun. Sounds crazy but whenever I buy a new pair of shoes, I wear them in the house for several hours or days before stepping foot outside. Picture this: me in my bathrobe and So Kates (hot!), emptying the dishwasher and vacuuming the carpet. Yep, it happened…all in an effort to break in my new kicks, and guess what, it worked! I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t easy, but I’d rather teach myself how to walk in the privacy of my own home than for everyone to see. Tip: Use New-Skin liquid bandage on pressure points to prevent blisters!

The So Kate pump is narrow. As a result, many retailers suggest sizing up in this shoe style. I bought the 36.5 and the 37 to err on the side of caution. But sure enough, I was stepping out of the 37s. Here’s the thing, leather stretches. Do your house chores in your So Kates and stick with your regular size. After a few wears they will mold to your foot. My biggest pet peeve in life is having to grip my toes in a pair of shoes. I’m so glad I kept my standard size because when my feet are cold, the 36.5 starts to get loose. Consider this your warning.

Now with regards to the approximate 5 inch heel… I give these shoes a four hour time limit. My feet have a medium arch and the arch on this shoe is very dramatic. I imagine they’d be more tolerable for someone with a high arch and an absolute no-no for flat footed sisters. It’s also important to note the fineness of the stiletto. If you have a history of balance issues or ankle injuries I would suggest a Louboutin with a thicker heel. The “Pigalle” is a good compromise. Maybe this stability “issue” is a disadvantage, but then again, these are special occasion shoes. I wouldn’t wear them for an all day affair anyway! But it is these design attributes that make the So Kate the sexiest heel on the market. Beauty is pain my friends.

P.S. Store your So Kates in the included dust bags to prolong their shelf life. Also, find a reputable cobbler near you and have him or her apply a clear shoe protectant to sole of your loubs. I recommend doing this before your first wear. But if you cannot wait (I’m guilty of this), use packing tape to shield the sole in the meantime.

Shop the Post:

So Kate Pumps | Look for Less here and here

The post Christian Louboutin So Kate Pumps: Are they Worth the Splurge? appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

I do not splurge often, but when I do, it is on Alice and Olivia. There is something to be said about the quality of products that come from a well-established brand. I am sure you can all relate with the quality control problems in the retail industry. You know, when you try on two of the same dress in the same size and they both fit differently. I can assure you that this doesn’t happen with Alice and Olivia clothes. So what defines a well-fitting pair of pants? Pants that accentuate your unique body shape. Pants that highlight your assets. With no surprise, the perfect pant fit like a glove right out of the box. After my tailor cut off six inches (story of my life) I strut my stuff in ’em for three different occasions!

Consider it a sin to pair the “perfect pant” with a subparr top! There is nothing that I adore wearing more than pops of color with black and white accents. This wrap front crop top fits the bill as it’s bold and mature. But they would not be perfect if you could only dress them in one top. You’ll be glad to know that they look just as fabulous with this ruffle bodysuit from Tuesday’s post. Buy or cry. They are worth every penny and 25% off with code “NMFREIND” until 5/6/17 until 10 pm CT.

Shop the Post:

Top (size up look for less here) 25% off with code “NMFREIND” | Perfect Pant (runs TTS) 25% off with code “NMFREIND” | Shoes (look for less here) | Bag (look for less here) | Jewelry c/o | Lip Stain – Always Red

A special thanks to Shandru Photography for capturing the moment and for Kristin for the glam hairdo!

The post The Perfect Pant by Alice and Olivia appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

When I came across this bow back sweater at Ambiance, I knew just the right bottoms to pair with it, faux leather shorts! Think of this ensemble as the steamy version of a typical sweater and shorts outfit. Just like you would balance out a fitted bottom with a loose top, the same rule applies here. That is why I styled this slouchy sweater with a tailored short. Although a high-heel black leather bootie would have worked fine, I decided to take it up a notch with over-the-knee suede boots. It won’t be long before we are all living in leggings and boots, why not take advantage of bare legs while we can?!

For more over-the-knee boot outfit inspiration check out, Black and Blue Mini Dress and The Black Fringe Jacket.

Shop this Look:

Sweater (Ambiance SF – call to order) | Shorts (similar) | Boots

Are you reading this from your email? Visit KKandGG.com for the web version and to peruse all other outfits of the day.

The post Sweater and Shorts Combo appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

This black and white bandeau beauty is classic with a twist. Featuring a strapless top with zipper detail and a matching asymmetrical skirted bottom, this bikini is perfect for the chicest chica. Leave it to Michael Kors to design such a thing.

Photo courtesy of neimanarcus.com

If you’re feelin’ hot hot hot, add this tuxedo style one-piece to your shopping bag ASAP! This steamy number is comprised of sleek black nylon and shinny leather trim around the plunging v-neckline and button details. OYE swimwear got this one right, alright,

Photo courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

Flamingos are in. From cellphone cases, to pool floats, to bathing suits, these water birds are everywhere and the Palm Beach Flamingo-Print suit is as cute as it gets! Suitable for the modern prep, this set features a modest v-neck top and low-rise bottom.

Photo courtesy of neimanarcus.com

The Sierra Printed Mesh-Inset One-Piece swimsuit is the perfect mix of flirty and fun for your summertime soirée. The tan mesh balances out the traditional scoop neck front and back while the playful print screams party.

Photo courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

To peruse through additional styles visit neimanmarcus.com. If you are reading the email version of this post, visit KKandGG.com for the web version as well as many other Wish list Wednesday posts.

The post Wish List Wednesday: Going, Going, Gone appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.