Yes to YSL

Did you ever notice how we classify women by their preference on accessories? Maybe you know someone who's a "purse girl", a "shoe freak", or a "makeup addict". I can say honestly that I have been through all of those phases. As a 12 year veteran of the Catholic school system, accessories were a godsend (no pun intended) because it was one of the only ways we felt like we could differentiate ourselves. I always had purses that I would rotate from middle school all the way to my senior year just to keep things interesting. In grade school, we couldn't have nail polish and we could only wear one pair of stud earrings, which was a total bummer to little me. However, when I got to high school, I always made sure my nails were painted and I piled on the jewelry: all kinds of dangly earrings, never less than 4 bracelets at a time, sometimes even a necklace, too. Coco Chanel would have never approved given her "less is more" stance on accessories.

Now, while I still love handbags, funky costume jewelry, and fun lipstick (I do not own a single nude shade), I think I have come into the "shoe freak" stage of my life. My collection is all over the place: Chuck Taylors and Dr. Martens exist happily to Nine West pumps and Cole Haan wedges; Vans intermingle with metallic Calvin Klein loafers. Ever since I moved to Montgomery County, my shoe game has been upped immensely. I have found so many barely worn (and in some cases, brand new) designer shoes while thrifting, it's almost too much at times. Today's shoes are no exception.

To begin my story, I had spotted a fabulous pair of vintage Yves Saint Laurent pumps at my Salvation Army in Montgomeryville about a month ago and I fell in love. Unfortunately, they did not love me: they were a size 6. They were gorgeously detailed with mesh and black velvet and I knew they would have looked kick-ass with some pieces in my wardrobe, but what can you do? The thrifting gods heard my prayers a few weeks later when I was taking a pre-workout stroll in Savers East Norriton (so dangerous that my gym is right next door). I was looking for a pair of sandals to go with a dress for my cousin's wedding, when I spotted these on the very bottom rack:

I couldn't believe it! And they were a size 7! AND they cost less than I have paid for lunch.

I just love how these shoes look on the foot. The sharp angle of the shoe and the fierce pattern/color makes me feel like an 80's power-bitch. I just simply cleaned these up a bit as I do with all my thrifted shoes prior to wearing them and they were ready to go. I paired these with a cut-out top and a leopard pencil skirt to amp up the ferocity. A sleek ponytail, smoky eye, and gold hoops polished it up. I like outfits that are not shy, and this one is not for the faint of heart!

P.S. I did end up finding sandals as well :)

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SHIRT: H&M, $9.99

SKIRT: J.Crew via Goodwill Thorndale, PA, $2.50

SHOES: Yves Saint Laurent via Savers East Norriton, $5.99

EARRINGS: Kohls, $5.99

Lipstick is Milani Tuscan Toast