Sole Searching...

I have decided to get a little personal today...

I was recently made redundant, along with many of my fellow team members. 

I was made redundant from a job that I did not love. I worked hard at it and met some wonderful people during my time, but it never felt 'right' to me. 

In saying that, getting told I was being made redundant, scared me. 

During the transition period, I think I felt, every possible emotion known to man...grief, sadness, confusion even a bit of self loathing... you name it, I have probably felt it. 

After months of going on an emotional roller coaster ride, I have finally come to accepting my fate.

I have accepted the inevitable. Change is a good thing (not to mention scary and daunting!).
I have accepted that I'm the only one who can make choices regarding my future.
I have accepted that I should do something that I am passionate about.

After a bit of soul searching and many stress headaches to follow, I have put together a list of things that make me happy (and narrowed it down).

1. Writing. I've had a passion for writing, for a very long time. I don't know why it took many years for me to find this out. I have started writing my very own fiction novel! Yes, it is definitely a work in progress but I am 2 chapters down...only 19 to go... :) I have also decided to follow my University degree and pursue a career in Journalism. I have been out of the game for a little while now but I am willing to work hard.

2. Yes, you guessed it... Shoes. I love shoes and everything about them. I have decided to work part time selling shoes (bills need to be paid some how!). I really enjoy the one on one interaction with my customers. It gives me pleasure helping them find the perfect shoe for them. Not to mention, I get to be surrounded by shoes all day (and the staff discount doesn't hurt either!). My customers also give me inspiration for new blog ideas so stay tuned!

3. I have a real love of fashion and would like to further my knowledge and experience within the fashion industry. There are a few fashion courses that I have been investigating and I am really excited about expanding my knowledge in the world of fashion.

The goal for my future, is to be doing something that I love. Whatever it may be, I am determined to find it.

Redundancy is a scary word for some and I was extremely lucky to have great support from my family and the managers. 

Change is definitely a scary thing, but if you let it, it can be a good thing for you.

Shoe of the Week

Sometimes you may not be looking for shoes, or even in the mood for shoe shopping (which doesn't happen often!) and they just catch your eye. Even in the unlikely event, you can find shoes you love.

My Shoe of the Week is 'Prelude' by Siren shoes.

I bought these shoes on my recent trip to Adelaide. I was walking through Rundle Mall with my family, when I discovered them. It was love at first sight.

It was a cold and rainy day in Rundle Mall and it was the bright yellow, patent that caught my attention. It was nice to see something colourful and bright for the Winter season.

I love shoe shopping. If I am having a bad day, I know shoe shopping will always cheer me up. When I stepped my feet into these shoe, I felt happy... I felt confident, excited, feminine and stylish. That feeling, never gets old!

Wearing: Sass and Bide singlet / Country Road Jeans and Tony Bianco sunglasses

I love the 11cm metallic heel. It's a great height for elongating my silhouette without being too high. They are extremely comfortable and easy to walk in. 

These shoes are a great style for dressing up, any Autumn/Winter outfit. 

I love the contrast between the materials and colours on the shoes. I love the black suede pointed toe, fading into off white mesh and settling on yellow patent leather. It is definitely a style that will turn heads this Winter season.

These shoes are a classic style and shape, which means they will be extremely versatile. They look great with skinny jeans for a more casual look, but they can also be dressed up with skirts and dresses.

I am head over heels in love with these shoes. 

My Winter Staples

I sat in front of the wood fire, basking in the warmth of the flames. I can hear the pitter patter of the rain, lightly hitting the window. God, I love that sound. I take in a deep breath and the smell of rich, hot chocolate hits my nostrils. I can't help but smile. Everything about this scene is perfect, right down to my furry slippers and pile of fashion magazines. 

I am a Winter girl, right down to my core (it may be hidden under a few layers of clothing!). I love the relaxing sound of rain, I love the cold wind on my face and I love the smell of fresh air. But, I especially love, Winter fashion. I look forward to Winter all year round. I love tailored jackets, warm woollen coats, scarves, boots and jeans. 

I have spent the last few months building up my perfect Winter 2013 wardrobe and I thought I would share it with you. The below are my Winter staples for 2013 and items I cannot live without in the dead of Winter.

Shoe of the Week

Shoe of the Week has moved to a new day! Every Monday I will let you inside my wardrobe and show you some of my new and favourite shoe purchases.

I spend a lot of my spare time (when I'm not shopping) in the blogosphere. I have a number of favourite fashion blogs that I like to follow and keep up to date with.

One day, I discovered a recent collaboration between one of my favourite bloggers and one of my favourite Australian shoe brands. It is safe to say, I was intrigued.

My Shoe of the Week is 'Arla' from the recent a pair and a spare and Tony Bianco collaboration. 

I was giddy with excitement when the courier knocked on my door. I couldn't wait to open my gift to myself and try on my new shoes. When I saw the shoes nestled in the tissue paper, I had a smile on my face like a kid at Christmas time. I love everything about this shoe. It's as simple as that! 

Wearing: Cue dress / Samantha Wills ring / Tony Bianco heels

I love how classic and elegant they are, with the pointed toe and thin ankle strap, but how modern and trendy they are with the gold chain t-bar strap. It is such a unique combination. The delicate t-bar strap makes the style extremely feminine. 

This style is also extremely versatile. It's a great style that can be dressed up with dresses or skirts for a formal occasion or worn casually with jeans or shorts.

I don't own very many white shoes. Mainly because I don't want to get them dirty but I think a white shoe is simple, elegant and classic. It is a nice alternative to always wearing black! 

Images by Jessica Pavalech

Shoe of the Week

My major Winter crush right now, is anything burgundy, marone and everything in between.

This is what drew my attention to Kookai's 'City Chic' Boots in deep red. 

I bought these shoes while I was shooting a previous Shoe of the Week on King Street in Perth. I spend a lot of my spare time browsing online shoe stores and social media platforms. It's great for keeping up to date with the latest fashion trends.

One day I was browsing through all the pictures on Instagram, when I noticed these boots. As soon as I saw them, I loved them and I knew I had to try them on!

I love everything about these boots. The colour is amazing and sure to turn heads this Winter season. These boots are the perfect accessory for adding a splash of colour to your dark, Winter ensembles. 

And who could look passed the stiletto heel? The heels are a sure "ankle breaker" but they look amazing and gives my calf muscles a great workout! These ankle boots are a great accessory, to dress up any outfit.

Wearing: Kookai jacket / Kookai tights / Kookai boots 

The hidden platform is a great addition to the shoe. It helps reduce the height of the heel, making them more comfortable to wear and easier to walk in. 

I love the contrast of the gold zip details against the deep red suede. It is a great combination and makes them appear dressier. Despite the colour, the shoes are incredibly versatile. They go great with jeans for a more casual look and they also go great with dresses and tights. 

These are one of my favourite ankle boots, this Winter season. They are a simple, classic style, which means they will go with absolutely everything. 

Images by Jessica Pavalech

I am looking forward to putting my best foot forward in the show stopping heels!

Shoe of the Week

Neutral shoes are definitely the staple accessory in my wardrobe. My shoe collection is bursting at the seams, with classic, neutral styles, that go with absolutely everything. Which is why, now, whenever I buy a neutral shoe, they have to be a little bit different and unique to me...

My Shoe of the Week is 'Lane' by Tony Bianco.

I bought these shoes a few months ago. I was browsing the Tony Bianco website and as soon as I spotted them, I wanted them... immediately! 

I love everything about this style. The colour is flawless! It's something that goes well with absolutely any colours during both Summer and Winter! 

Wearing Cue top / Country Road Jeans / Tony Bianco heels  / Calvin Klein cuff

This style is one of my favourite shoes in my wardrobe at the moment (yes, I say this with most my shoes, but it's true!) because they go well under jeans for a smart/casual look and they go great with dresses and skirts for work or party.

I also love how surprisingly comfortable they are. The leather is really soft and well treated so no rubbing occurs. It has a 1cm hidden platform, which helps support the balls of your feet and better distributes your weight, while still maintaining the illusion of a high heel.

But, my favourite thing about this style is the heel... For two reasons. One, it has a 12.5cm heel height, which gives me great calf definition and a nice challenge for walking!

And two... it's what makes this shoe unique. The curve in the heel is amazing and the contrast between the nude leather and the metal heel draws the attention to the shoes.

Images by Jessica Pavalech

This style, is sure to turn heads!