There's More to Life Than Shoes....or so I am told

No, this isn't a shoe intervention. My close friends haven't come over and sat me down to shame me about my shoe closet. The UPS guy hasn't given me the eye roll about signing for yet another shoe box. And, I most certainly haven't given up on my love of shoes.

Case is point are these AMAZING Sophia Webster sandals.

There is no piece of clothing, skirt, pant or dress that can inspire me like the art of shoes. And these shoes are no exception. The arch of the sole, the pop of green...and the red and purple butterfly make me want to slip these on and walk through the movie set of Alice in Wonderland.

But, back to the point...there is more to life than shoes...or so I am told.

I started this blog in September 2013 with the intent of doing something fun, and chasing a hobby/dream of sharing my love and knowledge of shoes. And I while I plan to continue doing that - I do know that people don't spend all of their time dreaming of shoes.

Except for the old woman who lived in a shoe...but she was also thinking about broth and bread.

Which brings me to some wonderful news about the blog. In the next couple of months, you will see blog posts about shoes, food and wine, lifestyle, travel and all things good (the use of "all" really broadens things up).

Since I don't claim to be an expert outside of shoes, I plan on inviting guest columnists to talk about new trends, how to pick wine, places to visit - and overall great things in life.

So, stay tuned for new content and appearance over the coming months. For those of you that love shoes....not to fear, my first love will always remain shoes...there will just be more content around all things good - shoes included.

Thanks for reading...and expect great things to come.

Cha Cha Living

Isabel Marant...You Get Me...

Isabel Marant is one of my favorite designers. She combines Parisian chic with a hint of nonchalance - and her shoes are some of my favorite for combining style and function.

Her clothing and shoes are a bit pricey, but I can guarantee that these are an great investment piece, and if you shoe calculation pencils out (do you own SIC calculation here) ....these may be in your future.

// Isabel Marant Morley Shoes //

The next question you may ask is what would I wear with these shoes, and where the hell would I wear them? Coachella? Urban Outfitters? A strictly only GNO because your man refuses to be seen with you in them??

Well, no matter where you go, here are two amazing options to wear these beautiful shoes:

Denim Jeans + Flowy Top

 Clockwise from top right

//  Urban Outfitters Top // Mother Dropout Jeans // Free People Top  // Target Xhilaration Top //

White Lace Dress + Denim Jacket

Clockwise from top right

// J Brand Jean Jacket // 12th Street Dress // Sea Dress // BB Dakota Dress // 

Top Four Vacay Detox Tips

Oh vacation - how I love you during, but dread your end. For some people, vacation is a relaxing blissful time - where you exercise every day and eat healthier than you do at home.

For the rest of us....it sometimes consist of overindulgence in food and drink.

You tell yourself you will work out, and eat more of this:

And, less of this:

And in the end, you end up eating a pizza with truffle sauce and egg on top. Truffles are technically vegetable, right??

So, when the vacation ends and real life returns, you need to return to your healthy lifestyle and shed any of those vacation pounds that may have been added. 

With that in mind, here are my top four vacation detox tips:

1. Running - why not get a new pair of Nike's in springs best color - even more motivation to get you running.

2. Hot Yoga - yeah, you feel like you are going to die of heat about 95% of class, but that feeling once you get out is worth the intensity. Manduka yoga mat here.

3. Juice Cleanses - I have done a couple of these myself - they are controversial, and can be quite un-fufilling. But, if you have the (like in this program at Juice Nation in Solana Beach) they can serve as a great boost and detox.

4. Cut the Caffeine - Ok - cut it down. I am a two cup of coffee drinker, so when I am back from vacation I turn to my favorite Parisian tea, Kusmi detox to substitute for my coffee. It's a combination of mate and green tea flavored with lemon and lemon grass. It's not without caffeine - but I find it to be a great energy boost and flavorful, as well. 

Clockwise from right: 

// manduka yoga mat // 3 day juice cleanse // Kusmi detox tea // Nike shoes //

Oh, the Places You'll Go. Valentino + Dr. Suess

When I face challenges, I typically face them with two things. Books and shoes.

Books can be a guidepost - a different perspective when you are stuck or looking for inspiration. Children's books can be even more energizing, as they really look at life more simplistically - without the jading of time and age.

Shoes have always served me as a form of inspiration. Through their structure, form and sometimes height, I always felt that amazing shoes can serve as a sort of armor as you face battles in the world.

Enter Dr. Suess. One of my favorite children's book authors. His writing intrigued me as a child, but became even more interesting as I grew older. And, his use of anapestic meter (I had to google this word myself) always made his writing charming and entertaining. 

So, when I found myself in one of those "challenges" - I knew a book and a good pair of shoes were in order. It happened to be in early March, and I was reminded by my niece and nephew that it was Dr. Suess' birthday on that early day in March. Oh, I thought, the places you'll go....

Arguably one of Dr. Suess' best books - I ordered a copy immediately. Sure, I remembered the book, and could cite some lines, but I needed to see it in print. (Note -you must pick up a copy no matter what your age).  
Am I biased because he speaks of shoes in the first few pages....maybe. But it is really one of the most timeless books of our time. 

Now enter Valentino, arguably one of the most famous fashion designers of all time. Italian born, he covered decades of fashion for women, designing wedding dresses for both Jackie O and J. Lo. He has a way of melding classic elegance with a hint of sexiness. So....Dr. Suess + Valentino = world domination. And, the best line of the book: 

You're are off to great places, you're off and away.

So, enjoy the book - and the shoes - and find your mix to meet life's challenges along the way.

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

Yes! You will, indeed!

// Shoes Valentino // Book Oh, the Places You'll Go //