Unwearable Perfect

Maison Martin Margiela oversized shoe.

It was love at first sight when I saw Martin Margiela's disco-mirror covered heels in the window of Project No. 8 last month.  I prayed for them to go on sale, and would still be entertaining ridiculous future outfit possibilities in my head if I hadn't gone into the store to get a closer look, only to find that the shoes are not meant to be actually worn.  In typical Margiela style, the designer has created a pair of heels that would leave you on your tiptoes, with the back of the shoe's heel jutting out far beyond your ankle, dubbing it "oversized." Intentionally rendering it completely and totally unwearable, the label inside each shoe demarcates them as "COLLECTOR'S ITEMS" better suited to be encased behind glass than for everyday wear, and meant to celebrate the label's 20th anniversary.  Of course the idea wouldn't be complete without a counterpart, which comes in the form of the (also unwearable) "undersize" heel, which stops short at the end, and would leave the back of your foot precariously hanging off were you to actually try them on.  Here's hoping that they make a semi-wearable interpretation, seeing as I am not financially able to start collecting clothing like artwork...

The undersized shoe in red and black.

Walk On...

I was devastated when I found out on Wednesday that one of my favorite bloggers, Erika Ascot, had passed away.  Although Erika's blog, Black Ascot, is written entirely in Swedish, most of which I barely understand, I immediately fell in love with her haunting Francesca Woodman styled self-portraits.  We never met, and we only read each other's blogs, but sometimes you feel an inexplicable connection to those whose lives are laid bare before you, and who you feel you have a lot in common with.  Rather than prattling on any longer, I thought I would share with you some of her incredible photographs.  Her parents are also accepting friend requests on her Facebook Page.  Walk on, Erika.

EDIT: Erika was actually a fictionalized character.  However, like any well realized character in a novel or a play, to many of her blog readers, myself included, Erika was very real.  

At least as real as Heathcliff and Mr. Darcy, or any other literary creation that I've fallen in love with.  

-Tiffany

The Shape of Lies

Gold plated clip-on wing earrings from The Shape of Lies.

I've lived in Manhattan for my entire life, and somehow I've managed to miss The Shape of Lies, a tiny jewel box on 127 East 7th Street, even though it's been open for thirty years.  The owner, Peggy Yunque, lives in the back of the store with her husband, and makes many of the pieces she sells on a jeweler's bench that sits right behind the cash wrap.  It's incredible to stumble upon the space, which seems like the last standing relic of the era of Mom and Pop stores, which once dominated the the East Village but have been mostly replaced by chichi boutiques.

Peggy stocks her own line of reasonably priced costume jewelry, mainly based on ancient relics and sold to museum stores, in addition to many local talents, including one of my all time favorites, Anomaly Jewelry, designed by Karen Silverman.  It's one of those perfect places to pick up a present, and while I was there, my Father in Law, Arne, bought me a pair of golden wing clip-on earrings from Peggy's own collection.  While I sometimes feel like wings are overdone, I fell in love with this pair that reminded the Art History major in me of both Hermes's wings, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.  If you are in New York you should definitely stop by, and if not, make sure to check out Peggy's online shop!

Historically inspired broaches, part of the store's museum jewelry line, based on ancient artifacts.

The entire collection of Anomaly Jewelry's Zodiac Babies, which I love so much.

More work from Anomaly jewelry and other local jewelry designers.

The cozy interior of the shop doubles are the owner's living space!

The owner and jewelry designer, Peggy Yunque

-Tiffany