seaofshoes

J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes for Urban Outfitters.

Hi guys, I'm excited to announce the launch of a capsule collection I did for Urban Outfitters. I'm so grateful to have been given the chance to design what I love (shoes!) and it has been a pleasure to work with UO.

Here is the snippet from the press release.

"Jane Aldridge may be just 17 years old, but the Dallas-based fashion blogger has an impressive global following on her personal style blog, Sea of Shoes. "Ever since I've reached my full shoe size I've been fanatical about collecting shoes," says Aldridge. "That's how my blog got started, as a means of chronicling my addiction to beautiful footwear and the evolution of my personal style," she adds.

The magnetic Texas teen has to wear a school uniform five days a week with a one and a half inch heel rule, but outside of class, flats are the last thing you'll see her wearing. From YSL cage heels and Chanel bow-tie booties to Margiela clogs, Aldridge pairs her favored heels with equally envied outfits. And now, she has found another creative outlet for her passion; designing shoes herself, with the help of Urban Outfitters.

Launching next month, J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes is a capsule collection of three styles, exclusive to Urban Outfitters. Dramatic knee-high brown leather peep-toe boots feature top-stitched detailing and lacing at the front, black gladiator heels with studs and twin buckle straps, and lace-up, pointy skimmers. "I'm really excited to bring my designs to Urban Outfitters," says Aldridge. "The inspiration for this collection is a mish-mash of some of the elements of my favorite pairs—sort of Victoriana meets gladiator warrior."

Can't wait to get home and try them on!

Fashion

Jun 23, 2009335 Comments

HAIRCUT AT UPSY DAISY

So yesterday I mentioned that my mom had scheduled an appointment for a haircut at a funky hair salon. Thinking it would be an interesting experience to document, I packed my D3 and tagged along. I didn't know what to expect but my mom described the vibe of the salon as 'bohemian hippie grunge'. I dressed somewhat accordingly…

Vintage patchwork leather jacket, stripe tee from Urban Outiftters, Hysteric Glamour jeans, Martin Margiela clogs, Martin Margiela python clutch, vintage belt from my mom's old boutique, and my elephant necklace.

Upsy Daisy was tucked away in a semi-underground nook off of Omotesando, just a short distance from the Chanel and Martin Marigela boutiques.

The clientele there made for VERY intersting people watching! Loved this girl's short shorts with shearling cuffs and super-slashed tee.

They had a pretty fish tank outside the door.

Some of the extensions hanging on the walls-pretttttyyy, so much texture.

I think the little room in the back was a makeup station. I totally want to get my makeup done there!

My mom has told me that Japanese hair stylists cut your hair in a very different way than they do in the US so I was kind of curious to watch the process.

The end result!

Maybe it was the hair-dye fumes, but somehow when I was hanging out at Upsy Daisy, I got it in my mind that it would be a great idea to get some colorful extensions woven into my hair…I made the appointment for tomorrow afternoon.

I'll let you know how it goes!

xo Jane

Beauty Hair

Jun 22, 2009142 Comments

From the weekend

It rained all morning and most of the afternoon yesterday-here are some pictures taken around the hotel while we waited for the drizzle to subside.

I wore a pair of Comme des Garcons Homme Plus pants I picked up on Saturday- my mom and I both got a pair, haha. The store was incredible! I'll go back and next time I'll take pictures of the building.

Sipped some tea while I watched the rain come down.

The weather on Saturday was lovely…hoping to experience similar weather today!

I bet the Koi fish liked the rain.

Wondered around the streets of Harajuku.

Lots of cute guys like this one hanging around. he looked pretty confused/kinda pissed when I asked if I could take his picture. Sorry, guy :(

Does he look familiar?? ;) Ran into him again!

On Saturday I ran into my friend Amit and we did some shopping together. Super fun.

Outside one of the CDG stores and Undercover

I love this elephant necklace! I got it just before I came to Tokyo.

So many people have asked what camera I'm using…I use a Nikon D300 and two 1.4 lenses.

My mom has a hair appointment at a very funky salon soon-I'm going to tag along and take some pictures. See you soon.

xo Jane

Fashion

Jun 21, 2009115 Comments

SHOOTING AROUND OMOTESANDO

I was happy to spend my first day in Tokyo hanging out on Omotesando snapping some pictures of the stylish passer-bys.

While waiting for the then empty streets to fill up, mom and I had breakfast at Andersen’s, a Danish restaurunt my mom has been frequenting since she moved here in 1982.

It was delicious.

It wasn’t long before Omotesando became a sea of people….

A shady nook next to a convenience store is apparently a watering hole for Omotesando’s steeziest…they were all just parked here, silently begging to have their photographs taken!

It was funny, as my mom and I were snapping along Omotesando, there must have been at least 5 people who came by hauling big piles of twigs. I wonder what they were for!

It wasn’t long before my mom and I were exhausted…stopped to give our feet a rest.

(My Martin Marigela cowboy boots)

(Mom’s Ann Demeulemeester sandals)

I guess it was the long flight…or maybe we really are just huge wimps…but we headed back to hotel very early to get some sleep.

We’re all rested up today and ready to hit the streets again….expect more posts like this soon.

Fashion

Jun 19, 2009

first stop in tokyo-ADVENTURES IN KIDDYLAND

If there is one thing my mom and I love more than shoes, it would be toys.

Tokyo's famous 'Kiddy Land' store was the first stop we made on our first day in Tokyo.

We were having a great time until mom saw Pleo.

It was love at first sight…and sadly it was a doomed love, because unfortunately his size and price tag meant that Pleo couldn't come back to Texas with us.

Mom shared a tearful goodbye with Pleo before we left in search of lunch.

Kiddy Land was amazing, Pleo or not!! It wasn't our first trip to Kiddy Land and it won't be our last…gotta go back and get more Totoro toys.

Fashion

Jun 19, 200973 Comments

RANDOM PICTURES FROM LA

This would be my last day in Los Angeles, tomorrow afternoon my mom and I are flying to Tokyo. I'm sooo tired from running around LA for three days.

We're staying in Santa Monica-am very happy to see a beach. We have a great view at the restaurant at the top of our hotel.

One of my favorite stops here in LA was at Maxfield.

I love the sculptures outside the store.

Really windy and kinda chilly in LA this weekend.

Hence the dumb poses in these pictures! Wearing thrifted vintage leather shorts, YSL cage heels, Lillith blouse, and Prada bag.

Carol fondling my mom's Natalia Brilli leather-covered amp chord.

Kinda looks like she has my mom on a leash. Not a bad idea considering some of her antics here in LA ;)

My mom (and I) are in love with her yellow Margiela clutch.

The Nolex by Natalia Brilli and her usual Omega Seamaster watch.

Hanging out at Betsey Johnson while my sister tried on some v. cute dresses.

We had a nice lunch at Sur on Monday.

The whole time we were here my younger sister wouldn't let me take her picture-she had all these cute outfits on, but she'd pull some weirdo face like this whenever the camera came out. What a jerk! Hahaha.

when we were driving around we kept seeing this poster for a new Jack Black movie and me, my mom, and my dad all agreed that Carol's crazy facial expressions made her look like Jack Black's would-be, could-be daughter.

I did get one normal picture of her though-so pretty when she doesn't stick her tongue out at me ;) that isn't to say I don't love the pictures I get of her funny faces.

I didn't bring my camera out today but I was very happy to see Lucrecia (of Fashion is Poison)-had so much fun.

About to fall asleep at the keyboard at this point-goodnight and next time you hear from me, I'll be in Tokyo!

xo Jane

Fashion

Jun 17, 2009158 Comments

GOODBYE TEXAS

As I prepare for a very long trip I can't help but start to feel homesick already. Summer had only just started and I was enjoying myself at home.

I love waking up early and having tea in bed with a book.

It's even nicer when my puppies join me.

Shelley

Staci

We just planted our garden too! I hope that the July heat doesn't make them droopy while we're gone.

Anyway, after enjoying my last morning in Texas I headed into Dallas with my mom to grab some lunch and look around Forty Five Ten.

So much pretty Dries.

Mom's outfit today

Her signature stack of silver, along with an Omega Seamaster men's watch.

Her equestrian Givenchy ankle boots-mom and I both flipped for these. Worn with waxed Levi's jeans.

I didn't get too dressed up today-wearing a thrifted lace shirt, Miu Miu skirt, and my beloved new Chanel bow-tie booties.

More pics….

Are there words for how incredibly sweet these shoes are? Nope. They're kind of punky and cheeky at the same time though. I need to do a post about these shoes! I couldn't stop staring at my feet today.

Had a tasty lunch at the T Room at Forty Five Ten.
(Good iced tea is another thing I'll miss when I'm in Tokyo. Does anybody love iced tea like Texans do?)

My panini with brie and cranberries.

Mom's pear salad, tortilla, and vegetable panini.

After lunch we stopped at Grange Hall-while I was there I snapped a picture of these pretty flowers inside the store.

If you live near Dallas/in Dallas and haven't visited Grange Hall yet, you have to. It's like a very morbid and beautiful apothecary…not to mention they carry Natalia Brilli (!)

I snapped this picture of an old grain silo on our way into town.
It reminded me of japanese boro textiles.

I'm going to miss seeing sights like this when I'm in Tokyo…I love the deserted landscapes of Texas. I want to take a road trip to Marfa when I get back from Tokyo!

Better start packing. I'm going to spend three days in Los Angeles with my family and then on Wednesday my mom and I are flying to Tokyo. We'll come back to Texas July 10th.
I already miss my dogs so much. It's so hard to leave them. But I'm so excited I can barely stand it!

xo Jane

Fashion

Jun 13, 2009221 Comments

TORNADO WATCH

Wearing vintage silk pants, sheer tank top, YSL cage booties, and Proenza Schouler sunglasses

So last night I was taking these pictures in my dad's front yard when he comes running out of the house telling me to get in the car and find shelter because a tornado was on its way towards us.

I think everyone who has lived in north Texas is used to tornado scares but this one came pretty close. Our houses and dogs were fine though. Waiting out storms is so boring-even more boring when they knock out your power for a long time.

I didn't get to take any pictures of the storm-bummer!