Irregular Choice: Character Heelstory

Have you ever wondered which heel is the highest, which character had the most releases, when they started or just how many different heels there's been?  Well this fun (but informative) post contains everything you'll ever need to know about the Irregular Choice character heels.  Though the history may be brief, there's a lot that's happened in that short period and it's all documented here.  I've taken photos of every single character (and concept) heel I currently own. You've perhaps seen them individually, but I've never gathered them together for a group photo before.  I've also linked to my previous posts (they open in a new window, so you won't lose your place here) for you to see the shoes in more detail if you haven't before and included some current 'in stock' links if you wish to add to your own collection.      

Shoes: L.A.M.B. Caitlyn Wedges

I posted a quick pic yesterday of the L.A.M.B. 'Caitlyn' wedges I'd ordered from Javari that turned out to be too small. I thought you might like to see them in more detail.
Unfortunately when it comes to ordering US sizes from a UK store, you never quite know what you're going to get, as often the conversion charts can contradict one another. I figured buying a UK 5.5 meant there was a reasonably good chance they'd fit. I expected a US8, but what came was a US7.5 which is what I'd usually consider a UK5 (which by rights should still have fitted).
When I measured inside from heel to toe, just 23.5cm, it confirmed they were extremely small and definitely not what I'd class as a UK5 never mind a 5 1/2. It's disappointing that Javari got the sizing so wrong, although when I look at their chart they do say a UK5/US7 measures 23.5cm which I believe to be 1cm too short based on measurements from my own collection and other charts I've looked at. I regularly measure shoes when I'm selling on eBay and they are never any smaller than 24cm and certainly not if they're supposed to be a 5.5! I could just get my foot in them (only with thin socks on, not barefoot), but it was uncomfortable and I'd always have to wear tights. Anyway, just a warning to size up if you're intending on buying them, Javari do have 20% off currently (see their site for code) and there's a different code on their sister site Amazon if you prefer to buy from there.
I printed off the returns form today, so they will be going back this week. I hate when you've drooled over a shoe for so long then when it arrives it doesn't live up to the expectations : ( The next size available in the black is a 6.5/8.5 and measures 25cm which I reckon would be just slightly too big and I don't want the hassle of perhaps returning another pair that don't fit.
I'm also still a bit undecided with the L.A.M.B. t-bars I purchased the week before. They are pretty, but not show-stopping and I'm reconsidering my 'need' for them. I've also changed my mind about the dress I'm wearing to me nephews christening. The ASOS Salon floral one has such a full skirt and I just feel it's maybe too massive and fancy for this and I wasn't sure what to wear over it or which shoes and I just don't think it's as flattering on me as other dresses (it's so huge, it maybe makes you look huge if you know what I'm saying...as much as I love it). Unfortunately I think I'll have to sell it as I just don't see me ever having an occasion to wear it (no weddings coming up) and if I continue to lose weight it's just going to be too big on me anyway.

Instead I'm wearing my lace prom dress by Pearl Lowe which I tried on yesterday and it doesn't have any of the squished boob problems I was having with it when I first got it. I feel fabulous in it and it just seems more fitting for the occasion. I'm probably going to wear it with tights, I just need to figure out the shoes, which is the exciting part! Any suggestions are welcome...I may have to trawl through The Shoe Girl Diaries to remind myself of all the shoes I own!

Random Phone Images

So here's some random pictures from my phone. The camera shopping has kinda come to a standstill. I'm getting frustrated with the choice (too much choice) and I don't want to rush into something and regret it. Plus I can't afford to buy a camera just now and usually eBay is my solution to a quick cash injection but it's proved too stressful lately. That situation I had last week? Turns out the idiot in the Post Office sent the parcel surface mail instead of airmail. So the buyer will get her parcel....eventually. Just annoyed that I've been stressed about it, all because of some imbecile pressing the wrong button (going to watch them like a hawk from now on). Then today, I got a parcel returned I'd sent out a month ago, a pair of shoes that the buyer has never bothered to collect, so now that's suddenly become my problem, grrr! If you don't want the shoes, don't bloomin' bid on them!
Anyway, not feeling great today, drinking lots of tea, wearing a big fluffy shawl and singing along to cheesy Westlife ballads like Safe and What About Now, although you can't beat their even cheesier cover versions of The Rose, Desperado, The Dance, You Light Up My Life and Miss You Nights. Hmmm, must be ill methinks! No, I love them really : ) Speaking of singing, I'm getting way into the US X-Factor, more so than the UK one where I only actually like a couple of people on it. I'll still be watching tonight though, just because I have nothing better to do, haha!
This is me waking up yesterday morning and realising I look like Jedward. A turquoise female Jedward...not good.
These are my new glasses, both of which I'm very happy with. The Prada purple pair were as close as they had to retro cats eye frames. The shop I go to usually only get one pair of each style in and she said those styles flew out. I still like them though, the legs are situated further down than normal, so you can see the pointed edge of the frame at the top.
My other pair were much cheaper, basic black geek frames or my Clark Kent glasses as I like to call them. They feel so comfortable.
I got my Pearl Lowe crochet collar dress y'day, the size smaller than usual (go me!). It's much smaller, but fits perfectly.
My favourite lunch-time specialty is sliced apple over peanut-butter on toast (something my friends and family think is disgusting), it's lovely though. This week though I had some Nutella with sliced banana on top. Here it is, without the banana. It's ok, not as nice as PB/apples though!
Ok, I could actually give up all meals for Cadburys Wishes, which are only available during winter unfortunately. The star is the size of this packet (large dudes) and is the yummiest thing on the planet. Plus freakily both weeks I've had one of these I've gone on to lose 2lbs...hmmm, so it's actually 'good for me' yeah?
Before realising I needed to fork out for 2 new pairs of glasses and a new camera I splurged on a couple of pairs of L.A.M.B. shoes from TK Maxx. they have some great designer finds online currently; gorgeous Luella dresses and Moschino floral coats going for a steal!
The cosy Pier ankle boots as seen on Nicki Minaj.
and Peppa t-bars (a pain in the arse to squeeze into)
My new little bubba, loves (and looks adorable in) polka dots just like his Aunt/Godmother...that would be me if you hadn't guessed! Cue cute overload... and his freaky long hands!
Speaking of, I tried on my ASOS Salon floral dress for wearing to my nephews christening in a few weeks time. I was wondering which shoes to wear with it...still not decided but these River Island platforms could be a contender.
My first attempt at leopard print nails...I die, I love it, even if I do say so myself!
My Mum and sister went to the massive Tesco super store today and Toys'r'Us in search of some Monster High dolls and other bits and bobs. It was like Christmas when they came home, I've never seen so many toys!
We got the Classroom MH dolls we wanted. I got Mad Science Lagoona, Home Ick Frankie and Physical Deaducation Ghoulia.
My sister got Frankie and Ghoulia. As you can see she's pretty obsessed with Littlest Pet Shop toys too, so she got the new sparkle ones and loads more things! I actually struggled to fit everything in the one shot. Oh and I stole the unicorn and deer from her, she says I can have them : )
She also bought a ridiculous amount of Cadburys and other goodies, special Christmas and Halloween stuff. I'm supposed to be on a diet you know!Hope you're all having a good weekend!

Bye Bye Shoes

I've been regularly selling on eBay over the past couple of years and although I don't find the experience 100% positive (I'm not a fan of the fees both eBay and Paypal take off (it usually means you don't make a profit) and buyers can really muck you around and as a seller there's not all that much you can do about it), however I do enjoy it...well maybe that's not the correct term. It 'works for me', most of the time. As you know, I buy a lot of shoes, more than the average person and my tastes can change, so it's a great opportunity for me to make a little money on items that would usually be chucked in a bag and given to the charity shop. It's not that I don't like giving it to charity, but I would feel really guilty giving away shoes that had been barely or not worn at all, which the shop would more than likely completely under-value. I still regularly make donations to local charity shops and anything that is too worn simply goes in the bin. I see some hideous looking shoes on eBay that I personally would've chucked!
At first obviously, I found it easy to gather together possible shoes for selling, but lately I've been really struggling. I'm down to those shoes I really like and because I have so many, it's not always easy to discard a pair purely because you've only worn them twice in a year. I'm absolutely at or actually beyond my maximum storage capacity for shoes though, so it's imperative I whittle down my collection once more. I spent this weekend, listing loads of new pairs and the auctions finish this Sunday. I would've put up more if I'd had the time, but this is certainly a good starting point for reducing my stash. It was actually really difficult to gather possible pairs together, I was trying to be strict but my head is always telling me one thing and my heart another! Several pairs have never been worn for various reasons, they either don't fit me all that well or I've never found the right outfit for them. I must say I felt like I was selling my soul with certain pairs, but I can't justify keeping a pair "just to look at".
There's several pairs from Irregular Choice. The Grace Lace (above) I'm re-listing due to non-payment, the Blythe Emi pair I must've considered selling for months and months, but each time I reconsider. They've never been worn though (plus I have other Blythe pairs), so it's silly isn't it? Too late to change my mind now though because they already have a bid in! The orange Audrina I bought ages ago and yet again have never worn, the black croc Florence lace-ups I like but rarely wear.
Then we have the Red or Dead Ettore ankle boots (below) which I've lusted after since they first came out. I finally got my hands on a pair last week (it wasn't easy) and they don't fit! I can only get the zip up halfway on one foot, but fully on the other. I'm gutted, totally gutted that they have to go but they cost a lot of money and what was I going to do? Stroke them and hope my feet shrink? I'm still searching and hoping for a bigger size.
There's loads of other pairs too, so I'll leave you with pics and you can find all my listings here. I ship everywhere and anywhere and the shoes are mostly 5/38's or 6/39's.
What about you, do you use eBay for selling unwanted items? Or do you prefer to buy rather than sell?