i like shoes. a while back i started liking flats after years of avoidance. when hearing the work "flats," i used to automatically think of those horrid sam and libby, circa 1980s version with the obnoxious bow that really didn't look much like a bow. now that i have gotten over it, here are some of my favorites in my closet right now.

1. tory burch reva flat. after wearing them, i think they are a bit overpriced for the quality. the fact that the heels had size stickers on them makes me think they are mass produced somewhere. also, they aren't terribly comfortable or feel like $200 shoes. with that said, they do dress up or down pretty nicely.

2. gucci thong sandal. these shoes are my staple shoes for dressing down when it is warm out. each year they offer new colors, and i always have to get a pair. although the soles are flat as pancakes, they are strangely comfortable.

3. cole haan nike air rhea d'orsay shoes in silver. cute ballet style flats with metallic leather and satin. they are nowhere near as comfortable as some of the cool sporty styled g-series shoes they used to make, but they are certainly wearable.

4. cole haan nike air beau mary jane. these quilted gold metallic shoes are much cuter on the feet than in photos. actually, they are kind of ugly shoes when i think about it. i think that is kind of why i like them so much. they, like the silver shoes, have nike air, so they are pretty comfy. actually, they are more comfortable than the silver rhea d'orsay shoes.

catching up and random observations.

it has been a while since i updated this blog. the line continues to get good press. check out some of the latest from "seattle magazine," nwsource" and "gen art pulse" by looking at yen jewelry's press page. be sure to keep an eye open for more good print editorial coverage for the line this summer. i will be sure to mention the magazines once they are published and for sale.

i have been working on my next collection for what seems like an eternity. many of the designs are evolutions of sketches and design ideas that are a couple years old. as always, the pieces and designs will evolve to a point where i am satisfied with it, but i am not there yet. coming up with interesting, unique and wearable designs isn't something that happens overnight.

now on to something that is design-related, although it is more of an observation. maybe i am in the minority, but i am so tired of seeing clothing, jewelry or home decor with a scull, a sparrow, a fawn or a cupcake as part of the design element. it is becoming so cliche. i am hoping this trend will finally fade away. good, i got that off my chest. now i can move on.