Designer or Deal Mary Janes

mary janes shoes trend

Designer or Deal Mary Janes: Designer pair / Name Brand Pair /

Have you noticed? Mary Janes are hot right now. This classic shoe style began gaining momentum last year, and this year it is everywhere! The most sought-after pair of Mary Janes is the version produced by Prada, but instead of showing you a pair of shoes which are always out of stock, and to be frank, look like the majority of other Mary Janes on the market, I am showing you a moderately priced designer pair as well as a more affordable pair from one of my favorite brands.

The Mary Jane is a fabulous shoe style for the fall season. While you find both flat versions and 3″ versions of the Mary Janes on store shelves, the ultimate style this fall season offers a 1-2″ block heel. This is the perfect height because you can wear it for longer periods of time, and if you have foot issues like me, the shorter block heel offers more support than a flat shoe, and less pain than a traditional high heel with a 3″ heel. Love this!

This season, the traditional Mary Jane with one strap is the most sought-after style, but there are several other versions on the market if you’d like to spice things up. Personally, I love this affordable pair with two straps. It is the one I purchased for the fall season! You may also see versions with an ankle strap which are reminiscent of the Valentino Tango pump. So, if you have a pair in backstock, pull them forward! You can rock those this fall too! I have a pair I plan to pull out in red! Love!

Shop Mary Janes for fall online:

Another fun fact about Mary Janes shoes is that you can pair them with wide leg trousers, not jeans, as an alternative to loafers. They also play well with any hemline. I am look forward to wearing Mary Janes this fall season! What do you think of this shoe trend?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Best Pasta in the South Bay

pictured: Fettucine Bianco from Bella Saratoga, in Saratoga, Ca. This is one of my favorite pasta dishes in the South Bay /

One of my favorite meals is a yummy plate of pasta. I love all types of pasta dishes, and you will find me ordering pasta in restaurants, as well as cooking it myself at home. Therefore, it is only natural that I have a list of the best pasta restaurants in the South Bay!

I grew up eating pasta since my ancestors came here from Italy. Fun fact, I am one hundred percent of Italian decent! So, I would like to consider myself an expert on delicious pasta and how it should be cooked, as well as the best sauces.

So, if you live near San Jose, and you love pasta, let’s talk about the best pasta! Yum!!

My favorite pasta restaurants in the South Bay, listed in alphabetical order.

  • Aldo’s Ristorante & Bar
    • 14109 Winchester Blvd., Los Gatos, CA
    • Favorites: Tortellini alla Tommaso, Rigatoni Paesani, and Tagliatelle alla Aldo. Get the cannoli!
  • Bella Saratoga
    • 14503 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA
    • Favorites: Fettucine Bianco, Bolognese, and Chicken Mushroom Linguine.
  • Florentine Trattoria
    • 14510 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA
    • Favorites: Half & Half, Ravioli, and classic Bolognese. Also, get the lemoncello dessert!
  • Italian Brothers Restaurant
    • 330 No Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA
    • Favorites: Pappardelle Salsiccia e Funghi, Rigatoni Pesto, and Rigatoni Mafiosa
  • Sorelle Italian Bistro
    • 915 San Tomas Aquino Road, Campbell, CA
    • Favorites: Sorelle Short Rib Bolognese, Linguini with grilled jumbo shrimp, Traditional meat sauce, and get the cannoli!

Do you have any favorite pasta restaurants in the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area? If so, feel free to share in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping by, and eat the pasta!

XOXO

Cathy

pictured below: Half and Half from Florentine Trattoria

BAF Weekly IT List

BAF Weekly IT List from top left: black shoulder bag / silver drop earrings / fall nail polish / golden hoop earrings / silver bracelet / black mary janes / green shoulder bag / golden double earrings / black western style boots / black lug sole boots / denim pencil skirt /

Investment shopping leads to investment dressing! Loving this! Investment pieces for fall are hotter than hot right now, and there are so many fabulous items to invest in this fall 2023 season. Beautiful silver jewelry, classic hoops, the anonymous handbag, and classic boots. Love!

OK, how cute are these Mary Janes! Although I have a pair of Mary Janes from a few years ago, these have a lower heel and I love the style. Plus, the price is lower than another pair I have been drooling over, so these are going to be mine! Love!

I am in a jewelry mood, are you? If you are going for a timeless aesthetic this fall season, jewelry is an easy way to spice up your look. While colorful gemstones are popular for fall, I love beautiful metal jewelry for daytime looks. This silver jewelry, and these costume golden pieces are perfect for classic daytime looks. Love them!

If you are looking for a versatile and comfortable trend to add to your wardrobe this fall, the denim pencil skirt is perfect. You can top it with a classic tee, crisp white shirt, whimsical print blouse, or an investment sweater. This will be a workhorse piece for the fall season! In the winter, the denim pencil skirt will look fabulous with knee boots and a cozy sweater or warm coat. Love it!

Shop the BAF Weekly IT List online:

What are you shopping for this fall season?

Thanks for shopping by!

XOXO

Cathy