Don't even get me started..

Ok, get me started. (Isn't that why we're here?) First and foremost I should note that at no time am I taking photos in the courtroom, or any restricted areas. All photographs are taken in public areas of the courthouse (although not necessarily with the consent of all "soles" involved..). Today was a perfect day for a blog post. As I was observing a settlement conference slash negotiation session, I became all too aware of the shoe issues around the room.. Un. Believable.

As the blog is called "Shoes I Wear to Court," let's start with moi. The picture indicates I'm wearing my fave navy pantsuit, which I almost always pair with my royal blue ruffled blouse and gold, nine-strand necklace. My navy patent pumps give me serious Barbie-foot, which I wasn't in the mood for today, and they were too tall to be worn with these pants anyways. Thus, I opted for one of my most favorite pair of shoes.. Tan, patent stilettos, pointed toe and all.. They literally go with anything. One of the first things we learn in the "pageant world" is that legs look longer when you match your shoes to your legs. True business. Still, I was wearing pants, so that lesson isn't technically relevant. Anyways, as the focus of the outfit was on the contrasting blues, and the statement jewelry, I didn't want to take away from the outfit by distracting with a flashy shoe. These are perfect. Again, Nine West, about a 3" heel. Unbelievably comfortable, and were broken in in no time. The patent is essential. Totally dresses up any outfit.

So let's go clockwise.. starting with the man on my left. Two thumbs up.. Simple, professional, yet utilitarian black shoes, and matching "big boy socks." 'Nuff said.

Next.. I need serious slow breathing to get through this one. Not ok. Let's state the obvious.. Come on with the gym socks. That is never ok. This is a private lawyer.. No excuses for white socks. Note also, this person always crosses his legs so that not only do the socks show, but significant amounts of leg hair as well. Lord help me. Additionally, these are black shoes, made of Lord-knows-what-material (not leather at least..). This means they don't even have the opportunity to be shined. Poor things. And his suit, like mine, was navy. The debate on black shoes with a navy suit is to be had on a later day. Today, it was the wrong choice.

Moving right along. Note the next woman was the third of five in the room also wearing a navy pantsuit.. Overall, the sandals are acceptable. Note, the only reason I feel this way is because she had a fresh, French pedi. However, I personally feel that sandals have no place in the court room. Correction: Toenails have no place in the court room. One minor exception is a well-chosen peep-toe pump in the warmer months.

Finally.. black flip-floppy slides.. Again, I really feel a closed-toe, closed-back heel would have suited both of these ensembles better. I think these may have gone a little far.. I really don't want to see so much foot. And you should never be taking your shoes off during negotiation sessions.. that's gross and wrong.

So that's that for today. I think I've opened the Pandora's box when it comes to male footwear in the legal setting.. more on that next time.

Trial day two.. Blisters on the heel mean only one thing:

Slingbacks. Ivory patent open-side sligback stilettos proved to be the perfect choice, and coordinated beautifully with my black knit Ralph Lauren blazer with ivory trim. They were so comfortable that I was able to wear them from court to class in the City and back without wincing. Shoes like that are a must for any wardrobe. These happen to be Nine West. And the fabulous bag you see on my lap in the foreground is a vintage Saks Fifth Avenue document carrier from nowhere but ebay. Fabulous.

A blog newer than my newest pair of heels.. but only by a few hours.

So many of you know that I left a tres glam marketing career to pursue a law degree. Trading fashion and makeup for casebooks and study guides wasn't easy, but it had to be done. Now, the most stylish part of my day includes matching my highlighter to my blouse. I soon realized I wasn't the only one in need of a bit more style in my life. While "anything goes" in the classroom, from sweat suits to business suits, I try to look my best, which helps me feel my best and do my best.

Unfortunately, some of my fave ensembles include bright colors, endless embellishments and retro patterns, which aren't technically "law school friendly." Thankfully, much of my wardrobe is black and white essential pieces that can go from the class room to happy hour quicker than the bartender can pour a Stella. And jewelry is key. And shoes are the main event.

I've struggled this past year with the idea of blending my career past, with my career future. It all came about when I had to ruthlessly delete years of blood, sweat and tears from my resume, because the work I had done was basically irrelevant for my legal resume. So.. when talking to one of my best girlfriends (you know who you are) from school about summer swimwear, specifically, mix-and-match prints, she happened to mention that she loves how I know "what to put together." Days later, another friend asked me what on earth she should wear to a party that indicated a dress code of "casual chic." I used to assume people just asked because I'm clearly a shopaholic.. but they were on to something.

It came about as fast as the urge for a new short haircut.. Visions of style-deprived women flooded my head.. You've seen them. The women in Aerosoles, with pantsuits that have elastic waistlines. They are everywhere. They are in law, in politics, in public interest. I may never end up with a fancy fashion consulting career with every female attorney in my little black (patent leather) book. And while most (if not all of them) will never read my blog, in the very least I can impart my advice, opinions, and shopping tips, so that I can prevent my Touro girls from ending up like that ten years from now.

I took a chance on Tuesday, abandoning the advice we've all been given at school, and wore my favorite new heels (photo above) to Nassau County Family Court. I was a bit nervous, imagining the judge pointing at me and screaming at me to leave her court room. But I had to follow my heart, and my intuition. When I arrived, saw, and was introduced to the most fabulous female lawyer I've ever seen in my life. She was the epitome of what I strive to be, and I can't wait until I have the iPhone next month, so I can grab a shot of her for the blog next time she's there.. In the meantime, I was so glad I wasn't wearing boring shoes when I met her.. what a disaster that would have been..

Some style lessons are timeless. But I've come to learn that the greatest accessory is a J.D. degree. Fierce.