Month: August 2007

Put your money into podiatry

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

My Dad, the Croc freedom fighter, was joking to me one day about how much money the product has made and that he wished he had invested in them when they first came out. He said to let him know if I think anything else was going to make as much money so he could invest early.

I said: “Start looking into podiatry and orthotics. There is going to be a huge rise in foot-related problems showing up earlier and earlier because of so many people, especially young women, wearing flip flops all of the time.”

And now, ABC is saying its true too – check out the video here. (It was also featured on Yahoo today, if you don’t want to sit through the ad)

In the video (and a corresponding article) they state:

“Flip-flops have singlehandedly caused more problems with people’s feet in the last couple years than probably any other type of shoe,” said Dr. Rock Positano, a podiatrist at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery.

I believe it. I’ve never really liked flip flops. I think it stems back to when I was a kid. I remember having a pair when I was 10 or something and I was wearing them while I was riding my bike. The toe of the flip flop hit the ground when I was pedaling and it got caught, dragged me down off the bike and I scraped up the whole top of my foot leaving a scar that I have to this day. I don’t really remember wearing them much after that. Plus, I slip out of them all the time. I don’t need anything extra making me any clumsier that I already am.

I’m trying out the Fit Flops, but I only wear them around the house. Somehow, I’ve still jammed my foot while wearing them. This is the same reason I don’t wear those wooden sole Dr. Scholl’s. I’ve nearly killed myself on those things before. The only other pair of flip flops I own stay in the car for when I go to get a pedicure. That’s it.

I just think they are tacky and inappropriate most of the time – and there are many many people whose feet I would prefer not to have that much visual access to. Shudder! The Manolo has also featured some of the other dangers people have encountered because of flip flops. Check them out here, here, and here. The pictures in the last one are gro-oss. And reinforce my fear of Wal-Mart. Blech!

I know people love them, especially in the summer. Heck, in my office, I would say most people wear them 80% of the time. But I just worry that people are unaware of how dangerous these are for your long term foot health. Just like sun exposure, I think in a few years we are going to get warnings that this type of shoe is responsible for long term, degenerative damage and there will be a huge rise in orthotics, physical therapy and corrective surgery.

My advice is to limit the amount you wear them. Grab a nice pair of Keds instead.

Designer Focus – Nicole Brundage

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

When you hear about a up-and-coming shoe designer from the Manolo, you should sit up and take notice.

From what I’ve seen thus far, I have been impressed. I love new designers who are using amazing materials and have a fresh aesthetic untainted by massification. You can still get a luxury product but with a unique look.

And what a look it is. Meet Nicole’s Sinamon in blush leather. A gorgeous heeled sandal with white contrasting stitching and pinked-edges. Plus I love the way the multiple straps are layered and they dainty feminine shape.


I was also able to support a new site called Shoe Runway (it’s all philanthropic, really). They are making new hot designers available online. Definitely worth checking out. The owner seems super nice. They operate out of the UK but ship to the US.

Since it’s so hot here, I plan on wearing these for a while yet.

Flirty Ruffles

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Although you see a ton of menswear tailored styles coming in for Fall, sometimes you have zig while others zag. I love the stacked brogues and wingtips and two-tone shoes but Fall and Winter is a time for get-togethers and parties and drinking Kir Royals. Sometimes you need a really flirty, girl-y, ruffle-y shoe to go with that party dress or to glam up a skirt.

I love the almost excessive embellishment of these shoes which go to the other end of the spectrum when compared to the more dignified shoes.

These Pedro Garcia Ruffle Ballet Flats in Flint are $335 at Neiman Marcus. They’re kind of a silvery lavender and I love the almost distressed look that they have.

These Miu Mius in black suede are the nighttime glam version of the Naplack with the chunky heel that I featured a few posts ago. With a change of materials and a more glam heel, this style goes from quirky school girl to intriguing vixen. Wouldn’t they be perfect with a really sleek dress?

Gorgeous. Buttery soft leather ruffles. Pearly lavender. Enough said. Loeffler Randall Ruffle Pump – $375 also at Neiman Marcus.

And when you are ready to dance the night away or make an impression, in jeans or at a company event, these Moschino Cheap & Chic Scallop Edge heels are so flamboyant and “Notice Me” that you need to be ready for all the attention. Of all of the shoes here, these are the ones I would get first. That ruffle is quite nearly perfect. They’re $455 at Barney’s.

I’m sure there will be some lower cost options available as the season goes on. These are just too pretty for them to not be reinterpreted all across the board.

I’ll keep my eye out for ya!

Fit Flops – step 1

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

So yesterday I got my black Fit Flops that had been on back-order.

So far I’ve only worn them around the house, which was my original plan. I may try them when I walk on the treadmill, but I am pret-ty clumsy so I fear that I may flop my way right out of them and land face-first on the treadmill.

My initial impressions are:

  1. They are more platform-y than I thought they would be. This isn’t really a bad thing, but the wobbleboard action makes me feel a little unstable walking down the stairs. As I’m sure this is not a part of the intended purpose, I’ll just have to be careful, because, yes, I have already fallen down my stairs.
  2. I am not used to wearing flip flops at all. So the toe part bothers me. It rubs the pad of my toe a bit because I think the design makes my ankles bow out and then my foot pushes up. I may just get some tabi socks (Japanese toe socks) so they don’t rub.
  3. I have a pretty high arch and the straps are kind of thick. I’m just not used to wearing these kind of shoes. I’m going to have to slowly get used to wearing them. I think the socks will help with this too.
  4. One thing I don’t like is that, on the inner sole of the shoe, they have the name embedded. I think they could get kind of gunked up, so I’m going to wipe them down with rubbing alcohol each day to keep them clean. Will that dry my feet out?

All in all, I’m pretty happy with them. Some minor adjustments in dealing with them, but we’ll see how they do. I’ll let you know, as time goes on, if I feel they are worth the dough or if they don’t do a thing.

Comparing Contrasts

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Walking away is a powerful act… yet it maintains a flirtatiousness. It can create a sense of mystery and give an invitation to “chase” with a single come-hither step. These ingrained responses are as old as time and an instinctive response.

Christian Louboutin leveraged an eons old practice of coloring the sole of the foot (shoe) red, thereby creating an extremely sexy shoe. But recently, this symbol is being knocked off more and more by other companies, either by using red as well or, in the case of Betsey Johnson and Irregular Choice, a pattern or another color.

I think that’s why the YSL Tribute shoe became the new hot shoe of the year. The white heel against the black shoe really stood out and was sexy but I think in a less overt way. More sexy librarian than hot mama. I liked (and bought) the non-platform version. The sling-back is way classier. Quite a gorgeous shoe, no?

So obviously, everyone will want to jump on the bandwagon. With a style this popular, it is inevitable. But why stop with just black and white. There is a whole coloring box of color combos. Some good and some, um, not so good.

The Chie Mihara Oda Heel, with it’s purple and brown combo on a retro-shaped t-strap, is kicky and perfect to pair with all of the browns for fall. It’s a bit chunkier of a heel than I usually like but it pairs well with it’s design and I think with brown ribbed tights could be very playful. Plus it looks really comfy.

On my “to die for” list is this Guiseppe Zanotti pony heel. I totally let this one slip through my fingers and I’m kicking myself for it. I mean look at the heel! I love love love a really spindly-looking, ultra-high heel. If it looks like I could break my neck in it, I want it. This shoe gives any Louboutin a run for it’s money. I am just sick that I don’t have this. There is a version done with a black heel too, but it, while still cool, does not compare to this one.

Miu Miu may have the design that is the nearest to the inspiration shoe, with their Vernice Pop Pump. But while the YSL is uber-classic, this shoe is hip and edgier. What’s hard to see is that the sculpted, almost plastic-looking heel, extends up the back of the shoe. It’s a really gorgeous graphic look. One that I am also wishing I had.

As I said, I’m sure we’ll see a ton more color combinations coming out. We’ll see how well designers do with them.

What I’m hoping will become available is the ultimate next step and a true evolution of the decorated sole… embellishment with Swarovski crystals as shown on the Valentino Couture show. If they do come out with these, which probably won’t be until at least Spring/Summer 2008, I may just sell a kidney to get them.

Seriously, if I have to knock over a bank to get these I’m going to do it. If they don’t make these in some form somewhere, I just don’t know how I’m going to go on.

Please Valentino, please make them.

Keep the shine on

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

While I love the muted tones of grey/charcoal/graphite/anthracite for Fall and Winter, you need some shine to keep everything from being too soft and muted. Silver is grey’s bright and shiny cousin and is perfect for mixing with your grey wool skirts and opaque black tights. I’m making a list of all of my Fall needs, wants and “desires” so I don’t get too out of control when I’m drooling over all of the fabulous Fall clothes, shoes and accessories.

Not a lot of silver here, but I love the shape and sparkly-paillette hem of this Vera Wang dress.

I so hope I win the lottery any day now so I can get this tunic from Vivre. It is not just flow-y, shiny and covered with sequins… the sequins are made of sterling silver! It’s like a modern day “Cloth of Silver/Gold“. I think I would wear this at least once a week – and I’d have to because I couldn’t afford anything else.

I was getting all giddy looking at the opaque tights and plaids and wool skirts that I was a little crazy when I saw these heels from Guess. I had to do a shoe search to find them in my size, but I eventually got them. I’ve seen a million silver heels lately (heck I own a few silver heels), but I love the distressed texture of these.

Guess Kasenna

They have a classic shape and color, which I can wear for years, but still look totally on trend right now. They’ll be great with the pleated skirts I want to get, plus jeans and denim skirts.

I know it’s a million degrees, but now is the time to jump on all the Fall stuff coming out, because selection will be limited later. The only problem is that you have to wait for it to cool off!

Sparkle into Fall and Winter

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Fall and Winter is not going to be quiet or subdued this year. In addition to silver and gold be-glittered heels, there are tons of sequined options that just jump right out at you and make a grab for your wallet.

I have to admit these Louboutins stopped me in my tracks on the Neiman Marcus site.

They are so slick they look painted on. Whew!

A little less “flashy” in the photo but I bet they rock in person are these brown and black zebra-stripe Manolo sandals.

And I raved about the limited edition Prada bag for Neiman’s 100th Anniversary over on Bubblegum Plastic, but I think of all of the offerings this Yves Saint Laurent sequined Mombassa shopper is my favorite. I love the contrast of the rectangular sequins to the curved horn handle. Plus the swirl design is sure to catch the light.


This isn’t the year to be a wallflower. With these accessories you’re sure to stand out, so be prepared to shine.

Orange-y Pink, Pink-ish Orange

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Did you ever see a color combo out in the real world and wish you could make an outfit out of it.

I love the delicious combination of my new baby’s tangerine creamsicle fur and his light pink jellybean toe pads and smoochable pink kitten nose.

He’s a mix of perfect pastel colors like natural salt.

The closest things I could find were these pink Delman Jessica slides with pale orange bows.

I think we need more of these candy shoes. The world needs unexpected colors.

Love Conquers All

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

If you ask some of the online dating services, the most important thing is that you and your prospective partner are compatible in nearly every way and that you are unlikely to succeed as a couple if you don’t have similar styles and values.

And I’m here to tell you that they can be totally wrong.

As superficial as it could seem, fashion and dressing is important. Especially when you are just starting out. People do make judgement calls on who you are by what you are wearing and how you present yourself. So, when you look at this picture would you think that these two “outfits” go together?

When my now husband and I met he was wearing something along these lines and so was I. Okay, not the first moment we met. At that moment, he was wearing green slacks, a tie with a jaguar (!) on it and some shoes that I think prob-ab-ly came from Payless. Not that I looked hot myself – I was wearing a black polo dress and I think I was swigging down cough syrup because I had a wicked cold/sinus infection.

But at that time I was just starting out in business and was really into wearing skirt suits, so I had lots of little dresses and suits and heels, heels heels. The first night we went to dinner, I was wearing a wrap dress and, keep in mind this is June in the South, he was wearing a jeans and a long sleeve, tab collar denim computer logo shirt. O-M-G. The first thing I said to him was “You’re going to pass out in that.”

But you know what, he was fun and funny and we hit it off right away. When my best friend met him and he showed up wearing jeans, a band t-shirt and a pair of these, which I absolutely HATE,
(Aaacck!)

I actually didn’t care. She gave me a look that was like “Are you kidding me?” And my look back was “Eh, what are you going to do?”

The thing is, I was, and still am in many ways, a fashion snob. But I was lucky that when I met him, I overlooked our style differences, because there were so many other things that we felt the same way about. Things that really mattered to us. And that ten years later, we still do. I don’t expect or ask him to dress in a way that he isn’t comfortable and he tolerates all the shoes I buy.

Not that those sandals were around for long, of course.

Shoe Luck

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

When asking people to remember their “lucky” moments, they bring up stories of when they found $20 on the street, won a prize, or just making their flight. Mine are all about shoes.

There are different kinds of “shoe luck”. There are the times when you are shopping for an event at the last minute. You know you are never going to find the shoes you need because you actually need them (that’s why you should always by shoes you love when you see them – you’ll never find them again). But as you head into your favorite store, prepared for disappointment, you find the perfect shoe right off the bat – the right style, right size, good price and they fit like a dream. An unexpected gift from the Shopping Gods. You giddily take your shopping bag and head home with extra time to get beautiful.

Then there are times when trip across a shoe lovah that you thought had passed you by. They were there for a brief moment, but you turned your head and they were gone. No amount of searching and crying was going to bring them back into your life. Then, one day, you are out of your usual environment – say, on a business trip to a locale you have never been to and will probably never return to. You, for lack of anything else to do, go to the outlet mall near your hotel, and then it happens. It’s them. The very ones that you had pined for. The shoes that had left. On sale. In your size. Weeping tears of joy and disbelief you quickly grab three colors before anyone else sees them and takes them away from you. You will never be parted again!


My Nine West Satin D’orsay Espadrilles – I got them in an apple-y green and luscious teal.

Shoe luck can also come like a karmic blessing. There are “those shoes”. The shoes of the moment that everyone is hunting for, coveting, taking pictures of at celebrity events. They’re on the catwalk but not in any store. Frustration drives you to madness. But, perhaps the NYC main store will know if there are any out there that may have been overlooked, tucked into a corner where no one has found them. Maybe. Right? It could happen. But you know it’s hopeless. The Internet and blogs are buzzing with the fact that these shoes just cannot be found. Or if they are, it’s on Ebay for twice the price. You know that by calling you are just going to be perceived as an ignorant yokel who is behind the curve, but you have to ask. So you call, expecting haughty New York-Designer Store-Sales Associate disdain.

Me – “Hello, I was wondering if you knew if there were any of the Miu Miu double-strap mary janes available anywhere?

NYDSA – “Well they are pretty much sold out in all of the colors already. We only have a pair of 36s in silver left and they are on sale because we are getting ready for next season.

Me – *faints* I’ll take them! Can you ship them to me RIGHT NOW????

Me – Hanging up the phone – *Giddy happy dance*

Then there is my ultimate shoe luck story. We were in London over New Year’s. We were going to go to Harrod’s, of course, because it is the greatest store in the world. But, hold the phone, there is a massive day after New Year sale. Everything including all designer shoes, etc., 50%+ off.

No. Freaking. Way. We were so going.

But, we were obviously delusional in our under-estimating of the Londoner desire for this sale. There were lines wrapped around the corner, security guards having to let folks in one at a time. And the shoe department was CRAZY. It was a good 20 degrees warmer there than anywhere else. Designer shoes everywhere. Women grabbing sales associates, trying shoes on sitting on the floor. Two girls almost got into a fight and a little old lady was chewing out the department manager. I grabbed a few pairs and got in line for the register. I had sent my hubby to check out the foods floor to save his sanity but after 4o minutes I felt I had to let him know I was still alive. The line hadn’t moved so people had formed alliances and we had each taken turns to go tell our respective others that it would be a while longer. But after another 40 minutes and no movement, I had to abandon my attempt. We had reservations for tea at the Ritz.

I left my finds forlornly and we left. Poor Poochie – no shoes for me.

After tea, I was still bummed so we went to the Jimmy Choo store – but they had nothing in my size. Was I going to leave London with nary a heel? I guess I looked pretty sad so he asked if I wanted to go back to Harrods. Not really getting the most out of a London trip, but I had to go back.

As we walked in, I knew everything was sure to be picked over with nothing left for moi. I did find a pair of Stuart Weitzman heels in a muted floral-y print and went to get ask the associate to bring me the other shoe. As I was waiting I saw this woman trying on a pair of boots. The most amazing boots I had ever seen. She was looking in the mirror debating with herself whether to get them or not. As she turned back and forth, the boots glittered and sparkled in the light. They were made of a metallic patterned fabric and they shone gold or teal or burgundy depending on how the light hit them.

I almost mugged her to get them.

No matter what size they were, if she was going to put them down, I was ready to pounce. She asked the associate if there were anymore in that size because the ones she had were smudged on the back. I chimed in and asked if, while she was looking, could she see if she had my size too. The associate didn’t give either of us much hope with her “Don’t bet on it” look. But my new best friend, the nice boots lady said – I think I saw a pair in your size over on the display.

I didn’t actually knock her or anyone down as I sprinted over there, but I did move pretty quick. And there they were…in my size! And here they are:



My Dolce and Gabbana amazing sparkly boots. These pictures so do not do them justice. I heart them way too much.

Shoe luck – much less trustworthy than gambling and so bliss-inducing. Any shoe luck stories you want to share?