Month: April 2010

Shoes for a Modern Princess

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

The term princess is often used in a negative way. A girl who is spoiled and bratty and too “precious” for words. But I think adding a bit of princess to your wardrobe in entirely necessary. No matter your style, everyone needs a dash of the special, a bit of sparkle and something to make her feel like dancing in clouds or walking on bubbles.

The Fendi “Cinderella” platform is definitely for the modern princess. Graphic and powerful with a Lucite platform that gives the impression of floating above the ground and delicate fabric wrapped around your feet.

The Christian Louboutin Poseidon peep-toe is for the sea-god’s rebellious younger daughter. Someone who wants to break out, party and shine, shine, shine.

A flower fairy or English princess surrounded by an unruly scented garden would be perfect in these heels. I love Manolo Blahnik’s Sedaraby shape but with the Impressionistic pattern.

The Swan Sister would love these delicate Manolo Blahnik Eila feather sandals. They’re made for the most delicate feet and need a full tulle skirt to do them justice.

I see these Valentino Fairy Tale sandals as the perfect shoe for Cinderella-in-transition. They’re delicate but distressed. A bit messy but still gorgeous.

Yes, another Sedaraby from Manolo Blahnik but with the rose print they are the perfect shoe for Brier Rose. She loves to surround herself with rosebuds and kittens.

One of my favorites of the new season are these Rene Caovilla sandals. The swirling flower straps remind me of a transformation scene. You could walk down the street feeling as if you were surrounded by singing flowers, bunnies and speaking birds.

I don’t want practical shoes. I don’t need shoes that ground me, I need shoes that help me live my fairy tale. That lift me up and make me want to dance down the street singing. I’m looking for the special.

I’d love to see your fairy tale shoes too!
Fendi “Cinderella” – from Bergdorf Goodman (in-store only)
Christian Louboutin “Poseidon” – Saks Fifth Avenue
Manolo Blahnik Floral “Sedaraby” – Bergdorf Goodman
Manolo Blahnik “Eila” – Neiman Marcus
Valentino “Fairy Tale” – Bergdorf Goodman
Manolo Blahnik Rose “Sedaraby” – Neiman Marcus
Rene Caovilla “Flowerboing” – Bergdorf Goodman

Spring Spring Spring

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

While Fall is my favorite, I think Spring is the prettiest season. Especially here in North Carolina.

I took a few quick phone pictures but will have more taken with the good camera to share later.

Our wisteria has gone crazy this year! And our yard smells like SweeTarts.

Our windows are open and our house is filled with pollen. Luckily we don’t have any allergies!

One for One: TOMS Shoes Announces Its 3rd Annual One Day Without Shoes

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I’m still trying to get back on my feet (pun intended) and back to the blog. I’m sorry for the delays and light posting. After the sadness of this past week, we’ve been keeping a bit quiet but also going through a number of changes as a family. But we still want to do more.

Part of that will be looking at what and how we buy. We are blessed and have more than we need. And while we sometimes know it isn’t all that we want, we have never done without any kind of basic need. Such as shoes obviously.

But millions of children and adults do go without proper footwear every single day. And shoes can mean safety and health and protection.

Toms shoes is continuing on their quest to help provide these shoes to children around the world. They are drawing attention to this effort with their Day Without Shoes event on April 8th.

Per their release:

With every pair purchased, TOMS gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need.
One for One.

In an effort to bring attention to the impact a simple pair of shoes can have in a child’s life, TOMS Shoes announces its third annual One Day Without Shoes campaign that asks everyone worldwide to go barefoot on April 8th. Barefoot events around the world from Venice to Little Rock, Dubai to London have already been planned, with more in the works.

On April 8th communities and individuals will be spreading awareness about the importance of shoes in parts of the world where children’s feet are exposed to debilitating diseases. So many of the world’s children in developing countries grow up without shoes, having to walk miles to get food and water, medical help, and attend school (which often require shoes as uniform). A leading cause of disease in these areas is soil-based parasites.

One Day Without Shoes participants can pledge their commitment, join and organize events, and connect with likeminded participants online at http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/. The website will also provide an outlet for individuals to share their videos, photos, and experiences spending One Day Without Shoes. Every person who RSVPs for an event on http://www.OneDayWithoutShoes.com will have the option to be entered to win a spot on a TOMS Shoe Drop (some limitations apply). Winner will be announced on May 10th. One Day Without Shoes t-shirts will be available for purchase from Threadless at www.threadless.com/loves/tomsoneday starting March 22nd.

Blake Mycoskie, TOMS Shoes’ founder and Chief Shoe Giver, says, “A shoe company asking people to go barefoot? I know it’s odd, but we are so excited for people to once again join us in One Day Without Shoes. We ask people to go the day, part of the day, or even just a few minutes, barefoot, to experience what millions of children endure every day. Awareness and empathy are the catalysts of change.”

The problem is large but the solution is simple. Wearing shoes and basic hygiene can prevent both infection and disease due to unsafe roads and contaminated soil. By imagining a life barefoot, we can all contribute to the awareness of these conditions. Join TOMS Shoes on April 8th and walk barefoot to support One Day Without Shoes.

For more information visit: http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/

About TOMS Shoes:
In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in a village in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. To date, TOMS has given over 400,000 pairs of new shoes to children around the world through its giving partners. For more information, please visit www.TOMS.com/oneday

I’m happy to support this program and can attest to how comfy their shoes are! I hope you will help spread the word and join in on April 8th.

What to wear when you can’t think of what to do

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I’m the type of person that is a planner and likes to adhere to etiquitte.  I’m writing this post as a sign of respect and I hope it will be useful to you when you are in a similiar situation – one where you focus on the mundane to keep from focusing on the larger more painful topics.
What do you wear to a funeral?
The most important consideration for what you are wearing is that you are there as a sign of respect and support.  Your clothing should reflect that, provide you with comfort and, if appropriate, align with your personality.
Black is the traditional color in Western societies but even this has changed in recent years.  It is now acceptable to wear any neutral or dark colors as long as the style of the outfit is conservative.  It is not the time for beading or sequins or high skirts or low necklines.  I would like to say that you could be consistent with what you would typically wear to church or a nice meal or business meeting but from what I’ve seen these are no longer good guidelines (although I think they should be!). Some color is acceptable but generally would not be the focus.  If the color is in your accessories or accents you should be within the bounds of propriety.
I plan on wearing a black dress like the one above or a black top and skirt.  Be sure to bring a sweater or a wrap of some sort.  In times of stress your body focuses resources to your core so you’re sure to be cold even in warmer months.  Especially when there is air conditioning.  Maybe even tuck a pair of gloves in your bag just in case.
Becase you may be standing a lot and walking on different surfaces, it’s best to wear a low heel or even dressy flats.  You do not want to have to worry about the fact that your feet are hurting and you can’t sit down.  I have had to wait in very long (multiple hour) visitation lines and comfort was crucial.
If you will be going from the church to a cemetary service you may also want to have a small umbrella on hand as well.  My typical umbrellas are pink and Hello Kitty but I also have a small black travel umbrella that I can use.  Weather is so unpredictable that I prefer to cover all the bases.  This can be something you keep in your car or suitcase the rest of the year.  I’m from Florida so I never think you can have too many umbrellas.
Hats are another subject as well.  Hats and head coverings are historically appropriate.  From large brimmed mourning hats with full veils to small squares of lace, covering your head is another sign of respect. Even though hats are becoming seen more frequently, they should not be too ostentations either.  You are not here to be a focal point but to focus on saying good-bye.
Of course, different cultures have different customs and place different significance on other colors.  White and yellow in Asia, red and white is areas of Africa, tartans in Scotland.  Each has a unique meaning.  You may choose to wear a color or another reminder of the person.  If done out of love, honor and respect, that is always appropriate.