Sophia Webster

Review – The Museum at FIT exhibit – Shoes: Anatomy, Identity, Magic

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Thursday, 9/1 was the opening of the new exhibit at the Museum At FIT, “Shoes: Anatomy, Identity, Magic“. As an obviously avid shoe collector who thinks of footwear as functional art and someone who loves museums, I made it a must-see that very day.

I think to the average viewer, this would be a decent collection of footwear examples, however, I was frankly a bit disappointed. I felt that the analysis of the collection was, for lack of a better word,… “light”. There were some interesting groupings but the juxtapositions they made between styles and designers could have been done much stronger or they could have taken the themes they chose to explore to a much deeper level.

Some of the things I would have like to have seen is how past styles influence designers today (see French Court shoes and Brother Vellie Grandma Stell mules), or a through line from a single designer of their earlier work to later designs. Or how a designer’s mentor influenced and helped to refine another designers style (a la Kirkwood and Sophia Webster – where you can see the strong Kirkwood flow in the 80s style throwback and colors of Webster).

Another interesting link that could have been made is the impact of sports on shoe design. Instead of a wall of very recent sneakers, and instead of showing a recent pair of Thom Browne skate-inspired shoes…

Show the TWO (!!!) 2011 designs that really shook the industry up – by Dsquared2 and Jeffrey Campbell (which I actually talked about back in the day).

Dsquared2 Runway
Jeffrey Campbell Skate

Not to be a humble brag, but when you have been writing about or studying (or collecting shoes) since before 2007, and you have a bit of a photographic memory, you see lots of opportunities and collection combinations. And I also saw a lot pieces I have have are in the exhibit. I mean, yes, even Bergdorf Goodman recognized it…

But let’s run through some examples:
Jimmy Choo Cinderellas – Theirs and mine

circa 2015

Prada Flower Heels – Theirs and mine

The full name is the Spuntate Raso Chic Pump, circa 2007

They also had the custom Sophia Webster Chiaras in black and rainbow crystal.

Theirs and mine…

Circa 2016

There were a few other notable examples like sliver Manolo Blahnik Sedarabys (the SATC “A Woman’s Right to Shoes” d’Orsay heels), some 1920s satin t-bars and examples from Roger Vivier and Charlotte Olympia, where our collections overlapped.

That said, it is always fun to see a collection of shoes. You can look at what they’ve uploaded to their Flickr page. And maybe someday, I’ll do an exhibit of my own!

Note: There was one really interesting piece that shocked me… More to follow!

Trending for Tassels

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I love the a shoe with a tassel. From gold Coach loafers to classic Bass Weejuns to edgy Alexander Wang Silver heels – the tassel speaks to me.

I can’t get enough of these shoes.

Apparently Paul Andrew can’t either.  I love the excess of tassels on his Arta Sandals from this Spring. 

The Aqazzara Forever Marilyn heel incorporates tassels in a more subtle way.  I love the heel placement.  These will draw the eye as you walk away confidently.  I’d love to pair these with a sharp grey suit.

And a shoe that made my “must have for Fall” list early, is the Sophia Webster Layla Pom-pom sandal. I WILL find these in my size.

Sure tassels can seem preppy or parochial, but these new styles are anything but boring and tame.

One Special Night with Sophia Webster Evangeline

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Last week was our 19th Meeting-versary.  We consider that day even more special than our wedding day because our meeting was so by chance and lucky and just filled with kismet and serendipity.

So special shoes were in order.

If you want to stand out in the best way possible, wear winged shoes.  People cannot get enough of them.

I paired these with a pastel-ish shift dress from Anthropologie:

And used a white and gold faux snakeskin clutch I’ve had for ages.

Here are a few better views…

As you can see, I was having the best time.   I have to say I’m lucky.  I’m still having fun after nearly 20 years together. I wish the same for anyone else who wants that.

: )

Sophia Webster Evangeline

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I had given up hope for the Sophia Webster Evangeline winged sandals.

When they first came out, I loved them but held off. Loved them. Held off.

Then they were gone….

BUT!

Then the other day, they were back and in my size. I know I would regret it if I didn’t snatch them up.

So I did…

They are truly perfection. Amazing construction and detailing. And the fit is perfect. I also like that these harken back to her early student collection designs (when she was Sophia Grace – was it really just 2011???).

Plus they are perfect for my Spring/Summer 2015 theme.

Someone asked me, “Where will you wear them?” and I answered “Does it matter?”. Shoes like these make any place or event fabulous.

Neon, neon

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I haven’t worn this JCrew skirt nearly enough. I love the bright, almost neon, pink of the sequins. How they swish and move and reflect the light.

I paired it with a simple black top and then bookended it with Sophia Webster Daria slingbacks with the black cap and the neon orange and pink patterned straps and heels.

And this clutch just arrived from Kate Spade. The Kiss Me, You Fool clutch is a part of the “On Purpose” collection and I just love it.  I wish I’d had it to wear with the skirt and heels.

I almost never wear my midsize bags any more. It’s all about the clutch and Kate Spade does do the best whimsical clutches around.

You’ll be seeing this a lot come Spring.

Holiday Sparkle 2014

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Last night was my work holiday party.

And, always looking for an excuse to dress up, I had purchased this gold sequin dress from Lulu’s a little while back.  The husband looked dashing in his JCrew and Banana Republic ensemble in grey and burgundy.

When I finally got the Sophia Webster Mila’s a new they would be the perfect edgy combination to pair with the sparkly dress.

They’re graphic and just so cool.  Now that they’ve had their “debut” I plan on wearing them with tons of other skirts, cuffed jeans and cropped pants.

For a clutch, I’d had my eye on a Charlotte Olympia Pandora for a while but haven’t found the perfect one.  In the interim, I got this great customized version from Estoite on Etsy.

I love the details of his combo too. They’re a bit hard to see here but the burgundy shirt has white and blue dots which are picked up in the blue bow tie with white equations.  The cool tones of the blue work with the grey heathered jacket fabric and contrast with the dark burgundy.   Snazzy!

We had a fun time at the party seeing everyone’s outfits and then the two of us went to our favorite taco restaurant for a delicious meal!

Flashy New Year

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I’m not going to be subtle in the new year if my recent aquisitions are any indication.

It’s all metallic and shiny and iridescent and FUN!

I saw this metallic cable knit sweater at Gap when walking in downtown Chicago and promptly ordered it and the stripe-y skirt it was paired with.

I was also smitten with over-the-top gold sweaters and this cable-knit version from Michael Kors is perfectly excessive.

I’ve been eyeing up this faux leather cutout dress from Betsey Johnson and when prices dropped, I nabbed it!

A while ago I saw a gorgeous shot on Pinterest of a woman wearing a gold foil skirt paired with a white button down shirt.  I knew I needed to get one.  This one from Zara’s is perfect.

Plus this dark green coated denim skirt was calling to me too.  Also Zara.

Spring will be here soon.  The Sugarberry dress from Anthropologie is perfect for day or night.  I love the unusual color especially since it is covered in pailettes.  Plus 50% off and then another 25%, made it actually pretty reasonable for such a fancy dress.

But the best are the shoes I’ve been stalking went on sale!  Sophia Webster’s iridescent peep-toe crown heels – aka Gigi – are finally mine!!!

So yeah.  Nothing subtle here!

Maybe I need a metallic silver sweater too…. hmmm….

Clearly Sophia Webster

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Last June I wrote about a new designer that I was keeping my eye on – Sophia Webster.

Her first designs were bright and bold and I was expecting to see her gain more coverage.  I’m excited to say that she continues to delight with here designs out for Spring and Summer.  I’m especially smitten with her ruffle-bow and sequin-bedecked PVC “Lana” t-straps.

I saw these in a number of colors on her site, including red and blue iterations, but the bold black and white is more my style.

These are party and dancing shoes.  You want to kick up your heels and step out and get noticed!  I have another pair I’m dreaming about from Ms. Webster.  She’s all the fun, flirty, girly that I love.

I think I have a new favorite designer!

Ready for Resort

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While my favorite collections are typically for the Fall/Winter seasons, I have to admit I have a soft spot in my heart for Resort.

 Centered on fun, frivolity and vacation glamour, many designers use this small season to break out their whimsical and witty sides. Here are two of my favorites from this season.

Brian Atwood went with candy pastels – more vibrant than the ice cream sundae colors of spring.  An evolution in to the jewel tones for fall.

Sophia Webster, a new name to me and a former Kirkwood designer, has put out layered, bold designs in acid bright neons. I’m excited to see how she grows.  You can see the Kirkwood influence but with her own playful spirit.

Vacation is a time when you can relax and follow your own desires.  It’s great to see designers get to do a bit of that as well.