11 Years Ago

I started this blog 11 years ago. 

Mainly to talk fashion and shoe design influences without boring the people around me.  

I don't post here nearly enough due to work and time... 

but I'm still thinking about shoes, even when I should be doing other things. 

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter and want to chat shoes, I'd love that!

Shoes of Change

On my way in to work most mornings, I tune into NPR and the BBC World Report.  I don't get the newspaper or TV so my news consumption comes from online sources that I access via apps my Twitter feed or that I search out.  NPR and BBC keep me informed with views from outside the US and about world news that may not get the same focus here in the US.

Much of the news today was about the death of Ethiopian Prim Minister Meles Zenawi. He was a controversial figure but a pivotal one in Africa and for the world.  His death will be a big change to the region.

But why am I writing about this topic here?

As a child growing up in the 80s, Ethiopia was a recipient of much of the aid programs such as Band Aid and Live Aid.  We saw the pictures and sent in money.  These programs helped to remind us that there is a world outside our borders. We talked about the issues.

What's weird to me is that every day I hear the news but never get the chance to talk about it.  Sure people I know talk politics (usually on heated partisan lines) and other rights issues, when the topic is hot, but other than that.... not much.  There isn't a lot of discussion about influential books or world news or scientific breakthroughs.   Maybe I need to start a salon, a la the ladies of the Enlightenment.

But behind these big stories are the individual people who live in the countries.  I love the inspirational work showcased each year at the Arise Collection during NYFW. I wanted to see if I could find any footwear designers from Ethiopia.

My favorites were the pieces from soleRebel.  They're fair trade and artisan crafted, creating jobs and cute shoes for men and women. Founded 8 years ago, they're helping locally and reaching out globally.

But in thinking about Ethiopia, I began thinking about Eritrea.  I met a lovely lady from there many years ago.  At the time I didn't know much about the country or how it had fought for independence from Ethiopia. I've tried to learn more and the news today brought the country back to the forefront of my mind.

One thing I did not know is that Barka sandal, or "shida" is a national symbol for the country.  The sandals were worn by the fighters wore, almost as a de facto uniform, during their bid for independence.

Lightweight and repairable, these shoes are such a part of the national identity, they are even symbolized in monument in Shida Square.

Shoes as a symbol of change.

In each country they are supporting the people differently but they each are representative of the hopes and lives and dreams for a better future.

Le Sigh - Manolo Blahnik Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

Manolo Blahnik is killing me with his Fall/Winter 2012 collection.  Gorgeous fabrics.  Clever embellishments.  Perfect heel shapes.  Basically my style - classic shapes with unique elements.

From baroque fabric and ribbons to french knots to jeweled buckles, they're lush and lovely.  I see he's still using his BB heel but also candlestick shapes as well as well-balanced weightier options. And the colors are great as always.

Here are my favorites but you can see the full collection here.

Candy Evolved

Last summer I was a big fan of the Furla Candy bags which came out in a whole array of bright and saturated colors and combinations.  This summer they've continued to evolve the line with glitter and fun embellishments included wicker, stitching and metal. 

But Furla hasn't stopped there.  Now their line includes a range of shoes, some with the same "Candy" rubber.

I love the pale pink pumps with the delicate brown bows.  Cotton candy and caramel!!!

The heels retain the embossed stitching and attention to detail that make the bags so coveted as well.

The Candy pumps are $178, but make sure to check out the full collection!

Shoe Lovers Mantra

I love getting some Twitter love from my favorite shoe fanatics at Bergdorfs... home of the best shoes on the planet!

You have to check out their link - the latest blog post on 5th/58th.  They're sharing some of the most gorgeous shoes for Spring 2012.  I think my favorites are the "scribble" Kirkwoods and the Alaias.

Any "Le Sighs" for you???

Instant Access - 9/26 - 10/23

It's been a busy few weeks around here.  Furniture Market for my clients, a trip to New York to work with some blogger friends, a brief bout with a cold, opening our pub, backyard movie nights and spending time getting ready for the cooler seasons while finding them already upon us.
In the midst of that are, of course, shoes!

From my copper Marc Jacobs' oxfords...

Candy colored Converse....

Acquisitions over the last few months required a reworking of the shoe cabinets.  Only the extra special ones get prime placement...

While giving the cabinets a reshuffle, I played with some old friends, including Fendi's Cinderellas...

Louboutin...

YSL...

A random Tuesday needed some sparkle...

And then there were two pairs that I've been pining for.  First, the super shiny Alexander Wang tasseled pumps...

And then the over-the-top glitter Miu Miu sneakers....

Did the whole Seasonal Swap of clothes where I realize I have way too many grey and black sweaters.

Oh, yeah, my other obsession nail polish.

China Glaze's Phat Santa is my new favorite red.

Sally Hansen's Halloween designs are so fun.  This is Numbskull...

To match my new glitter sneakers I wore black matte tips and black shatter over China Glaze's Midnight Kiss.

In between all the hubbub, I found a few moments to nap in the hammock.

While others hogged the heated bed on a chilly night.

Oh yeah, I found this guy - a stapleless stapler!

Fall is starting off amazing!

Instant Access - 7/11 - 7/24

You want shoes, I've got shoes!

Kate Spade Luggage Stripe mules (circa 1998)

 Lela Rose for Payless Grosgrain ribbon peep-toes

Miu Miu Fall 2010

Oh, Deer! Pistachio

Bass x Rachel Antonoff Odette Saddle Shoes - Pink & White

Bass x Rachel Antonoff Aurora Tassel Loafers

Odettes again - so cute!

Oh, yeah, manicures too - Essie Topless & Barefoot plus gold glitter

The tiniest watercolor necklace pendant.

I like white.

New tools - a wireless keyboard for my iPad

Colorful words from Kate Spade.

Happy Week to you!

Top of the World Design

Even though the Scandinavian countries are renowned for their design aesthetic, I feel they are one area of the world that doesn't get nearly enough attention in the shoe world.

In America, it can be challenging to hear about and buy from these designers as they are not carried in many stores here.  If they don't have an online shop, it's almost impossible to buy from them, which is sad, because there are some amazing and whimsical shoes coming out of these countries.

Finland designer, Minna Parikka is a long favorite due to her uber-feminine designs that range from sweet and girly to strong and sexy.

I am now totally smitten with Fam Irvoll from Norway.  Her clothes are over the top, giddy, colorful and amazingly fun.  Tongue-in-cheek, yes, but with wit as well.  I was totally pining over the "Hope He Calls" booties above.  Sadly they are out of my size.  Sad face. But you can bet I'll be checking back for her new collections.

Aase Hopstock, also from Norway, has gorgeous classic shoes that just ooze an almost 1940s sophistication. She just showed a collection in 2010 and looks to have the stuff to become a breakout name in the industry. Her limited production runs ensure you'll have a collectible design that will be timeless.

It's not every day that you see a furniture design duo turn their sights to footwear but Swedish designer Cate Högdahl and her Spanish counterpart Nelson Ruiz-Acal of Cate & Nelson have created a funky yet, I think, sensual shoe - the Spline. I love the cozy way it envelopes and caresses your ankle.

There are tons more designers in this area.  I really need to do some further exploration.  If you have a favorite too, please let me know!