Shoe Boxers

Comfortable heels. No, it’s not an oxymoron. There really are some shoes out there that are stylish and sexy both. Please don’t forsake fashion for fundamental functionalism. Don’t give in to tacky flip flops or ugly Birkenstocks.

What do you look for in a comfortable heeled shoe?
1. Be sure you buy the right size. Many times our feet change in size over the years. Even half a size can make the difference between walking and wincing in pain or walking with a serious strut. Have your feet measured the next time you buy a pair of shoes.

2. Look for a wide base where the heel meets the bottom of the shoe. This lends more support to the heel and puts less stress on the balls of your feet. I have a pair of BCBG’s with a 3 1/2 inch heel that I can wear all night because of this feature.

3. Try a kitten heel. They aren’t quite as high as their 3 and 4 inch stiletto sisters, but they are quite cute, curvy and many shoe designers have quite a selection of kitten heels.

4. A little padding under the ball of the foot works wonders. Either padding on the inside of the shoe or a thicker sole (or both) provide excellent shock absorption for the ball of the foot. Platform pumps which are all the rage this season are an even better choice, especially when they have the built in cushioning. This Via Spiga pump at Nordstrom.com is the perfect example.

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What one shoe am I lusting after more than any other this season? You know it. Go back to my On the Prowl post. The leopard print pump. And here Eva Longoria is wearing them. The red sole is a dead giveaway. Not just leopard print, but Christian Louboutin leopard print. I hear that when she and Tony Parker were planning a house together, he was surprised to hear that she needed a major closet for her shoes. Now that’s a girl after my own heart.

shoe blog, shoes, pumps, leopard print pumps, eva longoria, christian louboutin, fashion, shopping

What is Paris Hilton thinking about? Ok, Paris and Nicole did make the Ugg boot a household name, but they were ugly then and ugly now. Or should I say Uggly. It’s time to give them up. Check her out:

The only cute Uggs I have seen were the teeny tiny ones my girlfriend bought for her baby. Now those were adorable.

I think Paris did a much better job of picking shoes at the party her parents threw her for the launch of her new fragrance. Don’t know the designer, but they reek expense and design. Good job Paris.

shoes, shoe blog, paris, paris hilton, uggs, ugg boots

Last week it was Valentino for my weekly shoe pick. This week the honor goes to Sergio Rossi. Another Italian. Hmmm, I think I see a theme emerging here. These lovely gold leather and nude satin stunners can go from jeans to glam dresses.
Mind you, my recent picks are Spring ‘07 shoes, so they may be a little hard to find right now. Do you have a favorite shoe pick? Let me know, I may very well agree and it could be next weeks shoe of the week.

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It’s here folks! The Half Yearly Sale at Nordstrom. Since I work 2 Bart (subway) stops from a major Nordstrom in San Francisco, I will be hitting them up today in person. Shoe sales just gets my blood pumping. And since I am online all day, I can pick up a few pair of sale shoes from Nordstrom.com. The sale is storewide, but my thing is shoes, so that’s my first stop. The sale starts at 33% off regular prices, and for those of you who await this sale every six months, know that the prices do drop significantly. The problem is that those gorgeous pumps you are eyeing will probably disappear by the time the sale reaches 50% off. As I have mentioned before, I love this store for shopping because they carry large size shoes.

If you are not selfish, you can also shop shoes for juniors, childrens shoes, baby shoes and shoes for the man in your life. I happen to love thier childrens shoes. All my daughters have been spoiled by wearing italian shoes since they were born. The love of shoes. Sigh.

Where’s my credit card? There’s a sale waiting.

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Just got an email from Saks that the Gucci cruise line of shoes is in. I never really paid attention how popular these cruise lines are. (Check out my blog about Jimmy Choo’s cruise line at Saks a few days ago.) Anyway, they look great. Lots of open toes and neutral colors. I happen to be in love with the chunky wedge heel sandal with ankle strap in black suede. Of course it has the requisite Gucci gold horsebit ornament on the toe. Trés chic. It also comes in a color called Cur. For your information and mine, that’s a brown that’s a tad past caramel but not quite cocoa. I’m also in love with the Hollywood slide. It reminds me of the ones that Della Stret used to wear on Perry Mason. Lastly is the clog inspired mule made with signature Gucci sand colored fabric. Very South Beach. Quite cruise worthy.

Things, slides, mules, evening pumps and even a boot are part of this collection. For the life of me, I can’t understand why anyone on a cruise would need a “Montana Boot”.

Since no Carribean, Mediterranean or World Cruises are in my near future, I’ll just slide on my mules, don some “stunna” shades and cruise on over to Whole Foods to do my shopping for dinner.

shoes, shoe blog, gucci shoes, gucci cruise collection, saks

Buy Designer Shoes at Zappos.com

A question from a reader gave rise to this blog today. What shoes to wear with jeans? That’s a great question considering jeans are a staple in most wardrobes today. Skinny jeans are the trend for this year. though you won’t catch me in them , read – SKINNY jeans. I’ll defer to the fashion experts on who should put their hips into a pair of skinny jeans. If you aren’t supermodel Kate Moss, or at least have the body of one, back off the skinny jeans.Ok, back on what shoes to wear with your skinny jeans. If you have seen them, they typically have a long leg that flows onto the instep and over the heel. Thus making them the ideal jean for heels. Stilettos are perfect. You can dress up your jeans with a fancy schmancy party shoe. Try metallic and jewels. Lacy sandals are nice for parties too. Tall wedges work can also rock this look. A bootie (although I hate them) would work well with this style as well. Skinny jeans are perfect for tucking into boots because they lack all that superflous fabric that most non-skinny jeans have.
With boot cut jeans (wider in the calf area), guess what works well? None other than boots. Especially this time of the year. Go glamour with a pointy toe, pointy heel boot, or do a tamer sensible version of a boot with a fuller heel and toe.
A nice flat in a different color or fabric would rule. Check out my Flat Lining blog for suggestions on flat to wear.

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Free Shipping BOTH ways on Shoes at Zappos.com!

my shoes came today:-)

Originally uploaded by chufang151.

This is a pretty cute photo and caption from flickr. Just thought I’d share. Anyone who photographs their new shoes when they arrive, is alright with me.

shoes, flickr, pumps, shoe blog

Jimmy Choo cruise collection is available for viewing at Saks. Preview sandals, flats and evening shoes in the usual gorgeous Jimmy Choo fashion. I found most every shoe one to be coveted. So, I was wondering if you actually have to go on a cruise to wear these shoes? Do you have to show your cruise reservations before you can buy a pair?

Back to the collection, there’s even a pair of velvet boots. So I’m trying to figure out how do velvet boots fit in with cruise wear. Maybe if you wear your swashbuckler outfit.

Happy shopping!

shoes, cruise collection, Jimmy Choo, Saks, shoe blog

For all my pump loving, stiletto styling ways, I have to admit that flats to have their place in the universe. Like when you partied just a little too hard the night before in 4 inchers. Or you splurged on a too small pair of Jimmy Choo’s, and you’re paying price for glamour the next day. That’s when a trusty pair of flats comes in handy. Not just any old flat, cute flats. Nordstrom sent an email out about their fall flats and I spied some decent ones. Lots of variety for all style types. But of course the first one to catch my eye has a price tag of $325. But they are beautiful. Sigerson Morrison ‘6725′ Flat. Sleek pointed flat in soft patent leather has an updated style with two small triangular cutouts on the top. Handmade in Italy. Need I say more?
I also spied a nice Chanel style Ballet Slipper. Quilting, patent toe, bow and all. French Sole ‘Passport’ Flat. At $195 it does beat Chanel prices. But what about resale value? Hmmmm.

In the under $100 range there were some adorable choices from Hype, Jeffrey Campbell, Me Too and Linea Paolo.

Go ahead and flat line. Your feet will thank you.

shoes, flats, Nordstrom, siegerson Morrison, Hype shoes, Jeffrey Campbell, Me Too shoes, Linea Paola, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, shoe blog

Patent leather pumps in candy colors are jumping off the page in the November Elle. Hot pink John Galliano’s, canary yellow Christian Louboutin’s, candy apple red Sergio Rossi’s, royal blue Miu Miu’s, midnight blue Chanel’s and Crayola green Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere were featured. Tagged for resort wear, these hotties are good enough for city wear any day. Or with anything for that matter. They would rock the heck out of some jeans or turn heads with a little black dress. (These are open-toed shoes remember. So be sure to get your pedi done with an equally dazzing nail color.) Check out the Juicy Fruit article in the Need it Now on page 206 and make your pick. I think I’m all about the yellow Louboutin wedge.

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Buy Designer Shoes at Zappos.com

You may have heard about (RED). A noble cause to help fight AIDS in Africa. You can read up on it on their site, (RED). Here’s the basics:
(PRODUCT) RED™ ENGAGES BIG BUSINESS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST AIDS

(PRODUCT) RED engages big business to raise awareness and funds for The Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa. We do this by teaming up with iconic brands. Launch partners are: American Express, Converse, Gap, Giorgio Armani and Motorola.

(PRODUCT) RED is a branding mechanism which companies license to sell (PRODUCT) RED branded products to raise funds for the Global Fund. Companies whose products take on the (PRODUCT) RED mark make a commitment to contribute a portion of profits from the sales of that product into Global Fund-financed AIDS programmes, with a focus on women and children in Africa.

(RED) is not a charity or “campaign”. It is an economic initiative that aims to deliver a sustainable flow of private sector money to the Global Fund.

(RED) was created by Bono (U2, singer and activist) and Bobby Shriver (Chairman of DATA – Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa). Both also founded DATA in 2002, an organisation created to put political pressure on world governments to tackle the key issues surrounding debt, AIDS and trade in Africa.

With that being said, I am looking at the Converse. This is so exciting; you get to customize your own Chuck Taylor’s.
I can’t wait. I wonder if Christian Louboutin has thought about that?

shoes, Product (RED), Converse, Chuck Taylors, AIDS, Bono, shoe blog

Converse

No, I’m giving away any fabulous shoes. But Fendi is. I have quite a competitive streak, and really hate to spoil my odds at winning, but I’ll pass on the info. This week’s InStyle newletter has a link to a contest that Fendi is sponsoring. It’s more than just fill in your name, email address and physical address kind of contest. You actually have to write an essay about why your friend needs a pair of shoes. If you win, both you and your friend get a pair of shoes. And there are 10 winners, so that equals 20 pair of shoes.

I’m trying to get all my aliases in order as I type…

Write something truly compelling. Like how you and your friend are so fortunate to wear the same size. So you job share. One wears the shoes to work one day. The other the next. So you can really use 2 new pair of shoes. Then you can both work full time and buy lots of shoes. And live happily ever after.

shoes, Fendi, InStyle, contest, shoe blog

Ok, I’m stealing this from Trudy over at The Elementary Chef, but Wednesday’s are for Shoe Picks! (Thanks Trudy!) I got my InStyle Spring 2007 AccessoriesReport today, and OMG, the shoes. There were so many reported on that I fell in love with, that I should just feature a new one each week, rather than inundate you with too many at once. My first pick is this Valentino open toe pump.

It’s bone leather D’Orsay with a Black Patent bow. I think it’s versatile — can be dressed up or down. What do you think?

shoes, pumps, InStyle, Spring Shoes, Valentino, shoe blog

There’s a little chill in the air. Fall is definitely here. It’s just about the time to cover up the gams with some serious leather. I’m talking boots. And oh boy. I have seen some beautiful boots. I’m talking DIVA boots. Let’s start with my dream boots. Black Suede Gucci. Gucci = Gorgeous. While these are totally impractical for the weather, they do indeed make an impressive entrance. Or exit for that matter. At $995 they should.

Moving on with my hit list. I rather like this wedge heel boot by Luichiny Hill. Its sleek, nice styling, the wedge probably makes walking easier. This just may be my new work boot. And the big plus is that its only $142.95 at Zappos.com. I love this site because of the free shipping, a great plus.

Nordstrom had a few boots that I can definitely consider firing up the plastic for. First is a smart Via Spiga motorcycle inspired boot. Study heel, strappy adornment and made in Italy. It’s gotta be good. It has a narrow calf, so it’s not for me. (I have big feet which happened to be accompanied by rather voluptuous legs.) If I could fit it, I’m sure it would be a buy at $339. I can see it with street shorts, gauchos, whatever they are called. Maybe I should consult Laura over at Style Fix to see what exactly we are calling these things now.

Two pair that I can definitly fit my healthy legs into are also from Nordstrom. The Diva, Nordstrom’s own brand. It’s that lovely man made pleather, so great for rainy days. Also stretchy, so forgiving for those of us who have a generous gams. Plus, the price is right at $69.95 One more Nordstrom offering, a short boots, great for longer skirts and pants, is on my gotta have it list. By Facconable, its French; it’s chic.

Last, but certainly not least, at Piperlime, my new favoite online shoe store, I love the Charles David “Butane”. I say it’s high octane. $445 and they have my name on them. They have awesome views of the shoes on this site. 7 additional views. I also picked out this hip mid shaft BCBG suede number. Only $129. Definitely doable.

Last but not least, a boot for all seasons.

boots, via spiga, gucci, nordstrom, zappos, piperlime, charles david, luchiny hill, facconable, shoe blog