Shoe Boxers

If you have read this blog at least once, you know that I am a stilletto loving woman. I really find no use for flip flops. Until now that it is. I’m on vacation in Hawaii (which is why my postings have been close to nil this week), and my shoe of choice has been non other than the flip flop. When I was a kid, these things were called thongs. But alas, the word thong has taken on a whole new connotation which we will not discuss at this moment in time. I can however say that in casual Hawaii, the flip flop is the ideal shoe.

I happen to be watching my Golden State Warriors in the NBA Semi-finals at the moment, and just so happened to stumble on these NBA flip flops. I thought those guys wore sneakers!

And if you want somer really hot flip flops, you have got to check out Nine West.

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It seems like I have been on this red shoe kick for awhile. First it was the updated Mary Jane from the Grandaddy of sexy shoes, Manolo Blahnik. Now it’s these gorgeous red patent peep toe pumps from Dolce & Gabbana. I can see these with everything from jeans, crop pants, capris, hot pants, evening dresses, little black dresses, mini dresses. Heck, no dresses for that matter. Just wear the shoes and let them do the work!

Patent leather with contrast piping
Peep toe
4″ patent stiletto heel
Leather insole and sole
Made in Italy
$395 at Eluxury.

These smokin’ red patent leather pumps are my latest lust list addition! Size 11 in case you are feeling generous!

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I have to hand it to Jessica Simpson’s shoe folks. They have done an excellent job of interpreting trends and giving them a great price point. Not too cheap — not your Payless variety shoes, but not too expensive either. Her platforms were a huge hit last year. And now, she has interpreted that cone heel that Marc Jacobs has done such a beautiful job on.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an investment shoe, just compare the quality of workmanship on a pair of Marc Jacobs and on Jessica Simpson’s.

Jessica Simpson ‘Meena’ Pump
Topstitched straps cross over the foot on a platform slingback pump. Approx. heel height: 3 1/2″.
Leather upper/synthetic lining and sole.
By Jessica Simpson; imported.
BP. Shoes. $89 at Nordstrom.

Marc Jacobs Collection
Runway Sandal $550.00
Smooth leather
Wide band over vamp
Wide band crosses vamp and wraps around ankle
Leather lining
Padded grained leather insole
Leather sole
4.5″ multifaceted stacked wooden heel
Made in Italy Available at Eluxury.

So why splurge when you can skimp?

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I was in a horrible car accident when I was 20. Broke nearly everything there is to break in my body. After I came to a couple days later, my first words were, “Where are my shoes?” Never mind that my best friend and I were in ICU fighting for life. All I cared about were those beautiful wooden sole platform shoe with a perfect heel with long wrap ties. They were classic! I could wear them today and no one would shudder and think “vintage”. Yes, my shoe addiction goes back for years and years. And so does my love of platforms.

Piperlime has some gorgeous plaforms they are showing off this week, and I think you should have a look!

I’m loving this platform wedge by daniblack:

Clemens
Strappy wedge sandal
Leather quarter strap
Criss cross elastic bands
Single leather band across vamp
4″ heel, 1″ platform
Leather lining
Leather outsole
Upper: 50% leather, 50% stretch fabric

My thoughts are that you should have at least one hot pair of platforms for spring/summer. Make them a color that you will get the most milage from. Go ahead, get shopping!

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I finally figured out that I’m pretty basic when it comes to fashion. I love fine details, good quality, impressive fabrics and leathers. But what I don’t like is a bunch of frou frou. You know, bows, frills, excess. To that end, the bulk of my wardrobe is black and white, with a spot of color here and there. So therefore most of my shoes are non other that your basic black. Well, I’ll regress a moment. I do have a few pair of animal print, red patent, pink lacy stiletos, metallic sandals, snakeskin wedges in an odd color. But alas, I’m your basic black girl.

So when I saw InStyle’s feature on Floral footwear, I was prepared to be disgusted. But, I’m pleasantly surprised. I actually think I could stomach a pair of these shoes with a cute little summer frock. Or paired with capris while I’m cruising Santorini. Ok, wake up Tracey.

Here is InStyle’s picks for perfect floral footwear:
Stunning Wedges
THE FIND Fabric-and-leather wedges by Delman
THE PRICE $365
BUY ONLINE delmanshoes.com
WHY YOU WANT IT The flirty floral print is a perfect compliment to a little white dress; a trompe l’oeil stripe down the heel gives the walkable wedge a delicate look.

Sweet Slip-Ons
THE FIND Fabric slingback flats by Report
THE PRICE $45
BUY ONLINE piperlime.com
WHY YOU WANT IT The white-and-bright pattern adds sass to a casual spring look, and you’ll love how the comfy rubber soles cradle your feet

THE FIND Betsey Johnson sandals with bow accent
THE PRICE $160
BUY ONLINE zappos.com
WHY YOU WANT IT The Holly Hobby blue-and-yellow print will remind you of pinafores past; the braided straps and blue bows will set off a sexy pair of stems.

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Get great brand name shoes at Zappos.com!

Are you ever confused about getting your shoe look right with your dress choice? No need to worry. Piperlime has made it easy to make fashion sense when it comes to your shoe selection.

Dress type: Mini
Despite the numerous women you see wearing stilettos, platforms and other towering shoes with their minis, this look spells HOOCHIE! Don’t do it. Keep your look feminine and flirty, in particular for day. Try a look like this:

Dress type: Wrap

My all time favorite dress style. So complimentary for the hour glass figure and ideal for faking one. Diane Von Furstenburg continues to design the wrap like noone else. Shoes to wear? Classic and elegant. Piperlime recommends a refined city sandal.

Wedges and chunky heel peep toes are the perfect companion to wrap dresss for day.

Now, no need to look out of style with your dress or your shoes.

Happy shopping!

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I have big feet, size 11 to be exact. The club of girls with size 11’s is by no means small. Even Paris Hilton is a size 11, as are many girls that are tall. But we are discriminated against by the buyers in shoe stores. Just check out the sale racks. There are TONS of shoes from 5-9. But get over a size 10 and there is nothing there. Why? Because there weren’t that many in the first place to buy, and when a big foot girls see a cute shoe in her size, gues what? We buy it, sale or no sale.

One of my readers asked this question a few days ago:

Hi Tracey,

Thanks!

One of my fellow bloggers, Andrea has an excellent site for large shoe sizes, with many options listed. I happen to shop at Nordstrom on a regular basis and they do a great job with large sizes. The key for me has been that I am a regular shopper. Not that I always buy, but I’m seen frequently in the store. I have one person that helps me. He knows what I like. So when new arrivals are fresh in the store, guess who gets the first call on size 11’s? That’s right, none other than the shoe diva herself!

Here is my latest score, a super comfortable and stylish Taryn Rose wedge from Nordies:

So I would suggest the same for you. If there is a local store that you patronize, let them know your wants and needs. Believe me, anyone shoe sales person would love to just have someone they can call for a quick sale!

Also, for online shopping, Zappos does lots of stylish shoes in large sizes. I mean LOTS!

I hope this is helpful!

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It’s almost spring, so why not brighten up your shoe wardrobe. I love the assortment of color that Piperlime is offering. I must have a gazillion pair of black shoes, but it looks like any color is the new black. Check them out. Reds, Yellows, Blues, Greens. It’s like jelly beans!

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I usually write about women’s shoes, but I can’t help but remember when I used to buy little girls shoes. They are so darn cute. And this time of the year, all the patent leather styles are available for Easter. So now is the time to stock up on your children’s dress shoes. I never had to buy shoes for little boys, but they have some great styles too. Here are a few that I found that are just darling. I’m a complete fool for Italian shoes, and I bought the same for my daughters.

Check out Primigi ‘Andes’ Mary Jane. Not exactly a budget price point at $54.95, but they are probably so soft for your toddlers feet.

And how about this Umi ‘Posey’ T-Strap white with a pink sole. I wish they had that in my size!

And of course, there is good old Stride Rite, they have been doing children’s shoes for years. They always have dependable style for children. Can’t go wrong with your basic black or white patent Mary Jane.

For the young man in your life. the dress shoes mimic the most stylish men’s shoes. Kenneth Cole Reaction, priced from $44.95 to $49.95. Available at Nordstrom.

Now, just dragging your kids out to get new shoes may be another matter altogether. But if you have the makings of a true shoe diva, it shouldn’t be a problem at all, and I recommend the red patent mayr jane.

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I’m a diva. I know it and admit it. Everyone who knows me I’d rather look cute in a pair of shoes and sacrifice comfort in a heartbeat. But I have been in search of a comfortable shoe. Unfortunately all the comfy shoes look just like that. Comfortable. Where’s the style, the oomph factor. Well, I think I found it. Cole Haan with Nike Air Technology. When I first saw this line of shoes, there were only a few options. Now they have some seriously sexy shoes that I can wear with comfort. Check them out:

CHARLIZE AIR PUMP
$275.00
Style # D23022
Open toe pump in artisan interlocked soft patent leather with beautifully concealed NIKE AIR cushioning. Fully leather lined. Fully padded leather sock lining. Softly buffed leather sole. 4″ high heel and 3/4″ platform covered in fine woven farbic.

BLANCA AIR SANDAL
$285.00
Style # D21472
Bow pump in soft patent leather with beautifully concealed NIKE AIR cushioning. Detailed with satin bow. Fully leather lined. Fully padded leather sock lining. Softly buffed leather sole. 4″ stacked high heel with 3/4″ platform.

I’m so excited. I can wear heels with not confidence and comfort!

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I hate to admit it, but I recently bought a pair of Aerosoles. They aren’t the most stylish shoes on the planet, but they certainly do rate high in the comfort category. I really do have a twisted sense of priorties. I sincerely believe that shoes should look better than they feel. That’s all well and good until you have to stand for a few hours, slapping makeup on someone’s face. (I’m a makeup artist by trade). And while I have worked in stilettos, high heeled boots, platform sandals and more unreasonalbly uncomfortable shoes, due to a recent injury, I have had to conform to a sensible shoe. (Sensible is truly subjective here, since I consider Jimmy Choo’s to be sensible). Aerosoles has new styles in, many of which are following shoe trends. Platforms and wedges among them.

Aerosoles flats, pretty cute. I can imagine I’m wearing Gucci flats because of that little metal doo dad on the top of the shoe. Reminicent of the Gucci horse bit. I like the black patent. Does it compare to Gucci though?

My best friend always wears shoes based on comfort. Since we wear the same size, I’ve been grabbing her shoes and trying them on recently. Now, I’m on the hunt for more comfortable, sensible reasonable shoes. She turned me on to a brand called Born. Being the mother to teenagers, I was thinking about the band Korn — but no, shoes named Born. She also wears Clarks. So I did a little online shopping research and came up with two pair that I could wear if I didn’t look down at my feet.

Danskos are extremely popular among doctors, nurses, chefs, waiters, waitresses — others that spend untold hours on their feet. They are just not the kind of shoe that works with my fashionista outlook. Maybe with pants…

Mephisto is another brand that may be comfortable, but I’ll pass. Just too ugly. And I can’t forget the shoe that’s reigns supreme in my neck of the woods (I live on the Berkeley border), the ever ugly, ever comfortable Birkenstock. The last time I wore these shoes, I was pregnant with my first daughter. My feet spread out so much from all that wide open space, that I had to invest in a whole new shoe wardrobe after she was born. No Berkies for me!

The only good thing about this mission to find comfortable shoes, is that I get to shop!

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GAP has always had a few shoes in its lineup. But recently they have expanded that line up to include more than a few. Currenly on their website, GAP has a complete selection of the Spring Trends. Flats, Espadrilles, Wedges, thongs, casual wooden platforms and even Converse. This is a great site to buy your trendy shoes, as the prices are reasonable. So once the season is over, you don’t mind if you have worn your favorite shoes into the ground. It’s not like trying to preserve your favorite pair of designer heels. (Can you imagine wearing out a pair of Jimmy Choo’s or Christian Louboutin’s in a couple months??)

I’m wondering if this new selection of shoes from GAP happens to be because of the success of their new shoe shopping site, Piperlime.

Check out GAP for new shoes!

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Are your sneakers basic white, or black or brown? Mix it up. Add some spice to your footwear. Try a little color with your sneaks. Every major athletic shoe company has some jazzy sneakers.

Check out this Reebok SJ Retro Aztec sneakers in blue/citron/red/navy. $80 at Nordstrom.

I love Puma’s sneakers. They are actually my sneaker of choice. I used to be an avowed Adidas fan. Especially when I played tennis everyday, but the style of Puma is right up my alley. I in particular love the laceless styles that they make. I travel quite a bit for work, so being able to pull those suckers off and throw them right back on without lacing is ideal for airport security lines. Check out colorful sneak: LAB II WOMENS
Color: Violet Quartz/Orchid Purple/White
Price: $70.00

Originally released in 1981, the LAB II is a lightweight trainer with an unique midsole presentation. The LAB II is made of mesh.

Now, Adidas still is on track with great shoes, and colorful ones at that. I love this red sneak. The Spider is $90 and is pictured in Victory Red/Amber. Hot shoes.

Who doesn’t love old school Chuck Taylors? My colleague at Shopping Tips Online paid homage to Chuck Taylor’s recently. Well, old school school meets hip hop bling with this metallic high top Chuck. Right on time for the spring metallic shoe trend as well.

So if you aren’t an oline shopper, check out shoe store in your area that specialize in cool sneakers. On the East Coast, check out Prodigy. Prodigy is a new sneaker store in the East Village, on Avenue B (Corner of 2nd Street), NYC. They sell a wide range of Nike products, including Jordans, Nike Skateboarding and Nike Quickstrike. Here is their address!

Prodigy
17 Ave B (Corner of 2nd St)
New York, NY 10009
212-228-4737

On the West Coast check out FrontRunners. They have more brands that you can shake a stick at.

Go ahead, add a little color to your sneaker wardrobe.

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Okay, I’m not a flats girl. I much prefer a well sculpted, hand-made, fine leather Italian, stiletto heeled shoe. But, given that I do have a modicum of commen sense, I realize that flats have their place. And of late, I’m seeing some pretty darn cute ones. All I can summize from this is that flats must be part of the spring shoe look. And I suppose that fits when we consider that Spring 2007 is diverse with romantic and sporty style leading the pack. Both of those style are suited to a flat shoe.

I have gotten emails from Nordstrom.com featuring flats — very pretty ones I might add. Bonus right now is free shipping with any shoe purchase. (Go for it!) I picked out a couple pair at Nordies that I think I could wear quite well. Not only are they cute and reasonably priced, they incorporate the looks for spring. The silver metallic flats by Linea Paolo are $89.95. If you aren’t in for the metallic look, there are other color options.

This Dolce Vita flat is a great price at $59.95. In black patent it works with dresses, pants, jeans — casual or dress up. Very cute.

For sheer comfort and a tad bit of style, check out Aerosoles. They are featuring dozens of flats plus the bonus of a Swarovski pendant and earriangs with any $75 purchase.

Happy shoe shopping!

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Piperlime (one of my favorite online shoe shopping sites) is running a contest in conjunction with California Closets. Winner gets a $5,000 closet and $5,000 worth of shoes to fill it up. WOW! What I could do with all those shoes!

Enter here.

For your information, I hope you lose. I really need those shoes.

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