Running Shoes for the City Girl

Who ever knew there were so many guides on YouTube to walking in high heels? Here are just a few. I just wish someone would give me an instructional in how to run 20 city blocks in 10 minutes in 4 inch heels while dodging taxis, tourists and construction. (Oh wait, I’ve got flats in my bag…)

The LBS (Little Black Shoe) Staple

I really love the simple practicality and polished presence of All Black Shoes. They’re not all actually black, but they almost all exemplify the same simplicity and beauty as a Little Black Shoe. This LBS below in particular is the perfect complement to almost any outfit, whether for a night out, a work day or a casual Saturday running errands. The design almost makes me think that the creator was a ballet dancer. This cute little snake skimmer is on sale for $79 at Habitat Shoes.

A bunch of All Black shoes are on sale at Shoe Mania in Union Square, New York.

Here are the rest of the All Black shoes at Habitat.

Feel free to tell us about your favorite Little Black Shoe and how it carries you through from day to night.

Manolo Blahnik’s Armored ‘Patoso’ Booties

I do not recall us featuring this bootie yet on our blog. Which is a pity, really. As some other blogs have noted, Mr. Blahnik’s ’Patoso’ from the Fall 2009 collection, is worth us taking at least a peek or two.

From the Manolo Blahnik website:

I’ve gone absolutely mad for warriors this season … (Fall ’08) . I’ve put Samurai masks on boots. (FANO) and metal discs that have come straight out of a crusaders suit of armour (PATOSCO). I’ve used shapes that are articulated, and incorporate shields (Satine designed for Christopher Kane, DELIS) for a modern, powerful woman … a kind of medieval Amazon, if that makes any sense.

The Patoso is also briefly referenced in a September 2008 interview with Manolo Blahnik by Carola Long at The Independent:

Blahnik shows me two of his own latest creations: a pair of fine-heeled grey boots covered in metal discs has been inspired by the Crusades, and are reminiscent of chain mail, while a pair of ankle boots with a leather grille around the ankle is “a cross between a ribcage and one of those horrible plants you have in hotel entrances in Hawaii, really common plants. No not an aspidistra, urgh! Every Victorian house had an aspidistra, urgh!” Aspidistras are just one of the things Blahnik expresses a comedic dislike for, along with platform shoes and noise. Every time a phone rings or a siren wails, he announces that he is being persecuted.

Am I the only one who reads or watches Manolo Blahnik interviews and then is automatically reminded of an energetic little teddy bear? Oh my, did I just refer to one of shoe-couture’s own members of ‘designer-royalty’ as a teddy bear? Why, it seems I did.

As of yesterday, the Nieman Marcus website had at least one of these amazing shoes left in stock – a situation that has now, sadly, changed (Which is a shame, really, as the price had dropped from  $1395 to $628). So, if you are interested in this style, a stock check of local Nieman Marcus stores, as well as Manolo Blahnik boutiques, will now be in order.

Anyway, from sketch to reality, this is one original shoe.  The balance achieved between the metallic elements and softer bow at the ankle is a pretty amazing dichotomy.  Overall, this is a fantastic visual feast. It is, unfortunately and unequivocally, not my style.  It does, however, own a special place in that wholely imaginary room of my house where all of the most decadent, if not always practical, shoes are kept on immaculate display in their own little glass displays; existing purely for simple visual pleasure. Sigh.

Shoe Contests on the Web

Okay, so I am NOT announcing a new contest for this shoe blog.  However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other great contests on the web to tickle your feet.

The first shoe contest requires creativity, not luck.    The gorgeous gals at Running With Heels have teamed up with La Canadienne for a winter boot giveaway.  The entry with the most creative reason why she wants a pair of boot wins.  So if you’re the unluckiest person in the world but have a wild imagination, this contest is right up your alley. The entry deadline is this Friday, January 23rd.

The second shoe contest is being held by one of the big guys (or should I say feet?).  Piperlime’s ‘Win a day in Rachel Zoe’s shoes’ contest offers you a chance to meet Rachel Zoe in person, hotel and transportation to see her, mula to spend while you’re in LA, plus a gift certificate to shop at Pipelime.  It’s a prize package worth $10k.   This contest also ends this week (January 25th) so what are you waiting for?

Inaugural Shoes, Inaugural Category

It’s official.  Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States.

And it is also official that the new First Lady is kicking off an era of some doubtless excellent style for the White House.

Today’s Isabel Toledo outfit was nothing less than the elegant chic I am coming to expect from Michelle Obama.  And not only do I love that she had a pashmina sewn into the coat’s lining to add some warmth, but I love that she paired the yellow outfit with green gloves (from J. Crew) and green shoes [ETA: After further research, the shoes appear to be Jimmy Choo's Glacier pumps.  Since they're from the fall/winter 2008 collection, they're already scarce on the ground, and after their appearance at the inaugural festivities, I imagine they'll only get harder to find.]

Check it out.

And so, in my own oath, I, Jitterbugbaby, do solemnly swear that I will continue to bring you news of Michelle Obama’s footwear choices, which will henceforth be labelled with the newly-created category of “Michelle Obama Shoes”.

There’s a promise you can hold me to.