Betsey Johnson ‘Kadina’

So, is anybody else sitting at home feeling miserable with the flu? Ah, the joys of back-to-school and fall weather are balanced by the colds that seem to come home with the kids.

Since local weather is still too insanely warm for me to think about consuming actual chicken soup, consider today’s shoes to be ‘emotional chicken soup’.

Sweet-but-sexy, studded Oxfords … luckily for me, the Oxford trend has not completely wound down yet.

Betsey Johnson ‘Kadina’ $200 at Zappos

As my husband said when I showed him these, “Oh yeah, those are completely you.”  What can I say? I have a week spot for women’s Oxfords. Oh, and plaid. And, of course, Betsey Johnson; it was inevitable that I would love these shoes.

To steal a movie quote, these are ‘Everything I never knew I always wanted’ *…or something like that.

Menswear-inspired, wing-tip appeal; Check.

Adorable, plaid-blocked contrast; Check.

Lace-up Lolita details; Check.

Patent leather, studded-Oxford edging; Check.

High Heels. Oxfords. Plaid. Lace-ups. Rockabilly. Goth. Lolita. Punk…a match made in shoe-heaven!

*Extra points if you can name the flick.

Museum Shoes … In your closet.

I was over at Amazon the other day and encountered the phrase “Museum Shoes” in one of their new fashion forums:

Definition:

Museum Shoes: Too beautiful to wear, but perfect to look at!

- Many thanks to princess-of-shoes for this very appropriate definition.

While I doubt that all women have a pair of  Museum Shoes in their closet, I must admit that I own my own fair share of these. They are a particular failing of mine.  These are shoes that are fabulous to look at but are impractical for regular wear. Some of them are simple fun while others literally take my breath away with their beauty. They all have a place in my closet because even though it is a challenge to find occasions and outfits to wear them, they are too precious for me to give up.

Here are my Museum Shoes…in a wide range of prices from bargain-bin up to Ouch!

The wedges and embroidered pumps find more actual wear-time than the enamel-heeled Maryjane or crystal pumps – although I only occasionally wear wedges since they can look clunky (all the more potential canvas!).  There are just not that many occasions for a soccer-mom living in a small town to get all dressed up – more’s the pity.

So, is it any surprise that part of the wall-to-wall bookcase plans that we are drafting for our home also tentatively include a corner curio for displaying some of my favorite Museum Shoes?

It’s certainly better than leaving them to gather dust.

Well, do you have your own Museum Shoe…or two?

I showed you mine. Show me your Museum Shoes here.

Betsey Johnson: 30th Anniversary Layla Sandal

I just ran into these shoes a few minutes ago and decided they were worth sharing.

Betsey Johnson ‘Layla’ $179.99 at Heels.com

Just look at the detail on these: the metallic heel, the little heart-shaped buckle.  These could be yet another contender for the coveted attention of the ’09 spring bride looking for her perfect pair of wedding shoes. These are a bit unusual since they are a silver satin upper with an overlay of gold-specked black mesh lace and Swarovski sparkle.  If you are looking for an unconventional sandal that can be worn again with a LBD on your anniversary, these may be the style for you.  Another added plus is that at just under $200, (and one last pair in size 10 on sale for $145 at Zappos) these shoes are friendly to a much wider range of budgets than some of our previous wedding-worthy mentions.

Oh, one last detail, these are “30′th Anniversary” Betsey Johnson sandals and have the additional unusual detail of shoe designer Betsey Johnson’s portrait on the sole.

Definitely a shoe for the more quirky brides among us.

Spring 2009 Shoe Trends: Natural Textures

Hello warmer weather!

As we move into another spring season, certain classic footwear trends have re-emerged as if on an annual schedule. In this case, the trend is of rope-like espadrilles and cork-soled sandals. These continue to be casual warm-weather favorites.

This spring and summer it will be tough to go wrong style-wise if your sandals include a cork sole; or perhaps rafia, bamboo, or jute details. Natural textures, warm tan and brown colors, and an earthy, Boho vibe are making a huge appearance in stores this spring.

First up - Prada’s Rafia, Cork, and Bamboo Wedges:

Prada Raffia Wedge Sandals $650 at Saks.com

Prada Bamboo Wedge Platforms $695 at Saks.com

Prada Wedge Platform Cutout Sandals $750 at Saks.com

I’m not finding myself to be much of a fan of the rafia, and I can take or leave the whole cork thing, but the bamboo is pretty intriguing.

Volatile Shoes also has a few bamboo-wrapped offerings in their spring line-up (with more of a reedy effect): (more…)

Valentine Shoes: Hearts, Flowers and Red-Hot Heels

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.  And, whether you have a romantic evening planned with your honey, or are having a single gal’s ‘stag’ evening – any excuse to ogle red, hot, sexy shoes is okay in my book.

So, let’s start with some sweet floral shoes that look like romantic bouquets:

Jessica Simpson ‘Josette’ $39.99 @ Smartbargains

Kate Spade ‘Gesture’ $218.97 $297.95 @ Zappos

Kate Spade ‘Carine’ $161.70 $277.95 @ Zappos

Taryn Rose ‘Betty’ $315.96 $394.95@ Zappos  

Moving on to wearing your heart for everyone to see (though on your feet, not on your sleeve):

 Promiscuous ‘Heartless’ $55 @ Zappos

Promiscuous ‘Enticing’ $49 @ Zappos

Promiscuous ‘Fixation’ $53.10 $59@ Zappos

Penthouse 509-Diora Stiletto $72.99 @ Snaz75

 BC Footwear ‘Cuttin and Scratchin’ $80 $100@ Zappos

Betseyville ‘Lenore’ $82 $114@ Zappos

Well, whatever your Saturday has in store for you, there’s always room for another pair of fabulous red shoes in any gal’s closet:

Luichiny ‘Clara’ $90.21 $134 @ Zappos

LAMB ‘Sidney’ $240.30 $319@ Zappos

RSVP ‘Dinda’ $53 $65@ Zappos

RSVP  ‘Rori’ $59.55 $85@ Zappos

Sam Edelman ‘XIla’ $64.43 @ Endless & $85 $123@ Zappos

Via Spiga ‘Mavis’ $122 $197.95@ Zappos

 RSVP ‘Joi’ $56.50 $74@ Zappos

Oh, and if you are one of those ladies who doesn’t yet own a pair of red heels – What are you waiting for? Red is an absolutely fabulous wardrobe neutral that simply exudes confidence from the ground up.