Tod’s Driving Shoe and Resoling without the Rubber Bumps

I’ve thought about purchasing Tod’s driving shoe for quite some time.  They are quite comfortable and the quality of their material means that they will last so the price/wear will, over time. make up for the price.  But I’ve held back on purchasing Tod’s mocs for one main reason.  Those trademark nubby rubber pebbles/bumps on the sole, cannot to my knowledge, be resoled with the the bumps after they are worn down.   Now, to be fair, I’d be using these as walking shoes which isn’t exactly what they are made for, but knowing that brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes allow you to bring in their products for spa/servicing makes me wonder why Tod’s doesn’t follow suite.  Even Christian Louboutin has a list of cobblers who can resole with Louboutin’s signature red sole.

So what are your thoughts?  Would you purchase a pair of Tod’s driving shoes knowing that the shoes will wear down and eventually you’ll need to resole with regular bottoms?

Incidentally, the reason why I am debating Tod’s again is because they are on sale for half price ($214) on Amazon’s flash sale website, MyHabit.com.  The pricing makes me that much more eager to pull the trigger but I think I will resist for the reason I mentioned above.

Tod’s Suede Zeppa Wedge Pumps

Tod's Suede Zeppa Wedge Pumps

Although pretty tame, I was so drawn to Tod’s Suede Zeppa Wedge Pumps ($475 at Saks).You have to go back for a second look and let it linger to get the full effect of what these shoes really say.  These shoes are like a pair of ballet flats had a little love affair with a pair of wedges and this is the result. (more…)

Tod’s Gommini Leopard-Print Pony Hair Loafers

Tod's Gommini Leopard-Print Pony Hair Loafers

All right. I am in a bit of a pickle. Normally I love the Tod’s brand. The Della Valle family has made some smart moves, after all, and they have led to some gorgeous shoes. I’m not so sure about Tod’s Gommini Leopard-Print Pony Hair Loafers ($394.99 at Saks), though. I can’t decide if these loafers are fabulous or full of fail.

Because I mean, I get it. Something about them is tres chic, right? But I am just not at all sure that the whole leopard print motif really works with loafers. I am the first to admit that I am not the hugest loafer fan, but I am also willing to admit that there are a lot of examples out there that negate my general distaste. I just don’t know if this shoe is one of those examples.

So, yes, they are made out of pony hair, the sole is a rubber driver. (more…)

Tod’s Patent Leather Ballet Flats

Tod's Patent Leather Ballet Flats

First off, Happy Thanksgiving, all you fashionistas and shoe lovers!  I hope your holiday is filled with good eats and sweet, turkey-stuffed dreams.  In honor of the holiday, I went looking for something with a little color – the most appropriate color, of course: orange.  These are Tod’s Patent Leather Ballet Flats ($395 at Saks), in a lovely tangerine shade.  Lots of other colors are available; I chose these first to pay homage to the holiday and second because it’s been looking so grey and dreary around these parts, I thought a splash of color would be nice.  After all, your shoes are often the best way to make a statement.  A monochromatic outfit, a pair of bright shoes – what can be better than that?

Tod’s brand is great for color.  It advertises this as red (more…)

Michelle Obama: First Lady Elect… of Style

Well, it’s official, Michelle Obama is going to be the next First Lady of the United States of America.  And, regardless of what you may think about her husband’s politics, you’ve got to admit the lady’s got style.  Just look at the Spring 09 Narciso Rodriguez dress she wore on the night of the election.  Sure, it’s gotten mixed reviews from the fashion critics (I come down firmly on the side of “She’s Working It!”), but it’s not a boring choice, that’s for sure.

Me, I’m over the moon that the soon-to-be First Lady of the USA has an interesting fashion sense, as you can see from a few examples here.

Boogying with Ellen DeGeneres.

In a dress from Thakoon’s Resort ’09 line.

In J. Crew separates and a Moschino shirt dress… both with super cute shoes.

And that brings me to what we love most over here, of course… shoes.

Because, yes folks, you’re eyes do not deceive you.  That is Michelle Obama wearing flats.  She’s a flats kinda woman.  She’s more often shoes under 3″ than in anything higher.  And I couldn’t be happier about it!

A curious reader wrote us asking about Ms. Obama’s footwear choices, and… well… to be honest, I have yet to figure out what those black flats she wore on election night were.  But the woman has some seriously cute pairs of low-heels and flats.

Might I suggest she stick with this plan of comfy and attractive shoes.  Much like Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has done (with great elegance and panache).  We need more high-profile women who know they can be confident and stylish without the super-high heels.

So, instead of going for the 8″ Louboutins that are on their way, how about sticking with something equally chic, but easier on the body, like these tortoise-shell ballerinas.

Since those look like they’re only at the UK version of Netaporter, here’s a Taryn Rose alternative: the Bion.

Or maybe these Chloe purple pointy-toe numbers that are cool and classy, but with a nice hit of style at the same time.

There’s a classic Tod’s skimmer (the Biscuit, in this case) … can’t go wrong there.

Or, for something a wee bit more daring (and yet, totally still something I could see her wearing), there’s this totally adorable Joey McMakin pump.

Tahari’s got these Tessa flats.

I could go on and on and on.  But instead, I will leave with one more suggestion.  Because, for something sporty and supportive, she could go for these Keds skimmers, just one of many Obama shoe designs available here, for those so inclined.