Footwear News Achievement Awards Winners

Every year Footwear News presents their Achievement awards.  I was fairly interested in who was recognized because a lot has happened this year in the footwear industry.  Here are some of the recipients awarded on November 29th.

The Person of the Year was Christian Louboutin.  In his interviews he comes off as a genuinely great guy.

It is amazing to think that a small but loyal group knew his shoes before 2004.   When he opened a shop at 59 Horatio Street.  It exposed him to a younger hip group who couldn’t get enough of his shoes.    Now  red soles show up on every red carpet.   In 2010 he opened 11 shops and started his online boutique.  Growth in 2010.  Amazing.

Pigalili at ChristianLouboutin.com

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Spring 2011 Runway: Chanel Shoes

I’ve been trying to find a way to comment diplomatically about the shoes and  fashions at the SS2011 Chanel show but  find that words fail me. I am trying very hard to politely express my disappointment in both the shoes and fashion that were shown.

First, the shoes:

(Article photos via Style.com; collages are arranged by Shoeblog.)

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Spring 2011 Runway: Jen Kao’s Ethereal Barefoot Styles

I am not terribly familiar with designer Jen Kao.  There are so many fashion designers, both new and old these days, that it just seems like it’s getting harder & harder to keep track of them all.  But here’s one I will definitely keep my eye on.

….Starting with the footwear.   Unlike so many other designers who are still creating skyscraper heels that put fear into the hearts of professional runway models, the ‘shoes’ paired with Jen Kao’s light, flowing outfits were breathtaking without adding even an inch of height to the models lucky enough to be wearing them. (And, yes, that is a hint of jealousy you are getting from me.)

(Photos cropped to show detail, originals via style.com) (more…)

Grand Canyon Shoe Report

Last week I had the opportunity to raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.  We went with Hatch River Expeditions, who is a large contributor to the American Cancer Society.   They were nothing but professional.   I highly recommend them.

Three things became apparent as I went through my week.  1)  I need to lose weight. 2) I need to hike more hill trails. 3)  I needed different shoes.  2 and 3 can be remedied fairly quickly, number 1 will take some time. (more…)

Sports Sandals for the Grand Canyon

When you own a business, it seems that everyone invites you to their fund raising auctions.  One of our fund raisers offered a whitewater rafting trip down the Grand Canyon, which Mr. R5 and I won.  I am quite excited about it because this is my first rafting trip down the Colorado River.  I am a little concerned because this is the hottest time of year and next week is supposed to be really hot, so I am not looking forward to a week of 105 degree weather.

I have been to the Grand Canyon several times.  I hiked about half way down, a couple of years ago, which was fun, but the altitude on the South Rim averages 7000 feet.  After about 4 heart attacks (not really, but it felt like it),  we had to turn around because our friend had to get to the airport.   I love The Canyon.

Anyways, I had to pick up some hikey, watery, sportsy sandals, so off to Cabellas I went.  I wanted something functional, comfortable and stylin’.  What I wanted was something like this:

Stuart Weitzman Trustee $395 at Nordstrom

Right.  Next option:

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