Friday: 92 Degrees Fahrenheit.

Saturday: Rain, wind and 30 degrees cooler.

This can only mean one thing. Soccer season has officially begun.

Yes, indeed. Saturday was the first, of many weekends to come, spent juggling soccer games (For 3 kids, now that my youngest is 4 and has started playing in the Tiny Tots program), Grandma visits, and various other weekend commitments that are a normal part of having kids.

So, after acting as a drill sergeant through breakfast, rounding up uniforms, assigning kids to the appropriate parental unit according to morning vs. afternoon activities, it’s off the to the Soccer fields.

Reminder to self, my beloved summer workhorse go-to Skechers ‘Green Light’ are less than appropriate for rain-soaked grassy turf. After an hour in the wet grass and light drizzle, my poor feet were soaked through. I guess I just may have to retire these babies until ‘09. Sigh.

So, it’s off home for a full clothes swap for the kid & a minor footwear adjustment for Mom. I have now matched my casual jeans with the black Rockport ‘Chutney‘ calf-boots that I scored last winter on clearance at Macy’s. Nice enough to keep me from looking too shabby as we meet the rest of the family for lunch; weatherproof enough to comfortably carry me through another wet hour as I swap kids and go for round two in the rain.

This is the Pacific Northwest. You’d think I’d know by now to check the forecast. Of course, the common wisdom here is “If you don’t like the weather, Wait 15 minutes and it will change”. Don’t believe me? Last season we experienced 70-degree sun, rain, hail, and more sun - all in one 40-minute span. It looks like it won’t be too long before my boots start spending all their time at the front of the closet.

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I am biased. I love Betsey Johnson shoes to a degree than might be a tad overenthusiastic even among gals who are half of my age. But, rather than apologize, I revel in that exuberance. Age appropriate?  Act my age? No, thank you.

Today’s New York presentation of the Spring 2009 line simply hit all the right notes for me.  It also happens to be serious eye-candy for anyone out there who is even remotely involved in the Retro Fashion, Swing Music, Gothic Lolita, or Romantigoth scenes; heck, for any gal with a hardcore girly streak.

These clothes are all Romance and Frills.  There are heavy doses of Victorian and Edwardian influences as well as 1950’s-60’s floral chintz; and that’s just at a glance.  All these sweet ruffles and layers add up to one sassy and pouty whole.

Quoting from Laird Borrelli-Persson’s review over at Style.com: “Johnson herself, who took her traditional runway cartwheel dressed as Peter Pan, conceded that some of the show clothes were “over-the-top.” (They will, of course, be adapted for retail.) That said, she really is focusing on broadening her label’s appeal.”

I certainly hope these don’t get too adapted for retail. I can’t help thinking that these are already pretty much perfect as is.  Who doesn’t need a set of lacy knickers in her closet?

And all of this is combined with strappy platforms, flats with ankle socks and naughty knee-highs. 

The word ‘Yummy’ comes to mind.

Fabulous fashions also deserve amazing footwear; but perhaps not too amazing. I can’t help feeling that these fanciful shoes (adorned with bows, polka dots, and fob details) would really work better as the focal point of an outfit. Don’t get me wrong; I love the whole over-the-top vibe of this show. But, for me, I love it when the first thing folks notice when I am out and about is a pair of fabulous shoes.  

[Photos courtesy of New York Magazine / nymag.com]

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Oh, Valentino! How do I choose? I didn’t notice any significant hints of this in your Pre-Fall, Spring 2008 or Fall 2008 runway shows; I am truly thrilled to see what is being offered off-runway for Valentino Fall 2008.

Goodbye Valentino strappy and sexy caged sandal. We hope you won’t be gone long.

Hello romance, femininity, coquetry and 1940’s era glamour. Welcome to the Party!

1.) Valentino Satin Pearl Sandals at Saks for $795. These would be gorgeous for the Holidays.

2.) Valentino Graphique Leather Pumps for $695 at Saks.com. I simply love these. This cut-out style front with the bow-tied demi-Maryjane front is completely retro-glam in the best sense.

3.)Valentino Open-toe Nappa-leather Ruched Sandals ($695 at Saks.com). This is soft and yet filled with grown-up allure.

4.) Valentino Mena Day Wear Pumps in red or black ($695 at  Saks.com). Featuring an attractive half-bow at the vamp.

5.) Fabulously Bowed rose and nude colored pump ($695 Neimanmarcus.com). A spiritual sister to Mr. Louboutin’s Anemone?

6.) Valentino Mena Ankle Booties in black or beige ($795 at Saks.com). Soft, Feminine and right on-trend for Fall.

7.) Valentino Button-up Tall Boot ($1495 Neimanmarcus.com). This is one decidedly feminine and softly-sexy Granny Boot.

8.) Valentino Laser-Cut Ankle Boot ($1145 Neimanmarcus.com). The cut-outs on this are so lovely and delicate; they are a visual delight.

9.) Valentino Suede Peep-toe Laser-cut Bootie ($945 Saks.com). This is the same basic styling as the higher ankle boot but is more in-line with the current peep-toe ankle bootie trend.

10.) Valentino Jewelled Platform Pump ($975 pre-order at Neimanmarcus.com). This is another breathtaking beauty.

I just may have a mad crush on this whole line.

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I love online-surfing at shoe sites to see what gorgeous shoes are being offered out there in world-wide-web-land.

This is evidenced by the favorites folder on my computer (which has at least 50 different online retailers and shoe manufacturers bookmarked for easy perusal). However, in doing so much online window shopping, I sometimes forget about retailers that have a local retail presence in my community.

So, here’s a little peek at some trendy styles that are accessible to tighter budgets. Today’s focus is Payless. In this price range, there may be certain materials substitutions to maintain a lower price-point; things such as glue and synthetics versus stitching and natural leathers which may be found on higher-end shoes. Over the years,  I have purchased and worn many so-called ‘low quality’ shoes; shoes that, incidentally, lasted through years of hard use. Although I love several brands that hover in the $90-200 range, I’m definitely willing to take a chance on an attractive shoe at a great price.

So, here’s some of what Payless Shoesource has to offer us this fall:

“Tate Oxford Bootine” $29.99 (on sale for $24.99); Trend: Booties, Oxford detail, Menswear styling.

“Jana Peep-toe Maryjane” in brown Herringbone or black/white Plaid $24.99; Trend: Maryjanes, Menswear styling.

“Flare Button Flat” $22.99; Trend: Fall Plaids, Oxford details, Faux Maryjane straps.

“Harley Oxford Pump” $24.99; Trend: Oxford detailing, Spectator, Peep-toe, Bootie, Menswear styling.

“Madison Button Ankle Boot” in Grey or Black $34.99 (On sale for $27.99); Trend: Ankle boots, Romantic/retro styling, Hidden Platform.

“Koko Gilley Pump” $24.99; Trend: Peep-toe, Platform, Oxford, Color-trend Purple.

“American Eagle Tattoo Splash Rain Boot” $37.99; Trend: Colorful Graphics, Tattoo Art detailing.

For those of you on budgets: Yes, you can look trendy without having to switch over to a diet of Macaroni and Cheese.

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I’ve become some sort of a big fat snob regarding shoe brands. When you spend so much time with shoes or writing about shoes or thinking about shoes as I have, it’s inevitable. But rather than crave the high-end luxury brands everybody and their sister are coveting (Louboutin, Blahnik, Zanotti, the usual suspects), my lust wanders off the beaten path. I crave more obscure, though not necessarily cheap brands (in fact, almost never cheap), partly because for me comfort is the true luxury and a pretty good measure of independence in a woman.

These days I’m in love with these Trippen shoes:

Trippen is a German company using the softest leathers and completely devoted to your walking in comfort AND quirky style. These molded rosette Mary Janes fit the bill and are SO me I’m not sure what’s preventing me from snagging them right now. Oh, I know: it’s the price tag ($288 at Ped Shoes)–less friendly to my wallet than the shoes would be to my feet. However, considering how unique and comfy these shoes are, it’s not so bad.

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