What the Dickens?

Any man may be in good spirits and good temper when he’s well dressed.

Charles Dickens was a bright man!  Sometimes all it takes to improve our disposition is wearing something fabulous... like a new pair of shoes!  In fact, today (this very day) is 200 years since Mr. Dickens was born, and the Free Library is hosting a year-long celebration of his life and works in honor of his bicentennial.  In the spirit of all things Dickens, I give you some Victorian-inspired shoes!

The Lady Victoria by Poetic License is a beauty: delicately shaped leather details, floral needlepoint fabric, velvet laces, all on a 2.25-inch heel.  Available in bone (shown) or brown from Endless for $112-$169.

This dark beauty is leather and lace, Victorian-style!  A two-inch heel, black faux leather, black lace over a red upper, and shiny black buttons up the side.  (A zipper on the other side lets you in.)  Whole sizes only; find them at Halloween Express for $66.

The Funtasma by Pleaser is a vision in gold: gold faux leather with punch detailing, gold lace, even gold laces!  It also has a 1.75-inch heel.  Also available in ivory (Victorian wedding boot, anyone?) from Endless for $55.

You can also find it in a really awesome black and gold print:

That black patent leather patch on the toe?  Killer.  Oh, and if it wasn’t yet awesome enough, it’s lined in red fabric!  These are about $50 on Amazon.

The Marge Peep Toe Bootie by Timberland Boot Company has beautiful scalloped detailing, four buttons, contrast piping, a 3.25-inch stacked heel, and a zipper up the side to let you in.  Also available in black and a really lovely mauve from 6pm for $141.

This Victorian ankle boot is girly-tastic!  Black lace over pink (or nude or red) and ruffled around the ankle; a nice three-inch heel as well.  Whole sizes only; pick up yours for $66 from By the Sword.

Whichever pair you pick, be sure to pick up some of Dickens’ work too for his 200^th birthday.  And celebrate all year long with activities by the Free Library!  This month: Fireside Readings and Brunch at The Dandelion.  Every Sunday this month, show up at The Dandelion at 10 AM or noon for a reading and, I don’t know, brioche French toast or poached eggs with bubbles and squeak.  Really, I don’t see how you can go wrong.