Narberth Dickens Festival

This weekend is one of my favorite local festivals: the Narberth Dickens Festival!  It’s just all too cute: wandering carolers in Victorian dress, hot toddies in vintagey mugs, street vendors, horse and carriage rides, all sorts of activities…and of course, the characters from Dickens’ classic story wandering the streets, ready to warn you that you’ve been living your life in a dissolute way or what have you.

If you’re truly feeling in the spirit, here are some Victorian-esque shoes you might want to wear!  This one is the most authentic:

So authentic, in fact, that you’ll need a button hook in order to get them on!  Just like old times.  The Victorian Button Boots by Tavistock are made of calfskin, with two-inch French heels and calf sizes in two options (11 or 14.2 inches around).  Yours for $195 from American Duchess Historical Footwear—and while you’re there, look around!  If you’re a history nerd like me, you may geek out a bit.  (Why oh why are the red Kensington 18^th Century Leather Shoes out of stock?!)

But if the button hook seems a bit much, just stick with laces:

This pretty brown pair of Calf High Victorian Boots by Pleaser have the same look for much less work.  (But still come work.  That’s a lot of laces.)  Also available in black or white; your choice for $44 from HowCool.

These bronze beauties are the Victoriana Knee High Boot from Hades.  A quilted upper, a line of buttons, a flamed buckle, silver trim, and a 2.5-inch French heel make this boot special.  And there’s a zipper on the inside—even easier than laces! Find them at Twisted Skyn for $165.

Okay, this last pair isn’t entirely historically accurate.  But it’s a little badass:

The Victorian Fur Boots by Fendi have the same silhouette of a classic Victorian boot (buttons and all) but they also have a line of fur and feathers!  So fun!  The outer is made of color-blocked brown, black, and white leather, and they have a squared off toe and a four-inch heel.  On sale for $868 from Shop.com!

Just make sure that whichever pair you choose, you can chase the book characters around Narberth.  (Actually, that signature scavenger hunt might only be for kids.  Screw that.  I want Bob Cratchit’s signature!  Bob!  Come back!)

Sales this weekend:

Bakers: Up to half off all boots
Bare Feet Shoes: 15% off $50, 20% off $75, and 30% off $100
Bus Stop Boutique: Party next Thursday from 6-9 PM!  Cocktails, 10% off, free gift wrapping on all purchases!

Macy's: 20-50% off select styles, plus 20% off with code GIFT
Steve Madden: 20% off $75 with code BUYMORE20; 25% off $100 with code BUYMORE25