Oscar Night

Get your ballots out—it’s time for the Oscars!  Everyone agrees the acting awards are probably all sewn up, but the big award of the night is for best picture.  There are eight worthy films to choose from… like Birdman:

Inspired by the black wings of Birdman, here is the Ginnie by Badgley Mischka.  Glossy black feathers adorn the top of the peep toe.  Also available in white satin and violet leather; the black runs you $60 on Amazon.

Or Boyhood:

The Converse All Star Ox: a classic childhood shoe, perfect for watching a little boy grow up.  Available in six other options if you don’t like the blue—some with sequins, but all black, white, or gray.  Boring.  Your choice for $50 from Eastbay.

Or The Imitation Game:

The Vivacious Vibes by Chelsea Crew is a little like what Joan Clarke might have worn while working at Bletchley Park, no?  A two-tone upper in chamoisee, wingtip detailing, and T-straps round out the vintage look.  It also features a leather lining and three-inch heel, and can be found at ModCloth for $70.

Me?  I’m rooting for The Grand Budapest Hotel.  I think it’s the most perfect thing Wes Anderson has ever done, and this is coming from someone who thinks even fake Wes Anderson films are perfect.  (Please, Wes, make The Midnight Coterie of Sinister Intruders.  Take my money.)

The pink and green and vintage feel (and general overall frilliness) of the Abigail’s Party is very reminiscent of the film’s signature dessert, Mendl’s Courtesan au Chocolat.  A 3.75-inch heel, pink fabric, floral lace… adorable.  Find them at Irregular Choice for $155.

Whoever you’re rooting for, we’re in for a good show (of fashion, if nothing else!).

Sales this weekend:
Aerosoles: VIP rewards event: members get 15% off
Bakers: All clearance half off
Call it Spring: Half off all sale boots
Lord & Taylor: 20% off with code FASHION
Payless: Anniversary sale-- up to 30% off

Orchid Extravaganza

Snow.  Wind.  Rain.  It’s still better than last winter, but that doesn’t mean it’s fun.  The good news is that there’s always Longwood Gardens, which is a breath of spring air any time of year.  And right now they have a special display of orchids—five thousand, to be exact.  They have their largest-ever orchid baskets, an oncidium waterfall display, and—back by popular demand—the return of their orchid meadow.  An orchid meadow!  Now we’re talking. 

To get you thinking spring, here’s a sprinkling of shoes in last year’s color of the year: Radiant Orchid. 

The Tempest by Naya is a smoking slipper in orchid suede, adorned with a galaxy of round studs across the front.  It has a three-quarter-inch stacked heel and a hidden quarter-inch platform.  Also available in tan or black (but neither is as fun as the orchid!); your choice for $40 from 6pm.

The Finley by Badgley Mischka is so glamorous: the gleaming satin upper, the rich color, the glittering rhinestones over the peep-toe.  Not to mention the 4.5 inch heel and half-inch platform!  This is a real stunner.  Find it at Heels.com for $245.

The Shayla by Dansko is so lovely, with its cheery orchid color and touches of lavender.  And it’s Scotch-Guarded, too, so that color will stay looking fresh!  Also available in four other choices, but they’re much more standard—colored lines on black or gray.  Winter’s gray enough—go for the orchid.  Yours for $130 on Zappos.

Screw you, winter.  I’m going to Longwood Gardens.

Orchid Extravaganza is on view now through March 29.  Admission is included with regular garden admission.

Dîner en Blanc

This Thursday is going to be one of the summer’s hottest events: Dîner en Blanc.  Hundreds of people will don their most glamorous white outfits, grab a picnic table and a friend, and make their way to an undisclosed location for the fanciest picnic dinner you’ve ever seen.

This is a dress-to-impress event, so if you’re going, perhaps you’d like to step out in a pair of these:

Ooh, the polka dots on the Adelia by Menbur make it feel so summery, don’t they?  White mesh surrounds the foot and covers the 4.75-inch heel, and a flower adorns the peep toe.  (The platform, though, is just plain satin.)  Yours for $198 from Macy’s.

Just LOOK at the rhinestone detail on the heel of the Kiara by Badgley Mischka.  Gorgeous!  Rounds, baguettes, pears, marquis…dozens of sparking stones make this simple satin peep toe something extraordinary.  Also available in emerald, red, sapphire, and “latte” (a sort of champagne-y color); your choice for $245 from Zappos.

Feeling a little more fun?  How about the Heart by Blue by Betsey Johnson?  A half-dozen straps cross the front of the foot, each attached by a tiny silver heart.  Adorable!  The vamp is covered in subtle white lace, and a zipper up the side lets you in.  Also available in silver metallic and black lace—find them at Nordstrom for $140.

The Lido by Caparros is such an interesting shape, how the lace swoops up the front to the ankle strap.  (Which has some elastic, by the way, to give you some extra comfort.)  The four inch heel is covered in white satin, and there’s a zipper up the back.  Also available in an equally sexy black lace; yours from DSW for $60.

Okay, my fancy diners!  Have a wonderful time on Thursday!

Cherry Blossom Festival

The skies are gray, it’s raining…but the blossoms are coming!  The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival began on Wednesday with sushi making and karaoke, and continues with events through the end of April.

Our unfortunate winter means the trees aren’t quite ready for their close-up, but the organizers are pretty sure there will be something blooming by next weekend.  (There better be.  I don’t think I can take much more of this.)  But until then, here are some pink petals to hold you over!

The Iris Sandal is so simple and exuberant at the same time.  The upper is pink satin (including T-strap and flower), and it rests on the tiniest of wedges—so lovely under jeans, or with a skirt, or whatever!  Also available in ivory and a really lovely blue; your choice for $79 from Betsey Johnson. 

These sculpted beauties are the Flower Power to Ya by Mel.  The body of the sandal is a pale pink jelly material, but each strap is adorned with a big jelly flower with a metallic gold stud at the center.  They just scream “summer,” don’t they?  I want to eat an ice cream cone in these.  Whole sizes only; yours for $35 from ModCloth.

The Adele by Badgley Mischka is fluffy with flowers!  Two large blossoms adorn the T-strap on each shoe, whose body is pink satin.  The heel is 4.75-inches high, but the platform will help out with that.  How perfect for a spring wedding?  Find them at Shoes.com for $165.

The Classic-Floral by TOMS would be perfect for wandering through the blossoms.  (Next week.  When they bloom.  Because they WILL bloom next week, won’t they?!)  The cotton upper is strewn with pink flowers everywhere, and you know the deal, that TOMS will donate a pair when you pick up a pair for yourself.  Which you can, for $54, from Nordstrom. 

The Isis by Dirty Laundry is so bold and bright and beautiful!  The cork wedge is four inches at the heel and an inch under the peep toe, and is topped with a fabric slingback and flowers.  Also available in white, turquoise, sand, black, and mint (the mint is eyelet!); your choice for $40 from Zappos.

So hold tight—one more week and the flowers will be here.  Just a little longer now!

Sales this weekend:

Bakers: Almost all boots 40% off

Bus Stop Boutique: Happy 7th birthday, Bus Stop Boutique!  They're having a party next Wednesday from 6-9 PM.  Save 15% on all spring goodies, plus you get a special prize if you find one of the seven lucky pennies hidden throughout the store!  Can I just say here how much I love Bus Stop Boutique?  Happy birthday, girls.  Here's to seven more.  

Lord & Taylor: 15% off regular and clearance with code SPRING

Macy's: 20% off one pair, 25% off two pairs, 30% off three or more pairs

Super Bowl

This NFL isn’t going to let a little thing like a northern winter stop them from holding the Super Bowl this weekend!  Now NFL fans the country over will get a sense of what our Januarys are like.  Every single year.  Cold and bleak.  So very cold.

We have two out of town teams coming in.  The first is the Seattle Seahawks, the only NFL franchise in the Pacific Northwest.  Their colors are college navy…

The Skull Flat by Alexander McQueen is this fall’s hottest silhouette, with a subtle edge: the sequined skull on the front!  Ooh, me likey.  It also comes in black, but the blue is more fun!  Find them at Nordstrom for $645.

…action green…

The Evelixa by Nina is the bright action green of the Seahawks!  It’s a classic satin peep toe pump, but there’s a ribbon ruffled across the toe, which gives it just a touch of party.  It has a 3.5-inch heel and a half-inch platform, and is also available in red, navy, white, grape, and black.  The grape is fun!  But take your pick—they’re $54 at 6pm.

…and wolf grey.

The Tonal Fur Wrap Boot by Muk Luks is a boot-like slipper covered in gray fur… wolf indeed!  How cozy would these be just around the house?  Better than sitting outside at the Meadowlands, definitely!  Also available in brown, but I have to say, the brown is kind of ugly.  Stick with the gray.  Yours for $16 from Wal-Mart.

The Seahawks playing the Denver Broncos, whose colors are Broncos orange…

Ooh, I like these.  The Neevo by Ted Baker is a beautiful suede pump with a pointed toe, four-inch heel, and touches of gold everywhere!  See the little band at the bottom of the heel?  At the tippy-tip of the toe?  And the whole sole is gold too!  Also available in two other equally beautiful options (pink and purple)—your choice for $120 from Zappos.

…Broncos navy…

The Nikita by Fergie may have a simple silhouette, but the shiny patent leather and touch of silver metal at the four-inch wedge make it a little unexpected.  It also comes in black with silver, and a really lovely burgundy with gold—find them all at Shoebuy for $57.

…and white.

Okay, I just love these.  The Thora Evening Pumps by Badgley Mischka may look simple, but that flower… that flower!  It’s so sculptural.  It’s like pages in a book.  I am fascinated by this flower.  The heel is 3.25 inches high, and is available in a light pink in addition to the white.  Yours for $195 from Macy’s.

So wear your team colors and let’s hope the people in north Jersey don’t freeze on Sunday!

Sales this weekend:
Aerosoles: Take an extra 20% off boots
Bus Stop Boutique: Winter warehouse sale now through Sunday!  All shoes $25-$100.  Buy 4 pairs and get the 5th free!  Bring your own bag and they'll give you an extra $5 off.
Lord & Taylor: 15% off regular and sale and 20% off clearance with code FINAL
Macy's: Take an extra 15% off with code WKND
Payless: Buy one, get one half off
Steve Madden: Take an extra 35% off clearance with code 

Words of Wisdom

Today’s Ben Franklin’s birthday!  The good Dr. Franklin would have been 308 years old today.  Of course, in Philadelphia it’s very much like Ben himself is still with us (you may even see him on the streets sometimes), but his sage and often tongue-in-cheek advice lives on even without him.

Fish and visitors smell after three days.

Not the fish on the Under the Sea!  (Unless you wear them for three days straight?  Probably not even then.)  These are so fun—almond-toe pumps of blue suede, embellished with sea creatures in metallic fabric.  The four-inch heel is even patterned like light at the bottom of a pool—nice touch.  Yours for $105 from Irregular Choice.

Wine is a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.

The color of the Monika II by Badgley Mischka?  Wine, of course!  This satin pointed toe pump has a very reasonable 2.5-inch heel and is also available in white, but I don’t think we should go against Ben’s wishes. J  Your choice for $80 from 6pm.

Genius without education is like silver in the mine.

The little silver studs on the toe of the Felecia by Report sort of remind me of silver nuggets you’d find in a mine.  But these can stay where they are; don’t go digging them out, education or no!  I also like how it’s glitter on the front and solid metallic on the back.  Find them at Macy’s for $50.

A penny saved is a penny earned.

A penny loafer, of course!  And the Tabitha by Coach has the color and shine of a new penny to boot.  These pointed-toe flats don’t come with pennies pre-loaded in the slots, though, so save two pennies and stash them in there for future use!  Also available in black; your choice for $140 from Zappos.

“Does thou love life?” Franklin once said.  “Then do not squander time, for that’s the stuff life is made of.”  Franklin lived by those words.  On his birthday, do the same!

Sales this weekend:
Aerosoles: If you're a member of VIP Rewards, get an extra 25% off everything!  If not, sign up and get the coupon sent straight to your inbox!
Bloomingdale's: Five day sale-- save 20-65%
Lord & Taylor: Save 20% with code SAVE
Macy's: Super Weekend Sale: save 40-65% on select styles, plus 10% off with code WKND (plus an extra 25% off clearance)
Nine West: End of season sale
Payless: All Champion shoes 30% off
Saks: Free shipping on all orders with code JANFREE

A Christmas Carol

My absolute favorite Christmas story is A Christmas Carol.  It’s the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, grouch and miser, who is visited by the ghost of his old business partner one cold Christmas Eve.  Jacob Marley is covered in heavy chains—each link a bad deed he committed in life.

The Back Chain Shoe by Jeffrey Campbell has eight draped chains over the back of the heel—gold woven with black suede.  (Note the tiny gold links around the bottom of the pointed toe too!  Marley was a busy, evil man during life.)  The rest of the pump is black suede also, and the heel is about four inches high.  Find them at Karmaloop for $164.

Marley urges Scrooge to change, lest he spend his afterlife with a chain as heavy as Marley’s.  Marley sends three more spirits to change Scrooge’s heart—the first, the Ghost of Christmas Past, who is a constantly-morphing humanesque figure in white robes, with what looks like candle-flame on its head.

White, with a tongue of flame (or rhinestones)… the Daryn by Badgley Mischka is very reminiscent of the Ghost of Christmas Past!  I just adore these all over.  They’re also available in black, but they’re not as ethereal as the white.  Your choice for $158 from Zappos.

The Ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge his early years, and the events that made him the Christmas-hating man he is today.  Scrooge is then handed off to the Ghost of Christmas Present, a tremendously jolly giant in a fur-lined green robe and a holly crown.

The Collector by Gianmarco Lorenzi embodies the fun and warmth of the Ghost of Christmas Present—and his green fur-lined robe too!  The boots are green suede with a heel and platform that make these shoes, uh, not a good choice for heel amateurs, but no time like the present, right?  Yours for $1396 from Farfetch.

The Ghost of Christmas Present opens Scrooge’s eyes to both the joy and the sorrow around him, especially the plight of his loyal employee Bob Crachit and Crachit’s struggling family.  (Struggling in no small part due to Scrooge, thank you very much.  Founder of the feast, indeed!)  Scrooge is then handed off to his final spectral visitor, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, a tall, forbidding, silent spirit robed in black, like Death.

A little frilly for death, maybe, but the draped mesh bow on the Penny by Zigi Soho gives the feel of the flowing robes of Scrooge’s final haunter.  The satin upper cuts away at the peep toe and up the front, and attaches around back with a buckle.  A 4.25-inch heel and half-inch platform complete the look.  Yours for $50 from DSW.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge what his sad future is likely to be should he not amend his ways.  It all proves too much for Scrooge, who swears there and then to change.  And when he wakes up in his own bed on Christmas morning, he does change, bringing light and joy to those around him who he had wronged, and enriching his own life through friendship and love.

Which is what I wish you this Christmas.  (And shoes.  I always wish you shoes.)

Firebird Festival

I hope you had fun in the snow at the Dickens Festival last weekend.  Ready for another outdoor weekend festival in the snow?  Good!  Go to the Firebird Festival in Phoenixville tomorrow.  There are all kinds of performances and activities beginning at 3 PM (belly dance, flamenco, a one-man funk band…) and then at 8:15 they light an enormous wooden bird on fire!  Huddle in the darkness and watch the phoenix burn down!  Seriously, this is one of the coolest things in our area, and Philadelphia does an unfair amount of awesome things.

While I definitely recommend closed-toed shoes (or even boots, depending on the weather), I can’t let the festival go by without giving you some shoes worthy of a phoenix.

The Ginnie by Badgley Mischka is phoenix gone classy.  This leather pump has a 4.5-inch heel and a one-inch platform, and a peep toe decked with red feathers!  I love this.  If you agree, pick up a pair at Shoes.com for $233.

The Amadi by City Classified is a faux leather sandal with red straps, bronze buttons, and… feathers!  Red feathers and black and white polka dot feathers.  Adorable!  Also available in black with black and peacock feathers, which are very cute!  But for the $6 these will cost you on Amazon, I can’t say I’m not concerned about the quality.  But heck—for $6, buy one in each color and wear them ‘til they die, right?  Both pairs would cost you less than lunch.

Ooh, fancy firebird!  This pair of red satin pumps has a round toe, 4.75-inch heel, and one-inch platform, but it also had feathers and rhinestones and pearls and lace!  (And lace in the shape of flowers, no less.)  Imagine these with a little black dress this holiday party season.  Fabulous, right?  Yours for $100 from Light in the Box.

So if you can’t actually be a firebird (which may be a good thing, given what’s going to happen to the only one around this weekend), at least enjoy looking like one, eh? J

Sales this weekend:

Lord & Taylor: Extra 30% off women's shoes with code FRIENDS

Macy's: Extra 15% off with code EXTRA

Nine West: 30% off your entire purchase

Payless: Christmas sale-- up to half off

Steve Madden: 25% off and free shipping with code TREAT

Princess Grace

Just opened at the Michener Museum is a new exhibit all about the life and times of Philly gal Grace Kelly.  From Philadelphia to Monaco: Grace Kelly Beyond the Icon traces the unique path Grace Kelly took from Philadelphia to Monaco, inviting viewers to discover the life of Grace Kelly (1929-1982) beyond the fairy tale. This exhibition brings us up close to the stage and screen legend, fashion icon, princess, United Nations advocate for children, and international spokesperson for arts and culture.

Did I mention fashion icon?  Because she didn’t mess around, fashion-wise.  “Romantic simplicity” is a term I’ve heard used for her style, so in her honor here are some shoes she might have enjoyed:

Romantic and simple!  The Malika2 by B Brian Atwood is a pointed toe pump of nude leather overlain with black floral lace.  The 3.25-inch heel is solid black—nice contrast, I think!  Yours for $325 from Bloomingdale’s.

The Jewelery Couture Bow d’Orsay by Valentino uses the same nude and black palette as the Malika2, but in a very different way.  The body is covered with black satin, and the peep toe is adorned with a gold and crystal bow.  The heel is 4.25 inches tall, and there’s a half-inch platform as well.  Also available in all gold; your choice for $995 from Nordstrom.

The Davida by Badgley Mischka is a vision in blue.  (Or black, or white, or gold, or silver.)  The satin outer finishes in little folds above the peep toe, bound on either side by beautiful jewels.  The finishing touch is the 3.75-inch heel.  Love!  Find them at Macy’s for $225.

If the Zenadia Soir Jeweled Velvet Cutout Pumps by Paul Andrew isn’t fit for a princess, I don’t know what is.  The red velvet outer is meticulously crafted (look at the pointy shaping!) and decked out with rhinestones and sequins… these are just too beautiful.  Find them at Saks for $1295.

From Philadelphia to Monaco: Grace Kelly Beyond the Icon runs from now until January 26.  Tickets are $18 for adults ($16 for college students with ID) and include admission to the rest of the Michener.  

Jewels

Hurry over to the Academy of Music before Sunday to check out the opening of their 50^th anniversary season, George Balanchine’s Jewels.  Inspired by the artistry of jewelry designer Claude Arpels, Jewels unfolds in three distinct sections – Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds – each with its own music and mood.  Emeralds evokes the elegance of France, to the music of Gabriel Fauré.

The Dree II by Badgley Mischka is a peep toe pump made of deep emerald satin, but the wow factor is the embroidery on the heel.  Small gold beads, rhinestones in four different shapes (round, teardrop, marquis, and—you guessed it—emerald)…this is a shoe that makes an impact. A 4.5-inch heel and .75-inch platform finish the look.  Also available in black, white, and taupe; your choice for $245 at Zappos.

Rubies is influenced by Balanchine’s experiences in America. The jazz-inflected Stravinsky score sends dancers zipping through the stage in Balanchine’s definitively neoclassical style.

The Hangisi by Manolo Blahnik is a gorgeous ruby satin flat (well, almost-flat—it does have a little heel).  On its almond toe is an elaborate frame of jewels—hundreds of tiny round sparkling stones!  Fabulous.  Also available in black, blue, gray, pink, and white, so you’ll have one for every mood!  They’re $955 at Saks.

The grandeur and regality of Imperial Russia are the inspiration for Diamonds, a nod to Balanchine’s own heritage, as is the sumptuous Tchaikovsky score.

The Tiara by David Tutera is a silver metallic leather pointed toe pump, bedazzled with a string of rhinestones across the front.  Pears, rounds…these are shoes befitting a princess.  Yours for $140 from DSW.

George Balanchine’s Jewels has three more performances—tomorrow at 2, and Sunday at 2 and 8.  Go and celebrate the Pennsylvania Ballet’s 50^th anniversary with them in the most sparkly was possible! 

Sales this weekend:

Aerosoles: Up to 25% off select boots

Bakers: $20 off all shoes with code SHOES20 and $30 off all boots with code BOOTS30

Bus Stop Boutique: Movie screening tonight!  Gabriella Hiatt (designer for Nina Payne Footwear) shows her short film Table Game from 5:30-8.  Plus she's showing off her autumn collection!

Lord & Taylor: 25% off with code FRIENDS

Neiman Marcus: Cole Haan event-- take 40% off

Nine West: 30% off your entire purchase

Payless: Buy one, get one half off

Bastille Day

Bonjour, ladies!  Now that we’ve celebrated our own country’s independence, it’s time to celebrate the independence of the country that helped us beat Great Britain in the Revolutionary War: France.  Happy Bastille Day, France!  We celebrate with a proud tradition of throwing Tastykakes off Eastern State Penitentiary.  

Let them eat cake, indeed.

So show your patriotic spirit with the colors of the French flag: bleu…

Aww, the Canary by ABS by Allan Schwartz really remind me of the Eiffel Tower!  Don’t they, with the shape of the T-strap up the front?  And the bow at the ankle strap!  I think I’m in freakin’ love.  Also available in black and silver, and I have to say—they’re all equally beautiful.  I don’t know how you’d pick.  Find them all at Macy’s for $90.

…blanc…

Très chic, non?  The Balance by Badgley Mischka is a white satin pump with delicately stitched embroidery, a pointed toe, and 4.5-inch heel.  (Look at the stitching up the heel!)  Simple, classic, feminine, and yours for $225 from Zappos.

…et rouge:

These Lace Pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood are so lovely—such a sheer floral lace!  A pointed cap toe and gold stiletto finish the look.  (Look at that skinny stiletto!  Four and a quarter inches.  And do shiny!)  Available at Saks for $780.

And one more:

Oh la la!  These flip flops are so perfect for the outdoor festival at Eastern State (if you ignore the fact that la Tour Eiffel went up in 1889, a hundred years after the storming of the Bastille! but anyway...).  The strap comes in pink, yellow, and blue in addition to black, but none really look right.  Stick with the black!  A steal for $18 from Café Press.

Happy Bastille Day, all!

Sales this weekend:
Bakers: Buy one pair of sandals, get the second half off
Bus Stop Boutique: Save the date: trunk show at the Hotel Monaco next Thursday at 6 PM!
Bakers: 30% off all sale shoes
Lord & Taylor: Save 20% with promo code TWENTY
Macy's: Shoe sale and clearance, 20-50% off
Payless: Summer sale-- up to half off
Saks: Designer sale-- up to 60% off