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.

Main Line Boutique Week

On your mark... get set... shop! Main Line Boutique Week began Sunday. Over 150 participating stores on the Main Line, Bala Cynwyd, Newtown Square, West Chester, Kennett Square, Glen Mills, and Media will have special deals and in-store promotions. And hey, enter online for a chance to win a $500 gift card! So, despite there being over 150 stores involved, only three are shoes stores. Mildly disappointing! But if you’re in Kennett Square, why not hit up Ashley Austin? They don’t list specific shoes on their website, but they do list the brands they carry, so maybe you can pick up this one:

  The Zealous by Jeffrey Campbell has a six-inch heel with two-inch hidden platform, shiny silver upper, leather sole, dual tassals—it runs small, so get it a size up. Can’t make it to Kennett Square? You can also find them at Nordstrom for $170.

In Glen Mills? Check out Benjamin Lovell:

  The Ryder by Dansko has a leather lining and upper, three-inch heel and a three-quarter inch platform4 and adjustable side snap closure. I love the stud detail—it really makes this special. Pick up yours for $155.

If you’re in Wayne or Glen Mills, check out ViVi G.. I know it’s probably too late in the season for these, but who knows? The weather's so nice this week, and they’re too beautiful: The Sadie by Delman has a leather upper (reptile print!) and sole, criss-cross straps, a quarter-inch heel, and a removable beaded bracelet embellishment. (But really, why remove it?) A little touch of summer. Can’t make it to ViVi G.? You can also find them at Endless for just over $151.

Main Line Boutique Week runs through Sunday. Go, have fun, and support your local stores!