Women's History Month

Happy National Women’s History Month!  We’re at the start of a worldwide, month-long celebration of the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.  Philly girls, you are part of a long line of awesome Philadelphia women.  I thought in the spirit of the month, I’d look at four of them and honor them they best way I know: shoes!

A painter:

Cecilia Beaux (1855-1942) was one of the most successful portrait painters of her era, despite being frequently overshadowed by fellow Philadelphian Mary Cassatt.  She received some high praise indeed while accepting the Carnegie Institute’s Gold Medal: “Miss Beaux is not only the greatest living woman painter, but the best that has ever lived.”  She’s buried in Bala Cynwyd.  While the silhouette of the Blake by FIEL might not be one Beaux was familiar with, the colors and stripes are so reminiscent of her self-portrait it’s scary.  Also available in metallic rose gold and metallic bronze; your choice for $52 from 6pm.

An anthropologist:

Margaret Mead (1901-1978), born in Philly and raised in Doylestown, was a respected and often controversial academic who popularized the insights of anthropology in modern American and Western culture. Her reports detailing the attitudes towards sex in South Pacific and Southeast Asian traditional cultures influenced the 1960s sexual revolution.  Inspired by her seminal 1928 work Coming of Age in Samoa and the costumes of Samoan ceremonial dancers, I give you this pair of heeled suede sandals, adorned with shells, rocks, and rhinestones.  They’re so fascinating, you could write a whole book about them. J  Yours for $131 from DHGate.

A theater legend:

Ethel Barrymore (1879-1959) was the crown princess of Philly’s royal family of acting.  In fact, she was called “more regal than royalty,” and critics have written of being so moved by her ability that they wept the entire way through a play she was in and completely forgot to follow the plot.  (Read her awesome obituary.)  I picked this gorgeous pair of heels because they remind me of this stunning photo of Ethel in costume for her 1901 film Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines.  No idea what the movie was about, but she looks like a friggin’ fairy princess.  I have no doubt this pair of satin heels, bedecked with roses and vines, would have been a perfect match.  Yours for $166 from Etsy seller A June Bride.

And a rock star:

Joan Jett (born 1958), was born in Wynnewood, and as the lead singer of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts she showed everyone that women can seriously rock.   If she’s not in a pair of black boots, the Queen of Rock and Roll is sporting something like the Chuck Taylor High Top by Converse.  It’s a classic, just like Joan.  Sure, you can get it in gray, white, ivory, or red, but that doesn’t make you much of a Blackheart.  Find them at Nordstrom for $55.

Kind of makes you proud to be a woman in Philadelphia, doesn’t it?

Spring Trend: Block Heels

Tired of skinny stilettos?  Then you’ll love one of this spring’s trends: block heels!  These thick square heels are anything but delicate, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up feeling like a lady.  Check these out:

The Jenniy by Louise et Cie have a saturated cheetah-print calf-hair upper with a pointed toe, and a block heel 3.5 inches high—in shiny gold!  Imagine these with a suit.  THAT’S a power look.  Yours for $80 from Nordstrom.  (It runs a little small, so careful when ordering!)

The Annabel combines the block heel with another spring trend: python!  The smooth round-toe upper is made of nude leather, but the 3.25-inch heel is covered in speckled python.  I hereby declare it this season’s update to the ubiquitous nude patent leather pump.  It’ll be pretty with a skirt, now that it’s warm!  Find them at Ann Taylor for $128.

The Bittersweet by Chinese Laundry is the chunky-heeled sandal for all occasions.  The stacked heel is 3.75 inches tall, topped with a snake-embossed ankle strap.  It’s the yellow I love, though—bright and fun, but the black makes it sophisticated.  If you’re not sold on the yellow and black it’s also available in cream and black, and tan and pink; your choice for $60 from DSW.

The Young by FIEL is technically in cognac nappa leather, but it’s so rich it’s almost an orange.  And it looks so soft, doesn’t it?  But it’s the shape that’s so cool: two thin straps over the toe, and two more around the ankle with antiqued golden buckles.  (And see how it goes around the heel?  Cool!)  The block heel is five inches, and if the cognac isn’t your color it’s also available in black—your choice for $122 from 6pm.

The Loafer Block-heel Pumps by Henry Ferrara are a classic work shoe in black and cream faux leather—cream on the vamp and black on the details: the 4.75-inch heel, 2.5-inch platform, and the tassel on the toe.  Also available in a lovely cream and camel combo, and a rockin’ navy and red combo—find them all at Overstock for $48.

Feeling inspired to try a new silhouette?  I know I am!