Of Average Height

If anyone knows what women want, it’s Gilt, who provides us with sales on our favorite designers.  Using their knowledge of what we love, they did a big study on the average height of heels bought by shoe devotees in each state and Puerto Rico. 

It’s Puerto Rico, actually, that comes in highest with an average heel height of 2.87 inches.  Florida and Nevada closely follow (I’m thinking Miami and Vegas?).  The state with the shortest average heel is Kansas (1.97 inches), followed by Nebraska and Maine.  Our beloved Pennsylvania clocks in on the low side, at just a smidge over two inches.  (See more about the results here.)  So sensible Pennsylvania girls, here’s a slew of two-inch heels just for you!

The Piri by Adrienne Vittadani is a gorgeous red patent leather peep toe pump with a 2.25-inch kitten heel.  And look at the many-tiered bow on the toe!  There’s just so much to love about this.  Also available in black and navy, but the red really shines.  Yours for $60 from DSW.

This classic boot is the Phaedra by Rockport.  The upper is full grain leather, with some elastic at the back for extra stretch.  A silver buckle around the back completes the look, along with the two-inch block heel.  Also available in a really lovely brown; your choice for $80 from 6pm.

I love a purple shoe, and the Crystah by Nina delivers!  (Though it also comes in apple green, yellow, black, ivory, navy, silver, and steel if purple is not your thing.)  This D’Orsay peep toe is topped with a lovely rhinestone feature made of round and pear stones, and the 2.25 inch heel put’s it right in Pennsylvania’s range.  Find them at Macy’s for $89.

Oh my goodness, how fun is the Chrissy by J. Renee?  The sparkly golden vamp is topped with a three-tiered bow, and the 2.25-inch wedge is wrapped in gleaming golden faux leather.  It’s so perfect for all the upcoming holiday parties I can’t even stand it.  And it also comes in taupe glitter, silver glitter, navy glitter, multi glitter with a pink wedge, beige patent, and black patent, so no matter what you’re planning to wear to your parties this year there’s one to match.  Your choice for $99 from Zappos.

So, two inches, Pennsylvania?  Here ya go!  Enjoy!

Sales this weekend:

Bakers: All booties 25% off

Bloomingdales: 20% off with code HOLIDAY

Lord & Taylor: 20% of with savings pass or code SALE

Macy's: 15% off with code GIFT

Payless: All boots on sale

Anchors Aweigh!

You guys already know I love nautical for summer.  There is just something about summer that makes me feel like I should be out on a sailboat, eating cheese and drinking wine.  But since I don’t really enjoy being out on sailboats, I’ll just get my seafaring touch from my shoes.  And anchors, especially, seem to be everywhere right now!

The Angelfish by Sperry Top-Sider is so jaunty!  White leather, red lacing, white anchors on blue… fabulous.  But what’s kind of amazing is that it comes in 31 other color options!  Thirty-one!  That may be a record.  So pick your poison—all 32 are $90 from Zappos.

So many anchors!  The Tropez by Charles Phillip Shanghai is just covered in tiny anchors, facing every which way.  Plus it’s in the super-trendy smoking slipper shape, so you’re killing two birds with one stone!  Find them at Neiman Marcus for $60.

I heart anchors indeed!  The Anchor by J. Renee is a navy and white (or black and white) striped flat, trimmed with blue, and with an embroidered heart and anchor over the peep toe.  And check out the red stripes on the insole!  Nice touch.  Yours for $47 from 6pm.

The Anchor by Taylor Swift for Keds has some of the more whimsical anchors on this post, plus red-rimmed blue stars!  And I’m kind of digging those rawhide laces, though I’m not sure how well they’d stay tied!  Find them at Nordstrom for $50.

How about a wedge to finish the day?

How do I love thee, Nautical Smile Wedges by Miss L Fire?  Let me count the ways: I love your woven three-inch wedge.  I love the blue and white trim around the foot and around the bottom of the wedge.  I love the blue ropes and red buckle at the ankle.  I love the kitschy anchor on the peep toe.  And, finally, I love that they say “Hello Sailor” on the sides!  Love, love, love.  Yours from $125 from ModCloth.

Anchors aweigh!

Sales this weekend:
Bakers: Sale ends tonight! 10% off one pair, 20% off two pairs, 30% off three pairs
Lord & Taylor: An extra 15% off regular and sale; an extra 25% off clearance with code FIRSTLOOK
Steve Madden: Half off all clearance shoes, plus fall sneak peek (up to 30% off)

Fall Trend: Houndstooth

What’s black and white and awesome all over?  Houndstooth!  This classic print is popping up in all sorts of unexpected places this fall, and I am digging it.  Just look at these! 

LOVE.  The Lexington by Bebe is a bootie with it all: houndstooth (of course), silver studs, black patent leather, cutouts, and a smokin’ four-inch stiletto.  (Oh, and a half-inch platform.)  Also available in black lace with gold studs, which is cool in its own way too!  Check them out at Zappos for $101.

The ruffle just makes the Alana by Fergalicious, doesn't it?  That’s black satin across the round toe, and the upper is carefully woven black and white threads—legit old school houndstooth; none of this printed stuff!  Also available in a navy plaid; your choice from DSW for $30.

A classic reinterpreted for 2012!  The Triple Major by Chinese Laundry is not your mama’s houndstooth pump, that’s for sure: look at the 5.5-inch black patent heel and 1.75-inch patent platform peeking out from the peep toe.  Yours for $70 from Nordstrom.

The Oneida Platform Booties by L.A.M.B. is so sleek—that black patent up the side is kind of like a racing stripe, isn’t it?  It’s also patent up by the laces, around the back, and on the 5.25-inch heel and 1.75-inch platform.  The houndstooth is on a pony-style fabric, adding textural contrast to the smooth patent leather.  Find them at Macy’s for $395.

I heart kilties!  The Thrill by J. Renee is sophisticated and fun at the same time.  Sure, it’s a classic pointy toe houndstooth pump underneath, but it’s got a folded, fringed kilt at the toe, topped with statement links of silver chain.  It’s got a 3.5-inch heel (practical!), and can be yours for $100 from Shoes.com.

And there are many more out there, if none of these particularly strike your fancy.  Though I can’t possibly imagine why that might be! J

Sales this weekend:
Aerosoles: Free shipping over $50
Bakers: Free shipping, no minimum!
Bloomingdale's: 30-40% off select styles, and "private sale" online
Bus Stop Boutique: Mark your calendars: Bits and Baubles Stocking Stuffer Soiree next Wednesday, 6:00-9:00 PM!
Macy's: 20% off and free shipping with code PERFECT
Neiman Marcus: women's designer sale-- up to half off
Nine West: 30% off everything and free no-minimum shipping
Payless: Holiday sale
Saks: Designer sale-- up to 30% off

American Spirits

Time to get your flapper on!  The National Constitution Center has a new exhibit just open that bring the story of Prohibition to life.  You know what that means: booze and flappers!  In the “spirit” (ha ha!), here are some shoes straight out of the Roaring Twenties.

Let’s start with a T strap in a classic, lipstick-red patent leather.  The Shelby2 by Gabriella Rocha has some really lovely stitching curving up around the heel and the toe.  It comes in a ton of colors (gray!  grape!  burgundy!  nude!  camel, which is slightly different than nude!), has a three-inch heel, and can be found on Zappos for $56.

There’s something so “gangster moll” about the black and white on the Staci by J. Renee, isn’t there?  A 2.75-inch heel, contrast “T” up the front, and sass to spare.  Yours for $76 from Shoebuy.

The Maebry by RSVP is a lovely two-tone, with gray up front and black around the back and up the 3.75-inch heel.  And look at the hints of metallic trim!  So chic.  Also available in navy/black and latte/black; your choice for $49 from 6pm.

Of course I was going to finish with something completely covered in glitter!  The Violette by Bordello is all glittered out (in gold, silver, green, purple, red, teal, blue, black, or pink), with a rhinestone buckle at the ankle to finish the look.  So fun for the holidays!  Find them all on Overstock (whole sizes only) for $49.

Go and kick up your heels at the new exhibit, which runs through the end of April.  They’re having a ton of events, too—there are two on Thursday alone!  It should be a “roaring” (ha ha!) good time.

Restaurant Week

I hope you’re hungry—it’s Restaurant Week!  (Or, er, Restaurant Weeks.)  Over a hundred restaurants are offering three (or more) courses dinner for only $35 this week and next—now’s the time to hit up the expensive restaurant you’ve always wanted to try and have money for shoes left over!

Perhaps mussels veloute, Guinness Casserole (mmm....), and the dessert sampler at The Plough and the Stars?

  

The Champion Star by Keds is just like The Plough and the Stars: casual, cool, and chic.  The breathable textile upper is sprinkled with subtle stars, with a lightly padded footbed and rubber sole.  Also available in a blue combo; find them at 6pm for $35.

Maybe four courses at Devil’s Alley?  I’m thinking... pulled pork taquitos, baked potato and bacon soup, Cajun snapper, and Oreo bread pudding.

A little devilish, aren’t they?  The Pizazz Dress Booties by Carlos by Carlos Santana are sleek creations of red suede, trimmed with black piping around the ankle and sitting on a 3.75-inch heel.  Also available in black and a royal blue; your choice for $99 from Macy’s.

You could always curl up in the cream, black, and yellow interior of Meritage and sample their locally-sourced food: local white corn soup with crab, roasted local mushrooms and coconut polenta, and peach cobbler:

Perfect!  The Tangle by J. Renee is a color-blocked pump in yellow, black, and white—it would be so unexpectedly sophisticated with a suit, wouldn’t it?  It has a modest 2.5-inch heel, contrast stitching, and a pointed toe.  Also available in nudes, blue/black/white, and a black combo (all different textures of black! very cool).  Find them at Zappos for $100.

Hungry yet?  Bon appétit!

Restaurant Week runs September 30 through October 12 (though not Saturday, October 6).  And not only can you go for dinner, many restaurants are offering lunch for only $20!  And you still get three courses!  Skip breakfast that day and dig in.

Longwood Lights

We all know that Longwood Gardens is beautiful during the day.  But through September, it’s also beautiful at night, thanks to light installations by Bruce Munro.  Just look at these photos—breathtaking.  Just breathtaking!  Inspired by color in the night, I give you black shoes with just a touch of surprising color:

Does the Sexy Platform Pump by Carlos by Carlos Santana remind anyone else of those scratch art things?  That’s what I think of when I look at them.  But these are even better: it’s glitter!  It has a five-inch heel, 1.5-inch platform, and is also available in a rosy gold color.  Find them at Macy’s for $110.

The Fame by J. Renee is the classic work pump with a twist: black patent leather with bright purple around the foot, down the three-inch heel, and making up a bow on the toe that just can’t contain itself!  Find them at Shoebuy for $56.

The Katie by Report is a classic black peep-toe flat (well, a half-inch heel), but it has a beautiful cluster of jewels at the toe!  Green, blue, purple, pink, orange... all held in a gold setting.  Elastic around the foot helps to keep it on—yours for $55 from Zappos.

The Masqraid is covered in tiny rhinestones, ready to reflect all of Bruce’s light sculptures.  A black upper, vibrant purple on the toebed and 5.25-inch heel, and turquoise on the outer part of the 1.5-inch platform.  You could wear this with so many things... if you agree, pick up a pair at Steve Madden on sale for $99.

The Jessie-1A by Miss Me is a lovely peep-toe wedge standing on a 4.5-inch heel and one-inch wedge wrapped in bright striped fabric!  It’s like the coolest macramé project ever—the art teacher you want to be wears these.  On sale for $39 at 6pm! 

Lights by Bruce Munro runs through September 29.  There are extended evening hours from 6:00-9:00 PM Wednesdays through Sundays.  There are also a ton of special events: wine dinners, lectures, family activities...

Sales this weekend:

Aerosoles: Now through next Sunday, code AS812 donated 15% of your purchase to Autism Speaks

Call it Spring: Half off all sale and clearance sandals

Lord & Taylor: 15% off regular and sale and 25% off clearance with code STYLE

Neiman Marcus: Free shipping with code AUGFS

Steve Madden: Spend $75 and get 20% off and free shipping with code AUGUST20.  Spend $125 and get 25% off and free shipping with code AUGUST25

Spring has Sprung!

Today is the first day of spring!  Of course, it’s felt like spring for quite some time, what with the seventy-degree temperatures, blooming daffodils, leaves on the trees... it’s not supposed to be this warm until May, people!  Not that I’m complaining, mind you.  And we’re due for more days of glorious weather.  Enjoy them in shoes like these!

It’s like a dish of fruity sorbet!  The Savanna by J. Renee has a 3.25-inch metallic heel, trio of sunny colors, and a slingback.  Find them at Zappos for $90.

These strappy beauties are made of green faux leather with straps in blue, white, green, red, and yellow.  They have around a three-inch heel with a slight platform—these would be beautiful with a flowy white sundress and some chunky jewelry in one of these colors!  Also available in a red mix and all beige; find them at Light in the Box for $30.

Bright and beautiful!  The Evangela by Jessica Simpson has suede leather upper with patent leather detailing, a 5.25-inch heel, 1.5-inch platform, and sass to spare.  I love the contrast buckle at the ankle—it really brightens it up!  Also available in cheetah or a very nice blue and green combo; find them at Zappos for $98.

The Granville by Michael Antonio are a vision in blue!  Straps galore, a happy blue color, a five-inch wedge with a 1.5-inch platform... and I love the print on the insole!  Also available in brown and yellow; pick up yours from DSW for $45.

And what would this be without a shoe from Call it Spring?  It’s got “spring” right in the name!

The Coatley is a pink jelly sandal!  With rhinestones!  And a bow!  CUTE OVERLOAD!  Also available in black and clear, but...why, when there’s pink?!  Ahem, excuse me; got a little carried away there.  But for $20, these are an absolute steal!

So sneak outside if you can, go get some ice cream or frozen yogurt or something, enjoy the blooming trees and flowers (and, er, try not to die from pollen inhalation), and just revel in the new season.  Yay spring!


I'm back from Orlando in one piece!  Just because I was away doesn't mean I wasn't thinking of you, Deputy Shoe Fairies, or of shoes-- check out the Mickey Mouse ears I picked up at Disney!  They have a shoe on them!

Some...day...my prince...will come.... la, la, da dee, da dum...

Ask the Shoe Fairy

Dear Philly Shoe Fairy, 


I have a special shoe-shopping request that I am hoping you can provide some guidance with. I purchased the following black shift dress with silver lace appliqué detail at the ever-fabulous Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse sale in King of Prussia a few weeks ago:

The dress is set to be worn in an equally fabulous locale: my anniversary dinner at Remy on board the new Disney Dream cruise ship during a very special anniversary celebration with my husband. Remy is features an upscale five-course French tasting menu inspired by the film Ratatouille, and the restaurant aims to earn the first Michelin star at sea. As you can see, I need some special shoes to go with this special dress! 


My only requirements are that the shoes be relatively versatile (I'll have to pack them away in a suitcase, and I want to be able to wear them with other things), and that I'd like to spend under $75 if possible. Please work your magic! 


-A Cinderella Seeking Her Glass Slippers 

Dear Cinderella,

Congratulations on your anniversary! Now let’s see if we can’t find you some shoes to wear as you accompany your Prince Charming to dinner. Of course, black would be the most versatile color. You can wear black with everything, and it’s oh-so-French.
Classic, sexy, very re-wearable, and enough bling to make it something special—the Zoie by Martinez Valero has it all! It has a satin upper and a 4.25-inch heel, and you can pick up a pair at Nordstrom for $64. Black shoes, however classy, may be too much black for a summer anniversary cruise.

Have you considered a colored shoe? Maybe a saucy red? I love how the white detail on the Vickie by Liliana mimics the silver lace on your dress. Satin, rhinestones... and it’s a pump, so you can wear it to work. Well, I would wear it to work. Find them on Amazon for $25! (FYI, it also comes in an equally lovely blue. The sizes are a bit scattered amongst the colors.)

But I say, if you’re going to be an anniversary princess, go for the glass slipper! The Alene by J. Renee has a silver satin upper with beautiful rhinestones going up the front of the foot, and has a 3.5-inch heel with a half-inch platform. Easy enough to squish in your suitcase; short enough to dance all night in; beautiful enough that you’ll never want to take them off. Plus silver matches everything, so you can wear these a lot going forward. You can find them on Endless for just under $58.

Bon anniversaire, bon voyage, et bon appétit!

 -The Shoe Fairy

Have a question for the Shoe Fairy? Email her at phillyshoefairy@gmail.com. 


Sales this weekend: 
Bakers: All sandals on sale
Macy’s: Save 20-30% on shoes
Payless: Buy one, get one half off now through 6/27
Lord & Taylor: Sandal sale: one pair 30% off, two pairs 35% off, three pairs 40% off