The New Glass Slippers

One of the first shoes we grow up with is Cinderella’s glass slipper.  It’s an icon, a cultural phenomenon, the shoe every little girl dreams of.  (Also impractical.  Glass?  C’mon.)

You can’t blame shoe designers for wanting to take a crack at it.  And fortunately, to coincide with the opening of the new live-action movie Cinderella opening today, Disney asked nine famous shoe designers to give us their best glass slipper.  And boy, did they.

Nicholas Kirkwood gave us these pointed toe pumps.  The bow at the back is covered with rhinestones, and the heel and toe are capped in silver.  The zigzag cut at the toe isn’t my favorite, but I LOVE the sort of iridescent-lace-over-PVC he used for most of the vamp.  GENIUS.

Paul Andrew gives us this pair.  Another pointed toe, capped in metallic silver and adorned with two rows of pointed aurora borealis rhinestones.  PVC up to the heel, which is covered in glittering silver stones.

Jerome Rousseau sort of went in a different direction, almost taking inspiration from the night of the ball: a midnight blue glitter sandal, with a clear toe strap dotted with silver and gold balls, almost reminiscent of planets in the heavens.

René Caovilla gives us a shoe that looks more like Elsa than Cinderella, perhaps, but I bet it would look like glass on-screen.  Light blue fabric covered in sparkling crystals peaks around the heel and cap toe, and icy mountains of PVC dotted with crystals make up the rest of the vamp.

Salvatore Ferragamo goes very structural with his heel, like the Eiffel Tower, or the antenna on top of the Empire State Building.  His heel and toe are capped in black velvet, and the vamp is clear.

Oh, Charlotte Olympia, I’d know you anywhere.  She goes the all-clear route, which I give her major props for.  Can we also appreciate for a second how well the heel is done?  Usually with clear heels there’s an enormous screw at the top that ruins everything, and she made it so tiny.  Also, the heel looks nice and stable, without the need for one of the metal spikes that usually supports heels.  Well done.

Stuart Weitzman is the only one to give us a bootie.  His cap toe of crystals comes to a slight point up the front of the foot, then sprinkles out to only a scattering stones up the rest of the mesh vamp.  For the heel, he goes white satin.

Alexandre Birman gives us two colors of glitter: silver on the wavy strip encircling the foot, and light blue down the back of the heel.  The rest of the vamp is simple white satin.

And the winner?  (This wasn’t a contest, except in my brain.)  My vote goes to Jimmy Choo.

OH. MY. GOD.  Just look at it.  Take it in.  It’s…phenomenal.  The vamp and heel are covered with silver crystals of varying sizes, and at the pointed toe is this crystal explosion.  (Major kudos for actually including glass.)  Words fail me.

The sketches themselves are also things of real beauty, and worthy of hanging on a wall.  The shoes will be displayed at an exhibit at the Berlin Film Festival, and will also be on display in early March at Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store in New York City.  The only way to get a pair for yourselves, however, is probably via fairy godmother.

Sales this weekend:

Sorry ladies, I'm away on a business trip.  You'll have to search out the sales for yourselves!

Scents for the Shoe Lover

Still looking for gifts for the shoe lover on your list?  And she wants Jimmy Choos?  (Who doesn’t.)  Well, if you can’t afford these…

OH. MY. GOD. WANT!  The Kaci by Jimmy Choo is just too beautiful for words.  The suede upper is delicately cut out into crystal-covered leaf shapes that swirl around your feet like, I don’t know, if a magical crystal ice storm hit in October and covered all the leaves in amazing.  A four-inch heel completes the look, which you can get for $1595 from Neiman Marcus.

…get her this!

Perfume!  Made by Jimmy Choo!  Jimmy Choo by Jimmy Choo (how many times can I say Jimmy Choo here? if I say it enough, will he appear and give me shoes?) is a casual, feminine fragrance which speaks of fun and relaxation. Introduced in 2011, this perfume features notes of mandarin, orange and pear combined with hints of orchid, patchouli and toffee to create a lovely scent that can be worn during laid-back daytime functions. This sweet fruity, flowery scent is perfect for women who embrace the spirit of youth.  There are, of course, eight thousand different combos of perfume and creams and things out there, but if you just want to start with the perfume, you can get two ounces of it for $42 from BeautyEncounter.

…or this!

Yes, there’s another!  Evoking a sophisticated, urban woman who is provocative, rebellious, and magnetic, Flash by Jimmy Choo is effervescent and sensual.  Pink pepper, tangerine, and strawberry open the fragrance with a fresh, sparkling introduction. Heart notes of strong, exotic white flowers reveal a sexy character. A base of white powdery woods leaves a lasting impression, both seductive and modern.  (Plus the box is sparkles.  Sparkles, I say!)  You can find two ounces of this one at Overstock for $48.

Or maybe she wanted Ferragamos this year:

So classic in every way.  The Tina by Salvatore Ferragamo is a black patent leather pump (love the shape of the toe) with a 3.5-inch heel and a small platform.  And look at the gold-accented bow!  Perfect.  Yours for $625 from Nordstrom.

Got you covered there too!

Signorina by Salvatore Ferragamo is a celebration of chic girls with a sophisticated and fresh scent signature.  Elegant jasmine and the unexpected and delicate sweetness of pannacotta blend together to create a refined and memorable fragrance.  And please note how the ribbon is the SAME TEXTURED RIBBON as on the shoe!  I see what you did there, Signore Ferragamo.  This 1.7-ounce bottle will run you $74 at Macy’s.

If she wanted Louboutins or something, well, I can’t help you.  Maybe Santa will help a sister out…

Sales this weekend:
Aerosoles: Take an extra 30% off already-reduced boots
Bakers: Buy one get one half off entire site!
Bloomingdales: 15% off almost all regular and sale items
Call it Spring: Take an extra 30% off all sale
Lord & Taylor: Take an extra 30% off women's shoes
Payless: Christmas sale-- up to half off
Steve Madden: 30% off plus free shipping with code PARTYTIME

Down to Earth

If very high heels make you nervous, rejoice!  Low heels are all the rage this fall.  They may look a little odd after years of five-inchers, but the new lows aren’t dowdy at all.  Even the big-name designers are getting in on this trend, so you know it’s legit.  Take a look at these by Dolce & Gabbana:

The Fabric Slingback is just two inches high, and is covered in a lovely fabric printed with images of Sicily!  There are even lemons on the insole…darling.  It makes me want to sip limoncello on a balcony somewhere.  If you agree, they can be yours for $850 from DSW.

Or these, by Sergio Rossi:

The A49590 is a spicy little shoe that comes in at 2.75 inches.  (So spicy that the color is called paprika!)  The hammered gold medal around the heel and up the back is so glamorous, and the cutouts at the sides of the vamps sexy it up a bit.  Only available in sizes 6, 7, 9.5, and 10, but because so few sizes are left they’re half off!  Find them at Zappos for $340.

Or these, by Jimmy Choo:

The Anvil Crystal is 2.5 inches tall and is glowing with its own awesomeness.  The heel is a soft gold; the toe is capped with glittering crystals; the vamp is made of something they call “luster-touched leather,” but that I call “Ooooh, shiny!”  Bring them home for $850 from Nordstrom.

Or these by Coach:

The Mandy is an itty-bitty 1.5 inches, but it’s so lovely: the port patent leather just glows, the bow is so professional and feminine, and the gold detailing just sets everything off!  Also available in black, but it’s not as nice as the red.  Yours for $198 from Bloomingdales. 

Even the king of the red heel himself, Christian Louboutin:

The Manovra Spiked Lace Red Sole Slingback clocks in at 2.5 inches, with a body of black lace, capped at the toe with black patent leather, and trimmed with rows of tiny black spikes.  Fierce.  Find them at Neiman Marcus for $945.

So it’s not size that matters after all—it’s style!

Shoes in the News: Shoes Worth Hiding

You must’ve seen it in the news this week: Bryn Mawr’s resident shoe queen Beth Shak is being taken to court by her ex-husband, who claims she hid a million dollars’ worth of shoes from her list of assets when they divorced three years ago.  Read that again: a MILLION DOLLARS’ worth of shoes!  This made not only national news, but international.  Here’s an article from Australia.  Here’s one from Pakistan!

In her honor, I give you a selection of outrageously expensive shoes that would surely have Mr. Shak’s lawyers hunting you down.

The Marlene by Jimmy Choo is just effusively fun—purple suede, a six-inch heel with 1.5-inch platform, straps covered in teal goose feathers, and feathers dotted with tiny rhinestones.  Fun fun fun!!  These beauties can be found on Net-a-Porter for $1995.

The Wave Strappy Wedge Sandal by Alexander McQueen is so smooth: a shapely metallic ombre wedge (5.5 inches!), and undulating straps from your toes to your ankle.  My favorite line in the description?  “For the Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 collection, Sarah Burton drew inspiration from the architecture of Gaudi and diverse oceanic life.”  Must account for the $4630 price tag!  Still can’t resist?  They’re yours from Neiman Marcus.

If Cinderella got her shoes from a jewelry store instead of a fairy godmother!  The Dallifac by Manolo Blahnik have four-inch heels, leather everything, and straps covered in dazzling emerald-cut crystals.  Find them at Nordstrom for $1195.

Beth’s particular favorites?  Louboutins—700 of her pairs!

The Pluminette by Christian Louboutin is part of their 20^th Anniversary Capsule Collection, which features “a capsule collection compiled of favorite pieces from decades past.”  I’m not sure exactly which decade this is supposed to be from, but it’s pompom-tastic!  Crepe satin, ankle strap, 4.5-inch heel with half-inch platform, feather explosions (and red sole, of course)... this is a party shoe for sure.  Find them at Saks for $2450.

I sure hope the former Mrs. Shak wears a pair like these to her court date.  Awesome!

Sales this weekend:

Aerosoles: 15% off any purchase

Bakers: Buy one, get one half off—anything!

Bare Feet Shoes: Buy one, get one half off between now and the 4^th using code JULY4BOGO

Bus Stop Boutique: 20% off summer sandals and shoes until July 3

Lord & Taylor: 20% off with code JULY4 or savings pass

Macy’s: 10% off and free shipping with code FOURTH

Old Navy: $1 flip flop sale tomorrow only!

Payless: Buy one, get one half off

Women's History Month

Tomorrow is the last day of Women’s History Month, a worldwide celebration of the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.  I thought in the spirit of the month, I’d look at some famous Philadelphia women and honor them they best way I know: shoes!

A diva:

Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was one of the most talented and powerful contraltos of the 20^th century, as well as an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement.  She was born in Philadelphia, lived here her whole life, and is buried just out in Collingdale.  In honor of a woman who thrilled audiences the world over, I give you the Leila by Jimmy Choo.  It’s subtle and dramatic at the same time, with glitter, mesh, and straps working together in perfect harmony.  It has a five-inch heel and a zipper up the back—find them at Saks for $995.

An author:

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) is best known for her four enduring creations: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March in Little Women.  She was born in Germantown, where she lived the first eight years of her life.  For her Civil War-era heroines, I give you the Laurel by Ecco.  A leather boot, it has six buttons up the side (a zipper on the other side let’s you in) and a nice, solid four-inch heel.  Also available in brown with gold buttons; find them on Zappos for $113.

A princess:

Grace Kelly (1929-1982), born in East Falls, was an actress, the Princess consort of Monaco, and the epitome of her name: grace.   For her, the Neva by Nina: satin, beads, and ruffles, all in a delicate pink.  A four-inch heel and a three-quarter-inch platform under the almond peep-toe complete the look.  Class and femininity—just like Grace.  Also available in white or black; find them at Nordstrom for $99.

And a seamstress:

Betsy Ross (1752-1836) was born, raised, and buried in Philadelphia, and is credited with creating the first American flag.  (Whether or not that’s true...)  In her honor, the All Star Platform Wedge is a starred-and-striped beauty!  Buckles, laces, patent leather at the heel... and that’s a serious wedge!  Yours for $80 from Iron Fist. 

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

Want to learn more?  Marian Anderson’s house is still standing—go down to South Martin Street (between 19^th and 20^th, south of Fitzwater) and pay a visit to the Marian Anderson Historical Society.  Go to their website and listen to her sing—it will give you chills.  To learn more about Betsy Ross, stop by the Betsy Ross House at 2^nd and Arch for a tour.  Betsy may even take you herself!

Sales this weekend:

Aerosoles: 20% off select dress shoes and sandals (online only!)

Joan Shepp: Take a survey on their website and get 10% off

Lord & Taylor: Save 20% with promo code SAVEMORE

Macy's: The great shoe sale! 15% off one pair, 20% off two pairs, 30% off three or more pairs

Neiman Marcus: Receive a $50 gift card when you spend $350 on shoes or handbags

Payless: Easter sale

Steve Madden: 30% off new spring styles

Happy Shoe Year!

Happy New Year, everyone!  I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday and you’re ready to embark upon 2012.  And why not tackle you list of resolutions in new shoes?  Start off on “the right foot,” so to speak!  (Insert groans here.)  And a little informative factoid to help you get started: the color of 2012 is orange!  Yes, Pantone has selected Tangerine Tango as the color of 2012.  Time to get pickin’!

The Helen by Two Lips is stacked high with straps of orange suede, on top of a one-inch platform and five-inch stacked heel.  A zipper up the back helps you in.  It’s also available in a really lovely blue; find them at DSW for $70.

A little more suede, perhaps?

The Cupcakes Peep-toe Pump by Chinese Laundry is a suede slingback on a 3.5-inch heel, and is available in black, dark camel, and aquamarine in addition to pumpkin.  Find them all on Amazon for between $60 and $80 (though the orange are all $60).

Okay, enough suede.  Patent leather!

The Quilla by Gabriella Rocha has a round toe, lightly padded footbed, one-inch heel and 3.75-inch stacked heel.  Also available in black patent and gold glitter (with black heels), burgundy patent with a stacked heel, and purple with a purple heel—all on Zappos for $45.

Now for a party shoe:

The Vamp Sandal by Jimmy Choo has beautiful orange straps, a silver buckle at the ankle, a one-inch platform, and a 4.5-inch heel.  Too beautiful!  It also comes in fuchsia and nude patent as well as nude and black suede, but the orange is my absolute favorite.  Find them at Nordstrom for $750.

And a flat, since you can’t be in heels all the time:

The Hamilton Loafer by Michael Michael Kors is a leather beauty, with a half-inch heel and metallic accent at the toe.  If you’ve had enough of orange by now it also comes in brown, but either way they’re $110 on Amazon.

And in case 2012 isn’t all sunshine:

The Gingham Rainboots by Western Chief are too cute, with the orange and white checked trim!  Bright orange outside, soft white cotton inside, and a one-inch heel and eleven-inch shaft with a sixteen-inch circumference.  Yours for just over $20 from 6pm.

All of a sudden winter seems less dreary, doesn’t it?  So put your bright foot forward and greet 2012 in orange!

Philly Fringe

Rejoice, culture lovers: the Philly Fringe Festival is here! Two weeks, tons of shows, something for everyone. Yay! In the spirit of the festival, here are some avant garde shoe/show pairs you might enjoy.

WHaLE OPTICS is a modern Moby Dick adventure (with microphones instead of harpoons). This mythic tale follows a composer chasing whale songs on a seemingly accidental quest from New York to the wilds of Colombia's Pacific coast to the white icescapes of Antarctica.

  The Beckery by Jessica Simpson is a blue suede peep toe pump on a two-inch cutout platform with a 5.25-inch cutout heel. (Seriously, check out the other angles online. The side view is FIERCE.) Also available in cranberry or purple; pick up a pair at Macy’s for $98.

Look up! Philadelphia School of Circus Arts presents a dazzling flight back to 1900s Paris with The Green Fairy Cabaret. Fly with the Green Fairy as she presents aerial and acrobatic feats, plus comedy, juggling, and spectacular physical skills. Daytime performances are family-friendly. Nighttime shows have special rewards. Equal measures vintage and trippy—just like absinthe! The Perfectly Lovely by Poetic License has a velvet upper, a 4.5-inch heel and .75-inch platform covered in multicolor glitter, and elastic heel strap with a bow. Pick up a pair at DSW for $70.

When their plane crashes on a deserted island, a group of schoolboys learn where evil truly lives. Curio Theatre Company presents this unique outdoor experience of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies in Clark Park. Come see the darkness within mankind and yell, “Kill the Pig!”

  The Kevan Feather Trim Gladiator Sandal by Jimmy Choo are a work of art. An elaborate leather and mesh upper, a cascade of colorful feathers, a 4.25 inch heel... you’d be queen of the island in these, baby. Yours for $2,495 from Nordstrom.

WHaLE OPTICS, September 1-11, Prince Music Theatre. The Green Fairy Cabaret, September 8-10, Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. Lord of the Flies, September 2 and 7-9, Clark Park. 


Sales this weekend: 
Aerosoles: 15% off everything
Bakers: Labor Day sale, plus free cosmetic set with a purchase of $100 or more
Bus Stop Boutique: $30 off Matiko this month
Macy’s: Labor Day sale, 20-30% off
Payless: BOGO! Now through September 6
Steve Madden: 25% off using code FALL25
Lord & Taylor: 20% off regular and sale items/25% off clearance using code LDAY (extra 10% with Lord & Taylor card and code LDAYPLUS)

Roberto Capucci at the PMA

On Friday I went with my friend Danielle to the Roberto Capucci: Art into Fashion exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Friday. First of all, it was fantastic—the dresses are unbelievably wonderful, so you’d better hurry up and see them before the exhibit closes Sunday! Second of all, there were no shoes! If you were going to wear a few of Capucci’s incredible dresses (and if the PMA would let you), what shoes might you pair with them?

First up, Capucci’s classic Nove gonna (Nine Dresses), a nine-layered silk taffeta extravaganza from 1956:

I’d love to see this paired with booties—maybe these:

  The Yalina Evening Booties by Nina have a four-inch wedge heel, peep toe, and an upper made of fine black lace. They give enough subtle visual interest to anchor the dress, and red and black never go out of style. They can be yours for $109, and you can find them at Macy’s.

Danielle particularly enjoyed Capucci’s use of natural materials in the 70s, like this silk georgette number from 1972 which uses bamboo at the neck, wrists, and waist:


The dress is so flowy, I’d keep it casual with a pair of sandals: The Jeryn sandal has a synthetic leather upper embellished with rhinestones and beads, and a zipper up the back to help get them on. They come in silver, snowy, and black in addition to the cognac shown here, and you can find them at Call it Spring for $40.

Last up, one of my favorites: the elaborately ruffled Angelo d’Oro (Angel of Gold) dress from 1987:

 
Just look at the back of this dress! The front is very simple with just an empire waist, and it’s made in about five shades of gold, from soft matte golds to sparkling glitters. The picture just doesn’t do it justice—it is downright celestial in person. Nobody will really care about your shoes if you got your hands on this dress, but let’s pair it up anyway:

  I went expensive because I love this dress, and I figured if you’re going to go to prison for stealing it out of the museum you might as well go in style. The Wavy Strap Sandal by Jimmy Choo features a 4.5” heel, mirrored gold leather, and two buckled ankle straps. It runs small, so get it half a size up if you can spare the $695. Available at Neiman Marcus.

 I’m serious—get yourself to the art museum and see this exhibit! Tickets run $25 for adults and $19 for students with ID, but they’re free if you’re a member.