Modern Women at PAFA

Hurry over to PAFA before September 1, since that’s the last day of their exhibit Modern Women at PAFA: From Cassatt to O’Keeffe.  It features over 20 artists who paved the way for future generations of women to have careers in art, and it features some gorgeous work.  Like this one by Violet Oakley, who played a prominent role in the artistic life of Philadelphia for almost half a century:

I adore this.  Called June, it was produced as a cover for a 1902 issue of Everybody's Magazine, a monthly periodical targeted at a female audience, published by the New York branch of John Wanamaker's merchandising empire.

Black like the first dress, the blue bow of the second… I’d say the Phallon by Ivanka Trump updates this painting nicely!  The peep toe is satin and the ankle, strap, and 4.5-inch heel are leather.  Also available with a white body/black bow; your choice for $90 from Nordstrom.

This is Coxcomb by Georgia O’Keeffe, an oil painting dating from 1931.  It almost looks like a woman dancing, doesn’t it?

These are party shoes if I’ve ever seen them!  The Cailyn by RSVP is a bright, bold peep toe pump with folding and a big bow at the toe.  The heel is four inches, and it comes in fuchsia (shown), black, blue, ivory, eggplant, red, or silver satin.  Find them at Zappos for $99.

And since plaid is going to be so big for fall:

This is Girl in a Plaid Shawl from sometime between 1880 and 1885 by Susan Macdowell Eakins.  Eakins is a local girl too—the fifth of eight children of a Philadelphia engraver, well known in the artistic community.  She was a student of Thomas Eakins while he was an instructor at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and married him in 1884.

The Nakita by Ros Hommerson makes me wish for falling leaves and pumpkins so badly!  Black and brown plaid, brown suede at the heel and the trim, a little tassel detailed in silver over the round toe…why isn’t it fall yet?!  Also available in black and white check, solid black, and gray flannel; your choice for $50 from 6pm.

I hope you’re inspired by the women (and the shoes), and that you can get to PAFA before Labor Day!

Sales this weekend:

Bloomingdales: Sale through Sunday-- 25-40% off
Bus Stop Boutiue: Annual Summer Warehouse Sale through Sunday!
Lord & Taylor: 15% off regular and sale and 20% off clearance with code BIG
Macy's: 10% off with code TICKET

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.

Ask the Shoe Fairy

Philly Shoe Fairy:

I’m going wedding shoe shopping—what should I get???!!!  Looking at a high heel, budget is between $100 and $200.  Something with detail.  J  Love beads, love lace—delicate things.  Hate chunky looking add-ons.  Between three and four inches high is probably best.  Champagne is my color, but I can do dyeable.  Shoe size varies...7.5 to 8.

Lindsay

Dear Lindsay,

Congratulations!  Thank you for the photo of your dress (I promise to keep it top secret!).  It was helpful when I picked out shoes — for instance, these have floral beading similar to that on the side of your dress:

The Sadi by Nina is somehow simple and elaborate at the same time—delicate sequined and beaded flowers on ivory satin.  It has a five-inch heel, but it has a one-inch platform, so it’ll only feel like four!  (It was just too beautiful; I had to include it.)  Find them at Macy’s for $129.

Your dress also has some lace, which reminded me of these:

The Astrid by Caparros may be a little difficult to see in this photo, with everything being ivory and all, but it has an upper made of delicate floral lace, scalloped at the edge around the foot.  It’s a slingback with a four-inch heel and three-quarter inch platform, and also comes in a taupe which might work with your dress if the ivory is still a little too light.  Find them at Zappos for $79.

One more!  I thought a soft gold shoe would work with your dress as well:

 The Pretty by RSVP is pretty indeed!  This D’Orsay pump has a soft gold satin upper that is gathered at its peep toe and topped with an oval rhinestone detail.  It has a three-inch heel, and can be found at Zappos for $79.

Whichever pair you choose, I know you’ll be radiant!

-The Shoe Fairy

Sales this weekend:

Bloomingdales: 20-30% off a selection of shoes

Lord & Taylor: Buy one pair of sandals and get the second half off; 15% off regular price items and 20% off sale and clearance items (online only!) with code BIG

Macy’s: 20-50% off select styles

Payless: Summer preview sale

Ask the Shoe Fairy

Dear Shoe Fairy,

Several months ago my Prince Charming brought me a glass slipper in the form of an engagement ring.  Since then we’ve been very busy with planning a Villanova Chapel wedding.  I finally made one of the most important decisions (other than saying “yes” to Charming) when I said yes to the dress.  But now comes my big problem- what to wear on my feet!  I plan on wearing blue because it is a Villanova wedding and blue is my favorite color.  Can you help??

I'm a size 7.5 in most heels. The shoes have to be between three and four inches since the dress cannot be hemmed. I like bows, sparkles, and all things girly! Preferred price is below $250. Thank you so much!!

Love,

Diane

Dear Diane,

Congratulations!  As a former Wildcat myself, I know exactly what color blue you’re looking for.  I’m also a fellow devotee of sparkle, so I think these may be right up your alley:

The Desi by rsvp is fit for a princess!  A sun-shaped rhinestone feature adorns the peep-toe of this d’Orsay pump, and it has a three-inch heel (at the lower end of your height limit).  This blue beauty can be found at Zappos for $89.

This might be a lot to wear again, say to work, but these classics fit the bill:

The Elke by Nina has a beautiful rhinestone feature on the peep-toe as well, on a pretty little bow!  The shoe body is blue satin, but the 4.25-inch heel is patent leather.  (It’s got a three-quarter-inch platform as well.)  Find them for $99 on Zappos.

If you’re looking for maximum color impact, I’d suggest these:

The Glory by rsvp is a bright shock of blue with subtle detailing at its peep-toe rather than rhinestones.  It has a satin outer, lightly cushioned footbed, four-inch heel, a three-quarter-inch platform, and can be found at Zappos for $89.

Whichever pair you choose, I wish you and Charming the happiest of ever afters!

-The Shoe Fairy


Don't forget: PSF's first birthday party is next Sunday!!  If you're a reader, I'd love to see you there.  Not only will there be raffles, muffins, and (of course) shoes, you'll also get the Shoe Fairy's magic advice and personal attention!


Sales this weekend:
Aerosoles: Spring preview sale: 15% off select styles
Bakers: Every dress shoe on sale
Bloomingdales: "Private sale": save 30-40% on a selection of shoes
Lord & Taylor: 15% off with savings pass or code BEST (10% extra with a Lord & Taylor card and code BESTPLUS)
Macy's: Spring stock up sale: save 20-30% on select styles
Neiman Marcus: Free bangle set with a $350 purchase
Payless: BOGO!

Passover

Yes, I know, it’s a little early for Passover.  While it doesn’t officially start for two weeks, the Gershwin Y is celebrating early!  This Sunday, from 6:00-9:00 PM, they are hosting their annual Philadelphia Seder.  Music, dance, poetry... it truly will be, as they call it, “a Seder like no other!”

Despite all the fancy trimmings, I’m sure it will have many similarities to the traditional Seder.  Like the four glasses of wine:

Bottle of red!  The Cailyn by RSVP is a really lovely peep-toe satin pump with a four-inch heel for the four glasses of wine.  It also has a one-inch platform and a really cute bow at the toe.  Also available in black, fuchsia, ivory, purple, and silver; yours from Zappos for $99.

Bitter herbs:

Okay, maybe the herbs on this aren’t so bitter—sweet is more like it!  The Serena Bow Sandal by Charlotte Olympia have a 5.75-inch heel, a 1.5-inch jute platform, canvas upper with vinyl detailing and ankle strap... the bitter part?  They’re not on sale yet.  (Don’t worry; they’ll ship in mid-April.)  Also, they’re $1075.  Still feeling the sweet in the bitter?  Pick up your pair from Nordstrom.

Matzo, of course:

Look, the top looks just like matzo!  Unbelievable.  The Perforated Bootie by Felmini have a tie that wraps around the ankle, a one-inch heel, and a leather upper, and can be found at DSW for $130.

My favorite part of the meal: charoset!

Charoset is a super-tasty apple, nut, and honey mix that represents the mortar with which the Israelites bonded bricks when they were enslaved in Ancient Egypt.  (Fact of the day!)  Often, it has several types of apples in it—and the Bowler ESP by Ego and Greed has three different kinds!  It also has a four-inch wedge and 1.25-inch platform covered in braided jute, laces up the front, and a peep toe.  Also available in three floral prints, two cat prints (yes, the silhouettes of frolicking cats), and three leathers (orange, white, and turquoise).  Check them out at Solestruck for $100 (whole sizes only).

Interested in going to the Seder at the Gershwin Y?  Find more information here.  Tickets are $75 in advance, $85 at the door, and $55 for students.  Seating is limited, so if you’re interested get a move on—you’d hate to be “passed over”!  (Groan, yes, I know.)

Also, thanks to my friend Heather and her family for their annual Gentile Outreach Program, without which this Catholic girl wouldn’t know what she’s writing about!

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

Nine West: Up to 30% off peep-toes

Payless: Easter sale

Steve Madden: 30% off select new spring styles

Restaurant Week

It’s September, and you know what that means: time for Restaurant Week! A perfect opportunity to try a new place... and with the money you’ll be saving on dinner, why not buy a new pair of shoes to wear there? Let’s say you’re going to The Dandelion for Cumberland sausages and sticky toffee pudding:

  Blimey! The Patty are quite the corking heels: blue felt with white trim and a red and white Union Jack stitched on the toe—oh, and a cute little heart at the center. Yours for $110 from Irregular Choice.

 How about oysters on the half shell at Oyster House? Watch for pearls! The Olive by RSVP have a fabric outer, leather sole, 4.5-inch heel, and one-inch platform. And those pearls on the bow? They reach all the way down to the platform on the inside of your foot. Also available in black, gray, and navy for $28.50 from 6pm.

Why not sip one of Swanky Bubbles’ signature champagne cocktails to go along with your chicken satay and spicy tuna with cucumber?
Swanky bubbles indeed! The Doloris by Diba has an embellished satin upper, a half-inch platform, 4.5-inch heels, and a zipper up the back. They also come in black and a really adorable pink for about $50 from DSW.

Did you know that Ristorante Panorama is in the Guinness Book of World Records for “Most Wines on Tap”? Maybe a bottle of red to go with your insalata di rucola, tagliatelle con funghi e granchio, and vitello mandolese:
The Prue Heeled Platform Sandals by Mossimo have a one-inch platform, four-inch heel, patent leather outer, T strap, and zipper up the back. And the kicker? They’re only $11-$15! Amazing. Find them at Target.com, but not in stores!

Le Bec-Fin is a Philadelphia institution. If you’re headed there for burgundy snails cassolette with hazelnut champagne butter and crème brûlée, draw your inspiration from their magnificent chandeliers: The Luxury Silver Swarovski Crystal Wedding Bridal High Heel Platform Shoes are to die for: made of leather, rhinestones, and Swarovski crystals, with a killer stiletto. Yours for a cool two grand from Liquiwork.

Restaurant Week runs until September 23.