Cherry Blossom Festival

The skies are gray, it’s raining…but the blossoms are coming!  The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival began on Wednesday with sushi making and karaoke, and continues with events through the end of April.

Our unfortunate winter means the trees aren’t quite ready for their close-up, but the organizers are pretty sure there will be something blooming by next weekend.  (There better be.  I don’t think I can take much more of this.)  But until then, here are some pink petals to hold you over!

The Iris Sandal is so simple and exuberant at the same time.  The upper is pink satin (including T-strap and flower), and it rests on the tiniest of wedges—so lovely under jeans, or with a skirt, or whatever!  Also available in ivory and a really lovely blue; your choice for $79 from Betsey Johnson. 

These sculpted beauties are the Flower Power to Ya by Mel.  The body of the sandal is a pale pink jelly material, but each strap is adorned with a big jelly flower with a metallic gold stud at the center.  They just scream “summer,” don’t they?  I want to eat an ice cream cone in these.  Whole sizes only; yours for $35 from ModCloth.

The Adele by Badgley Mischka is fluffy with flowers!  Two large blossoms adorn the T-strap on each shoe, whose body is pink satin.  The heel is 4.75-inches high, but the platform will help out with that.  How perfect for a spring wedding?  Find them at Shoes.com for $165.

The Classic-Floral by TOMS would be perfect for wandering through the blossoms.  (Next week.  When they bloom.  Because they WILL bloom next week, won’t they?!)  The cotton upper is strewn with pink flowers everywhere, and you know the deal, that TOMS will donate a pair when you pick up a pair for yourself.  Which you can, for $54, from Nordstrom. 

The Isis by Dirty Laundry is so bold and bright and beautiful!  The cork wedge is four inches at the heel and an inch under the peep toe, and is topped with a fabric slingback and flowers.  Also available in white, turquoise, sand, black, and mint (the mint is eyelet!); your choice for $40 from Zappos.

So hold tight—one more week and the flowers will be here.  Just a little longer now!

Sales this weekend:

Bakers: Almost all boots 40% off

Bus Stop Boutique: Happy 7th birthday, Bus Stop Boutique!  They're having a party next Wednesday from 6-9 PM.  Save 15% on all spring goodies, plus you get a special prize if you find one of the seven lucky pennies hidden throughout the store!  Can I just say here how much I love Bus Stop Boutique?  Happy birthday, girls.  Here's to seven more.  

Lord & Taylor: 15% off regular and clearance with code SPRING

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

Giving Back

‘Tis the season, right?  Presents and parties, friends and family... new outfits and shoes to match, of course!  But ‘tis also the season for giving back, helping those less fortunate, and generally making the world a better place.  And since we’re all shoe lovers, here are some charities that should speak to us this holiday season:

Project Sole

Project Sole is a nonprofit organization that raises desperately needed funds for schools and civic organizations while distributing shoes to impoverished and disaster-stricken communities throughout the world.  (I actually donated a pair of my old sneakers to Project Sole when I ran the Run for Your Lives 5K in October.)  Host a shoe drive at your office; send them a pair you no longer need... learn more here.

Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls is collects shoes from the warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you, then distributes these shoes to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class, or any other criteria.  Since 2005, Soles4Souls has delivered over 19 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes.  The shoes have been distributed to people in over 125 countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the United States.  Host a shoe drive, sponsor a pair of shoes, drop off a pair of your shoes at one of the locations around the Philly area, host an online fundraiser... there are many ways to get involved.

Maybe you’re short on sneakers, but have high heels.  The Career Wardrobe one is one of my favorites:

Since 1995, Career Wardrobe has served women in Philadelphia with the clothing, career skills, and confidence necessary to transition to work. In that time, we have helped nearly 75,000 women on their journeys to independence.  The Dressing and Image Consultation Program provides women with the resources they need to increase their self-confidence and prepare them to market themselves in their job search (professional clothing and beauty products, resume review and interviewing skills, etc.).  The Gateway to Success Educational Program is their ongoing educational and networking support for continued growth and development.  You can donate money, clothing, or accessories... and if you’re a large-footed lady like me, they’re especially looking for shoes size 9 and up!

And if you’d like a new pair of shoes for yourself (or for a friend) to go with your donation, there’s always TOMS—with every pair of shoes purchased, a pair goes to a child in need.  How about these festive ones?

These red glitter flats have a cushioned suede insole, arch insert for extra support, a one-piece outsole, and holiday cheer to spare!  Get them at TOMS for $54 and enjoy the happy spirit that doing good (and glitter) brings.

Helping those in need?  That's always Santa- (and Shoe Fairy-) approved.

Sales this weekend:

Sorry ladies; the Shoe Fairy is away at a work event and couldn't check the sales for you. Her sale sense is tingling, however-- it's only 10 days until Christmas, so I'm betting there are sales everywhere!

Business in Beantown

So I’m away on business for a few days in Boston, but you’re still in my thoughts, Deputy Shoe Fairies!  In fact, I’m sending a little Boston your way.

Lobster:

The Lobster Print Slip On by TOMS are lobstertastic!  Look at all those little lobsters.  It’s got the signature pleated toe and the TOMS label on the back—slip into a pair at Neiman Marcus for $95.

The green monster:

The Specialty Seasonal Ox by Converse Chuck Taylor All Star is a bright, bubbly green!  (Or blue.  Or red.  Or navy.   Or gray, nude, dark green, orchid, or cinnabar.)  They have a canvas outer, cushy insole, and classic cool to spare.  Find them at Zappos for $50.

And American history:

The Koni by Dollhouse is a sweet little slice of Americana: red and white stripes, a blue toe cap with bow... and look at the polka dots on the inside!  Like stars.  Also available in a coral stripe with a yellow toe cap and a blue stripe with a salmon toe cap, but whichever you choose you can find it at DSW for $22.

See you again Friday!