A Long Time Friend

November 16, 2014 By Leave a Comment

I love shoes, no secret there. And I know love is a strong word for an inanimate object, I get it. People say they love pizza or donuts and I think we all understand that they really enjoy these foods, however not planning a life long relationship with a jelly donut.

With that said, shoes (at least for me) deserve more space in the love spectrum than a pizza. Why? Because I have several pairs of shoes that have out lasted relationships, sadly some of which I thought were going to be life long friendships.  A special pair of shoes can remind you of a wonderful place and time, just like a song. I have several pairs of shoes I procured while staying in Scotland. Every time I wear them I am reminded of fun times and the lovely people I know across the pond.

Some shoes are like an old friend, always there, always ready when you need them. And I still have one very special pair of stylized white cowboy boots.  This might be the oldest pair in my collection. I wore them (gasp a few decades ago) to every dance club in Hollywood/Los Angeles. I’m surprised I didn’t wear out the soles! There were my dancing shoes!  We shared many many crazy fun times.  Just looking at them I hear the Kinks “Coming Dancing… and I am transported back the 321 Club, Coconut Teasers, The Palladium, The Troubadour, Seven Seas, The Roxy, The Viper Room, Dillon’s, Whiskey A Go Go etc.… all fun places I went with these boots.

I can’t part with them, honestly we grew up together. And the good part is these boots don’t judge and will never share any of my foolish (I was young) secrets.

Laura

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Marry my Shoes?

November 9, 2014 By 1 Comment

It’s not a secret to anyone who knows me or has ever seen me on stage, I love pretty shoes.  (I always wear fancy shoes on stage. If you don’t like what I’m saying you can always just look at the shoes.) Because of my shoe love people will send me shoe sayings and photos. (“Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world.” Marilyn Monroe. Is one of my favorites.)  I enjoy these shoes musings of course. I received this gem about a week ago.

A wedding cake but instead of a bride and groom there is a golden slipper.

First I thought how pretty and I love cake. Then I was disturbed.  Is this suggesting I should marry a shoe? I do love shoes, but I hope when I say this it is understood this is not the same as the complex and wonderful emotion of love for a person. But then I thought about it again (Did I mention I have insomnia?) I have several pairs of shoes that have out lasted many relationships. I have shoes that have been with me through some of my most crazy fun times and through some challenging times as well. And there they were offering support, their soles firmly connecting me to the ground, all without judgment.

My shoes have been there for me in richer and in poorer, in sickness and in health, the good times and the bad.  And truly for many pairs it is only when they died did we part. I’m a many time shoe widow.

Marry my shoes? Well no. But I won’t dismiss their impotence either. We have been through so much, but I will enjoy the cake.

Laura

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Its Not Always Pretty.

November 2, 2014 By 4 Comments

I get asked a lot; how many pairs of shoes do you own? Do you really wear all of them? How can you walk in those? Are you constantly giving/ throwing away shoes?

I never mind questions about my shoes. I love shoes. Shoes are fun and no matter how much Halloween candy, holiday cookies, or chocolate Easter eggs you have eaten, they always fit! I have pictures of some of my favorites stored on my phone like cherished friends.

How many pairs do I own? I honestly don’t know. Probably a number I should be embarrassed about, but this does not embarrass me. Actually I am proud of every pair. Each pair was lovingly chosen. And yes I wear every pair I have ever purchased. Some more than others of course. It’s hard to pull off thigh high black sequined boots on a daily basis.

Walking in heels just takes practice. At first you look like a newly born baby giraffe but in time, you’ll get the hang of it. Well most do. My advice start small 2-3 inches and work you way up to 5+ inches. I can always tell actresses in movies and red carpet events who don’t wear heels often, they look like the above mentioned baby giraffes. I could run (Not far mind you) in heels if needed.

As far as discarding my lovelies, I keep most of my shoes until the end of their life. Some shoes live longer than others. Cloth shoes wear out faster than leather etc.… I have rock star status with the cobbler in my neighborhood. I keep him busy re- pairing and cleaning up my darlings. I had a pair of boots resoled 4 times before I finally let them lay to rest.

Mostly the shoes give out on me before I give up on them. Case and point this pair of black wedges. They were several years, but they were great for walking. I was visiting my dear friend the fabulous Nita Apple in downtown LA. (If you want any project improved by 1000% hire her for a consult! http://makingitsmall.com) We had walked to brunch about a mile from her home. It was a lovely sunny Sunday and then in the middle of the crosswalk of 6th and Flower the center of the wedge just fell out, it literally disintegrated. Now I was walking like the above mentioned baby giraffe.  The middle of wedge just called it quits. I was trying to hobble back to her home on this dilapidated shoe when the back of the shoe also gave up the ghost. Now walking was truly hilarious. Nita and I laughed so hard at the ever-disappearing shoe. It was funny and the champagne from brunch I’m sure spirited our giggles. I made it back to my car eventually and of course I had some other shoes in my car- I always do. (Scout motto be prepared)  So this pair decided life was over before I was done with them. RIP Black Wedges, thank you for the laughs!

Laura

 

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Left in the Wild

October 26, 2014 By 1 Comment

My second favorite shoe haunt is DSW in Boston. I have procured a lot of lovelies here and bonus, always on sale.

Every once in a while I run across a pair that leaves me torn, should I or shouldn’t I? That is the question. I wasn’t going to write that last line, but everyone reading this was thinking it, so I just finished the logical thought pattern.

This striking pair of boots has a lot going for them; one I don’t have a pair like them. I do however have a pair of boots the same color, but in patent leather and BTK (below the knee). These are ATK (above the knee) and suede- so clearly very different. Anyone not into shoes is rolling their eyes right now.  That really is their problem if they don’t understand, not mine/ ours.

Another plus, these shoes are on sale, not super on sale, but 30% is decent.

Another plus, I would wear them, no really I would. Not often mind you, but trust me on this all my shoes get a time to shine.

With so much going for them why would I leave these beauties in the wild terrain of the shoe sale racks?

The most logical and boring reason, I don’t have room in my luggage. I travel very streamline and I guess the love ratio is not high enough for me to figure out how to ship them. So ladies I left this pair out in the wild for another shoe lover to enjoy, your welcome.

Laura

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I Hate Shopping

October 19, 2014 By Leave a Comment

No I really do, I hate shopping. I like new things but the idea of having to dredge through a mall is a nightmare. I’m a huge fan of online shopping and before that mail order. Pick it out and it shows up at your home- perfect.  For the record I hate talking on the phone as well. I’m hardly a girl;o)

I have friends (rarely) ask me if I want to go shopping…Agh! It’s up there with attending a baby shower on the list of things I don’t like to do in my spare time.  (FYI I don’t hate babies, just baby showers and actually I don’t like bridal showers either- but at least there is usually wine) If they convince me to go shopping, they know the deal 1 ½ hours and then lunch.

The only exception is shoe shopping. That I love! Again it’s not a long process 60 minutes max. And I like to cruise the store alone. It’s a Zen experience for me. I like the solo time with all the lovely selections.

I own a lot of beautiful shoes, so I am asked often where I like to shop for shoes. The answer really is everywhere. However, I travel a lot so I have special haunts in certain cities. So I am sharing with you my favorites in the US. Overseas will have to be another blog.

  1. DSW in NYC on 14th/ Union Square. (There is a DSW in Lower Manhattan as well, but not as good. I don’t live in NYC but I have at least a doz pairs from this DSW, which is the best one in the country, I think. I always have to save room in my luggage, This DSW knows they are special they even have a sparkly sign. (See picture)
  2. DSW in Boston, also very good. I have gotten a lot of great shoes on sale here.  Even the pair I wore to my graduation was acquired at this location.  (See previous blog)
  3. Las Vegas Nordstrom. If you are looking for super flashing shoes nothing like Vegas baby!
  4. Shooz in Forum shops, Vegas again, super CFM flashy and pricey but oh so fun,
  5. The flagship Nordstrom in Seattle. It’s the mother ship of Nordstrom’s. Go on the Underground tour and have dinner at the Pink Door. That is whole fun weekend.
  6. DSW in South Portland off Hwy 5. I think they get a few pairs of fancy boots and there is no sales tax, win win.
  7. Zappos. Its online, they have an enormous selection and they break it down by style, color, heel height etc. so you can narrow your search quickly, something a non-shopper like myself can deeply appreciate.

Happy Shopping!

Laura

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Sexy Pocahontas

October 13, 2014 By 1 Comment

Sadly, not all of my shoes have names. All are cherished I assure you- but only a select few weasel their way into a proper name.

The first time I saw these shoes I was in Vegas, origin of many of my flashy  shoes- go figure. My friend told me they were borderline costume and I really didn’t need another pair of shoes. Which is true. But when did need and shoes ever matter with a pair of shoes like this?

Anyhow, maybe it was the fringe maybe it was Vegas… but I went back and adopted this pair.

I admit I don’t wear them often but when I do its often with a suede leather dress of the same color. I feel rather native and somehow these shoes were deemed Sexy Pocahontas. And now I have friends who refer to them by the same name.

Yes they are sexy, but more important they are fun to walk in. Something like the feeling I got when I had tiny beads on the ends of my braids when I was eight and is was fun to feel the beads dangling and whistling about as I walked. The fringe swishes as I walk creating the sensation of my feet passing through a car wash. Maybe I’m still 8, but fringe makes walking more fun.

 

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Beauty? Insanity? Art?

October 5, 2014 By Leave a Comment

For the record I do not own these shoes. I actually don’t think they are for sale. But then again everything is for sale- isn’t it? Well maybe not everything, but almost.

Christian Louboutin’s are my current holy grail of shoes.  These shoes are completely non-wearable.  Even a world-class ballerina would be unable to stand in them – But it doesn’t stop them from being beautiful art.

They were designed to complement the nail polish display, but the shoes somehow stole the show. Nail lacquer is never going to be as exciting as beautiful shoes, but nice try on the cool bottle.

Sadly, I don’t own any Louboutin’s. Oh I will owe a pair, you can count on that!  But I have not allowed myself to indulge –yet. I hold them up as the special prize when I accomplish a great goal. They must be earned and their acquisition will mark the successful completion of one of my big goals. So when you see my strutting about in red soles- you know I will have earned them.  Okay back to work—my Louboutin’s are waiting for me.

Laura

 

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Chicago! A Great American City

September 28, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Chicago doesn’t get the respect is deserves, being a “second city” and all.  I feel like Chicago is the Jan Brady of cities and NYC is Marsha.

Marsha! Marsha! Marsha!

Visit Chicago, it is delightful, great music, food and art.  Even the deep-dish pizza that hard core New Yorker’s scoff at is delicious.

But most of all I encourage you to please take an architectural tour! You will never look at a city or its buildings the same. Chicago has very grand buildings. And they do architectural tours on buses cabs, boats, bicycles, by foot and even on Segway’s.

The buildings of Chicago are like these shoes, subtle beauty- possibly missed if someone didn’t point it out to you.

I fell in love with these shoes while visiting Chicago for my birthday. Which is the only way I could justify the price, even on sale they were pricey.

But just look at them!

Green on green spectator Mary Janes!

Details the architects of the Wrigley Building could appreciate.

Laura

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Three 4 One

September 14, 2014 By Leave a Comment

As any true shoe fanatic will confess… the right pair of shoes is essential! And each pair has its exact purpose.

Many people (shamefully) think a black boot is a black boot is a black boot.

However, those with shoe savvy know each pair has a distinctive calling. Chances are the boots you wear with a skirt don’t really go with jeans. Dressy, causal, short heel, no heel, high-heeled…etc.

That might explain why I have 11 pairs of black boots. Yes, just black. If we include all the other colors, the number increases substantially. Which is a whole other story.

All of this is to help illustrate a point, regarding the sad tale of losing one shoe in Las Vegas. (Last week’s blog- keep up, there maybe a test ;o))

This lost shoe was integral to many outfits and its loss was not only sad but left a hole in my shoe wardrobe.

I tried; oh I tried to replace the shoe. I felt like a dejected prince charming left holding only one shoe.

In the quest to fill the gap, I acquired three replacements.

All fabulous in there own right. Maybe more so than the lost shoe.

But as corny as it sounds none alone could fulfill the role of the other shoe.

So I had to keep all three. Darn!

Please meet the definitely not ugly sisters who replaced Cinderella.

laura

 

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