Shoe Slave: Back to Booties

High-heeled, creeper boot, Phi.

Tabitha Simmons suede and leather ankle boots

Via Spiga, Jaden patent leather lace-ups.

Oh thank goodness fall arrives soon! Let's return to our shoe-staple, "The Boot", with impunity. Boots somehow feel wrong in the summer. Simultaneously hot (temperature) and irrelevant - not good. Rows of boots stare at me from my closet all summer long. And all but the cowboy boots (you know, that Stampede thing) go unworn.

This fall seasons brings yet another round of gorgeous boot options. Loads of flat styles of choose from again - small mercies for those of us living in snowy cities. Piles of black, rocker-inspired spuds, platforms and black leather. Love it all.

With my granny-inspired style sensibility, I can't quite bring myself to confidently wear some of the fierce-looking fashion footwear. So this Jaden boot by Via Spiga was the perfect solution! A granny boot with a vicious heel in black, patent leather. Love. I think the Jadens were fall 2008 (picked them up for a song) but they're perfect this year as well. So cute with leggings and a sweater dress.

Shoe Slave: The Red Shoes

Today is a very good day. My quest for the perfect, patent, red shoe is over.

You know I've been obsessing for awhile. Ever since last summer, when I was transfixed by the Marc Jacobs pair.

Since then I've pursued, unsuccessfully, many pairs of red patent shoes. FSC members are the fortunate benefactors of this quest. Specifically, the gorgeous Via Spigas that simply did not fit me. These beauties are still waiting for an FSC member to give them a home.

Back to me.

My search efforts were rewarded today when this pair of Cole Haan pumps arrived. Fit? Perfect. Style? Classic.

And bless the marketing genius at Cole Haan who came up with the Nike Air partnership concept. Cole Haan quality with Nike Air comfort. A match made in Shoe-Slave heaven.

It will be hard to save these babies for the holidays. Will try to control myself.

Image: Still from The Red Shoes

Shoe Slave: It's All About The Shoes

Images: Bill Cunningham for the New York Times

The faithful readers of this blog are already aware that SHOES have replaced the 'it' bag. So, the rest of the fashion world is catching up with us.

Watch and listen to Bill Cunningham's gleeful take on New York fashion week and the spectacle of footwear that stole the whole show. If you're a regular listener of Bill's, "On The Street", you will get a kick out of how EXCITED he is this week. Love it.

A few pointers for those who dare-to-wear sky-high heels, here's a refresher from previous posts:

1. Don't wear them if they hurt (or if you're not woman enough to grin and bear it).
2. If the shoes hurt a wee bit - NEVER admit it (this is April's commandment and it's absolutely accurate). Let people admire your footwear. If you admit the shoes are killing you, you look like an idiot. A fashion victim. This is not stylish.
3. It's always prudent to pack a second pair of shoes (in your stylishly oversized bag). This does not mean flip-flops (as featured in BC's photos) or trainers. This means stylish, comfortable shoes that coordinate well with the outfit you're wearing.
4. Stand up straight. Rock the height and revel in your fabulousness.

I practice what I preach. Below are a few of my recent addictions. I mean, additions:

Shoe Slave: Heels 101

Susan Brink wrote an enlightening piece on how to keep your feet healthy in high heels. I cannot speak from a medical perspective, but I can offer these heel hints:

1. Save your pennies and buy the best quality you can - they WILL be more comfortable.
2. Wear your heels at home for practice. I recently purchased a higher-than-normal pair (pictured above) that I teetered around for an entire afternoon (while doing housework). Now I can run in them.
3. Please keep your feet clean. A sexy shoe is not going to make a gnarly foot look better.
4. If you're a rookie, pack a pair of flats in your purse. Have you seen girls walking barefoot down the sidewalk? Tragic.
5. Wear them to bed (alone). It's pretty sweet to wake up and admire your beautiful shoes. It's almost better than coffee.

Shoe Slave: Clogs

Image: www.gothamcityonline.com

Image: www.riceandbeansvintage.com

Totally love clogs for summer. I used to clomp around the yard in my Mom's version of today's clogs. Leather and wood - my ten-year-old self dreamed of being grown up enough to wear them.

Luckily, today's clogs are nearly identical - only more comfortable now that they fit me.

Picked these Jill Stuart's up at Gothamcityonline. Soooo comfy and cute.

Shoe Slave: G Series

www.gothamcityonline.com

Evidently January is shoe month. Shoe-Mojo in high gear.

I like these boots for summer. Light in color, relatively low heel. Maybe a practical boot for Stampede? They might even be comfortable since they're G-series by Cole Haan. I'm hoping. Actually, what I'm really hoping is that they fit around my calves. Fingers are crossed.

But I really didn't buy these for practical reasons. I saw a photograph of a tall and gorgeous model wearing similar boots, faded jeans and a guys white shirt. Hot.

That also might explain the leather jeans hanging in my closet. When am I gonna learn?

Shoe Slave: Going Gidget

I know, I know, I just posted a "Shoe Slave" item. But I'm going South for a week which has me thinking spring. Which leads me to these shoes....

Kate Spade's "Gidget"s are the summer version of the Batwoman shoe. These are cuter. That little wooden platform also makes me taller which I love.

So much for "giving up high heels". I simply CANNOT do it. Don't these SCREAM white capri pants and a gin and tonic? Seriously.