Sandals
To Dye For
I’m probably not the only person who has turned over a pair of shoes I liked in a department store, and looked at the sticker on the bottom, hoping to find that the footwear in question comes in other colors. Sometimes, I have one in mind. I think that is a great color, but I’d get no use out of it, I wonder if they have it in _______ (insert desired color here). Or other times the color on display is a little too bland and I’m open to suggestions, interested to see if they’ve reproduced it in another shade. Enter dyable shoes. While not nearly as accomodating as customization, dyable shoes allow the wearer to choose a shoe and have it shaded the color of their choice. Usually used for weddings and other formal occasions, dyables allow for the perfect match to bridesmaids’ gowns and flower girls’ dresses. The drawback to dyable footwear is that only certain kinds of materials can be colored. So, if you’re perhaps dreaming about a pair of flats in peacock turquoise, you may not be able to find a pair that isn’t made of silk to have colored for you. Many of the more popular shoe manufactures for formal footwear have lines with dyable options, but the problem therein is that shoes that are custom dyed for bridesmaid and prom dresses are not the type of shoes you can wear daily with your favorite pair of jeans or an adorable pencil skirt. With the advent of customization which will soon be featured on this site, shoe fiends will be able to select both style and color, and while there may not be as many hues as are offered when color matching a shoe to a specific garment…both only to be worn once, patrons will have the option to satisfy their urges for the perfect shoe in the right color.
Posted by alyssa on Monday, August 10th, 2009 | Pumps, Sandals, Tips, Uncategorized, Wedges | No Comments
Make or break it: the shoe trends that have women saying “Oh, no!”
Sometimes, it seems like the gravitation towards the shoe trend of the moment is almost forced: the walk towards overtly festooned heels made of ancient Grecian columns is as wobbly as a woman’s feelings towards the shoe itself. I asked women – real women; women with jobs, leases and discerning wallets – what shoe trends for Spring 2009 they could definitely do without. Responses have been kept anonymous; no stilettos were hurt in this process.
“I really hate that ‘trendy’ shoes only look good in very small sizes,” lamented one woman, an engineer at a biotech startup. “I mean, I wear a size 10 shoe. Anything with clear plastic resin [such as Yves Saint Laurent's styles that made it down the season's runways] elongates my already long foot; and to be frank, looks ridiculous.” “Yet,” she continued,” “what other options does a big-footed girl have? Dumpy, tweed flats or – ugh – manly-looking flip flops?”
I asked another lady (a gradate student at an Ivy League university) what her thoughts were on trends gone wrong, and without a second of hesitation replied, “Zippers. Zippers on high heels. I just don’t get the appeal of being ‘zipped’ into a shoe. It’s way too Vegas for me.”
A third complained about the cost. “There’s a reason why I don’t buy trendy shoes,” she explained. “I mean, why bother spending tons of money on something that’s going to go out of style the minute after you buy it? I just wish that classic shoes, like ballerina flats and traditional stilettos, were more readily available and not pushed to the back burner the second a platform wedge comes clomping along.”
Other responses included, but are not limited to: suede booties (“I only like to wear boots in the winter, thank you very much”); PVC platform wedges (no comment); gladiators (“I’m just over them”) and designer sneakers with logos blazing. And, finally, “those Pocahontas-like sandals with the fringe. I mean, what is it? A sandal or a moccasin?”
Whether cutting edge or effortlessly classic, the reassurance that there are as many styles to choose from as there are women who choose to embrace them is liberating – especially if your toes tend to get squashed in a pointy pump.
-Karyn Polewaczyk
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 | Boots, Gladiators, Peep Toes, Platforms, Pumps, Sandals, Uncategorized, Wedges | No Comments
Free Feet: Essentials for Spring and Summer
By the time mid-April rolls around, it is a given that all of us who live in the tundra Boston are responding to the impatience our feet have been feeling, their containment in dress boots, snow boots and closed toed pumps a perfect allegory of our own containment indoors and our mutual desire (that of feet and owners) to break free and run around outside.
I know that when, in March, come hell or high water (or snow and sleet, as it were), I take out my flip flops and wear them, outside, regardless of the appropriateness of such a decision. My tootsies, I can assure you, are grateful. Like Mel Gibson on the scaffold suffering for his beliefs at the hands of the henchmen of Edward the Longshanks, “Freeeeeeddoooommmmm” expresses the relief experienced both by the hottie warrior as he is released from his suffering and my toes as they curl with delight around fresh green blades of grass on my lawn. I will make a confession to you right now: I go barefoot for a significant part of the summer. But when I’m not in my own back yard and have to wear shoes, I like showing off my toes and keeping them out of hot leather.
Therefore, I want to introduce you to one of my spring and summer necessities. Enter J. Crew flip flops.
Heavenly, much? I’ve been replenishing my pairs of these (3-4 in different colors, usually) for four years. Note: I actually don’t have to replace them, they tend not to wear down even after three months of continual wear, I just like doing so. They are blissfully basic, and come in a multitude of gorgeous colors, so they are the perfect companion to any outfit: summer sun dresses, jeans, shorts, bathing suits, and skirts. They have colors to match all your spring and summer staples. They don’t have the unsightly foam platform or hemp-style thong that many pretentious flip flops unfortunately possess, or heaven forbid, endorsement for some sort of beverage on the sole, yet they are pleasantly affordable, so you can purchase a bunch in several different colors to mix and match with different attire.
Happy Spring! And remember, they do a lot for you, so let those feet breathe!
Posted by alyssa on Sunday, April 12th, 2009 | Flat, Sandals | No Comments
“If only?” Only if.
Often, while browsing around, looking at shoes, as we all know I am want to do, I see a design or pattern which I find, frankly, bizarre or unsightly. Whilst gazing at the computer screen, tilt headed like a puzzled Golden Retriever who seems bewildered by human actions, I too wonder what on earth some designers who I have observed to be otherwise sane and rational could possibly be thinking. If only I could get into the minds of these certain designers and put to them the questions racing through my brain. Instead, I present you with a short list of shoes which make my “I would only wear that if…” list.
Sorry Marc Jacobs
I would only wear those if I were playing Guitar Hero in my rec room. Alone.
Excuse you, Jimmy Choo
Only if I were on Rock of Love, heaven forbid, would I don such a creep toe. Or if my family and I didn’t have our own cheese grater at home and I thought I could put the heel to work on a block of Romano.
Yes, Indeed, UGG Australia!
I would LOVE to wear these boots. They would be perfect for my costume only if my feet were playing the part of “The Bedsheets” in a play entitled “The Unnecessarily Rustic Country Inn.”
Burberry, Burberry, Burberry
I’d only don this pair if I didn’t believe in taking any style license whatsoever and insisted that the design of my footwear had to match the design of my underwear. FYI, by those standards, the correct re-nomer of a Flip Flop is “thong”, not “G-string.”
Tory Burch, I admire some of your more adventurous creations but this:
is something I would subject my feet to only if I were playing the part of the Lumberjack in the village people (is there even a lumberjack in the Village People?)
So there you have them. What I consider five terribly botched attemps by five designers to create something fasionable. I should mention, however, that such transgressions are comitted by many more designers every single day. Do I perchance envision a more careful scrutiny by these couturieurs before they unleash more designs like these in the future, post this very blog post? If only.
Posted by alyssa on Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 | Boots, Flat, Platforms, Pumps, Sandals, Uncategorized | No Comments
It’s a flop: the PVC platform wedge
As signs of spring continue to shine their way through New England, it won’t be long before flip flops, the ubiquitous and seasonal casual shoe, arrive back on the scene. And with that, flip flops’ arch nemesis: the PVC platform wedge.
With heights that rival resin heels that are often seen at the most notorious of, ahem, gentlemen’s clubs and embellishments that are apt to appear on a dog collar, the PVC wedge retracts the effortless “slide in, slide out” methodology of the flip flop. And did I mention that foam wedges look ridiculous on 100% of the female population?
I encourage Sole Envie blog readers to visit the Alley, home of nightclub locales The Estate, Liquor Store and pathway to hell. On any given evening April through October, there’s a good chance that 5 out of every 10 women you pass will be traipsing and tripping about in such footwear that better serves as a stepstool than accompaniment to getting on down on the dance floor. The other 5 out of 10 women will stare in horror as these women barrel into them, knockoff Coach hobos and raspberry vodkas flying. Five inches of manmade material intended to wash one’s car with doesn’t offer much stability.
The solution to this footwear faux pas is so simple, any woman can do it:
- Be fabulous
- Wear shoes of your liking that won’t give you blisters, bunions and other unsightly podiatric ailments
- If the temptation of sky-high stilettos has you hooked, pack a pair of plain old flip flops in your purse for quick relief in the ladies’ room
- Repeat as necessary
-Karyn Polewaczyk
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Monday, March 30th, 2009 | Flat, Platforms, Sandals, Tips, Uncategorized, Wedges | No Comments
Here comes the bride (and bridesmaid)
My sister and I often agree to disagree: I like gold jewelry; she prefers silver. I enjoy a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream as is, while she’ll have hers chocolate and with sprinkles, please. My taste in men is tall, dark, handsome and fleeting, while hers is a boyfriend of five years who turned into her fiancé last February.
And so it began: the planning of the wedding of the century (or so it seemed to a preternatural single girl). Topics of discussion quickly transformed from Boston gossip and general silliness to cakes, florists and centerpieces. And then came the bridesmaid dresses: battles over fabrics , color and cut ensued on a seemingly daily basis. When my sister finally narrowed it down to a gorgeous, plum colored sheath dress from Coren Moore, I was satisfied – until the topic changed to bridesmaid shoe regulations.
My sister wanted me and the other two bridesmaids to have matching footwear. Multiple problems arose with this idea, ranging from our geographical distances to height to foot width. I finally put my foot down (no pun intended) and chose a pair of metallic strappy silver sandals from Benetton, with my fingers crossed that they would pass. Not only were the sandals on sale at 65% off, they’re well-made, stylish, and most importantly, comfortable – how else would I be able to dance the night away to the sounds of Michael Jackson and Earth, Wind and Fire?
Moral of the story: when shopping for your bridal party, flexibility should come from more than just the sole. And the girl and her sandals lived happily ever after.
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 | Sandals | No Comments
Time to buy? Not so fast, fashionistas
Put down those Christian Louboutins and slowly back away. The fashion police, on full recession alert, are here to offer proverbial smack down to any fashionista who dares to defy the rules of sale shoe shopping.
First things first: everything is on sale right now. Televisions, cars, Botox and shoes are just a handful of consumer products that retailers and specialty stores are anxious to push onto wallet weary customers. A properly fitting, well-made shoe is worth its weight in gold (or leather, or suede, or crushed velvet), almost regardless of the price. If marked down, $200 zebra-print Jimmy Choo strappy sandals with crystal heel embellishments really strike your fancy, by all means – go for them! But if you foresee those sandals getting more action in their box than the dance floor, think twice before dropping hard-earned cash on a name. Staples, such as wear-with-everything pumps in neutral brown and black, are worth buying at full price. The return-on-investment of a shoe that truly speaks to you and your style is multiplied with each wear.
Second: we’re mid-season. To get the best deal on winter-friendly gear, wait until June or July, where venerable steals will abound. Likewise, spring and summer sandals, flip flops and peep-toe pumps will beckon from the sale rack come October and November. Planning ahead, the same way a gourmet chef would stock up for her kitchen, can pay off. Visualize, visualize, visualize, and ignore the snow falling outside when you’re trying on the perfect gladiator lace up flat at 75% off.
Last: re-evaluate what you already have. Spend a weekend afternoon reworking various wardrobe/shoe/accessory combinations – mix and match pieces you wouldn’t dream of possibly pairing. You might find a new best friend for those hardly worn slouchy suede boots in a camel blazer; or, consider consigning the lime kitten heels that just don’t do it for you anymore. With days of excess in our past, sometimes a good housecleaning is just what the doctor ordered.
-Karyn Polewaczyk
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 | Boots, Flat, Gladiators, Peep Toes, Sandals, Tips | No Comments
Festive feet
According to Wikipedia, Mardi Gras is “the most famous Carnival celebration in the world.” Parades, parties and celebrations of all sorts consume the world up until Fat Tuesday, the culmination and climax of Mardi Gras season, and ends on Ash Wednesday, known in religious circles as the beginning of the Lenten season. With exuberance and a host of sins playing central to Mardi Gras themes, costumes are decadent, provocative and richly hued in shades of gold, purple and green. Likewise, shoes are over-the-top, with platform heels, strappy stilettos and spiky pumps taking center stage.
Don’t let churn of the 9-5 get your spirits down this Fat Tuesday. Instead, why not slip into fantasy and envision your feet fancy with these luxurious party shoes?
Manolo Blahnik Jeweled Open-toe Slide (photo: Neiman Marcus)
Wearing Manolo Blahniks is, after all, a party for your toes.
Perhaps a jester’s costume, classic Mardi Gras attire, doesn’t match your briefcase. No worries – Valentino has you covered with their Cabaret t-strap sandal:
Cabaret T-Strap Sandal by Valentino (photo: Neiman Marcus)
Also pairs well with the beads your coworkers will inevitably toss over your cubicle in an effort to replicate New Orleans in the office.
Green, the color which symbolizes faith in the triumvirate palette of this Carnival, makes a statement with these Lanvin slingback sandals:
Metallic Woven Slingback Sandal by Lanvin (photo: Barneys New York)
With a $995 price tag that rivals your weekly paycheck, your boss will applaud you for being so financially savvy.
From Bourbon Street to Newbury Street, festive fashionistas everywhere will have something to celebrate!
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 | Celebrity, Peep Toes, Platforms, Pumps, Sandals, Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments
“Because When I’m With Him, I am…Thinking of Shoes”
Actually, I’m lucky enough to be in a relationship with someone who can hold my attention even better than the perfect heel. But watching Katy Perry’s new video for “Thinking of You” found me positively salivating. Not only am I a sucker for anything that even subtly echoes the 1940s or 1950s, but when Katy, convincingly portraying despair, marched down the stairs of the adorable little farmhouse her video’s storyline found her inhabiting, I found myself breathless. Like a Loch Ness obsessed cryptozoologist attempting to attain the perfect photographic evidence for what he is certain is the citing of the century, I was pathetically pausing the fated YouTube video that spawned my obsession in an attempt to catch the perfect screencap of the perfect heels. Who is the genius who revealed himself as master of my pedi-fantasies? After some extensive googling, and the fear that these were simply a pair of vintage heels that, while beautiful, were the labor of love of some designer long deceased leaving only very rare gems of his genius buried in consignment shops all over the United States. I envisioned myself in horror tying a (Coach) scarf containing all my necessities onto the end of a (Restoration Hardware) stick and making my way around the country like a vagabond, trolling antique clothing shops in vain. Thankfully, that was not to be my fate.
Enter Giambattista Valli, designer of Katy Perry’s “Thinking of You” shoes. And a similar pair of said shoes (Exhibit A). Alas, the actual pair that she was wearing in the video are currently out of stock. They slipped through my fingers. But what does that leave us with? Exactly. Inspiration. His platforms are incredibly unique, and he manages to marry adorably large platforms and heels with extreme femininity. And let us not overlook the fact that the man does bows and ankle straps like none other. We will soon have the unique opportunity to customize our own shoes. While sometimes we may fear that the perfect shoe has eluded us, a powerful tool will soon be at our hands which will enable us to create something which will perhaps be infinitely more perfect.
Photo: Style.com (Fall 2008 RTW Collection)
Photo: Style.com (Fall 2008 RTW Collection)
As the first lines of Katy’s track say…”Comparisons are easily done, once you’ve had a taste of perfection.”
Posted by alyssa on Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 | Platforms, Pumps, Sandals, Uncategorized | No Comments
The five F’s of shoe shopping.
When shopping for shoes, there are a plethora of minute decisions a girl makes well before slipping her tootsies into a sole. Consider the following the five F’s - a handful of factors that go into almost every decision I make on a shoe - before your next purchase.
1. Find.
Are you perusing for the perfect pair of camel riding boots (I know I am) with time to spare, or do you have 15 minutes to score some strappy slingbacks for something festive? Time, the luxury with no price tag, can direct where to browse - and where to avoid. Keep mental notes of consistent lines; Aldo, for example, can always be counted on for sparkly and well-heeled party shoes at a reasonable price, and Bloomingdale’s has great after-season sales on the normally pricey Frye line. (Don’t forget to check out your local consignment shop for especially sweet deals on gently worn shoes - I’ve been pleasantly surprised more often than not.)
2. Function.
Clogs may be work well for the weekend, but can they deliver at the office? How often will you really wear lace up gladiator stilettos, aside from that one night with that one dress and those gold hoop earrings that complement them so well? If you’ve got specific shoes for specific tasks, great; some of us (yours truly included) try to get the most bang for our buck. This is, of course, where price starts to come into play. Try to envision a variety of places, people and purposes you can wear your prospective new purchase(s). I buy to keep, rarely choosing seasonal styles that come and go like the wind. And if you’re determined to spend a month’s rent on something outrageous and impractical - all the power to you.
3. Fit.
How well does your shoe fit? Form goes well beyond the scope of heel height. Without sufficient space for your feet to breathe, every pinched nerve, squished toe and misaligned arch will feel that much worse. I recently learned how going a half size up - despite being a coveted 7 for almost ten years - made all the difference.
4. Fabric.
Being high maintenance is not just about more drama for your mama. How far are you willing to go to keep a pair of say, sandals, around for five weeks, five months or five years? Shoes made of satin, while lovely, can make their way to an early grave with an undetected spill of red wine. Quality leather should be polished and moisturized on a regular basis to avoid looking like a South Beach octogenarian. Scuffs, soles, and the tiny rubber pieces that mold to the bottom of even the pointiest stilettos - these all eventually need TLC, even more so if you’re a city slicker constantly on the go. On the plus side, your favorite pair of shoes will remain that way for years to come.
5. Fun.
Bring on the leopard print! And the patent leather in sherbert shades of yellow, pink and orange. Experiment with new styles, colors, designers and heel height. Mix and matching can give even the most lifeless of wardrobes extra oomph. Veering off the straight and narrow can change your look - and, dare I say - change your life.
Above all, be true to yourself - and be confident with each step that you take!
Posted by Karyn Polewaczyk on Thursday, January 15th, 2009 | Boots, Flat, Pumps, Sandals, Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments
