Manolo Blahnik inducted into Rodeo Drive Walk of Style
Manolo Blahnik and Lucy Liu
Lucy Liu wore her favorite black Manolos, so did Hilary Duff and China Chow, while “Mad Men” star January Jones preened in her Blahnik red pumps. They and other Hollywood fans of the fabulous shoe designer gathered on Sept. 25, in Beverly Hills to celebrate Manolo Blahnik’s induction to the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style. It’s an honor that only 11 other designers have achieved, with the stylish Spaniard joining names like Armani, Versace, Head, Ford, and Ferragamo in having a permanent plaque displayed in the heart of Rodeo Drive.
Read the entire story — or at least check out the photo slide show — from Fashion Wire Daily.
Teachers get discount at Aerosoles shoe stores
Here’s one for the teachers. Aerosoles footwear is making sure teachers start off on the right foot by offering a 15 percent discount to all teachers.
Members of the National Education Association can get the discount at all Aerosoles stores and on all styles. The down side: The Aerosoles web site shows no Aerosoles stores in Oklahoma. But keep this in mind if you travel outside the state or send it to your teacher friends and family who live elsewhere.
Fashion industry goes after Sarah Palin’s style
Sarah Palin … vice presidential nominee
You probably already know that women are scrambling for Sarah Palin’s rimless glasses. Now fashion firms are getting the word out fast about what kind of shoes she wears. Wig companies hope to cash in on her hairstyle. What’s next?
Read the story in the Wall Street Journal.
Ultimate Shoe Lover Experience in New York City
Here’s a to-die-for shopping trip for shoe afficionados.
The Ultimate Shoe Lover Experience in New York City includes a private after-hours shopping party in Bergdorf Goodman’s shoe salon, where a personal shopping team is ready to help, along with a store style expert.
And don’t even think about schlepping your bags back to your room. Your purchases will be hand-delivered to your suite at the Trump International Hotel & Tower.
The Ultimate Shoe Lover Experience accommodates a group of six shoe lovers and includes:
* A one-night stay in a three-bedroom suite overlooking Central Park.
* A private party, including champagne and hors d’oeuvres, for you and five friends in Bergdorf Goodman’s legendary shoe salon after-hours.
* A Bergdorf Goodman style expert will be on-hand to discuss the key trends and offer a sneak peek at the upcoming season.
* A $250 Bergdorf Goodman gift card for each guest.
* A dedicated personal shopping team to help select everyone’s perfect pairs
* Delivery of all of your purchases from Bergdorf Goodman to your hotel room by a Trump Attaché.
* A signed copy of a Manolo Blahnik must-read book for each guest.
* A limited-edition Bergdorf Goodman signature shoe bag for each guest.
* In-room spa pedicure for each guest.
* Car transfers to/from Bergdorf Goodman.
* 4 p.m. late check-out.
Price: $6,325. Check it out at www.trumpNewYorkHotel.com or call (212) 299-1000.
Shoes for those in need
Gather up any gently worn shoes in your closet and head to Shoe Carnival.
Soles4Souls, an international charity that provides free footwear to those in need, has teamed with Shoe Carnival for a fundraiser and national shoe trade-in program.
Bring a pair of gently worn shoes to any Shoe Carnival store and receive a $5 coupon. Customers can also donate $2, which will buy new shoes for someone who has never owned a pair.
The programs begin Sept. 3 and continue through Sept. 24.
Fall shoe shopping … yippee
I love shoes. Always have. In a recent post, I admired several pairs of gorgeous and interesting shoes — all probably priced way beyond my budget.
Now it’s time to get serious, so I’m narrowing my search to shoes that won’t send my credit card in shock. I’ll hit the stores next week, but until then, take a peek at what I’ve found.
Isaac Mizrahi for Target lace-up patent bootie, $34.99 and Nine West “Jade” pump with criss-cross detail, $89.
Isaac Mizrahi leopard moccasins for Target, $29.99
Nine West “Cuzza” lace-up boot, $149
Purple faux suede tie pump from Payless, $24.99
Franco Sarto “Magic” pump, croc-embossed detail, $98.95
Cool vegan shoes without the “moo”
Here it is, PETA’s first-ever list of where to buy the most fashionable, most comfortable and, yes, sexiest vegan shoes.
1. Zappos.com. The place for sporty sandals and sneakers. Shipping is free, and Zappos even carries Stella McCartney’s hot line of vegan shoes for Adidas. ww.zappos.com/n/br/bq/866.html
2. Bourgeois Bohème. Casual and elegant footwear as well as stellar boots, bags, wallets, belts, cosmetics, and more. http://www.bboheme.com/
3. Moo Shoes has everything but the “moo” — from comfy slip-ons and cozy boots to dressy heels and cute sandals. http://www.mooshoes.com/
4. Payless Shoe Source. These stores are practically stacked to the ceiling with vegan shoes. And they’re so affordable that you can buy three or four pairs at a time! http://www.payless.com/
5. Target. A big selection of stylish and inexpensive leather-free kicks is, well, right on target. http://www.target.com/
6. Chinese Laundry. This company has an amazing vegan line of strappy sandals, kitten-heeled pumps, sweet Mary Janes, and just about anything else a woman could want. http://www.chineselaundry.com/shoes.asp?sess=071508410140872656&type=v
7. Life Stride, It’s nearly 100 percent vegan line of business and casual shoes can be found at department stores such as Dillard’s and many others. http://www.lifestride.com/
8. AlternativeOutfitters.com. The site stresses style, comfort, and durability in its wide line of pumps, heels, flats, wedges, sandals, boots and more. http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/
9. T.U.K. Add some funk to your wardrobe with a pair of retro-inspired heels, sneakers, or chunky “vegan leather” boots. https://www.tukshoes.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=73_67_23&zenid=ad1r7shs5a6peguegu9iunj2n6
10. Journeys. Head to the mall for leather-free platform heels, skateboarding shoes, colorful sneakers, and much more. http://www.journeys.com/catalog.aspx?c=girls
Shoe contest … hurry, time’s running out
Who among us doesn’t have a favorite pair of shoes? Maybe it’s a pair of red mock-croc boots or a snakeskin peep-toe wedge. Oh, wait, those are mine.
Anyway, Rack Room Shoes wants to know about your favorite shoes, and you just might win its “Best Loved Shoes” Sweepstakes. Did you save your high school prom shoes or your wedding shoes? There’s got to be a story there.
To enter the sweepstakes, go to Rack Room Shoes’ MySpace page, www.myspace.com/rackroom, and click on the “Best Loved Shoes” Sweepstakes link. Submit a picture and a short story of your most loved shoes for a chance to win a $250 Rack Room Shoes voucher anda Polaroid digital camera. Runners-up will receive a $50 Rack Room voucher and a Polaroid digital camera.
Hurry, the contest continues through August. Winners will be announced Sept. 1.
Sole searching
I read in today’s paper that footwear companies are cutting back on inventories in anticipation of a slow year
With higher gas and food prices, it’s likely that shoppers will make some tough decisions. Even if your budget won’t allow a new pair of shoes this season, dream along with me. These shoes are way out of my price range but it’s fun to look.
Next week I’ll check out the Nine West and Franco Sarto styles, which are more in check with my checking account.
Burberry pump with studded heel.
Burberry Trench Belt riding boot.
Kate Spade brown suede oxford and Prada slingback.
Designer Tracy Reese slips into Keds
Designer Tracy Reese will bring her plenty by Tracy Reese contemporary line to Keds in spring 2009.
Reese is known for her use of interesting prints, embellishments and colors, and the shoes are expected to be a nice complement to Keds’ classic style. Reese’s collection is expected to offer customers a new take on their favorite Keds styles.
“Keds has a unique feminine aesthetic coupled with fun whimsical designs,” says
plenty by Tracy
