Peppers, Ponies, and Prada?

I’m not sure at what point my life turned into True Life: Green Acres, but some days I feel like a combination of Wilbur and Lisa (and occasionally Arnold).

When most people get home from a long day of work, they relax, get something to eat, and perhaps even have a drink or two: HA! Yesterday, I got home from work only to discover that my dear, dear horse had broken into my garden and successfully trampled half my tomato and pepper plants. Obviously I did what any “farmer” would do; I went out and tried to chase him out of the garden!

Did I mention I was still wearing my work clothes? I can’t say I know too many farmers that run around a field in a Diane vonFurstenberg dress and Prada sandals. It must have been quite a site for passers by. Maybe I need my own reality show…

Anywho, you would think at some point I would finally invest in proper work boots (especially after my Wellie debaucle). But what do I know about work boots? I hear Red Wings are quite nice, and they do come in a rather lovely shade of burgundy. Should I go for a steel toe? I wonder if they make a patent leather version?

Making waves: Sea of Shoes blogger designs for Urban Outfitters

Late last year, fashion blogger Jane Aldridge (the name behind addictive style site Sea of Shoes) told trend tracker The Supermelon “I would make shoes that are extremely directional and design shoes for strong women who are confident in their own style. It is a dream of mine to design shoes someday…”

J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes for Urban Outfitters

Teens can dream. I did — when I was Aldridge’s age I was going to be a fashion illustrator. Or an anthropologist. Or Mrs. Jason Bateman. The thing is, 17 (!) year-old Dallas-based Aldridge is super-savy and apparently super-together. Writes shoe blogger Shoewawa: “She’s been featured in every glossy magazine from here to Japan, Kanye gave her props on his blog for her awesome sense of style and now … Sea of Shoes’ Jane Aldridge has been given the ultimate honour — a shoe designing collaboration with a major retailer.”

On June 23, Adridge made the following announcement on her effortless-yet-enviably-stylish blog:

“Hi guys, I’m excited to announce the launch of a capsule collection I did for Urban Outfitters. I’m so grateful to have been given the chance to design what I love (shoes!) and it has been a pleasure to work with UO.”

J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes for Urban Outfitters

In a press release she relates, “Ever since I’ve reached my full shoe size I’ve been fanatical about collecting shoes. That’s how my blog got started, as a means of chronicling my addiction to beautiful footwear and the evolution of my personal style.”

Recent dispatches on her blog are from Tokyo and depict Jane and her gorgeously cool mom (designer Judy Aldridge of Atlantis Dry Goods (http://atlantishome.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/03/page/2/) ) traipsing through parks, eating exotic meals, dropping into a “bohemian hippie grunge” salon for a haircut, photographing well-turned out locals and posing for each other in the most drool-worthy shoe collection (Martin Margiela clogs and cowboy boots, Stella McCartney mesh sandals).

Recent dispatches on her blog are from Tokyo and depict Jane and her gorgeously cool mom (designer Judy Aldridge of Atlantis Dry Goods) traipsing through parks, eating exotic meals, dropping into a “bohemian hippie grunge” salon for a haircut, photographing well-turned out locals and posing for each other in the most drool-worthy shoe collection (Martin Margiela clogs and cowboy boots, Stella McCartney mesh sandals).

Aldridge’s appropriately stylish collection launches at Urban Outfitters this month. According to blogger Nitro:Licious, the shoes are “currently on pre-order at UrbanOutfitters.com. The first collection consists of 3 styles, a Gladiator Heel ($98), a Laced Skimmer ($58) and a Laced Boot ($158)— my pick. Each style is available in black and brown except for the flats, shoes are slated to ship on July 23rd.”

Beat the Recession Blues with Sparkly Zanottis

We may be in the midst of an economic recession, but that doesn’t mean your heels have to show it. There’s a time and place to play the recessionista du jour, but it may be time to splurge (just a little).

Just throw on a pair of exuberant, lavishly decorated sandals like these platforms Giuseppe Zanotti sandals to show off the luxe lifestyle – dream, or reality.

These gorgeous black sandals are designed with oversized gemstones on the vamp and a super-skinny heel. 5 1/2” heels to be exact, but we’ve got some extra support with the 1 ¾” platform. There’s nothing that screams ‘recessionista’ to be found in these gorgeous heels. Whether you’re hitting the dance floor or relaxing in the lounge, these heels will definitely make a bold, flirtatious statement. Sparkle, shine and plenty of sass, these are the heels that demand a few second looks.

Why let the recession blues get in the way of your lavish tastes? These pretty heels are ready to turn of the heat of any summer or Fall ensemble.

Tess Tuesday: Celebrities Are Hot

Katie Holmes used to inspire millions of teenage girls to develop ridiculously educated vocabularies so they too could have life discussions with their window-crawling best guy friend turn boyfriend turn ex boyfriends just like Joey from Dawson’s Creek. Now, she inspires one little girl (her daughter) to wear fabulous Maloles just like mom.

Meanwhile, Kate Hudson is the go-to leading lady. Stunning, blonde, down to earth, fabulous. And she is the go-to celeb for great style. Go-to and you shall see: she loves Corso Como.

And Jessica Alba. She’s hot, and so is her fashion sense. Check out her choice of footwear: That’s right. Corso Como.

Barefoot Tess carries these celeb favorite designers Maloles and Corso Como - and in large sizes that you can’t find anywhere else! Fashion meets celebrity meets large feet meets BarefootTess.com. That is a lot of meeting.

Beyonce’s Very Special Dior Shoes

As a supplement to my last post on the footwear of the BET awards, I wanted to focus briefly on Beyonce’s Dior t-strap shoes she wore with a remarkable Balmain dress. Typically I don’t find much inspiration in Beyonce’s fashion choices (And I don’t think she really does Balmain justice the way let’s say Emanuelle Alt the ever so stylish Fashion Director of Vogue Paris does) but I do think these shoes are pretty fantastic on their own. Is it overkill (as usual) for the outfit? Yes. Is it the shoes fault? No way. They are amazing. From frontal view they look like a sexy pair of purple sandals but then turn to the side and ta-da! you see a little skirt of colorful beading!

Best of the BET Awards

This year’s BET Awards was shadowed by the devastating news of Michael Jackson’s untimely passing. Appropriately, the organizers, hosts and attendees decided to make it an evening in tribute to the King of Pop and his amazing legacy. This was very much the case in many of the performers and guests’ apparel choices as well. Ciara wore a custom Michael Jackson inspired marching band jacket and fantastic buckle boots for her performance; Keri Hilson performed with glittering socks and slip on loafers as did the evening’s host Jamie Foxx. Others accented their outfits with Michael elements like a single glove and other sparkly and shiny things. While Keri and Ciara are my pick for best Michael inspire footwear, Zoe Saldana in Brian Atwood and Amerie in Alexander McQueen are my best non-Michael inspired pics. Check it out.

Ultimate Shoe Test: Dancing

If shoes had an enemy, it’d be dancing. We’re all painfully aware of what cutting-it-loose does to our feet, and yet we continue to damage our soles all in the name of disco. This dilemma even led to the creation of Rollasoles, as reported last week on Shoetube. But if you don’t live anywhere near London, Los Angeles or New York, blisters and scabs will forever pester you every time you bust a move.

Until recently, my motto was—like most girls—beauty is pain. That is, until I met Report Signature’s Tocai platform heel. I’d had a casual night out with Tocai roughly a month ago as she escorted me to a  going-away bash in Uptown. The highlight of my night was being yelled at by one of Chicago’s finest, “Hey, hey you! Can you run in those heels?” As his partner sped the cop car away in embarrassment, I only thought to scream back, “Only if I have to!” A memorable experience, yes, but the Tocai and I didn’t bond that night.

Report Signature's Tocai, available through eModa.com

We did however, form a lasting relationship at my friend Whitney’s wedding two weekends ago at the Chicago Botanic Garden. And it wasn’t just any relationship—it was a dance relationship. A wedding is one of those occasions where you’re expected to look fierce despite the impending dance floor that awaits you. I decided to go with a silk blue cocktail dress and took my chances by pairing it with the Tocai in coral.

I’ll admit the 5-inch heel took some getting used to, but not once during “Sweet Caroline” or “Hey Ya” did my feet cry out to the heavens begging for an amputation. And even after all the dancing, I still managed to flaunt my stuff at the after-party. If dancing were the ultimate test of a shoe’s worthiness—and we all know that it is—the Tocai would pass with flying colors.

And with that, I think dance floors should be mandatory in all shoe stores. Who’s with me?

Report Signature's Tocai, available through eModa.com

Strike a Futuristic Pose with Costume National Platforms

The futuristic trend is one of the hottest looks for the season, which mean now is the time to repurpose those metallic accessories and heels, and play space cadet for the night.

If you still haven’t picked up a fashion-forward look from outer space, I suggest you take a close look at these unique heels designed to make many do a double-take. These structured platforms from Costume National are designed with a structured metal heel that looks like a miniature silver sculpture. You’ll be propped up on 4 ¼” heels and a ¾” platform, so there’s no need to practice your step.

These platform sandals have a nice thick layer of leather lining and padding for extra comfort, and a side buckle closure on the ankle strap to lengthen those legs to the max.

And what should you wear with these, space cadet? A pair of grey or white capris, or a short silver or white summer dress will fit the bill. Accessorize with a metallic silver or grey patent leather bag for the ultimate match.

Tess Tuesday: Shoe Seek

Seeking shoes?  Seeking great prizes?  Seeking something to seek?

Barefoot Tess teamed up with fabulous shoe-loving blogs, sites, and friends to create an incredible Shoe Seek 2009 scavenger hunt contest for a whole grand prize package full of wonderful prizes!  It is almost too good to be true, too amazing to believe, too incredible to fathom… except it really does exist.

What can you win?  What can’t you win?  Here is what the grand prize package includes:

-$250 shopping spree to BarefootTess.com!

-$50 Nordstrom gift certificate (courtesy of TallClothingMall.com)!

-A vintage porcelain heart brooch (courtesy of IPlayFavorites Blogger Joy D)!

-A signed copy of ‘The Budget Fashionista‘ Kathryn Finney’s first book “How to Be a Budget Fashionista”

-Shoe Seek winner feature blog/article and picture on the following fabulous shoe-loving sites: BarefootTess.com, Blogging Barefoot Blog, TallWomen.org, Fashion Fille’s blog, YourFeetMakeYouUnique blog, and ShoeTube!

Check out all the details and information on the Shoe Seek site – and register for your chance to win all these incredible prizes!

A Sookie Stackhouse Summer: As Seen at BARE Mag

To return the favor for the sleek summer trends piece the BARE magazine editors did for us, I let them in on my True summer shoe muse. Here it is, in case you missed it over at BARE’s blog.

My personal start-of-summer ritual always begins with a really pulpy paperback and ends with a light new pair of kicks. But after devouring the Twilight series in the spring, I was afraid nothing could top the vamp-induced trance I wanted to recreate on the beach. Enter Sookie Stackhouse, telepathic waitress, vampire-lover, and my fictional summertime muse.

Sure tons of people picked up Dead Until Dark, the first in a series of supernatural books set in sweaty Louisiana, ages ago, but I think now is the perfect time. True Blood, the HBO show based on the hot novels, is in the beginning of it’s second season, giving me the perfect excuse to immerse myself in page-turners, season one episodes and season two spoilers. I’m all about Sookie.

t doesn’t hurt that the adorable Anna Paquin plays her character, a petite blond with a penchant for short summer dresses paired with platform sandals, sling-back kitten heels and girly sneakers. All her styles are summer-y, sexy, and timeless, perfect for a gal with a civil war- era boyfriend. And well, perfect for another gal in search of summer shoes to take me through every situation of the season on a very tight budget.

With Sookie’s style on my mind I turned to a funky vintage eBay boutique with plenty of southern charm, Elvis Really Rocks. My top picks from this aptly-named store:

Bone peep-toe sling backs with a heel low enough for strolling but high enough to get some attention;

Red hot canvas Keds with a pebbled sole and braided trim;

Prim navy Hopsack tennis shoes with thick jute soles;

Rope and leather braided sandals with wooden heels;

Now I’m not so sure Sookie would go for these chunky, laid-back, 70s suede cut-out sandals. But they seem like sweet shoes for summer reading.

Photo via.