I Feel Pretty and Practical in Nina

It was a Pretty Woman experience for me Saturday night at the opening of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Although, I was sans one Richard Gere. Sigh). One of the many perks of my new job is being able to attend events that I wouldn’t otherwise go to—red carpet, black tie, beautiful gowns, gorgeous people. Alas, I knew I’d have to wear something amazing. Rather than buy an entire outfit, I decided to jazz up a vintage dress I bought for New Year’s Eve two years ago, but never had the chance to wear. Normally, I would have searched for the funkiest of shoes to counter my solid black dress, but in this situation, I decided a classic shoe was best. The event was traditional, yes, but I needed a shoe that could be worn beyond the weekend. One that would outlive the fall, winter, and possibly spring, trends because of my job. I was looking for longevity. I ended up snagging the Effie by Nina, a 4-inch, black satin shoe with a slight peep toe. Despite my nerves, I felt comfortable in my new purchase. And when opera singer Renee Fleming busted out her rendition of West Side Story’s “I Feel Pretty,” I can honestly say, I did. Practicality isn’t utilized in the fashion industry often, but in some circumstances it can be quite nice.

Effie by Nina

Working Girl

This week was momentous in the life of Elizabeth Riley. I started a new job at Chicago magazine. It has always been my philosophy that every life-changing event should be accompanied by a pair of shoes, and a new job is no exception. Upon leaving work yesterday evening, I decided that a sophisticated pair of shoes were in order, so I set off to find a pair with just the right amount of edginess, class and style. My first (and last) stop was Lori’s Shoes online.

Exploring the selection under “Fall 2009 Trends,” Poseidon by Vaneli caught my eye with its classic peep-toe-meets-oxford design (Lord knows I’m a sucker for a peep toe). But this shoe boasts more than a sexy glimpse of my phalanges. Its 3 1/2-inch heel is a modest size for the office, and its two-tone look (black suede and brown patent leather) is perfect for the approaching fall season. I’m not so sure how the job’s going to go (fingers crossed), but at least I know I’ll look good doing it.

Vaneli Poseidon, Lori's Shoes, $98

I Hate Reptiles, But I Love Prada.

It’s hard to imagine what an iguana/Trojan warrior might look on one’s foot, but it appears Prada is on to something. Generally, reptiles don’t evoke the warm and fuzzies inside me, yet as I flipped through latest issue of Chicago Fashion, I was far from creeped out—I was in awe. Chunky soles, studs and mohawks, oh my! With such fabulous details, this shoe might have me rethinking my philosophy on cold-blooded creatures.

Prada Fall 2009 Shoe Collection

Photo by Cy (Via Flickr Creative Commons License)

Short People Have Legs (and Feelings), Too

When it comes to shoes, short people have a lot more to lose. Us shorties don’t have the luxury of mile-long legs to distract the rest of the world from our poor shoe decisions (not that I ever make any). Our bodies consist of the following: head, chest, torso, er—feet. Seeing as I’m only 5-feet tall (and one eighth), I generally go for a shoe that either a) adds eight inches to my stature, or b) is so stunning everyone forgets that I’m their walking arm rest. Ideally, I want a shoe that does both. Enter Trinette by Guillaume Hinfray. The heel may only be 4 1/2-inches tall, but its gold chain-link T-strap design more than makes up for it. These babies say tall, sexy—and confident—with just one glance. Eat your heart out, Gisele.

Trinette by Guillaume Hinfray, Bluefly.com, $386

My Silver Anniversary

At the end of this month I will celebrate my 25th birthday. This year, I’ve decided to treat my quarter-century birthday like a wedding anniversary and invest in something silver. Silver shoes, that is. Below are a few options I’ve been mulling over. Let me know which ones you love/hate, because every shoe gal needs to make an informed decision.

Pelle Moda Carlin Slingback, Nordstrom, $140

Chinese Laundry Latte Heel, Heels.com, $70

Martinez Valero Corrine Pump, Heels.com, $135

Promiscuous Splendid Pump, Zappos, $100

So this one isn’t silver, but I’m not so sure I can wait til my 50th birthday to buy a pair.

Max Studio Boudica Sandal, Heels.com, $185

I’m Feeling Randi, Baby! Yeah!

I love when a shoe makes you feel romantic, nostalgic even. When I saw the Randi pump by L.A.M.B. I immediately transported myself into some sort of classic movie extravaganza full of wistful characters like Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman (Austin Powers didn’t make an appearance, but I just couldn’t help myself with the headline).

This heel’s elegant peep toe and stitched-down ruffles pay tribute to eras past, while the
4 1/2-inch heel keeps things trendy. Sadly, the mysterious, brooding gentleman is sold separately. Available at Nordstrom.

Randi Pump by L.A.M.B., $345

What Stayed in Vegas

I recently got back from my first trip to Vegas, and like many a lady before me, I fell in love (sans the drive-thru wedding chapel). Amid all the designer shops and boutiques I spotted a shoe that almost had me begging for fall, Kirov by Chanel. And if I’d had roughly $1,200, what happened in Vegas certainly wouldn’t have stayed there.

Bellagio Chanel, Kirov Collection

Bellagio Chanel, Kirov Collection

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

Buy Some Shoes, Save a Life

By now I’m sure you all know about TOMS Shoes, the company that gives a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair of shoes you buy. If you didn’t, might I suggest a) tuning into the latest AT&T commercial, which features the stylish, do-good brand and its handsome founder Blake Mycoskie, and b) purchasing some hand-painted Tyler Ramsey TOMS (see below) immediately.

Hand-painted Tyler Ramsey TOMS, $68

For the longest time I thought TOMS was an anomaly. And in many respects it still is. But TOMS isn’t the only company to combine my two favorite things—helping people and shoes. The Preemptive Love Coalition, a non-profit organization, sells hand-made Kurdish shoes and invests the profits toward heart surgeries for impoverished Arab and Kurdish children.

Blue Klash, $100

Each pair of shoes, called Klash, costs $100 and take approximately 40 hours to make. Kurdish men tackle the soles, the most difficult part of the shoe, while Kurdish women stitch the rest.

According to the PLC, each shoe carries “the unique mark of its maker. No shoe is perfect, as Muslim craftsman often regard that quality as belonging to God alone.”

They aren’t as stylish as a pair of TOMS, but reading about the Iraqi children they save on the organization’s blog more than makes up for it.

Whether you go for some TOMS or a pair of Klash’s (or both!), at the end of the day, fashion is great—helping people is better.

Rap Star Meets Roman

If gladiators listened to hip hop, I’m sure they’d be digging Baby’s Phat’s new Ayana sandal. I scored a pair while venturing the craziness that is DSW a few weeks back, and I’ve had trouble keeping them off my feet ever since. I have to make a conscious effort not to wear them more than three times a week otherwise I might ruin my shoe cred. This is not as damaging as losing your street cred, but equally embarrassing.

In the past, Baby Phat was never on my radar,  but these glam-tastic glads have changed my opinion of the brand—the jury is still out on Kimora Lee Simmons. They easily transition between day and night, making them the perfect summer accessory. Wear them with capris to a beach shindig, or match them with a cotton dress for a casual night out. Available in black, silver and bronze at BabyPhat.com and Zappos.com.

Now if only we could get Russell Crowe to wear them.