These Boots Are Made for Banking

 When I think of bankers, my pea brain conjures up a very straight-laced image of tailored suits, briefcases, and proper black loafers: think the guys from the Fidelity Fiduciary song in Mary Poppins. 

 

Imagine the shock, wonder, and amazement I experienced yesterday when I was at the bank and  my favorite teller, Ben, told me that he was wearing boots, platform boots, to work today! I was in a rush, so sadly I didn’t have time to ask for a full description of his footwear. I’m hoping to find some banking matters to tend to today, so I can catch a glimpse (and hopefully a photo) of his Halloween heels. I’m really hoping they look something like these gold sparkly platforms.

Needless to say, any company that understands shoes need not be serious–especially around Halloween–is a place I want to do business!  

P.S. It never ceases to fascinate me how some guys actually manage to walk (or run!) quite well in heels, yet I still see young ladies that can’t seem to walk without wobbling…

Sneakerball 2009: Who’s That Chick Rockin’ Kicks?

At the Greater Washington Sports Alliance (GWSA) 2009 Sneakerball that “chick” may have been Sheila C. Johnson, Lindsay Czarniak, or Cristy Oglevee.

Sheila C. Johnson (pictured right)

For 6 years running the GWSA has honored outstanding members of D.C.’s sport’s community at this unique black tie event that encourages attendees to wear tennies with their tuxes! But I had to wonder, do women actually ditch their stilettos for sneakers?

As I approached the venue in my pink sparkly Converse, I was slightly apprehensive; however, my fears were assuaged as I saw not just men, but many women sporting sneakers as well. I talked to several women who fessed up that they too were afraid they would be the only heeless gals, but in the end swapped their pumps for Pumas anyway. Quite a few ladies, though, could not part with their heels and sported some killer stilettos. The hands-down most asked question of the night? Why on earth WOULDN’T you wear sneakers?! Most of the guys assumed it

Mike Easby, Mrs. DC Deanna McCray, and Justin Scango

was a vanity issue, but Mrs. DC, Deanna McCray raised a very valid point. Her evening gowns are hemmed for heels (as are most of ours), so wearing sneakers would leave her dress dragging on the floor. She promised she tried–and wanted to–wear sneakers, but they just wouldn’t work.

As for the guys and gals that sported sneakers, there were some very impressive shoes! Converse were probably the most popular choice as one can find them in an array of colors and textures. I also discovered that Nike and Puma make some pretty sharp sneaks as well! My absolute favorite shoes, though, were the DIY projects. Sheila Johnson spruced up her sneakers with ribbon laces in shades of salamander, and I was totally jealous of Julie Hoyt who added rhinestones to the toes of her silver Converse (why didn’t I think of that?!).

Sheila Johnson wore snazzy salamander laces

Julie Hoyt jazzed up her Converse using rhinestones

While there were an abundance of stand-out shoes, the real stars of the evening were the GWSA honorees, including the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver and the Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin. I must say, that whether you’re more into sports or shoes, the Sneakerball is truly a one-of-a-kind experience and a black tie event that you will never forget.

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Fashion’s Night Out in DC: Have heels replaced hemlines as economic indicators?

Roaring 20’s economics guru (and perhaps closet fashionista) George Taylor coined the “Hemline Theory” which claimed that the stock market moved up and down in accordance with women’s hemlines. The Hemline Theory did have some logic behind it. In the earlier part of the century, silk stocking were considered a luxury item. When times were prosperous women could afford this little luxury, and so they wanted to show them off by wearing short skirts. However, in an age where maxis and minis both are on trend, I think perhaps we should look to heels as a new economic indicator.

Consider ballet flats, which have been quite popular the last few years. They’re the lowest possible heel, and where has the Dow been hanging out? While short skirts showed off fancy stockings, heel height (or lack thereof) is a practicality issue. If one is saving some money and walking in lieu of hailing a taxicab, 5-inch platforms probably aren’t your best bet. Many have even dubbed these uber stilettos “Limo Heels” implying that one must be able to afford luxury transport as 7-inches hardly makes for a good walking shoe.

Last night as I headed to Neiman’s for Fashion’s Night Out festitivies–stimulating the economy is

Is that a DOUBLE platform?! Photo: NM

our patriotic duty after all–I felt like I didn’t quite measure up. I was wearing one of my fave vintage Pucci dresses, so my ensemble wasn’t the problem. Perhaps my Bert-esque  brows? I immediately headed straight to the PR at Partners stand that did complimentary hair and eyebrows at the event to fix that problem, but I still felt like I fell SHORT. Then it dawned on me: my 3-inch heels just didn’t measure up! I headed to the shoe department to sip some champagne and collect my thoughts–seriously, what is more relaxing than lounging in the Neiman Marcus shoe section sipping some champers? As I sat surrounded by my good buddies Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, and Valentino I noticed that when it comes to footwear this fall everything is looking up Up UP– Boots are over-the-knee, while any stiletto worth its weight in Harry Winston will put you over the moon. Judging by the looks of things, if my heel height theory holds, Fashion’s Night Out has definitley kicked off the start of a very fun and prosperous shopping season.

Chapeau or Shoe?

Just when I thought that footwear for Fall 2009 couldn’t get any more fabulous, Pedro Garcia has designed the most incredible d’orsay pump.

Photo: Neiman Marcus

Feathers, grosgrain ribbon, pearl hatpin–it’s everything that makes a great hat, but in a shoe?! Don’t get me wrong, I adore hats, but a shoe (even a feathered one) is obviously a far more practical purchase. I love everything about this shoe from the cut, to the contrasting colors and textures. Well, there is one thing I’m not mad about: the price. At $750, I may have to sacrifice heating this winter in order to snag this beauty.

UPDATE: *Swoon* Just discovered it comes in a ballet flat as well and there are color options. I’ve already given up heat: what about electricity?

DIY Shoetube Style Part 1: Finding the Perfect Paint Amongst My Shoes

As I was lounging poolside trying to figure out my next home improvement project (I have a real fixer-upper), I decided that my front door is in desperate need of a new shade of polish errrr I mean paint. Mind you, I have a stream in my basement and a rogue raccoon living in my atttic, but obviously the front door takes priority.

Currently my door is painted what I believe is called “barn” red or at least that’s what the paint can in the garage said. I mean, seriously? I do not live in a barn, so I’m not quite sure why my front door should resemble one.

As I pondered paint pallets, much in the fashion I choose pedi-polish colors, I decided that I needed inspiration. Then it dawned on me: what better place to look for the perfect hue, than amongst my shoes?! All metallics were pretty much out, as were the yellow Puccis, anything neutral was far too dull, but what about the pinks? I scrutinized

Is it possible to have too many pink shoes?

the lineup and quickly decided that the Jimmy Choos were too pale, the Charles David too bright, but the Guccis were just right! 

Be sure to check back for Part 2 next week: I can’t wait to see the reaction at Home Depot when I tell them I need paint to match my pumps!

Crocs and Socks: I’m Still in Shock

Alas dear Shoetubers, what sounds like a line from a Dr. Seuss book, is something far more grim I’m afraid. This morning my mother came to my house to dog sit, and I almost keeled over when I saw what was on her feet. There, right before my eyes, was my own mother wearing–horror of horrors–CROCS WITH SOCKS! Yes readers, my own flesh and blood, my dear mother who wears Prada and Tory Burch: what happened?! She tried to justify the look: something about sweating and comfort. I don’t know, I couldn’t really listen, for as far as I’m concerned there are just no excuses for any footwear that foul crossing my threshold. Ever.

Now, I’m not a Croc-hater: I actually own two pairs (ballet flats and mary janes). I  find them to be quite perfect for suitable occasions such as gardening, kayaking, and Bonnaroo. But with  socks?!?!?!?! How, why, what, WHY????? I don’t even know what to say at this point. This incident will surely be just cause for therapy down the road: I still shudder just thinking about it.

And it gets worse.  I was too shocked this morning to take a picture, so I Googled “crocs and socks” (secretly hoping to find nothing), but NO–there were tons! I don’t care if you are the President; it’s just not acceptable.  At least Michelle Obama is just wearing Crocs, no socks, yet…

 

Update: I got a picture!

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 Oliver 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?

The Glamazon Diaries Present “Glam in the City,” a Manolo Blahnik Trunk Show

Attention DC Shoetubers:  mark your calendars for June 16 for “Glam in the City” to get a special preview of the newest Manolo Blahniks. In addition  to ogling the newest styles, one lucky lady will even win a pair of Manolos. Then again, everyone actually wins, since each guest will get a goodie bag with lots of NM beauty baubles!!!  Honestly, what Shoetuber can possibly resist an evening that promises shoes, champers, and other goodies all courtesy of Neiman Marcus and The Glamazon Diaries?! I certainly can’t! See below for details, and don’t forget to RSVP to makeda@theglamazondiaries.com by June 12!

Spotted in the District: What Is on Your Feet?

As summer settles on the city and temperatures start to rise, so do the sightings of strange sartorial choices–thank you tourists and interns. Sometimes, however, it’s not the visitors who are at fault; we’ll just call those “federal faux-pas.”

This morning I was walking through the Ronald Reagan Building, and I can’t even begin to express the shock and horror experienced when I saw a middle-age woman in a lovely suit with these on her feet!!! This time I didn’t even try and hide my reaction: I just stared. Seriously?! Those are even worse than normal commuter shoes! I’m still kind of at a loss for words. Five-fingered footwear may indeed be fabulous: fabulous for hiking, kayaking, climbing, and all other varieties of outdoor activities. Last time I checked, though, going up an escalator doesn’t fall into the hiking/climbing category–not even for the ones at the Woodley Park metro.

Moral of today’s lesson? Most shoes have an appropriate home, and it is the wearer’s resonsibility not to let shoes stray.  Today’s sighting is a perfect example. When taken out of their natural habitat, a perfectly fine outdoorsy shoe can look like somewhat of a freakshow in an office. So please be a responsible owner; I just hate to see a good shoe with a bad owner.

Soleful Tete-a-Tete with a DC Cabbie: What makes women so nuts over a shoe?

Since I’ve been writing for Shoetube, I’ve found that people have no problem spilling their souls when it comes to, well, soles.

A few weeks ago I was on my way home from the Smithsonian Young Benefactor’s Gala* and somehow my cabbie and I got on the topic of shoes. I was telling him about Shoetube, he was telling me about his wife’s massive shoe collection, and then he asked me the million dollar question:

“What makes women so nuts over a shoe?”

Then he started pelting me with questions harder than the rain falling outside:

Is it because a shoe is expensive? Is it the name? Is it because of a celebrity?  Why does my wife NEED all these shoes?!

The man makes a point. Why is it that certain shoes are just to-die-for and some even worth eating ramen noodles for a month? Is it M. Louboutin’s red sole? Is it because Victoria Beckham wore them? Is it just because they’re $$$? Or is it about getting that must-have shoe that’s impossible to find?

Perfect example: I met a girl earlier that evening in a pair of a-mazing $1,000 Pierre Hardy stilettos. Sure, we chatted about those, but what she was even more excited about were the  Pierre Hardy for GAP sandals that she’d scoured the country to find.  She’s currently on an international mission to find this specific Payless sandal that’s been featured in quite a few magazines, but cannot be found anywhere in the US or Canada. Someone needs to call in INTERPOL stat!

Personally I’m guilty of being a red sole addict: these are my latest moral (aka money) dilemma.

To answer the cabbie, I can’t explain it: there’s just something about some soles that make them irresistible.

P.S. As I exited the cab, he informed me that there was no way he was going to tell his wife about Shoetube. However, from what he told me about his wife’s love of shoes, my guess is she’s reading this right now

*recap on that to follow as soon as I work out some technical difficulties with my camera