eBay Quick Fix: Classic Golf Shoes

Whenever I’m packing to visit old friends and family, like I am right now, I start channeling Katharine Hepburn as Pat in 1952’s Pat and Mike (he’s Spencer Tracy).

I’m pulling out all my nipped-in pants, blousey tops and and casual cardis. No matter what situation Pat gets into, including playing multiple pro sports, she looks pulled together. Her style is just the way my instincts wander when the potential chaos of a large family gathering is on the horizon.

The perfect shoes to walk me through all this can only be sleek, sturdy vintage golf shoes–possibly featuring a jaunty little kiiltie. No need to get too serious. It’s a celebration after all. Here are the top golfers on eBay.

Preppy brown and white size 6 1/2s from eBay store Sporting Goods USA:

Black and white saddle shoes (size 9 1/2) from eBay boutique fancywhat for $18:

Lady Fairway classic buckle shoes (size 8, $13) from eBay store Recycle, Reuse, Reduce:

And structured, vinatge Kenneth Cole NY golf shoes (size 7, $40) from Philly’s Finest Vinatge:

Sure these are a bit different. But they are also adorable and dignified. And for me fashion, like golf, is a game I take part in just to please myself.

Reebok Pump on the Rise

Reebok threw a kickin party to celebrate 20 years of the pump last week. While it was easy to be wooed by the towering pro athlete presence of hosts Emmitt Smith and Dominique Wilkins, as well as the open bar and mini Pop Burgers, I’m all about the Pump.

To start, one of the new limited edition Pump X styles, designed by Boston sneaker retailer, Bodega, was sold via lottery this week to keep collectors from camping out in front of the store.

Reebok, whose entire staff was decked out in new retro versions of the custom fit shoe at the party, made sure to decorate the place in 90’s Pump posters that reminded me; the pump wasn’t just a basketball shoe. It was a tennis trainer, worn by great Michael Chang. It was also a running shoe, an aerobics shoe, a football shoe, the list goes on.

And now it’s a limited edition. Here are a few of my favorite designs from it’s exclusive 20th anniversary partnerships.

These work boot style sneakers are from Saint Alfred in Chicago.

The aforementioned Outback from Bodega.

A sleek, dark color combo from Huf in San Francisco.

A few more, displayed behind glass at the party, but not including the Parisian boutique, Colette’s design, covered by our trendspotter Alli, last week.

And the definitive Michael Chang poster. Just because I love the 90’s-ness of it.

eBay Quick Fix: Silver Lining

For anyone who needs a little silver lining now and then. I know I do.

Marc Jacobs peep toe pump, from the boutique AxelUSA. A 25% discount puts these lovelies at $225 (various sizes available too).

Classic, classy, 5″ heels from boutique The Vivid Room are going (in lots of sizes) for about $40; a perfect fit for the budget optimist.

And if you happen to be a lucky size 8 optimist, check out these low-heeled, 60s, vintage Pietro Nieman Marcus round toe pumps, selling for only $13 from Vanities Vintage. Want to thank me? Hug your friends, hang with your family, share your sparkle.

Masquerading, Mayhem and Matching Shoes

 

A beautiful, brilliant friend is throwing a masquerade ball for Halloween this year. Guests will be donning grand dresses and suits with masks that spark the imagination. Best of all, it’s a surprisingly pressure-free way to dress up.

If you’re stressing over an original, cool and sexy costume concept without crossing the slutty line (we like to stay just shy) start with that dress in your closet–the one you sigh over every week but only had the chance to wear once (No, we are not counting the time you put it on to eat ice cream and watch 27 Dresses). Then run out for some coordinating shoes at Payless and hit the nearest Hallowen pop-up store or make your own matching mask. Soon you’ll be masquerading as your spectactular self.

Here are some looks to inspire your inner mistress.

Refined in Red

Pair this red lacey creation with ladylike d’orsay rosettes and admirers will come running.

Dark and Daring

Gentlemen callers will swoon over a decadent swan in satin t-strap sandals.

 

Prim Pierrot

You may look like a sad clown, but these oxfords will keep you happy.

Golden Goddess

Perhaps “Style Goddess” is a better title for any lady donning this golden Venetian mask and the Christian Siriano for Payless Carolina Pump.

 

 

 

Red Boots Worth Blushing Over

Maybe Stiletto Warrior’s love of red leather L.A.M.B. was weighing heavy on the mind of the shoe shopper in my subconscious. I was on the L train last night and the woman to my right was wearing red leather knee-high boots that were so timeless and gorgeous and different that they seemed to be calling to me.

Their owner however, was engrossed in the latest New Yorker. I know what it’s like to be interrupted by a stranger mid-essay. It’s not pleasant. But the boots. I had to know where they came from. I resolved to wait until the last possible moment to bother her.

Suddenly, someone got up and the woman with great taste in shoes sat down. I was left standing. This exchange had seemed much simpler when we were eye-to-eye. Now I’d have to practically yell at her to get her attention.

I’m sorry to report, dear readers, that I lost my nerve. I left her and the boots headed further into Brooklyn without me. The second I stepped off the subway I regretted it, not only because I wanted the shoes, but also because I’d forgotten how nice it is to be complimented. Why hadn’t I factored that in?

Suppose she’d had a tough day and then I told her that those very boots represented a significant cultural revelation to our little enclave. Clearly, she’d go home feeling triumphant and share the story with her spouse, lover, or adoring, hot live-in housekeeper–who would then sit down next to her, slide the boots off with gentle hands and begin the foot rub of her life.

Wait, how had this become my fantasy? I snapped out of it just as I got home and searched for the best red boots eBay has to offer. This first pair is closest to the foot rub fantasy boots, but they’re all pretty fantastic.

Vintage slouch boots from boutique Nancy’s Next to New (starting at $25)

Cute cowboy boots (starting at $25)

Suede riding boots (buy now for $50)

Frye red leather shearling flat boots (buy now for $140)

Boots for Breast Cancer

I can think of few things that would feel as good as donating some much-needed funds for breast cancer research and getting a gorgeous, classic pair of boots as thanks (Yes it’s selfish, but I’m letting my imagination run free here).

That’s kind of what QVC and the Fashion Footwear Association of New York had in mind when they teamed up to hold the annual Shoes on Sale Event, happening tonight. Tune in between 7 p.m.and 10 p.m. E.T. to shop over 100,000 pairs of shoes donated by over 100 designers, like the sale spokesperson Jessica Simpson, plus Via Spiga, Franco Sarto, Nine West, Frye and lots more.

All the shoes will be going for half off retail with net proceeds benefiting top breast cancer research and education organizations like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, and the John Wayne Cancer Institute.

There will be all sorts of shoes for you to feast on, but it’s boot season, so here’s a preview of your new, selfless, gorgeous boots-to-be.

Nine West Suede tall flat boots ($55) exude a chic, French girl cool.

Michael by Michael Kors black leather ankle boots ($90) are simply, beautifully, classic.

And I’ve been, to use the mid-90’s term, “sweating” these Hunter Original tall silver rain boots since last winter, but didn’t want to drop over $100 on wellies. Just as I realized I was crazy for passing them up, here are they are, for only $63! Kismet.

What Would Dorothy Wear?

What would the Kansas farm girl-turned fashion icon wear today? That’s the question Warner Bros. and Swarovski posed to 19 shoe designers you love (I know you love them, don’t doubt me) and one FIDM design contest winner, Kaddie Lam (pictured with her spiral-heel stiletto). The result? Mouthwatering red confections that would make any modern-day Dorothy want to perfect her yellow brick road strut.

A very chic friend I’m now indebted to was kind enough to take on the role of Shoetube.tv field reporter and sent back pics of her favorites; as displayed last night at Tavern on the Green for The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Emerald Gala.

What’s the fate of these gorgeous creations? They’re being auctioned off here until September 29, with the proceeds going to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, which works in 17 countries to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS.

So if you’ve got the budget, bid away. If you don’t, just click your heels together… or maybe watch the movie. It won’t bring you ruby slippers, but it will bring you back to your shoe-loving roots.

Moschino platform pumps with an oversized half bow on each toe. So sweet!

Christian Louboutin satin heels with fabric-feather detail.

Abaete crystal-encrusted pumps with bow detail.

Tuleh strappy pumps covered in satin and tulle. Dubbed a hot mess by our reporter.

Precarious platforms from Alberta Ferretti.

And L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani wooden open-toe platforms with satin bow. Not to mix magical stories but, these are the fairest of them all.

Burju Perez Dishes on Dance Shoes

Maybe it’s all the weddings I’ve been to lately, or the Fame remake, or even the new season of Dancing with the Stars; whatever it is, I’m all about dance moves these days. That’s why I tracked down world-renown ballroom dancer turned chic shoe designer, Burju Perez to give us the scoop on her new line.

How long have you been dancing?

All my life, but Salsa for about 10 years.

What made you want to start designing shoes for professional dancers and later for all women?

Dance shoes just weren’t cutting it. They had the comfort and support we needed but lacked the flavor. And flavor is the main ingredient in Latin dancing! That was my main goal, to bring on the flavor! Then I realized that every women deserves a comfortable and supportive shoe. So I’m starting with brides and eventually hope that any woman with a fetish for stylish heels but a craving comfort will own a pair of Burjus.

What’s your design philosophy?

Shoes are walking art. They make a statement about your personality. So color and embellishments matter. I’m also a believer in the “bottom up” method of dressing where shoes are picked first then the outfit coordinates.

I know this is tough but, can you tell me which of your pairs is your favorite?

I love all my shoes but if I had to pick one it would be this custom pair. They’re hand-painted (by me). Any time I get a blank canvas to work on, my true artist emerges and takes over. It’s the same with choreography. I love a clean slate. It’s a challenge and a bit intimidating to get started but once you get going the fear dissipates and creativity flows. Mistakes become exciting new designs and the outcome is stunning. I honestly stared at these for hours after they were finished.

…I love ‘em too! I also love this Mary Poppins style for fall. And next week our fitness guru, Karen, will be testing out a pair of Burjus in ballroom dance class. Stay tuned for more Burju!

Multiple Shoegasms

Fashion week is kicking off in NYC right this minute. But while most of us East Coasters were primping and preparing, Manhattan’s very own shoe lovers’ boutique, Shoegasm, made sure the Left Coast got a taste of our fierce fall fashion as well, by donating shoes for the Celebrity Catwalk show in Hollywood. Proceeds went to animal rescue charities and Shoegasm was sweet enough to send us a few shots of these kittens in their fall offerings.

Actress Tamala Jones:

Actress Tiffany Hines:

Kimberly Caldwell of Idol and P. Diddy’s Starmaker:

And Playmate Heather Rene Smith:

To buy, call Shoegasm at (212) 691-2091, and tell them which model’s kicks you like. All the prices are very reasonable, I promise.

Pole Dancing for the Masses

I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon wearing hot pants in a dimly lit room with three poles and eight other women; not my usual rainy Saturday. On a whim I decided to fill a last-minute opening in a friend-of-a-friend’s pole dance birthday party at the already legendary S Factor owned by Sheila Kelley in Chelsea.

Even though pole dance and strip tease classes have already caught on in a big way, I was skeptical. Exhibitionist I am not. But S Factor is nicer than any fancy yoga studio and the lobby was adorned with ruffly shorts and 5 1/2″ stilettos for sale. A whole new concept in workout gear. If I wasn’t sold right there, I was certainly interested.

Inside, the studio was barely lit (hooray!) and the instructor was like your funniest saucy friend. She told us to take our hair out of our ponytails, braids and buns. This made me nervous, as I was afraid I’d be brainwashed into one of those girls who does the elliptical with her hair down at the gym, shudder. But then she eased us in with yogic stretches and barefoot ballet moves, pointing out all the ways the female body naturally curves and rather than urging us to suck in or straighten up, she encouraged the curving. It seems so simple but this one little difference was hugely freeing. I don’t usually smile ear-to-ear during yoga.

Then we got to the really good stuff. A beginner spinning pole move called the firefly:

I did hit my shin pretty hard the first few times, but it was worth it. When do I ever get to spin? I need more spinning in my life. Overall I felt graceful (besides the shin setback) and happy and centered. When we left my abs ached and I was energized and exhausted. Best of all I made new friends in record time and, if I get really good, they’ll teach me a few moves with the stilettos on. Final review: Forget all preconceived notions of pole dancing and try it, at leat once.