Clark's Artisan Swan in Brown Metallic Review...Feeling Flats

FlashBack Friday!

Let me begin by pointing out that Clarks is a HUGE shoe brand with a huge variety of styles, lines and comfort levels. Clarks made their mark in the comfort shoe world with basic styles like the Sunbeat sandal for women and the Natureveldt for men. Of course, as brands grow, they want to expand their product offerings and Clark's developed their Artisan line. Clarks Artisans aim at striking both the fashion and comfort chords at the same time and distributing them through independently owned and/or high-end retailers.

My Clarks Swan's are my second pair from the Artisan line and they are a charming pair of round-toed flats with sweet leather pleats at the toe. My first pair were the Annissa's which I have already raved about. The Swan's get about a “B-” in my book. I tend to be anti-flats because they tend to be “just that”—flat. They miss the “A” mark because of the lack of arch support and have a rather average comfort level. As flats go, however, the Swan does have excellent cushioning and grown up qualities that other flats on the the market just don't offer. The leather is a rich metallic brown, the linings are very smooth and the shaping is graceful enough to wear with skirts and dress slacks. If you are looking to ditch heels at the office you may want to consider a pair of current Clarks flats to feel a little more comfy and still have that professional polish. I like the Tori Anne in Black Printed Leather from their Indigo Collection for office wear.

I am pleased to have these shoes in my collection and wear them when the occasion calls for a bit of an “on trend” look. Even though the Swan is no longer made, you can certainly get your feet into some Clarks at your favorite local shoe store or check them out online at: clarksusa.com, zappos.com and onlineshoes.com

Fitting Notes:

U.S.sizing. Should you actually come across a pair of the Clark's Artisan Swan take care not to buy them too small. We gals have a tendency to buy flats on the small side in order to keep them on since there is no adjust-ability in this kind of footwear. You run the risk of having some squished and unhappy toes. Try to but them in the length you usually wear and simply pass on them if they don't fit in your usual size. The Swan's as well as most flats do not have removable footbeds and shallow heel cups making them unfriendly to those with orthotics.

FlashBack Friday: Ferragamo Perfect 10 1/2 Review

FlashBack Friday

I just love little consignment boutiques and Holly-Go-Lightly in Eureka, Ca. is one of the best. Any time I am in the vicinity I have to drop in to shop and get great style advice. The shops proprietor is none other than the fabulous Kelly Buck. If there is anyone who knows fashion brands like I know comfort brands it is Kelly. He has a great eye for style and has a special place in his heart for the Italian design family of Ferragamo.

During my last visit Kelly pulled out a pristine pair of classic Ferragamo pumps! Whether you are a fan of pumps or not you immediately recognize the commitment to quality shoe-making by the excellent shape of the heel cup, smooth leather lining and attention to every detail. While I was appreciating those details my eyes fell upon the size and I had to blink, adjust my vision and look again. Did they really say 10 ½ 4A?

Now, if you are in the shoe business or actually happen to wear this size you will be scraping your jaw off the floor. Most footwear producers don't make woman’s size 10 ½...they usually skip it and just make the 11. And a quad A? Most brands don't spend much of their resources on making narrow lasts. But, here in front of me sit a perfect 10 ½ 4A and I am in awe. (yes, I am a total shoe geek)

I immediately asked Kelly if I could write a post about these near anomalies. He lent me the the pumps for a day so that I could have them photographed. I was compelled to write this post so that I might get to play shoe cupid. I f you happen to wear this size and wish to have a classic designer pump this is your day. You can reach Kelly at his website: Holly-Go-Lightly.com. If you happen to know some one who wears this size...call, text, email or skype her now. She probably won't believe you at first but she is likely to be intrigued. Please send her to this post or straight to Kelly.

A word on Ferragamo: He is the Italian born designer who brought us wedge heels, cork soles, cutting edge ideas in footwear and was shoe-maker to the stars including Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich and Sophia Lauren. His legacy of style continues through his families' commitment to the fashion industry but his innovation, contribution and influence is unsurpassed.

I realize this is black friday...so if you are out there shopping I wish you well and that you may find gifts that are as perfectly unique and classic as these Ferragamo pumps.

Cheers, abigail dagmar

Blondo Chestnut Boot Review

Blondo Chestnut Boot Review

Flashback Friday

As a farewell gift from Joseph Hilton himself, I was given the choice of any pair of shoes in his store to carry me into a new chapter of my life. Out of character, I chose the highest heels we had in the store at the time. Joseph even admitted his surprise. I fell in love with those Blondo boots the moment they arrived. Their chestnut color beckoned and the butter soft leather was beyond compare...but I knew that high leather stacked heel would have made my lower back grumpy so I didn't buy them immediately. When given the gift of choice I knew immediately that I wanted those boots...a gift does not require practicality and I knew I would take care of them in honor of the years I spent at Hilton's. I love wearing them out to dinner during brisk winter holiday seasons.

Blondo is a Canadian boot company that emphasizes beautiful materials and waterproof coziness. They offer their AquaProtect in many of their boots including my lovely pair. The AquaProtect certifies that the leathers have been waterproofed and all the seams and soles have been sealed to protect the boots and your tootsies from the elements. While Blondo does not make this pair of Chestnut beauties anymore you can still enjoy their quality by heading to your local retailer to see what is new from Blondo or check out what amazon.com, endless.com and shoes.com have to offer.

Fitting Notes:

U.S.sizing. As usual I required a size 8 medium and find that Blondo boots do not run wide and nor does the shaft of their boots. Blondo designs quite a variety of boots and each last is likely to fit a bit differently which is why I like to try footwear on in my local shoe shops.   

Naot Shell Embroidered Brown Clog Review

FlashBack Friday

When you think about where shoes are made, Israel isn't one of the countries that pops into ones mind but that is exactly where Naots are made.  My good friend in Israel translates the word Noat as "beatiful/handsome" and these shoes are exactly that! When pronouncing the name just think “nah-oat”. Once you have practiced your pronunciation, march your feet down to your local shoe store and ask to try some on. There is no doubt that if you try any model from the “Shell” collection you will experience the immediate ooohhhh—aaaahhhh that made me buy them on the spot. Of course, the fact that I already had a groovy pair of embroidered pants that match them perfectly certainly was the icing on the deal. “The styles in the “Shell” collection have a 1-1/2 inch heel and feature Naot's removable, anatomic cork and latex footbed which is covered in suede and molds to the shape of the foot with wear.”-(Naot Website). If you ever wished for a shoe that was softer than a Birkenstock and lighter than a Dansko without giving up that wonderful arch support; know that your wish has been granted.

The rich brown leather and colorful embroidery is eye-catching but discontinued and no... mine are not up for grabs. Fret not! Naot is still delivering the “Shell” collection with all its' awesome comfort in plenty of charming designs and color combinations. Besides you probably don't have the same perfect pair of pants to go with these:) I know you are bound to fall in love with a style that speaks to your inner sole and wardrobe!

If you don't have access to a local Naot retailer you can find them online at: onlineshoes.com, zappos.com and healthyshoestore.com

Fitting Notes:

European Sizing. The “Shell” collection from Naot fits a medium to wide foot best. So, how is it that I, with a narrow-ish low-volume foot wearing them? The answer is tongue pads...email me if you want to learn more about the joys of a well-placed tongue pad. While the footbeds are incredibly comfortable and supportive; they are also removable. Thus, these shoes will accommodate quite a thick orthotic. If your orthotics have limited your choices of footwear to athletic shoes you will be happy to know that these Naots will be a welcome and much more stylish alternative.

Dexter Penny Loafer

FlashBack Friday

Penny Loafers call to mind east coast dress/casual, sock-hops, prep school style and classic American shoe making. This style crossed gender lines and has had a foothold in every decade since the 30's . I can see the crisp white blouse cinched at the waist, smart dark blue denim and shiny pennies peeking out from under the hem in the wardrobe of any woman who loves the classics. Gentlemen have enjoyed the penny loafer with office wear and into their weekends with khakis and no socks.

The split in the strap across the vamp was designed to look like a pair of lips and quickly became the point of embellishment with small objects; pennies in particular. When pay phones were prevalent kids had the coins for a call home niftily tucked in their shoes which proved to be functional and fashionable.

I love the cordovan colored shiny top-grain leather of my Dexter penny loafers. I still have the original pennies I put in them the day I bought them. I pulled out the pennies and read the year: 1997. I have had these gems quite a while. I slipped my feet into them yesterday and the leather had that old familiar feeling that only a moccasin stitched toe box can give you. To be honest, they are a bit small for me now...my feet have changed over the years. I am reluctant to give them up because they feel like a piece of history, my history and the history of American made shoes. Of course, Dexter no longer makes shoes in the U.S. anymore nor do they make the penny loafer. Companies change, evolve and Dexter has gone the way of quantity over quality and have carved out a niche in the bowling shoe market. I bet Mr. Alfond, founder of Dexter never saw that ball coming:)

I won't be surprised to see the penny loafer come back into style as the fashion pendulum always swings and it is truly a classic...So, if you have a pair wear them yesterday, today and tomorrow. Isn't it neat to know you can embrace nostalgia and be a trendsetter with one great pair of penny loafers?

 love and loafers,

abigail dagmar