How the Grinch Stole my Cousin's Shoes!

Must Have Monday

My love of all things "shoe" makes me the go-to gal to show off a fun "shoe find".  My cousin was tickled to show off her holiday treads for me and let me snap some photos for today's post.  She admitted that they aren't all that comfortable but once and a while we gotta let the "fun" get the better of us. Besides the classic illustrations these sweet treads keep your soles well versed with Dr. Suess quotes printed on th inside. I had a good chuckle over the fact that getting in or out of these festive high-tops is no simple feat. They came laced over the top of every grommet--which does do a good job of showing off the sassy pink laces but makes it a pain in the #^%@! when you want to tighten or loosen them up.  If you happen to have the same issue with your Allstars...pull the laces out and start over stringing the laces under each grommet--more wag less grinch!

Cousin scored her pair at Ross! Converse put out this model last year so you better hurry to your local Ross store to see if they still have a pair waiting for you. I also found a site called theinspiredshoes.com that is still offering this model. Converse did make a different but charming low-top grinch themed pair this year. Also, Converse offers a "design your own pair" service if you are sole-inspired.

Fitting Notes:

U.S. sizing. Cousin bought her usual shoe size and so should you.  The lace-to-toe system does offer an awsome amount of adjustability for most shapes of feet fitting high insteps and even narrow feet.  Allstars are notoriously flat as a pancake so don't look here for arch support but feel free to slip in a thin insole if you are in need of some support and "need" these shoes for your holiday collection.

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.

Rylan Boot Rocks!

Must Have Monday

Rylan Dansko Boot

Calling all vertically challenged legs...this boot's for you. The Rylan Dansko boot is a mid-calf boot that looks great on shorter legs. It is also built on a wooden rocker bottom platform lifting you to great heights in comfort. The heel is 2 ½ inches high but the platform under the ball of the foot is a full inch so the pitch of the heel feels more like wearing a much lower 1 ½ inch heel. The rocker bottom really makes a wooden high heeled boot much more comfortable to knock about in than you might imagine.

The smart styling of this boot is a bit “western meets city” and can certainly be dressed up or down. The stud detailing is great and the buckle strap over the instep is actually functional...meaning you can snug them down a bit to keep your feet from sliding forward if you have a low instep like me. I find that the Brown Crazy Horse color/leather best shows off the boots styling and lovely shape and tends to be a very versatile color. Th oiled leather is naturally water resistant and scuffs usually rub out with your fingers. When the scuffs won't rub out anymore it just means it's time to oil your boots.

The removable footbed is leather lined and has a smooth cushy feel under foot. As I took my first steps in this sassy boot I had to smile at that familiar Dansko feeling my feet know and love so well. I appreciate the TPU tread added to the wooden soles that improve traction and most shoe repair shops can easily add new tread when you need it. The arch support and rocker bottom is really what has set Dansko apart from other shoes and whenever they stray from that winning formula I am disappointed. I am thrilled they made the Rylan and I am thoroughly impressed by their comfort...proving you can have style and comfort in the same shoe. If you find you love the feel of this boot as much as I do...you may also love other Dansko's in the “Rio” collection which all sport the same wooden soles.

Boots of this caliber often sell out quickly and we are getting toward the end of “boot selling” season so I suggest you make a quick step to your favorite local Dansko Retailer and try on a pair for yourself.

If you just can't ditch the robe and slippers today you can always peruse the selection of Rylan offerings at zappos.com and amazon.com.

If you happen to be in Eureka, Ca you can find these boots at Kokopilau for the best price...yes, even better than any price I have found online.

Fitting Notes:

European sizing. Typically Dansko's run on the wide side but the buckle over the instep will help this boot fit medium feet as well. Remember that when boots fit properly they should have some slip in the heel. I typically wear U.S. size 8 and require a size 39 in these Rylan boots which is the same length I wear in my Dansko Professionals. If you feel that you are between sizes go up and wear thicker comfy socks. Even though the footbeds are removable I am not inclined to recommend wearing these boots with orthotics but the generous amount of arch support that these boots deliver might be a nice once and a while alternative to your orthotics. 

FiveFingers Vibram Classic Review

Must Have Monday

Five Fingers Vibram Classic

By now you have likely seen these curious foot covers called Five Fingers made by Vibram. They certainly got my attention! I don't have any other shoes that look or function like these and that is one of my favorite rationalizations for getting new shoes. When I came across this pair lined with Smartwool (you know I love my SmartWoool socks) I could not deny my feet the opportunity to play in a pair of these unique shoes. I am often teased about the fact that I am rarely barefoot...yes, I have “princess and the pea feet”...but now I have been presented with a solution. Barefoot freedom with some protection. The Vibram outsoles are siped (as shown in picture) to offer awesome traction whether you are holding your favorite yoga pose or navigating footpaths of the Great Northwest.

Now, if you step on a large enough “pea” you are definitely going to feel it. Wearing these shoes makes me much more conscious of where I am stepping and how I am distributing my weight across my feet. Talk about a great way to get “more present” and increase your awareness of the ground around you. Our feet are built with amazing sensory receptors transferring information about our environment and terrain to our brains. Rather than obscuring information with thick soled shoes the Five Fingers allow our feet to to do their job as they were designed and this is concept that is gaining traction (Born To Run—read it!) . I admit they do feel great and I encourage you to try them. Beware that if you have primarily been wearing thick soled shoes you should consider a slow transition into these shoes to allow your feet to adjust and build up their strength. Five Fingers touts improved range of motion and stronger feet for your efforts.

Your local retailers are a great resource for best fit—so get your ten toes into a pair of Five Fingers at your favorite running shop, comfort store or outdoor store.

If you haven't seen these unique shoes around you can check them out at: rei.com, travelcountry.com and vibramfivefingers.com

Fitting Notes:

European Whole Sizing. This particular pair of WS102 Classic SmartWool (in Champagne) fits dramatically smaller than most other Five Finger models. This smaller fit is likely due to the fact that this shoe is lined with SmartWool which takes up quite a bit of space. While the elastic pull on the back of the heel may seem like a good idea; I find that it shoves my toes forward and rubs my heel. Thus, I feel there are better styles for an ideal fit (check out the Komodo Sport LS). Go up at least one whole size if you try to score a pair of these particular Five Fingers. When trying other styles fit to the larger foot and your longest toe otherwise aim for a close/snug fit. You may also consider fitting them with enough room to wear thin groovy toe socks...yummy! They are not offered in widths but are a bit stretchy to accommodate a wider foot and narrow feet should choose enclosed styles with laces or velcro across the instep. These are tough shoes to get on if you have a very high instep and/or thick feet. These shoes are not designed to be worn 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