spas & destinations

Whether you’ve exhausted every last pedicure spot in your hometown, or plan to seek out others, this list has your spa and pedi needs covered.

Loeffler Randall

Still Hot: The signature Matilde flat boot – a retro-inspired number in slouchy patent that’s still a fave among taste-makers.

Next: There’s already an industry buzz around their ready-to-wear collection, which will debut this fall and winter at fine retailers. The family welcome’s their new addition – TWIN BOYS! Can’t wait to see your baby bootie.

See her Fall Collection

Top Ten Shoe Divas

#2 Sarah Jessica Parker aka Carrie Bradshaw - A dilemma? The actress or the character? Both! The character once estimated that she had spent upwards of $40,000 on shoes. And the actress actually has a Manolo Blahnik shoe named after her, the SJP. Their work on Sex and the City helped make Mr. Blahnik and Mr. Choo household names. Two Divas for the price of one!

# 10 Elton John – Men can be divas too! Originally known for his extravagant eyeglasses and outfits, and more recently for his quick tongue, Sir John has also worn some of the most outrageous footwear ever made, some of which are displayed at the Bata Museum.

May 31st, 2008

it’s the morning after the BIG shin-dig, and we’ve heard through the grapevine the movie is good. in fact while playing on the roof, i texted a girlfriend, “was movie good,” and she responded, “YES!!!” that’s three exclamation points.

the pre-movie party at mosic’s rooftop pool lounge was over the top. the view of downtown’s skyline was the perfect backdrop for the lightly breezy evening. and thanks SKYY vodka for the Cosmos, they were otherworldly. let’s not forget the shoes!!! you leggy ladies really know your footwear. you came out in droves and donned your best. and we had fun snapping you up in them!

if you simply must see the movie this weekend, and we recommend you do, fandango has show times near you. happy viewing!

a shoe-shoppers guide to the galaxy

Marky’s in Chicago is for excedss: 3919 Linderman, chicago 60613,Tel: 773 248-1500

George Miu, 112 North Sixth Street, Brooklyn
Le Storck Griffe (no formal address or phone, but located behind the Spanish Church): the head of the Monagasque tourist Board, Maguay Doyle, shops there and wears the results in New York.

How many shoes are in YOUR closet?

August 15th, 2008

Just how many shoes are in YOUR closet? Well, if you are shoe designer Beverly Feldman there’s enough to fill a museum! Teetering in at more than 1,500 pair, Miss Bev began her collection when she started her career in the footwear biz more than 30 years ago.

The museum, located in the south of Spain, focuses on highly embellished footwear, boasting both vintage and new examples, including Native American, Indian, African, French, late 19th century Chinese beaded and embroidered shoes, and a pair of exceptionally rare Western style Chinese shoes made for bound feet, which measure a mere 4”.

The museum also includes a Beverly Feldman wing with highlights from her 40 year career in the footwear industry. Additional samples from Beverly’s museum may be found in the Dutch Leather and Shoe Museum located in Waalwijk, Netherlands, and Shoe Icons; Virtual Shoe Museum in Moscow, Russia. For more information on what Miss Beverly is into, check out her “designer page” in our shopping guide.

The shoe designs of Carolina Pagano

The designer behind Carolina Pagano:
A shoe admirer since childhood Carolina Sadowski, called “Carola” by close friends and family, has always been intrigued by the construction of shoes, the manufacturing of heels, the materials, colors and shapes used in every pair she has acquired throughout her years.

With extensive knowledge of the fashion business (she served as Director of Operations for Tufi Duek International in Brazil after only eight months at the design house), and the desire to create something uniquely Brazilian with character and essence, Sadowski has launched a luxury shoe brand called Carolina Pagano—a combination of the designers name and the Italian last name of her maternal grandmother.

A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Carolina married and moved to the US, where she began her research to transform her dream of launching of her own collection into a reality. Armed with perfectionism and curiosity, Carolina enters the shoe business with the eye of an expert, manufacturing pieces that reflect her style and are a perfect blend between the high quality she is accustomed to and the sensuality of her homeland.

What is your design philosophy?
“It starts with designing things that I would like to wear myself,” offers Sadowski, “then I search for my inspiration in the natural beauty of Brazil, the forests, the fauna, the colors of Brazilian precious stones. I like to observe the way sophisticated and contemporary women carry themselves, their attitude and their creativity when putting things together when they get dressed.”

Design style in 5 words:
Sophisticated, chic, modern, sensual, edgy.

Why shoes?
“I chose to design shoes because I like the fact that a shoe can change an outfit even when you are wearing jeans and a white t-shirt,” says Sadowski. “I have loved fashion as far back as I can remember. When I discovered that I could go to University to study fashion and become a professional in this business, I knew there was nothing else in the world that I would rather do.”

The spring 2009 collection:
Of her first collection Sadowski admits, “I am enthusiastic about the way the market reacted so positively to our collection and the styles, so far. There is big trend of wearing flats now–a–days. We tried to bring the embellishments used in our high heels to the flats, making them more special.”

A sneak at fall 2009:
“With details like trims of bronze leather, gold buckles and a jewel-colored palette, adorning each pair with a special touch,” Sadowski says, “It’s like jewelry to the feet!!” Fall 09 for Carolina Pagano is about the eclectic beauty of Brazil. Sadowski found inspiration in the country’s exotic and natural beauty to create a collection of flats, platforms and heels, handmade in the most exquisite materials. Always attentive to the details and embellishment of each pair, she brings the shine of Brazil’s gold and precious stones to each shoe.

soul satisfaction

“This is a win-win situation,” Gina says. “The kids are wonderful! I now have 50 children writing me letters. It really is about helping people.” To help support Gina’s project please visit www.ginaalexanderinc.com.
Both of these humanitarian ventures exist because an individual identified a need and decided to take action. The momentum from the initial act of “What can I do to help?” continues to grow and flourish because of true intention. One step, one pair of shoes or one handbag at a time–everything helps.

The Steel Story

Steele claims she doesn’t own as many shoes as lots of women, but “I do respond to the beauty of shoes as objects, they can transform your entire wardrobe” she says.

Valerie Steele is a hallowed voice in the fashion world. She is Director and Head Curator at The Museum at The Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City, and a seriously chic person.

“There is a bit of Imelda Marcos in many women,” is how she begins her fascinating book, Shoes: A Lexicon of Style (Published by Rizzoli).

The book taps into her views on the obsession, the fetish, and the fashion of footwear, from the pump to the sneaker, the boot to the stiletto. There are no ancient Roman sandals in this book. Instead, you get passion, expert knowledge and informed

opinion like no other. Plus she has access to the greatest in shoes so her book is illustrated with cutting-edge photos and filled with quips and quotes from Tom Ford, Manolo Blahnik, Ann Magnuson, and other shoe aficionados.

In her books Valerie Steele regularly stirs up the debate over high heels, the joys of athletic footwear, and the power of shoes to convey status and sex appeal for the well- shod of every “style tribe.” Read her and see if you agree with this opinionated shoe-lover!.

strutt couture

Who They Are: Strutt Couture is the brainchild of Ian O’Connor who in 2003 set out to create a collection of shoes rich in materials for today’s woman, who appreciates luxurious footwear.

What They Do: “Strutt is a state of mind, a culture of design derived from many different sensations and experiences.”

Why: “Every woman should own more then just one pair of beautiful shoes.” They deliver unique, exciting footwear designs and true glamour, the ethos of Strutt Couture, which is the driving force behind the company.

Inspiration: For Fall 07, a few ideas reign supreme. Sexy: covered or exaggerated platforms in a fantastic array of colors. Contrast: tweed with patent and rouched suede in feminine shapes. Details: T-straps, apron-style fastenings and clever color combinations.

Inspiration: For Fall 07, a few ideas reign supreme. Sexy: covered or exaggerated platforms in a fantastic array of colors. Contrast: tweed with patent and rouched suede in feminine shapes. Details: T-straps, apron-style fastenings and clever color

Why the Mermaid?: The “S-shaped” mermaid on each heel signifies a true Strutt shoe. The legend goes if a mermaid leaves the water she’ll forever walk amongst women. The catch: with Strutt’s curvy signature mermaid at your heels, you’ll walk a part from the rest.

Biggest Qudos: Sienna Miller and Kate Moss aren’t the only Brits wearing Strutt. Adopted Madonna wears them, too.

Season’s Best: The Donata and Elizabeth in Black/Gold.

Still Hot: Having the Elizabeth on Sienna has made it an iconic style. It’s been added in additional colorways for fall.

Up Next: With a heavy influence of Japanese culture, the Spring/Summer 08 collection of platforms with wonderful colors, materials and shapes reflects Japanese shoes (geta) and sandals (zori). Heel designs are pure Ninja, taking the essence of the ninja sword and other weapons to create a unique aggressive feel. You will see shapes inspired by origami - clean designs with a modern, mysterious appeal.