Footnotes

SoleMates Spotlight: Engaged Wedding Library

2011-03-30T10:37:00.002-04:00

The concept of a one-stop shop for brides to collect an array of wedding-related information is not totally unique. What differentiates the great from the good is the quality of the editing that takes place on the local level. There is so much information out there - quite literally, too much to handle, so having a talented & experienced taste-maker is crucial.

One such resource that we absolutely love is the Engaged Wedding Library out in Granite Bay, California. If you are lucky enough to call this area home, we implore you to check them out! Special bonus - browsing the wedding planning resources is free!

In their own words,

With a picturesque location overlooking a pond, and an elegant interior with comfy seating areas, Engaged is a place where brides can feel free to spend hours, not only researching and planning, but also reveling in the special beauty and excitement that only comes with being engaged.

Engaged Wedding Library lives up to its name with every wedding book and magazine imaginable for brides to browse and read on site, as well as portfolios and videos of local wedding professionals, and an area to meet with those vendors as well. Brides are free to browse on their own, or enlist the help of the Engaged “librarian” to help clarify and simplify the huge task of planning their Big Day.

In addition to the library of information, brides can also shop at Engaged. Items have been especially selected to make perfect gifts for the wedding party, fiancé, and even for the bride herself. There is a beautiful and fun selection of goodies – ranging from oversized diamond paperweights and beautiful scented soap to heart shaped egg cookers and bridal shower party games.

(oh gosh, and here they are plugging the SoleMates High Heeler...how kind!)

The most practical item available to purchase at Engaged is the SoleMates heel protectors, and once brides hear about how they work, they all think it's a great idea. You can almost see the lightbulb going on as they realize that walking on soft or wet grass is an issue that deserves a solution as great as SoleMates.

Engaged Wedding Library is located at 5530 Douglas Blvd., Suite 130, Granite Bay, at Quarry Ponds, 916-783-1100, www.EngagedSacramento.com.

iPlanning - iPhone and iPad Wedding Apps!

2011-03-21T15:15:00.002-04:00

With today's launch of the Royal Wedding iPad application, we thought we'd share some of the other wedding related apps that may be worth exploring if you are planning a wedding (thanks Weddingistas). Let us know which apps you prefer!

Top 5 Wedding iPhone Apps

In this day and age, it would be silly to think that half of you brides aren't continuously planning your wedding while on the go. And with over 20 million people using the iPhone, I'm sure some of you are looking for ways to keep your wedding plans organized at all times. We have scoured the net and come up with the top five wedding iPhone apps, all to make your life easier!

5.) Brides Dressing Room (FREE): How could we have a top iPhone app list and not have an application devoted just to dresses? This application comes to you from Brides Magazine, one of the best wedding publications out there. This app lets you search for bridal gowns as well as bridesmaids dresses, all while sitting in the waiting room at your doctors appointment! You can browse through dresses by silhouette, brand and price, or if you had something particular in mind, search by neckline, skirt style and length. You can also find where your dream dress can be purchased near you. The best part of this application? Their concierge team will book an appointment for you to try on your dress and confirm the appointment with you via email. Shouldn't shopping always be this easy?

4.) Wedding Envi ($1.99): This is the mother-load application for those of you who love to look at other people's weddings! Whether it be research for your own wedding, or just because you love to look at pretty things, this application has thousands of photos for you to check out! You can look at wedding bands, hairstyles, wedding dresses and more! Simply select your category and sit back and relax as a slideshow of images appears at your fingertips! See something you like? You can pause the slideshow, save what you like, and even share it with friends! The perfect application for wedding inspiration.

3.) My Wedding Concierge (FREE): This application allows you to search for vendors in a given area as well as allow vendors to contact you. There are a number of categories for vendors that you can browse. When you select a vendor to view, you can look through additional images. You can make notes on the vendor and even rate them if you'd like. There is also the ability to add them to your favorites, where you can easily see all of your "favorite" vendors for easy referral. They are constantly adding more and more vendors to their list, so be sure to check back if your area doesn't have too many just yet!

2.) Weddings 911 (FREE): From the wedding gurus from The Knot, comes this extremely helpful advice application. The folks at The Knot understand that you are busy and don't always have time to sit in front of the computer to look up wedding advice. So, why not have it in the palm of your hand? You can browse through over 150 wedding questions and answers from etiquette to reception ideas and everything in between. You can also post your own questions for real brides to help answer. It's like your own mobile wedding community!

1.) iWedding Deluxe ($9.99): This application has it all, and then some. There are fully customizable to-do lists, multiple ways to organize your guest list and help with managing your budget. You can upload photos so you can keep track of things you like while on-the-go. It is like your own personal wedding planner in the palm of your hand! You can customize just about anything with this application, even the color of the title bars. There are also links to inspiration items, so that you can always look for fresh new ideas. I love the integrations with Twitter and Facebook, so that you can keep family and friends up-to-date with your planning process!

Happy planning!

Dry Bar (with borrowed prose)

2011-03-15T20:38:00.001-04:00

I don't typically copy & paste blogs from other sites, but this one was so clever & well-written (and well, mentions me), that I felt it was best shared verbatim....

The genius behind the prose is one of my best friends and the proprietor of the greatest home store that I've ever visited (and other than browsing and shopping for shoes, I'm obsessed with home design, so I see a fair amount of stores).

Check out her blog, visit her site and next time you are in Old Greenwich, please visit her store (and naturally, the SoleMates HQ)!

http://foxtrotmusings.blogspot.com

dry bar

Winter Woes...when it rains or snows

2011-03-09T22:24:00.000-05:00

The northeast was easily mistaken for the north pole for most of the last few months. The snow was insane. I actually forgot that we had a lawn - or what grass actually looked like. It seemed that people couldn't gather in one place without whining about how cold it was, how much snow there was, or how annoying their days were because of the arctic blast that had invaded our day-to-day routines.

But, as we look forward to spring (it's still a little ways off, no matter what the calendar says), I thought it was time to reflect upon the good part of winter. And so, on this dismal, stormy, and horrible northeastern day, I am going to dedicate a blog entry to the things that are great about winter...

Christmas, obviously (or if you don't celebrate the actual day - you still get the benefits of the 'holiday' season).

Boots - namely, Uggs. I dont care if you think they are ugly - they are life changing and wonderful. How easy is it to jump into Uggs with a pair of skinny jeans, sweater, and coat, and be well-dressed for the elements? They take the question out of "what is a comfortable & warm pair of shoes that isn't totally heinous?" They take the guilt out of "can I wear these in this weather? Or will they get ruined?" That knowledge and peace of mind is priceless!

Warm & cozy sweaters. Admit it, you were excited when it was finally cold enough to wear them again and you know there is that one that is so insanely soft and warm that no matter how brutal the weather, you are secretly happy that you have a reason to be enveloped in such decadent splendor!

Forgive the image - it's not the "blazing fireplace" that I was going for, but we do what we can. Regardless, how happy are you when you get to cozy up next to a roaring fire? Good book, cup of tea (maybe wine)...heaven.

Board games are best played on cold winter nights (or, in the right setting, on screen porches at old summer houses). That's just sort of accepted, right? Playing Scattergories in the fall? Playing Risk on a rainy April night? How random. No, board games are best enjoyed in the winter. And enjoy them I do!

Paddle tennis - only enjoyed when the mercury drops. (Skiing, Snow shoeing, skating... are obviously other great winter-centric sports).

Dressing pets in marginally inappropriately preppy jackets. The love of my life, a black malti-poo named Max, sports a black watch plaid jacket. He also has a red shell (remember patagonia's in the early 90s - that's what his "rain" jacket is like). He wears it with style.

But by far the best part of winter is when it is beginning to end - and we see those early signs of Spring. I cant pretend that I didn't smile ear-to-ear when I noticed the first signs of life in my garden as tulip stems emerged from the dark and dormant space! I can wait a few more weeks.....I mean, I don't really really have a choice!

#trending now.....

2011-03-08T23:20:00.000-05:00

What do Costco, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and J. Crew all have in common?

They are all head-over-heels for all things bridal!

Costco is the last one to the (bridal) party in this case, having just announced that they are going to be carrying wedding dresses ranging in price from $700-1400! How cool is that? Picking up Peanut Butter to last you through the 2nd coming? Looking for pizza rolls for a party of 300? Need a wheel (like, the whole wheel) of cheddar cheese? Add a gown to that list and voila, you have snacks for the reception and a dress to go with it!

While my tone may sound sarcastic, I think this is seriously great. Economies of scale at its finest. The dresses will only be sold online. Apparently they also sell coffins online, so now you can really take care of a lot of life's biggest moments with one transaction. Efficiencies come in unexpected places...

Check out what they have to offer - as the style is thematic (think Disney princess) and inspired. They are all from the (highly regarded) collection of bridal designer Kirstie Kelly. Being sold through Costco, their prices are 40-60% below retail. That's amazing!

Here are some useful links:
http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201001?pg=117#pg117

http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2011/03/08/Costco-stocks-wedding-dresses/UPI-50601299573000/

(speaking of too-much-cheese to handle...)

Put some Spring in your step!

2011-03-08T21:53:00.000-05:00

It was a long and brutal winter. Had I not, from time-to-time jetted off to LA & FLA, I think I would have melted....well, frozen.

Now that Spring is (sort of) in the air and the thermostat has risen above 40 (wahoo) while the sun has shined for more than two days in a row in southwestern Connecticut, we can be cautiously optimistic about what is to come...namely, Spring!

While the styles have been around, taunting us since last Fall, we can finally look at the amazing shoes that are for sale with some real interest.

Now, these are sort of amazing because if you look at the platform, it's actually a mis-matched espadrille. I would totally wear these. The ankle strap intimidates me for a few reasons though. Namely, I feel like it looks like noose from which my limp foot (post breaking my ankle from wearing these), would hang.

I like these so much that I almost didn't post them (I dont want them to sell out). If I were a lady who lunches, I would want these because they, without question, would one-up everyone else's shoes. You could be wearing the simplest of simple outfits and these ever-so-subtly amazing shoes would just be like, wow, omg, amazing. Sorry, my words are not really flowing. Im thinking about my credit card balance. (Prada)

These are shoes I own. I purchased them last year (yes, we wear flats sometimes) and within 2 weeks both of my style-savy older sisters had purchased them too. Rarely were the three of us together without our matching shoes. It was cute and totally weird. Anyway, they are WITHOUT QUESTION, the most amazing flats one can buy. The sole is rubber so they just feel SO good when you are walking around.

Mine are a little shot after a summer of too-much wear. The question is...do I buy another pair? They aren't totally ruined and I dont think their damage is cobbler-able...but to spend the money again? Err...it seems sort of wrong. (Jimmy Choo)

What do you think? What shoes make you want to SPRING to the stores? Shameless, I know.

Brides Against Breast Cancer

2011-03-03T10:04:00.000-05:00

While I don't regret buying my wedding dress, the investment in a one-time purchase has always sort of troubled me. I wore it with glee (and hopefully a little grace) for a total of 9 hours on May 19th, 2007. The cost per minute is sort of staggering. I thought about reselling it, and there are some great options out there, but collecting 10 cents on the dollar didn't seem worth it. It has been professionally cleaned and is currently sitting in a sealed bag, in a box, in my parents' house.

I recently discovered an organization based in Milwaukee, Oregon that accepts bridal gowns for donation (you decided on the value of the donation for tax purposes) and then resells them to other brides (at a great discount from their original value, but at a 100% profit to the organization). The proceeds are then used to support those who have been afflicted with breast cancer. In their words,

"It is our intention to “make a difference” in the lives of those suffering from this devastating disease. Our wish-granting service helps put the realities of this terminal illness aside, if just for a few days, while providing the opportunity for a family to spend quality time together. Our hope is that every metastatic breast cancer patient will be able to pass from this world comforted with the joy of having left his or her family a final beautiful memory—something the family will look back on and remember for a lifetime."

So, should you have a dress that is doing nothing but collecting dust in your parents' attic, or should you be a bride who is looking to stretch her dollar (and make a difference), I strongly encourage you to check out this organization. The process is simple, easy, and highly effective.

http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/index.html

Everyone Deserves a Perfect Dress

2011-03-02T14:12:00.000-05:00

Located in Bellevue, Washington, Moms, Maids & More is one of our favorite stores! Their specialty is "everything but the wedding gown" and they live by the motto that everyone deserves a perfect dress. We could not agree more! Having been in business for seven years, they have become a staple in the community and a destination for party-goers and party-planners, alike.

In their words, "SoleMates have been a life-saver for many of our customers. Nobody wants to
have to compromise fashion for function, particularly on their wedding day!
There are several wedding planners in the area who come in to stock up on
SoleMates for their day-of emergency kits for outdoor events."

Once again, Moms, Maids and More was named Best Mother-of-the-Bride Apparel and Best Flower Girl Dresses in Seattle Bride magazine's Best of 2010 poll!

If you are in the Seattle area and are going to be attending a wedding (or better yet, being in one), we implore you to check them out.

http://www.momsmaidsandmore.com/index.htm

Heels of SAG Awards 2011

2011-02-01T19:40:00.006-05:00

Although the SAG awards are not as noteworthy as the Golden Globes or Oscars, I feel that the attendees' fashion choices still deserve to be critiqued especially because it is "Tuesday Shoesday."

Let's start off with Jayma Mays. Her peach dress was not beautiful nor were her heels. I feel that she tried to hard to find an interesting pair of strappy black heels to contrast her relatively plain dress that she went for a pair that were not very chic.

Rosario Dawson rarely disappoints. However, I didn't love her dress. Her shoes on the other hand, were perfect peep-toe platform heels in a lovely gun-metal color. I'm a sucker for gunmetal and find that it is a very hard color to match with. Any suggestions?

Helena Bonham Carter looked lovely in her ensemble. I'm so glad she toned down her wild side for this award show. She also wore a beautiful pair of black platform heels. No more mis-matched shoes for her!

A critique of the heel fashions at the 2011 Golden Globes

2011-01-17T09:18:00.006-05:00

I’d like to start off by saying by saying that when it comes to fashion, I’m more into traditional and wearable styles rather than avant-garde temporary trends.

Whilst I was searching for photographs of the designer heels worn by the A-list attendees of the Golden Globes, I became frustrated. Why? Because I had forgotten that gowns generally cover those decadent heels that we women lust for. However, what I did find were heels that I wasn’t too fond of.

Let’s start off with Leighton Meester. I was not a big fan of her long-sleeved lackluster dress, so I was hoping that her heel choice would save her outfit. But I was wrong. Her sparkly platform Jimmy Choos were too over the top and showy for the conservative and bland dress. I think a classic and elegant black sandal would’ve been nicer. I can tell you that those will not be in my shopping cart!

Natalie Portman is literally everywhere these days and I’m usually fond of her style choices because she’s generally tasteful and conservative. On this occasion, however, her Viktor Rolf gown did not score big in my book either. I just didn’t see why that sparkly rose needed to be there! As for her heel choice, her Stella McCartney heels were a risky move! Does she really need that high of a heel whilst pregnant? At least they were platforms….

I loved Olivia Wilde’s sequined gown! Her gown perfectly combined old-Hollywood and contemporary fashions. I even think it was the only ball gown on the red carpet. So how could she go wrong? Well, her sparkly avant-garde Christian Louboutins went too far. She already had enough sparkle in her gown, so why did she need to add any more with those booties? I would’ve preferred those sparklers with a simple, solid streamlined gown, if I had to place them with anything at all.

So Helena Bonham Carter is next on my list. I disliked her outfit, hair, and shoes and felt she could have picked something (rather anything) much prettier and flattering for her perfect frame. Her matronly shoes were even of different colors and styles! Not something I’d ever do, but I do give her credit for being unique and nontraditional.

I’d like to end this post with an outfit I did like. Jennifer Lawrence’s dress was different and at first I didn’t like it, but it has definitely grown on me. I’m not a big fan of the short front and long train combination, but it did show off her gorgeous platform heels. I like how she accessorized a very busy dress with simple shoes that brought in the curly features from the dress. I’d add those to my shopping cart! Who knows? Maybe we’re Solemates!

The Final Heels of the Countdown!

2010-12-23T14:30:00.007-05:00

Day 4:
Step into Christmas with this holiday number!
Day 3:
Jingle all the way with these stunners!Day 2:
Your days will be very merry and bright when wearing these heels...
Day 1:

And may all your Christmas wishes come true with this Jimmy Choo!
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SOLEMATES!!!

Countdown to Christmas Continues

2010-12-20T16:36:00.004-05:00

Resuming our countdown...

Day 7:
Tis the time for this over the top formal number...Day 6:
And you know it's time to celebrate when this heel stops by!Day 5:
There is no way to have the winter blues with this iridescent blue dazzler!

The 12 Heels of Christmas!

2010-12-17T13:53:00.012-05:00

We have been so busy getting ready for the big day that we missed the start of our 12 Days of Heels for Christmas!

So to get us up to speed....

Day 12:
Kick things off with this festive red heel....

Day 11:
And not to be outdone, this evergreen rings true to the season.
Day 10:
This sparkly number is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit!Day 9:
Satin, jewels, and bows complete this holiday present!
Day 8:
A full frosting of silvery icy glimmer, this heel is simply gorgeous!Stay tuned for more of the countdown!.....

'Tis the Season for Gift Giving!

2010-12-13T14:42:00.015-05:00

Well, it's that time of year again....and believe it or not, there are only 11 shopping days left until Christmas (yikes!). But never fear, we've put together a gift guide that has something for everyone on your list (and even a few things for you!). Happy gifting!

1) For the sweet tooth type....

You really can't go wrong with these indulgent treats with a special seasonal flair. For the chocolate lover, one of our favorites is this La Maison du Chocolat Holiday Sampler (includes ganaches, pralines, and glazed chestnuts) - $70 for small, $125 for medium, and $275 for large (which might last until New Years!).

http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.com/en/
(various locations around the US)
And for non chocolatiers, we love the delicacies from Liddabit Sweet - they make lollipops, caramel, honeycomb, and more (they do have amazing chocolate too of course), and all made with fresh local (and mostly organic) ingredients too. They have a great holiday sampler and many other goodies to choose from and best news is that they are doing a pop-up shop on Church St. Dec. 18th/19th if you are in NYC!

http://www.liddabitsweets.com/
2) For the gadget / practical type....

Ogon Designs Alumninum Wallets - these things are so cool, not only do they keep your cards organized, but they also provide protection from theft and magnetic strip corruption (from cell phones, security scanners, and more). And they are so sleek and small that they fit in a pocket or purse with ease. They also come in many colors and are perfect for any guy or gal. (**Last minute tip - since shipping from company website may be an issue, you can purchase Ogon wallets off of www.qvc.com and guarantee delivery by Christmas!)
http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.A210344.desc.Ogon-Designs-Ribbed-Aluminum-Credit-Card-Holder

http://www.ogondesigns.com/

3) For the fitness / green type....

S'well Water Bottles - these beautiful and meaningful bottles are new to the market (launched during Fashion Week NYC) and word is traveling fast that this is the year's "it" gift especially for fitness and/or environmental buffs. They cut down on waste (no more plastic bottles in landfills!), and with each purchase, S’well donates to the WaterAid organization which is providing clean water to those in need all around the world. S'well bottles represent a new advancement in metals science, keeping beverages hot all day and cold well into tomorrow, using the highest quality stainless steel. They are non-leaching, toxin-free, and are virtually unbreakable, creating an unparalleled drinking experience. S’well bottles hold 17 ounces, an ideal size to carry a thirst-quenching amount. And they now come in 5 colors and will come in handy all year-round, so get one for you or anyone on your list!

http://swellbottle.com/

4) For the financier type....

AAPL Stock ($325 at time of blog post) - Apple is en fuego and there are no signs of a slow down. Goldman Sachs issued a $430 price target for 2011. Iphones are everywhere (as a Bberry user I have major app. envy and may even make the switch at some point soon..) and Ipad and Mac sales are projected to account for 13% of the PC market soon (up from just about nothing only a few years ago). CEO Steve Jobs is a visionary and the company's platform based model truly is its secret sauce and it will continue to respond to market demand for innovative personal computing and smartphone products. AAPL is the gift that will keep on giving for years to come!

5) For YOU!

A pedicure with one of the new Esse holiday colors!
All that time on your feet, running around shopping til you literally drop, you've earned a holiday themed pedicure! So run (or shuffle with your Uggs on) to your nearest nail salon or Bliss Spas (even better) and get yourself a pedi as soon as possible before Christmas (your feet have to look good in your holiday heels)! We love these Esse holiday colors (Silken Cord and Hot Coco are TDF) and while you're at it, treat yourself to a Hot Toddy or Peppermint Schnapps spiked Hot Chocolate. What better way to wrap up your holiday shopping!

Happy Holidays from SoleMates!

Lucky in love...

2010-12-09T11:13:00.000-05:00

Feeling superstitious about your wedding? Worried that something old, something new, something borrowed & something blue, just isn't going to cut it...consider these practices from around the world!

Good Luck and Bad Luck

1. Hey, brides, tuck a sugar cube into your glove -- according to Greek culture, the sugar will sweeten your union.

2. The English believe a spider found in a wedding dress means good luck. Yikes!

3. In English tradition, Wednesday is considered the "best day" to marry, although Monday is for wealth and Tuesday is for health.

4. The groom carries the bride across the threshold to bravely protect her from evil spirits lurking below.

5. Saturday is the unluckiest wedding day, according to English folklore. Funny -- it's the most popular day of the week to marry!

6. Ancient Romans studied pig entrails to determine the luckiest time to marry.

7. Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition!

8. For good luck, Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day. Ouch!

9. Middle Eastern brides paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves from the evil eye.

10. Peas are thrown at Czech newly weds instead of rice.

11. A Swedish bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe to ensure that she'll never do without.

12. A Finnish bride traditionally went door-to-door collecting gifts in a pillowcase, accompanied by an older married man who represented long marriage.

13. Moroccan women take a milk bath to purify themselves before their wedding ceremony.

14. In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newly weds' home as a symbol of fertility and luck.

Warm Up to a Winter Wedding!

2010-12-08T12:40:00.001-05:00

Planning a winter wedding can be tough, but oh so beautiful. Here are some tips from experts in the industry:

Location

Intimate and cozy – bed and breakfasts or inns complete with roaring fires and plush décor create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Bonus points if you can score a view overlooking a scenic winterscape (but be mindful of inclement weather - a large window view looks great with fresh snow, but can make for a gloomy feeling in the room on a dreary day).
Elegant and grand – a formal hotel ballroom overlooking the city evokes a celebratory mood to match the holiday spirit.
Seasonal activities – a ski lodge or mountain chalet guarantees a true winter experience and a nice getaway for your guests (nice to give guests an excuse to plan a vacation with your wedding!).

Décor elements

Colors - 'tis the season for snow so make the most of this beautiful backdrop! Whites and creams accented with silver or gold are gorgeous. Blue or navy accented with silver, and for formal (black tie) weddings, black is especially suited for a winter wedding when paired with white, silver or gold.
Candle light – the glow will add warmth and elegance, and candles can transform any space into a cozy delightful environment.

Attire

Rich fabrics – warm up to velvet, satin, brocade, and heavy silk
Add a layer – if your wedding dress is sleeveless or strapless, add a wrap, shrug or cape in white or in one of your wedding colors
Winter white - dress the wedding party, flower girl and ring bearer in winter white for a chic, clean look.
Black tie – formal attire at an elegant winter wedding is always a classic

Elle Denmark - December 2010

2010-11-28T21:20:00.000-05:00

We're not sure what it says, but here's to keeping good company!

"Wills" you marry me?

2010-11-16T23:59:00.000-05:00

William & Kate have not set a date,
But the media is up in a frenzy.
He asked her dear dad,
Who thinks quite high of the lad-
And gave his permission, politely.

A common girl, not a lady nor earl,
Can be counted among her relations.
Just a pretty young thing,
With an awfully large ring-
She'll never be mistaken for Holly Golightly.

The dazzling ring, that the young Prince did bring,
Was once the bling of his mother.
Some think the move bad,
Others think it's just sad-
But I can't imagine that our opines matter.

The question we ponder, as we look to events yonder,
Is what the princess will be wearing?
A classic young girl,
With a neck full of pearls?
Or will she dare to wear something more modern?

All eyes will be locked, she may feel quite stalked,
As the weeks to her wedding approach.
And while designers will hurry,
And lose sleep with their worry.
In whatever she dons, she'll be stunning.

Heels she will wear, that would only be fair,
As the Prince is one tall drink of water.
But if they take photos in the grass,
She could fall on her...s'ass
If those shoes are not protected with SoleMates!

Holiday High Heels

2010-11-16T12:30:00.000-05:00

Holiday Hysteria Has Happily Happened upon us. From window dressings to cocktail dresses, all that glitters is good! We have our favorites...what are yours?

A little bit disco, a little bit dance, a little bit amazing.

This one seems a little resort-ish. Santa flies to the tropics so if you are too, bring these with!

The velvet bows on these seem to scream 'holiday party', no?

Pearl can be a tough color to pull off if you aren't a bride, but how smashing would these look on a cold winter's night paired with white wool slacks or a cocktail dress? Snow Goddess!

Few things say Happy Holidays like a pair of shimmering, shiny gold stilettos.

Shoes to Die For - STDF

2010-11-08T22:40:00.000-05:00

When I was a little girl, my mom would sing a song to my sisters and me wherein she began, "Who do you love?" and we would reply, "We love..." and we'd name someone in our family.

Today, whenever I'm around stunning shoes, I can hear those words echoing through my head. "Who do you love?" and I want to sing to the stilettos, 'I love the sling back!'

Obviously, a combination of respect for social norms and a desire to not look completely insane, prevents me from performing said "song".

Here are the shoes I've been wanting to sing about recently.

Valentino Peep-Toe Rosette Pump.

Let's appreciate that flower. Holy stunning.

The fact that it's an open toe is amazing. I prefer the metallic style on the right.

Manolo Flower-Toe Suede Pump. Red shoes normally make a loud statement. These shoes seem to just say "I'm elegant, confident, and completely chic...how are you?"

OMG. Valentino Studded Bow Pump. Could you die?

Stuart Weitzman Glittered Peep-Toe Slingback -

Stuart, you are such a spice hound. These blew me away.

Last but not least, Tory Burch Jenna Metallic Crackle Pump.

Wow. No wonder Gold blew through $1400/oz today.

6 WAYS, 6 WEEKS

2010-11-08T14:06:00.008-05:00

There are six weeks until the winter solstice or the shortest day of the year. Each day between now and then (December 17th), our days will grow shorter as the sun sets earlier and earlier.

The increase in darkness can be difficult to adjust to and can lead to depression, exhaustion, and general maladies.

Here are some ideas to beat the winter blues:

(1) Yoga

(2) Diet: watch your sugar or complex carbohydrate intake during this dormant time of the year. Crush cravings with pro biotic rich yogurts, green vegetables, and low-sugar fruits (berries). Consider substituting green tea for your coffee.

(3) Organize: Stop putting off cleaning out that closet or moving out your summer clothes. Now is the perfect time to purge your lesser worn belongings and donate them to charity. Check with your local church or civic group about getting a tax deduction for 2010 in receipt for your charitably giving.

(4) On-line shopping: Holidays are around the corner. Start making lists of things that you think you or loved ones might like this season. There are also tons of charities that are looking for toy/clothes/book donations.

(5) Reading: Check out the NYTimes best sellers. Browse Amazon.com or visit your local book store. The staff is always full of great suggestions and happy to share their well-read opinions. What's better than a good book, a cup of tea, and a blazing fire on a cold winter's day?

(6) Correspondence: When was the last time you sent a hand-written thank you note? Chances are, you owe someone a note of gratitude. Maybe order some new personalized note cards and start chipping away at your list. Does your aunt know that you received that birthday check? Now is a good time to practice your penmanship.

'Tis the Season for Quantitative 'easin!

2010-11-01T10:19:00.015-04:00

'Tis the season for Quantitative 'easin!

Enjoy 20% off of your entire SoleMates order using the discount code, "QE2" today - November 5th.

Over the weekend, while celebrating Halloween with some local pals, I spilled the beans about the special discount code "QE2" (don't worry, it was not yet activated). For the most part, save for a few CNBC watching finance types, no one had a clue what I was talking about. I didn't think to explain it in any other way than in finance speak. This quickly proved fruitless.

How best to understand what quantitative easing means and how it will affect us? With a pedicure analogy, of course!

The US Economy feels like your feet after a day of walking around in 4" heels. They are still totally going, but they kill and you really don't know what will make them feel better. Quantitative easing is the heavenly massage that accompanies a spa pedicure. Your feet have rarely known such relief. The belief of course, is that once the pedicure is over and your nails have a new dazzling coat of polish, your feet will be well-equipped to continue walking. Maybe you can even pick up the pace and start a little jog. For the US economy, this means that quantitative easing will inject billions of dollars (maybe even a trillion) into the economy to help move things along.

The argument against more fed-fueled intervention is that sometimes there is too much of a good thing. Sometimes, post-pedicure, your feet are actually so soft and smooth that they are even more susceptible to blisters and pain. If this happens, you are actually worse off than if you never got the pedicure to begin with. For the US economy, this means that all of this cash will come flooding into the economy and it still won't get things going. This is what leads to deflation, which is just about the scariest of words for finance-peeps. It's like a dead toenail. Bad news.

The situation is definitely dicey and there are super-smart minds on both sides of the debate.

What are we to do? Pay attention, buy SoleMates with the QE2 discount, and use the savings for a pedicure; but maybe skip the hot stone massage...

Putting the Dominate in Dominatrix?

2010-10-27T10:19:00.006-04:00

This was too good not to write about. Check out these images from Pierre Silber's website and look at these killer heels. Until that last sentence, I'd never used the word "killer" in a pun. I don't know whether to freak out over how cool they are or to be freaked out by how aggressive they are. I mean, these high heels are not for the faint-of-heart.

Can you image trying to walk in these in grass sans SoleMates? I think I'd die - quite literally.

Just imagine putting on any one of these shoes, right now, with whatever it is you are wearing.

http://www.pierresilber.com/highheels.html

Cash for Gold?

2010-09-27T14:15:00.009-04:00

Have you caught the gold bug? We have!

Introducing our GOLD & SILVER SoleMates!

Glitter makes them glamorous.

Our classic design has gone metallic as we have embraced the influence of silver and gold

...in both our wardrobes and our portfolios.

2010-09-22T10:15:00.006-04:00

Today, 500 high-heeled runners competed in the 2nd annual Kelly Ripa High Heel a Thon in NYC's Central Park! The competition was fierce and a young woman PHD candidate-rugby player prevailed, taking home a 2011 Jetta and $10,000 cash! Celebrities included AnnaLynn McCord (90210), Kristen Chenoweth, Johnny Weir, and of course Becca Brown (SoleMates)! All in, the event raised almost $100,000 for the Heart Truth Foundation. While there was only 1 winner, every runner received a pair of SoleMates High Heelers for their participation. We are privileged to have been a part of such an incredible day!

Earl Grey? Don't be Blue, Here are some great rainy day activities for You!

2010-09-03T10:30:00.012-04:00

With Hurricane Earl touching down this weekend, we thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite rainy day activities.

1. Organize Your Shoes
Nothing feels better than getting organized, and when it comes to treating your shoes well and extending their lives, proper storage is key.
Shoebuy.com carries some great storage products, including Shoe Totes, Boxes, and things like Boot Shapers seen below:
They are also having a Labor Day Sale this weekend with 20% off everything, and as always Free Shipping both ways.http://www.shoebuy.com/shoe-storage.htm

Tszuji.com also sells a variety of shoe storage solutions, from clear boxes to the shoe wheel below (kind of cool looking!)
http://tszuji.co.uk/ (they are launching their US site very soon).

2. Get a Pedi
What better way to spend a rainy day? Pamper your feet! and assuming the storm passes in time for that Labor Day party on Monday, you will be pedi-ready in your open toed heels!Bliss offers the most amazing pedicure options, including the "Pedi-Coloda" which includes a pineapple-infused coconut milk soak, a shredded coconut scrub, a hot sea shell massage, and a beach-worthy polish – all while you sip a virgin piña colada! Sounds like paradise!
3. Read a Great Book (or 5!)
Ok, it may be cliche, but reading and rainy days really do go hand in hand. One our favorite authors is Emily Giffin - if you haven't read any of her books, the time is now!
http://www.emilygiffin.com

Her style, like many of the characters in her books, is familiar and inviting, and her plots are so relevant, but always with many twists and surprises along the way. Her most recent release, Heart of the Matter, is so good, but if you're feeling ambitious, it's better to start with her first book, Something Borrowed, and read each of her 5 books consecutively (but not necessary to read them in order, they can all stand on their own).

And don't despair, the latest weather update says that Earl should be winding down by Sunday in most of the Northeast, so the weekend won't be a complete washout.

Happy Labor Day!

High Yield for the Well Heeled

2010-09-02T14:36:00.005-04:00

Calendrically, today might be the best day of the year. 9-02-10.

Children of the 80s, teenagers of the 90s that we were, there was never such thing as too much 9-0. Among my favorite episodes was the one where Kelly's mom was going to sell the house. "they talked to the bank and the buyers can get a great mortgage at around 10%," she boasted.

My oh my how things have changed. Culturally & historically, there is much we can learn from the old West Bev' gang - why doc martens didn't look good with jorts, why jorts should be illegal, why body waves are quite possibly the worst hair style ever conceived, etc.

While we still may not know what exactly is in a mega burger, or why sober Dylan began to booze (sans scandal) again, we do know that a 10% mortgage rate seemed appealing.

Thanks, Aaron Spelling!

Treats We Love

2010-09-01T13:24:00.005-04:00

Who doesn't love cookies!? chocolate!? and cupcakes!?! For weddings, parties, hostess gifts, or just anytime to brighten someones day (your own!), these treats are our go-to's.

Art Girl Cookies
http://www.artgirlcookies.com/
Chris, the founder, owner, baker, has created the cutest (not to mention tastiest) custom cookies around. Made in small batches using the specially handcrafted Art Girl cookie cutters, the cookies are hand decorated to perfection. And for large quantities, they can be customized as well (wedding favors, etc.). Our favorites our the High Steppin ones below (can you guess why!?). The cookies are available at Aux Delices, Dean and DeLuca, and other specialty food stores, as well as on the website http://www.artgirlcookies.com/index.html.

Moo Chocolates
http://www.moochocolates.com/
Ok, it says for kids, but we absolutely LOVE Moo Chocolate bars! Jackie, the founder, launched Moo after a trip to Switzerland with her children. She did not mind giving her kids Swiss chocolate becuase it was all natural and wholesome and as she says, "It was hard for me to find something similar back home, so I decided to create organic, delicious milk chocolates that kids could enjoy and that parents like me would want to buy as treats for their families." All we can say is, the chocolate is DELICIOUS! And the best part is, the mix-ins are totally unique too - granola, graham cracker - amazing!Crumbs Cupcakes
http://www.crumbs.com/
Nothing brings a smile like a mini-cupcake. And Crumbs minis will keep you smiling all day because they are just so cute, so perfect, and so yummy!!!

From their trendy new flavors like Cosmo and Cappuccino to their classics like Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Cup, and Squiggle (Hostess looking), they do not disappoint. The flavor of the month is PB&J - dying to try it! Available at all locations in and around NYC (ever expanding - Greenwich opening soon), Crumbs cupcakes can also be shipped to pretty much anywhere, just call their catering office (they make for great gifts!). ENJOY!!!

For Your Next Formal Event....Dalia MacPhee!

2010-08-31T16:00:00.006-04:00

Last week we exhibited at America's Mart in Atlanta, and had the opportunity to meet the most amazing dress designer, Dalia MacPhee (@daliamacphee). Her gowns are absolutely gorgeous - the most amazing, jaw dropping, show stopping, stunning pieces. The colors, fabrics (most are vegan interestingly enough), cuts, and textures are truly unique. (Mental note -check out the laser cut faux feather in her 2011 collection coming soon).

Dalia has a huge celeb following, even had some red carpet moments at the Emmy's on Sunday night. She also has some bridal options too (and some designs could work for bridesmaids too, or the 2nd "party" dress for the bride)

Definitely keep Dalia in mind for your next formal event!

http://www.daliaonline.com/

The New Prep

2010-08-30T16:27:00.008-04:00

Did you think it was just a coincidence that everyone getting their sandwiches at Provisions was in coordinating Lilly skirts, Jack rogers, Murray's reds and docksiders? Did you think it was random that 7 of the 8 blondes waiting for their ride to the mainland had purple luggage embossed in gold with their respective monograms?

Cliche? Peut-etre. Mais, ce n'etait pas un coincidence. What you have witnessed is generations of breeding, reading, and styling a la Preppy Handbook. Ah oui, c'est vrai. There is such a book and it sits on shelves across New England (and beyond) with helpful hints, dos, donts, et bien sur, faux pas for living a well-heeled life.

What is the point of this blog entry? Le deuxieme! The sequel is out - or coming out. The New Prep. 30 years in the making and there is an updated handbook for looking & living the part.. Vanity Fair has a fun little summary, that is, if your pal Buffy doesn't already have a copy to share.

http://www.vanityfair.com/society/features/2010/09/the-new-preppy-201009

Wedding Dresses

2010-08-30T11:04:00.008-04:00

Every little girl has memories of sketching her wedding gown - with crayons, pencils, magic markers, even sidewalk chalk. I can remember drawing great big puffy shoulders (a la Cinderella) and a train as long as the church aisle could bare. Thankfully my tastes matured and changed and my gown, while simple and classic, was in some way a version of that dream gown I had drawn so many years before.

The one thing that my childhood fantasies did not account for was a wardrobe change mid-reception. The notion of taking off my gown to replace it with a more practical, dance-able 'dress', never entered my mind.

So much for thinking ahead! It seems the change of dress is the thing to do today. While costly, I would consider spending less on the wedding gown and investing in a fun change-of-dress. You know, one that you actually CAN wear again (maybe with your metallic Manolo's)!

This is an interesting read about the new trend (new to me, that is).

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/fashion/weddings/22FIELD.html?_r=1&ref=weddings

Kind of a downer of a post

2010-08-26T18:36:00.003-04:00

I love few things better than a great manicure/pedicure. In my small town, I am lucky to have so many awesome options for these indulgent services. However, I recently learned that there really is such a thing as too much of a good thing.

Apparently, our nails are porous and the products and chemicals that go on the nails get absorbed into our bloodstream. Nail hardeners and polish block these pores and their damage can go much, much deeper when they contain carcinogens like formaldehyde.

The takeaways for me are as follows:

(1) Try to use poison-free polish. Whole Body, the Whole Foods personal care line, carries a few options.

(2) Make sure that the salon where you get these services performed is well ventilated, or, if doing it yourself, that you have fresh air circulating.

(3) Going polish free is probably a good idea every so often. With summer coming to a close (sigh), maybe consider taking some time off from polish and letting the nails 'breathe'.

Check out this article (the reliability for which I can't attest) to learn more:

http://www.carefair.com/beauty/nails/toxic_nail_polish_846.html

Has White Become Trite?

2010-08-25T16:13:00.005-04:00

It's #WeddingWednesday here at SoleMates (& around the world on Twitter) and as such we are discussing the rise in popularity of the metallic shoe as a bridal shoe.

What do you think?

Has White become Trite?

Is Silver the Sole-ution?

FREE STUFF!

2010-08-24T18:16:00.003-04:00

TheSoleMates: Don't Trip into Fall - Giveaway!

Congratulations! You are almost a contender.

Each week we will be awarding one one of our Facebook Group Member's with a gift card or prize from one of our favorite retailers (SBUX, AMZN, Bliss & many more)! How can you up your chances for victory?

Become a part of the

SoleMatesTrifecta:

Facebook, Twitter & this Blog..links below.

We look forward to rewarding your loyalty.

Winners announced every Friday via Facebook, until the first day of Fall.

Our Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-SoleMates-High-Heeler/118537338370

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/thesolemates

Trivia!

2010-08-24T15:11:00.003-04:00

We LOVE fun facts. We LOVE high heels.

(We LOVE aggressive alliteration).

Take this Marie Claire Quiz!

http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/articles/heel-shoe-trivia-quiz

Kim Kardashian throws a party

2010-08-24T10:42:00.003-04:00

Obviously we saw it. Did your stomach drop to your toes like ours did?

Kim Kardashian can do no wrong in our eyes...until now. She had a party. Okay, it was slightly forced upon her, but she had a party. We cant blame her for not wanting her house made a mess, neither should you. What we can blame her for, however, is not yet knowing about how SoleMates could have alleviated her stress and subsequently prevented her from appearing anything but kalm, kool, & kollected.

SOLEMATES SAVE FLOORS!

SOLEMATES SAVE LAWNS!

SOLEMATES SAVE HEELS!

SoleMates save Souls. Well, we're working on that one.

Shoe Clips - Fun for Some (including me, for one)

2010-08-23T21:36:00.005-04:00

We found this idea on another blog and apparently they are available for sale on Etsy. It's sort of a neat idea. You clip these decorative things onto your wedding shoes and ta-da, you have a fancy decorated shoe. You clip them off and ta-da, you have a classic, totally wearable pair of nice shoes. I would totally try these. Would you?

source: www.brendasweddingblog.com

source: etsy.com (Chloe & Maddie, Claudia Bradley, Lush Sugar)

Traveling Tips...

2010-08-23T15:19:00.002-04:00

Traveling Tips For Your Wedding Gown

If you're a destination bride-to-be, you'll most likely fly with your gown. Take these tips into consideration before you pack your bags!

1. Call the airline before you book your ticket.

Ask about their specific requirements for traveling with your prized possession. With all the recent airline changes regarding baggage, you want to be sure you're accommodated. Some aircrafts have a coat closet to hang your gown, which would be your best option to safely transport your dress and save space.

2. Carry on all wedding day accessories.

Shoes, undergarments, jewelry, veil, etc. Its not the worst that could happen, but losing these items could be devastating!

3. Call ahead to see if your hotel/venue has a fabric steamer.

If not, its a good idea to purchase a travel size steamer. This is easy to overlook, but crucial when dealing with delicate fabrics that can't or shouldn't be ironed.

We can all thank Nina's Shoes for these helpful hints & travel tips.

http://ht.ly/2rYv7

"A 100 Percent Chance of An Outdoor Wedding"

2010-08-23T11:42:00.005-04:00

Last Fall we received a call from a journalist from the New York Times who was writing a piece on how to survive an outdoor, rainy wedding. The timing was fantastic for those October brides who sought to out-smart mother nature with cleverly placed umbrellas, boardwalks, and obv, SoleMates High HeelersTM, but for those poor September brides who were soaked on their wedding days, the advice came too late. So, in honor of the rain and muck that has fallen upon New England as of late, we are sharing the wisdom of the NY Times Style Section from months ago.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/fashion/weddings/11FIELD.html?_r=1&ref=wedding_resources

"Protecting high heels in soft, wet ground is easy with plastic covers, which can also be considered party favors. They are sold in clear or black and are reusable. They may be ordered in large quantities at a bridal discount ($9.95 a pair; a 10 percent discount is available depending on quantity through thesolemates.com)."

College Couture

2010-08-20T12:46:00.012-04:00

Having been graced with the presence of several college interns, we decided to share their fashion philosophy avec tout le monde!

Things they can't live without on their various college campuses this fall..

- Fossil Watch "Stella White Glitz"

- J. Crew Jackie Cardigan

- Citizen Jeans

- Vineyard Vines fleece vest

- Ultra fine, extra large, gold hoops

While we kept the dress code business casual, they always managed to make the best of their college wardrobes with adorable accessories and colorful accents.

They summarized their superior intern-attire with the following tips:

1. Wear a Colorful Skirt.

2. Simple solids = safe

3. Bold, statement necklaces add style

Useful resources:
www.jcrew.com
www.saks.com
www.amazon.com
www.vineyardvines.com

Sewly Yours - Solely Ours.

2010-08-19T14:52:00.014-04:00

Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, stands the "Queen City" of Vermont, known more commonly as Burlington. With just under 40,000 residents, this 'city' is the state's largest and home to hundreds of fabulous shops and award winning restaurants. Spectacularly, Burlington, Vermont is also home to some of the most stunning views of northern New England. Would-be brides & grooms are attracted to its lake-meets-mountain back drop, its temperate summer climate, its strong sense of history, and its unwavering charm.

Some aficionados have gone so far as to compare the vistas of Lake Champlain to those of Italy's Como region. Standing on the August shores in either place, one can experience an incredible optical illusion as the Lake and the Mountains blend in color - where one begins and the other ends, the human eye cannot detect.

Should you find yourself lucky enough to become a bride of Burlington, you will be pleased to discover a bridal shop of unparalleled excellence.

Sewly Yours & Once Upon A Bride is a Vermont owned salon dedicated exclusively to brides and their families. Their purpose and passion is to help each bride feel absolutely beautiful on her wedding day and to make the creation of her gown a pleasant and memorable experience. In addition to making gowns they also restore vintage dresses and offer the finest assortment of designer ready-to-wear gowns. And of course, they carry an amazing array of high-heel accessories.

Useful Resources:

http://www.vermont.org/visiting/index.aspx

http://sewlyyours.com/

High Heel-A-Thon!

2010-08-19T13:04:00.005-04:00

In one month, SoleMates' very own Becca Brown will compete in the second ever Kelly Ripa High Heel a-thon!! The 150 yard race through Central Park will be an athletic pursuit unlike any others. Equipped with 3 inch heels, running shorts, head-band, tshirt, and spirit, Becca will strive to stride among the champions.

Want to get involved? Proceeds benefit the "heart truth" foundation and as though the greater good isn't enough of a motivator - all runners will receive a pair of SoleMates!

http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/regisandkelly/special/highheel/index.html

Hazy, Hot & Humid...August Weddings

2010-08-18T10:53:00.005-04:00

An August wedding was not in the cards for me. A variety of reasons existed, but mostly it was because my dear groom would not host our nearest and dearest in a Connecticut sea-side tent sans A/C.

It seems our philosophy put us in the minority as SoleMates has seen an out-of-control surge in August weddings. How does one stay cool at a late August wedding? We have some ideas.

Here they are:

- Hydrate

- Hair up (a hot neck leads to a hot body, and not in a good way) Bar trick - use a damp cocktail napkin on the back of the neck for 5 seconds and your body temp will feel cooler.

- Hosiery - omit (this suggestion can apply 12 mos of the year)!

- Heels - make sure they can accommodate a slightly swollen foot.

- Hope - for a steady breeze - better yet, bring a cute little fan. Programs from the ceremony work well for this too.

- Have some tissues on hand for removing sweat (someone will need it) Cocktail napkins work here as well.

- Haze? Bring your sunglasses for a late afternoon ceremony. No one needs premature crows feet.

Considering an outdoor, August wedding? Check out this site for many more ideas & insights.

http://www.flyawayweddings.com/articles/isitright.php

this one, too!

http://outdoorweddingsguide.com/

Rave Review of Prevue Bridal!

2010-08-13T10:52:00.009-04:00

Costa Mesa, California

The name means Coast Table(land) in Spanish which is a reference to the land being a plateau by the sea. Home to the well-shopped South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa also means land of amazing retailers. Prevue Bridal, our shop-of-the-day, is no exception.

For over 20 years, PreVue Formal and Bridal has been providing top quality customer service, helping thousands of brides select their "perfect dress" with the largest selection of formal and bridal dresses on the West Coast. As a full service bridal salon, they offer brides-to-be everything they need to make their dream wedding a reality.

Not only do they have the largest selection of bridal, bridesmaids and mother of the bride dresses, they also have thousands of formal, special occasion and prom dresses in stock.

And of course, they have a wide selection of SoleMates.

Nantucket Weddings

2010-08-11T10:38:00.004-04:00

Hydrangeas? Check. Murray's Reds? Check. Nantucket Baskets? Check. A Gaggle of Groomsmen in Vineyard Vines ties? Check. SoleMates for tout les personnes? (shamless plug) Check.

No surprise, you are at a Nantucket wedding.

Wedding perfection. Oft sought, rarely achieved. Perfectionists prefer Nantucket.

Even the coldest of feet, would jump at the opportunity to say "I do" in this setting.

While the weather is more of a gamble here (rain and fog blow in fairly frequently), there is no brighter site than a sunny day on Nantucket.

Our favorite local wedding planner, the lovely and talented Aisling Glynn is inspired by its natural beauty and bounty. Check out her website and see for yourself.

http://www.acktivities.com/index.html

Resources: http://nantucketreds.com/

http://www.thenantucketgiftbasketcompany.com/

http://www.vineyardvines.com/home___

Falling for Fall

2010-08-10T13:07:00.008-04:00

The sun is out, the beach is packed, there are tennis rackets and golf clubs littering the back of your car. All of the towels smell like sun tan lotion, and there is sand in every pair of your shoes. It's the peak of summer...and all we can think about is Fall.

Here are the shoes that we can't live without:

(1) Frye Melissa Button Boots. They scream strolling down a leaf filled path in the park, carrying a hot coffee and a magazine, wistfully paired with your fave skinny jeans and a subtly puffed down vest over a long sleeved, light weight cable knit crew. Best part about them they are on sale (till tonight) at Lord & Taylor! Thanks, intern Jamie for this amazing find.

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/Shoes-Boots-tall-lordandtaylor

2. The LL Bean Slipper Shoe. Thanks to Hunter, we all get a little excited when it rains. We can't be blamed because Hunter boots are fun and evoke carefree memories of youth, simplicity, and timeless style. But, we cant be blamed for finding them a little annoying, too. They are massive, and cumbersome and when worn indoors are both inappropriate and weird looking.

Enter - the LL Bean Slipper Shoe. Fabulous colors, comfort like you cant imagine, and practicality on a whole new level. Shoes, to be worn in the rain. Kicking ourselves (Hunters off) for not thinking of these ourselves. Paired with a high waist skirt, fitted cardigan with over sized draping scarf, and some amazing earrings...

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63396?parentCategory=503077&feat=503077-tn&cat4=503003

3. Jimmy Choo Suede Boot. The English language falls short in having words beautiful enough to capture the essence of this piece of art. We genuflect at your store front, Jimmy Choo. Thank you for improving the world, one high heel at a time. It truly doesn't matter what these are paired with - they are magnificent.

http://www.jimmychoo.com/choo-247-boots/kirby-/invt/104kirbysue/?10CMSlink=homeus

Sartorial Savoir Faire or Starry Starry night?

2010-08-09T13:01:00.009-04:00

What does your horoscope say about your shoe-style?

Happy Birthday, Leo!

There is an old saying that you can tell a lot about a person by looking at their feet. People who care about how sexy their feet look often have high self esteem. They tend to be more competent and ambitious than others.However, what one sign considers to be a sexy shoe another might just considered a torture device. Here is a look at what each sign considers to be appropriate footwear and also what they consider to be the sexiest shoe style. We find some of it to be eerily accurate!!

Aries

This is one of those signs with a totem animal that has hooves. Like a real ram, the Aries native likes to make a bit of a clattering sound when they walk. They like a solid wedge shoe with strong metallic construction. It must be well-made and preferably Italian. This is one of those signs that finds a boot to be much sexier than a shoe, particularly if it has lots of laces up the leg. This sign also prefers a wedge shaped heel and a rounded toe whether they be shopping for a shoe or a boot. This is because the sexy shoe style has to be practical as well as attractive. Rams love leather, but they also love patent leather shoes, particular ones that are fire engine red. They also like embellishments, such as chains and velvet or fur insets on a boot.

Taurus

This sign is also one of the Zodiac signs that has hooves. The Taurus native likes shoes that are very slutty looking with very high heels. The classic stiletto in either black leather or shiny black patent leather is the preference of this sign. However, they also like a shoe with a naked heel that is also high with exposed toe cleavage. When it comes to runners, this sign likes a heavy duty Adidas or Puma style shoe that is slightly retro in style. When it comes to boots, the Taurus loves brown suede or leather the best. The more chains, rings, and leather cords that are hanging from the boot, the more the Bull will like the shoe. Taurus natives also prefer footwear with a bit of a Western flair.

Gemini

This sign loves super high heels with lots of straps criss-crossing up the leg. A favorite style is the Lucite heel platform with satin ribbons snaking up the calves. Geminis also find crocodile and alligator shoes practical. When it comes to running shoes, the Gemini is not very practical. They like retro Adidas and old Black Converse All-Star Running shoes. However, they are also not beyond wearing the high heeled running shoes. This daring and adventurous sign will also wear retro styles with great confidence. It is a Gemini that you are most likely to see wearing bright white patent leather thigh high boots or a pair of purple Victorian boots laced up with ribbon. Geminis also like the look of equestrian rubber boots with tight pants and a riding jacket.

Cancer

Both male and female Cancerians have a bit of a fetish for white shoes and are voted most likely to wear this color of shoe after Labor Day. White patent leather shoes that are flatter are sexy to them. They also prefer shoes with a lower heel and a square toe. Flat shoes with a big silver buckle also appeal to them. They also like designer shoe laces on their running shoes in silver or gold lame or with images of little kittens or hearts on them. Being somewhat practical, this sign is also likely to wear running shoes with reflectors on the back. The sexiest boots for a Cancer are pink or beige colored cowboy boots or slouchy style suede boots with metal detailing.

Leo

This flashy sign finds the latest and trendiest running shoe to be super sexy. The chunkier the heel, the better. The Lion is also voted most likely to buy a running shoe that has some kind of gimmick to it, like a flashing rear light, a special footprint, or a heel that inflates with air. The Lion is fond of all shoes that have some kind of animal print to them, whether it be a zebra print, leopard print, or cow print. Female Lions like glass bedroom slippers with sprouts of ostrich feathers. The Lion also likes boots in exotic prints and the heel must be super high and narrow. Contemporary styles that have zippers that travel all the way up the leg are also very sexy to this sign.

Virgo

This sign likes sensible shoes. The Virgo’s idea of beauty is a design where form follows function. This means flat shoes or low heeled shoes turn this sign on. However, in order for the shoe to be sexy, it must be made out of the most expensive and softest leather and the design must be understated. This means the toe cannot be too rounded or pointed and the shoe must be very well made. Most Virgo women prefer a shoe with a covered toe and heel. They find buckles, straps, and toe cleavage to be too fussy to wear. If they do wear a high heel, it tends to be very classic and made out of brown or black leather. The same goes for their boots which often have a thicker sole, so the busy Virgo can get around without slipping. In fact, the practical Virgo is just as likely to find a big pair of Doc Martens as sexy as a pair of black stiletto heels.

Libra

This sign loves beautiful objects and many of them consider shoes to be collectible works of art. The Virgo will collect high heeled shoes in all colors and styles. They are very fond of purple shoes and shoes with bright blue or red soles. When it comes to running shoes, they prefer the slipper shape, which is more of a walking shoe. This is not a very athletic sign. When it comes to high heels, this sexy sign prefers an ankle boot with a very high and pointed heel. In order for the boot to be sexy, the toe of it must narrow to the sharpest point possible. The Libra likes naugahyde and rubber shoes as well, particularity if they have some kind of eccentric design element such as Velcro or elastic fastenings to them.

Scorpio

This sign loves sex so its favorite shoe is the classic high heeled stiletto with as much of the naked foot showing as possible. The more ribbons and laces wrapped around the leg and foot, the better as this reminds the Scorpio of "bondage." When it comes to boots, they prefer a very high stiletto that is as high as possible. It is a Scorpio woman who is most likely to pull off a thigh high style that zips from the hip to the toe. The preferred color for all footwear is black and the shoe must be well made and of expensive leather. Scorpions do not like fake fabrics like vinyl. When it comes to a running shoe, this sign prefers a classic Plaid Ked or a retro look Converse. It is not a very athletic sign and the running shoes tend to be more of a fashion statement than anything.

Sagittarius

This sign loves to travel so the shoe it often finds sexy is also one that is very functional. Doc Martins and designer hiking boots appeal a lot to this sign, especially if they are made of quality leather and lace up high. For a unique touch, a female Archer will embellish a rougher looking boot with ribbons to accomplish the “steampunk” look in fashion. Archers also really like delicate, Japanese style slippers made out of comfortable black cotton or satin. For evenings out, the Sagittarian is more likely to choose a shoe that is patent leather and a combination of black and white in color. The 50's style saddle shoe is very sexy to the Archer, especially if it has a bit of a heel, because it is comfortable and they can dance the night away in them.

Capricorn

This is another Zodiac sign that is symbolized by an animal with hooves. The Goat loves high heel shoes of all types. Gold and silver high heel shoes with six inch heels would turn this sign on. For a special occasion, you might find a female goat wearing a pair of patent leather shoes in Siren Red or a fiery orange color. It is an ecologically minded sign as well, so it will go for shoes made out of the latest recyclable materials. When it comes to running shoes, this sign prefers rubber shoes or ones with very firm treads. Capricorns also are fond of hiking and climbing boots, especially if they are made out of black leather and have a lot of laces. Female goats can be quite precious and girly and will wear pink hiking boots for fun.

Aquarius

This visionary sign loves the color purple and will own boots, running shoes, slippers and high heels in this color. This sign loves retro styles and especially Victorian styles with lots of lace and velvet insets. An Aquarian will also wear ballet slippers in satin or similar styles around the house to be sexy yet comfortable. Winklepicker boots and shoes are also popular with Aquarians. This style from the fabulous 50's is a lower yet pointed heel that narrows to the diameter of a knitting needle. Pointy toes are also a must for this sign. An Aquarius native loves to walk and dance and slim fitting running and walking shoes are usually in their wardrobe. Aquarians also enjoy wearing sexy flat sandals that can take them for miles as they stroll along city streets and in shopping malls. Metallic colored sandals are a favorite of their futuristic minded sign.

Pisces

These native loves to be comfortable, so they will choose a flatter sandal or shoe to walk in and find the sexy detail in a gem, bow, or buckle embellishing the shoe elsewhere. They also love a flat sexy thong style sandal embellished with a large flower. They also love to slosh through ponds, creeks, and lakes so most of them own a pair of water sandals or water shoes. They like green and blue leather shoes the best. They are also very fond of running shoes that are well constructed and made out of suede. In fact, it is a Fish that is voted to most likely wear a suede shoe at all. They consider metallic footwear to be gaudy or vulgar and instead stick to natural leathers. They are very fond of bows and buckles and find a chunkier square cut heel to be sexier than a shoe that narrows to a point.

Her First High Heels

2010-08-06T14:34:00.003-04:00

Okay, it seems I am not the first person to combine (or confuse) babies and high heels...

It seems that Heidi Klum was into this years ago. It is therefore totally acceptable for the rest of us to embrace...

http://heelarious.com/blog/?tag=baby-high-heels

Gift Idea?

2010-08-06T14:22:00.002-04:00

Headed to a christening this weekend and was looking for potential gifts for the baby and mom. Somehow, via Amazon.com, I stumbled upon this.

What can I say....While seemingly inappropriate for either, Im not sure how I could go another day without a high-heel cake cutter?

Should I put a SoleMate on it?

http://www.amazon.com/Slice-Style-Stainless-Steel-Server/dp/B002G38KLK

Wedding Tulle

2010-08-06T14:19:00.002-04:00

Thank you for your lovely review, Wedding Tulle! We think you are pretty great, too.

http://weddingtulle.blogspot.com/2010/08/tip-of-week-solemates.html

Mon Amie

2010-08-06T14:05:00.002-04:00

Je t'aime Mon Amie bridal salon in Costa Mesa, California!

Not only is their selection insanely amazing, but their bridal consultants, buyers, and managers are among the nicest and most insightful in the business. When you ask the magic question, 'How does this make me look?' they wont hesitate to review the selection with care, candor, and charisma! The best part about this magical oasis of bountiful bridal beauty is that you literally can find everything you need under its spanish tiled roof. With 20,000 square feet of inventory and 33 years in the biz, they not only know it all, but they (quite literally) have it all.

Visit them - tout de suite!

http://www.monamie.com/

Viva La Wedding!

2010-08-05T16:01:00.003-04:00

We loved this post and the follow-up comments so much that we reposted it for our readers to view.

Gracias, "Viva La Wedding" for such a bueno review!

http://vivalawedding.blogspot.com/2010/08/sole-mates.html

Unfortunately Viva’s love of outdoor weddings along with our love of designer shoes hasn’t always been a match made in heaven. Let’s face it, luscious grass covered ceremony sites, cocktail receptions on beautifully stained decks and tented dinners on perfectly laid cobble stones aren’t really a high heel’s best friend. Not willing to give up one or the other (outdoor weddings or high heels), Viva went on a hunt to see what we could do to help them get along.High heels, meet SoleMates.At last the sole-ution to wearing high heels on grass, cobblestones, bricks, wooden decks and over subway grates! By increasing the surface area of the base of the heel, these high heel protectors reduce the pressure on this area and prevent the heels from sinking into the grass or falling into cracks.Not only do these little babies make walking on grass a breeze, they also help to protect your heels and prevent damage to those oh so stylish Louboutins you splurged on for your wedding day. And don’t forget your bridesmaids. Now they can walk down the aisle with confidence too.

Jade is the new Black

2010-08-05T12:56:00.004-04:00

OMG. OPI.

They have done it again. Welcome, Jade. We are so thrilled to have you in our nail-color rotation. While Im a neutral polish kind of girl, I realize that I am missing out on a world of colorful opportunities.

We see it everywhere we go -and word on the street (the green streets of Old Greenwich, that is) is that Jade is the new Black.

Well-Heeled Travel

2010-08-04T10:10:00.004-04:00

You meet, you fall in love...and then what?

You travel, of course!

And of this week, all of that planning and researching and note taking and emailing friends and cross checking various books and sites and magazines...is over!

Introducing the Purple Passport...the well-heeled travelers long awaited reference guide. Dynamic, witty, and relevant, the Purple Passport is revolutionizing the way you think about travel, one city at a time.

First up, London. Check back each month as new cities are rolled out and start filling up your passport, today!

http://www.thepurplepassport.com/

Tuesday Shoes-Day "Le Flip-Flop"

2010-08-03T14:21:00.008-04:00

Thank you, Wickipedia for so eloquently delineating the various definitions of our fave summer shoe, le flip-flop.

Flip-flops, are a simple type of footwear in which there is a band between the big toe and the other toes. Flip-flop may also refer to: Flip-flop (electronics), the bistable multivibrator, a circuit with two stable states Flip-flop (politics), a sudden change of position on an issue, also called a U-turn Flip flop, per Top, bottom and versatile, a role reversal between two men during a single sexual encounter Flip-flop hub, a type of hub used in bicycle wheels Flip-Flop (Doctor Who audio), a Big Finish Productions audio drama based on the British science fiction television series Doctor Who Flip Flop, a pricing game played on The Price Is Right Flip-Flop (album), the fourth album by Guadalcanal Diary Handspring (gymnastics) or flip-flop Flip-flop, the translocation of a phospholipid in cell membranes carried out by flippase proteins Flip (algebraic geometry) and flop, operations in algebraic geometry

Who knew the term was open to so many (ie more than one) interpretation? While we prefer the first description, and are glad that we are not faced with discussing the algebraic term (with no ill respect intended to our respective 8th grade math teachers), the quest continues to identify the superior brand of summer flops.

In our office we have the following contenders based on our choice of shoes today (no, we don't always wear heels):

Monica - Kors gold flops

Jamie - Tory Burch plastics

Becca - Fit Flops

Miranda - Havaianas

Send us your fave flops!

The Return of the Rachel Zoe Project

2010-08-02T14:41:00.006-04:00

Okay, so it's coming back and we're so excited. Drama with Taylor...will she stay or will she go? Has Brad finally gotten his sh*t together? How is Rachel's health? Doesn't Demi look A-mazing during that photo shoot? There is so much to be covered, so much to be revealed - it is going to be BA-nanas.

Our fave feature on her site at the moment, au naturel, is genius advice on shoes for travel as well as the answer to the question of the ages...what to wear to a wedding!?

Check it, it's certainly worth a read.

http://www.rachelzoe.com/ask-rachel

Hudson Valley Voyeurism

2010-07-30T12:13:00.005-04:00

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past several weeks, you are more than aware of the impending nuptials of the lovely Chelsea Clinton to the charming Marc Mezvinsky! What you may not be aware of, however, is that in the town in which they plan to wed stands the most lovely & charming of bridal boutiques in the Hudson Valley. Not to be confused with the 'other' Chamonix in the French Alps, the Chamonix Bridal Boutique in Rhinebeck, NY is the home to a fantastic assortment of carefully merchandized bridal attire and accessories! It might be a good idea to stop by this weekend, if you eh, happen to be passing through town.

Marc & Chelsea's guests will "be well-heeled" this weekend...will you?

http://www.chamonixbride.com/

Simply Social Event Design.. is Divine!

2010-07-29T15:32:00.003-04:00

Thank you, Simply Social Event Design, for your enthusiastic review of our product!
http://simplysocialeventdesign.blogspot.com/

SoleMates... OMG!!! They are AWESOME!!!
Sooooo... last week I was thumbing through the most recent issue of an Australian Wedding Magazine that I subscribe to and they had an ad for "SoleMates." Maybe one of the greatest inventions EVER!!! Don’t you just hate it when you get all pretty for an event and slip on your cutest pair of heels only to arrive to an event where you have to walk in the grass... YIKES!!! Your GORGEOUS heels sink into the grass? Or get stuck in a grate? Scraped up on cobblestones? Well... let me just tell you... SoleMates are here to SAVE THE DAY!!!

These handy little rubber guards slip over the tip of your heel and distribute the weight better giving you more sure footing. They really do work!!! It's amazing!!! They are sold in pairs and available in clear and black. Also, if you order them in bulk, you get a discount. Why not order a large quantity and put them in a cute little glass container on your sign-in table at your wedding... Your guests would think you are THE COOLEST bride EVER! I am totally ordering these for my wedding as the ceremony requires some grass walking and also some cobblestone walking! I LOVE THEM!!!

Nail It.

2010-07-29T11:08:00.005-04:00

All the cool kids are doing it. Are you?

Beyoncé, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Katie Perry, Queen Latifah, Fergie, Pink, and Lady Gaga are all fans of Minx nails , which is "a solid film with an adhesive back that is heat activated. The heat gives Minx the conformability to fit over the compound curves of nails and seals it onto the nail bed." Basically, Minx nails are more advanced nail stickers, but so much cooler.

Just take a look at some of their designs.

This is not your typical mani pedi. But for a special occasion, these are perfect.

They even have special bridal versions.

And there's no drying time, so you won't have to worry about any scratches as you leave the salon. Find one near you and prepare to party like a rockstar.

Godsend of the Day: the Wedding Accessory Superstore

2010-07-27T14:45:00.005-04:00

Super-speed-shopper bride is getting married tomorrow. She got engaged yesterday. She picked out her perfect dress this morning and already altered it herself. This girl is all about efficiency; in the next few hours, she needs to get her jewelry, shoes, SoleMates, veil, purse, lingerie, bridesmaid dresses, invitations (which, considering her lightning-speed time frame, probably should have been sent out pre-engagement if she wants any guests to show up), aisle runner, favors, picture frames, and cake topper. Oh, and she's throwing herself a bachelorette party tonight, so she also needs to pick up all of the supplies for that (sash, shot glasses, "policemen," etc.)

And you thought planning your wedding was rushed. Whatever will our heroine do?

Enter the Wedding Accessory Superstore. Our bride-to-very-soon-be can get everything she needs under one roof (except for our scantily clad male friends - hopefully her girlfriends will take care of that). It's a huge roof, mind you, located in Phoenix, Arizona, but those of us who don't happen to live close enough to drop in for an hour or two to take care of all our wedding needs can easily browse their online store from the comfort of our own homes.

Hopefully after all her last-minute planning, her crazy aunt and uncle don't have a few too many and decide to do this on the dance floor:

A Cute Idea from Chandelier Events

2010-07-26T13:43:00.004-04:00

The people over at Chandelier Events came up with such a cute way to add some flair to a summer pool party - providing flip flops and SoleMates for the guests! We love how they displayed them in a hurricane vase. This could even make a great centerpiece! We can just imagine women flocking to the table to relieve their toes from their outdoor woes (now tell me that rhyme didn't make you groan... and smile).

Check out their blog post here.

We love you too, event planners!

2010-07-22T10:02:00.003-04:00

Our new friend Tanja from the Wedding Company blogged about us yesterday! Thanks Tanja - we love it! Here's her post:

At last, the “sole-ution” (cheesy pun totally intended) to wearing high heels outdoors to weddings, receptions, polo matches and shopping malls. No more tip-toeing in grass, or teetering about on cobblestone paths, brick streets or other tricky or uneven surfaces. Ladies, you know exactly what I’m talking about – we’ve all been there. Braving these surfaces in stilettos while trying to maintain a composed, elegant posture and refrain from injury can be quite a menacing experience. Well, that is at least until now…

Society, I give you the SoleMates High Heeler…

A discreet little attachment that promises to prevent most stiletto and kitten heels from sinking in grass or slipping into sidewalk cracks! (Cue choir of angels) Hallelujah!

It slips over the end of your heel increasing the surface area on the base of the heel, thus it is not as likely to fall into cracks and breaks in cobblestone and concrete. The increased size of the base also reduces the pressure on this area which helps prevent heels from sinking into soft ground. And beyond this, they serve as a protector by keeping heels clean and preventing damage which means they can actually help to extend the life of your favorite shoes! High Heelers come in clear and black, and at only $10/pair – they’re a total steal!

You can order yours now by clicking here.

BONUS for Brides!
The company is offering a special online promotion to you that you may share with not only your bridal party (include a pair of High Heelers in your gift to your bridesmaids – they’ll love it!), but with all guests. The High Heelers are a totally cool item to include on your wedding webpage. Your guests will be thrilled to learn about this cool product and they’ll get a special deal! Click here to learn more!

And today, we have a lovely post from Liane McCombs, a wedding planner in Nevada. Thanks, Liane!

Have you seen them in all the bridal magazines and on all the bridal blogs? SoleMates heel protectors are the hottest useful wedding accessory since waterproof mascara! They are small, clear plastic heel covers that attach easily to most stiletto and high heels… saving you from sinking into the grass… or getting caught in wood planks… or tearing your isle runner and tripping!

These little gems are perfect for outdoor weddings, and can be easily slipped off the heels later if you don’t need them during the reception. Not only can they save you from untold mishaps, they also protect the heels of your shoes from getting ruined.

This testimonial from the SoleMates web site says it all:

I threw a pair of SoleMates in my bag on my way out to a wedding at the last minute – turned out to be the best call! The wedding was held outside after a really rainy night. With the SoleMates, I was able to walk through the grass with absolutely no problem while everyone else was sinking into the ground and could barely walk. They were perfect – and then I just put them back in my bag and went inside for the reception.
- Lauren, Chicago, IL

Hats Off to Saving Face

2010-07-20T12:57:00.014-04:00

At Royal Ascot, the horses are the supposed draw, but all attention is really on the hats. These hats are not just meant to shade your face from the sun – no, these hats are meant to shout, “Look at me!” loud and proud over the hubbub of the day.

It’s not every day that a girl gets to accessorize with feathers (excluding, of course, Bjork), so the ladies go wild.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, commanded attention for another reason at this June’s Royal Ascot. She isn’t showing off the latest dance craze or performing a magic trick in which her left leg disappears. She is not embracing her inner flamingo. The countess is trying to regain her balance after her heels got stuck in the grass.

After this uncharacteristic bout of clumsiness, the countess laughed off the incident, swearing that she would never again leave home without her SoleMates high heel protectors.

Style Scoop!

2010-07-19T15:39:00.001-04:00

Thanks to our pals in South Africa, we are pleased to share this great review from Style Scoop!

Style Scoop - The fabulous, daily... - http://www.stylescoop.co.za/