Staycation Fun - Artscape

Well shoejunkies, recessionistas and alike, Artscape (the nation's largest free arts festival ) is upon us.

MARVEL! at the 1000s of people roasting with you in the noon day sun!

BASK! in the not quit adequate cooling mist stations as they cool your body and dismantle your look.

AMAZE YOUR FRIENDS! as you muster self discipline to lug chairs and blankets where you CANNOT see your favorite artists.

SURRENDER! all coolers at the gate.

SAVOR! that festival pricing on all snacks and drinks!

COUNT! the African shirts and 10 foot long frozen drinks. You feelin' arty yet?

Okay. Cynicism aside. It is pretty fun if you prepare for all of the above. How many of us can say we saw Ray Charles and Issac Hayes last performances in Baltimore. Artscape. Who can say they saw De La Soul, Black Sheep and Busy Bee free. Artscape. Then Meshell Ndege Ocello working the crowd into a funk frenzy. You guessed it. Artscape and it only gets better. So now that we know what we're in for, let's say fuss free hair, minimal makeup, sensible yet sexy shoes.

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How 'bout a fuss free nu boho look where your kimono made from a T-shirt goes great with khaki cargo bloomers some cute wedges. Nine West Zarend Perfect for just such a look and its still sexy. $68.95 @ Zappos

Or maybe get Jane Birkin on 'em. Non fussy clip roll hair, mod waterproof liner, denim Bermuda shorts, nautical striped halter top and espadrilles. Check It... Esfamenco.com has reasonably priced handmade espadrilles in all sorts of styles and colors like these. Check all the styles only $30.63 @ Esflamenco.com

Now the big easy is a knit maxi dress with the thong sandal. Classic... I have a feeling next years pics will show this look wins overwhelmingly. Clarks Margot is an awesome look and totally comfortable.$50 @Zappos

Silver jewelry brings out the simplicity. Hoops and bangles work with every look. You decide the size. Here's a tip: Eat before you go. Then you can shop and drink more. And your feet will be so happy. Oh yeah and wear the sunscreen. Trust me...

Happy Artscape.....

H&M stepping out with Jimmy Choo stilettos this November

H&M stepping out with Jimmy Choo stilettos this November

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Staycation Fun

Can't afford to go on vacation, well staycation is just the thing for you. It's a getaway in your own backyard. It just take a little imagination and creativity to get out of the same ol', same ol'. And the right shoes can help.

Summer is festival season. Here in Baltimore we have a celebration of all kitch called HONFEST. This is the place to pull out you beehive wigs, cateye glasses, the Mrs. Roper kaftans, pink foam curlers and kitch it up for the world to see.

I have been obsessed with June Cleaver lately.Her look would be perfect for HONFEST. Poofy dress with complete with petticoat, chiffon apron and feather duster. But this seemingly docile "doormat-of-a-housewife" look would not be complete without the fetishy pumps-- a 50s suburban housewife staple. Notice the heels... maybe underneath she's the pinup of ward's dreams.

Now check these out.

Route 66 100% Leather "Elvira Perez" Vintage Inspired Pumps - Black

are not cheep but very true to the concept. Classic and adorable and $118 @pinupgirlclothing.com

Bordello Retro Shoes "Rosa" Peep Toe Pinup Sandal with Satin Rose Detail

Just as adorable as the route 66 but a little more purr to them. And a cuter price $46 @pinupgirlclothing.com

So watch out HONFEST the happy housewives will be taking over. Thanx HON...b See It just takes a little creativity....

Hiking Anyone?

                                                

Hi Shoejunkies. Looks like a lot of us will not be going on vacation this year. So maybe a staycation is the way to go.  How about plugging into your nature girl side. I'm sure there are plenty of national parks and streams to keep you occupied for a while. And the J-41 Leo can take you there comfortably and stylishly. Jeep® Memory Foam footbed cradles your foot with anti-odor and quick drying properties. And when the hiking is done you can meet up for a beer in them at the local watering hole. Rugged enough to get up that hill but girly enough for that cap sleeve and cargo skirt. Only 89.10 @ Zappos have fun. Next week. Kitchy Factory tours.

 

1st Lady: Sneaker Scandal to Sneaker Chic

Hi shoe junkies. You have to love Michell Obama. Shes self made, beautiful, sophisticated, but not to keen on the protocol from time to time. Her sneakers wouldn't be that much of an issue, if she were free to be an independent fashionista. BUT she is not. She's the first lady, a reflection of the people. And most people cannot afford $600 Lanvin sneakers.so here are a few classic suggestions that may have slipped her mind. They're modern and will pass the first lady stress test.

You know them. You love them. Always imitated (like Lanvin) but never duplicated, the converse all-star, always classic and modern. Maybe they could use some good inner sole comfort for the first lady. But over all they would still come in under $100. $45 to be exact @Zappos.

Maybe the classic isn't girly enough for Mrs. O, well Converse also has a low profile euro styled sneaker called the Converse All Star® Light Ox. Very sleek and they come in Black and her fave Purple. And they come in 47.95 @Zappos

Now one other highly under rated sneaker that is so chic. Pro Keds. I had them, I loved them and still do. And they reflect the recessionista mindset that we the people would love her for.first lady in this economy $51 @ Zappos

But wait. Less we not forget about The classic Adidas Stan Smith. Leather, clean, crisp and perfect for looking fab. And still come in under a 100. $59.95 @ Zappos

Most of us wouldn't have cared if she wore $100 sneakers. But $600? That's a bit Imelda Marcos of her. And that we don't want...

It Just Keeps Raining

Hi My shoejunkies and recessionistas. It will not stop raining. I'm going to start calling this monsoon season. Anyhoo, I saw this the other day and thought it would be perfect for this season. The High Country Heated Shoe & Boot Dryer. It uses a gently warmed air stream, which won't hurt footwear. The folding arms lock upright and are perfect for regular shoes, pumps, flats, wedges and most boots like new wave ankle boots everyone is loving and wearing all year long it seems.. AND The arms can be extended to accommodate high boots (like wellies). It has an integrated ionizer that helps kill that odor causing bacteria, eliminate mold and mildew, (damp footwear) and will help freshen up the damp and rainy shoes & boots. This will definitely extend the life of your shoes 34.95@ Amazon.com

And because it won't stop raining, You got to be careful when you venture out into the world in high heels. (I know, we always got to be cute). Here's a cool mothers day gift idea The Strut n' Style gift set. What mother or woman can't use a little extra comfort inside the shoe and a little insurance outside against the dreaded skids, the duck walk and the potential injury caused by slipping and/or falling high heels in the rain. Check what you will get:

1 Pair Each:
Tip Toes

Heavenly Heelz

Strappy Strips
Killer Kushionz
Petal Plusheez (Black)

2 Pairs:

Sole Stopperz (Black)

Yummies. And they are only $44.95 @footpetals.com

Sexy Vegan

All this talk about Earth Day and Green/Sustainable Lifestyle got me thinking about vegan shoes. Usually they look like they should come with a vat of patchouli. But Stella McCartney has brought vegan into "chic-dom". Speaking of which, her Canvas print espadrilles are cute in a  discovery channel safari way and the jute wrapping around the wedge and heel is kinda edgy. $395 @ Net-A-Porter

 

 

 

Here is another vegan star to make you think again about vegan shoes.

 

 

Beyond Skin has got a beautiful take on vegan. The Cherub Pump is so classic I had to add it. With one catch, they're made of hemp. How Joan Holloway/Mad Men can you get? Can they be  more striking, sexy and walkable. Hand made and guilt free for the green scene and only $151.22@endless.com .

 

 

 

So Te Casan folds but the yummy Natalie Portman vegan line is still available a a lot of different stores. Check out the Te Casan by Natalie Portman Picasso Wedge . Love her style. Very clean and classic. And on sale from about $300 to $162.22@endless.com