The Happiest Feet in Texas

Happy feet. I haz 'em.

Because of these babies right here:

(All photos in this post are links -- click to see details about the shoes.)

This past Saturday, I was doing a little shopping. (Actually, I was doing a little returning, so theoretically I went up to the Domain to make some money. Best laid plans & all that.) As I strode purposefully past the Cole Haan store, I did a double-take/pull-up-short maneuver worthy of Charlie Chaplin when I saw the sign for these sandals in the window of the store. I marched in, I tried them on, I bought them, and I left with them on my hooves, all within the space of about 20 minutes.

Because they are jee-nee-uss. Light as air, comfortably padded, and constructed with no seams. The soles are completely flexible and grippy. I've worn them pretty close to non-stop for a few days now and I am completely besotted. If you go here, you can see a little video from Cole Haan about the line and its "technology." As I've mentioned before, Nike bought Cole Haan several years ago and it was one of the happiest things to happen to my feet in the history of the shoe business. It so happens that I had been girding my shoe-shopping loins in anticipation of looking for some good, comfy summer shoes. I'm going to Boston at the end of August and there will be quite a bit of stomping around on the cobblestones & sidewalks, I imagine, so I've been thinking about shoes to take with me. Problem solved.

The company calls the color silver, but it really seems more like an antiqued gold to me -- I never wear silver, and I have no problem with these. If it's silver, it's a warm silver, if such a thing exists. This shoe also comes in black, but I think the metallic is a great summer neutral.

I almost walked out of the store with two pairs -- the only reason I didn't was because they didn't have the other pair in my size/color combination, so Cole Haan is very kindly shipping them to me free of charge. What's on its way? These right here:

A slightly-less gladiatorial sandal, but still with a good t-strap so that it comfortably stays on my foot. This one is also available in Ivory and Black.

There was yet another one in the line that I tried but didn't buy -- these:

It's another great-looking sandal, but I didn't like it as much on my foot. When I was browsing the shoes on the shelf, my lovely SA Emily (Hi, Emily!) came over to demonstrate for me that these guys have a reversible insole. You can pop the insole out and flip it over -- one side is brown and the other is black. My slightly-baffled response was, "Um, why?" Apparently the company thinks this makes the shoe more versatile. What I think it actually does is make the shoe more rigid, because the footbed of the shoe has to provide a slot for that insole to pop in & out of, so it's less flexible that the other models. Which is not to say it's uncomfortable, just not as bedroom-slipper bendy as the other ones.

The other great thing about these shoes is the price. They are very reasonable, even for Cole Haan, which I have said many times is a brand that I think already gives outstanding quality for the price. I can confidently say at this point I have more Cole Haan shoes in my wardrobe than any other brand, and I have no regrets about any of them.

So. Looking for good summer sandals? Here's some. Two big thumbs up from Style Spy. Go getcha some.

But first, just a small interjection to head off a few things at the pass. Whenever I tout a pair of shoes as comfortable, I get all kinds of questions about arch support and podiatric needs. Now let's just think about this for a moment, shall we? "How's the arch suppport in these shoes?" you ask. Well, pretty good for a pair of mass-produced, flat sandals. But. If you are a person who absolutely needs an orthotic arch support, do you really think these shoes are going to provide it for you? Take a look at those shoes. Do you really think it's possible that they are going to provide the sort of support you might find in, say, a good running shoe? Of course not. It's not possible. Let us please be realistic, people. Looking at a sandal like any of the above and bitching that they don't cradle your delicate little footsies in exquisite, perfectly-designed orthopedic comfort is like bitching that your cat doesn't bark when strangers come to the door. It's a totally different animal. It's not going to do that, it's not supposed to do that, it's not capable of doing that. So, please. Realistic expectations. That being said, I think these are a fantastic solution for the chic-yet-comfy dilemma, and I proclaim my summer shoe shopping finished and complete. If anyone takes me up on this recommendation, please let me know how they work out for you.

Surprisingly Good

I'm usually pretty skeptical about celebrity-turned-designer efforts. And that's because they're usually not very good. There have been occasional exceptions, and I'm really liking the Maria Sharapova Collection recently rolled out by Cole Haan. Now, I'm generally a great big fan of Cole Haan -- I think they do exceptional quality and design at what is a very reasonable price point; and their acquisition by Nike has been one of the best things to happen to feet in quite a while.

I don't know how much Maria Sharapova truly has to do with these shoes besides posing in lots of pretty advertisements, but whoever is designing them is cranking out some good work. I've already shown you these:

(click photos for links on all shoes)

A pair or possibly two of which I do plan on acquiring later in the fall. But I got an e-mail from Endless telling me that if you order a pair right now you get this free tote bag

which is danged cute. So I went looking around and I have to tell ya, I like all of the shoes in this collection. These booties, or example

are terrific. They're very much what is happening in fashion right now without being so extreme that you'll only get one season of wear out of them. That's going to be a great boot under a pair of jeans, but it's also going to be really, really good-looking with a pair of tights and a skirt. Loving it.

If you're more of a flat boot kinda gal, these are gorgeous. Click on the link to check out the detailing on this -- the back side of these boots are suede and the strap detailing is just edgy enough -- they're not boring old black boots. If you were planning on doing any traveling this fall and were going to do a lot of walking, these are your ticket right here -- they'll go with anything and still look chic.


We all need a good sexy sandal...

These come in black as well, but I maintain (and I'm in good company) that gold is a neutral, and every woman should have a pair of gold sandals in her wardrobe. I love the platforms on these, they're reminiscent of the YSL Tribute sandal without being a carbon copy, and this is another one you should click on to look at the close-up: the buckles on all those straps are the little toothed slider kind, so you can make them exactly as tight or loose as you want them. Great shoe.

There's also a great flat suede over-the-knee boot and a beautiful almond-toed tie-front pump that's extremely elegant. Collect all six!

I hope someone will give some of these shoes a try and let me know how they work out. (Style Spy is on a bit of a shoe diet these days, or I'd give you first-hand testimony.)

The Shoeniverse Is Reading My E-Mail

It's uncanny sometimes, it really is. I swear, the Shoeniverse eavesdrops on my every conversation.

Just yesterday morning I had an e-mail exchange with the English Rose about ballet flats. Hers, she fears, do not have much life left in them. As a Londoner, the Rose is a commuter, and she is a stylish commuter, so her ballet flats are extremely important to her. She wears them to work and then changes into her high heels when she arrives. This practice, as many of you probably know, saves wear & tear on the ol' hooves, not to mention ol' hoof covers. (There was a Miu Miu mary jane/subway escalator tragedy a few years ago that cemented this practice for the Rose.) Her significant other has suggested that she wear her running shoes from home to the office. He is a nice man, but he is a man and therefore, this idea makes perfect sense to him. Well, I've known the Rose longer than he has, and I'm here to tell you -- not gonna happen. As she said yesterday, Melanie Griffith in "Working Girl" has never been her fashion role model.

But the guy, misguided as his fashion instincts might be, has a point. I've done the Rose's commute with her (last time I was in London) and there is an awful lot of cobblestone and pavement and steps involved. Heels are certainly not the right choice, but I don't think my feet would be happy in mere leather-soled ballet flats, either. I like a little more cushioning between myself and the pavement when I'm doing a hard slog on city streets.

So it's a dilemma, as many of you know. Shoes that look stylish enough that you don't want to wear a bag over your head and yet won't lead to a much better acquaintance with your podiatrist than you'd really like.

And not two hours after the conclusion of this exchange between myself, an ad for this popped up in my Inbox.





This is the Cole Haan Air Bacara, from the Maria Sharapova Collection. A lovely, versatile shoe with the added benefit of "Nike Air Technology." The idea of "technology" in my shoe does make me snigger a bit, but I'm going to have to trust Cole Haan on this one, because I always find their shoes wondrously comfortable. I might go so far as to say that Nike's acquisition of Cole Haan a few years ago is one of the better things to happen to fashionable feet in quite a long time. (Ironically, however, I never wear Nike athletic shoes -- they don't suit my feet and I always find them quite uncomfortable. For running shoes, I am a Saucony gal through and through.)

I think it's more than likely a pair of these are going to find their way into my shoe closet within the next month or so. They're absolutely adorable (note the little lacing detail at the heel -- so cute!) and they're the sort of shoe everyone needs -- they'll be cute with jeans and skirts and will wear into the winter with tights. The problem is going to be deciding what color to choose -- as well as the black patent above, they come in gold, a really nice dark blue, and a beautiful orchid-y purple color called, poetically, "Plumeria." You can get them at the Cole Haan website by clicking on the photo, but if you're in a hurry and/or want to save a few bucks on shipping, you can also find them at
and . Piperlime has free shipping and free returns on their orders, and Endless is running a special with free overnight shipping , in case you need these for the Labor Day weekend.

Speaking of which -- here it comes!! Labor Day!! Style Spy has no real plans for the holiday, except maybe a prowl through a few of her favorite stores in search of can't-live-without bargains. How about you guys? Any fun, fashiony plans for your holiday?

Shopportunity -- February 28

Shopportunity -- Cole Haan on Sale!

Hot diggity!!! Check out what's going on at the Cole Haan site!

And if that weren't enough...



Yowza! I was just saying today to the fabulous Plumcake that I needed shoes (to which she responded with a delicately raised eyebrow). But I do, actually, I need flat shoes for cold weather -- kickin' around shoes to put on with jeans or khakis that are comfy but still nice. And lo and behold! The Shoeniverse sent me a fabulous sale! (::Style Spy clasps hands together under her chin á la Cindy Lou Who::) Thank you, Shoeniverse!

I just snagged a pair of these:


Because a driving moc is so Audrey Hepburn, isn't it? These come in dark brown or black, but I just looooove this tortoise patent, which is a little of both and will therefore go with everything. Plus? It's awfully cool. And with the extra 30% off and the free shipping, these puppies set me back less than 70 bucks. Which seems a very fair price for a shoe that I predict I will wear to ribbons. So now I just have to sit back and wait to get them, impatiently tapping my (unshod) toe as I wait for that sound I love so well -- the pitter-patter of Fed Ex guy feet on my stairs. Oh, it's better than reindeer hooves on the roof any day!

So, go!! Shop!!!


Photos: ColeHaan.com

Shopportunity -- November 26

There's a code for free shipping from Cole Haan today: FREESHIP1

This is for today only, so jump quick! They have a lot of great shoes on sale still, and I've talked many times about how much I like Cole Haan shoes. Like these (click for links):

(Okay, these aren't exactly a bargain, even on sale, but I'm just completely in love with these boots. Aren't they gorgeous?)


How about these beautiful jeweled d'orsays? Perfect for the holidays.

Go, take a look around, maybe add a few things to your wishlist...

Photos: ColeHaan.com

Meet Fiona

I got a friendly little e-mail from Cole Haan this morning, inviting me to "meet Fiona." Here she is:

This is a really, really lovely pump from Cole Haan, and best of all it's apparently imbued with NikeAir technogoodies, so it's comfy on the feet. It's available in low- & mid-heels, as well, and the range of sizes on the high-heeled black patent goes from 4 to 11 (mine goes to 11!), with AAs for almost every size!

These are not cheap shoes, I know. They're not Louboutin-spendy, but with sales tax you're looking at about $300. This is an investment shoe for most people, but as your footwear advisor I'd say they are probably a very wise investment. A perfect, all-purpose pump that's actually pretty comfortable? Worth every dime.

(Here I must insert a reminder of my recent caveat about the Sliding Comfort Scale of High Heels. Remember -- ain't enough Nike technowizardry in the world to make 3 1/2" heels feel like your bedroom slippers after about four hours. Adjust your expectations accordingly, or live with the disappointment.)

Those people at Cole Haan are some clever little elves. I've raved about their shoes here before -- I have several pairs and I got some new ones the other day:

Style Spy is headed across the pond next month -- three days in London followed by a week in Paris (Go ahead! Envy me!! Bwah-hah-hah-hah-hah!!!!!) -- and the quest for chic-yet-not-torturous shoes is neverending. I'd had my eye on these for a while now, and then out of the blue they went on sale! Even better! So I ordered a pair (my local Cole Haan boutique didn't have them in my size and so they very obligingly sent me a pair from somewhere else, with no shipping charges) and they came the other day and I just love them. They were quite snug in the ball when I put them on (I do find that Cole Haan shoes tend to run a bit narrow), but they gave a bit as I wore them, and after a few hours of errand-running, they were still feeling good. A morning in & out of my car in Austin is not quite the same as a day on the Paris cobblestones, I'm aware, but I'm feeling positive about it. And this weekend I'm getting a visit from Sian the English Rose (hooray!) and I shall test them again during what is sure to be a couple of days of marathon outlet shopping. (If you want to see pure happiness, present a London fashionista with YSL at American outlet sale prices. You can almost hear the rustle of angels' wings.)

I hope if anyone actually picks up a pair of the Fionas they'll write & let me know how they feel. If I make it up to the Cole Haan store any time soon, I'll try on a pair & let you guys know what I think.

Happy shopping!

Photos: ColeHaan.com

Shopportunity -- October 5

Yee-haw!! There's a truly excellent sale on the Cole Haan website right now, you should definitely check it out. Cole Haan is one of my favorite brands of shoes, I think hardly anyone makes a higher-quality shoe at this (or any) price point. I have several pairs, and I love them all, and they score very high on the comfortable scale, as well, since Nike took over the company a few years ago and added lots of fun & foot-coddling features to the shoes. Take a look at these:

These have a wonderful Bottega Veneta vibe about them, and gray is the color of the season.

Gray is even more delicious in suede, and I absolutely adore these.

Gorgeous, classic, never-fail, never-go-out-of-style perfectperfect slingback.


With all due respect to my bloghero, the Manolo, I just can't get on board with the shoes he recommended this morning for a reader's visit to (!!!) Paris. I'm sorry, but Paris deserves much prettier shoes than that. Like these:

Or these:

I am SO picking up a pair of these for my trip to Paris in November. I've tried them on, and they're wonderfully comfy.

There are even good goodies for men:

I am a stone sucker for a man in a suede buck. Retro-wonderful.

The grown-up alternative to sneakers. If I saw a guy wearing these in the grocery store, I would definitely check to see what was in his cart, if you know what I mean.

Go!! Shop!!! (Even better -- free shipping on orders over $300!)

Photos: ColeHaan.com

Best. Prescription. Ever.

Wow. When was the last time you heard a doctor say, "Yes, go ahead and wear the high heels as often as you can." Seriously. My podiatrist said that to me yesterday. How much do I love my podiatrist??

For the past several months I have been suffering from a pretty painful case of plantar fasciitis in my left foot. It hurts, I haven't been able to run since September and consequently I've gained a fair amount of weight, and I'm just generally miserable. I have to do calf and achilles stretching exercises before I get out of bed or my first step of the day can leave me in tears. So finally yesterday I went to see a podiatrist. We discussed options to make my foot better (there are some, thank goodness) and then I told him how I found it ironic that my foot was actually more comfortable in high heels than flats, because my weight is shifted forward to my toes then and the heel hurts less. Then the doctor said it: "Yes, heels are much better for you. Go ahead and wear them as often as you can."

Well, you can imagine the delighted smile that spread across my face. I drifted off for a moment, thinking about all the lovely 3- and 4-inch heels nestled in their boxes in my closet. "I think I can do that," I said, happily.

So now I'm thinking even harder about these little darlings:

Zar from Donald J. Pliner

These little sweeties are on sale at Fetish here in Austin. (BTW, Austin readers -- all the fall & winter shoes at Fetish are on sale right now, and they have some gooooooood shoes.) I was shocked by how comfortable they are -- I seriously think I could run around in these shoes for hours and well... I don't have to say anything about how damn fabulous they are, do I?

But here's the problem:



These are my delicious Cole Haan kitty cats that I love so much. Every time I put them on, I feel like this:



(Which is a good feeling, although very far from the facts of the case. Strictly wishful thinking on my part. No one will ever mistake me for Gina Lollobrigida, or even a distant member of her family.)

But really -- how many pairs of calf-hair leopard print shoes does a gal need?

Maybe don't answer that...

Photos: Second City Style, Style Spy, venus.provacateuse.com