Shoes

Discovering New Shoe Brands at Galeries Lafayette

Leave a Comment / Shoes, Style / By / March 18, 2023

On one of several walks through the shoe department of Galeries Lafayette, I realized the store was a likely place to discover new brands—brands that were new to me, not necessarily ones that were new to the market. Ultimately, I decided that browsing the shoe selection online would be more efficient. Thus, I set out to round up six styles that represent companies I hadn’t heard of before arriving in Paris. (Although, I may have heard of Jonak before now; I can’t remember.)

Works Sighted

Victoria // Many (but not all) of the sneakers are tastefully emblazoned with the letter V; not to be confused with Veja. victoriachaussures.com

Rivecour // Shoes that are classic, elegant, and walkable. rivecour.com

AGL // A third-generation Italian brand run by three sisters; shoes with character and platforms. agl.com

Jonak // Classic, versatile shoes at a reasonable price point. jonak.fr

Clae // Minimalistic sneakers made from organic and recycled materials. clae.eu

Free Lance // High heels of varying heights. freelance.fr

Superga Edit

Leave a Comment / Shoes, Style / By / July 12, 2021
Superga sneakers

You may have noticed that Superga sneakers are featured quite prominently on this site. I wrote about the 2750 Cotu Classic and 2790 Acotw extensively during my first month as the editrix. See the following posts:

Everything You Need to Know About the Superga 2750 Cotu Classic
Everything You Need to Know About the Superga 2790 Acotw

Both styles are indispensable in navy, but I’m considering other colors too. We’re well into the season of the sundress, a time when Supergas really shine. Suitable for wear on New York concrete and beyond, they’ll also take you into autumn. So versatile and deserving of an edit.

Works Sighted

2750 synthetic crocodile (taupe)

2750 black // 2750 white

2790 ash grey // 2750 leather (black)

2790 black // 2750 white and gold

Kayu Edit # 2

Leave a Comment / Bags, Shoes, Style / By / June 10, 2021
straw totes and sandals

My Kayu journey began last spring when I purchased a tote named Behati (since sold out). Although I’m not in the market for anther straw tote right now, I check the website periodically to update my wish list. Keeping my lists current for all of my favorite brands is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job as a blogger. Four of the items I’ve rounded up are sold out at the moment, but I reckon they’ll be restocked. I realized in my stalking of the Arianne clutch that items disappear and reappear online like the California tide. You simply have to keep a watchful eye.

Works Sighted

St. Tropez tote (black) // mini Sur tote + mini tote liner (cream) // Athena sandal (gold)

St. Tropez tote (cream) // Athena sandal (black) // mini St. Tropez tote (cream)

Athena sandal (natural) // Sur tote // mini St. Tropez tote (black)

Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers

Leave a Comment / Shoes, Style / By / April 25, 2021
White and navy Adidas Stan Smith sneakers

The first time I tried on a pair of Adidas Stan Smith sneakers, I was in Office on King’s Road. It was autumn 2018, and I was searching for comfortable footwear that would be suitable for running around London. The pair that the sales associate presented me with was white with green detailing. I wanted to like them, but the footbed, which appeared to be made of the same material as the outsole, was slippery when worn. Leather should really be reserved for non-athletic shoes. I passed on the pair from Office but ordered a similar style via Zappos two years later.

When they arrived this past November, I was pleased that the insole was primarily made of a material resembling textile (most likely polyester). I don’t know if it’s the time difference or the change in country that accounts for the different insoles. (If you’re privy to this information, please share with the class.) But, I’m glad that the style I ordered stateside met my expectations. After taking my new kicks for a brief walk down the hall, I officially admitted them to my closet.

Fast forward to last week when I took them for their first walk outside. I couldn’t believe how comfortable they were. No break-in time required! Of course I’m partial to the version with navy detailing.

Do yourself a favor and try these sneakers on. They’ll tide you over until it’s warm enough for sandals. In recent news, Adidas revealed the Stan Smith Mylo, which is made of mushroom roots. The creme/cinnamon coloring is stunning, and I’m just biding my time until I can try them on.

Works Sighted

Adidas Stan Smith // J.Crew Martie Pant

5 Types of Footwear for Spring

Leave a Comment / Shoes, Style / By / April 8, 2021
Footwear for Spring: loafers, boat shoes, Superga, adidas Stan Smith, and espadrilles.

The idea for this post came to me after I witnessed several young women wearing sandals outside. It’s not warm enough for sandals in PHL. I shouldn’t see anyone’s toes, no matter how pedicured they are. Ladies, I know you’re eager to get into a summer vacation state of mind—I can relate—but if it’s too cold for sandals, it’s too cold for sandals.

If you’re really in dire straights, consider the espadrille—the kind that covers the parts of your foot that sandals tend to reveal. The boat shoe is also an appropriate option—boat encouraged but not necessary. In the realm of sneakers, there are canvas and non-canvas options to consider. Don’t forget the loafer; it’s polished and extremely versatile. Beach days, cookouts, and hours poolside are coming.

Works Sighted

G.H. Bass & Co. bow weejuns // Sebago loafers // G.H. Bass & Co. Whitney weejuns

Sebago boat shoe (navy) // Sebago boat shoe (beige) // Superga 2750 Cotu classic (white/gold)

adidas Stan Smith // J.Crew Factory espadrilles // J.Crew espadrilles

The L.L.Bean Boot

Leave a Comment / Shoes, Style / By / February 4, 2021
L.L. Bean 6″ duck boots

As I mentioned in my post on the parka, dressing for the weather is the first step to enjoying it. This mantra should be applied to every type of weather, but I find that the colder months present more style-related challenges. Today we’ll discuss the L.L.Bean boot. I’ve owned the same pair of 6″ duck boots since 2017, and so far, I haven’t found another type of winter-appropriate footwear that is equally practical outside as it is inside. Prior to working remotely, I’d often leave them on after my daily commute. The rubber sole, leather upper, and gold and tan laces pair nicely with the classic tights/woolen skirt/button-up combination.

I tend to wear my Bean boots when there is either snow on the ground or an imminent threat of it. Winter in the Mid-Atlantic is mild compared to the season in New England, and I’d probably own several pairs of Bean boots if I lived in Boston (one of my favorite U.S. cities). There are a number of linings available for addition insulation, such as shearling and Thinsulate, but I find the style sans lining suitable for the weather in PHL. I’ll wear them with a pair of J.Crew camp socks on colder days or a tall sock of standard weight in warmer winter temperatures. Every winter I turn to the same pair of boots to get me through the elements. Eventually, I’ll have to get them resoled, but for right now, they still look good as new.