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What’s Your Take On… the Worishofer

A one-act play about this season’s version of the Ugg boot

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Aug 20, 2010 at 08:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Love it or hate it, the Worishofer is available at ShopOlivine.com

Date: A stifling hot afternoon that now feels like ancient history but was probably this past Monday — though it might have been Tuesday. The heat makes even the days melt.

Setting: A set of horribly uncomfortable wrought-iron chairs outside a downtown cafe.

Characters: Me and Her

Her: What’s that shoe that Michelle Whatsherface has been wearing?

Me: Sorry, I’m going to need more information. Obama? Trachtenberg? Michelle Who??

Her: Oh… (snaps fingers) … Williams! Yeah. Adorable Michelle Williams. And that nursing home sandal with the unpronounceable name.

Me: Worishofer.

Her: Do people wear those here?

Me: Sure, yeah.

Her: Like who?

Me: I mean, I don’t have a list or anything. Are you in the market for a pair?

Her: I can’t decide. Who carries them?

Me: I know Olivine, now in its online incarnation, does.

Her: Good to know. They seem comfortable. I mean, they must be comfortable.

Me: They must be?

Her: Yeah, I mean, because they’re so …

Me: Ugly?

Her: Yeah.

Me: I don’t know that they’re that ugly. No, wait — I don’t know that they’re ugly at all. The colors are nice — and there’s nothing wrong with a classic, ‘70s-feeling cork wedge. Topped with a pair of straight-legged, high-waisted jeans and a crisp, tucked-in menswear-inspired shirt with the sleeves rolled up? That’ll take you from late-summer right into early fall.

Her: You’re right. And they’re not ugly. I mean, not like … you know.

Me: What?

Her: Uggs.

Me: Hm, yeah, well. No comment.

Curtain

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Tags: Shoes, Online Shopping, What's Your Take On...

New: Report Shoes

Local shoe company sets up shop in the Square

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jul 22, 2010 at 12:00PM Speech Bubble 1 Comments

Slideshow: New at Bellevue Square Mall: Fashion footwear from Bellevue-based Report Shoes

View Slideshow »

Where: Bellevue Square mall

What: Report, Eastside-based purveyors of stilt-like stilettos, walkable wedges, and trend-driven sandals, boots, and oxfords, now has its own four walls. Limited edition styles as well as Report and Report Signature models will be on offer.

Sure, Report footwear has long been available via Nordstrom, Zappos, and inside other people’s shops, but who doesn’t want their own slice of the mall – a place to call home? Report insiders in Bellevue say a retail shop has always been a goal, and, finally, the right space became available. Check the slideshow here for more.

When: Now, and whenever you’re looking to sneak in on a footwear trend and you don’t have the required top dollar to go designer. This way, at least you know you’re supporting a local business and its local employees.

Who else is new at Bellevue Square? Eddie Bauer

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Tags: Bellevue, Shoes, Locally Designed

What’s Your Take On… Spare Shoes

Seattle company launches ’10s version of white commuting sneakers

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jul 19, 2010 at 07:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Remember Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, and all the thousands of women like her, who commuted to work across hard urban pavement in white sneakers underneath crisp navy skirt suits and shoulder pads? Early 90s memories of Wall Street women rushing toward lower Manhattan are not among my most sartorially significant, although they sure conjure up a specific female prototype.

I guess several factors contribute to the decline of the Reebok Executive, and we can be thankful for all of them-mostly. We’d have to do a pretty extensive cost/benefit analysis on the whole everybody-in-khakis, casual-ization of the workplace thing before we decided for sure on that. The office is, in most industries, a far less formal place than it used to be, but nevertheless,
spike heels are not any less spiky, whether worn for stomping into conference rooms or onto dance floors, and there’s a new non-white, non-sneaker shoe in town that aims to be there for women when the going gets tough.

And I do mean in town. The company that launched the packable, roll-able, there-when-you-need-it ballet-type flat pictured here (it comes in black, gold, and silver) is based in your town. The women behind Seattle’s Fabbys figure most of us aren’t really into making an all-day affair of our four-inchers, so they created what is essentially a more presentable slipper to save the day – or, more likely, the night.

Now let me be straight on one thing: I’m not a high heels kinda girl. My mom didn’t allow them in high school, and I learned to live without them. So I suppose it’s easy for me to say that in the best case scenario, we leave the house wearing shoes that we can wear for the duration of time we plan to be out in the world. But still.

If you can’t stand the height, don’t wear the heels. Or something like that.

Fabbys come in a little velvet pouch and are marketed at women who travel for business (‘why are our connecting flights ALWAYS at opposite terminals?’ asks a road-wary voice on the “About” page), live in urban settings, and/or are getting married, and I understand that in each of those settings any of us might want an elongated line and lifted tush-and then, of course, a break from that-but I can’t help but think that ultimately, what’s sexier and more stylish is to wear what you’re wearing without a plan B. One of the most unattractive things you can do is wear clothes you don’t feel good in, and, on the other hand, a big indicator of style is ease. I mean, who packs a pair of sweats for when the skinny jeans get too skinny? And in this competitive marketplace where value counts as much as trend, there are plenty of shoemakers making gorgeous, orthopedically mindful heels. Why not invest in shoes that you can actually wear?

What about you? What’s your take on spare shoes?

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Tags: Shoes, Locally Designed, Wedding Details, What's Your Take On...

Sale: Lamb’s Ear

Sandals of all shapes and sizes

Posted by: Amanda LaPlante on Jul 06, 2010 at 12:00PM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

This Rachel Comey sandal would look cute at the end of your leg, too

Where: Lamb’s Ear Shoes

What: A progressive summer sale with shoes initially marked down to 30 percent, with deepening discounts as the sale continues. Brands you’ll find at the sale include LD Tuttle, A Detacher and Loeffler Randall. A sure bet in our book is Rachel Comey’s ‘Anna’ in a blush-toned nubuck, sale priced at just over $200.

Of course, we all know that the early bird buys the best shoes, so don’t wait too long.

When: Begins Saturday July 10th (sale prices are effective in Lamb’s Ears’ online shop on the same day); the deals lasts as long as the spring/summer supply does.

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Tags: Fremont, Shoes, Spring/Summer sale 2010, Lamb's Ear

Sale: Lola Pop

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jul 01, 2010 at 03:00PM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

The selection of Repetto shoes is one of the main draws at Lola Pop in Fremont

Where: Lola Pop

What: Great womenswear and shoes throughout the store at various discounts.

When: Sale begins July 1 and runs through July 18. A reason to go early: Take an extra 15 percent off everything in the store before July 10.

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Tags: Fremont, Shoes, Spring/Summer sale 2010

Sale: A Mano

Save on Chie Mihara in Downtown Seattle

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jun 23, 2010 at 01:00PM Speech Bubble 2 Comments

Sandals by Vialis are included in A Mano’s season-end sale

Where: A Mano

What: Big biannual sale; 30% off all spring/summer shoes, bags and accessories. Great deals on sandals. belts and handbags from Calleen Cordero, Cynthia Vincent, Cydwoq, and Vialis. Heels and platforms from Chie Mihara and Roberto Del Carlo, necklaces from Pepita, even Japanese sock line Antipast.

When: Begins July 25; normal business hours apply.

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Tags: Shoes, Spring/Summer sale 2010, A Mano

Meet the Shopkeeper: Lola Pop

Posted by: Kelly Robinson on Jun 18, 2010 at 07:30AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Photo: Kelly Robinson

Lola Pop is just off center in the Center of the Universe

If you’re not slipping down side streets, you’re missing some prime shopping opportunities. Lola Pop in Fremont is just ever-so-slightly off the beaten track, yes, but now that you know owner Muriel Monteiro, you’ve got a reason to turn the corner at N 35th Street.

WWW: What’s your personal spin on the ubiquitous “How can I help you?” question?
Monteiro: When someone comes in the store I usually ask them how their day is going, if they have been in the store before … it’s important to me to know about them.

What is your favorite thing in the store right now?
Repetto shoes, made in France. We are soon getting a really nice women’s loafer called Michael in a purple patent leather. I am also really really excited about my fall collections; I spent two weeks in France and four days in Milan last March looking for new designers and I found very good ones, as well as new shoes, new clothing, and accessories.

Where do you shop when you’re not at Lola Pop?
I like Baby & Co and Souvenir in Ballard. I have a lot of respect for those who represent interesting collections and also for those who dare to stick around.

What type of store do you think is missing in Seattle?
I would love to see a really nice lingerie store; something sophisticated, tasteful and elegant… And also a chic umbrella and rain jacket store.

[Hm. How about the pretty underthings at Bellefleur just across the street from Lola Pop? And when it rains, Tuuli. – Ed.]

What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened in your store?
I don’t recall of anything weird ever happening in the store, but a lot of amazing things have happened. I met most of my best friends through Lola Pop.

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Tags: Fremont, Shoes, Meet the Shopkeeper

Sales

Critical Mass

Bravern vendors gang up for big sales through the end of June.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jun 11, 2010 at 10:00PM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

We thought you should know what’s up at Bellevue’s empire of luxury style this month:

+You can save 30 percenton select spring/summer shoes at Jimmy Choo.

+At DNA 2050, you’ll get the same 30 percent savings on select denim and other apparel items.

+The folks at Salvatore Ferragamo would like you take 35-40 percent off select spring merchandise and ready-to-wear.

+The Wolford spring/summer sale starts today (June 11); expect savings throughout the shop—and expect zebra-striped leggings.

+And finally, David Lawrence is offering 20-50 percent off select mens and womens clothing.

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Tags: Accessories, Eastside, Shoes, Bravern, Menswear, Spring/Summer sale 2010

Wear What When and Who

Meet the Shopkeeper: Chocolate Shoe Box

Sadaf Hussain stocks vegan sweets and animal-free ballet flats in Phinney/Greenwood

Posted by: Kelly Robinson on Jun 10, 2010 at 08:00AM Speech Bubble 2 Comments

Photo: Kelly Robinson

No animals were harmed in the taking of this picture (it’s Sadaf Hussain at Chocolate Shoe Box)

New in Greenwood/Phinney: Chocolate Shoe Box where sweets and footwear are sold animal-free. Shoes and chocolate? you say, why not recliners and soup, or … car seats and tamales? Sooner or later Seattle will have a shop that sells a vegan version of everything, so just hold your horses.

WWW: What’s your personal spin on the ubiquitous “How can I help you?” question?

Sadaf: If they’re looking at chocolates I’ll start talking about our most popular items, or I’ll ask them what types of chocolates they like and make recommendations. Often I will just converse with them about how their day is going.

What is your favorite thing in the store right now?

The chocolate-covered peanut butter pillows with peanuts. They’re so scrumptious.

Where do you shop when you’re not at the Chocolate Shoe Box?

Sidecar for Pig’s Peace. It’s a general merchandise store for vegans and they always are trying to get the latest vegan goodies. The staff there is super-friendly and very knowledgeable.

What specific store or type of store do you think is missing in Seattle?

Vegans are huge foodies. We definitely need a vegan cupcake cafe.

[What about Flying Apron? They have cupcakes, and there’s The Radical Cupcake, though, granted, that’s not a cafe per se. -Ed]

What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened in your store?

We’ve only been open for a few weeks, so we really haven’t had any weird stuff happen in our store yet.

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Tags: Shoes, Chocolate, Vegetarian/Vegan Whatnot, Meet the Shopkeeper

Events

Of Baguettes, Peep-toes, and Discounted Rompers

Clementine Shoes x La Rousse x Bluebird Sandwich Company = your Thursday night

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Feb 25, 2010 at 06:30AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

A look by Margarita Saplala at La Rousse

In the New World shopping model there are snacks. And multiple stores in one location for your convenience. What’s more: A good-time party atmosphere. Ain’t the recession grand?

Tonight, Thurs Feb 25 from 6 to 9, you’ll get baguette sandwiches, Champagne, shoes, and white hot fall/winter sale deals while shopping at Clementine in West Seattle.

Yep, in addition to Linda Walsh’s collection of artisan-made, so wearable Chie Miharas and those ever on-trend Dolce Vitas, La Rousse owner Amanda Rosenthal (she does love a pop-up) will unpack her otherwise online-only boutique and call to your attention winter styles from Mary Meyer, Rabbit on the Run, Sophomore, and others at more than 50% off.

In the mood for Spring? Who can blame you? La Rousse warm weather looks from Slow and Steady Wins the Race and Margarita Saplala will be on hand as well.

Meanwhile, oh lucky stylish one, you’ll be among the first to sample Parisian-style sandwiches from the new Bluebird Sandwich Company.

Can’t make it on Thursday? The La Rousse pop-up will remain popped-up at Clementine through the end of the month.

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Tags: West Seattle, Fall/Winter Sale, Shoes, New for Spring

What's in Store

Price Range: $100

A special Saucony sneaker makes a sneak attack in Ballard.

Posted by: Chelsea Randall on Feb 18, 2010 at 06:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

New series by Chelsea Randall … what’s your price range?

Inspired by a popular graphic novel series, these limited-run Sauconys, exclusive to the Sneakery in Ballard, put a kick in epic mythology and pre-spring hangout nights.

The Lo Pro Red Star sneakers were dreamt up to run right alongside a graphic novel series called The Red Star. The group of stories concerns Military Industrial Sorcery, but … let’s leave that discussion for someone else’s blog.

We like them because there are only 800 pairs. In the world. And the folks in Ballard are the single Northwest retailer carrying them.

While exclusivity typically carries a pretty weighty price tag, these literary, bad-guy-battling runners will only set you back $100.

******************************************************************

You’ve been thinking about some new running shoes, have you? Read Home Runners, in which we direct you to five shops that go the distance.

More of a shoes-for-style-not-speed kinda guy? Try Sneaker Pimps, and get outfitted in sharp, streetwise style.

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Tags: Hamburgers, Shoes, Price Range

Openings

Stepping Out

Bellevue Arts Museum shows over a hundred shoes by pioneering designer Beth Levine

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Feb 08, 2010 at 07:00AM Speech Bubble 1 Comments

Photo: Courtesy Bellevue Arts Museum

Slideshow: Beth Levine

View Slideshow »

Considering modern designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Stella McCartney, and even Tory Burch, it’s hard to imagine an America that didn’t allow iconic, groundbreaking shoe wear designer Beth Levine to put her own name on the beautifully made souls of her artful pumps.

And in fact, as Bellevue Arts Museum curator Nora Atkinson told me, the designer and her husband Herbert Levine, whose name took Beth’s place there under the arched step of so many stylish women’s feet beginning in the early 50s, they were hesitant to use his when they sent their first shipment to a department store in the south, fearing anti-semitic backlash.

BAM’s Beth Levine show, which opens on February 18 and represents the only such show in this country (can you believe that??), is set to be a personality-driven, architectural heel-studded walk through fashion history that gives way to many conversations about the ownership of ideas and the cultural impact of haute couture and everyday dress in America.

Then again, it should also be really fun just crusing through and imagining wearing all that smart, practical, but completely beautiful design. And then maybe shopping afterward.

Some things to think about before you go:

-Levine was a Lithuanian farmer’s daughter who knew a thing or two about calfskin and animal hides when, at 38 in 1946, she moved to New York to work as a shoe model as a means of getting her … um, foot in the door to become a designer.

-Yeah, you guessed it: The leadership in the male-run factories in those days weren’t interested, until she proved to them that she was bringing ideas, and solutions. And an American design identity — until Levine came along, the shoe industry in the states was based on replicating European looks.

-Beth met Herbert in one of the factories; they opened their own manufacturing operation in ’49. It closed in ’75, though she continued consulting and designing after that.

-Her clients included Jackie O, Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe, Cher, and Nancy Sinatra — Levine is credited with bringing those boots made for walking to haute couture.

-Yes, her sexiest styles would fit a modern day Carrie Bradshaw type, but she had a sense of humor and wild innovation, too. She designed one style lined in an AstroTurf-like material -- she was a farmer’s daughter, don’t forget, and thought everyone needed to feel the “grass” between their toes. Check the slideshow here for more.

-We wouldn’t know as much about Levine without expert and author Helene Verin, who will speak at BAM’s preview party.

-We wouldn’t have access to so many historical perspectives without the help of Seattle-based design legend Sara Little Turnbull, who loaned a dozen or so styles for the show.

Start making plans now to stroll through the exhibit with your most amazingly shod and design-savvy friends — as to whether or not you’ll want to wear your museum-friendly comfortable shoes, I’ll leave that to you.

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Tags: Design, Eastside, Bellevue Arts Museum, Shoes

Wear What When

What’s Your Take On… the Worishofer

New: Report Shoes

What’s Your Take On… Spare Shoes

Sale: Lamb’s Ear

Sale: Lola Pop

Sale: A Mano

Meet the Shopkeeper: Lola Pop

Critical Mass

Meet the Shopkeeper: Chocolate Shoe Box

Of Baguettes, Peep-toes, and Discounted Rompers

Price Range: $100

Stepping Out

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