District L

Shoes are my life. And I don't mean to force some stereotypical "OMGSHOES" caricature -- My day-job is entirely focused on footwear and 100% of my waking hours are spent in heels no lower than 5 inches.

But it doesn't take an industry captive to be recognize the significance of a woman's relationship with her shoes. Julie Benasra's latest documentary, 'God Save My Shoes,' is the first to explore this powerful connection between women and their footwear. Delving into both wardrobes and minds, Benasra's documentary features designer luminaries such as Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, and Pierre Hardy.

Post by Amanda LaMela

The FFaNY Show has come and passed and thousands of pairs of shoes have been cleared out of The Hilton Club this evening. After a jam-packed week of showroom-hopping and note-taking, I am finally able to cherish a fleeting moment of reflection and relaxation before the weekend officially commences.

Mulling over the newest direction for our lasting seventies revival, it’s hard to ignore the shimmery, disco-esque themes adorning most high platforms and broader heels. Jeffrey Campbell glitz and emphatic Pour la Victoire shapes induced a case of Night Fever that may only be cured by a shot of daytime color. Brighter palettes in patterned fabrics will garnish your feet during brunching hours, as the flower-children of yesteryear try shouting at Siri from the next table over.

But tonight, dip into late-seventies decadence, as demonstrated by the December issue of W Magazine:

Post by Amanda LaMela

August got off to a scorching start for District L: Shoe shows, midnight boat parties, and music festivals certainly create gridlocks in our already-crazy schedules. Toss in a heat wave, and suddenly the world’s spinning.

Monday, August 1^st started off in a murky haze, aftermath of The Raveonettes’ delight. Despite the reluctant start, I traded feathers for pearls and began preparation for the August FFANY Shoe Show. Disinclination suddenly turned to keenness, as I walked into the first showroom on Tuesday. Old favorites like Charles Jourdan combined with exciting newcomers like Cece L’amour, all singing a similar tune – positive undulations of color.

After a week of nonstop showroom visits and Hilton-hopping, I’d already made my 2012 conclusions for feathered embellishments, stacked heels, and wooden wedges: The future of footwear looked great and we were all onboard for some fantastic trends.

And ‘onboard’ I remained – as Friday evening’s itinerary included the Yacht Rock Boat Cruise. Hosted by Nicky Digital, a crew of seafaring night owls embarked on The Clipper City Tall Ship. And it looks like next weekend, we’ll be doing it again – Jules Kim of Bijules will be hosting Good Peoples Summer Sail for more randan revelry.

Post by Amanda LaMela

FFANY Shoe Show – Day 1: Eat Wear Your Veggies.

Vegetable tones, earthy prints, and feather embellishments dictate the vibrant direction for Spring 2012. Sunwashed stripes, natural color-blocking, and floral canvases have finally reached new heights in towering wedges and stack-block heels.

The recently-launched Cece L’amour offered a range of vivid color in tall, hearty shapes. These subway-grate-friendly silhouettes also appeal to the minimalists, as brands like Charles Jourdan take a more modern approach with molded constructions.

Two more days of the FFANY Shoe Show still ahead – and we’ve got some big shoes to fill.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Before heading to Thursday’s Obesity and Speed event at OAK, I decided to kill some time on the other side of Bond Street. Initially attracted by the combination of structural décor, open space, and mood-morphing LCD backlights, my ultimate surrender to United Nude was a result of an architectural wedge catching my peripheral vision.

Not yet altered by the evening’s impending beverages, I entered the brand’s self-described “dark-shop” in complete amazement, despite past encounters on this block. This location, after all, will be reaching its one-year anniversary this month.

I asked the attentive sales associate which shoes had been generating the most attention. She pointed towards a pair of fully-laced booties that just grazed $1,000. And like a Fashion Week crasher is drawn to swag, I was immediately hooked.

Post by Amanda LaMela