Shoe Smitten

I have tried countess roll-up and foldable ballerina flats over the past few years.  Some were pretty good for hanging around the house, but I wouldn’t trust most of them for running around the city.  But I’ve finally found a product that is different.  Butterfly Twists folding ballerinas will stand the test of daily wear.

Butterfly Twists is a London-based company born out of a desire to create versatile footwear that is easy on a girl’s wallet.  While they may appear flimsy, each pair features a moisture-absorbing insole, a lightweight, skid-resistant sole, and a latex heel cushion for comfort and support.

I received a pair of the foldable Valerie lace Butterfly Twists ballerinas for review, and they came in a lovely little box that, when opened, reveals two carefully-packaged flats and a satiny carrying case.  I’ve worn them out shopping and also out to walk the dog, and they held their own.  I don’t think I’d wear them all day to work, but these are the sturdiest “temporary” flats I’ve owned.

Butterfly Twists ballerina flats come in a variety of colors and patterns and retail from $20 to $35 and are sold in many boutiques and online.  The company is also currently selling foldable boots that are really cute!  For more information and to order, visit www.butterflytwists.com.

My mom is always looking out for me, and the other day she emailed me a link to these adorable animal-shaped shoe stickers for kids.  Created by Ellen Lichtman, Shoezooz aren’t just any stickers – they are durable stickers created to help kids learn their right foot from their left, and put their shoes on the correct feet.  These durable sticker pairs adhere to the inside heel of the left and right shoes.  Pretty ingenious, right?!

Shoezooz stickers are geared toward preschool age children, including those with visual learning styles and those with autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger Syndrome.  It’s no surprise that Shoezooz made Oprah’s “O List” last year, on the company’s one-year anniversary.

In case you want to order a pair (or two), Shoezooz are available online at www.shoezooz.com, as well as in select stores in eight U.S. states, including New Balance shoe stores and Learning Express toy stores.

Believe it or not, spring is approaching, and as much as we all love my wellies,  don’t you wish there was a sleeker waterproof option? Luckily, Teva has designed a high-quality boot to shield us in style from cold and rainy weather.

Teva’s new Jade Cove boot was first introduced last fall but it is perfect year round, and as versatile as your favorite equestrian boot.  The grippy rubber sole provides traction on slick surfaces, and a waterproof leather upper and a water-resistant Scotchguard suede detail around the collar keep you high and dry.

Teva gifted me a pair of the Jade Cove boots to review, and I have to say the quality is apparent from the moment I took them out of the box.  Smooth leather and sturdy lining are just two of the first things I noticed when slipping them on.  Since receiving them, I’ve worn them countless times to work on rainy/slushy days.  They look fabulous with black tights and career dresses, and equally stylish with skinny jeans!

The Teva Jade Cove boots are available for $127.99 in black, brown and brown at Zappos.com.  Which color would you choose?

Charles Jourdan heels are quickly rising to the top of my favorites list, for their striking beauty and surprising comfort.  Each shoe in the Charles Jourdan footwear collection is a stunning work of art.  For example, my latest acquisition is Kiona, a timeless pump updated with the Charles Jourdan sky-high heel and pointed almond toe.

The first thing I notice when taking Kiona out of the box is the chunky wrapped heel, and I hurry to slip them on and stand 5 1/2 inches taller!  I know from my other Charles Jourdan pumps that the substantial (1.5 inch) platform and pillow-soft insole take a lot of the sting out of the high heel.  Yes, they take some time to get used to (practice walking in the mirror), but that’s no different than any other heel.

Next thing that catches my eye is the sultry low-cut vamp and side step.  The seductive cut of the shoe sets it apart from your average black pump!  And Kiona isn’t just a pretty shoe; it is made of the finest materials, including leather lining and sole, and smooth leather upper.

The Charles Jourdan Kiona will be my go-to power pump for when I want to feel particularly fierce and in-charge.  Who could possibly stand in my way when I square off with them wearing these?!

Thanks to Mantimidation Boutique for gifting me these fabulous pumps for review!  You can purchase your own pair of the Charles David Kiona in bronze leather for a discounted price of $123 (retail price = $242).