Asjha Jones WNBA Star Designs Takera Shoes

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Asjha Jones is a WNBA All-Star with the Connecticut Sun women’s basketball team. And she is a member of the USA Olympic Women Basketball Team. Asjha has launched Takera Shoes, an upscale Italian made shoe collection catering to women who wear sizes 10.5 to 15. Her passion and drive to develop Takera Shoes comes from a recognized void in the market place for this exotic sizing and from the personal pains of not being able to fulfill her own shoe fetish because of limited styles and quality in her own size – 13M.

Takera Asjha Chocolate at AskTheShoeLady.com

Asjha by Takera is a High Heel Dressy Pump

The Takera Shoes are beautifully made, sexy and comfortable with a story worthy of telling.

Takera Milan Black Leather at AskTheShoeLady.com

Milan by Takera is a High Heel Dressy Pump

The collection was initially previewed at last years’ WNBA All-Star event at the Mohegan Sun and was largely appreciated by many of the league’s top players, as well as by former WNBA president Donna Orender.

Takera Elena Coral Leather at AskTheShoeLady.com

Elena by Takera is a High Heel Dressy Pump

Takera Shoes has been featured in both the Feb and March 2011 issues of Oprah Magazine, the May 2011 issue of Jet Magazine, the June 2011 issues of Sister 2 Sister and Essence Magazines.

Besides looking great it was important to Asjha that theTakera footwear collection also focus on comfort. So the AngelTech Micro-Trauma Comfort system was created and intergrated into the outsoles of the Takera collection.

Browse all Takera Shoes at DesignerShoes.com and enjoy a 20% off coupon using code – TAKERA at checkout!

Are Heels Appropriate for Tall Women?

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Hi Shoe Lady,
I am going to this party with my college friends this coming week so i want to ask if a 4-5 inches heels are appropriate for my height. I am standing 5`8 tall my shoe size is 12 hope your answer!

Great question, and you are not alone! I wouldn’t look at heel height in terms of visual appropriateness, but rather what looks good for you, and what is most comfortable. Are you planning on lounging versus dancing? Heels have that undeniable ability to elongate legs, and create a sense of elegance with either jeans or a skirt. I personally love being tall, and jump at the chance of clearing 6 feet in heels every now and again. As long as you feel great in your shoes then you have succeeded. I hope the party is a blast and browse DesignerShoes.com collection of women’s size 12 shoes with a high heel!

A red pump should be a staple of a women’s wardrobe!

Samanta Viv Pump Red at AskTheShoeLady.com

Viv Pump by Samanta is a High Heel Dressy Pump

Take care,
Shoe Lady

Wedding Choice for Women’s Size 12 Wide

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Dear Shoe Lady,
My daughter is getting married in August and I would like your advice on the best shoe style for her feet. She is not used to wearing heels so the following styles would all be okay. Ros Hommerson Bono in White: Trotters Dora in White: Special Occasions Hillary in White. Her foot measurements are Length 10.7 inches and width 4.50 inches. She also has quite a high instep. I look forward to your advice.

Dear Shiona,
Anything for an Aussie! I’ll give you my best suggestions. Let’s deal with size first, then with style.

Given her foot measurements, I recommend a size women’s size 12 wide. Size 11.5 would work but there are virtually no wedding shoes in this size. The width measurement suggests a Wide edging toward the “extra wide”. But since you’ll get a size 12 , it will probably be slightly wider than the 11.5 would be . If her feet are thick (top to sole) and if it will be hot so they might swell (how hot is it there in August?) you may want to consider a 12WW. But I think a 12W should do.

I am going to suggest that you look at the fabric shoes designed for brides. They are easy to spot stretch if she needs a little more width. And, this is the big one, after the wedding she can have them dyed a different color, like hot pink (a personal favorite).

Now for the style. Attitudes toward wedding shoes are going through changes. My FAVORITE daughter in law, Victoria, got married in baby blue pumps and a white wedding dress. We are seeing more people opt for colored shoes with their white dresses. Just an option. This is her wedding and she should have fun with her apparel choices!

I’ve used the “Shop For” section at DesignerShoes.com to find Bridal/ Dyeable Collection shoes in size 12W.

You will see over 130 choices. You can narrow this list down still further by heel height (you said she wasn’t comfortable with a higher heel. But a low heel may be too low. Mid heels start at 2.5 CM. She may want to limit is to a sandal, like Alana by Special Occasions;

Special Occasions Alana White at AskTheShoeLady.com

Alana by Special Occasions is a Mid Heel Dressy Sandal

a pump, like Betty by Touch Ups,

Touch Ups Betty White at AskTheShoeLady.com

Betty by Touch Ups is a Low Heel Dressy Pump

a flat, like Felicity by Special Occasions,

Special Occasions Felicity White at AskTheShoeLady.com

Felicity by Special Occasions is a Low Heel Dressy Flat

or a sling back like Shelley by Dyeables,

Dyeables Shelly White Satin at AskTheShoeLady.com

Shelly by Dyeables is a Mid Heel Dressy Sandal

Whatever she picks, I hope you will have her post some wedding photos, including her shoes!, on our Facebook page

Best to the Bride!
The Shoe Lady

Thick Ankles and Heavy Calves

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Dear Shoe Lady,
Strappy shoes look awful on me; peep toe shoes seem way to narrow – I have a wedding to attend and the dress I’m wearing is eggplant in color, and comes just above my knee, some what fancy. Can you suggest something that would look nice?

My foot measures 9-1/2 in length, across the toes it is about 3-1/2 wide and the arch of my foot is about 1-1/4 in from the ground. Also a friend says I should wear plain black leather, but I think I should either wear cloth or maybe even patent leather??? Not sure.

Hi Michele,
Eggplant sounds like a beautiful color for the wedding. Black shoes are also good choices (and a wardrobe staple), but I would also look into complementary colors to make what you are wearing pop. In this case it would be yellow or gold in order to highlight the eggplant color. Side note: have you considered an insert for the ball of your foot for peep-toe shoes? It might not be that the shoes are too narrow in the front, but that your foot is being wedged due to slipping forward into the front of the shoe.

Trotters Francesca Yellow Ochre at AskTheShoeLady.com

Francesca by Trotters is a Low Heel Dressy Flat

Francesca by Trotters has intricate embroidery to create a beautiful texture. Flats can still be dressy at an event, and a foot saver if you plan on hitting the dance floor!

Have fun at the wedding,
The Shoe Lady

What shoes to pair with a cocktail dress?

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Q: i’m going to a wedding in july, bought the dress its terani style 35056C short to the knee cocktail dress in solid black with gold boatneck appliqued bodice all around neckline detail. What color of shoe and style would best fit that type of dress? thanks GIGI

A: Dear Gigi!
I do love a wedding! You don’t tell us where the wedding will be? Beach? NYC hotel? But just going with your description, I’m feeling a real Greek vibe. And what better way to show off that Greek look that some strappy gold sandals.

Ravenna by Sofft is a Low Heel Dressy Sandal

The Ravenna by Sofft is a gladiator style (Greek/ Roman – close enough) sandal with a low heel.

Touch Ups Aphrodite Gold at DesignerShoes.com

Aphrodite by Touch Ups is a High Heel Dressy Sandal

The Aphrodite by Touch Ups takes the higher heel approach.

Want more choices? Here are 70 different versions of a gold sandal:
http://www.designershoes.com/?color=36&style=83

Have fun!
The Shoe Lady

Wedged Heels for the Summer?

Posted on June 11, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Q: Dear Shoe Lady, Are wedged heels still in for the summer?

–Nicole

A: Hi Nicole,

Wedged heels are still popular this summer. They have the ability to add that extra boost of height. Wedged heels have the beach-ready look that easily puts the summer into city style. The styles range from classic corked wedges to more solid bases. Here are a few selections to get you started. The best part is browsing to find the one that suits you!

This yellow slingback wedge, Sherene from Naturalizer, also comes in red and white stripes. It harnesses the spirit of summer with its woven base and sunny yellow upper.

Softwalk by San Pedro shows exposed stitching details to create an earthy look.

Fruit Plush by Aerosoles has a sueded footbed that adds a soft touch for all-day wear. The crossed straps create a dynamic finish to the shoe.

Best,
The Shoe Lady

Shoe Art Project: Senior Collection 2011

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Vanessa

Katey Reim’s Cities of the Dead Senior Collection – DesignerShoes.com

Katey Reim’s Cities of the Dead Senior Collection from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s Fashion Department debuted on May 18th, 2011. Katey was able to showcase her work over the past year alongside the redesigned dyeable shoes originally from DesignerShoes.com. The blank slate shoes are typically reserved for simple dyeing projects to match outfits. Reim took the concept of the dyed shoe and added a new level of sophistication and enhanced the idea of customizing footwear. Katey’s artist statement highlighted her inspiration:

“Ready to wear inspired by the above ground cemeteries found throughout the city of New Orleans and the photographs taken by E.J. Bellocq. All fabrics have been digitally printed or hand dyed and incorporate elements from the cemetery. Each piece has its own personality, but a strong color and print story unifies them”.

Katey Reim’s Cities of the Dead Senior Collection – DesignerShoes.com

The garments boast an array of tops and bottoms that are colorful, and vibrant, while carrying an underlying controlled quality. The playful fabrics balance the cleanness of the lines in her collection. The collection came together in a way that paired the shoes with the clothes that could be mixed together in a number of different ways. This was Katey’s original intention, and it was successfully realized. No one pair of shoes belongs with a certain designated outfit. This was a sound idea when also thinking about the shoes outside of the collection. The high-heeled collection can be taken beyond the collection’s scope, and added to a myriad of other outfits. Katey’s Senior Collection demonstrates the artistry and significance of completing an outfit.

Shoe Art Project: Final Designs Part 2

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Vanessa

Annika Benitz along with a packed audience witnessed her maternity wear walk down the runway on May 7, 2011. The venue for Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s Senior Collection Fashion Show, Voltage 2011, was held in the open-air Power Station in South Boston. The exposed brick paired nicely with the warmth of the flooding light from the runway. It was thrilling to see everyone’s hard work and care for their collections over the past year. Below is an opportunity to see what came before Annika’s vibrant solutions to shoes from DesignerShoes.com for the expectant mother, as well as the final results!

Before Photos

Clockwise from top left: Meredith by Diane Lynn, Honey by Touch Ups, Meredith by Diane Lynn, Shannon by Special Occasions, and Venus by Touch Ups.

Photo by James Mason

Katey uses a full spectrum of color in her designs, adding to her concept of the seasons for her maternity collection.

Photo by James Mason

The traditional and gathered bows add the finishing touches to these hand painted shoes. The green-stenciled flowers of the Venus shoe create a lace overlay effect. This enhances the original satin fabric, which peeks through the unpainted spaces with brilliant shine. The details and color combinations pull every style together.

Shoe Art Project: Final Designs

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Vanessa

Katey Reim’s final designs for the collaboration of DesignerShoes.com and Massachusetts College of Art and Design are finally here! Katey’s hard work and efforts will be on display at the MassArt Senior Collection Exhibit at 5:00pm on Wednesday, May 18th.

Here are the before pictures to show a comparison of the starting point to the bold and colorful designs Katey has come up with. Katey mentioned earlier that her end result is nothing like how she envisioned. This was about the journey, learning about what was possible for the design, and finding what worked best in approaching the shoes. It is hard to believe that these are even the same shoes. Katey has taken shoes that are essentially blank canvases and transformed them into one-of-a-kind creations. She uses an effective blend of wrapped fabrics, nail heads, and hand painted elements to achieve her goals.

Before Photos

Clockwise from top left: Sharmain by Touch Ups in white, Sharmain by Touch Ups in black, Gwen by Special Occasions, Emmy by Special Occasions, and Alberta by Dyeables.

Photo by James Mason

Katey decided to remove the strap and heel of the Emmy shoe (featured in the middle), and converted it to a high-heeled slide instead.

Photo by James Mason

It is definitely the attention to detail that pulls all of her designs together. The nail heads offer a subdued and antique quality. The careful layering of the fabrics creates a piping effect that really pops, and adds another dimension to the shoe itself. Her designs strengthen the idea of “wearable art.”

The Shoe Art Project: Before the Show Part 2

Posted on May 7, 2011 by Vanessa

Katey Shoe Bunch

Meeting with Katey Reim a week before MassArt’s Voltage 2011 Show demonstrated that her approach to recreating dyeable shoes has been about the process. Her technique involves wrapping the shoes with her own handmade fabrics as well as using pigment and hand painting the fabric. She has chosen to remove some preexisting elements from the original designs, such as some rhinestones. The end result has been nothing like she had anticipated. It was hard to believe that one is seeing the same shoes they began with a month ago.

Katey Shoe

“Sometimes starting is the hardest part,” Katey states. [The Process] “opened my eyes to shoes and how you buy, wrap, and customize them. You are given this shell, adapting to someone else’s design, and it feels like working with a customer.”

Katey Undone Print

During the time DesignerShoes.com provided the shoes and tonight’s Senior Collection show, Katey has introduced extra garments into her collection, and has added a screenprinted element to her work. The journey has been beneficial for Katey. She has followed her instincts, became familiar with the possibilities and limitations, and ultimately found an approach that worked for her. I am excited to see how all of her designs come together for tonight’s show.

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Category Archives: Fashion Trends

Asjha Jones WNBA Star Designs Takera Shoes

Are Heels Appropriate for Tall Women?

Wedding Choice for Women’s Size 12 Wide

Thick Ankles and Heavy Calves

What shoes to pair with a cocktail dress?

Wedged Heels for the Summer?

Shoe Art Project: Senior Collection 2011

Shoe Art Project: Final Designs Part 2

Shoe Art Project: Final Designs

The Shoe Art Project: Before the Show Part 2