Category Archives: Best Of Shoes

Dangerous.

osborn spike shoes


How could something so basic and practical transform into something so sinister? It all started out innocently enough.


osborn spike shoes

osborn spike shoes


A few months back, Osborn offered to send me a pair of plain canvas lace-up shoes to D.I.Y. in any way I wanted. I fully admit to not being very hands-on with these types of projects but Joey had an idea. Soon after, on his recommendation, I ordered a bag of spikes and he got to work, painting and studding these standard-issues.


osborn spike shoes


Armor for my feet? Why not! Over the last year, I’d eyed studded Miu Miu flats in New York and tiny spiked Louboutin lace-ups in Vegas but they were still very prim and polished. I wanted these to look like they were ready for battle.


osborn spike shoes


What better to wear with mega studs than mega sequins? What can I say, it’s the Michael Jackson in me. Tough & feminine, my favorite fashion combination. Speaking of the King of Pop, he always loved wearing things that reflected light when he danced. These would have been perfect for that purpose…or for his leisurely tree climbing.


osborn spike shoes


Practicing my moves. You never know when you’ll be challenged to a dance-off.


osborn spike shoes


Take a walk on the wild side.


osborn spike shoes


Sometimes you just need a pair of casual lace-ups for laid back evenings of television watching. Something unassuming and cozy.


osborn spike shoes


A huge thanks goes out to Joey for coming up with the concept and then studding these baby armadillos for two days. His thumb is still sore, but my feet are happy. Needless to say, these are fairly heavy and not super comfortable. I love them, though. Thanks to Osborn as well. It’s been fun. Okay, I’m off to sashay through the streets of Portland!


osborn spike shoes


Hello, Sunshine.

martin margiela fashion style nubby twiglet

Yellow and I normally don’t get along. I don’t think I’ve owned anything yellow until a week ago when these shoes showed up. When I want to wear something bright and cheery, I stick to white. But, I am all about embracing change. When I first spotted these heels, I had the typical reaction that I normally have with anything Margiela-related. At first I thought they were weird, then intriguingly architectural…and finally totally unique and amazing! When you’re scrolling through Yoox and there’s one pair left in your size for a total steal, it’s meant to be. I plan on wearing these with everything (as long as it is head-to-toe black).

martin margiela fashion style nubby twiglet

martin margiela fashion style nubby twiglet

martin margiela fashion style nubby twiglet

martin margiela fashion style nubby twiglet

martin margiela fashion style nubby twiglet

martin margiela fashion style nubby twiglet





A.F. Vandevorst Silver Shoes

typography book typofiles nubby twiglet

I first found out about A.F. Vandevorst back in 2000 when I bought a book featuring Belgian fashion designers. I was immediately captivated by his constant use of red cross imagery as a signature throughout his fashion line. When I came across these silver beauties on the sale rack at Halo, I knew they had to come home with me. And, any shoe box emblazoned with F E T I S H completely seals the deal.

typography book typofiles nubby twiglet

Regarding the back story of how A.F. Vandevorst got its start, Interview Magazine says:

A.F. Vandevorst is really among the last of the Mohicans when it comes to independent European design. An Vandevorst and Filip Arickx were on their first day as fashion students at Antwerp’s Royal Academy when they met in 1987, fell in love, and eventually became husband and wife. 10 years later they opened their own company and have been showing seasonally in Paris ever since. Their style is sleek but somehow countrified, with lots of silk, fur and vintage lingerie bits. The shoes under the Fetish label are particularly great; An Vandevorst cut her creative teeth early on as shoe and accessories designer for fellow Antwerpian Dries Van Noten.

typography book typofiles nubby twiglet

typography book typofiles nubby twiglet

typography book typofiles nubby twiglet

typography book typofiles nubby twiglet

typography book typofiles nubby twiglet

typography book typofiles nubby twiglet

typography book typofiles nubby twiglet

I’ll never tire of the architectural details or medical references ingrained into the A.F. Vandevorst aesthetic.





A Crazy Year Calls For Crazy Shoes.

typography moschino fashion nubby twiglet

typography moschino fashion nubby twiglet

When I was in Scottsdale a few weeks back, I stopped by Barneys and tried on these Proenza Schouler heels..and then promptly waved goodbye. But, I woke up the very next day haunted by them. When a pair of shoes is the first thing on your mind when you wake up, you know that it’s meant to be. I’ve had the craziest year ever and it made complete sense to reward myself for making it through…with a crazy pair of shoes.

In case you’re wondering, they’re not very walkable. But that’s okay; I’ll set them aside for when I have a sit-down interview with Oprah. These will officially be my ‘sit-down interview shoes’ from now on. And, until that day comes, I’m going to track down a clear display case because these shoes are art.

typography moschino fashion nubby twiglet

typography moschino fashion nubby twiglet

typography moschino fashion nubby twiglet

typography moschino fashion nubby twiglet

typography moschino fashion nubby twiglet

typography moschino fashion nubby twiglet

typography moschino fashion nubby twiglet

typography moschino fashion nubby twiglet




Shoe Care Secrets

Over the years, I’ve gotten many emails like this one from readers that want to know the secrets of my shoe care:

I just got hold of a very special pair of shoes. They are very limited and beautiful. I know you have a fantastic shoe collection that you get a lot of wear out of, but is there ever a case to be made for not wearing a special pair of shoes? And, how do you take care of a very precious pair while still getting a good amount of wear out of them?

I’m a total shoe fanatic though I am fairly picky about what I buy. When I do add a pair of shoes to my collection, I take steps to make sure that they will last for as long as possible. Though some of the pairs I own are more fragile than others, I’m not a fan of collecting items only to leave them on a shelf to collect dust. Over time, I’ve discovered a few products and modifications that you can do to make your shoes last much longer.

My favorite brand of polish is Collonil Waterstop. The benefit of Waterstop over other polishes is that it has Goretex waterproofer mixed into the formula and a soft sponge applicator. Simply apply it straight from the tube, let it dry and then buff it out to a high shine with an old rag or even better, a horsehair brush.

Superfeet Dressfit insoles won’t make your shoes last longer, but they will add some much needed arch support. I love the Dressfit insoles because they never lose their shape and can be rinsed off when needed. Also, they are three-quarter length so that they don’t take up any precious toe room in dressier shoes. Pinched toes are never in style!

Modified Acne Atacoma platforms with Vibram soles

I always take my favorite shoes to the cobbler and have Vibram soles put on the bottoms. A lot of more expensive shoes have leather soles. Leather doesn’t hold up particularly well, especially in the rainy climate where I live. Having a layer of Vibram added not only provides extra traction but also makes the sole last about three times longer in my opinion. I have been doing this for years and on average, you should expect to pay about $40.00 US for this service.

If you own many pairs of shoes that are made of a smooth leather and need a quick fix, nothing works better than Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam. Made of natural oils and waxes, it features a sponge applicator. Simply rub on over scuffs and scratches, let it soak in momentarily and your shoes will be moisturized and gleaming. It goes on clear and works on any color of leather. Genius!

Lastly, if you need your shoes repaired, finding a good cobbler can be a real challenge. Before dropping off your most prized pair of Louboutins, it’s always worth the time to do a little bit of research. A good place to start is by reading reviews on Yelp or Citysearch. In Portland, I absolutely swear by Nob Hill Shoe Repair. They just put the Vibram soles on my Acne Atacoma wedges (above) and have always done impeccable work. In New York, my favorite shoe repair is Alex Shoe Repair, especially for crazy modifications. They’ve put some intense treads on my pointy boots and added eyelets and laces to my Chloe wedges. Best of all, they work super fast.

Readers: Do you have any secret shoe tips and tricks that you swear by?