SHOES NEWS
Hello Stiletto Shoe Club Newsletter
March 2008
About the author
Fashion Sightings in Italy
Lisa DiMatteo (aka "Lisa D") is an
avid traveler, photographer,
Observations and Obsessions
By Lisa DiMatteo
vintage fashionista, and food
and wine enthusiast. Given
Twelve years of traveling to Italy annually and I've never
such passions, she's also an
managed to be there in January, a time when many folks make
extreme Italophile. Yes, that is a
dedicated trips in order to make the most of the winter 'soldi' or
word! Frequent trips to Italy are
sales.
the inspiration for the bulk of her
blog www.lisadonline.com. In a
For shoe lovers the winter soldi can be a most amazing time to
special piece for the Hello
pick up a few (dozen) pairs of fabulously handcrafted Italian
Stiletto Shoe Club, Lisa writes
'scarpe' or shoes. With shop windows featuring the latest in
about the footwear trends and
Italian styles likely not to arrive in the states for another season or
fashions she witnessed in Rome
more, strolling the streets best known for shopping (such as Via
while on holiday in January this
Cola di Rienzo and its 'across the river' extension Via del Corso)
year.
can fill up an exciting week in Rome quite easily.
Now, I'm not saying that one should ignore the ancient, awe-
inspiring historical sites of the eternal city or forgo the opportunity
to sip steaming rich espressos, sample the creamiest gelati, or
enjoy signature dishes like Amatriciana or Carciofi (artichokes),
but I digress... However, if you are in Italy in January the truth of
the matter is that you WILL shop. And if you are reading this,
then you'll probably be shopping for shoes.
During my brief visit in January 2008 I took the opportunity to
observe what Romans were selling AND sporting in footwear.
Overall, that saying 'what once was old, is new' pretty much
sums up the fashion scene.
Vintage-inspired styles abound this year in Roman shop
windows. The current trend of ankle boots and shoe booties
were frequently shown with "cleavage" cuts running vertically
from the top of the foot to the toe and ending with a bow.
There were also a lot of T-strap and criss-cross strap pumps, as
well. Not to mention slightly platformed, patent leather, peep
toe mary janes.
Another trend seen in various styles (particularly ballerina flats,
which appear to be hanging around another season) is the
embellishment of bows, ties, and buckles over the toe-box. I
saw much of this combined with patent leather and animal print
fabrics.
I also saw several shoes featuring a 'faux sock' look, a shoe with
an offset or two-tone fabric meant to look like leather straps
layered over hose or a sock. A mid-height (2-3 inch) conical heel often featured in this look but was
seen on many other 'scarpe' around the city as well.
While the chunky conical heel seems slightly more substantial and practical, I still don't know how
women keep themselves upright in them looking as glam as they do while sashaying along cobble-
stoned streets. This is why I was happy to have noticed the trend of high calf to knee-length boots in
glorious leathers, rustic AND buttery, most paired with some excellently fun tights and flat heels. I can
see how one can saunter across uneven terrain in those. And still look glam.
The trend of jean tucking in the boot was also spotted all over the city. The abundance and variety
of high quality leather featured in the local Italian bootwear made this look particularly appealing in
Rome versus other locations.
Proper shops aren't the only place one can find shoe bargains in Italy. As Romans aren't really into
on-line shopping, the American alternative to in-store shopping, the Roman alternative is the street
market. Quality can be an issue at such locations so always try the shoes on and don't expect a
lifetime out of those particular purchases. That said, how fun it is to shop for shoes outdoors AND at a
bargain price!
I must note that comfort shoes such as Dr. Scholl’s and Dansko were not seen on the street anywhere,
except on the feet of yours truly, for which I WAS NOT ashamed. What I did notice and have always
found interesting is that these shoes are shown in the windows of pharmacies. So, I guess they really
are considered 'the prescription' for a prolonged period of 'passegiati' (strolls) and sightseeing... if not
quite the prescription for high fashion.
Shoe Blog Spotlight
matildamatilda.com
Canary Island shoe blogger Patricia Jorge has put together a
very cool blog packed with photos of runway looks that will
have shoe lovers drooling: www.patripatriblogspot.com
Most of the site is in Spanish but despite what language you
speak you’re bound to enjoy it as photos play a central role.
That said, there are a few links to English sites like The Anatomy
of a Classic (The Pump): www.style.com/trends/classic/051306
I also found links to a number of fun shoe sites such as this one
which offers some very cute and whimsical ballerina flats and
pumps (just click on Zapatos): www.matildamatilda.com
“Footage” from the Hello
Hello Stiletto Press,
Stiletto Shoe Party at Ecco in
Pictures, and
Atlanta last month (left and
below).
Happenings
Here's what's new and happening
with the Hello Stiletto Shoe Club
throughout the US.
In Atlanta, Hello Stiletto was featured
on Channel 11 News on March 22nd.
The piece featured an interview with
Atlanta club leader Amanda Viciana
and interviews with various club
members who attended the recent
event at Ecco.
In Boston, Hello Stiletto received
some press coverage in the Boston
Globe in an article about Shoetube,
a new web site for shoe lovers that
you really must check out:
The Sunday with Liz Walker show
(WBZ-TV/CBS) also re-aired a piece
they did on the Hello Stiletto Shoe
Club in October 2007.
In Chicago, Hello Stiletto had a great
event at Designer Shoe Outlet (DSO)
in Mount Prospect and is now up to
almost 200 members.
In Providence, Hello Stiletto Shoe
Club members enjoyed a night out at
Zooma in Federal Hill.
For an updated list of all past and
Providence
upcoming Hello Stiletto Shoe Club
Shoe Party at
events, including photos, be sure to
Zooma.
JOIN HELLO STILETTO SHOE CLUB