Style Debate: Can You Judge a Person by Their Shoes?

In lieu of a full-fledged post today (there was no time to work on posts over the weekend when you're busy meeting childhood heros like, you know, Ernie), I'm going to simply direct you over to a conversation I hope I started (ok, Kassie started) on the DC Celine facebook page.

Click here to join the discussion.

In the interest of that, you know, SEO thing, and, well, the fact that my graphic design abilities don't let me put a screen shot in that's big enough to read, here's the text of my status post on the fb page.

"DC Celine is going to start a conversation prompted by a medical study. Kassie Rempel, founder of SimplySoles, posted this article this morning. I will admit, I haven't read the article yet. But I will also readily admit that I 100% agree with the headline.

I will also state that I firmly believe should have made a hiring decision a long time ago based on my reaction to a candidate's shoes. Not listening to that reaction - and my gut - cost me a lot of heartache (that, yes, made me stronger and wiser, but that's beside the point, isn't it?).

[Link to the article on Medical Daily about personality traits and shoes.]

Discuss."

Also, please do jump over to that facebook page and "like" me. I often share articles, posts, pictures, and thoughts that don't make it into full posts here on the blog. Please join us. Then there's Instagram (via webstagram, too) and Twitter, too. All @DCCeline, of course.

2nd Georgetown Angel Leaves Georgetown - Fornash Moves to Ballston

Announced today, Fornash, is moving from Georgetown to Ballston. The thriving online and wholesale accessory business is the 2nd of 3 "Georgetown Angels" to leave The Shops at Georgetown Park. With many of the mall stores dark, now, area rumors have anything from Target to a Big Name Chef Mega-Restaurant going in the mall in the middle of Georgetown.

On October 26, 2011, I posted (with some updates) about Simply Soles closing its first brick and mortar doors. Kassie Rempel, Simply Soles founder, then moved her National Harbor store just around the corner from her original harbor outpost. The Dandelion Patch is maintains its Georgetown location, and has grown to include stores in Leesburg, Vienna, and Reston, Virginia.

All three women entrepeneurs have grown their businesses during the widely reported recession. Strategic moves such as adding a Children's Etiquette for everyday! class (get those customers trained early to send personlized thank you notes) and the soon-to-be-relaunched Kassie's Closet, an online styling resource building on the current Simply Soles weekly feature, along with (in my own experience) keep customers happy, returning, and spending money.

PS - Couldn't be happier about the new Ballston Fornash location. My new job has an office there, and I'll be there occasionally. And accessories aren't on my current until-I-get-healthy-don't-buy-anything list.

Update #2: 2 of the 3 Georgetown Angels Leaving Georgetown Shops

Touted as the "Angels of Georgetown," for making a successful retail run of it in not only a depressed economy but also in a struggling retail location, local women entrepreneurs Simply Soles and Fornash will leave the The Shops at Georgetown Park, with Simply Soles shutting its Georgetown doors this Monday, October 31st. (4:41pm 2nd Update from the original post) The Dandelion Patch is not moving from The Shops at this time.

Though the Shops as a whole have struggled, with stores coming and going over the years, Kassie Rempel (Simply Soles), Stephanie Fornash Kennedy (Fornash), and Heidi Kallett (The Dandelion Patch) opened in The Shops. Though some would say that shoes, accessories, stationery, and gifts are luxuries, the stores have each thrived, building their catalog, brick and mortar, and wholesale businesses when other stores were vacating the mall.

Georgetown rags first reported the possibility back in March 2011, when word on the street was that Target and Bloomingdales were candidates for the real estate block occupied by the Shops in the center of Georgetown's shopping district. Though the rumors died soon after those initial reports, a cashier at H&M, which won't have to vacate the space, shared that Target was moving in. Though the lines at H&M were long for both the fitting rooms (people are trying) and the cashier (people are buying), the cashier wondered what Target, the often-stylish box retailer now known for its exclusive designer collections that sell out in minutes, would do to sales for their store.

Ms. Rempel shared that Simply Soles is consolidating their Georgetown store, headquarters, and warehouse in their burgeoning National Harbor location starting November 1st. To facilitate that move, the Georgetown store is having a "big sale" this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (October 28-30).

Ms. Kennedy also confirmed Fornash will be leaving the Shops; she has not yet announced a date or location for her accessories collection. (4:41pm 2nd update from original post) Ms. Kallett confirmed today that The Dandelion Patch is not moving from The Shops.

[End reported, objective-like story; begin DC Celine thoughts and opinions]

(4:41pm Updated from original post) All 3 ladies have promised to keep me up to date on any moves and the growth they're spurning (the businesses have strong, growing online and catalog components or other locations in addition to their storefronts at the Shops). Honestly, I was shocked when I heard any of the Angels were moving, and I'm sad that these bright spots on one of my routes home (I can always rationalize the key bridge over the Beltway) will no longer be on my way home.

Lord knows H, as supportive as he is of my shoe habits (hel-LO Oscars sitting in their soft, pretty bag in my closet), will be glad I can no longer "pop in" to see Kassie and the ladies of Simply Soles at the drop of a Helen Kamisky hat.

Then there's the whole question of what a box-store like Target means for the eclectic boutique-chain-restaurant mix Georgetown has cultured - intentionally or unintentionally. Much of the buzz in March was around Target's 2nd choice in the District (the Columbia Heights location being the first) of a location without a big, fat parking lot.

Whichever way the wind ends up blowing on this one, it will be interesting to watch, and I'll keep you up to date as I hear developments.

What's a Girl to Do with Her Groupons?

Simply Soles Groupon Choices by dcceline

I have 2 SimplySoles Groupons. Yes. 2. So a girl's gotta figure out what she's going to use them on. I'll take suggestions from the Infintessimal Readership.

Mind Reader: Jaunty Spring

For the Infinitesimal Readership and followers, it's no secret that I'm madly in love with anything nautical this spring. I'm also an absolute Simply Soles devotee. So when Kassie posted her "What to Wear Wednesday" (and I emerged from under a work rock), I figured I'd just crib her style advice. My only change? Swap the navy wedges for the kelly green version, and I'm hooked.

Admission? I'd pretty much decided to stick with my fab Target woven sunhat this season - it's durable, floppy, and flirty. And then I saw this Helen Kaminski again. Sigh.

Things I Hope Kassie Brings to DSS

Things I Hope Kassie Brings to DSS by DCCeline featuring bettye muller shoes

Bettye muller shoes, $328
Bettye muller shoes, $199
Lillybee summer shoes, $75
Suede shoes, $75
Bruno Magli sling back shoes, $360
Shoes, $238
Tory Burch sandal, $495
Chie mihara shoes, $75
Green Patent Wedges by Butter, $325
Metallic Strappy Sandals by Kelsi Dagger, $88
Suede Coclico Sandals in Red, $338

Please, Miss Kassie, please. You know how much I love me some simply soles.

Climbing out of the Doldrums - Check, and almost check

My next steps in the Big Climb?

First was a haircut. Check.

Second was shoe shopping. Almost check.

Wednesday, right after I posted, I picked The Bean up from school and took her to lunch. Because she was having such a lovely time playing with one of her little friends, we invited LittleFriend and HerMama to join us at Kafé Leopold. While the girls climbed all over the banquette, almost behaving, our VeryNiceWaiter tolerated us and the Mamas chatted. We felt positively normal. And the girls had a great time. (oh yes, and they did let us in, despite my absolutely schlumpy duds)

Note to self: go more often. It'll keep me from seriously jonesing Austria. At least for now.

After lunch, we swung by my favorite (as if you couldn't tell, since I wear their shoes almost every day) boutique, simplysoles. And while Miss Kassie wasn't there (off getting the new Richmond location ready for it's opening this weekend!), we did a quick browse, and bought two headbands - one for the bean (which she's worn proudly non-stop since), and one for Mama. I set my sights on a couple of pairs of shoes. Now. Do I take the risk and wait for DSS? Or take the sale prices now? Hmmmm...

Then we dashed off (the Bean nodding off "Mama, I love you" in her carseat) to Franz Sebastian to see Miss Jae. Scrubbed and coiffed, I felt 1001% better. Still do, in fact. We got in a bit of style gossip (have you heard about Erwin?), and The Bean got to have her bob trimmed. Such the little lady. Or Diva, as her sitter calls her. When I asked her later who do you like to do your hair (she's been to H's barber, and MIL's hairdresser, too), she answered "the girl with the team shirt." Jae was wearing a fun sports-jersey-esque top. That's my girl.

So...two more items down, a bunch more to go. Up next?

Get healthy - this will be a long road. But maybe I'll have some extra fruit today. Or even some veggies.

Buy a few pieces I love NOW. Not for the future healthy me, but for the Rubenesque, Now Me - starting that this afternoon - a stolen afternoon jaunt to Friendship Heights, to see if I can get a couple of tops or lightweight sweaters I'm happy in. Even if it's one, it's one more than I have now.

Keep going. Even when I'm distracted or have relapses into UnshoweredWorld, I will get. back. on. the. wagon.

The Doldrums

As I sit here at Marvelous Market, alternately reviewing government documents that will continue to make my life hell for the next two months, facebooking, tweeting, and emailing what feel, like long-lost-friends, I'm in the Doldrums. Not the naval phenomenon, and not those Milo runs across in his wacky literary adventures (gold star if you get the reference), but the I-haven't-showered-or-washed-or-cut-my-hair-and-hate-everything-in-my-closet kind.

Part of it, if you've been following my tweets, is that I've been working ridiculous hours. I miss my kids and H, we have no food cooked in the house (popchips and Masala Art takeout are staples right now), and the last thing on my mind is putting together a reasonable outfit, let alone putting on makeup. I know better. I know that, if I've been working all night, haven't slept, and need to keep focusing, that showering, putting on makeup, and at minimum a coordinated outfit without babyfood stains will make me feel better. I learned that a long time ago, from a dear friend whom I will purposefully never see again. You've heard me say all this before, I know.

Part of it is that I've gained weight. A lot. I've matched my highest, pre-wedding (not baby-induced) weight. Which is not a good thing. I'd lost weight after Bean #2, but then gained it back. Eating like a pig and indulging as comfort...well, not helpful. I haven't made it to any kind of workout or yoga class in months. (I ran into my yoga teacher from last semester at Politics & Prose last week. She was, as every yoga instructor I've ever encountered is, kind, patient, and understanding. Which doubled my guilt at not going.) Nothing in my closet fits except for my "fat pants" and two pair of beloved LOFT cordorouy pants that fit like blessed gloves and miraculously don't make me feel like a sausage.

The last part is that I just don't have time. I don't have time to shop. I don't have time to iron. I don't have time to drop and pick up drycleaning on the 3 things I own that make me feel good. So I don't. I feel like crap because I can't be bothered. I haven't even bothered to wear my favorite shoes (lillybees, I'm lookin' at you, kids) because my months-old pedicure is so nasty that I can't even fake it under fishnets in peeptoes. So I wear my grey booties daily. Which is all fine and good in icky weather, but when the sun starts to peek out and buds (or bugs, as The Bean calls them) are flirting with breaking through their barked cocoons, grey ankle booties just won't cut it.

So I'm slowly plotting my return. Slowly, people. I can't take more than that. What's the plan, you ask? Well, it's been underway for a leeetle bit. And I'll keep you posted, but here we go...

1) Go out in public with real clothes and talk to non-work people. Check. I went to last week's launch of Jill Kargman's hilarious (laughed out loud during my bathroom reading) Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut at ginger. I squeezed myself into a girdle (let's face it, it's not a "shaper"), put on tights, lillybees, a dress (crazy, but now I can't even remember which one), and a vintage astrakhan coat from my MIL. I chatted with Jill, the incomparable Babsie D, and a lovely writer I've met before. Just three people, but they were people.

2) Get a haircut. Almost check. I see Jae today at 3pm.

3) Buy new shoes. Since I'm not happy with my body, I can play with my feet fashion. Almost check. Taking The Bean with me to the Georgetown simplysoles outpost today.

4) Get healthy. Ok. That's a much longer term one, but I'll get there. And if you have it in your hearts to help me, reminding me along the way, I'll take whatever support I can get.

5) Buy a few pieces I love NOW. Not for the future healthy me, but for the Rubenesque, Now Me. First stop: March 29 DSS.

6) Keep going. Even when I'm distracted or have relapses into UnshoweredWorld, I will get. back. on. the. wagon.

And I'll kiss the Doldrums goodbye.

Style Dilemma: The Shoe Challenge

WebMama wrote last week: I'm writing to hit you up for some fashion advice. I'm going to a wedding Saturday and am wearing this navy dress.

I also bought blue tights. Question is, what color shoes should I wear? I could go black patent - but like the idea of a lighter heel. What do you think of these? Or I could go even lighter like in the attached picture. Just curious what your gut reaction is. Thanks in advance!!

I messaged back (after letting it go too long because I was under a RealJob rock. Sorry, WebMama!): Yes - love the idea of lighter heel - pewter v pretty. but i would personally go with a rounder toe (though have had these pumps before and they're great).

ok, have a couple of suggestions.

on simplysoles.com, there's a blush-colored lillybee wedge that'd be darling, and a chie mihara round toe pump in tan (might be a bit casual)

on zappos.com, there's a sofft pump (fiorella) in a grey (darker) suede, and a vigotti ulinda in a pale grey.

are you going to wear tights, like the pic? LOVE the look

And in fact, I have had the pumps linked above. Nine West has absolutely reliable pumps/stillettos. Keep them in mind as a fallback plan for any shoe dilemma.

And the conversation continued...

WebMama: Awesome, thanks!! I did order the pewter pumps. I'll see how they look. I LOVE the pale grey pumps you recommended more though. Maybe I'll see if I can get them for Saturday delivery. If not, I'll order them for another time. Thank you so much! Of course, it's okay for you to post. I did get blue tights like the picture. My friend, Liz, said "yuck yuck" to the look but my sister really liked it. You're the deciding vote and I'm happy you tipped the scales in favor of "yes" :)

Now we're all just waiting for pictures!

Stealing Mary's Idea

She's taken a lot of flack for it, but maybe Ms. Amons has it right: if you've got a good closet, go to any length to protect it from sticky little fingers (in all senses of the word).

While I have high hopes for my recently purchased Anns to jumpstart me out of my style slump, I think The Bean has other designs for them. I had them out, ready to wear this morning, and, well...you vote on who's wearing it better...

And yes, that's a dragonfly sticker in her hair.

Will Forgo the Bad Pun for Butter

Seriously, these shoes are gorgeously amazing - and, oh, btw, ridiculously comfortable. And I'm in love.

Any line that names a color "Car Patent" is alright by this car-lovin' gal.

I so wish that Nancy Geist and Lee Riech had their Butter site up and running, and that I could find a pic of the gorgous peep toe pump that screams sleek luxury car. Part of their fall line, it's a classically styled pump with a little bit of "quilting" at the heel and around the toe box. It's a deep deep brown - almost black - with the barest hint of coppery flecks - just like you'd find on a metallic car paint. It'd make a perfect "new neutral" and go with Everything.

And I'm in love.

I should've put myself down on the list for a pre-order at simplysoles.com's preview and Meet the Designer (Lee and her lovely assistant took the train down from NYC) event Wednesday, but I'm just trying to be frugal.

But I do have that "if I think about it for days in a row, I need to buy it" policy, so...

Style On the Fly

Life's busy, but what's new? A quick & dirty (ok, ridiculously muddy is more like it) recap of style happenings in my little world...

Rain boots: perfect timing. Just when I thought I wouldn't need them any more, the skies opened up. The Bean is very happy when Mama puts on her boots, too, so we can stomp in puddles.

Necessities purchased: been in the market for new, ah, foundation garments, as mine are nearly dead. Because I can't seem to ever get to a brick and mortar store, I went back to Ye Olde Vicki's. I was addicted to her stuff in college (even went so far as to buy matching "sets" with 3 girlfriends - yeah, we were wierd), but haven't worn it in forever. Am looking forward to a comfy new robe, though.

Fallout from the Pink Pumps: I never did find a pair, but have been having a lovely exchange with Kassie from simply soles. Am very much looking forward to a designer event coming up with the creative lead from Butter. Maybe I'll buck the economy and indulge in these pretty preppy flats.

The Ultimate Bargain: if you haven't already, sign up for DC-based CityShopGirl's daily emails. Yesterday, this gem arrived: the J. Crew Distribution Center in Lynchburg, VA, is holding an open house of sorts - 13 June 10-6, 14 June 2-6, current items up to 70% off. Hmmm...sounds like it might be time for a Papa-Bean Day, so Mama can hit the store!

Divine Inspiration - Pink Patent Pumps

I had a dream.

Two nights ago, I dreamt of pink patent leather pumps.

They were perfect.

Babygirl pink, medium heel, round toe, a hint of a wooden edge on the sole.

Demure, but not boring.

Where they came from, I don't know, and how they got in my head, I have no idea. But needless to say, when a girl dreams (at least this one) of shoes, she works very hard to find them. It's along the same lines as the pair of red patent leather pumps I went back to "visit" three times before I finally bought them. My own personal rule? If you think about them constantly for 3 or more days, and you can afford them, they need to be bought.

So using what might just be a new favorite tool (I'm sure I'm the last on this bandwagon), like.com, I'm scouring the web for these pearly babies. I'm convinced they exist. If not, I might just pick up the phone and call my new favorite shoe designer (if you haven't checked out her in-house, personally designed, named after her own Bean line, lillybee, do it NOW), Kassie of simplysoles, and suggest them. I don't even need credit for the idea. I just want the shoes.

So here's the run down, and how they aren't really what I saw in my dreams.

Demonia - around $40, and cute. Color's close, and the stitching and bow are a nice touch, but, well, demure they're not.

Bettye Muller. Not $40. Softer color, lower heel, but the price, the peep toe, and the heel aren't quite right. (Though I thought maybe Bettye Muller would be the place to find my dream shoe, with the modern retro feel.)

Bandolino. Online, about $30. By far the most reasonable. And definitely the most demure, with the Mary Jane detail. But, well, they're red. And the MJ is juuuuust too demure.

Juicy Couture. Also not $40. But the toe is right, and they're simple. Fun color, too, but clearly not the right pair.

Another Demonia pair, reasonably priced, and more demure than the first pair. Like the spectator detail, but the color and the MJ strap aren't right. Nor is the height. Stripper going to church?

J Crew. The closest, by far, in the sense of my dream shoe. The bow is just a-DOR-able, but still very wearable. They were on like.com in a darker pink than I dreamt, but apparently everyone else in the world thinks they're wearable, too. Completely sold out in every color.

So Kassie? I'll be calling soon!

A Little Bit Late: Fashion Wednesday in D.C. - Part II

Second stop. DSS. A long walk down M Street. (OK, so it wasn't that long, but I was already waning.)

Pays to know the organizer. She let me (OK, made me) sit down. Funny how The Bean takes over at times when you'd normally be perfectly perky and alive. Not so. If it weren't for Babsie D, I wouldn't have sat. I helped, too, though, so I don't feel like a total mooch.

What I liked:

• Being in the thick of it all
• Seeing pretty things all over the place
• Seeing Young People Get Involved (Mary Washington College Fashion Club - cool young women helping and having fun at the same time)
• Teensy bit of a power trip pseudo-manning the door and asking two Very Young Girls if they were supposed to be there. They were randomly wandering, shopping early, before things had started. I really wanted to kick them out. But apparently they were with Somebody Important in The Press. They were clearly researching an article, what with their arms full of packages and no notepads or cameras in sight.
• Meeting Allison of Queen Bee - even though she spells it wrong, she's got incredible energy and gorgeous jewelry
• Meeting Cassie of Simply Soles - there's always affinity among redheads
• Buying two big chunky bracelets for $20 total
• Buying two headbands for $15 total. Though the leather one is actually very painful, despite its flexibility. And the silk one, well, that slips off my head constantly. But when I'm willing to put up with the pain and keep readjusting my headband, they both work beautifully.
• Watching the people.
• Watching the people.
• And listening to the people.
• Best overheard 1: "It's been years since I've spent $136 on shoes."
• Best overheard 2: [in response to 1] "I can't remember the last time I paid cash for shoes."

What I didn't like:

• No places to sit
• Not enough mirrors (note to vendors for next time: K-Mart's got them cheap!)
• People whining that they didn't get their swag (for heaven's sake!)
• For all the babydoll/empire/shift/tunic styles that have come through in the last season or two, not enough for me to buy. Being preggers, I kinda assumed I wouldn't be buying skinny jeans, but I was really hoping for a lovely kimono top or babydoll mini I could pair with a skirt or slacks. I really wanted to spend money, but couldn't!

The afterparty started early, and had a great vibe for post-shopping tiredness. DJ rocked. And I could barely keep my eyes open until H got there (business dinner at Mie N Yu). But was worth it, to see more People in Action. I could watch all day.