March 9th, 2010 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

Spring break is on its merry way, and lots of us (not including me) are hightailing it out of town for some R & R*, and also some D & P*.  The destination options are endless and we all know what that means–so are the shoe options.  As per usual, I’ll walk you through: 1 vacation a day for the rest of the week.

*Rest & Relaxation

*Drinking & Partying

The Tropical Romp

Grab your wayfarers and jump on a 5am flight to where the sun is 3rd degree-burn inducingly strong, the all you can eat nachos are included in your package, and the frozen drinks come in tall plastic souvenir glasses.  You’ll stumble through the week napping on the beach, dancing with boys in Hollister polos at Señior Frogs, and being subjected to countless “Which girl deserves the most attention?” contests.  The shoe you’re looking for is a sassy flat sandal that will match both your bikini and your going-out shirts–they’ll keep you looking put together no matter how many daiquiris you’ve had.  And for the love of God, don’t come back with braids!

The Sandals: The Bernardo ‘Mojo’ ($129); The Dolce Vita ‘Dori 2′ ($49); The Dolce Vita ‘Ontario’ ($69)

February 24th, 2010 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

Two weeks ago I blogged about the Boutique 9 Elation, and I was previously jazzed about the J.Shoes Meadow.  After writing about them, I got both comments and e-mails asking how to wear them in a more professional capacity.

I’ve been thinking about this, trying to come up with a way, but I think the difficulty here is that these shoes are simply never going to be professional.  That’s not to say no one can wear them to work.  If your dress code is Smart Casual, you’re all set with a pair of black skinny pants and a feminine top under a cardican or blazer–adorable.  But if you work in a law firm or you do some sort of financial planning or banking or something else for The Man, you’re going to have to save the boots for your pre-happy hour costume change.  The best rule of thumb I could think of was, if the men wear suits, you shouldn’t wear these boots.

P.S. Due to an overwhelming response, we got all held up– V-Day Giveaway Winner Announced Friday!

February 13th, 2010 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

Valentine’s Day is on its way and there are countess ways to spend it.  We all know what that means: countless shoe possibilities.  Whether you’re in a 20-year marriage, single in the city, or something else in between, there’s a way to celebrate and corresponding footwear.  A disclaimer: by celebrate I mean acknowledge the “holiday” at all.  We all know it’s sort of made up and definitely hyped up.  But hey, one thing’s for sure-it’s gotta be more fun than New Years.

The ‘Putting some spice back into the relationship’ Romantic Evening: As per your subtle hints over the past month and a half, your significant other of who-knows-how-long-it’s-been has booked a couple’s massage and the presidential suite.  Room service and matching white robes are going to be involved.  He might have also hidden a little blue box in his overnight bag, so you’re probably going to want to put out.

The Single Girls’ ‘Burn Your Ex’s Stuff’ Party: After getting together for brunch and subsequently going to see Valentine’s Day, (Who am I kidding?  Everybody’s seeing that.) you and your girls will gather at someone’s apartment, ex’s stuff in hand, and  fueled by heartache, rage, and white wine, you’ll climb out onto the fire escape and burn a bunch of boxers, teddy bears, and probably a retainer.  By the time the firemen and your very angry super have left, you’ll feel ready for dancing.  Dress for that.   You’ll be making out with someone else’s ex in a dark club in no time.

The ‘I can’t believe he asked me out on Valentine’s Day’ Date: This is new, real new.  You’ve hung out a couple times and now he’s asked you out on this day of all days?  You may very well be too distracted analyzing his every move, word, and past text to enjoy your pre-fixe meal and the second least expensive wine on the list.  So at least feel confident in your shoes, beautiful but not too dressy.  And then come on, he did ask you out on V-Day after all.  He’s into you-enjoy it.

Hint: Don’t stress if you can’t return the sentiment.  There will plenty of time for meeting your single friends for dancing later.  They’re already wasted and smell like fire-they’ll be out all night.

The ‘Creative Boyfriend’ Date: He planned a surprise and you can bet it’s not just going to a restaurant.  Wear comfortable but very attractive flats, the kind that can transition from day to night.  Just remember to try and take a break from staring into each other’s eyes and petting long enough to enjoy the activity.  God, you’re so cute it’s making everyone else gag. Who even cares what you wear?!

The Shoes:  The All Black for BFT Crosstoe II, The Madden Girl Century, The All Black for BFT Quilted Flat, The Delman Anouk (All available at Barefoot Tess)

February 9th, 2010 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

This is just one suggestion of how to wear these boots, and of course, what to do while you’re wearing them.

The Boutique 9 Elation by Barefoottess featuring Dogeared jewelry

February 2nd, 2010 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

After all that about how I hate to be a houseguest, I threw a bathing suit and some sundresses into a duffel and flew to West Palm Beach to visit my grandparents last weekend.  None of my complaints held true on this trip: I watched a lot of TV, I was never cold, and my grandma prepared every meal specifically with me in mind.

Here’s something that did bother me though.  Why do people think it’s OK to get on a plane looking like they’re actually planning to get in bed?  They’re not my style, but I’m all for cute sweats.  I’m not taking issue with those.  But pajamas?  On a plane?   Being comfortable on a long trip is of the utmost importance, but unless you’re an infant on an overnight flight, actual pajamas seem like overkill.  I’m not alone here-studies show that nicely dressed people are more likely to receive quality service from flight attendants and receive an upgrade at check-in.  PJ’s aren’t the answer to being comfortable on a trip across the Atlantic.  You know what is?  The world’s first fully reclining flat bed in business class!  So considering you’re way more likely to be rewarded with this when you’re looking snappy (and you’re nice to the check-in girl,) (and you’re also very late so that the rest of the plane has filled up,) you should look presentable whilst you fly.

A suggestion for a pair of go-to travel shoes:  The All Black ‘Crosstoe II’: Their elastic back allows them to provide comfort indefinitely.  Plus, they’re simple enough to match most outfits with just enough detail to make them an accent piece.

January 28th, 2010 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

I don’t think I’m alone here, but I do think most people are afraid to admit it.  I hate being a houseguest.  I don’t mean crashing on my friend’s couch with my shoes on, slipping out early, and leaving an endearing thank you note scribbled on an old receipt.  I mean spending three days and two nights in the guestroom with towels specifically for me and my belongings confined to a leather weekend bag.

As much as they insist you may come and go as you please, you are still at your hosts’ mercy.  They’re aware that you just want to watch TV alone.  They’re keeping track of when you use the bathroom and how long it takes, especially when you get up at 3am to pee.  And then there’s their most egregious offense: they are in change of the thermostat.

The reason this offense takes the cake is because no matter how nice and hospitable they are, leaving mints on your pillow or serving gluten-free pasta just for you, there’s no possible way you could be comfortable if you’re too hot or too cold.

In terms of the hot, the best you can do, short of stripping down to your underwear and panting dramatically while splayed across the couch, is make underhanded comments:

“Do you mind if I help myself to some ice water?  For some reason I feel flushed and a bit faint.”

“Excuse me for a second while I go get some Tylenol.  I think I’m running a fever.  Want to feel how hot I am?”

“Woo!  I think I just had a hot flash.  Is 23 too young for uh…oh, never mind.”

With the cold, you can make the comments more tactfully:

“Oo, is that a working fireplace?  I love a working fireplace.  That’s such a beautiful fireplace!”

“Do you mind if I wrap myself in this decorative throw?”

“I brought this hot cocoa as a hostess gift!   Shall I make it for you?”

The cold has one very useful advantage.  You can always add a layer.  I visited a very cold house recently, a house where the family took their shoes off at the door.  I learned a life lesson that weekend.  If you’re visiting someone’s home for a winter weekend, BRING CUTE SLIPPERS.  They would have made all the difference.

The Slippers: (left to right) Mocs Fringe Slipper, $79; Relknit Monkey Slipper, $29; Mocs Suede Slipper, $69

Blog Reader Exclusive: Use code ‘SLIP’ for 20% off all slippers.

January 13th, 2010 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

On my ‘About Me’ page I offer to dispense fashion and particularly footwear advice to anyone who e-mails me.  Now, I typed this feeling really excited about the prospect of spreading my own fashion knowledge, but knowing full well that no one was going to ask me a damn thing. Well, guess what!  After months of nothing, Annie D. finally spoke up.  She wrote,

“Dear Laura,

A bunch of my friends have been wearing Frye boots and I like them, but the big sizes are mens’ and way too wide.  Plus, I borrowed my sisters and despite the fact that they’re already broken in, they gave me a huge blister.  Frye is too expensive to get a blister from.  Do you know of any cute boots, like Frye that are cheaper? FYI, I’m a narrow 12, so that complicates the matter.  I want WOMEN’S shoes!

I’m sad,

Annie D.”

Woo, I’m practically the footwear version of Dear Abby!

Dear Sad Annie D.,

I have the perfect solution for you.  Check out J. Shoes from Barefoot Tess.  They have the same great utilitarian feel as Frye’s, but they also have feminine touches, like pretty ribbon laces.  BFT actually offers them below the suggested retail value, so check ‘em out! They come in women’s sizes exclusively at Barefoot Tess.

Forget about Dear Abby.  Watch me turn into Oprah!

P.S. Annie D.,

Since you’re the first girl to write to me for advice, I am going to send you a pair of J. Shoes ‘Bridles’ in your size and the color of your choosing!

Anyone else have fashion/footwear questions?  Post them to the blog or e-mail me and I will publish and answer them! Don’t forget: comment of the week wins 50 bucks and your questions count as comments.

December 22nd, 2009 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

When it comes to winter boots, they’re not all that hard to find if all you want is warm feet.  However, this past weekend, in the midst of that record breaking blizzard, it occured to me that warmth is important, but dryness is key.  When blizzard conditions hit, you don’t just want something fleecy and cozy– you want something made to shield you from the elements.

It’s not as if I was out in the driveway for hours shoveling the car out or had to traipse through the field into town to stock up on provisions.  I was just hanging out in my house reading and drinking tea.  But still, I know of other people that had to do those things and it seemed like they’d be better off had they been wearing the Sorel Caribou.  It’s warm.  It’s waterproof, and until I saw these, I felt like no winter boots were cute.  These make me WANT to shovel the walk!

December 17th, 2009 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

Christmas Eve Dinner at the Club with Your In-laws.

This could go two completely different ways:

1.     Upon arrival, your mother-in-law grimaces straight at you.  She never did think you were good enough, and to rub it in she gives you a sort-of compliment about your new haircut: “Oh, your hair is…different.” Your husband is of no help at all, mostly because he hates disappointing his doting mother and a little because he’s too busy riling up the kids in the lobby right before they’re about to sit down to a long meal.  Of course it will be your job to calm them down and keep them quiet-typical. Your father-in-law spends the evening burping and dozing off at the table and no one likes the food much because like the evening, it’s bland and boring.

2.     Upon arrival, your mother-in-law gives you a warm squeeze and whispers that she loves your new hair.  She hasn’t a daughter, so she just loves cooing over you.  Your husband and his father embrace in a man-hug-back-slap and talk about the drive up, while the kids, dressed pristinely in dresses you found on sale at Saks (go you), play silently with their new dolls.  Over dinner, your father-in-law regales everyone with ribald stories from his college days, you give your mother-in-law a scarf she absolutely adores, and everyone marvels that the ham is especially good this year.  Additionally, you’ll see your own parents on Christmas day, so what could be better?

In terms of what to wear, the club is on the conservative side, but it is a celebration after all. To match the ‘celebration in a stuffy place’ atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with a festive dress paired with classic flats.  And what’s more classic than black patent leather? Nothing. It’s the best.

The Shoes: The Poetic Licence ‘Garden Delight’

December 7th, 2009 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

Last weekend officially kicked off Holiday Party Season.   And what does holiday party season require of you?  Why, holiday party shoes of course! Each day this week, I’ll feature a different type of holiday party and corresponding festive shoe.

The Office Christmas Party: Your bosses will be here, so you can’t look too out of control, but the cute guy from the cubicle across from yours will also be in attendance, so you’ve got to look as hot as professionally possible. If the party is after work, shed your cardigan post-office hours to reveal a sexy dress.  Then, change from your work shoes to a pair of sassy heals.  Everyone will see you in a whole new light.

Hot Party Tip: You are among your colleagues and higher-ups after all.  It can be socially stressful, so to avoid disaster, try to alternate cocktails with water.  You do want them to see you in a whole new light - you don’t want that light to be “the girl who tripped on the dance floor, bumped into a cater waiter, and spilled red wine on the CEO’s trophy wife.”

Enjoy!

(The Shoe: The Madeline ‘Georgi’ ($69))