Second City Style Fashion Blog - Style, Luxury, Beauty & Shopping

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Blahnik Tonic. Ouch! My Aching Feet!

Every year without fail...the first day of spring(like) weather I get excited to drag my favorite flats or sandals out of hiding. You know, the first day of weather when the temperature is expected to climb over 70 degrees? That's enough for me to think SUMMER! And every year, without fail, I forget my feet are not ready for prime time!

You see, they have been pampered all winter. Living in warm cozy socks, being slathered with lotion, getting pedicures, my digits are soft...too soft. They are not ready to be jammed into shoes sans protection (socks).

Today, after only having walked 4 city blocks (in my new Miu Miu gladiators I have been dying to wear) I came home limping....I HAVE BLISTERS! They hurt! The sandals are now resting next to my feet. I forgot to throw my arsenal of Band-Aids into my bag and my new favorite product...Band-Aid Active Flex Blister Block Stick! This stuff is genius. Rub it on the areas you normally get blisters and tada...no blisters.

I just wish I had remembered to pack my protection before I left the house. Lucky you...you've been reminded. I have to head back out there am scared to put anything on my feet. Is barefoot really unacceptable?

Band-Aid Active Flex Blister Block Stick $7.19 at Drugstore.com or available at most drugstores.

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Blahnik Tonic Shoe Obsession: Nicholas Kirkwood

 

Nicholas Kirkwood shoes are my latest obsession. Since his Spring '05 debut, the young, London-based shoe designer has certainly grown into his own. I want every pair of these architectural masterpieces! Now if I only had the budget (at nearly $700 a pair, we are talking Blahnik territory).

Nicholas worked for Britain's mad milliner, Philip Treacy, before studying shoemaking at Cordwainers College in East London. He is now a shoe maven's household name. His attention to shape, form, structure and architecture is unparalleled. His designs have walked the spring 2008 runways of Belstaff, Tommy Hilfiger, Basso & Brooke, Doo.Ri, and 3.1 Phillip Lim. 

According to Nicholas:

It’s about silhouettes…I don’t use anything that’s stuck onto the shoe. In certain ways it’s architectural, I suppose. Modern buildings are more concerned about the actual shape of the building itself, rather than what’s put on as ornamentation. I've always been interested in structure, in very linear shapes. Whether it's furniture or accessories or whatever, I love things that have a practicality to them.

Visit: NicholasKirkwood.com

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Sources: Elle.com, Stylebubble.com

Blahnik Tonic. Basketweave Beauties: Step Out in Strappy Sandals

Bryan Atwood Basketweave Strappy Sandals, $840

Chloe Strappy Flat Sandals, $575

Fendi Basket Toe Platforms, $665

Miu Miu Basketweave Wedge, $510

Bottega Veneta T-Strap Wire Sandals, $920

Perfect for the days when strictly formal just won't do, basketweave strappy sandals have are the perfect spring-to-summer shoe. Try them with a flirty skirt, jeans or just that perfect pair of black trousers. (Sexy red toes optional).
 

Blahnik Tonic. Less Heel, More Fun

Emilie Furda for Second City Style Magazine

During a recent workout with a new trainer, it was discovered that not only is my left leg about an inch longer than my right but every part of my body, especially my back, has suffered by my daily heel wearing. After a few more sessions, my legs are now the same length (after all it wasn't a skeletal problem but a muscular one) but my shoe of choice can no longer be a daily indulgence. After about a week of wearing flat shoes, I have realized what other, perhaps smarter women have known for a long time... life is so much better when you can actually walk! And with this seasons' elaborate gladiator and thong sandals, in every variety from snakeskin to metallic, who am I to complain about a few inches off the heel? As it turns out, looking good and feeling good doesn't have to be an oxymoron.

Shop "Less Heel, More Fun" styles here

Blahnik Tonic. Lovin' Strappy Platform Sandals for Spring!

I am so into strappy platform sandals! I just wish the weather was cooperating! Where is spring? At least this delay in being able to actually wear open-toed footwear is buying me time to amass my collection. I can't decide if I like t-straps or gladiator styles better. And frankly, why must I pick a favorite? Can't I love them all? These ones are pared down and just...pretty.

Alberta Ferretti T-Strap Platform Sandal $640

Miu Miu Deco Patent Platform $695

Stuart Weitzman Patent Platform Sandals $325

D&G Dolce & Gabbana Sandal $679

Calvin Klein "Parma" Sandal $120

Marni Crisscross Platform Slingbacks $576

Miss Sixty 'Dakota' Sandal $189.95


Prada Camoscio Deco Suede Platform Sandals $650


Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Platform Sandals $760

Chloe Perspex Panel Platform Sandals $910

Pura Lopez 'M354' Sandal $360


Charles David 'Guru' Sandal $124.95


Christian Louboutin City Girl Platform Sandals $795


Steve Madden Pascha T-Strap $89.95


MICHAEL Michael Kors Darrien Ankle Strap $133

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Bad Idea. Heel-Less Shoes...On Purpose

Yes, we did a double take too. Just when you thought you had seen everything and concluded like us the high-heel craze had gotten out of hand topping off at 5 inches, along comes this shoe that really makes us think...how stupid does one have to be? Introducing the Antonio Beradri  5-and-a-half-inch heel-less snakeskin heel for $3,600!

You can now pay thousands to look like your heels just snapped off. Why buy these? Just save your unrepaired shoes! No need to get them fixed. Just wear them! Victoria Beckham is rumored to already own a pair. No surprise there. And Gwyneth Paltrow and Uma Thurman purchased the patent leather version for a mere of $2,200. Oh too be famous and a total slave to fashion...no matter how moronic.

Get ready to see celebutards tip-toeing and falling on a red carpet near you!

Would you wear them? We wouldn't be caught dead in them. OK, maybe slightly maimed. Seriously, it's hard enough to look at 4 inch plus heels without wincing in pain.

Source & Photo: PageSix

Blahnik Tonic. We Wish More Chicagoans Would 'Shoes' Style Over Warmth

This article was sent to us as a 'public service announcement.' From The Chicago Methods Reporter comes this concern for women's digits in the freezing cold, blustery dog days of Chicago winter. Thing is, we only wish we saw more woman in Chicago wearing heels in the winter! Lord knows we see enough Uggs and equally terrifying choices of footwear.

OK, so admittedly we learned it takes just five minutes for a woman in high-heeled shoes to get frostbite if she’s standing outside in weather below zero. Add damp conditions to the mix and it could happen even faster. So our advice...move quickly! Or wear high-heeled boots. Sandals in snow are just ridiculous.

Read "Public safety for feet: Shoes-ing style over warmth" here

Kick Up Those Heels. Spring's Best and Brightest.

Even though it got slightly annoying watching Carrie Bradshaw pensively and elegantly jump over that random puddle at the end of nearly every episode since the third season, these new spring heels will make you want to do exactly that. Between the metallic and the patent leather, the stiletto and the peep toe, your Ugg boots will have never looked so unattractive.

J. Renee 'Dawn' Patent Leather Slingback Pump, $89.95

Marc by Marc Jacobs Slide, $455

Via Spiga 'Baffle' Sandal, $198

Christian Louboutin Platform Pumps, $795

Jonathan Kelsey Metallic Open-Toe Sandal, $725

—Emilie Furda

Don't Fall Flat. Ballet Slippers Brighter than Ever

Belle by Sigerson Morrison "CALAB" Blue Patent $195.00 @ Plazatoo

Kate Spade "KERRY" Green Patent $125.00 @ Plazatoo

Tory Burch"REVA2" Yellow Patent $195.00 @ Plazatoo

Butter "LADYBUG" Red Red $200.00 @ Plazatoo

If this seaons Prada floral prints look more toxic than tasteful then consider looking closer to the ground for spring inspiration. Look to your favorite floral petals for a burst of inspiration in primary hues. -Joanne Molina