Design your own shoes today at The Little Shoe Box!

How far are you willing to drive for shoes?? Today only you can design your own shoes at The Little Shoe Box (that wonderful shop formerly on Bethesda Row). The event features Eliza B Flats--you pick the fabric, suede, leather, sole, damasks and trims. The show runs from 12 to 6. Near Baltimore: 7625 Bellona Ave., Ruxton, MD. Click here for website. 

Celebrating Shoes, Friendship and Books

Before there was Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin, there was Beth Levine, a visionary whose fashion-forward shoes were worn by '60s icons Jacqueline Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe and Barbara Streisand. Author Helene Verin, a professor at FIT, tells Levine's story in Beth Levine Shoes, she also gives those of us who love shoes a revelatory glimpse into 20th century shoe design. Luckily for us she will be in town to talk about her book Friday at noon at the JCC of Greater Washington as part of their 40th annual Book Festival, which kicks off Nov. 5. Another don't-miss is author Jeffrey Zaslow on Monday night at 7 pm to discuss The Girls from Ames, his book about 11 women who remained best friends for over 40 years. Can't wait to hear his "man-thoughts" on what seems to mystify men even more than women's obsession with footwear: our ties to our girlfriends.

The festival runs through Nov. 15 and features 25 different authors and events. Tickets are available online or at the Festival box office.