How Sweet It Is

Really? Seriously? And you're still pondering what to get -- or hint at -- for Valentine's Day? Even if you're not so big on V-day, any girl worth her salt (and her sweet) is gonna fall for this. C'mon--shoes and chocolate? This signature sexy confection by Enjou Chocolat comes in ruby red and leopard. Available for  $69.99 at Balducci's in Wildwood Shopping Center. Oh, be still my heart.

The heart is a fickle hunter....of shoes

Last year I was in love (and a little bit of lust) with this Badgley Mischka...such a party girl.

bloomingdales.com

This year, I have a new love. More subdued, but tantalizing with a quiet passion just under the surface of its slightly authoritarian exterior:

Prada, Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie
My change of heart was vindicated (egged on?) when I spotted these on Julia Farr at the grand opening of her new boutique. 

Frailty, thy name is woman.

An American with a Spanish heart...

On Saturday afternoon, Bloomingdale's White Flint shoppers (especially those in the shoe department) were lucky enough to get to hear renowned flamenco artist Marija Temo serenade them with classical Spanish guitar music. Temo, an American who has been playing Spanish guitar since age 9, says she has "a Spanish heart." The artist played everything from Spanish/American pop to traditional flamenco for an audience sipping on refreshing white sangria by Ridgewells Catering. Although hearing such fabulous music in a shoe department was a bit disconcerting (she sat under a "big chunky" sweater display), the accomplished composer was able to transport us with her amazing vocals and superb guitar.

Have your shoe and eat it too

When sexy lingerie is just a tad too suggestive, a store-bought card too blah, a dozen roses too been there-done that, these gourmet edible pumps may be the most perfect Valentine's Day gift ever created. A stylish chocolate stiletto and matching clutch good enough to eat. Chocolate + shoes = Valentine bliss. Available at Saks.com $52

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.

Stiletto Strut 101

Impressed by Germans running foot races in high heels? (Click here for the video.) Humiliated by your Aunt Frieda, who at 80 can strut a heel much better than you with your undisciplined flip-flop-packing feet? Fret no more. Dr. Emily Splichal aka "Dr. Legs"  and the  Washington Sports Club have teamed up to save the day with "Catwalk Confidence," a fitness series to help show those high heels who's boss starting at the South Bethesda location July 29. No, I'm not kidding. The stiletto whisperer has created a workout incorporating balance and posture that helps you learn how not to do the ankle twist, the tilting forward but-jutt, the stutter step, the "arrghh, i'm in shoe hell and it shows" walks. Just put on your 4-inchers and learn to glide, baby glide. 

jonesin for ruffled shoes

I am obsessing on ruffled shoes. I've been around long enough to have already done platforms, wedges and glads but not ruffles. Ruffles--I even like the word. I want them in butter soft leather; I want them in silk; I want them metallic. The ones pictured left are perfection: "Savage Lover" by Nanette Lepore. More contenders below (loving the Louboutin):


Christian Louboutin and Loeffler Randall; saksfifthavenue.com


L.A.M.B, nordstrom.com