Earlier this month, Peggy Spencer celebrated her 25th year working with shoes at a department store in Iowa. She first started way back in 1984 (a year that I personally remember because, well, that’s the year I was born) and has since become one of three managers in the store. To her friends, she’s just Peggy, but to the majority of customers who happen her way, she’s known as “The Shoe Lady.” In fact, Spencer even admits to often hearing the phrase “There’s the shoe lady” from time to time. When I first read this story, I knew that I wanted to share it with you because one, I still can’t believe this lady has been selling the same shoes almost everyday of my entire life, and two, I think it’s a great accomplishment to faithfully serve in one place for so long. Just for fun, I put together a little something as a tribute to the Shoe Lady of Iowa…
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Tags: 5149-6, Ada, Isador, Kelsi Dagger, Ladonna, Moon, Ronda, Shoe Lady, Union, Wakiko
Posted in Dolce Vita, faryl robin, Franco Sarto, Frye, Main, Sam Edelman, Shoe News | No Comments »
With the fall fashion season just around the corner, it’s time to start taking a shoe inventory. For many, fall is the start of a new busy season where the light at the end of the tunnel looks a lot like — dare I say it — Christmas. Hopefully, with a thorough assessment of your current shoe status, when fall gets here you’ll be able to hit the ground running, so to speak. Fashion author Samantha Cabrera says there are some “must-haves” styles for any closet regardless of the season, so take a moment to round up any shoes gone astray and head to your closet to give it a once-over. Then ask yourself: Do I have the following shoes in my closet?
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Tags: 5149-6, Mill, Nannis, Right, Vyper
Posted in BCBG, Camper, Dolce Vita, Fashion Trends, Franco Sarto, Main, Report | No Comments »
Yes, I know we’re only halfway through summer, but talk of what’s going to be hot next season has already begun. The Boston Globe recently interviewed fashion director Julie Gilhart on what she anticipates to be “the shoe” of the fall season. Her answer? Keep reading…
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Tags: Carson, Faith, Julie Gilhart, Laud, Mill, Steve's Delight
Posted in boots, Franco Sarto, Frye, Gladiator shoes, Joy Chen, Main, Naughty Monkey | No Comments »
I came across this article the other day about tips for shoe shopping. Normally, I’m skeptical of these types of articles since most anybody can offer a few general pointers that end up sounding more like common sense that legitimate suggestions. I was surprised, however, to find the author really did her research, including visiting a podiatrist for some expert advice. As a result, she came away with some pretty handy tips that even an old shoe-shopping pro like myself thought useful. Here’s a taste of what you should be aware of the next time your shopping for that perfect pair of soles, courtesy Rosalie Robles Crowe: (more…)
Tags: Kelsi Dagger, Ladonna, Rosalie Robles Crowe, shoe shopping
Posted in Franco Sarto, Main, Sam Edelman, shoe retailing | No Comments »
With Memorial Day weekend here, the summer season has officially started. And that means it’s time to secure the right pair of sizzling summer soles. Here’s the scoop on the hottest trends and fashions in footwear for the summer of 2009, courtesy Sararh-Jean Ballard.
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Tags: Charlotte Ronson, Oh Deer, Summer 2009
Posted in AMarinelli, C Label, Fashion Trends, Franco Sarto, Gladiator shoes, Main, Pare, Sam Edelman, Seychelles, Shoe Trends | 2 Comments »
If your shoes could speak, what would they say? Better yet, if your shoes could tell stories, which ones would we hear?
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Tags: Brockton Massachusetts, Fuller Craft Museum, Journal, shoe art, Shoes Tell Stories
Posted in Franco Sarto, shoe history, Shoe News | No Comments »
Payless celebrated Earth Day yesterday by launching a new line of inexpensive eco-friendly shoes. Called Zoe&Zac, the new collection features shoes made from organic cotton canvas, linen, hemp, non-PVC foam beds, recycled rubbers, and water-based glues. Model Summer Rayne Oakes is the spokesperson for the new line, and said, “The most common misconception about sustainable fashion is that it comes in one color and looks one way- neutral, boxy, baggy, shapeless. The best sustainable fashion is invisible and that’s what zoe&zac is all about.” I’m not sure that I want my fashion to be invisible, but I do like the idea that eco-friendly designs are now nearly impossible to distinguish from more traditional options. As more and more eco-friendly shoes hit the market, it will be increasingly difficult to distinguish real earth-savers from poseurs hoping for a tidy footwear profit. Here are a few questions to consider when shopping for sustainable shoes.
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Tags: Earth Day, eco-friendly, green, locally-made products, rubber, Stella McCartney, Summer Rayne Oakes
Posted in comfortable shoes, cork, Eco-Friendly Shoes, Espadrille, Fashion Resources, Fashion Trends, Franco Sarto, Main, shoe retailing | 2 Comments »
Although rain has returned to our damp clime, the perfect 70-degree weather earlier this week has me thinking about summer. All over Puddletown, magnolia and weeping cherry trees have burst into blossom, tulips and daffodils are swinging in spring breezes, and I can’t stop thinking about this summer’s delights. How can I possibly wait another two months for fresh berries, swimming in the Sandy, and exhilarating hikes in the breathtaking Cascades?
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Tags: Franco Sarto, Portland
Posted in Franco Sarto, Main, Sandals | No Comments »

Journal by Franco Sarto
The name
Tila March is most associated with handbag collections but it has recently come onto the scene with a new collection of Spring shoes that mirror the labels’ belief in simple designs that don’t follow one particular fad.
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Tags: 2009 shoe trends, Charles David, Franco Sarto, spring 2009 shoes, Taichman, Tila march shoes
Posted in AMarinelli, Charles David, Franco Sarto | 1 Comment »