16th Century Chopine

Fact: Historians believe the modern-day high heel originates from the chopine, a platform shoe, worn by women in Florence in the 16th century. The platform was often two feet high.

Fact: Shoe fiend Darlene Flynn earned her title as Guinness World Record holder for the largest collection of shoe-related items.  She reportedly owns 7,765 shoe-related items, including a replica of the Disney Cinderella glass slipper, wooden shoes, leather moccasins, cloth shoes, cast iron boots, a red-stiletto shoe phone, and even a shoe made from the ash collected at Mount St. Helen’s eruption.

Fact: The average woman is a size 8 shoe. According to The Professional Shoe Fitting Manual, At the beginning of the 20th century, the average American woman wore a 3.5 or a 4, climbed to a 5.5 or 6 by the 1960s, and reached an 8 in the 1980s.  (Most popular size at Zelda’s Shoe Bar: size 9)

Fact: Salvatore  Ferragamo is credited with inventing the contemporary stiletto in the 1950s.   He created the sexy heel for film siren Marilyn Monroe.  Ladies hoping to emulate the star’s signature wiggle clamored for the 3 inch heels.

Fact: Pairs of shoes owned by the average American woman: 27

Fact : According to Harper’s Index, the average increase in the protrusion of a woman’s buttocks when she wears high heels is 25%.

Fact: Plato and Aristotle believed going bare footed diminished the libido and wearing shoes added to ones sexual power.

Louis XIV Shoes

Fact: Some of the shoes owned by Louis XIV had five-inch heels resplendent with miniature battle scenes.

Fact: Number of shoes on display  from the Spring 2011 collection at Nike World Headquarters  sales conference:   6,000

We at Zelda’s are big fans of Blush Beauty Bar!

With an impressive collection of the top brands in cosmetics and exceptionally talented makeup artists and estheticians on hand, this beauty bar on NW 23rd is truly addicting.

We asked the ladies at Blush to demonstrate the latest beauty trends using some fabulous shoes from Zelda’s as inspiration. Take a look at this fun mashup of trends in beauty and shoes for Spring 2010!

Spring 2010 Beauty by Deborah Haynes, owner Blush Beauty Bar

When I think of  warm season beauty this year, I have visions of popsicles,  coral and  Old-Hollywood glamour. Every year, we have the traditional looks of the season: Spring/Summer is a clean, glowy and fresh complexion with minimal makeup. Fall/Winter is moody & melodramatic with a smokey eye or the red lip. What’s been happening lately though? A beauty fusion of the seasons! I am thrilled that it’s ok for me to rock that red lip anytime I want to.

For the latest in fashion, most of us turn to the magazines, the web, our favorite beauty lines and our favorite designers. Some of us can translate runway to real-way. Some of us need a bit of guidance. I turn to Sabrina Winkel. Disclaimer-we work together, so it’s not far for me to turn and we love to play makeup! Every season, we get so excited for all the new products and colors. Her customers come in on a regular basis to learn the latest or just to get the Winkel treatment for that special night out. She has a fan base. I get it. I’m a fan too!

Sabrina’s thoughts on makeup now:

Inspiration: Helmut Newton, 1940’s, and Madonna 1984

Trend She Loves Now #1: Lady “Like A Virgin” Vibe

Shoe Inspiration: Clauidia Cuiti “Filomena”

Zelda’s says: “This shoe is for the risk taker – the woman who isn’t afraid to push the envelope, in fashion or any other of her pursuits. Is there any better example of that woman than Madonna?

As we have seen in the magazines, the top beauty look for Spring 2010 is “nude,”which pairs perfectly with the rock and roll vibe of  the “Filomena” shoe.  It can soften the hard edged rocker look, for day or evening. So we asked the experts at Blush to create a look for us.”

The Look on Jai at Blush Blush Beauty Bar….

(*For product information, see the face chart and product list at the bottom of this feature)

Trend She Loves #2: 1940’s Glam

Shoe Inspiration: Clauida Ciuti “Candy”

Zelda’s Says: “Wow. This shoe is truly the epitome of glamor. It’s both ladylike and daring. The vibrant coral sings and is the perfect compliment to the metallic linen. It’s at once polished and irreverent…glamor for glamor’s sake.”

The look on Megan at Blush Beauty Bar….

GET THESE FRESH FACED LOOKS AT BLUSH!

Face chart for Look # 1: Fresh Faced “Like a Virgin”

Eyes

Lid: Girlactik shadows in Haute (outer lid) Penny+Mariposa (center)

Contour: Frenchie (inner) by Girlactik

Highlight: Queen Phyllis – Bare Minerals

Liner: Black liquid by Stila

Liner bottom: Sexy Greens by Girlactik

Mascara: Black Magic Mascara by Eyeko

On Cheeks: Rose by Stila, Bronze-Stila Illuminatincy Powder

Lips: Lipstick in Adorable by Stila, gloss: Apricot lipglaze by Stila

Look # 2: 1940’s Glam

Eyes

Lid: Saucy by Bare Minerals

Contour: Illimani by Stila

Highlight: Primetime Eye by Bare Minerals

Liner: Nanda Devi by Stila (Top), Illimani by Stila (Bottom)

OnCheeks: Zen by Nars, Copacabana by Nars (highlight)

Lips: Outrageous by Stila, Liner #1 by Stila

********************************

…And there you have it, the latest in beauty and shoes for Spring 2010! Get down to Blush Beauty Bar and let those miracle workers update your look for the season.

(P.S. Word has it that they have some fabulous new products to make you look like you’re fresh off the beach…without all those nasty UV rays. Love that! )

XOXO, Zelda’s Shoe Bar

We at Zelda’s absolutely love Bettye Muller! Season after season, her shoes always make us swoon! We were elated to have the opportunity to interview Bettye about her life, design inspiration and favorite things  in this month’s Designer Profile.  Read on and get to know the woman behind the all those fabulous shoes…

“My shoes are like Hitchcock Blondes. Like Kim Novak and Grace Kelly, they have a distinct look that is mysterious and beautiful. Each one tells a story” — Bettye Muller

With a collection of vintage designer shoes that once exceeded 500 pairs, Bettye Muller is what you might call a connoisseur- though, she didn’t always realize footwear was her specialty. Instead, the New York native spent her early years as a competitive ice skater and ice skating instructor, graphic designer, shoe model and soap opera actress before she created her first small collection of shoes while living in London in the 1980s.

When she returned to the States, Bettye designed shoes for labels including L’Emporio, Henri Bendel, Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis and Linda Allard for Ellen Tracy before taking her professional pursuits to Miami, Florida. She eventually returned home to New York City and in 1998 started her own label with just a handful of styles.

Attracting modern-day blondes from Katie Couric to Cameron Diaz, the artist says that women who wear her pieces must have a great sense of self and a distinct style. “They’re a statement, so the women who wear them must be very confident,” she says.

Our Interview with Bettye Muller!

Zelda’s  asked Bettye to give us an insight into her life and design inspiration….

Z: When reflecting back, which individual (or event) do you feel has had the single most significant impact in the shoe industry and how? Is there someone( or something) who has had a significant impact on your design aesthetic?

BM: One of the first names that comes to mind is Manolo, Manolo Blahnik that is.  He has had the single most staying power of almost anyone in the industry.  And then of course with the success of Sex and the City, he came a household name.  The person who has repeatedly influenced my design aesthetic is Joseph LaRose.  I have numerous pairs of his amazing shoes in my archives and they always inspire me.  I think he was truly one of the greatest shoe designers and not that well known.

Z: Zelda’s is currently carrying the “Sage” and “Tone” styles from your Spring/Summer 2010 collection. Can you share some thoughts on your inspiration  when designing these shoes?

Bettye Muller

Bettye Muller

BM: My inspiration is always to do wearable footwear.  You wear the shoes, they don’t wear you.  And even though my style, Tone is a wood platform, I try to get the right balance of comfort and style.  And one day, it just all comes together.

Z: How much does a changing trend in clothing fashion impact your design style for that upcoming season?

BM: Trends change all the time, almost too quickly.  But I almost always have the same attitude to my shoes.  They are always classic and feminine with little twists of color, clean lines, and a touch of mystery. 

Z: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

BM: Stick to your guns and stick to your creative instinct.

Z: I see that you’ve had experience as a soap opera actress! Tell us more!  What type of character did you play?

BM: Yes, I was on Ryan’s Hope.  It’s no longer on the air.  I was a reporter  doing a story on the opening of Delia’s Crystal Palace.  My name was Betty.  I never really was a big star.  I was what was called a day player or under 5 lines.  I also was in a few Woody Allen movies,  Zelig and Stardust Memories.  That’s how I got my SAG card which believe it or not, I still pay dues on to this day.

Z: Beer, wine or cocktail? Do you have a favorite drink?
BM: Macallan 12 year, neat.

Z: You do a lot of traveling. What items can you not live with out when traveling?

BM: Elemis Marine Cream and all of their products.

Z: What city most inspires you?

BM: I find inspiration in everything, but I really do love Tokyo and London.

Z: What is one single food that you would never give up?

BM: Pizza!

Thanks, Bettye!

****

Claudia Ciuti’s shoes have appeared on the pages of Vogue, Bazaar, Elle. They have been seen on the smash hit Ugly Betty and E! Entertainment . She has garnered her share of celebrity fans: Angelina Jolie,  Mena Suvari, Vivica Fox and Ivanka Trump – to name a few.  She is a world renowned shoe designer, but her road to the top began at the tender age of 16 in her father’s small shoe factory in Tuscany . There she learned the importance of meticulous design and craftsmanship – the guiding principles in her line of fashion forward and timeless footwear.

The Claudia Ciuti brand was born in Italy; however, Claudia explains that her inspiration comes from the global events in fashion and the incredible energy that thrives in New York. ” I design for a naturally elegant and modern woman,” she says, “[one] who is not afraid to develop her own personal allure when building her wardrobe and shoe closet.”

Take a look at these beautiful new additions to the Zelda’s collection from Claudia Ciuti…

Claudia Ciuti

Claudia Ciuti

Claudia Ciuti

Love them or hate them, thigh-high footwear is having a fashion moment. Channeling an Eighties-meets-Pretty Woman vibe, over-the-knee boots were all over the high street stores as the first flush of fall fashion displayed key pieces for the new season.

This sky-high footwear comes in so many heel heights and styles there is something for all tastes from sexy to sporty. From skinny-legged platformed and vertiginous heels to wide Puss-in Boots-style galoshes with heels that are chunky or flat. . .

How to Wear Thigh-High Boots
One of the most versatile and fun trends this season is the over-the-knee boot. In Portland particularly, the flat knee high boot can get you to and from work in style. You can walk for blocks in these and since you can fold the tops up OVER the knee cap you can stay warm in this windy weather too! So hip you can head straight out after work without a change.
Whilst these over-the-knee boots look great over skinny-legged jeans or leggings they are also teamed with the season’s new mini length dresses. To balance out their sex appeal choose a chunky or flat heel or wear with a demure knitted dress for a more classy look.
Climb into these boots, like stockings or tights rather than slipping them on. After the first few minutes of walking they may have a tendency to slip down off the thigh a little but this gives them a more relaxed ruched, slouchy appearance.

Worn with leggings and a tunic and a few layered chains around the neck and you are street smart. With jeans, layered T’s and the endless scarf and it’s a perfect look for Saturday shopping. With shorts (only for the brave), a loose T and the boyfriend jacket and you rival Kate Moss for the hip city look.

My favorite  boot in town is the Bettye Muller “Relax”  (pictured below) at Zelda’s.

This boot oozes dressed down chic ala Nicole Richie.  Zelda’s also has the other pieces I’ve mentioned   (the endless scarf and layered chains, jackets). Speaking of jackets… It’s not the boyfriend jacket but it is one of the coolest coats I have seen in a while and the construction is amazing. This June Leather bomber jacket just arrived at Zelda’s. At $596, it’s the right price. Get it before it’s gone!

June Leather Bomber Jacket

When pulling together your over-the- knee look, take inspiration from the runway.  Vivienne Westwood’s Red Label (London Fashion Week Fall 2009) teamed  long boots with understated mini dresses in neutral shades. Alternatively, for the brave of heart, wear them with wool shorts, to embrace Muicca Prada’s Fall runway look.  For the urban sophisticate, pair the flat version with a tailored coat (ala Rick Owens).

However you style it, be bold.   It’s certainly the season for indulging in rich colors and fabrics. And nothing will make you forget about the frigid temperatures faster than slipping into fabulous footwear!

P.S. If you’re not ready to embrace the over-the- knee boot, but still want something “of the moment,”  give this stunner from L’Autre Chose (France) a whirl.  It’s tall, sleek and full of haute couture spirit.

L

-Kristin Spear, Stylist

www.kristinspearstylist.com

ASK KRISTIN YOUR STYLE QUESTIONS BY LEAVING A COMMENT!