Shoe lust

I had my blood taken today, so instead of spending the whole day napping or perking myself up artificially with caffeine, I decided to compile my 2012 shoe lust list (for that natural high).

1. Bonanno's Palm Beach sandals

Top of my list is a pair (and for the record, when I say a pair, I mean a pair in every color, but I will limit myself here to showcasing just one or two each) of Bonanno sandals. 
Now I won't go into the whole history of how Bonanno's are the real Jackie O sandals, about how Jack Rogers is a shameless imitator, nor the fact that Stephen Bonanno is the rightful son and heir to the Bonanno empire, yet divorcing Monica Bonanno left the leather dyes, stamps and even the Palm Beach factory in her hands (how the *** did her divorce lawyer manage that?). No I won't go into that. What I will do is a quick heads up for anyone who is still buying JR's or contemplating them instead of Bonanno's:

• Bonanno's use ONLY leather throughout, JR's use part man-made materials
• Bonanno's use rich dyes to color their leather, JR's "paint" the leather, so the color flakes off eventually
• Bonanno's are all handmade in their (new) Stuart, FL location, JR's are made...where exactly?
• Bonanno's are the only sandals Lady Lilly Pulitzer wears, as did Jackie O. JR's are NOT.
• Bonanno's will completely resole your sandals for you, JR's will not
• Bonanno's leather softens and molds to your foot with age, JR's will crackle, crumble and eventually tear

If you are still considering buying JR's, I am sorry. You are beyond reason.

Stephen Bonanno Palm Beach sandals in gold/gold

My order of priority for Bonanno's is gold/gold, silver/silver, white/gold, red/gold, light pink/white aaand then every other color.

2. Belgian Shoes

Second lust item on the 2012 shoe list are Belgian shoes, natch. I am still debating between Midinette Lizard and Midinette all calf, plus I have heard conflicting reports on sizing.... any insights from readers?

I really want a navy version, since I have waaaaaaay too many brown loafers and I wear a lot of navy jeans... Black with color trim would be my second choice, as I think these would be great for going on a trip where you want comfort and style and don't want to pack more than a couple of pairs of shoes.

3. Ferragamo Varina

Third on my lie awake at night trying to justify buying shoe shopping list is a pair of Ferragamo Varinas. I am super attracted to the color versions, but as an investment shoe, I don't know if I'd dare veer off the black path. Then again, these are a bit more special, so I guess I wouldn't be slumming in them during the day. Then again, my aunt swears by these flats, she's worn her pairs since the 80s and literally just gets the soles replaced, so she doesn't have to break in a new pair!

Drool. Ferragamo Varina's. Essential - no?

I'd probably start with the black calf (not patent) with black bow, cross over to a cream with black bow and then head into candy land with a pair of bright orange, green and pink to round out my Varina family.

4. Tory Burch Reva ballerinas

The next selection is probably a bit chewed out by the prep-set by now, but I do still covet a pair of Tory Burch Reva's. Again I'd love to hear your opinion about their fit, because I'd be ordering online, untried!

Tory Burch Reva's in black calf with gold

Tory Burch Reva in tumbled leather

Again I'd start off with the black with gold medallion to have my Reva base covered, then I'd definitely get a red pair, since I live in both navy and black striped nautical shirts during spring and most of summer.  I love the above pair but wish it had a gold medallion instead.

5. Tod's Gommini mocassin

These driving mocs have been on my shoe lust list for about a decade now. They are the softest, most comfortable slipper shoe you can wear out in public EVER. They are beautifully made, supple, understated and an absolute classic in my book. It is the idea office, travel and driving shoe. As far as I am concerned, these are pure luxury. Naturally I want. every. single. pair.

6. Gucci Horsebit/logo ballet flats & heels

Gucci Mayfair ballet flats

Unfortunately it appears that Gucci no longer makes my dream pair. It was the black logo ballet flat with the green/red webbing across the toe box, topped by a horsebit. They also did a matching block heel with identical logo/webbing/horsebit details that were awesome too. Looks like I'd be hunting down vintage ones... urgh. Is it just me or is wearing someone else's used shoes gross?

So there you have it! My shoe lust list that will bankrupt me for years to come ;-) Fortunately my taste and style preferences are enduring, so I shouldn't feel guilty for buying multiple pairs of $500 loafers, right? Ha!
Have a good week, guys!

Salt & Shoes

My beloved riding boots (before)

Salting season has begun and as city excursions call for more of a riding boot (sans thoroughbred) than duck boot, it is time to conduct the annual shoe maintenance.

Dry, scratched up and wrinkly boots in need of some TLC

To begin, take a pair of dirty/used leather shoes or boots, mink oil, some clean paper towels or rags.

Mink oil is essential for good leather maintenance

Mink oil looks white in the tin, is fairly odorless and has a lard-like texture. Most cobblers or shoe stores sell mink oil and a small $15 tin can last a lifetime, since you only need a small amount each time you do this. First, clean the boots or shoes with a damp cloth to remove any mud or salt already accumulated on the leather.

Damp boots without protective mink oil

Next, apply mink oil generously with a dry soft cloth. I used paper towels since I couldn't find my Loake shoe care kit (ahem...), but any clean cloth will do. You might even use ready-for-the-trash-cut-up-gym-t-shirts, if you're frugal like me. 

...generous dollop of mink oil....

..massaged into leather...

Massage the mink oil into the leather, using a circular motion and focusing on wear creases around the top of the foot and ankles. Fill any scratches in the leather with extra mink oil and then massage all over the entire boot until evenly coated. You will notice that the leather darkens slightly as it becomes moisturized and saturated with minky goodness. Don't worry, with wear this lightens up again. Repeat on second shoe.

Mink oil saturated leather

Pause, admire handiwork, swear you were a cobbler in a previous life and then...
Take a clean cloth, wipe off any excess grease and proceed to polish in a rapid back and forth motion. I find it easiest to wear the boots at that point, to stabilize and fill out. The finished result is a beautiful buffed sheen which is waterproof and ready for the saltiest winter roads and wet weather, hurray!

Boots ready for the winter

This pair is ready for navy skinny jeans, Petit Bateau stripey sailor top and navy Barbour Liddesdale. Now please excuse me while I repeat this process with my other 234,902,390 pairs of shoes. Tip jar's over there.