I really hit a nerve with last week’s post on Crocs’ unsightly Cayman. The comments were uniformly in agreement that this shoe is, shall we say, aesthetically challenged. “Unfortunate fad”, “hideous!”, “nauseating”, and “they should be banned for their sheer ugliness” is pretty representative of the sentiment. But there were some other interesting points: there clearly is a place for these shoes in activities like “fishing and gardening”, and a couple of people pointed out that Crocs do have other styles in their range.

Then, quite by chance, we came across this article in the Wall Street Journal. It seems that Crocs Shoes are launching a rather stylish range of peds for Autumn. The collection is called “You by Crocs” and their mission is to:

“Create a new shoe experience where both comfort and fashion are inseparable”

There is no doubt that aesthetically this collection is leaps and bounds ahead of the current Crocs range. This gives me a sense of relief and hope.  But the proof remains in the pudding; will these fashionable shoes actually be comfortable?  It’s yet another company trying to fill the huge gap in the women’s footwear market (that of supplying an affordable, fashionable and comfortable shoe).

I leave no stone unturned when it comes to finding comfortable shoes that also look fab. This means that I’ll be testing You by Crocs in September the moment they’re available in stores. I’m curious to know which “hour-mark” they’ll make. Judging by the height of the heel, probably nothing past 4 hours, but I hope to be proved wrong.

If you live in the USA (or happen to be visiting in late July), mark your calendars! This year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on Friday, July 20. For those of you unfamiliar with the event, it’s when Nordstrom previews their new season merchandise (Autumn 2007 collections) and offers it at insane prices for two weeks only. Prices are marked up again after the sale period. Meredeth at Noveau Image has a super post explaining the origins of this renowned shopping event.
 
I was able to get a “sneak peak” at most of their sale offerings last week and here is my hot list of exceptional items by department.

Narrative: This department is best during the anniversary sale. You’ll see lots of short cropped leather biker jackets, woolen swing coats, trenches and  black and white hounds tooth. Hot items:   

• “Via Spiga” black single-breasted belted coat with cracked black patent trim $199
• “Gallery” single-breasted modern microfiber belted trench coat available in black, tan, burnt orange, khaki and brown. For $98 this item is my hottest pick because a trench is forever fashionable
• “Laundry” ivory satin belted puffer jacket perfect for casual settings and après ski.

Individualist: If classy career wear is on your list, make a bee-line for this department. You’ll  see neutrals and jewel tones and lots of A-line silhouettes. Hot items:

• All suiting by “ Classique Entier”, “BCBG”, “Laundry” and “Trina Turk”
• Modern classic slacks by “Wowyn” for $107
• “Charles Gray” trapeze coats in grey, black and tan for $235

T.B.D: Denim and denim friendly items always make this department attractive. You’ll see a continuation of hippy chic easy swing tops, trapeze tunics and empire cuts. Hot items:

• “Halogen” corduroy three-quarter-sleeved cropped  jackets with adorable ’50’s inspired detailing available in an assortment of colours for $58
• “Halogen” brushed cotton long sleeved peplum jacket available in an assortment of colours for $72
• “Halogen” voluminous microfiber trench available in black and khaki for $84
• Wide-legged extra dark blue denim  “7 for all Mankind” jeans for $109

Point of View: This department is more affordable than Individualist and a good stop for both casual and career wear. Hot items:

• All “Semantics” suiting. Their cropped trapeze style jackets are fabulous for $84
• “Live a little” checked bell sleeve jacket for $52
• “David Kahn” jeans for $129
• “Nine West” tunic knitwear for between $49 -$69
• “Michael Kors” cream swing cardigan for $65

Shoes: This is usually the area that I head for first, but I was disappointed with their sale offerings this year. There is nothing wildly enticing if you have your basics for Spring and Autumn covered. But if you are in the market for basics, you might be interested in these options:

• “Franco Sarto” ankle boots available in both black and brown for $64
• “Steve Madden” black riding boots for $94
• “Coach” tan and cream fashion sneakers for $64
• “Paul Green” black riding boots for $250
• “Tasha” Patent car shoes for $150

Petite Focus: This is the best department at this year’s anniversary sale. My favorites are too many to list. Be sure to spend time here if you are a petite. 

Savvy: This is usually my favourite department at Nordstrom, but unfortunately no great shakes with their sale offerings this year and sadly, nothing here makes my hot list.

B.P: This area is always worth a look if you’re young,  ultra trendy, and happy to spend money on  a fashion fad.  Be mindful of the quality in this area though, it’s “throw away fashion at a price”.

The first few days of the sale are chaotic and Nordstrom stores will hold special Anniversary Sale hours on July 20, 21 and 22. Doors open at 7am ladies… keep those fashion feet moving!

I have been shopping and travelling for years, but I hadn’t come across an urban mall that has it all under one roof until I found the Westfield San Francisco Centre. Westfield has anchors like Nordstrom (and this particular branch is beautiful) and Bloomingdales occupying opposite sides of the Centre with absolutely everything else in-between. You’ll see European stores like Zara, H&M, Mango, Hugo Boss, Furla, Reiss and Jacadi on the one hand; and virtually every mainstream American chain store from Banana Republic to Wet Seal, and Express to Victoria Secret on the other. This makes for an expedient and efficient shopping experience.

While I prefer to shop like a true urbanite, striding through endless streets spotting hidden treasures along the way, braving the elements can get tedious and tiresome as you traipse from one side of town to the other. But what makes Westfield Centre somewhat unique is that it’s right in the heart of the bustling city. It’s the perfect way to enjoy an edgy urban experience, with all the conveniences of a suburban mall. Make this your shopping destination if you only have an hour or two to spare for a wee shop in San Francisco. It’s quick, convenient  and brings the best of what international retail has to offer all in one place. Brilliant!

The San Francisco Centre is a famous landmark that was all but destroyed in 1906 and rebuilt. In 1996 it closed and was renovated to what it is today, retaining key architectural elements like the dome and facade shown above.

As casual, everyday, “be-seen-in-public” mens and womens footwear, Crocs have to be the ugliest and least stylish shoes I’ve ever seen. Wearing them to the beach, in the garden, during torrential downpours of rain, at home, or as your only option after bunion surgery, is a dash more acceptable. But only in the ultimate practical sense. I’m all for comfortable shoes, but Crocs look really unflattering (and I personally don’t even find them comfortable).

However, shrink them down to toddler- or pre-school size and they’re perfectly adorable. Everything looks cute when it’s child-size. Alas, Crocs for grown-ups are still being offered by the shelf load at department stores, which leads me to believe that there’s a market for them. I just can’t see these garish rubber shoes working in any adult’s stylish wardrobe.

Am I the odd one out?

Crocs are cute when they are little, but then again… what isn’t?