Shoe Show Day 2

What a fun day! I just love to see all the new and exciting trends for next year. Looks like there is going to be lots of gladiator styles - so get used to them. I was never a big fan but they are starting to grow on me. Lots of metallics and tons of bling! Even the conservative brands have bling. It always amazes me when you go to the show that you end up seeing the same types of trends with every vendor. Each brand had a gladiator - everyone had metallic colors. Lots of patent leather too. Spring 2010 is going to be good.

Krista & I are also VIB buyers (Very Important Buyers). We have no idea how we got that designation but we love it! You get to go into a special lounge where they give you swag, they have food and free internet acecss. It makes us feel so special.

My favorite shoe today had to be the shoe below from Sofft. Oh my - it was just so pretty. I want the light grey metallic color in my closet now! I have to have it. It was just so pretty on! I just can't wait to see what fun styles Dansko & Fly London will have. Should be a good day!

Shoe Show Day 1

Krista & I had so much fun today! We attended the National Shoe Retailers Conf. here in Vegas. We learned about hiring great people (we are in the process of hiring two new people - so very timely). And also how to best support those that currently work at the store. At the end of the day, we attended the New Balance cocktail party - oh so much fun!!! They had both an Elvis & Tina Turner impersonator. They were great! The food was fantastic. Highly entertaining! Tomorrow we start at 9am and have appointments on the hour every hour until 6pm. But don't worry - you get so jazzed after seeing all the new shoes! Can't wait!

Eco-Friendly Shoes - Now at 12th Street Shoes

We have added a new category of shoes to the shop - eco friendly shoes. So what does that mean...glad you asked - lets start at the bottom and work our way up.

Soles - the sole can be made from a couple of different materials - a renewable resource such as crepe rubber or cork, or they are made from recycled materials.

Footbed - the footbeds are made from cork and bamboo charcoal. Both are renewable resources.

Leather Upper - The beautiful colors you see are all created with vegetable dyes which are much better for Mother Nature.

Putting it Together - these shoes are put together with low VOC adhesives or they don't use adhesives and are hand stitched together.

Packaging - all the boxes are made from receycled fibers. The shoes bags are biodegradable.

The brands that we carry that fit this bill are Joesef Seibel "Spirit of Nature" collection, Groundhog, and El Naturalista.

They have their own special place in the store so it is easy for you to spot them. Who knew that fashion could be so environmentally friendly!

Shoe Show!

I can't believe that it is almost time to go again to the shoe show. We leave in a week. I have to be honest - I absolutely love going! I know that it is supposed to be work, but what girl would pass up an opportunity to shop all day and get to see what is going to be "hot" in 6 months. And for me, it is in one of my favorite cities...Vegas!

I am extra excited this year, Krista & I will be sending updates through Twitter (@12thstreetshoes), Facebook and our blog. It will feel like you are there. The shoe show is a whole little subculture. You go into booth or hotel suites and you get to check out what each manufacturer thinks will be hot next season. As a buyer, you help to steer what will be offered the next season. If buyers don't buy, the style is dropped (never made).

It is a lot of fun. Sure at the end of the day you are tired. You go to appointments on the hour, every hour from 8AM to 6PM. But your energy peps up when you get to see that magical, one-of-a-kind shoe that you have to buy for the store. I really can't wait!!!

If there are brands you would like us to carry, let us know - we love to look at new shoes! And don't forget to check back here for Shoe Show updates!

Spa Day

We had so much fun last week pampering all the women from the YWCA, Lydia Place & Dorothy Place. Naot donated about $15,000 in shoes for us to give to these women. What a great feeling to be able to give back. It was just a truly amazing day! Tony & Guys gave haircuts, Zazen Salon & Spa came out and did make-up, manicures, and massages. Every women received a gift bag filled with goodies. This was our first year doing this and we plan on making it even bigger next year. Below is the link to the story the Bellingham Herald ran.

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/602/story/987361.html

'Flip Flop' or 'Slip Slop'

As I go out to enjoy another lovely sunny day, I try to decide which flip flops to wear. Why is it these simple shoes are always calling me and why do I have so many? Different colors, patterns and styles. And these little gems are popular all over the world. They are called 'chappals' in India, 'go-aheads' in Hawaii, and slip-slops in South Africa. They are also known as 'jandals', 'pluggers' and 'thongs', as I used to call them back in the day. But no matter what you call them, they are comfy, stylish and let your toes enjoy another summer day. All hail the 'flip flop'!!

Happy Fourth of July!

Have a safe and happy 4th! With weather like this, make sure your toes are out and proud! I wish I had red, white and blue shoes to wear today, but I will just have to settle for white! Maybe I will get my toes painted in patriotic colors : ) Have a great one and Happy Birthday America!