Whenever I tell someone I am going to “Wine Women & Shoes” I get an array of reactions, ranging from, ‘what is that?’ to ‘that sounds like the most fun ever.’ Well it is the most fun ever. And after more than 150 events and raising more than $20 million for local women’s charities across the country, Wine Women & Shoes (WW&S) has become a phenomenon since launching 10 years ago. Elaine Honig developed the idea for a different kind of fundraiser while she was at Honig Vineyard & Winery in Napa Valley. She wanted something more than the same old boring wine and food pairing event. Mary Kay FunPhotography.US “I remember sitting down with Kristin Belair, our winemaker at Honig and saying okay, I’ve got this crazy idea about pairing wine and shoes,” she explains. “Kristin immediately began riffing on pairings. The classic black pump goes with a classic…
Do you know any woman who has just 17 pairs of shoes?
A poll about women and shoes is making its way around the internet. Conducted by ShopSmart (published by Consumer Reports), it finds that the average woman owns 17 pairs of shoes. Just 17?? They didn’t talk to me or most of the women I know. The survey also goes on to say that on average women buy only three pairs of shoes a year and spend about $49 per pair. Guess they didn’t poll any Carrie Bradshaws.
SHOP – From Capri, custom-made sandals
I was on an Italian holiday, roaming the streets of Positano, when I happened across a storefront selling custom-made sandals. You could choose the color of the leather straps, the style — such as thongs, or toe rings, and the sole, whether it’s flat, a wedge or a heel. Several hundred feet later, there’s another custom sandal shop, with more brightly colored leather straps, and lots and lots of crystals adorning the sandals. My friend and I were trying on sandals to see what looked best on our feet, and got yelled at by the cobbler – he was impatient and wanted us to make a quick decision. We left in a huff, vowing never to buy from him. We searched Positano and Capri for other sandals, but his were the best. I went back the next day, swallowed my pride, and bought a gorgeous pair of pink sandals, with…
DRINK – Why I’m not at the Wine Bloggers’ Conference
Everything comes down to choices and priorities. That’s why I’m not attending the 2010 Wine Bloggers’ Conference (WBC) in Walla Walla, Washington this weekend. The reason is perfectly clear: Wine Women & Shoes is happening in Napa, and there was no way to attend both. Yes, shoes win out over wine. In fact, I always compare what something costs to how many pairs of shoes I could buy. An $800 bottle of Screaming Eagle? That’s at least two or three pairs of shoes. Personally I’d rather have the shoes. Oh don’t get me wrong, I love wine and spend way too much money on it as it is. But shoes you can wear more than once, and perhaps even for years. Wine is a one time deal. Once you pop the cork, it’s gone. Anyway, that’s my reasoning. Anything to justify buying yet another pair. No doubt I’ll be following…
SHOP – Bonjour Fleurette warehouse sale
BJF flower slippers If you’re able to get to Novato, the Bonjour Fleurette warehouse sale is totally worth going to. Judi Flowers created flower slippers, and they’ve become all the rage, from Sex and the City to Oprah. Here’s a video from In Wine Country that we did on Judi and her slippers. Usually the slippers go for $50 and up! But at the sale, you pay $10, unless there are Swarvoski crystals, then it’s a little more. The luggage tags are fantastic! I have several — some are flowers, others are plaids. They make great gifts, and usually go for $12 but at the sale they’re $3-$6. BJF crystal flip flops
SHOP – Joe Bastianich’s shoes
Italian wine guru Joe Bastianich sports custom “Drink Vino” Nike’s at San Francisco book signing event. How about “Wine Fashionista”? Joe Bastianich Joe's "Drink Vino" Nikes The "Vino" Nike