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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2013 Hit List

And yes...another list for the end of 2013. But hey - who doesn't love looking at shoes? 

These are my favorites that made the 2013 Hit List:





















Tuesday, December 24, 2013

A Christmas Wish to Santa



Dearest Santa:



It's Christmas Eve, and soon you'll be


Flying over my house, full of glee




All the boys and girls will be sleeping tight


With hopes of barbies and legos taking flight



You may wonder if big kids still believe


As we get older, it may be hard to conceive



But don't you fret, I still know you're there


With your reindeer, your sled and your white hair



This Christmas, I promise, I have been good


I've done chores, my homework and maintained a generally upbeat mood!



No naughty list for me, your elves can attest


I have been good all year, turn your sled to the west



This year all I want is one little pair


Of Fendi zebra print pumps, their made of calves hair!



They are black and white, with a geometric heel


And they're on sale at Neiman Marcus, oh what a deal



My feet have been craving them, they are oh so divine


And they have a 38.5 in stock, I think it's a sign



I could wear them with jeans, shorts or a skirt


I would never subject them to rain and to dirt



I will brush them and give them a swell little home


They will see lots of places, I do tend to roam



The black and white stripes will be perfect to pair


My skinny black jeans or some shorts that I wear



So if you have space in that old big red bag


Can you please add these shoes, they won't make it sag



I'll leave you some goodies by the fireplace tonight


A Stone IPA and some pretzels, I do it up right



Dear Santa, please please, it's just this one pair


For a shoe blogger like me, these shoes are quite rare



Merry Christmas to you, and to the readers out there


With swirling visions of shoes that are black and white calf hair




Merry Christmas, from the World of...Cha Cha Shoes 



 





Monday, December 23, 2013

It's Not Too Late

You've been running around, buying groceries, baking cookies and getting your house together for the family get-together.

But, there is always that one last gift you should have got, but never got around to buying. Never fear, online shopping is here!!

Below are some options for last minute gifts. Remember, you must choose overnight shipping to get your goods before Christmas!
Schutz Besma
Find them here


Boutique 9
Find them here

Jeffrey Campbell
Find them here


Jean-Michel Cazabat
Find them here


Steven
Find them here




Happy shopping...in the World of Cha Cha Shoes


Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. It's a SHOE MIRACLE!

Oh yes, the shoe miracle is here.

Just today I was questioned on the height of my shoe, and my ability to walk more than 5 blocks in my heels. But, good news has arrived. Hallelujah. Hallelujah.



No more sore feet, I have just learned that a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon has developed a foot spray, "heel no pain" to alleviate pain caused by uncomfortable shoes. It is a spray on pain relief formula that lasts for up to 3 hours once applied.

Arriving in stores prior to New Year's Eve, Heel No Pain (read more about it here) is said to be sold in stores like Foot Locker and Walgreens, and will retail for $15 (one ounce handbag size).

Could this be the silver bullet to alleviate all foot pain? I have tried them all...foot petals, arch stretching, bunion relief. Some offer temporary relief, but most slide into the toe of my shoe or end up disappointing in the end.

But, if this is that silver bullet...we may be seeing a trend of higher stilettos during spring fashion week.

Happy shoe shopping and walking!

Cha Cha Shoes

Sunday, December 15, 2013

If Shoes Could Talk....One Night at the Chateau

I know it sounds crazy, but shoes speak to me. As soon as we meet eyes and I touch their leather upper, my sixth sense kicks in and I instantly know them. Quickly, I ascertain what they like, where they want to be worn, what their favorite drink is, and they often tell me how bad they may hurt my feet (typically always worth it). On this particular day, I took three of my favorite shoes out to hear about their night at the Chateau Marmont, one of the most iconic hotels in the world.

As I meet up with the three shoes at the bar, they all have disparate personalities that provide endless entertainment. I greet DiDi first, she's a beautiful gold studded Fendi sandal. She's the oldest of the bunch, but probably the most mischievous. She orders a margarita, no salt, rocks, and slides into the booth.
DiDi


Next comes Tino, a sleek black pointed toe Valentino mary jane. Always sophisticated, and makes an understated scene with her entrance. She murmurs hello, and orders a dirty vodka martini. Although DiDi and Tino know one another (there are both of Italian descent), Tino is older, and cautious around DiDi.
Tino


Finally, Ginger comes in, arriving fashionably late to the interview. Ginger is worn, but in all the right ways. She is a black leather sneaker, with silver studs aligning her sides. She doesn't order, but looks at the bartender in a knowingly way, and a Johnnie Walker Blue on the rocks soon arrives.
Ginger


They tell me they have pending plans, so the interview begins.

ChaCha: What were your first impressions of the Chateau?
DiDi: What can you really say - I was not surprised that I was picked as a shoe to go to the Chateau. One of the most iconic hotels...and one of the most iconic fashion brands. I was a natural there. As soon as I stepped into the lobby where John Bonham of Led Zeppelin rode his motorcycle, I knew I was home.
Tino: Of course she has to name drop in the first five minutes of the interview.
DiDi: Tino, your just upset because you were packed tightly in the bottom of a suitcase while I was out having all the fun.
Tino: Honey, you may have started the day, but I ended the night.

ChaCha: Let me change the topic a bit. What meals were your favorite while you were there? 
Tino: I typically watch my carbs, but since it was a special occasion, I went with the Sunday night fried chicken and a glass of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Quite fabulous, I must say.
DiDi: Well, I had a long lunch filled with a Bloody Mary and Champagne.
Tino: She asked about food, DiDi.
DiDi: Oh, food. I can't remember.
Ginger: Are we done yet?
Tino: Just tell her what you ate and we can move on.
Ginger: Room service. Coffee, Croque Madame.

ChaCha: Alright, let's move on to something closer to your hearts. What were your favorite floors you walked on at the Chateau?
Tino: Probably the strip from the hotel to the bar. Quite a few talented artists have walked that path - it was great to get to walk in their steps.
DiDi: Oh, that's too bad that you had to walk down there. I was actually dangling off the balcony, viewing it all from above.

Tino: You think dangling from the hotel is better being on your own two feet?
DiDi: Jim Morrison seemed to agree with me.
Ginger: These ladies can argue about which floor was best, but in the end, she always chooses me.
Tino: Chooses you for what?
Ginger: Once their feet tire from your sky-high heels, they always turn to the sneaker for comfort and effortless fashion. She wore me the entire next day, and never took me off. I was at the pool, the lobby, the restaurant, the sunset strip. When she is in need, she chooses me.
DiDi: Wow, you are functional. What a life.
Ginger: (inaudible sound)

ChaCha: So, how did the end of your night turn out? Was it as epic as legend says?
Ginger: DiDi, you have arrived at the Chateau, but I left the Chateau, and baby it was good.
DiDi: Again, you must still have some crumple marks from your "corner of the suitcase" night.
Tino: Ladies, ladies...let's not fight about floor time. Plus, we all know it is about quality, not quantity. I was with her at the beginning of the night, and she never took me off until the early morning. Obviously, she loves me most.
DiDi: Well, spill it - what happened?
Tino: A lady never tells.




As heavy chatter breaks out between the three pairs of shoes, I realize that I have put myself in the worst of predicaments. Quickly, I leave the booth to get another round as the chatter turns into argument.

As I come back, I hear them rehashing the night, and giving a few more details about the night. A bit aghast at the some of the stories, I remember the legendary saying of Harry Cohn.

"If you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont."

I decide it is time for me to go, and I thank them for them time, wishing them many amazing steps in their future.



In the World of...Cha Cha Shoes



Thursday, December 5, 2013

Baby It's Cold Outside

Ahhhh, Christmas. How did Thanksgiving end so soon, and Christmas sneak upon us so quickly.

I happen to love Christmas. The trees, the decorations and really any excuse to don clothes with sequins, and not be judged.

But, the one thing I don't like is the Christmas music. I am no Grinch, but I have to say that it really takes me a couple of weeks to warm up to Christmas music. Oh, I love Mariah + Christmas tunes, but I can only listen to that so many times before I head to crazy town.

For me, Christmas music starts off like a little tap in shoe...you hear it, and you are not quite ready for it, but you know it won't stop. (at least for 20 more days) 

So, you briefly tap your foot, and mumble the words under your breath. And then, slowly but surely, you start to move your torso to the beat. Frankly, there is no better way to describe it than watching the Napoleon Dynamite dance scene:

Just like Napoleon, once the music gets in your bones, you just can't stop.

I have finally accepted that Christmas is upon us, and I have firmly placed my dial on Christmas radio 24-7. In my opinion, one of the best Christmas songs is, "Baby it's cold outside." It is so apropos with the frigid weather rolling through the United States this week. And, with frigid weather comes the need for...you guessed it, shoes.

There is something about cold weather that instinctively makes us want to bundle up in our warmest, and oftentimes ugliest warm weather gear. These PJ's are not ok, but if you must buy these, you can find them here:




Back to shoes. I have scored the shoe stores and internet to provide you with some of the best looking (yet affordable) warm weather shoes.

So, stay warm out there, and find yourself a pair of warm fuzzy shoes....because...Baby It's Cold Outside...


ROAR!



These Muk Luks are a steal at $30....





Yee Haw! Finally, I bring cowboy boots to the blog. 
For my fellow cowgirls out there...I am sorry for the delay.




Makes you want to curl up and drink a hot toddy.







One of my absolute favorite slippers are Patricia Green. I wish I could go to work in these.





Stay warm out there...and be Merry...in the World of Cha Cha Shoes.


Men, Hide the Credit Cards and Freeze the Accounts: The Hit List - Black Friday Standouts

I know, I know. I bragged about how I don't shop on Black Friday. But, I do online shop, and last Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Monday was no exception. (You are welcome Mr. Fed Ex man)

Here are a couple of my favorites from the recent Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Cyber Online Week or as I like to call it....use whatever term you want to use to get people to continue the flow of shopping until Christmas.

Men, hide the credit cards and freeze the paypal accounts. (remember when women used to freeze their credit cards - sometimes I wished that still worked!) 
(Getty Images)

These shoes are the standouts from the past week of shoe sales....get 'em while they are hot, these shoes are going fast!



























Hope you had a successful Black Friday! If not, don't worry...the sales will continue. Be sure to look for extra % off, and free shipping!


Happy Shopping...from the World of Cha Cha Shoes


Monday, November 25, 2013

To Shop...or Not...That is the Question

Black Friday. Oh how I await your arrival, yet dread the actual day.

I LOVE a good deal. Free dog reindeer antlers, yes please. 60% off at your favorite clothing store (mens bottoms only) - yes, I will do that too. But, there is something about Black Friday that I just cannot do. The crowds...the intrusion on the actual day of Thanksgiving...I just refuse to shop on Black Friday.


With one caveat. Online shopping. Again, in your home (or your in-laws) with a coffee/wine and/or turkey sandwich - there is no place I would rather be than using my fingers to out-shop someone via the internet, versus actually in the store.

I recently asked a good guy friend of mine how much of a discount on any item it would take to allure him into a store on this Friday. "Nothing. Nothing at all," he replied.

Really...I asked...nothing...what about a big screen TV at 90% off? 
"No, never. Never ever," he replied. "Football," he added, "do the math."

I did the math...it did seem like a good discount. But, alas, the elbowing and not sleeping after a large turkey dinner turned me off. (and, the good shoe discounts don't come until later in the year)

But, what happens when you discount Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin shoes? Remember that shoe debacle that happened in 2011 at Saks in New York City? If you don't, check it out here.

For those of you that are hard core, and making the trip, I thought this Consumer Reports Article on "Black Friday Shopping Tips" was very good. And, for those of you that are skilled at online shopping, almost every site has a coupon that you can leverage. Sign up for their mailing lists, or check out sites like Retailmenot.com for additional coupons.

If you do dare to venture our this week...good luck...and happy shoe shopping!

Cha Cha Shoes

Saturday, November 23, 2013

It's Raining, It's Snowing

As the weather cools off, many of us are experiencing rain or snow. And, no one wants to ruin their pretty little Manolo's in the rain. So, how to stay fashionable in inclement weather? Your answer is here, as I review the best shoes for rainy or snowy weather.


These Sorel Boots are warm, fashionable, and can take you into the coldest of temperatures.


Feeling a bit British? Take these Hunter Boots for a stroll. 



These Sorel boots mix fashion and function. The tall lace up bootie would be cute with leggings or a dress and tights, and the gripped sole allows you to take on snow or rain.


Can you say..."ahhhhhhhh." Matt Bernson boots are comfortable, and cozy at the same time.


A great find from Target...cute and affordable at $34.99.




I feel like I could traverse Antarctica in these amazing lace up boots.

(United Nude: find them here)


So, get your cute boots, and stay warm out there...in the World of Cha Cha Shoes

Monday, November 18, 2013

Clearly, It's a Trend

Clear shoes....done well, stunning. Done poorly, your feet look cheap. And if your feet look cheap...

So how much clear is enough? And what is that clear stuff even made of?

Is it a similar material to those jelly's you wore when you were young, made of PVC plastic? Or, even worse...the material they use to make Crocs??

No, these beautiful shoes I am about to show you are much more elegant, and delicate on the foot. Most of the shoes you see below have acrylic or vinyl panels...basically different forms of plastic.

So, why go clear? One of the main reasons is the optical illusions that it creates on your foot. Follow me through some of my favorite shoes...and you can clearly see why it's a trend that is here to stay.


These Sophia Webster shoes are amazing. 
With the pop of color at the toe and the heel, these are sure to turn heads.




Jimmy Choo...I love you.




These Schultz are a cool dichotomy between delicate clear on the toe, and rough studs on the heel.



These Jeffrey Campbell are a great price, and called a "Supermodel Heel" for a reason...





These Sophia Webster pumps have bold splatter on the heel, and coolly go clear towards the toe.




And last, but not least, these clear throwback  heels. 
I had to list these...because these look exactly like a pair my mom had when I was younger.




If you decide to go clear, there are many options out there, at multiple price points. But, always keep in mind with clear shoes...less is sometimes more. If you choose a clear upper, no need to do a clear 5" heel. If you choose a 5" heel, maybe just a peek of clear vinyl.Clear shoes were "in" 40 years ago...and continue to stay relevant today. 

So, go forth and shoe shop...in the World of Cha Cha Shoes


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