When Times Are Tough, Shoes Sell

As you may have gathered, I love shoes...

This morning's New York Times Business section featured a front-page article on the rise of shoe sales during the last quarter, remarking that despite our recessionary woes, we still love our fancy feet (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/06/business/economy/06shoes.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper).

"For months now, consumers have been hunkering down in an economic storm, buying only what they need to survive, like groceries, diapers, medicine — and shoes," writer Stephanie Bloom observes at the article's beginning. Whether in high-end department stores such as Saks, retailers such as JC Penney and Ross, or even bargain havens like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, shoes are a hot buy.

The reasons are multi-fold. Shoes are easy to try on, without pesky "six items or less" dressing room limits. They easily slip into our existing wardrobes and are safer than an outfit; a full-length leopard-print jumpsuit would likely not work its way into your everyday wardrobe, but leopard print heels add pop to skirts, jeans, pants, etc. Moreover, shoes are AFFORDABLE (ding ding ding!). The Cost-Per-Wear factor of shoes is infinitely higher than that of nearly any item (save underthings or jeans) in a wardrobe.

The old adage, "When times are tough, lipsticks sell," now applies to our footwear as well. The confidence boost that comes from a pair of new shoes is needed more than ever in these changing times. A few options to consider:
Gabrielle Rocha suede flat, $59.95
http://www.zappos.com/gabriella-rocha-lolla-flat-red-suede


Steve Madden "Brio" Boot $89.90
http://www.zappos.com/steve-madden-brio-cognac-leather

AK Anne Klein heel, $68.95
http://www.zappos.com/product/7614164/color/226217

PUMA Simplice $64.95
http://www.zappos.com/puma-simplice-wns-medieval-blue-dark-shadow?zlfid=111

Happy Shopping, everyone!!!

In praise of Crystal Renn's "Hunger"

And they said this bombshell wasn't "right" for modeling...

The beautiful, voluptuous, and scintillating Crystal Renn, model extraordinaire, has written her first autobiography, entitled "Hungry: A Young Model's Story of Appetite, Ambition and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves." Reading it will not leave you starving in any way, shape, or form.

Renn, who began her career with aspirations to do editorial and runway work, was forced to lose seventy-plus pounds after being scouted out in her Mississippi hometown. Even after making it to 95 pounds (at 5'9", no less), she was still told to lose weight and that "the thighs must come down." Truly miserable and realizing that hospitalization or her demise was the next step, Renn made the decision to enter the world of plus-size modeling, and found her greatest successes while a happy (and healthy!) size 10-12.
To look at photos of Renn while basically emaciated compared to her current glory is almost like looking at a reverse Dorian Gray. The happiness and true inner glow Renn currently exudes puts her skin-and-bones self to eternal rest. As proof...

Renn's writing style is witty, thoughtful, and funny as well. Taking the time to cultivate a personality served Renn well, and her ability to gain perspective on her life at the tender age of eighteen is impressive. Co-author Marjorie Ingall helps to shape the story and provide guidance along the way.

Renn's portfolio is packed with images ranging from simple to sensual to outrageous, and everything in between. Working with photographers such as Steven Meisel and Patrick Demarchelier ("Get me Patrick!"~ The Devil Wears Prada) is an accomplishment in itself; spreads such as the one below highlight both Renn's on-camera sizzle and the photog's ability to capture said sizzle seamlessly.
As a lifelong fan of fashion (and former plus-sizer), reading about Renn's struggles with her diet struck a deep chord with me. Her honesty is harsh at times, but when you consider the current state of high fashion, perhaps an upward tip of the scales would inject life into "skeletal chic."

To purchase Crystal's book:

http://www.amazon.com/Hungry-Appetite-Ambition-Ultimate-Embrace/dp/143910123X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257299515&sr=8-1

New York Magazine profile of Crystal:
http://nymag.com/fashion/models/crenn/crystalrenn/