Here at Ped HQ in Berkeley, Ca., we receive wonderful things from all over the world—Fiorentini + Baker boots from Italy, Trippen shoes from Germany, Antipast socks from Japan, and Cydwoq footwear and bags from down the California coast in Burbank (just to name a few). But after their brief sojourn here at Ped, we send these lovelies on their global way to points far and wide. It’s always fun for us to discover what countries are particularly fond of what lines.

For instance, in Australia and New Zealand—where autumn is currently on its way to winter—Ped fans can’t get enough of Fiorentini + Baker boots.

Meanwhile, all things Cydwoq are popular in France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Our Canadian friends love Jamie Joseph’s sparkle.

And in Japan, our customers are wild about Parisian Sophie Digard’s designs!

No matter where you are, Ped is ready to travel the world to bring you international style!

Well, I’m back at Ped HQ, and I’m happy to report that, as usual, I had a complete blast while working hard in Paris! A few notes about what you have to look forward to next fall and winter: The “in” colors are cool tones—greys, ranging from graphite to elephant grey, and blues, running from slate to cobalt to teal. And good news! Black is the new black! The style trend dominating Paris is the boot—both short and tall—worn all seasons of the year. It’s a look I personally love. I think a breezy summer dress paired with chic boots is so fresh! Stay tuned because new Fiorentini + Baker boot styles arrive in June. (Yippee!!!!) Plus, I’m excited about the amazing Cydwoq and Trippen designs coming for fall. 

My favorite men in shoes: Rafi of Cydwoq, Michael of Trippen and Pierre of Anatomica (which carries the best selection of Cydwoq and Trippen in Paris).

Of course, while in France I made time for a little personal shopping.

Photograph by Andri Beauchamp

Gals, if you don’t already know about Cotélac and Noa Noa, you definitely need to acquaint yourself with these wonderful clothing shops the next time you’re in Europe! They are always at the top of my Paris to-do list. And, of course, I had to stop by Ladurée to pick up some macaroons for my sweetie! Terry is so terrific about holding down the Ped fort while I skip around Paris, eating Lebanese food, drinking espresso, and soaking up everything from shoes to architecture, that the least I can do is bring him his favorite treat!

When I got home, I discovered Ped transformed into Sandal Central! We have so many eye-popping new designs, and they are ALL so fabulous that I hardly know where to begin. But here are a few of my favorites (with more to come in a later post):

Oo-la-la, ladies, how sexy is Coclico’s Odalisk? Every time I look at this gorgeous heel (which is so, so soft to the touch), all I can think of is movie-star glamour! Wearing this suede beauty, you could truly stop traffic.

Next…

The Cydwoq Vintage Feel makes me feel like going on a romantic picnic on a sunny afternoon (and maybe turning a few cartwheels). This flat sandal captures the very spirit of summer! Plus, you have to love, love, love the orange insole—what a fun detail!

For those of you who like a more earthy look:

Trippen has wowed us again with the Curls sandal! The look is hippie-retro but with a modern edge (and, needless to say, it’s ultra-comfortable). The design of the leather is truly ingenious (notice how the braid running up the front organically emerges from the solid strap over the toe). Plus, we’re crazy about the fringed knot at the back, which is both functional and fun.

Now let’s all do a warm-weather dance to bring on spring! I’m in the mood to let my toes run free.

Hi Dayna,

Remember me, I’m the Eli boots that you shipped to NYC last week. I’ve been having the best time with Nicole. We went to Central Park this weekend to walk in the leaves, down to the cobblestone streets of Soho to shop and then to Moma to look at art- see my reflection in this Robert Morris piece. Today I even went to vote. Turns out I look great with an Obama shirt and jeans. 

Thanks for finding me a good home, Nicole just loves me.

xoxo,
Nicole’s F+B ‘Eli’ boot

Here we are spicing up the concrete.

And here we are making the art even artier at MOMA.

I really thought two years ago my 40th birthday was the birthday to end all birthdays! My sweetheart went all out and rented a house on the beach in Santa Barbara that he turned into a Moroccan paradise for the weekend (see the blog post from back then). I honestly didn’t think it could get any better.

This year, though, we decided to celebrate my birthday and our 15th anniversary—which coincide—by…wait for it…GETTING MARRIED! We invited friends and family from out of town for what they thought was simply going to be an anniversary celebration, and then we surprised them by tying the knot! It really was wonderful! The flowers were gorgeous!

Masse’s made us a cake that was out of this world!

And, best of all, we were surrounded by people we love!

We did it! Thanks to all you Ped friends for sharing our joy!

As Ped’s summer sale continues (stock is getting low, so jump on it while you can), we’re getting in big boxes of what we love best: BOOTS!!! Ankle boots, in particular, are smokin’ hot this year, but there are also a lot of gorgeous tall and mid-calf boots ready to style up the pavement. Every day, a few new designs arrive, and I find myself wondering how to decide which to buy for myself. It is the best boot year ever! Here are just a few of my new BFFs–Boot Friends Forever (if I posted all the ones I love, though, I’d be here all day).

For sheer sizzle, Coclico is definitely cooking with gas. Last year, they brought us the stellar Mick (which we happily ordered again this season for any of you who missed it). This year, we’re swooning over the tall Obama:

and the ankle-height Ophelia:

We’ve also got a new line, NDC, a Belgian company that uses the loveliest leather to handcraft their footwear. Check out the gorgeous green Emily (you know us– we so love green…):

The Caitlin is another NDC style that’s captured Ped’s heart because it looks both badass and sophisticated all at once (kind of like the way I feel most days). And the suede is something else:

And, finally, I give you two Cydwoq Vintage styles because Rafi is really outdoing himself this season with the new heeled styles. This tall Pine Boot is a wonder of beautifully pieced-together leather (click through to Ped’s site and go to “Views” to see just what I mean–or just click “Views” there to the left or here– see how easy I made that for you?). I love that its neutral combination of grey and bronze goes with everything:

And, last but not least (and not even last since I haven’t gotten to Ped’s amazing collection of Fiorentini + Baker boots or our Trippen selection), it’s back to green for me with this sweet Solid Bootie, which is so, so sexy.

Normally, I don’t look forward to cold weather, but this year there are  not enough chilly days ahead to wear all the boots I want to put on my feet! The great thing about Ped’s boots, though is they’ll all look and feel just as good when they come out of the closet next year! Timeless quality–Ped’s committed to it.