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.

We were wowed last month by Michelle Obama’s unfaltering style and grace throughout the long day of inaugural festivities. The fact that she was on her feet in heels for hours got us thinking about her tired tootsies and what kind of shoes might make her White House life a lot more comfortable! In our first set of proposals, we nominated several Cydwoq Vintage styles as winning candidates for Ms. O’s (and your) wardrobe. Now, we’re back with Round 2, this time turning to Chie Mihara, with a dash of Coclico and Trippen(!), as possibilities for keeping the First Lady well-heeled.

First up, the Chie Mihara Frieda:

With spring just around the corner, this sling-back could well be Ms. Obama’s perfect shoe. Its palette is dignified enough for welcoming heads of state, and yet its design has uncommon zing, thanks to the faux ostrich leather and the way Chie has overlapped the leather petals. The heel is not too high–but even if it were taller, those who’ve worn Chie Mihara know that her shoes achieve the nigh impossible: heels that are comfortable enough to stand in all day.

Next up, the Chie Mihara Enko:

We know Michelle O. is not afraid of spicing up her outfits with color, and since we think she looks especially great in green, why not the Enko?  This t-strap is so fresh and sophisticated—a lot like the First Lady herself. Again, the heel is perfectly manageable for touring facilities or walking to and from Air Force 1.

Another fabulous walk-all-day shoe ideal for springtime in D.C. is Trippen’s new 40s.

Standing on Trippen’s deliciously comfortable x-shaped wedge, the 40s’ interwoven design is simple yet ingenious. And the cobalt blue color is luscious. With its riveted ankle strap, this peep-toe offers a bit of European flair, which would win Ms. Obama style points when she meets French President Nicolas Sarkowzy or German Chancellor Andrea Merkel.

Since we’ve heard the President likes to keep his Friday nights free for “date night” with his wife, we think Coclico’s Chiba would be an ideal choice for Ms. O. when out on the town with Mr. O:

I ask you, have you ever seen a prettier sandal? It’s absolutely perfect for an evening stroll along the canal beneath the cherry blossoms (which we’re sure the Obamas will do since it’s the best part of spring in the Capital).

Finally, for those kick-back weekends at Camp David, Michelle Obama can’t go wrong with Chie Mihara’s Moisson:

The First Lady is famous for her love of J. Crew separates, and we think this lace-up flat would look fab with her casual wear. After all, a sandal that’s cute and comfortable always gets everybody’s vote!

As Ped dances, skips, and runs into 2009, I’m making a solemn resolution—right here on the Web (so no backing out)—to blog much more often!!! I know the posts have been pretty sporadic up to this point, but my plan is to entertain you Ped heads with news and stories at least twice a week. So, definitely, stay tuned. Also, tell us what adventures you’ve had in your Ped shoes, and we’ll include you in “Tales of the Sole.” Pictures of you sporting your Ped purchases are always welcome! We love finding out what happens to Ped things once they’re out having fun in the world.

Looking ahead to 2009, the new year is shaping up beautifully at Ped! I’m especially excited about all the new Trippen and Giraudon styles we have coming in, plus Sophie Digard is crocheting away to make us lots of lovely things for spring. There’s a new bag line in the works, too, so head’s up (I don’t want to say more just yet). Plus, I’m jetting off to France and Italy again to scout for more goodies to make you smile.

In the more immediate future, Terry and I are heading back to our old stomping grounds in Seattle (birthplace of Ped) to celebrate New Year’s. We love Berkeley, but we miss our old friends and haunts. One place we’re definitely going is Tavolata, which makes me hungry just thinking about it. Next time you’re in Seattle, you must must go there! The restaurant serves clean, fresh Italian food, including homemade pasta, in the most beautiful space. See for yourself:

Terry is really looking forward to the grilled octopus salad, which he highly recommends! 

Here’s hoping your New Year’s celebration will be equally wonderful! Get ready for more Ped when we return fat and happy to Berkeley!

Yes, it’s been toooooo long since I’ve posted a bit of Ped goodness here. But now that spring is springing, I feel fresh and ready to gambol about in the warm weather–in new shoes, of course! Here at Ped, we LOVE everything green. So, behold three of our favorite ways to show off the color that comes with spring.

First up, Chie Mihara’s seriously juicy Vespa. I ask you, could this shoe be any more glamorous? Besides the gorgeous color, I particularly love the slight curve to the heel.

But maybe you just want a run-around-town sandal that can take you from the dog park to the farmer’s market to the hammock on your porch for a little siesta. In that case, Cydwoq’s Fence is your perfect companion. I know we say it in every description, but the great thing about Cydwoq is every shoe molds to your foot and truly gets better the more you wear it.

Finally, if you’re feeling extra sassy (and you should be–why not? It’s spring already!), then Trippen has just the shoe to match your mood: the Donna. Ankle straps are going to be big this spring and summer, and Trippen gives them quite the European twist!

Step out in any of these shoes, and people are going to ooh and aah over your footwear. And a few might just be “green” with envy (quit groaning–spring makes me punchy!).