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!

WOW—has 2008 whizzed by or what? It’s hard to believe we’re already smack in the middle of the Holidays. And if you’re like me (in this case, let’s hope you’re not), you still have scads of gifts left to get for the ones you love. Fortunately, I’ve purposefully made Ped a treasure trove for when time is short and the list is long. Here are a few of my recommendations for how to spread don’t-have-to-think-about-it holiday cheer. I’ve kept in mind that you may not know sizes, so these are picks that require no additional information, yet are guaranteed to generate smiles!

Whether the lucky recipient is your mother, daughter, sweetheart, or best friend since you were 4, she’s going to get stars in her eyes when you give her stars to wear around her neck. Here at Ped, we are gaga over this Sophie Digard necklace. The coolest thing is the wee stars move, so they can be re-arranged with every wearing!

Another way to warm your favorite gal’s heart is by giving her a way to stay toasty on cold winter days. This Antipast shawl, soft as a little lamb, is so understated and elegant. 

If you’re a woman, you’re well aware of what I’m about to say, but if you’re a guy, listen up: A new bag is always a welcome gift!!! I saw an amazingly stylish woman carrying this Cydwoq Telegram Bag at the Paris shoe shows this fall. Its lines are classic, yet it looks utterly modern.

Finally, if you really want to make someone’s holidays happy, you can’t go wrong with Jamie Joseph’s absolutely drop-dead gorgeous Indian ruby droplet earrings. In a word: STUNNING! If the recipient is your sweetheart, these are definitely going to bring you a smooch!

Here’s hoping your holidays are wonderful from beginning to end! Ped toasts you with cup of eggnog!

First, big news! We’ve relocated Ped HQ from sunny Santa Barbara to beautiful Berkeley, CA! We are so excited to be back in the Bay area. It’s where I grew up, and Terry has family here, too.

But on to you and what I’m pretty sure you need this time of year. I suspect last month you received a deluge of wedding invitations for every weekend in June (and on through the summer). Some weddings are super-traditional, conservative affairs while others are more relaxed and free-spirited. In either case, Ped’s got you covered. Here are a few items that will help you look beautiful and feel comfortable at any knot-tying you might attend.

Obviously, you need shoes. The holy grail is one you can stand around in for hours without your feet crying for mercy. Here are two suggestions, both in the Cydwoq Vintage line (so you know they’re comfortable). First, for the more conservative ceremony, I suggest the Sprint. Heck, you could even wear this shoe if you were the bride!

Another option–slightly more go-lightly in its design–is the Ridge. I love how its lines are so graceful!

Of course, you don’t want to outshine the bride (unless you are the bride, in which case, shine on, sister!), but you can still up your style ante with some lovely accessories. This Jamie Joseph rose quartz ring is so pretty! The picture really doesn’t do justice to how delicately pink the sparkling stone is.

And this Sophie Digard fringed linen beauty is just the thing to fend off any dip in the temperature at a late-afternoon or evening wedding.

Now you’re all set to go out and be a gracious and drop-dead gorgeous guest!

Recently, life reminded me how lucky I am to have the people (and dogs!) I love in my life. I am so grateful. One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the chance first to give thanks, then to show those who matter to us how much we care them with a few tokens of affection, and finally to jump into the new year with optimism.

Regarding that second chance up there (the “tokens of affection” one), Ped has quite a few treasures to delight your favorite people, from your best gal pal to your long-suffering mother or mother-in-law (we do try their patience and vice versa—but love is always there at the end of the day). And, needless to say, we’ve got lots of treats you might want to add to the list of hints for your benefactor (Santa or otherwise).

Here are a few of my faves that don’t require knowing someone’s size. First up, this Fossil necklace from Jamie Joseph, which is so unusual with its numerous elements all brought together in a harmonious symphony. Plus, it’s got bit of red, and how can anyone resist red this time of year?

Next, a scarf–but not just any old scarf, a Sophie Digard scarf!! The toast of the crocheting world, our favorite Parisian designer uses the finest yarns to create her one-of-a-kind textiles (they really must be seen up close to be fully appreciated, so be sure to take advantage of the “zoom” feature at the Ped site). We particularly love the openwork of the Pastille Pop design. Here’s a detail of the “Winter” color combination to give you an idea of its complexity (okay, yes, it does have a bit of red, too…):

Finally, if you want to go big with the red (and we applaud that idea), this practical go-anywhere Monica Bag from Jutta Neumann may be just the ticket! The leather is beyond buttery, and, well, it’s as red as Rudolph’s nose (but perhaps a bit more stylish):

Here’s hoping your holidays are the best yet! Ped toasts you with a big gulp of wassail!

I always feel very Parisian when I wear my Sophie Digard scarf. Sophie is from Paris and has the most wonderful style and color sense. I met with her at the Paris show and discussed new designs, handbags, and colors. So fun! We should be getting our new things any day now. I just love my Sophie scarf and wear it with everything – matter of fact, it’s the only scarf I brought to Paris with me!