Ped fans, I am SO EXCITED!!! Tomorrow I jet off with my mom, sister, and niece for a two-week vacation in Southeast Asia! Do you know I have never taken 14 consecutive days off in my life??? After leaving San Francisco, we’ll visit Hong Kong, Singapore, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok. My mom (technically my step-mother, but I love her with all my heart) grew up in Shanghai, and she still has friends and family throughout Asia. For instance, in Singapore we’re staying with her nephew, who is the head of Hasbro Toys! We four gals have so many fun things planned: riding elephants, visiting temples in Chiang Mai, kayaking, and just chilling on the white sand beaches in Phuket. I promise to take lots of pictures and tell you all about it once I return!

So, you may be wondering what Ped things I plan to take on my big adventure? Well, here are few items that will definitely go on the trip:

1) Cydwoq’s Mint bag:

Not only is this bag beautiful, but it’s also large enough to hold everything I want to have on hand for the long flight: a couple books, a magazine or two, a sweater because I always get chilly on the plane, toiletries for freshening up, and a change of clothes, just in case my checked bag takes a vacation without me (please, no). Also, the Mint will make a great shopping companion when I hit the streets to hunt for souvenirs.

2) Jutta Neumann’s Kim sandal:

When you’re going to spend a lot of time walking in hot weather, you can’t beat this easy slide for comfort and versatility. Jutta’s craftsmanship is legendary—her all-leather sandals are molded so they feel custom-made for your feet. And the Kim’s design—so minimal and chic—looks fantastic with literally everything! 

3) Jamie Joseph’s Sea Coral Necklace:

I don’t know about you, but I hate fussing with jewelry when I travel—but that doesn’t mean I want to go without. So, I’m planning to put on (and never take off) this Jamie Joseph necklace. I love how the tiny diamonds sparkle from within the crevices of the oxidized silver “coral”! And it’s a necklace I don’t have to think about—I’ll wear it sightseeing, swimming in the ocean, out to dinner (have I mentioned the great food we’re going to eat?), and everywhere else! 

I hope the next two weeks bring you as much fun as I’m about to have! I’ll miss Terry, Lulu, and Ella, but just think—soon I’ll be here:

Courtesy of J.W. Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

Here in the U.S., today is Memorial Day, a holiday that honors war veterans (somber), but which also adds an extra day to the weekend (happy)! What a perfect time to hit the road—or the air or the tracks—for a refreshing getaway! Here at Ped HQ, we know just how rejuvenating a three-day break can be, and we like to practice what we preach! You don’t need much for a spur-of-the-moment mini vacation: just a great hold-all, versatile shoes, and something to keep you warm in case the temperature drops. To meet those needs, Ped’s road-tripping experts offer these recommendations:

1) 49 Square Miles spacious and luscious Kerouac Satchel:

The size is ideal; it holds everything you need—a change of clothes, a good book, and a scarf—but it keeps you from overpacking. And we simply can’t say enough about 49 Square Miles’ leather, which is the very definition of “supple.” Exquisitely crafted, the Kerouac will let you wander through a lifetime of long weekends!

2) Cydwoq’s versatile Elect sandal in bronze:

Oo-la-la, how we love this sandal! With its gladiator-esque styling and metallic faux crocodile leather, this flat is so modern. But because it’s handmade by Cydwoq, it’s like an old friend on your feet—comfortable enough to run around in 24 hours a day. Plus, the bronze color magically transforms from afternoon-casual to after-dark-dressy with the change of an outfit.

3) A cosy Sophie Digard scarf:

Behold Sophie’s lovely wool Edelweiss scarf, which is light enough for warm-weather wear. But Ped’s favorite Parisian textile artist also offers other choices, depending on how prone you are to feeling chilly. Those who start to shiver as soon as the sun sets may want to wrap up in a woolen beauty. But if you’re a gal who simply gets a few goosebumps, Sophie’s lighter linen fare may be all you need. Whichever you choose, you’ll look drop-dead gorgeous!

So hit the road in style and enjoy a few fun days away!

Usually, the idea of “Blue Monday” doesn’t bring a smile, but at Ped Central we intend to change that, at least for today. After all, not all blues are bruised and stormy—consider sky blue, robin’s egg blue, and Caribbean blue, all so beautiful. Even darker hues like sapphire and cobalt are dreamy and romantic like a midnight rendezvous! At Ped, we’ve definitely got the blues, but they’re not making us sad. Here are a few reasons why:

When I saw the Cydwoq Vintage Ionic, I couldn’t resist making it my very own:

This Zen-like slide is the loveliest slate blue. More interesting than either grey or navy, the shade works as a neutral that’s easy to wear with absolutely everything. And although it’s a simple summer sandal, the hand-sculpted wooden heel and the design’s clean lines give the Ionic an air of sophistication that lets it go dressy.

Another of my favorite blue sandals this season is Coclico’s deep sea blue Reef:

The jewel tone of the soft suede straps makes me sigh—so unusual and lovely. This little sapphire number is the ideal sandal to take on vacation since you can wear it sightseeing all day, but it’s nice enough to wear out to dinner at night, too.

And speaking of shoes that are ideal for spending long days on your feet, how pretty is Trippen’s 40s?

Honestly, we can’t emphasize enough how comfortable Trippen’s cross-shaped wedge is. And this particular blue is so rich and seductive! Add in the peep-toe and ankle strap, and you’re all set to make ’em sweat.

Of course, nothing beats a t-strap for sex appeal! And Ped just happens to have a spectacular one in—you guessed it—blue:

Between the strappy design and the juicy color, we can’t decide what we like best about Giraudon’s Odette. Fortunately, we don’t have to choose—we can simply love it all!

Even when you’re facing a long haul with a lot to carry, a good blue can make the world a little brighter. Case in point, 49 Square Miles’ hold-everything Bookworm Slim Tote in turquoise blue:

Everything pops with this blue beauty that features the softest leather complemented by lime green topstitching and hammered brass rings.

Are you feeling blue yet? If so, we hope you’re smiling!

How we love our Parisian friend, Sophie Digard! She has crocheted her way into many a Ped fan’s heart with eye-popping and intricate scarves, necklaces, bags, and other treasures. You may be familiar with her woolen wonders (which can be worn year round), but every spring, Sophie whips up dazzling linen versions of favorite styles along with some new surprises—all of them lightweight and delectable! We just got in our latest shipment from France, and everyone at Ped HQ can’t stop oohing and aahing (each item out of the box makes us swoon all over again). Just take a gander—they’re sure to make you smile!

I ask you, who doesn’t love flowers in spring and summer? (If there is someone, we hope they cheer up soon!) Sophie has concocted the sweetest three-blossom brooches that will always stay fresh:

I especially like how the crocheted flowers are complemented by the little striped linen fabric bloom. So pretty.

And then there’s the Supernova scarf (Laura’s favorite):

The mosaic-like combination of colors and openwork—the flowers’ centers are left airy—is absolutely stunning! Make sure you use the “zoom” feature at the Ped site to get a true sense of how astronomically beautiful the Supernova is.

Bringing it back down to earth, Sophie has created a necklace called Le Monde (“the world”):

Like all of Sophie’s necklaces, the individual elements are movable, allowing you to cluster the spheres however you like along the linen cord. Each soft bead is a work of art unto itself (again, Ped’s “zoom” is your best friend in getting to know the beauty of this strand of baubles).

Finally, I am smitten with the old-school charm of Sophie’s Vintage Tote:

This light, summery bag’s aesthetic is delightfully retro. It represents everything we like about Sophie Digard: eye-popping artistry, a lovely palette, and a one-of-a-kind collectibility. 

If a springtime trip to Paris isn’t in your cards, then wearing a Sophie Digard item is a close second–effortlessly chic and able to turn every head on the boulevard.

Although most of Ped’s shoes are comfortable worn barefoot, it’s fun to spice things up (or warm things up) with a great pair of socks! And for our money, the cutest and most comfortable socks in the world(!) are designed by a Japanese mother and daughter team, Emiko and Junko, the geniuses behind Antipast. What a sense of whimsy they bring to their work! The latest craze on the catwalk is the sock-with-sandal look, so it’s the perfect time to add a little ‘zazz to your summer footwear with Antipast’s dazzling designs. We just got in our latest shipment, and here are a few of the new treats from our wonderful friends in Japan:

Everybody at Ped HQ bursts into a smile whenever we send out a pair of these Mod Flower socks. They are like a sunny day for your feet! I especially like how the profusion of flowers on the foot moves into stripes heading up your ankle to a little ruffle at the top. (If you like a longer sock, we also have these in an over-the-knee version—super sweet with a short skirt!)

These soft charmers are simply too cute! Beneath a flower-filled sky, a be-ribboned cat chases a little fish up sparkly stairs that rise as they go around your foot. Want to start a conversation with someone who’s caught your eye? Just flash these Cat Street socks, and he or she will be putty in your palm!

Nothing goes with summer more than a seaside vacation! Why not send your feet on one in these ocean-inspired Mermaid Knee-His? Swimming with starfish, undersea plants, and other creatures, they are endlessly entertaining and softer than sand. Prefer an ankle sock? Lucky you–Ped has these  Mermaids in trouser-length, too.

So, pull on a pair of Antipast and go knock their socks off!