My long-time friend Linda Storer and I are soul sisters. Besides being fellow breast cancer survivors, we write together. And we share everything from Brio's Insalata Roma (seasoned grilled white chicken and Roma tomatoes on a bed of field greens sprinkled with grapes and caramelized pecans -ahhh!) to a weakness for Nordstrom's shoes (they're easily returned ... no questions asked).
Leifsdottir technical designer Brian Slattery and Beth Plumlee
Ok, make that almost an obsession with any kind of shoes, which Bob sometimes has trouble understanding. He recently told me a ShopSmart magazine survey showed that the average woman owns 17 pairs of shoes. Really? Well, all I can say is I must be above average!
A few weeks ago, Linda and I indulged our shoe fixation at a Dallas trunk show honoring the launch of Leifsdottir's first-ever footwear collection. Like Anthropologie, this cool, spirited brand (pronounced Leafs-daughter) from Finnish designer Johanna Uurasjarvi is part of the Urban Outfitters' family.
We were greeted by an elegant table adorned with gorgeous sandals, ballet flats and sky-high platforms from the new line as well as an assortment of delectable nibbles. But don't ask us about the food. Without hesitating, we went straight for those show-stopping shoe styles and never looked back. (We'll choose fashion over food, every time.)
There we met Leifsdottir technical designer Brian Slattery, the uber-talented, 38-year-old (yes, he looks a lot younger) who created the 24-pair spring shoe collection under Johanna's tutelage. With shoes serving as the universal language, we also chatted with Beth Plumlee, who hosted the event; and joined oodles of
women from across the area in trying on the new designs. All were eager to snap up Brian's fresh heels, wedges and flats before their scheduled debut at Neiman's the next day.
In checking out Leifsdottir's sandal-focused, spring styles (what fun!), we found many things to love:
Nice neutrals - The palette includes go-with-everything creams, blacks, browns, metallics and reptile prints like the Roccia/Platinum Kaisa Wedges.
Delicious details - Fun bows, fringe and tassels (which we're seeing on everything from bags to jewelry) are right on-trend. Brass-studded tassels and a mirror metallic insole make these Into Heels a real standout.
Ankle huggers - Ankle-ringing straps add a chic statement to everything from polished heels to this irresistible Lotta flat.
Layered textures - Beads, feathers, snakeskin and mirror metallics play together on this exotic Mia sandal.
Modern heels - Traditional stiletto, wedge and platform shapes merge in a unique, curved design that elevates looks like the Katja. This three-piece, four-and-one-half inch wedge-platform is Brian's favorite because "the pitch is not too high so anyone can wear it."
"We take inspiration from Scandinavian art, architecture and furniture," Brian said when we asked him about the brand's contemporary heels. The shoes also mimic Leifsdottir apparel so you'll see luxury fabrics (super soft Brazilian and Italian leathers), ribbon bindings, exotic prints and lots of hand-crafting.
The signature designs certainly captured our attention. At first glance, you might think the tall, sculptural models would be awkward. But trying them on proved they were indeed wearer-friendly.
"I was amazed at how comfortable those heels felt," Linda said later. "The leather was the softest (like butter!), the arch gave great support and they actually seemed lightweight."
Full-leather linings, hidden wedges and padded foot beds help Leifsdottir styles feel as good as they look. That's one of the reasons I fell for the Inga Heels (plus they actually fit my troublesome, size-5 foot). Though they've only been out a few weeks, these sleek mules are already one of the brand's bestsellers. They soon had me wondering why I bought all those shoes in Santa Fe (oh, my fickle heart).
Charlotte Hill and Linda Storer trying on Leifsdottir's Jenni Heels.
While I debated whether or not I could convince Bob that I needed more of a shoe budget, Linda decided the classy Jenni with its stacked, metallic heel was her favorite. To give them a fair test, we wandered Beth's lovely home wearing those fabulous designer looks and helping others decide what to purchase. We didn't come back to reality until we spotted another woman trying on the "no-name" sandals Linda had worn to the party!
Laughing, we retrieved Linda's shoes and my sole-sister and I headed for the door happy that we'd been some of the first to see Leifsdottir's fashion-forward styles. We agreed the myriad of heels, platforms, sandals, mules, peep-toes and ballet slippers would appeal to all ages. And, even better, these statement-makers deliver a designer look without the couture price tag.
Leifsdottir shoes retail from $225 - $428 at Leifsdottir.com and luxury retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom.
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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