Waterproof and Insulated! Hi-Tec is Here

Thanks to Hi-Tec, you can be warm, waterproof, and stylish! Fully waterproof suede leather uppers with warm faux fur lining and Thinsulate insulation. Lightweight construction and durable non-slip outsole.

*Fits a wide foot very well. Whole sizes only.

Available now at village-shoes.com

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The Soft Glow of the Season

Full of sparkle and glee, the season is upon thee.

Houses that twinkle from a thousand white lights.

Shoppers that scurry before Christmas Night.

Now that it's over, what do we do?

Ring in the New Year,

Hope our dreams all come true.

Inspiration might finds us,

in a million small ways.

Let our eyes be wide open

and our hearts always gay.

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Holiday Wishes To One and All!

Wishing Everyone a Happy Holiday and even better New Year!

Wherever you are, whatever you do...

-photo by Stacey Larnerd

May it be filled with love and light.

-from all of us at Village Shoes

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Something New: Archmolds

We'd like to introduce you to a new product we're carrying in our store: Archmolds. Heat mold-able insoles that help alleviate many of the aches and pains we all can experience in our daily lives.

Archmolds aid in the relief and the prevention of many common problems including...

• Heel and arch pain due to Plantar Fasciitis
• Heel Spurs
• Runner's Knee
• Over Pronation
• Knee and Back Pain

Archmolds Topsheet includes Advanced Ag which has been proven to kill over 650 different bacteria.

"Archmolds are especially helpful for relief of heel and arch problems - the most common foot pains in athletes - because of their deep, conforming heel cups, flexible arch support, and cushioned top-covers. They mold to the shape of the foot with use or may be heat molded easily by the user."

- Dr. Harry F. Hlavac, Podiatrist & Past President of Podiatric Sports Medicine

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And The Winner Is...

Congratulations to our winner Diana L. ! Her quote won her our Winter Prize Package Giveaway.

"I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little – if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny."

~Coco Chanel

May we all meet our destiny with grace, humility and style Diana.

Wishing you a Happy Holiday and a prosperous New Year!

- from all of us at Village Shoes

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Pretty Darn Cute.

I cleaned out my sock drawer recently, and was surprised to discover how many of my old favorites have gotten a little too much love. Mostly in the big toe area. Too bad I can't even sew a button! A little research proves that darning your own socks isn't quite as difficult as I thought, and once you know how, your reinforced favorite argyles are back in rotation!

The other night, while crafting away with VS employee Kerry Alonzo, we got to talking about knitting or crocheting one's own stocking. Turns out there are about a million ways to go about it, from simple stitches to complex knits. Instructions to various stockings can easily be found on the Internet. Shown above are socks of different sizes made by Miss Alonzo, who also made the felted bag seen in the background. Although Kerry makes it look easy, knitting while watching Julia Child hack up about a hundred different sea creatures for Bouillabaisse, I think I'll stick with simple mending...

Posted by Risa R.

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There's Still Time ! Holiday Shipping Schedule

There's still time to shop online and receive Holiday Gifts by Christmas.

3 Day Rush Delivery - Order by 9am PST December 18th. Must click Express Shipping at checkout.

Call 1-866-482-1321 if you need more details.

Holiday Hours and Winter Hours

The store will be closed Christmas Day and News Years Day. We will be closing at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.

Winter Hours will start January 3rd. We will be open
Monday - Saturday 11 - 5pm and Sunday 12-5pm

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The Best Way to Spend that Holiday Bonus...

The babysitter arrived late, the baby was screaming, and the three day old leftovers you wolfed down standing over the kitchen sink tasted a little funky... Wearing your favorite black sweater dress and your brand new 'guilty-purchase' ruffled satin platform heels, you madly chip away at the ice on your windshield before surging across town to arrive at your boss' holiday party just as she's completing a warbly rendition of Shania Twain's "Honey I'm Home."

You flash a winning smile as all heads turn upon your grand entrance. Your co-worker mimes at her hair and you mouth "thanks" at her, before realizing that she was trying to covertly point out the spit up in your limp curls. Glancing around, you cant help but notice almost everyone else at the party is wearing a hideous sweater and last season's Ugly boots. You make a beeline for the kitchen and help yourself to a streaming cup of mulled wine.

Unexpectedly you feel someone's eyes on you. You turn and feel your face flush as your work crush, Federico, enters the room and stops short when he sees you. With pleasure, you notice that his black satin shirt matches your new shoes perfectly. Briefly, you allow yourself to drift into a daydream about what his shirt would look like rumpled on your bedroom floor...

Suddenly you realize that he is actually standing quite close and is looking at you quizzically. Had he said something? "What?" You feign deafness as, in the background, the manager's tone-deaf husband drones along with Nirvana. Federico leans into you and you inhale the spice of his aftershave. His eyes slowly move down your body, taking you in. He clears his throat a little.
"Nice shoes."

-written by Risa R.

Black satin ruffle heel, Georgi by Madeline. $69.
Available now at Village Shoes.

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Ugly Sweater Cookies....

Want to make something different for the Holidays?

Check out these Ugly Sweater Cookies!

Sugar cookies made to look like ugly sweaters will surely give your friend's something to talk about.

- photo by Risa R.

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Quotes Entries From Our Fans...

"Stretch pants - the garment that made skiing a spectator sport." ~Author Unknown

"I don't know who invented the high heel, but all men owe him a lot." ~Marilyn Monroe

“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

- Anonymous

"Never attempt to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time, and
annoys the pig." - Robert A. Heinlein

"Remember, Ginger Rodgers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in high heels." - Faith Whittlesey

"I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little – if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny."

~Coco Chanel

---------------------------------------------------------------

Don't miss out! Enter your favorite quotes today. Drawing will take place on December 16th.

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Win Our Winter Prize Package Give-A-Way!

Enter for a chance to win our:

Winter Prize Package Give-A Way!

Simply send us your favorite quote, and one lucky winner will receive our

Prize Package worth over $100!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"If most of us are ashamed of shabby clothes and shoddy furniture, let us be more ashamed of shabby ideas and shoddy philosophies.... It would be a sad situation if the wrapper were better than the meat wrapped inside it."
~Albert Einstein

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please include your name along with your favorite quote and we'll pick our favorite.

The Prize Package Includes:

Penguin's Water & Stain Repellant Sponge $6

100% Cashmere Scarf, Brown, Made in England $44

Penguin Trim to Fit Fresh Foot Insoles $5

John Fluevog Stripe Belt Buckle $30

Alpaca Gloves, Made in Peru $19 (available in store only)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Give it as a gift to that special someone or keep it all to yourself... we don't care. We just want to give stuff away!

“A pair of shoes can change your life. Just ask Cinderella.” –Anonymous

“Just around the corner in every woman's mind - is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume, which will make an enchanting new creature of her.” ~Wilhela Cushman

What do nudists wear on casual Fridays? ~A.J. Esther

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Belle's in Boots!

The Village Shoe's ladies just love their boots! Send us some pictures of you in your favorite pair of boots. We'll post them on our blog over the next few weeks.

Risa is decking the halls in her Frye Carmen Harness boots with jean leggings under a vintage romper and a white silk blouse.

Halle is wearing her brown Fluevog Heidi boots with an XCVI skirt and a hand knit cowl made by Village Shoe's Employee Kerry Alonzo.

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A special goodbye from Sigrid...

It’s Been A Great Ride
-by Sigrid Strebe

Dear Friends and Sole Mates,

It’s been a great ride and now I’m at the station for my next destination.

It is with a mixture of sadness and joy that I am passing the Village Shoes torch to Stacey. She recently purchased Village Shoes and is well prepared to bring the same great service, shoes and accessories you have come to love over the years.

Stacey has been with me from the beginning and loves the store as much as I do. She has been tending to it’s every need for awhile now. She is a strong, beautiful and very capable woman and it will do your heart good to be in her presence. Good Luck Stacey.

My next destination on this ride of life is Minnesota. I am filled with more joy than I ever thought possible. I am teaching yoga, married to a kind and loving man and spending more time with my son. Be careful what you dream, it could come true.

Thank you to all my friends and sole mates that have made the last seven years so great. I miss you all and loved sharing the joy a great pair of shoes can bring. If you ever make it Minneapolis, look me up and I’ll show around our beautiful city.


May love, peace and prosperity follow you everywhere,

Sigrid

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Art Shoes On News 10!

Our very own Halle Riddlebarger was in the news! Sunday KTVL News 10 showed up at the store and interviewed Halle about her custom art shoes. If you missed the spot, which aired on the Monday night news, you can view it now.

Contact Halle if you are dreaming of your very own pair or want to gift a pair to a special someone.

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15% Off Now-Sunday and Free Shipping

100% Cashmere Scarves for Him or Her! They make a luxurious gift for anyone. Made in England. Reg: $44 On Sale: $37.40

Put something special in her stocking this season. Grab a design from local Jewelry Designer Kate Jack. she blends her eye for detail into wearable pieces of art.

Reg: $69 On Sale: $58.65

Killer Kushionz are on every girls wish list! Seriously created to help make shoes more comfortable, and stop annoying, painful issues.

Reg: $13 On Sale: $11.05

A great gift for him or her, Mink Oil softens, preserves, and polishes all smooth leather. Mink oil is a natural water repellent and this product can be shipped to anywhere!

Reg: $6 On Sale: $5.10

What woman doesn't love a good leather handbag? Try this ILI Hobo bag in a stunning purple leather with contrasting tan whip-stitch detail up the sides.

Reg: $84 On Sale: $71.40

Another must have on every girls shopping list this season! Button Ups are a silky soft cable knit legwarmer. Classic Betsey Johnson flair.

Reg: $38 On Sale: $32.30

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What we do...

Today we are introducing you to our featured Artist Kerry Alonzo...

"My name is Kerry. I live in the lovely town of Ashland, Oregon. I happily work at Village Shoes, but I also make jewelry. My pieces are pure fun! I make mostly bracelets and some necklaces. They are put together on stretchable clear elastic with a wide array of beads that I hand pick myself. I use it all - from Vintage to Plastic, as well as semi-precious stones, wood and crystals. For me, the thrill comes from arranging the beads in unexpected combinations. "

Please come by and check out my offerings at the
Oregon Shakespeare Festival Holiday Art and Gift Fair.

Friday December 4th 5 - 9 pm
Saturday December 5th 10 - 6 pm
Sunday December 6th 10 - 4 pm

Great Hall
70 E. Main St.
Ashland, OR 97520
next to the new Motif Restaurant

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Village Find: A Diva Divided

"Which one to choose? Crystals or pearls? Why not wear both? This piece is almost in two distinct sections that merge to create a beautiful whole.

One half is Swarovski crystal rivolis and round crystals, surrounded by seed beads, the other side is dyed crazy lace agate cabochons, seed beads and multiple strands of freshwater pearls, and 14 kt. gold-filled beads, terminating in a gold cone and handcrafted clasp, both 14 kt. gold-filled. This connects to the "crystal side".

The crystal/seed bead side is bead embroidered backed with ultrasuede.

A Diva Divided measures 14"/35.5cm around the inner neck. Back to front is 9.75"/24.5cm and side to side measures 7"/18cm. "

Find it from Bellabeadjeweled at esty.com

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Fall Recipe #2 - Zucchini Bread

Another easy recipe that is purely divine is an all time favorite of mine is Zucchini Bread.

I made this bread the other night and the intoxicating smell wafting through the house was amazing. Justin, my partner looked at me funny when he saw me grating zucchini to put in the bread, but an hour later when the warm bread from the oven

was melting in his mouth

and his eyes were rolling in the back of his head

he understood completely. It's the best sweet bread!

Recipe # 2 - Zucchini Bread

by Stacey Larnerd

3 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

3 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 cup Canola Oil (or Applesauce for less calories)

3 tsp vanilla

1 cup nuts (pecan or walnut)

2 cups grated zucchini (leave peel on for color)

Put ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat together. Split the batter into two bread loaf pans and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

Let cool for half an hour then slice and enjoy!

If you whip this up some night - tell me what you think!

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Pleasure and Meaning: Joan Hornig Jewelry

At this time of the year, we are reminded of the importance of giving back. We are encouraged to be thankful for the things we have and to share our good fortune. I recently discovered an article about a jewelry designer named Joan Hornig that really drove this message home.

"In 2003, Joan developed a way to encourage others to join her in support of educational and other philanthropic initiatives. Her model of giving 100% of the profits on each piece of jewelry sold to the purchaser's charity of choice challenges women to use beauty and fashion in a new way.

Those choosing to purchase Joan Hornig designs are meant to derive pleasure not only from the jewelry, but also from the meaning of giving back. All profits from each item are donated to charity. Purchasers are able to direct the donation to a charity of their choice."

Not only is her jewelry exquisite and stunning, it's something you can feel good about splurging on. "Make a statement, make a difference." This is her motto. What an empowering message and way to be. Thank you Joan for setting a beautiful example.

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Holiday Wrapping - Simple and Affordable

One day I was shopping at Michael's which is always dangerous for me. Aisles and aisles of endless possibilties just staring me in the face. I'm not a scrap-book junkie but I love beautiful paper and I found a gorgeous book of paper I couldn't refuse.

Once I had this thousand sheets home with me I had no idea what to do with it. My first creative project was making fancy hand made business cards for an artist friend of mine. She loved them. My second endeavor was handmade gift tags which came out fantastic. Then I realized that scrapbook paper is an excellent gift wrap especially for those in-between seasons when Christmas or Birthday paper simply doesn't fit the occasion.

So if you're looking for a way to make Holiday Gift wrapping simple and affordable, try using scrap-book paper, old comic newsprint, plain brown paper with stickers... anything really. The possibilities are endless. It's a great way to be creative, which I believe helps to reduce stress this time of year.

-Post by Stacey

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Staff Favorites- Fall Recipes- Pumpkin Cake

We decided not everything in life revolves around your shoes... although we do love fabulous shoes! We'd like to take this time to get to know you and let you know those of us here at Village Shoes. As the daylight gets shorter and it begins to get colder outside we'll warm you up with some of our favorite recipes as well as other interesting and delicious tid-bits of information we think you'd love to know.

Recipe #1: Pumpkin Cake

by Stacey Larnerd

3 cup flour

2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

2 cup pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling!)

1 cup Canola oil

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Mix all together and pour into bread loaf pans or a decorative bundt pan and bake at 350 degrees for 70 minutes if cooking in a bundt pan and check at 60 minutes if using bread loaf pans. The cake is done when you stick a knife or skewer in and it comes out clean.

For an extra special touch you can serve this with whip cream! Yum

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This was one of my favorite recipes my mom used to make when I was a kid. The chocolate chips make it extra delicious. This is a great recipe to make with kids because it's easy.

Hope you enjoy it!

Send us some of your favorite recipes. We'd love to know what you're cooking up this season.

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Sexy and Tough: Frye Harness Boots in Red

Be tough and sexy in this motorcycle boot from Frye! With the definitive O-ring, straps and studs, Frye's classic Harness Boot holds a treasured spot in American culture. The timeless design features stunning burnt red leather uppers, cushioned shock-absorbing memory insoles, a pitched heel with rubber heel lift, durable Goodyear welt construction, and Neoprene oil resistant sole. Antique brass hardware. Made in the USA.

Only $218 at village-shoes.com

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Have an Eco-Friendly Halloween...

Halloween evokes images of ghosts, goblins, and witches. The smell of fall leaves and the brisk night air on your face. Eco- shopping is on the tip of everyone's lips these days. How about a green Halloween this year? Here are a few tips to help you do just that:

• Make your own costume from recycled material
• Trick or Treat with a Chico Bag, then use it for grocery shopping
  
• Give out trinkets instead of candy

For more information visit Green Halloween

Photo by Ashland Food Coop
located at 237 N First St. Ashland, OR 97520

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It's Snowing In Ashland Today!

It snowed in the mountains today in Ashland while the rain poured down in town. The dark grey sky was eerie and set a beautiful backdrop for the colorful trees all around. Halloween is just around the corner... are you ready? Maybe not.

Never fear... Village Shoes is here. Whether you need tights, socks, legwarmers or god forbid: Boots... we are standing by to help you with all your wardrobe needs. Stop by the store or shop online and please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Sincerely,

Your Friend's at Village Shoes :)

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Two Trees for Donivee!

"Two Trees for Donivee" is a custom pair of art shoes illustrated by pen and ink artist Halle Riddlebarger for a wonderful Village Shoes customer from Arcadia, California. Drawn in black india ink on a white leather pump, this pair features trees reaching up from the base of the heel and the branches wrapping down around onto the toe.





Want your own art shoes? The artist can draw on any light colored, smooth leather shoe. Contact the artist at halle@village-shoes.com for details.

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Village Find: Giddyspinster

Check out this Clear Succulent Planter made from an exotic dancer's recycled platform stiletto! Recycling at it's best.

This is a size six repurposed stiletto heel. It used to belong to an exotic dancer friend of mine (thanks Jamison!) I removed the top of the shoe, sanded it, drilled holes for drainage, and then planted it with a purple-tinged succulent (an echeveria hybrid) with a tiny thorn at the tip of each "petal".

The succulent plant will need very bright light and just a little water from time to time. In return, it'll repay you with a stark reminder of how hard it is to...well, to be a woman.

$50 at etsy.com

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Bestey Johnson For Fall Has Arrived!

Accessories for fall are huge this year! A must have on every girls shopping list this season are Button Ups. A silky soft cable knit legwarmer with a classic xox BETSEY signature on adorable heart shaped buttons.
Shop Now !$38

Who can resist this sexy cotton blend knee high sock? The Peek A Boo is flirtatiously delicious with it's open front detail going all the way up your leg. 75% Cotton, 20% Nylon and 5% Spandex.
Shop Now! $15

Every girl needs a fun pair of argyle Over The Knee socks. In two fabulous color schemes, these cotton blend beauties will surely become one of your favorite fall accessories.
Embroidered with xox Betsey signature on cuff.
Shop Now! $20

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All Women and Men Should See This!

I posted this video on my personal facebook page this morning, and I thought it was so powerful and necessary that I should post it here as well. This is for all of the women who never feel beautiful enough and the men who don't understand. It's not real! Let's start to recognize this truth.

-Post by Stacey

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The Magic Of The Season!

Come by and see our Halloween window this season. We're bringing you the magic of the season with a re-creation of Diagon Ally
from the Harry Potter series.
Our first installation: Ollivanders Wand shop!

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We Have Something Special Up Our Sleeves!

The Village Shoes Crew is preparing our best
Halloween window yet!

Can you guess what it's going to be ?

Stay tuned for more clues...

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Punk Rock Girls Unite!

If you're a punk rock girl then the Black Hole by Volatile is for you! Metallic bluish purple upper with full lace-up and double buckle details on shaft. Full inside zipper for easy on and off. Chunky lug rubber outsole. All man made materials. Only $49 at village-shoes.com

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Custom Art Fluevogs!

As if John Fluevog shoes aren't unique enough, these beauties are genuinely a one-of-a-kind Fluevog! From Fluevog's Mini family, meet the Lily Darling in ivory, illustrated in pen and ink by Village Shoes' own Halle Riddlebarger. This one-of-a-kind pair was drawn for a lovely lady from South Lake Tahoe, California.


Have a pair of old light-colored leather shoes just hanging out in the back of your closet? Give them new life with a little ink embellishment! Contact the artist at halle@village-shoes.com for details.

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Last Days Of Summer - Enjoy 10% Off Sale!

"Tonight I raise a glass to the last days of Summer. Fall has suddenly appeared. There is a familiar crispness to the air. Those hot summer nights seem to have disappeared and the need for snuggling up beneath a blanket has begun.

As the season takes hold I begin to want to cook soups and bake amazing food in the kitchen. I'll stay in my pajamas all Sunday morning curled up with a good book, great coffee in hand and a sense of peace in my heart. It's the simple things in life that matter most.

Soon the trees will turn color and the smell of pumpkins, vanilla and cinnamon will waft through the air. The smoke of fireplaces warming living rooms and the delicate dance of falling leaves will begin to romance us.

Winter is coming, but not yet. There is still time for campfires with friend's and late summer swims. Evening walks beneath the moonlight and warm afternoons. I fall in love, all over again with life this time of year."

by Stacey Larnerd

Enjoy 10% Off Store Wide All Week Long at Village Shoes! We're prepping for our semi-annual Sidewalk Sale Sept. 11th, 12th and 13th and a Last Days Of Summer Sale is just what the doctor ordered. Get here early while sizes last! (Sale is In-Store only.)

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Employee Pick of the Week: Nannette

The employee pick of the week is John Fluevog's Nannette! The Nannette is a tall equestrian boot from Fluevog's Adrian family. Stylish three buckle detail and nine eyelet laces adjust for a secure fit around the foot. Full zipper up the back of the calf for easy on and off. Gorgeous brown leather uppers and full leather lining. Tunite soles bear the message "A thankful person is a happy person." Made in Portugal. Only $319 at village-shoes.com!

Wondering what to wear with this beauty? You can always hide boots under jeans, but you can also show 'em off with a skirt or dress. Check out the Village Shoes girls, Jen and Halle, modeling the Nannette below.

-Post by Halle

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Trees and Birds - Custom Art Shoes

An old Chinese Proverb reads: "Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come." Put these one-of-a-kind art shoes on your feet and you'll have both trees and birds!

Trees and Birds is another unbelievable pair by Pen-and-ink artist Halle Riddlebarger who proves that a little ink goes a long way. Beautifully hand drawn in India Ink on a smooth white leather pump by a local Ashland artist, each pair is one of a kind.

Size 7 only $259 at village-shoes.com

See a design you love, but not in your size? Other sizes may still be available! Already have a light-colored leather pair of shoes you'd like customized? Contact the artist by email at halle@village-shoes.com !

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