Village Shoes

Vintage Valentines

2012-01-27T12:40:00.001-08:00

Vintage Valentine Walking with Floating Hearts by YesterdayCafe
Create a Full color postcard with zazzle.com

Vintage Victorian Couple Kiss on a Crescent Moon by YesterdayCafe
View more Newly weds Postcards

Vintage Soda Shop; Teens on a Date by YesterdayCafe
make money as an artist using Zazzle.

Vintage College Coeds in Love by YesterdayCafe
View more Vintage Postcards

Romantic Kiss by YesterdayCafe
Begin selling my art online at zazzle.

Somebody Make Me: Almond Joy Chocolate Spread

2012-01-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

So, I came across a recipe for Almond Joy Chocolate spread and my jaw dropped. I mean, almond, coconut, and chocolate combined in a way that allows me to spread it on whatever I want? I can dollop some on vanilla ice cream. I can spread it on toast. I can place a scoop of it inside pre-made croissants to bake. I can eat it out of the jar with a spoon! So many possibilities…so many reasons to have this in my life...so many people I would fight, if need be, to get my hands on some of this.

Please, oh please, I’m begging you, make me a massive supply of Almond Joy Chocolate spread.

I found the recipe on TheHealthyFoodie.net which is ran by Sonia from Québec, Canada.

ALMOND JOY CHOCOLATE SPREAD

INGREDIENTS
(Yields 3 half pint jars)

4 cups raw almonds
200g unsweetened shredded coconut
¼ cup unpasteurized honey
½ cup extra dark cocoa powder
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

Lay the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them in a 275F oven for about an hour, then raise the temperature to 350F and give them an extra 8-10 minutes or so, until the almonds get really fragrant and take a nice golden brown color.
Take the almonds out of the oven and allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, add the coconut to your food processor and process until it turns into a crumbly, thick paste, about 8-10 minutes (you will have to scrape the sides quite frequently). Add the honey and process until well combined. Transfer to a bowl and reserve.
Add the almonds to your food processor (no need to clean it, really) and process until smooth and creamy, about 10 minutes.
Add the cocoa powder, vanilla, salt and cinnamon and process until well incorporated.
Add reserved coconut paste and process again just to combine, no more.
Transfer to glass jars and allow to rest for a few days before you dig in.
You could keep this in the refrigerator if you wanted to, however, I dont’t believe that it’s really necessary, unless you intend on keeping it for an extended period of time (which I dare you to do!)

Mmmmm, come to mama!

post by Amanda

Nail Art!

2012-01-15T13:04:00.000-08:00

I’ve been an on again, off again nail biter ever since I can remember. The only time I manage to not bite my nails is when I paint them. The problem is that I’m pretty lazy, so my nail panting sessions are few and far between, especially during the wintertime when I don’t feel pressured into painting my toes.

Recently I have noticed that some ladies are freakishly into nail art right now. Celebrities like Zooey Deschanel, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna all enjoy their nails decorated as fabulously as possible. Luckily these girls have heaps of money to pay for eccentric nail art once a week, however I’ve come across a lot of girls through Tumblr (a blogging platform) where they do their own nails and do a damn fine job at it too.

Here are some of my favorites:

They're pretty impressive, right? I haven't thought about painting my nails using different hues of the same color like the purple one above. That one is easily do-able. Embellishing your nails using little 'sticker dots' looks easy enough too. After browsing through tons of photos, I decided that using your nails as a canvas is a great way to express yourself creatively. Nail polish can be fairly inexpensive depending on what brand you buy, and you can easily trade colors with friends. Photographing your nails after they're completed is a great way to document what you've done, and will also serve as a reference if you want to recreate the look.

For painting my fingernails as infrequently as I do, I happen to have a HUGE nail polish collection. For some reason I'm unable to turn down a pretty color. My favorite brand of nail polish is Butter London. Their colors are fantastic, and they are also the first company to sell non-toxic polish in the US. Currently I'm wearing British Racing Green and Diamond Geezer on my ring finger only. That right there is my version of 'nail art'.

So, do any of our readers paint their nails? What's your favorite brand and color? Do you create any of your own nail art?

post by Amanda

Somebody Make Me: Pumpkin Empanadas

2012-01-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

At this point, it’s safe to assume it’s known that I can’t cook. I mean, I can, but I won’t. Every time I cook myself something special, I wind up spending $80 in groceries, and I never eat the leftovers. It doesn’t make sense for me to cook for myself. It makes sense for me to buy Hot Pockets and Kraft Mac & Cheese. Don’t give me that look. It tastes good. The only problem with not cooking for myself is that I come across recipes that look amazing, and that I’d love to try, but I’ll never make them. Because of this, I decided to regularly start posting recipes on this blog in hope that someone out there will take pity on my hungry little soul and make them for me.

PUMPKIN EMPANADAS

Years ago, my friend Monique and I worked together and she made Pumpkin Empanadas to take to our work potluck. I love all sweet things pumpkin. (Read this next sentence like your Bubba from Forrest Gump) “Anyway, like I was sayin', pumpkin is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it.” There’s pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pie, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bread…Monique’s pumpkin empanadas were obviously loved. I’ve been craving pumpkin empanadas for a while now, and I don’t see Monique around anymore, so I’m going to need someone to make some for me.

Here’s the receipt from the Muy Bueno Cookbook’s website:

Makes 24-30 empanadas

Pumpkin Filling

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed firmly

1 cup organic pumpkin, NOT pie filling

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves with the butter. Stir in the pumpkin and the spices. Continue to stir over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Make sure the filling is not too watery; otherwise let it cook for a couple more minutes.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool down. After it’s cooled off for about 15 minutes, put the filling in the refrigerator to help it set for 30 minutes or overnight.

You can make the Empanada Dough while the filling is cooling off.

Empanada Dough

Ingredients

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup shortening

2 eggs

½ cup milk

2 tablespoons sugar

Directions

Mix the first 3 dry ingredients. Cut in the shortening with the dry ingredients. Works better if you use your hands. Add the eggs, milk and sugar. Continue to work in with your hands. Split the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap and put into the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. Take out one half of the dough and split it into 12-18 balls of dough. Depending on how small you want your empanadas. I prefer one dozen per half of the dough. They also fit nicely on one large cookie sheet.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. You can fill your empanadas with any preserves made ahead of time.

Roll out the dough into small round circles. Add a small dollop of filling on one half of the rolled out dough. Wet the bottom edge of the dough with water to help seal the two halves. Fold over the dough to seal. Seal off the edges with a fork by pressing down along the two edges. This also makes for a pretty pattern when baked.

Brush each empanada with egg whites, sprinkle with sugar and puncture each empanada with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking. Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray, place the empanadas on the cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes on medium rack in the oven. If after 15 minutes you notice the bottoms of the empanadas starting to brown, move the cookie sheet to the top rack and continue to bake for the last 5 minutes.

Looks good, right? Any takers? Please?

Photography by Jeanine Thurston

Post by Amanda

Halle & Amanda Do Lunch

2012-01-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

Working in a store downtown means lots of eating downtown. I, along with most of the other girls I work with are too lazy in the mornings to get up and make a lunch, so we find ourselves eating out a lot. Halle and I decided to list the restaurants we frequent and what our favorite item is from the lunch menu. Halle is a vegetarian, so all of her selections are obviously meatless. Many of the restaurants use local and organic products, which most people in Ashland care about, but I don't, like, not at all. All I really care about when ordering lunch locally is that they're quick about making it. Us Village Shoes employees are running up and down stairs ALL DAY, so by the time lunch rolls around, I'm ravenous with hunger and I really don't have the patience to wait too long. Since I'm walking to pick it up, I typically call in the order in advance so I actually get to lunch on my lunch break, as opposed to waiting for food for the majority of it.

Halle and I think that if you haven't had our lunch picks yet, you're missing out...

Ruby’s:

H- Wendy Burrito

A- Riley’s Cheese Steak

Agave:

H- Verduras Asadas Tacos

A- Carne Asadas Tacos and Ceviche

Pasta Piatti:

H- Ravioli Di Zucca

A- Chicken Parmigiana

Pangea:

H- Gimme The Greek

A- Mushrooms Wild with extra chevre

Sesame:

H- Crispy Eggplant

A- Shaking Beef

Great American Pizza Company:

H- Eggplant Ricotta Pizza

A- Dijon Chicken Pizza

Taroko:

H- Yaki Udon with tofu

A- J Pop (appetizer), and the Mongolian Beef.

Dragonfly:

H-Nuevo Roll Ups

A-Chicken Burrito

Ashland Co-Op:

H- Sesame Tofu/ Garlic Lover’s Pasta Salad/ Sesame Emerald Kale

A- Turkey Feta Spinach Meatloaf/ Enchiladas/ Mac & Cheese/ Fog City

Macaroni Salad

Water Street Café:

H- Café Cup

A- Café Cup, no beans, add chicken

So, Ashlanders, what are your favorite spots to eat? And what can't you live without from their menu?

photo courtesy of Sammo

post by Amanda

Reluctantly Resolving Our Issues with Resolutions

2012-01-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

January 1st is approaching, and with that, we pull out a piece of paper and a pen and write down our goals for the new year. I asked the Village Shoes girls to tell me what their new year’s resolutions are, and oddly enough, everyone said in 2012 they want to work out more. Um…am I the only one who considers running up and down the stairs at work all day working out? WE WORK OUT PLENTY!

Besides working out, here are our resolutions:

Halle:

1. Save money out of every paycheck

2. Read more books

Amanda:

1. Save money to travel

2. Eat healthier

Molly:

1. Stay true to Paleo Diet

2. Drink more water

Stacey:

1. Be more involved in the community

2. Walk to work more

Jen:

1. Get more sleep

2. Read more books for fun

The odds of me eating healthier are slim to none, but it looks good on paper, so who knows. Wish us luck with our 2012 resolutions. What are yours? Do you think you’re going to stick to them, or are you a lot like me? Regardless, I hope everyone got a nice smooch on the lips at midnight that started off 2012 the right way.

post by Amanda

My Hero, the Cobbler...

2011-12-27T15:24:00.000-08:00

There are little events in life that make me sigh, look around, and ask, “really?” Events such as dropping something for the third time in a row, stabbing the roof of your mouth with a tortilla chip, stubbing your toe, leaving your lunch at home, and in my opinion, the cake-topper: your favorite shoes breaking. We’ve all had it happen to us, and thankfully, I’ve mostly had wear and tear issues, rather than something snapping off while wearing them. I’ve tossed a lot of good shoes because I didn’t know any better. I thought they were broken and that’s that. They’re done. I threw them away like an idiot. I’ll never forget my pricey avocado colored heels with dark brown piping that I tossed because I wore a hole through the sole of the right shoe. Ugh…I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for getting rid of those. Of course some shoes aren’t worth repairing. I’m never going to take my cheapie flats to a cobbler. It’s more cost effective to just buy a new pair. However, when I realized that my expensive over-the-knee leather boots had a cracked sole, I knew I had to do right by them and take them to a cobbler. Being in the shoe business (hehe), we frequently refer customers to a cobbler in Medford, Oregon that does fantastic work. Messinger Shoe Repair is located downtown, tucked away inside Norris Shoes, a store that specializes in comfort. I’ve sent many customers to Messinger’s, so I figured I should give him a go and see for myself what kind of work he can do. I made sure to have low expectations that way I wouldn’t be disappointed and figured either way, as long as I’m able to wear them again, regardless of how the new sole turns out, it’s better than never being able to wear them again. About two weeks later, my boots were finished. Not only did he re-sole them, he dyed the toe, leaving my boots looking scuff-less. They literally were returned to me better than new. The best part is that the repair cost me $30. These boots would have cost me hundreds of dollars to replace, but Messinger’s was able to make them perfect for only $30. Crazy, right?

So, the moral of the story is don’t give up on your favorite shoes just because the sole is cracked, or a buckle fell off, or a zipper broke. Before you toss them, make sure a cobbler can’t make them as good as new for just a few bucks.

post by Amanda

Happy Holidays from Village Shoes!

2011-12-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

I keep my snowman in the freezer
Just behind the pies
He likes it there, he told me so
I can see it in his eyes.
I made him on a cold, cold morning
When the snow was fresh and deep
Now he sits in the freezer
Near the fish that we got cheap.

I keep my snowman in the freezer
And look at him each day.
If I’d left him in the garden
He’d simply have melted away.

But now he’s like my Grandma
Living somewhere safe and nice;
He’s in a frosty, snowy palace
On a throne of coldest ice.

I keep my snowman in the freezer
Near a lump of frozen beef
And I’ve got a treat for him in August:
I’m taking him to Tenerife!

by Ian McMillan

Solstice: Returning To The Light

2011-12-21T09:41:00.000-08:00

Winter Solstice has been celebrated in cultures the world over for thousands of years. The shortest day and longest night of the year. This start of the solar year is a celebration of Light and the rebirth of the Sun. In old Europe, it was known as Yule, from the Norse, Jul, meaning wheel. Today, many people in Western-based cultures refer to this holiday as "Christmas." Yet a look into its origins of Christmas reveals its Pagan roots. Emperor Aurelian established December 25 as the birthday of the "Invincible Sun" in the third century as part of the Roman Winter Solstice celebrations. Shortly thereafter, in 273, the Christian church selected this day to represent the birthday of Jesus, and by 336, this Roman solar feast day was Christianized. January 6, celebrated as Epiphany in Christendom and linked with the visit of the Magi, was originally an Egyptian date for the Winter Solstice.

Here are some ways you can celebrate the solstice:

Celebrate Yule with a series of rituals, feasts, and other activities. In most ancient cultures, the celebration lasted more than a day. The ancient Roman Saturnalia festival sometimes went on for a week. Have Winter Solstice Eve and Day be the central focus for your household, and conceptualize other holiday festivities, including New Year's office parties and Christmas visits with Christian relatives, as part of your Solstice celebration. By adopting this perspective, Pagan parents can help their children develop an understanding of the multicultural and interfaith aspects of this holiday time and view "Christmas" as just another form of Solstice.

Have gift exchanges and feasts over the course of several days and nights as was done of old. Party hearty on New Year's Eve not just to welcome in the new calendar year, but also to welcome the new solar year.

Adorn the home with sacred herbs and colors. Decorate your home in Druidic holiday colors red, green, and white. Place holly, ivy, evergreen boughs, and pine cones around your home, especially in areas where socializing takes place. Hang a sprig of mistletoe above a major threshold and leave it there until next Yule as a charm for good luck throughout the year. Have family/household members join together to make or purchase an evergreen wreath. Include holiday herbs in it and then place it on your front door to symbolize the continuity of life and the wheel of the year. If you choose to have a living or a harvested evergreen tree as part of your holiday decorations, call it a Solstice tree and decorate it with Pagan symbols.

Convey love to family, friends, and associates. At the heart of Saturnalia was the custom of family and friends feasting together and exchanging presents. Continue this custom by visiting, entertaining, giving gifts, and sending greetings by mail and/or phone. Consider those who are and/or have been important in your life and share appreciation.

Reclaim Santa Claus as a Pagan Godform. Today's Santa is a folk figure with multicultural roots. He embodies characteristics of Saturn (Roman agricultural god), Cronos (Greek god, also known as Father Time), the Holly King (Celtic god of the dying year), Father Ice/Grandfather Frost (Russian winter god), Thor (Norse sky god who rides the sky in a chariot drawn by goats), Odin/Wotan (Scandinavian/Teutonic All-Father who rides the sky on an eight-legged horse), Frey (Norse fertility god), and the Tomte (a Norse Land Spirit known for giving gifts to children at this time of year). Santa's reindeer can be viewed as forms of Herne, the Celtic Horned God. Decorate your home with Santa images that reflect His Pagan heritage.

Honor the Goddess as Great Mother. Place Pagan Mother Goddess images around your home. You may also want to include one with a Sun child, such as Isis with Horus. Pagan Goddess forms traditionally linked with this time of year include Tonantzin (Native Mexican corn mother), Holda (Teutonic earth goddess of good fortune), Bona Dea (Roman women's goddess of abundance and prophecy), Ops (Roman goddess of plenty), Au Set/Isis (Egyptian/multicultural All Goddess whose worship continued in Christian times under the name Mary), Lucina/St. Lucy (Roman/Swedish goddess/saint of light), and Befana (Italian Witch who gives gifts to children at this season).

Honor the new solar year with light. Do a Solstice Eve ritual in which you meditate in darkness and then welcome the birth of the sun by lighting candles and singing chants and Pagan carols. If you have a indoor fireplace or an outdoor fire circle, burn an oak log as a Yule log and save a bit to start next year's fire. Decorate the inside and/or outside of your home with electric colored lights. Because of the popularity of five pointed stars as holiday symbols, this is a good time to display a pentagram of blue or white lights.

Contribute to the manifestation of more wellness on Planet Earth. Donate food and clothing to poor in your area. Volunteer time at a social service agency. Put up bird feeders and keep them filled throughout the winter to supplement the diets of wild birds. Donate funds and items to non-profit groups, such as Pagan/Wiccan churches and environmental organizations. Meditate for world peace. Work magic for a healthier planet. Make a pledge to do some form of good works in the new solar year.

Happy Solstice to all!

information by: Circle Sanctuary

picture courtesy of: photobucket

Who's Hungry for a Scanwich?

2011-12-14T11:45:00.000-08:00

“I believe that all anyone really wants in this life is to sit in peace and eat a sandwich.” –Liz Lemon, 30 Rock

This is torture. PURE TORTURE. Browsing through Scanwiches has made me so incredibly hungry. I can barely complete a sentence before I’m back on the site, scrolling through the sandwiches...drooling on the keyboard. Okay, wait. I’m going to go eat lunch and then I’ll write this thing…

Okay. Much better.

So, the creator of this website, Jon Chonko, lives in NYC and has access to tons of amazing sandwiches. Apparently the word ‘scanwiches’ popped into his head first, and then he decided to give it a go using an old scanner that his girlfriend gave him, and it took off from there. Aesthetically, the website’s design is minimal, giving it a clean look where nothing detracts from the sandwiches, which makes it pretty easy to spend a good hour or so looking them all over without being distracted by ads or whatever. This site is especially useful because he lists the ingredients, so you can recreate them at home if you’d like!

Watch the magic happen!

Here are some of my favorites:

November 28th: Softened ramen noodles, ham, and american cheese.

May 22nd: Eggplant parmesan on a toasted hero.

May 5th: Sliced grilled steak, onion, peppers, and chipotle mayo on a hero.

June 15th: Hot steamed lobster, drawn butter, on a hot dug bun

Which scanwiches are your favorite?

Oh, and another fun food site is thisiswhyyourefat.tumblr.com!

photos courtesy of scanwiches.com and gizmodo.com

post by Amanda

Christmas Music for People Who Don’t Like Christmas Music

2011-12-07T11:33:00.000-08:00

I had a lovely Thanksgiving this year. I spent the holiday with friends and their family in a cabin somewhere in Oregon. Laughter filled the air while I drank wine and shoved copious amounts of food down my throat. The house and company were warm. The next day? PANIC. BLACK FRIDAY. Christmas is officially near and the meal shared with those dear to us wasn’t necessarily to give thanks, but to carb up so we’d have plenty of energy for when we’re elbowing grandmas out of our way so we can grab the last of the new _____ that’s hot this year. Honestly, I don’t think it’s the crowds on Black Friday that make people hostile…I think it’s the Christmas music. I think people start to snap by the time they hear ‘It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas’ for the umpteenth time, sung by a different artist each time. Oh, and by ‘people’, I mean ‘me’.

As I’m sure you can tell by now, I’m not a huge fan of Christmas music, but I don’t think it’s abnormal. I don’t think anyone is a fan of music that they’re unable to escape for an entire month. The songs are usually all the same, and the repetitiveness eventually makes me irritable. If you’re anything like me, you’re not completely SOL during the month of December. I found a Christmas album years ago, and it doesn’t make me angry. The album is called Maybe This Christmas and it consists of contemporary artists singing their versions of the classics or songs they wrote for ol’ Saint Nick.

If you like this album, you'll probably enjoy the other similar X-Mas albums called Maybe This Christmas Tree and Maybe This Christmas Too.

Here are a couple more songs that I don't dislike immensely:

Mrs. Christmas by Jessie Baylin

Jessie wrote this song as a Christmas present to her husband, Nathan Followill (drummer for Kings of Leon). I love the song’s retro vibe and cutesy lyrics.

O Holy Night by Cartman (via South Park)

I know, I know, it’s a South Park song, but Cartman fumbling the lyrics is pretty hilarious, and true to form, Christmas is only about receiving presents. (The show South Park is incredibly inappropriate as a whole, so if you're not familiar with the show by now, you might want to avoid it all together.)

As of today, there are 19 days till Christmas, which means 19 more days of Christmas music. I hope the information that I provided you with helps keep you sane for at least a couple of them.

photos courtesy of Amazon

post by Amanda

Holiday Gift Ideas for a Manly Man

2011-12-06T11:23:00.000-08:00

I came across a website a while ago called Uncrate.com that prides itself on providing info about ‘The Best Gear for Guys.’ This website is AWESOME! It features outdoor gear, technology, style tips, grooming products, and pretty much anything else you can think of. They even provide you with a link that directs you to a site where you can purchase the item.

I mean, a Wave Cave?! Some of this stuff I doubt I’d ever come across in real life (or on the internet) if it weren’t for this site. I also love the furniture they post. What man doesn’t want an Aviator Chair to sit on while sipping on some Woodford Reserve?

One of my favorite things that I discovered through Uncrate is Moonshine: A Gentleman’s Cologne. Having “a woodsy aroma with hints of spice: including notes of black pepper, tobacco, leather, gin, and patchouli,” this cologne seems like the perfect gift for any man. To be honest, who doesn’t want their man smelling like a very relaxed James Bond while vacationing at his cabin?

Now ladies, on Twitter, I asked one of the founders, Charlie Holderness, if he has heard of any women wearing his cologne, and he responded, “Yes, we’ve actually had several women buy it for themselves. It’s a very subtle scent, not too overpowering, but it smells fantastic.” If Moonshine sounds like something you’d want to wear, GO FOR IT…I think I just might.

So, seriously, if you’re on the hunt for a cool, unique gift for any man in your life, definitely check out Uncrate.com for loads of inspiration. If anything, the website is fun to browse through when you’re bored.

UPDATE: I forgot to acknowledge the fellas that read our blog! If you guys are looking for gift ideas for the ladies in your life, just stop by Village Shoes. Chances are, she already has the next pair of shoes she wants picked out.

photo courtesy of uncrate.com

post by Amanda

Join Us Friday and Enjoy A Free Cupcake and Coffee from The Cupcake Daily!

2011-11-29T16:50:00.000-08:00

Join us Friday December 2nd from 5-7pm to celebrate the season!

As a special thanks for your continued support through out the years we will have the The Cupcake Daily here serving up their divine gourmet cupcakes and Stumptown coffee.

The Cupcake Daily is located in Talent, Oregon. They make all of their cupcakes, frostings and fillings from scratch with the best possible ingredients. This mother and daughter team really know what they are doing! Their goal is to make each cupcake a surprise that awakens your senses.

Please come by and enjoy a free cupcake and coffee with us.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Village Shoes!

Winter Shminter

2011-11-29T13:08:00.001-08:00

When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is walk over to my windows and open the blinds to see what kind of weather I’m dealing with for the day. During the summer I scowl because everyone I see walking around looks sweaty. During the winter I cringe when I see that people are wearing a gazillion layers. I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m such a scrooge when it comes to weather and I’ll tell you why: I’m a Southern Californian. I was born and raised in Long Beach and we had no weather. None. Not ever. Sure, some days I’d have to wear a jacket with my shorts, but overall, it was just consistently nice outside. Now that I’m a Southern Oregonian and actually have to experience REAL seasonal changes and the weather that’s normal for those seasons, I’ve had a hard time adjusting to the weather and adjusting my attitude. I decided this winter that I need to work on embracing the crisp air by using a mental approach rather than bundling up…

First off, I decided that at least once a week I’m going to put on a bathing suit and turn the heat up in my house. I mean, really let it blast until I’m uncomfortable and then walk around complaining about how hot it is. I’ll go about my house chores, and eventually I’m bound to forget that it is actually 30 degrees outside.

Another thing that I’m going to do is continue eating frozen yogurt and ice cream. They say that smells and tastes spark memories, so I figure if I taste the same frozen yogurt and ice cream flavors that I insisted eating multiple times a day this summer, I’m bound to be transported back to a day where I insisted on complaining endlessly about how freaking hot it was. I’ll also plan on wearing sunblock throughout the winter, which will send me back to warmer times powered by the scent of summer.

I’m hoping these mind tricks will work, and if they don’t, well, I guess a future blog will be about my extreme concern of losing toes to frost bite this winter.

Wish me luck.

post by Amanda

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

2011-11-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

It's safe to say I love scarves as much as I like shoes and mac n' cheese. I have a duffel bag in my closet filled with them that vary in size and color, but I seem to wear them all the same way. Another thing is that many of them seem too lightweight to wear during the fall and winter months, so their use is very limited. It turns out I just needed to watch a youtube video about how to wear scarves to make my lightweight scarves usable year round and to give me new ideas as to how to twist and turn that fabric around my bare neck.

Did you notice the 4th example? Notice how she used two lightweight scarves? Why didn't I ever think of doubling up on my scarves to give me extra warmth and an extra pattern or pop of color?

The 6th example made me realize most of my scarves could become an infinity scarf if I just tied the very ends together. WHO KNEW?!

Clearly this girl is craftier than I am even on my best day, but you know, I doubt she knows 25 ways to jazzy up Top Ramen.

post by Amanda

I'm In Love! - Holiday Decorating With Felted Acorns

2011-11-19T09:09:00.001-08:00

I came across these adorable felted acorns on etsy and simply had to post them. I think they are so sweet and such a great holiday decorating idea. They also make a great gift idea for that hard to buy someone who appreciates arts and crafts.

A set of 10 medium sized felted acorns in Delica's favorite muted but bright colors. Let's spice up the decoration! Each felted acorns are hand felted using softly spun merino wool and then glued to real acorn caps.

A set of 10 medium sized felted acorns in shades of greens. Each felted acorns are hand felted using softly spun merino wool and then glued to adorable real acorn caps.

Lavender-filled felted acorns for an aromatic space!
Six giant sized felted acorns that are filled with highly fragrant Camphor lavender buds from a farm in Oregon.

To see more of the artist's work, check out Delica Handcrafted Delights on Esty. A newcomer to the handmade scene, Delica creates felted home decor and personal accessories from 100% natural merino wool. Each piece is carefully crafted by hand using full felting, needle felting, and wet felting techniques. Started by an architect-in-training, Delica carries eco-friendly products, such as felted bowls, coasters, placemats, pebbles, jewelry, and vessels. Inspired by nature, Delica plays with color, form and texture.

- post by Stacey

Why Should You Support Small Business and Shop Local?

2011-11-17T11:44:00.000-08:00

With all the recent political battles consumers are hearing a lot about supporting small independent business, "Shop Local" is becoming as popular as "Green is the new Black." Have you ever asked yourself why? Why is it so important? Does it really matter whether you take that stand? The answer is YES!!! Do you know how spending your money at a small business supports and directly affects your local community? During the last few years the retail climate has been challenging for consumers and businesses everywhere. As the price of goods get more and more expensive and people's budgets get tighter and tighter everyone starts to feel the strain. If you already support local and small business do you ever wonder how big of an impact that actually makes? I'm going to use Village Shoes as an example of the impact your spending has.

Here at Village Shoes we have 5 employees, all of whom have been able to maintained their jobs because of you, the consumer. When you spend your hard earned money in our store, you help keep us employed. In turn, we eat lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, buy our groceries in our local co-op, pay our rent, go to the movies, the theater, etc... which then supports all those people who work in those industries. Hopefully that local restaurant buys organic produce from a local farmer which then helps support sustainable organic living, which is better for the planet and our environment and improves the quality of life for future generations. It all has a ripple affect. When you think of it this way, your spending choices are hugely powerful in determining what kind of world we will live in and you make a big statement. The power is in your hands.

American Express has labeled November 26th as Small Business Saturday! They are issuing a $25 credit to those customers who go out and support a local small business and use their Amex on that day. Join the movement and take a stand for the kind of community you want to be a part of!

- Post by Stacey

Winter Will Be Wonderful In Your Wooly Whites

2011-11-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

I think it’s safe to say that many of us need extra support from an orthotic shoe insert, however many of us would rather go without than spend hundreds of dollars on a custom made pair. Thankfully, Superfeet makes an insert that does the job just as well without forcing you into a Top Ramen diet. Superfeet makes inserts for many types of shoes to help support your feet no matter what your choice in footwear.

At first I thought that more cushion in a footbed meant more support, but quickly learned that isn’t the case at all. Superfeet are actually pretty firm for a reason. The type and amount of support below your foot can affect your legs and your back. The hard, structured Superfeet forces your foot to sit correctly within a shoe, resulting in proper alignment which can help prevent or improve heel, knee, hip, and back problems. Much like the strength of a building depends on a solid foundation; your body depends on your feet just as much.

For tight-fitting footwear
Recommended for dress, casual, cleated, and cycling footwear
Slim, ultra-light support for all foot types

For footwear with removable insoles
Recommended for running, hiking, alpine and industrial footwear
Designed to provide maximum shock absorption

For tighter-fitting footwear
Ideal for running, hiking, casual, and cleated footwear
Our most versatile insole for all-purpose footwear

Insoles for long lasting comfort and support in heels 1" or higher
Support and soothe your feet in even the highest heels
Take the pressure off the ball of your foot for the ultimate in comfort and stability

For women's footwear with removable insoles
Ideal for athletic and industrial footwear
Designed to provide maximum shock absorption for running and high-impact activities

For tighter-fitting footwear with an elevated heel
Ideal for hockey skates, figure skates, and road cycling shoes
New Diamond Venting system improves air circulation

For men's footwear with removable insoles
Recommended for running, hiking, alpine, and industrial footwear
Designed to provide maximum shock absorption for running and high-impact activities

Last but not least, the Wooly Whites (pictured at the top) have the same qualities as the Blue Superfeet, except the Wooly White insoles have a 90% Merino wool top cover that helps manage moisture and regulate foot temperature. Using the Wooly White insoles in your boots will add much needed comfort and warmth as the weather turns cold.

post by Amanda

Taste Testing Starbuck's Hot Cocoa

2011-11-08T16:38:00.001-08:00

Now that the weather has turned cold (or depending on your location, “colder”), we are switching to hot drinks. Like many of you, hot chocolate never crosses my mind during the spring or summer, but as soon as a chilly fall breeze swirls my hair around, I find myself craving it. I’m an adult…I should want hot tea or a hot toddy, but no…I want hot chocolate. I like to think of myself as a Nestle’s Mini Marshmallow kinda gal, but you know, since I’m a fancy adult, I think I should try Starbuck’s Hot Cocoa that they recently rolled out with. They have various flavors to choose from such as Salted Caramel, Peppermint, Double Chocolate, and last but not least, the classic, Toasted Marshmallow. Is there a drink accoutrement more exciting than marshmallows? I think not. Actually, hot chocolate with money floating around would be pretty exciting, but until that day, marshmallows earn gold stars.

I decided to put Starbuck’s Toasted Marshmallow hot chocolate to the test. Furthermore, I decided that the rest of the Village Shoes gals should put their two-cents in as well.

Halle, Molly, and I used whole milk and Stacey used almond milk that we purchased steamed at our local coffee shop, Evo’s.

Here are a few of the comments made while sipping the hot chocolate…

“The marshmallows don’t taste toasted.”

“This is a lot of mix for 8oz of milk.”

“This is definitely on the sweet side.”

“These marshmallows are large, but they’re hard and chewy.”

“Maybe use extra milk if you don’t want it to be too sweet.”

“This is super rich and creamy.”

“Almond milk is great to use to keep it vegan since there is no milk in the mix and it tastes f*@#ing good.”

“I’m surprised by the marshmallows because they have the texture of toasted marshmallows.”

Overall, we all agree that it’s better than any of the other hot chocolate packets we’ve had in the past. Give Starbuck’s Hot Cocoa mix a go and let us know what you think.

post by Amanda

Halloween In Ashland 2011

2011-11-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

Isn't her make-up amazing? Me gusta Dios de los Muertos en Ashland, Oregon!

So many people!

How cool is this dog?

Around 15lbs of candy gone in about 30 minutes! (I ate about 4 lbs of it myself...)

My favorite costumes of the day! Their creativity is overwhelming!

Photos by Stacey Larnerd
Post by Amanda

Waterproof Leather Boots from Portugal!

2011-10-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

Bos. & Co. Braga $219

Bos. & Co. Buford $219

I think it’s safe to say that the majority of us want a waterproof boot that doesn’t look waterproof. When I think of a waterproof boot, I think of a shapeless, rubber boot that looks as if I can fit an already shoed-foot into it.

When our new Bos. & Co. waterproof boots arrived, I was pretty surprised to see that they look similar to other fashion boots we have in the store already. The Bos. & Co. boots not only have waterproofed leather, they are also 100% shearling wool lined, giving you added warmth and comfort. By definition, shearling is hide from a recently sheared sheep or lamb that has been tanned and dressed with the wool left on.

These two new boots are here courtesy of Bos. & Co. This company has been family owned and operated since 1976. The Bosco family takes pride in their commitment to developing quality and comfortable footwear that anyone would be delighted to wear. With features like: Soles made from thermo-rubber which remains flexible in cold temperatures, insulated insoles that add warmth and extra comfort, and silicone tanned leather uppers that repel water, not to mention the fabulous fashionable style!

Stop by and try a pair on before the rain, rain won’t go away!

-post by Amanda and Stacey

Around The Garden, Tennis Anyone? and Exploration Of Color

2011-10-16T21:41:00.001-07:00

Around The Garden

Tennis Anyone?

Exploration Of Color

Photos by Stacey Larnerd

Steampunk: This Year's Hottest Halloween Theme

2011-10-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, a woman and her husband came into the store looking for a boot to wear with her Halloween costume. The theme? Steampunk! The husband showed me pictures of their costumes on his phone, and I was amazed. This couple goes ALL OUT and they just happened to walk into our store which has several styles that fit the steampunk look perfectly.

For those of you who have NO CLUE what steampunk is, it’s a sub-genre of science fiction and fantasy, frozen in Victorian-era Britian that incorporates fashion, design, and culture. Steampunk is featured in some films such as Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, Sleepy Hollow, Wild Wild West and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. In these films the anachronistic science fiction prevails and the fantasy is addictive.

As you can see, steampunk fashion is like a mix between Victorian fashion and mechanics:

So, wondering what shoes we have available for Steampunk costumes? Check them out below:

Neosen’s Rococo S795 is the most authentically Victorian shoe I’ve seen in my entire life. The romantic design of the shoe is true to that era. As elegant and ornate as the Late Baroque period, the vintage-inspired Rococo S795 from Neosens is truly a work of art!

Another great steampunk pick is Eric Michael’s Juno boot (only size 36 left in stock!). In fact, a girl once ran into the store and grabbed the boot while yelling, “LOOK AT THIS STEAMPUNK BOOT!!” to her boyfriend.

And lastly, the one that our customer bought, the Khrio 21006 boot that arrived last week. This boot’s complex color and wrap around lace gives the boot a look that makes me believe its wearer is on the go. The almond shaped toe is feminine and looks fabulous peeking through a to-the-floor skirt or dress. Not only does this shoe fit the steampunk bill, it also will look great after Halloween with skinny jeans, or tights and a dress.

For those of you who won’t be going steampunk this Halloween, we have plenty of other styles that will work perfectly with your witch costume, your pin-up girl outfit, pirate getup, and any many more. Have a look! It’ll be October 31^st before you know it!

1st photo courtesy of dailysteampunk.com

2nd photo courtesy of bizarrebytes.com

Post by Amanda

Baby, It's (Going to Be) Cold Outside...

2011-09-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

It seems as if Fall is quickly approaching in Ashland, Oregon. The air in the morning and at night has a crisp chill to it. You second guess leaving the house without a sweater or a jacket. Before we know it, we’ll be bundled up in jackets and scarves and ordering our coffee hot instead of iced.

I normally wind up wearing tights under my pants in the cold months to help seal in my body heat, but this fall/winter I’m going to try Smartwool tights. The wool will definitely help keep me warmer than my traditional nylon tights. One athlete came into the store to purchase our Smartwool tights to wear while cycling for added warmth and also because the tights help wick away moisture and allow the skin to breath, which it typically doesn’t in a synthetic material.

Another trick that some of the girls I work with use is to wear leg warmers under their boots for an extra layer of warmth, and also works to fill any excess space you have in the boot shaft. This looks fantastic with a dress (or skirt), tights, and the leg warmers popping up above the boot to create a layered leg look. In the store, we carry B.ella leg warmers that come in a dark purple and a dark olive green. What’s funny is that customers have also been buying them to use as arm warmers to wear with their short sleeve shirts.

What are some things you do for a little added warmth during the cold months? Share your stories and pictures with us.

-post by Amanda

Why Do So Many People Love Blundstone Boots? We'll Give Give You The Scoop.

2011-09-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

Since 1870, Blundstone has made the toughest no nonsense footwear for rural, work and outdoors. Synonymous with elastic sided boots worldwide, Blundstone Australia sells a wide range of footwear for all sorts of purposes. Blundstone's proud heritage stretches over three centuries and the company continues to be a 100% Australian family owned company based in Hobart, Tasmania.

Working hard on your feet all day can cause serious issues if you have poor footwear. With every step , two to three times your body weight can be directed on to your foot. Poorly designed footwear directly affects workplace fatigue and orthopedic problems in the lower back, legs and feet. These are significant occupational health concerns.

Blundstone is the pioneer in enhancing comfort in work and safety boots. They first developed the patented Shock Protection System (SPS) in their dual density soles across Polyurethane, Nitrile Rubber and Thermo Urethane Polyurethane soles. SPS directly reduces workplace fatigue and orthopaedic problems in the lower back, legs and feet. Since then they have further engineered and improved the performance of their soles with the addition of PORON® and now PORON® XRD™. Blundstone is committed to continuing to enhance the comfort of their boots and support improved foot health. They invest heavily in research and development.

Go anywhere and do everything in the lightweight and durable 500 Boot from Blundstone! Featuring stout brown premium leather uppers with elastic sides which provide a snug fit and an easy on and off and a V cut upper to reduce stitching exposure. A steel shank ensures correct step flex point and assists with stability while an ergonomically engineered toe spring reduces wearer fatigue. Blundstone's sole construction (SPS MAX) is designed to reduce workplace fatigue and orthopedic problems in the lower back, legs and feet. SPS MAX includes a large insert of PORON, the world's most advanced microcellular shock absorbing material under the heel reducing the impact of each step and greatly enhancing underfoot comfort. Fully removable insole. The TPU (thermo polyurethane) outsole is highly resistant to hydrolysis and microbial attack and is oil, acid, and organic fat resistant. Outsole is heat resistant to 284 degrees Fahrenheit.

Now if these aren't the best work boot you'll ever own... we don't know what is! With world renown recognition you can be confident when you buy a pair of Blundstone Boots.

Shop Blundstone's Now!

From Spain, With Love...

2011-08-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

Bringing new shoe lines into the store entails more than placing them on a shelf. With each line that is brought in, many questions come up: Where are they made? How do they dye their leathers? Are they handmade? What message does the company want to send out to its customers? These questions are ALWAYS asked, and as associates, it’s our job to be able to answer these questions and to know the ins and outs of a shoe. We recently introduced three new lines from Spain: Wonders, The Art Company, and Neosens. All three lines are very different in style, and after reading up on the companies and their manufacturing processes, I must say that they’re not just in the business of shoes, they’re in the business of improving the quality of life (as cheesy as that sounds…).

Wonders shoes are handmade in Spain. They believe that fashion shouldn’t compromise comfort. Between the soft leather uppers and rubber sole, they’ve made beautiful shoes that you don’t have to second guess before you leave the house in the morning. They’ve adapted their styles to different countries and cultures to make practical shoes for different regions. I visited their website to learn about their company and found a video that shows women in professional attire walking around the city, riding their bike to work, and sitting on a subway on their way home at the end of their day. Their message is clear: their shoes are designed to carry you throughout your day…no need for an emergency pair of shoes in your purse.

Born in 1995, and soon becoming popular in France, Germany, Holland, England, Italy, and Spain, they knew they were doing it right. The Art Company takes design seriously, but not itself. They believe that nothing gets you further in life than humor and it’s obviously reflected in their line. Their shoes are playful in that they are not afraid of bold colors, unusual prints, and unique structure. Keeping an ear out, they learned that their customers loved to be surprised and that the youthful designs have been embraced all over the world.

Neosens originated in a province in northern Spain called La Rioja, which is known for its wine and of course, its footwear. The inspirations for their designs are pulled directly from the town. The rich reds of their wine and the romance of the town reflect in the historical makeup of their shoes. Also inspired by nature, some of their shoes include an intricate floral design on the heel and sole of the shoe, literally making the shoe beautiful at all angles. Utilizing different leather dying techniques to add depth to the colors used, each shoe is unique. The collection appears to have been conjured up in a daydream the designer had while walking down a beautiful path at twilight.

post by Amanda

photo courtesy of wikipedia

ATTENTION ALL WOMEN WHO WEAR A SIZE 11/42!!

2011-08-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Eric Michael 'Montana' -avail in size 11-$199

I can’t count on my fingers and toes how many times women have come in saying they are just browsing because we don’t have size 11 shoes. After chuckling, I tell them we have a MASSIVE amount of size 11’s, and am half tempted to lead them downstairs to show them the wall that is consumed by shoes their size.

To date, we have 46 pairs of size 11 shoes in stock. If you’re on a hunt for a comfy casual sneaker, we have many different styles of Simple tennis shoes. If you’re looking for a rugged boot, we have the Frye Carson Shortie, Harness 12R, and Carson Pull-On. If you need a practical, everyday dress shoe that can be dressed up or down, we have a gazillion styles of Fidji shoes for you, including my favorite, the E166 style, and my runner-up, the E701. Our Fall of 2011 shipment of Eric Michael included the lovely Esme bootie in two colors.

So, if you wear a US size 11 or a Euro 42, stop by and be surprised by what we DO have in stock for you.

Current brands available in an 11/42:

Groundhog

El Naturalista

Mariana by GOLC

Fidji

Frye

Eric Michael

Simple

Nicole

Matisse

John Fluevog

Worishofer

Hispanitas

Rainbow Sandals

post by Amanda

Yoga? Really? Do I Have To?: Part II

2011-08-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I told you guys that I would report back to let you know what I thought about my very first yoga class experience…

Thursday night I set my alarm to go off at 6:45 am. Friday, I reluctantly got up, turned my alarm off, and checked my phone to see if I had any important messages. There was one message: Yoga has been canceled.

Laughing, I climbed into bed and fell back asleep.

So, I think if anybody asks how yoga went, I think I’m going to tell them it went pretty well…

post by Amanda

photo courtesy of icanhascheezburger.com

Yoga? Really? Do I Have To?

2011-08-02T13:34:00.001-07:00

Twice a week, the girls that I work with move the furniture in the store and have a yoga instructor come to help with their bendiness. The class is at 7:30 am and it’s quite known that I don’t even know my own name at 7:30 in the morning, let alone partake in any activities that involve anything but sleeping. I tried to talk them into a class that involves us lying on yoga mats in the ‘child’s pose’ for about two hours, but none of them seemed to keen on the idea. These people actually enjoy waking up at that hour and doing something good for themselves. I think these people are crazy. That being said, I have my own flavor of crazy going on, so why not join the circus? I shouldn’t knock it until I’ve tried it, so this Friday, I will set the alarm to go off at an ungodly hour, and I will schlep myself to class. I figure worst case scenario, I can put myself into a sitting pose and watch them work out while I snack on a Snickers and sip on an iced coffee.

I will report back on Monday to let you know how it goes. Wish me luck!

photo courtesy of lstock

post by Amanda

The perfect summer treat without the guilt!

2011-07-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

I knew when I started making my own Brazil Nut Milk to add to my morning coffee that I was fully committed to this vegan lifestyle. For years I loved half n half in my coffee, but nothing I found in the grocery store could replace it's creamy texture and beautiful blend with my rich, dark morning brew... until now. Once I conquered that battle, it became a breeze to change the way I ate. I am now, for the most part on a vegan plant based diet and have been for the past 8 months... and I feel better than ever!

How do you stay committed to a strict yet healthy eating plan without going crazy? Meet my new love: Luna and Larry's Coconut Bliss. This yummy non dairy coconut milk wonder has me over the moon! Sweetened with agave syrup it has a low glycemic index which doesn't alter your blood sugar as much a sugar and it's super creamy texture will have your kid's asking, "Are you sure it's not ice cream?"

It's decadent treats like this once and a while that keeps me sane on this path to health and vitality. My favorite flavors so far are Pineapple Coconut and Hazelnut Chocolate Fudge. Grab a pint and let me know what you think! It's a perfect summertime treat. Find your bliss and enjoy!

- post by Stacey

A Brilliant Idea...

2011-07-28T13:28:00.001-07:00

Here is a brilliant idea from one of my favorite bloggers... a do it yourself earring holder! Colorful, vibrant and very creative here is a quick way to solve one of those annoying clutter problems we all face at some point with our jewelry. What I really like about this is that you see all of your jewelry so your more likely to grab a pair you haven't worn in a while... I tend to wear a lot of the same jewelry all the time because I keep my stuff stored away in a case.

If you have any creative ideas like this send us an email and we can post it for our readers! Thanks for listening.

-post by Stacey
photos courtesy of Modish

Eric Michael Boots - Designed To Fit!

2011-07-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

'Juno' by Eric Michael - $209
'Madrid' by Eric Michael - $269
'Tuscany' by Eric Michael - $249

Although it’s only mid July, our current weather in Southern Oregon has me thinking it’s fall. To make matters worse, our fall line of boots is starting to arrive and they are quite lovely. I’m starting to feel content with our cold and rainy summer because if I decide to purchase one of the new beauties I can start wearing it now! Eric Michael boots arrived a few days ago, and what’s really great about this line is the design of the boots. I’m not necessarily talking about the bells and whistles that make the boots beautiful, but the fact that they are designed to be worn by women of all body types.

I have always had a hard time finding a tall boot that looks good on me. I have tiny bird legs, and I’m always swimming in the boot shaft. I find myself falling in love with a boot, but unable to buy it because the shaft is just too baggy on me and looks a little silly. Working at Village Shoes, I come across women who have the same problem as me, but also see women who can’t buy a boot because the shaft is too small for them. The designers of Eric Michael boots did something right when they designed a lot of their tall-shaft boots with a zipper on the side along with a lace up front that allows you to tighten or loosen the shaft to fit. With this kind of option, women with larger calves or very small calves can fit into the same boot.

The Juno, Tuscany, and Madrid boot by Eric Michael all have this option, so the problem won’t be that the boot doesn’t fit right, it’ll be that you have to actually choose one!

post by Amanda

Laurel Denise Jewelry!

2011-07-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

Handcrafted in the USA, these one of a kind pieces are in store now! Come by and check them out! Laurel Denise Jewelry.

who she is:
laurel “lolly” smith, owner and designer of laurel denise.

what she does:
simply put, laurel accessorizes an accessory. she uses her original illustrations and her unique handwriting to create stunning glass and sterling pieces.

why she’s here:
because of a dream.

no, really. in 2005, laurel had a dream and in it she was using new tools and innovative materials to craft the beautiful creations that have since become the distinct and unique laurel denise aesthetic. before that dream, she’d never even heard of some of these tools and never ever thought her life would be filled with jewelry design.

laurel graduated from james madison university in 2003 with a degree in studio art. if you sat down to get coffee with laurel (iced, please, with a little bit of cinnamon), she'd measure her college years by those "late-nights of printmaking", one of her first studio art obsessions. later, laurel lived and worked just outside of new york city, developing what would become laurel denise.

but laurel's tendency towards art and creativity started even earlier than that. her childhood memories are speckled with what she calls "experiments," a favorite of which was on a home-bound snowy day,

"my two sisters, my mom and i decided to paint my niece’s room--i remember sitting on the window sill, painting little fairies inside and out, fading their dresses, giving their hair depth and adding smiles to their faces...i think it was the first time i felt really good at something, like maybe that’s what i was put on earth to do—to create and show love through art."

laurel has been creating her whole life. her vision and motivation behind laurel denise is not simply to make jewelry, but to take what could be considered a “job” and make it into art. laurel wants to take jewelry and turn it into an experience, a story, pieces that can be passed down.

laurel's dedication to her unique and authentic product make wearing her jewelry personal: to wear laurel denise is to know laurel denise, and, hopefully to draw inspiration from her art to yours.

Great Arch Support in a Flip Flop - Rainbow Sandals

2011-07-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

Now that summer has officially arrived, I find myself wearing mostly flip-flops. I’ve been wearing them since I was a kid and they feel just as normal on my feet as a pair of sneakers. Being on my feet all day, I can’t just wear any flip flops…I need something that offers arch support and durability. That being said, Rainbow Sandals are a summer staple of mine.

The founder of Rainbow Sandals, Jay R. Longley, decided to design a sandal of his own after seeing one too many broken flip-flops abandoned on the beach. He developed a special sponge rubber that would mold to a customer’s foot, giving them a customized foot-bed. To ensure that his sandals didn’t wind up broken, littering the sand, he formulated a special glue that keeps the layers together and the straps in place. Jay also kept high and low arches in mind by designing his sandals with various levels of support.

The single-layer arch design is great for those with flat feet or a low arch, and the double-layer arch is a life saver for those with high arches (myself included!). The leather straps are intentionally tight, which allows you to stretch them by wear, creating the perfect fitting strap. Jay guarantees that your Rainbow Sandal with hold up for at least as long as the life of the sole, and thus far, after YEARS of wear, mine are still in tip-top shape.

Don’t take my word for it, try them for yourself. With Rainbow’s guarantee, you have nothing to worry about. They’ll repair your sandals against manufacturing defects which includes delamination, the strap pulling out, or stitching coming apart, before either the top or bottom wears through anywhere into the next layer.

How can you go wrong? Try a pair for yourself today and get walking!

- post by Amanda

Ginger Lemonade Summer Cocktail...

2011-07-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

So I went home last week not feeling great... I decided to take action and juiced fresh Ginger and Lemons and made a homemade Ginger Lemonade concentrate. It was so delicious, refreshing and immune boosting at the same time. A few days later when I was feeling better I concocted a fabulous Ginger lemonade summer spritzer with Vodka. It was amazing and I decided to share my recipe here with all of you... Enjoy and raise a glass for me!

Ginger Lemonade Summer Cocktail
1-2 inches of fresh Ginger
4 Organic Lemons
1/4 cup agave syrup
3 cups Water as needed

Directions:
Juice Ginger and lemons, add agave syrup and add water. This is very concentrated so you may need more sweet or more water depending on how tart it tastes to you.

For the cocktail- add ice, sparkling water and Vodka!

Let me know how you like it!

- post by Stacey

photo courtesy of Liking Lusting Loving

What's Happening at Village Shoes?

2011-06-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

Our A.J. Morgan reader collection is out of control! We have every color, shape, and size known to man. Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but we seriously have so many of them. Stop by our store and check them out! (Readers are for sale in-store only.)

We recently acquired this beautiful table from Bali. It's an old wooden door that was given a new life as a table. Because of the rustic look, our Frye merchandise looks wonderful displayed on it.

Oh, my! Who's that beeeaaautiful girl? Oh, wait...that's me! I spent the morning lowering the prices of our sale shoes! We have boots, oxfords, pumps, MBTs, and more, and some of the shoes are over 50% off. Grab a pair now before they're gone!

...and that's what's happening at Village Shoes!

Elf Mountain Leather Goods at Village Shoes!

2011-06-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Elf Mountain Leather Goods started in 1994 when Dave Summers decided to dedicate his time to leather handcrafting. He initially made his products for friends and family, but thanks to word of mouth, hard work, and dedication, Elf Mountain was officially born in 1996, and has been growing ever since. Dave takes pride in running his company with an old world business philosophy where his customers are life-long because your purchase is meant to last.

According to Dave, finding the leather is half of the art. He looks for unique pieces and typically finds them in Portland and Eugene, Oregon and also uses fine leather out of Napa, California. The leathers are strong and are meant to last a lifetime. He recommends using leather conditioner to keep the bull hide soft, and suggests waterproofing with mink oil and beeswax, and is only a phone call away should you need any repairs. With proper care, your investment in Elf Mountain is something you will be able to enjoy for years and years.

We think these handbags pair nicely with El Naturalista, Frye and many others. Dave is also willing to take custom orders or add special details to one of the bags you see here. Please contact us for more info.

Post by Amanda

What are you reading this summer?

2011-06-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

The ladies at Village Shoes love to read! One of us utilizes the local library, two of us purchase from bookstores, and I purchase books online to download and enjoy using my E-Reader. Now that the weather is warm and lovely, everyone is looking forward to changing their reading venue from indoors to outdoors, and from enjoying hot tea, curled up in a blanket, to sipping iced tea in the shade.

What we are reading:

Amanda:

In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin by Erik Larson "By far his best and most enthralling work of novelistic history….Powerful, poignant…a transportingly true story." -The New York Times

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs “A tense, moving, and wondrously strange first novel. The photographs and text work together brilliantly to create an unforgettable story.” -John Green, New York Times best-selling author of Looking for Alaska and Paper Towns

Stacey:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee "To Kill a Mockingbird is a first novel of such rare excellence that it will no doubt make a great many readers slow down to relish more fully its simple distinction. It passes the test with honors." -Chicago Tribune

Halle:

The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers "The symbols of mythology and legend are all around us, embedded in the fabric of our daily lives, and the Moyers-Campbell dialogues are a welcom guide to recognizing and understanding their meanings." - Cincinnati Post

Mary and the Giant by Philip K. Dick "A retelling of Mozart's Don Giovanni, with Schilling seduced and destroyed by a young woman." -Philip K. Dick

Pursuit of Happiness by Maira Kalman

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller "A dazzling performance that will outrage nearly as many readers as it delights." -The New York Times

Jen:

“I’m reading my textbooks. Those aren’t fun, unless you are into reading about psychosis.” (Jen is currently studying Psychology and is knee deep in textbooks at all times.)

What are you current summer reads?

Post by Amanda

Leaf Leather - Original Works of Art!

2011-06-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Leaf Leather, Inc. is part of the C.L. Whiting Collection. After years of study and countless hours of time, C.L. Whiting discovered the ability to produce tools in the shape of leaves with uncanny microscopic detail. Entire hides are tooled creating an original, one-of-a-kind work of art. With a great respect for nature and acquired knowledge of leather work, C.L. Whiting has personally trained several skilled craftspeople to help with the cutting, sewing, and finishing touches. This enables C.L. Whiting to create more of the beautiful hand tooled hides which are then made into finely detailed, meticulously finished leather goods. These original works of art are sought by fine gift stores, collectors, and notable art galleries across the country.

What I love about these bags... wherever you go you carry an exquisite piece of art with you. After all, isn't this exactly what we love about fashion? It's an expression of ourselves and of the world around us. These bags reflect the beauty of nature in fine detail. The clean lines of the bags themselves are sophisticated and lovely. Hurry and pick up one of these rare pieces before they are gone!

-post by Stacey

Twilight and Filigree - Hand Painted Leather Jewelry Made in Portland Oregon!

2011-06-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

Born from a love of nature and a soul rooted in creativity, Twilight and Filigree was founded by Elizabeth Robinson in 2008. With a background in fashion, costume design, and couture sewing, her strong sense of aesthetics and exquisite craftsmanship shine through on every creation. Her detailed and romantic designs form the basis for Twilight and Filigree: beautiful, charismatic and unique pieces for people like you to enjoy. All Twilight and Filigree products are made in Portland, Oregon.

Hand painted with acrylic paint and finished with a water resistant top coat made from natural ingredients. Sterling silver hardware. Shop Now!

I ♥ Mac n' Cheese!

2011-06-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

I recently was involved in a conversation with a friend about what my favorite and least favorite foods were when I was a child. I realized that not much has changed, which slightly concerns me.

I LOVE macaroni and cheese. It was one of the first “meals” that I was able to make for myself when my mother decided I wouldn’t burn the house down. To this day, it’s the only meal I make for myself consistently. I know, I know, it’s riddled with artificial flavors and preservatives, and I should know better, but I don’t really care. I’m not a huge fan of the pretentious restaurant macaroni and cheese made with real aged cheddar, Gouda, and other fancy cheeses. I don’t like the organic, all natural boxed mac and cheeses out there either. I find them bland in taste and boring in color. Gimme that MSG and bright orange food coloring! From time to time, I stray from Mr. Kraft and I spend some time with Velveeta. When I was younger, my mom used to make Velveeta macaroni and cheese for my brothers and I and we LOVED IT. LOVED IT! If she was feeling especially loving, she’d put ham in it too! She made it for us because it wasn’t time consuming, and it was something we all could agree on. I’ve made Velveeta mac and cheese a few times myself as an adult, but it never tastes as good as my mom’s. Now that I think of it, I’m not sure how happy my mom will be when she reads this and finds out that I like her 20 minute meal more than her intricate lasagna and seafood dishes.

And that bring us to my least favorite meal of hers: chicken cacciatore. When my mom would announce that we were having chicken cacciatore for dinner, I would become enraged. It’s not the sauce that bothered me the most, it was that when she made this meal she would use chicken thighs, legs, wings, and breasts. My mom and dad, being the all powerful adults would get the chicken breasts and my brothers and I were left dealing with skin and fat. I still have a phobia of fat on meat. I’d rather be stuck in a hell where I had to run laps on a track in 4 inch heels for eternity than take a bite of chicken, beef, or pork fat. This is not an exaggeration. It’s not that my mom’s meal tasted poorly, I just couldn’t get past having to work to get to the meat. Long story short, I’m a spoiled brat and I hated this meal as a kid because I didn’t approve of the cut of meat my mother served me, and once again, I’m somewhat concerned with myself because not much has changed, except if I refuse to eat a meal now, I won’t be put in the corner, and I won’t have to eat it for breakfast the next day.

What was your favorite and least favorite meal made for you as a kid? Do you still like/dislike the same foods?

- Post by Amanda
photo courtesy of The Torontoist

What's Your Favorite Color?

2011-05-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

Since an early age, I’ve been a fan of bright, vibrant colors. My mother can attest to this with many colorful stories of me painting her boring, brown dresser with hot pink nail polish, coloring my little brother green with markers, and INSISTING that I wear every fun-colored barrette in my hair at once. Although my color antics have mellowed out a bit, I’m proud that my inner child reflects in my wardrobe. When you’re young, the only rule about color in existence is that you wear a lot of it. It’s simple to go shopping and find a black top that will go with everything. It’s simple to wake up in the morning and put on a grey shirt to go with your black slacks, but why be simple? Sure, red isn’t the best color on me, but who cares? I like it, so I’m going to wear it! I hear women talk about what colors they ‘can’ or ‘can’t’ wear based on their skin tone/what their mother told them about fashion growing up/what their best friend thinks, but what about wearing something solely because you LIKE THE COLOR? There’s nothing wrong with that!

If the idea of a colorful wardrobe scares you, or you prefer neutral colored clothing, why not compliment those tones with a splash of colorful jewelry? A jewelry line that we carry that I’m a major fan of is Nuna and nothing makes my Nuna jewelry pop like a simple black blouse. Nuna’s brightly colored jewelry is fun, lightweight, and eco-friendly. Neon purples, fuchsias, greens, and blues are the perfect colors to pair with a more professional looking wardrobe or outfit.

If you aren’t familiar with Nuna jewelry, it’s handmade in Florida using imported Tagua (tah-gwa) nuts from Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. The Tagua palm tree produces a lovely seed (that is compared to ivory) that can ‘skinned’, polished, and dyed; all done without deforestation and disturbing the surrounding wildlife. Many South American communities are partially supported by locals searching forest floors for fallen Tagua seeds. Overall, I support their color palate, and definitely I support the way they do business-it’s a win/win!

Ladies, we satiate our coffee fix in the morning, our chocolate fix in the afternoon, so why not allow ourselves to get our color fix? As a child we were constantly asked what our favorite color is, and we always had at least one answer. It’s time we ask ourselves that question again, and wear our picks proudly!

- Post by Amanda
photo courtesy of Second String Swap

Where Do You Keep Your Inspiration?

2011-05-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

I came across a great site today called We Heart It and simply put, according to them... it's where you keep your inspiration. We Heart It lets you create an online image gallery (a heart) with your favorite images and videos from the sites you love. You can organize and categorize the images for viewing them back later, and find images "hearted" by other users.

These are just a few of my favorite photos I found while scrolling through thousands of images. Now I want to bust out my camera and get the creative juices flowing again. Enjoy!

- Post by Stacey

Spring Has Sprung Here at Village Shoes!

2011-05-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

Spring has officially sprung here at Village Shoes! We had fun re-decorating yesterday... doors and windows are open, cool breezes are blowing in and we have fabulous finds for the warmer weather. Our dedicated sales team is here to help you find the perfect pair of shoes or accessory for any occasion... and let's face it ladies, do we really need a special occasion to buy a new pair of shoes? No. Sometimes it just feels good. Come on by, our couch is always open.

A Shoe For All Seasons...

2011-04-25T16:07:00.001-07:00

This adorable peep toe lace up bootie from Chocolate Negro is to die for! The 50194 is the employee pick of the week here at Village Shoes because it's a shoe for all seasons. The versatile design of the shoe can be worn barefoot in warm weather with a summer dress, or during the winter with tights and leggings as pictured. The peep toe is perfect for showing off your manicured summer toes or for showing off your fun, colorful tights. The warmth of the brown leather and the perforated details compliment the fantastic fit and unbelievable comfort. I'm serious! These shoes are a must have for those who want a sexy look with uncompromising style.
With supple leathers and meticulous craftsmanship, Chocolate Negro's Portuguese beauties are bound to have you wanting more!

Make That Shoe Fit!

2011-04-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Amanda here! I’ve decided to come out to the world about a little problem that has been plaguing me for years: my left foot is a half size smaller than my right. There. I said it. A size 6 shoe fits wonderfully on my right foot, however not so much on my left. My left foot prefers to be adorned by a size 5.5. Who knew? I didn’t until I measured my foot using one of those nifty foot measuring contraptions (technically referred to as the ‘Brannock Device’) that can be found in any shoe department/store, and it all became clear to me. I’ve always had a hard time keeping a size 6 shoe (heels, especially) on my left foot. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to walk in a 4 inch platform pump that wants to fall off your foot? It’s awful! However, there is an easy solution: Foot Petals!

Foot sliding forward in sandals: Does your foot push forward leaving a huge gap in the back and your toes hanging ten? Try Tip Toes made by Foot Petals. They’ll stop your feet from sliding forward and also provide a little extra cushion for the ball of your foot, which is extra nice in higher heels that lack a supportive foot-bed.

Foot slips out of the back of a heel: Try Heavenly Heelz made by Foot Petals. By inserting this cushion higher up on the back-of-heel area, it’ll keep your heel from sliding out and provide an extra cushion. This cushion can also be used on the inside of shoes with straps that are too big. They’ll take up extra space and prevent friction.

Overall snugger fit: Use Killer Kushionz by Foot Petals. It’s a full insole that adds overall support, stops feet from sliding forward, and will give you a slight lift in your shoe which could prevent awkward ankle rubbing on some shoes. Killer Kushionz can be teamed up with Heavenly Heelz, and can help make a shoe fit that would not without it!

With these three products made by Foot Petals, I have been able to make many of my heels fit wonderfully that otherwise would not. Keep these products in mind before you completely write off an awesome pair of shoes!

Photo courtesy of Eva K. Salvi.

Smoldering Sexiness For The Urban Woman

2011-04-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

If you want sophistication and comfort with all that you love about European quality, the new Spring line from Hispanitas is for you! With uncompromising style these three new shoes embody something for everyone.

The simple and classic look of a plain luxuriously soft leather pump, the elegant and perfectly pretty black sling back shoe every woman should have in her closet and the smoldering sexiness of a red dress shoe that absolutely goes with anything!

Hispanitas brings together beauty and quality while keeping the daily needs of the modern urban woman in mind.

Go ahead and treat yourself to something special... you deserve it!

One minute it's sunny... and the next...

2011-04-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

It's springtime here in Ashland and the trees are busting with new little flowers... I love how in spring all of nature seems so happy to feel the warmth coming back, including us. Oregon is amazing this time of year... one minute it's sunny and gorgeous and the next it could be snowing or raining. If you're coming up this weekend for the Ashland Independent Film Festival... don't forget to come prepared for anything!

Hope to see you this weekend enjoying great films, great shoes, great food and lot's of fun!

- Village Shoes

Super Fly: Fly London Shoes from Portugal!

2011-04-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

Dreamy Escapes...

2011-03-30T09:26:00.001-07:00

I love dreaming of far away places to escape to and one day, God willing I hope to be able to travel more and experience the beauty of the world around us... until then I'll stay inspired by some of the great finds on the internet like these two places I found on Miss Moss Blog.

- Post by Stacey

Brazil's Sizzling Colors for Spring...

2011-03-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Add a splash of color to your spring wardrobe with sizzling hot styles by Mariana by GOLC! Whether you're a working woman on the go or simply someone whose looking for a comfortable dress shoe, these two styles are some of our favorites. You'll be amazed by how soft and luxurious the leathers feel against your skin. Made in Brazil. Shop Now!

Sandal-ous Recipes from the Shoe Chefs!

2011-03-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

The newest arrival from Matisse has us quite inspired here at Village Shoes! A lot of our accessories and handbags seem to compliment these beauties extremely well. When Jen and I first laid eyes on these three, we instantly began talking about what clothes we have hanging in our closets that would look amazing combined with these shoes and other goodies we have in our store. Luckily, we thought to take pictures of what we picked out from our store to match the heels, and want to share the scrumptious ideas we cooked up!

three quarter sleeve cream blazer
1 eggplant colored top
1 purple scalloped clutch
1 pair of dark denim skinny jeans
1 pair of Matisse Billie heels
1 Nuna Grass necklace
1 pair of leather wrapped hoop earrings

Mix well, and top it all off with 2-3 of your favorite martinis and a dash of sass!

1 pair of high waisted nautical wide legged jeans
1 buttery yellow silk blouse with a neck bow
1 citrus Nuna tagua nut bracelet
1 fossil leaf bracelet
1 tangerine leather crossbody bag
1 pair of espresso Matisse Swift heels

We like this delicious outfit blended with whipped cream on top!

1 apple green maxi dress
1 chunky blueberry bracelet
1 pair of banana fiber earrings
1 pair of chocolate Matisse Liam platforms
1 tropical Maya Moon scalloped bucket bag

Enjoy this sweet and earthy concoction with your spring fling!

- Post by Amanda and Jen

El Naturalista's 8 Hour Shoe!

2011-03-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

Being an employee at Village Shoes requires: A. wearing our adorable footwear and B. wearing them while running up and down stairs and standing all day! It was a sad day when I realized that my 4 inch platform pumps weren’t the ideal shoe for my line of work. Thus far, I have slowly built up my Village Shoes collection and have categorized them by work-shift length: 8 hours vs. 4 hours. Classifying a shoe using the 8 or 4 hour method is something we shop girls like to use to know whether or not we should bring a pair of back-up shoes along depending on how long we’ll be at work that day.

My black Simple Carat tennis shoes I can comfortably wear throughout the duration of my 8 hour shift which is to be expected considering they have a super padded foot-bed and a recycled tire-tread outsole. I find that they’re a lovely vegan alternative to a more traditional sneaker.

Although El Naturalista’s N763 Dome pump has a 3 inch heel, I felt sweet relief when I tried them on for the first time after wearing a pair of (non-Village Shoes) boots all day. These gorgeous pumps have an incredibly comfortable insole and a hidden platform that makes you feel as if you’re walking on a bed of pillows while giving you the height of a higher heel. The round toe on the pump allows your toes to relax and lay naturally in the shoe. These heels were designed so well and feel so comfortable, my co-workers and I have decided that the N763 Dome pump is worth every penny, and in my opinion is an 8 hour shoe. Who doesn’t want a sexy, yet functional shoe?

A great example of a 4 hour shoe would be Mariana by GOLC’s Samantha dress shoe. We have noticed that this is a favorite of local dancers because it’s sexy enough to wear with a beautiful cocktail dress, practical with its 2 ¾ inch heel, and has a smooth bottom which gives you the look and function you want without compromising your dance floor twirls. On the other hand, a co-worker of mine, Jen, wears hers to work when the weather’s nice and has no problem running around all day. Some of us are braver than others!

If you’re a busy lady who runs around all day, or works on your feet, you’ll find that you can look in your closet and classify your shoes in the same way. We all have shoes that we can tango all day in, and some we only sashay in for about 5 hours until we wish we threw some flats in our purse before we left home for the day. I’m a lucky girl to be able to work at a shoe boutique that carries shoes that can meet everyone’s needs (including mine)!

- Post by Amanda

The Oregon Tiger Sanctuary - A safe haven for abused, neglected and abandoned exotic animals.

2011-03-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

The Oregon Tiger Sanctuary (OTS) is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of exotic and endangered species. Created as a safe haven for abused, neglected and abandoned exotic animals, OTS provides a permanent and loving home to many species including tigers, lions, black leopards, cougars, a wide variety of primates as well as numerous domestic dogs and cats. OTS is also dedicated to educating the human species about the endangered ones of our planet and the issues they face in captivity and in the wild.

In December of 2010, Village Shoes donated to help in the rescue of Atti, a lioness in desperate need of a new home. See how she is doing today!

OTS has been recognized by the USDA as a model animal rescue facility with over twelve full time volunteers on staff. Today the Sanctuary is devoted to its vision of a world where animals are treated with respect and its Mission is to provide a safe and loving home for the animals in our care and to stop the flow of animals needing sanctuary by educating the public about the plight of these animals and supporting stronger laws to protect them.

Join us in our efforts to support and help this incredible foundation continue to care for and feed these precious animals.

Ways you can help: There are many ways to contribute to the rescue and care of Exotic Animals at the Oregon Tiger Sanctuary. Please include OTS in your gift giving and generous support. The Oregon Tiger Sanctuary is a federally registered 501c3 tax-exempt non-profit corporation and as such your contributions may be tax deductible. To find out more you can contact them directly at the Oregon Tiger Sanctuary.

All contributions (100%) to the Oregon Tiger Sanctuary are used for the rescue and care of its wild animal residents.

Please Donate Now!

A Swedish Clog Like No Other...

2011-02-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

These awesomely inked Swedish clogs are a custom pair of art shoes illustrated by pen and ink artist Halle Riddlebarger for Kerry Alonzo, one of the fabulous sales associates here at Village Shoes! Drawn in black india ink on the white leather upper of a wooden clog, this pair features a variety of abstract designs and images from the artist's imagination.

Want your own pair of art shoes? The artist uses black india ink that is fadeproof & waterproof and she can draw on any light colored, smooth leather shoe. Contact her at halle@village-shoes.com for details.

Handmade Paper Valentines by the Ladies of Village Shoes!

2011-02-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

Come by and see our paper curtain we made for the month of February! Each tile is made by hand from craft paper by all of us here at Village Shoes... who knew we are all so crafty!

A special thanks to Stacey, Halle, Jen, Kerry and Kayla for your fabulous contributions to our art project. Wishing everyone a Happy Valentines Day, from our heart to yours.

- Village Shoes

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T08:02:00.000-08:00

Found these pictures on one of my favorite blogs Love Nordic Design. I think this unbelievable architectural masterpiece is a place you can stay, like a villa... How cool and very romantic! So in the spirit of Valentine's day, here's to dreaming of far away places and interesting spaces...

Villa Vals by Christian Müller Architects.

- Post by Stacey

Shameless Love - New Jewelry Just In Time For Valentine's. Handmade In Portland!

2011-02-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the world of Betsy and Iya! Where size matters, poetry counts, color rules, and Tim Burton makes the clasps. (Just kidding about the Tim Burton part.) 100% Handmade in Portland, Oregon. We introduce you to the Shameless Love Collection... with Valentine's sweetness is in the air, this collection speaks for itself. Adorable and fun these whimsical pieces are a great addition to your everyday collection.

Shop all Betsy and Iya Jewelry Now!

A Must Have Shoe For Valentines - John Fluevog's Malibran in Dark Red!

2011-01-26T07:47:00.000-08:00

Like a fine Cabernet, this shoe is the creme de la creme of Fluevog's... in a luscious dark red wine colored Baccarat leather upper, this shoe could possibly be the most functional and comfortable Fluevog ever! Perfect for your Valentine wish list don't ya think?

Not a traditionalist you say? New this year, meet the Elif, a mary jane heel with a flattering asymmetrical strap. Featuring soft grey and violet analine leather uppers with contrasting pink piping. Built on the iconic hourglass heel with a rubber F-Sole for the ultimate traction, durability and comfort. This shoe is sure to have heads turning.

A Healthy Winter Cocktail To Rev Up Your Immune System

2011-01-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

Morning Juice: 2 large Grapefruit, 2 medium Beets, 1" of Ginger, 1/2 a Lemon. Add a dash of Cayenne and 20 drops of Milk Thistle for a healing liver cleanse. Yummy! Spicy and sweet.

*recipe courtesy of the book "refresh" by Ruth Tal with Jennifer Houston

I've been doing a lot of juicing since the first of January. It really helps keep the immune system pumping and it's so healthy for you. This recipe above was one I discovered years ago and have loved it ever since. Juicing is a great way to get in the vital nutrients of veggies. If you're a juice lover like I am you have to try this.

-Post by Stacey Larnerd

The Photography Work of Harper Smith

2011-01-16T08:12:00.001-08:00

I don't know much about Harper Smith, but I absolutely love these photographs. There is a softness to them that envelops you. He captures both the beauty of the women and the beauty of nature so well. Lovely.

Etsy Find: Waterrose, Hand Embroidered Gems!

2011-01-13T07:43:00.001-08:00

Hand Embroidered Fashion Accessories by Waterrose, Phoenix , Arizona

I fell in LOVE with these beautiful 100% handmade cuffs, necklaces and what have you when I stumbled upon them. Made right in the good old USA.

If you need a great Valentine idea, think about giving that special someone a unique gift that is sure to be one of their favorite accessory pieces.

-Post by Stacey

Winter Clearance Sale!!!! Shop Now and Save

2011-01-12T11:55:00.001-08:00

It's been freezing cold here in Ashland, so just to add a little cayenne spice to life we've marked down a huge assortment of winter shoes and boots! Hey... maybe the sun will make an appearance and you'll get that warm and fuzzy feeling, grab a latte and head on down to scope it out!

At least it's warmer today and for that we are all thankful.

Spring styles have already begun to arrive, so if you're going to be doing any winter traveling... say to Hawaii (you lucky dog!) or on some Mexican cruise, don't forget your shoes.

One good pair of Espadrille's can take you a long way on a grand vacation.

Worishofers - Making Headlines!

2011-01-10T12:52:00.001-08:00

Worishofers have become a huge hit among stylish Americans. Celebrities like Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Michelle Williams as well as other savvy women
on the street have got these
German orthopedic sandals making headlines!

Even the CBS Early Show highlighted how to wear them!
They call them: Fashion's Newest Must-Have: "Granny Shoes"

If you haven't bought yourself a pair yet, what are you waiting for? Ranging from $59-$79 at a super affordable price, this
comfort shoe is bound to become one of your
favorite go-to's this spring.

Shop all Worishofers now at
www.village-shoes.com and Save with No Sales Tax!

Espadrilles - A Classic Wardrobe Staple

2011-01-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Espadrilles have been made in Spain as early as in the 14th century.

Until the mid-1960s, no one had ever put a heel on an espadrille before, then came a designer named Yves Saint Laurent. He came to a company called Castañer in Spain and asked them to produce a pair of espadrilles with a high heel. Leave it to a fashion designer to take a peasant class shoe and turn it into luxurious fashion footwear.

Born from that are the Espadrilles of today, now considered a classic wardrobe staple. Go from the beach to the dance floor in style.

* History info courtesy of retrovintageshoes.com

Shop New Espadrilles Arrivals Now!

A Great Video by The Frye Company...

2011-01-06T17:46:00.000-08:00

Frye Boots are by far one of our favorite brands at Village Shoes. With sexy sophistication and a hint of the rugged outdoors, their boots are timeless. We often have women coming into the store saying that they still have a pair of Frye boots from back in the 70's and now their daughter's are wearing them! Tells us which Frye Boot is your favorite style? You never know, we just might bring them in for Fall 2011. A girl or boy can dream can't they?

Shop Frye now at village-shoes.com

Color Comparisons from Miss x Moss Blog

2011-01-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

I found these images from Miss x Moss blog this morning and had to post them! They are stunning, and remind me that there are endless possibilities when it comes to being artistic. Plus, the bright and vivid colors cheered me up on this winter's day.

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do. - post by Stacey

Happy New Year 2011!

2011-01-01T11:02:00.001-08:00

photos by Stacey Larnerd

As we settle into our deep winter here in Oregon, all of us at Village Shoes wish each and everyone of you a Happy New Year! May you and your families be blessed with health, prosperity, love, joy and many gifts in the coming New Year.

Thank you for being a part of our lives.

The Gift Of A Safe And Happy Home For Atti

2010-12-22T17:41:00.000-08:00

Meet Atti, the lioness... She is being rescued and brought to Oregon. Her compound recently declared bankruptcy and Village Shoes donated to help transport her and give her a

good home at the Oregon Tiger Sanctuary.

The best present anyone can have is a safe home and a loving family, and she couldn't ask for a better place to relocate. The highly respected Oregon Tiger Sanctuary, is a safe haven for abused and neglected exotic and endangered animals and was founded in 1991. OTS was established to enhance the lives of these majestic beings. Lovingly cared for by an all volunteer staff, almost 50 exotic animals including lions, tigers, black leopards, cougars, snow leopards, as well as a variety of primates, call the Oregon Tiger Sanctuary home. The Oregon Tiger Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is dedicated to educating the human species about the endangered ones of our planet. OTS also assists in the creation of guidelines and intelligent legislation for the compassionate retirement of exhibition exotics and other animals used in motion pictures, zoos, and educational programming.

May this Holiday be filled with joy and peace to all living beings, including these precious animals that evoke mystic and awe when you have had the privilege to be near them.

They still need to raise $500 more to transport her.

If you want to help with her rescue or her care, please

contact Rob Nagato-Needleman.

Flower Dresses and Paper Curtains

2010-12-19T10:35:00.000-08:00

Love this photo! It reminds me of how great it is to be a woman.

Photo by Sohomade

Paper Lace Curtain photo by Oh Joy!

I love, love, love this idea for a spring window display! Full of light and air and very whimsical... I'm dreaming of creating something good... stay tuned sometime in March.

Something To Lift Your Spirits

2010-12-18T09:13:00.001-08:00

Photos by Postcards From Far Away

Sweet Pairings...

2010-12-12T21:01:00.001-08:00

Alessia Dress by Toast paired with J Shoes Spur Boot

Moleskin Promenade Coat by Toast
paired with J Shoes Dreamer Boot

Sheeba Skirt by Toast paired with Frye Boot Jane Stitch

Christmas Inspirations From Norway...

2010-12-12T12:51:00.001-08:00

Photos by Love Nordic Design Blog

Hot Trend! Pamela Love's Talon Cuff

2010-12-11T19:23:00.000-08:00

Photos by Jak & Jil Blog and Pamela Love

Love, love this edgy jewelry designer! It's awesome to see someone taking risks and breaking out of the ordinary. It's urban and gritty. Snakes, Skulls and Claws... Oh My!

Village Finds on Etsy: Reagan Hayhurst

2010-12-10T00:56:00.000-08:00

Handmade Jewelry and Mixed Metal Designs

by Reagan Hayhurst

Sixties Fashion... Reflections From The Past

2010-12-08T09:14:00.000-08:00

Images from Child of the Moon, and Fashion Heroins

It might be cold out, but you still need to walk the dog...

2010-12-04T09:46:00.000-08:00

Who could resist that face? Not me. Meet Lucky, one of my dogs. Smart and full of energy. He loves his morning and evening walks... no matter the weather. So I strap on my sneakers and away we go... If you have a canine companion, one of the best ways to increase your workout while simply walking with them is to grab a pair of MBT's. They are medically proven to strengthen & tone muscles in the feet, legs, buttocks, stomach and back.
They also increase muscle activity & circulation.

Shop all MBT styles at village-shoes.com

Gifts For Him... Great Holiday Gift Ideas For The Man In Your Life!

2010-12-01T08:15:00.001-08:00

Men's Beat Messenger Bag by Espe is a great way to keep him organized.
Only $79

Stuff his stocking with these Men's Cashmere blend
argyle socks by B.ella and his feet will love you for it!
Only $16

Penguin's Mink Oil will help those motorcycle boots
stay clean and waterproof!
All the better to take you for a ride with...
Only $6

J Shoes Men's Byron is a refined mid-cut boot with a stylish tapered last!
Sophisticated and handsome, you'll love him in these.
Now On Sale! Only $159

SmartWool's Men's Corduroy sock
will quickly become his favorite pair to wear.
Only $18.95 SOLD OUT!

Give him the gift of health this year with MBT's Tembea casual shoe. Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) benefits are: Strengthens & tones muscles in the feet, legs, buttocks, stomach and back. Increases muscle activity, circulation and much more!
On Sale Now! Only $199

Winter Markdowns - Shop Now and Save!

2010-11-29T17:04:00.001-08:00

Mia Limited Edition "Combat" Now Only $169!

Kelsi Dagger "Dorothy" Now Only $99!

Mia "Trail" Now Only $149!

Matisse "Georgia" Now Only $189!

Menbur "004245" Now Only $109!

J Shoes "Jazzy" Now Only $119!

Nicole "Aglow" Now Only $119!

Shop all Winter Shoes and Boots On Sale Now!

Espe - 100% Cruelty-Free and Animal-Friendly Products

2010-11-23T15:21:00.000-08:00

New whimsical and flirty wallets by Espe are in store now! Affordable, adorable and functional... these make great Holiday Gift ideas and stocking stuffers!

Tease Wallet only $24 !

Soul Wallet Only $24!

Mood Wallet Only $24!

Sing Wallet Only $29!

Adorn Wallet Only $29!

ESPE was dreamt up in Toronto, Canada by a team of creative women who debuted their first collection in Spring 2005. Each ESPE product is designed using an array of innovative fabric and materials, a blend of artistic styles, and polished talent to produce unconventional, everyday wallets, bags, and accessories. The ESPE collection is 100% cruelty-free and animal-friendly products.

Shop all Espe Wallets Now at village-shoes.com

Nature By Hand - Handmade in Uruguay

2010-11-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

Replicating the time honored sacred spiral,
this choker imitates nature's simplicity!
Handcrafted hammered aluminum keep this snaking spiral
pendant super lightweight. Only $49

Nature by Hand was inspired and founded by Celia Fagotti in 2004 with the intention of creating value using renewable natural resources, in an environment-conscious manner.
The goal is to provide exclusive stylish products with each unique piece
handmade in Uruguay by craftswomen.

KCP28 Earrings mimic the natural ebb and flow of a river! From the Tchai Collection designed by Veronica Artagaveytia, these hammered aluminum earringsare lightweight and unique!
Only $49

Nature by Hand's R14 Ring spirals into a flower shape for a feminine appeal! From designer Veroninca Artagaveytia's Tchai Collection.
Hammered aluminum ring is on an adjustable band. Only $29

Nature by Hand has provided jobs to more than one hundred women who are able to perform their jobs without leaving their home, thus giving needed attention to their children and helping with their family's income.

Shop all Nature By Hand designs at village-shoes.com

Echo's Super Chunky Neck Ring

2010-11-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

Snuggle into Echo's luxurious Super Chunky Neck Ring and you'll stay warm and cozy this season! Functional and delightfully chic, this chunky mobius ring will keep out the cold while still keeping you looking great, even in the coldest of weather. Makes an excellent gift idea for any fashionista.

Echo is as diverse in its color palette and patterns as it is rich in its family heritage and history. In 1923, Echo was the first brand name ever printed on a scarf. Today, Echo continues to push boundaries in print, pattern, color and design. Echo's fusion of beautiful design and strong family values was formed over 85 years ago and is united by a passion for the aesthetic joys of life.

Shop all Echo scarves now at village-shoes.com!

Coleen's Trees & Birds

2010-10-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

"Trees & Birds" is a custom pair of art shoes illustrated by pen and ink artist Halle Riddlebarger for Coleen, an awesome Village Shoes customer from North Carolina. Drawn in black india ink on a white leather pump, this pair features trees reaching up from the base of the heel and birds in flight on each toe.

Want your own art shoes? The artist uses black india ink that is fadeproof & waterproof and she can draw on any light colored, smooth leather shoe. Contact her at halle@village-shoes.com for details.

New Eco Resin Jewelry from Canada

2010-10-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

Fossil Leaf Cuff Indigo $39

Fossil Leaf Earring Indigo $29

Seaweed Earrings $29

Seaweed Cuff $39

Banana Fiber Cuff $39

dconstruct jewelry is created by Lisa and Sean Reico, two Winnipeg, Manitoba based artists. Their jewelry is inspired by their love for and interest in minimalist design and modern architecture. dconstruct uses 40% recycled resin and concrete to create very unique pieces. dconstruct is carried throughout Canada, including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the National Gallery of Canada.

Shop all dconstruct jewelry now!

Halle's Art is Studied in New Zealand...

2010-10-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Our very own Pen and Ink Artist Halle Riddlebarger was contacted recently by a teacher in New Zealand who had been following her career online from our website and blog. Her class of art students were studying Halle's art shoes and were given a project of their very own. She sent us pictures of some of the great creations they came up with and we wanted to share them with you!

Congrats kid's on a job well done! The shoes look great and we love them. Keep up the good work! - The Village Shoes Crew

How Hand Made Are Fluevogs?

2010-09-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

Want Waterproof Without The Rain Boot?

2010-09-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

Want something waterproof that's not a rain boot? Simple Shoes brings you three styles to please your quirky style and practical sense of mind.

Shop from a great selection of Simple Shoes now at village-shoes.com

A Happy Customer In Her New Fluevog's

2010-09-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

"I love these shoes, they feel like they were made for my feet..." wrote Leslye J when she sent us an email with this fun picture of her in her new Alli Fluevogs!

Looking good Leslye! We're glad you're happy with your smart purchase. Thanks for your support! - Village Shoes

Never Under-Estimate The Power Of Sexy!

2010-09-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

Many of us have given up vanity for comfort, but let's face it ladies... we all want to feel sexy. Sometimes it's just what the doctor ordered. So if you're in need of a little fashion pick me up... check out our newest line called Menbur! Menbur blends fantasy with elegance and femininity, turning each style into an exclusively designed article for all kinds of special occasions.

Shop Now! at village-shoes.com

Annette's Geometric Pumps

2010-08-19T15:14:00.001-07:00

"Geometric Pumps" are a custom pair of art shoes illustrated by pen and ink artist Halle Riddlebarger for Annette, a geometry teacher from Sacramento, California. From tessellations and tangents to angles and triangles, this pair will give you a brief lesson in geometry!

Want your own art shoes? The artist uses black india ink that is fadeproof & waterproof and she can draw on any light colored, smooth leather shoe. Contact her at halle@village-shoes.com for details.

Frye Carmen Harness Short in Sexy Grey!

2010-07-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

Smoking hot boots... built to last... grab them before they're gone! Frye's Carmen Harness Short is a classic boot with a modern spin! This mid calf boot has all the traditional lines you love with antiqued silver studs, quality stitching, and hand-worked vintage tumbled dusty grey leather. Full leather lining and leather outsole with a stable stacked heel.

Only $298 at village-shoes.com
Plus save with No Sales Tax and Free Shipping!

Purple Rain

2010-07-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

There will be no purple rain in your forecast
when your wear the Dorothy by
Kelsi Dagger! Soft, dusty suede uppers in a rich shade of burgundy are complimented by an adorable almond shaped toe and ruffle detail around the ankle. This high heel bootie has
a sexy full back zipper for easy on and off.

This shoe boot is quite versatile. It would look wonderful worn with skinny gray jeans and a simple tee or tank for a casual day look. Pump up the volume with a flirty short skirt in a bright floral print, wide belt, and silky top for a sultry summer night out. The Dorothy bootie will take you well into Fall as you experiment with color and textures to make this a go-to in your footwear collection!
Only $119 at village-shoes.com