An Interview with the Owner of Village Shoes

It's time to put Stacey on the spot and make her answer some damn questions!

What inspired you to purchase Village Shoes in 2009?

I had already worked for the company for many years. I had poured my blood, sweat, and tears (literally) into the place. Since I was a young adult, I had wanted to own my own business, so when the previous owner decided to sell Village Shoes, I wanted to buy it. It was a business I knew very well, had been managing for years, and already doing the buying for, so I had confidence that I could succeed and continue to make the business grow. 

How do you decide what new lines to carry?

It all depends on what jumps off the shelves when Halle and I are at market. When you are at a trade show, there is so much to look at that it's easy to get overwhelmed. I have found through the years, that my gut reaction to a shoe is always spot on. If Halle or I love it, chances are that our customers will feel the same way. Working with the customers on the sales floor helps me as a buyer to really understand what people are looking for, what they like and don't like, and then each season we can approach buying with a fresh perspective. 

If you had to pick only one, which brand would you wear for life? Why?

If I had to pick one, it would probably be El Naturalista. Their shoes are so comfortable while still providing so much style. They’re perfect for the Pacific Northwest gal. They’re durable in the cold weather, and depending on your style you can still dress them up. They’re very bohemian chic. I also love that they are eco-friendly with their veggie tanned leather uppers, all recycled packaging, and more. Ashlanders really get behind a product like this.

 

What is your favorite shoe of all time and why?

That's a hard one, but I would have to say Fidji. They are consistently beautiful with their styles and they use amazing Italian leathers. I don't know how they do it, but they are also incredibly comfortable, so it's really a great combination of things. I love it when people try them on because they always sigh and look at me, and say, "They're soooo comfortable!" They can't believe it and I always love that. Plus, it's a shoe you know you’re going to have for many years and wear a lot. They’re a good investment.

Looking back, do you have a pair of shoes that you owned and loved that makes you shake your head in embarrassment now? 

The girls always made fun of me for my Kumfs that I wore for years. I never thought they were that ugly, and I really loved how comfortable they were, but I retired them a few years ago. I think they were a little too mature for me at my age. My look is a bit more fun these days.

You and Halle just went on a buying trip to Vegas. What trends do you think we’ll be seeing next Spring?

Suede for Spring. Lots of neons mixed with grey. Cobalt blues blended with chartreuse. Lots of bold pops of color. Wedges are going to be still going strong, and I'm happy to say that gladiator sandals are gone, baby! Fringe is on its way out too, which is also a good thing. Spring 2013 is probably one of the most exciting spring collections I've seen in years. I'm already anticipating their arrival, and by February we'll be happy to see some color and warmth coming into the store.  

What is one trend that you wish we wouldn’t be seeing next Spring?

The one trend I hate seeing on the runway is knee high gladiator sandals. I hope that trend goes away very soon, but don't worry! You won't see them at Village Shoes! They’re not a very practical choice for us here in Oregon. 

post by Amanda

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Employee Favorites

Well, Fall inventory is arriving at Village Shoes and us gals have been going ape over it! We would like to share our favorite arrivals thus far with you...


Amanda:

This boot, the Paige Trapunto by Frye $348, is seriously comfortable. At 5'2", I really need to be careful what height of boot shaft I go with...too high and it could make me look like I'm a baby wearing my dad's boots, and too low, I could look stumpy. This boot falls inches below my knee and over time it will slouch a little. I'm happy I was able to snag my size!

I've had my eye on Roana by Tsubo $120 since it came in. Honestly, who can't use a simple black ballet flat? They look great with everything, they're comfortable enough, and they give a classic, feminine look.

And finally, my baby, Lena by Eric Michael $179. I love, LOVE, love this boot and want it so badly, but we can't always get what we want. This boot is sold out in my size and not a day goes by that I don't go through my wardrobe imagining how freaking fantastic I would look in this. Mr. Eric Michael, please have a heart and send me this boot in a size 36. PLEASE! 

Halle:

Halle totally has a thing for El Naturalista, so naturally she loves the N153 Iggdrasil $300. It's insanely comfortable and the wool lining guarantees your toes will be warm throughout the chilly part of the year. 

Here's another El Naturalista...the N868 Solar $280.  This one is pretty versatile in that it would look cute with skirts, jeans...whatever. Halle loves herself a green shoe too...doesn't surprise me this one's on her radar.

Just try this shoe on.  Cam2 by Chocolat Blu $109. Just do it.  I don't think anybody can deny its comfort, including Halle.  I have a feeling I'll see her wearing this one soon.

Cat:

The Afton 14 by Gomax $79 will look fantastic with Cat's dress collection. The heel is broad, making height less of a chore, and in a goldish-taupey hue, they will probably look good with a lot of her wardrobe.

It's always a good idea to invest in a nice stompin' around boot, and Cat went with Juno by Eric Michael $209 to jump start her fancy boot collection. We think she chose well.

Stacey:

Oslo 0501 by The Art Company $225 came in yesterday, and Stacey may or may not have drooled. Like all shoes from Art, they have a rubber sole making them a bit more comfy than your average high heeled shoe. It fits nicely around the ankle and I imagine it will look nice with everything from jeans and a t, to tights with a dress or skirt.

Stacey has two energetic doggies that require multiple walks a day.  I see her putting these bad boys on when the weather's cold and she needs something warm and simple enough that will allow her to keep up with Lucky and Siri. The N730 Nido Ella by El Naturalista $260 is the much, much nicer equivalent to an Ugg boot and much more rugged and durable.

Stacey is always on the look out for a heel that she can get away with wearing for a good chunk of the day while working.  We're on our feet for about 7 straight hours, so finding a high heel shoe that is comfortable enough to wear more than 2 hours is a bit rough, but alas, Tiffany by Cobb Hill $115 has arrived. Cobb Hill has insoles designed by New Balance, so they have all kinds of support.

Jen:

Paris 0751 by The Art Company $225 is pretty stinkin' cute. I mean, if you really look at it, it kind of looks like a little jacket, right? The wool top part is a collar, the green is a jacket, and the zipper is...well, the zipper. I dunno...maybe not, but it's adorable and Jen could for surely pull this one off.

Jen and I competed for the size 36 of El Naturalista's N863 Solar $320, but I swear that if I would have shown any interest in this boot, Jen would have attacked me screaming, "IF I CAN'T HAVE IT, NO ONE WILL!!!" Sooo...the size 36 now belongs to Jen and she's looking forward to Fall.

So, after browsing our new arrivals, which pairs are your favorite?


post by Amanda

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THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT VILLAGE SHOES!

Alrighty...I guess we're in full on "out with Spring, in with Fall" mode.  I can't believe I'm reporting that we're already sold out of styles of Fall boots (which is insane because it's not even cold enough to wear them).

What the whaaaat? These new Men's J Shoes are pretty radtacular! I'm sure you recognize the black boot and the oxford with the red laces...we brought them back in new colors this Fall since the fellas took a liking to them last year. We also thought snazzy shoes deserve snazzy socks and brought in some fun Ozone and B.ella.

There ya go, ladies! New Espe purses! They're available in-store only because they're pretty much sold before we have time to put them on our website. Customers tell us they make a great gift!

And of course we got in new Espe wallets as well! $29 adorableness!

Flats, flats, and more flats! Eric Michael in navy, Cobb Hill in black and plum, and I'm wearing my future Tsubo flats in black! Hands off my size 6, ladies!

We have some new Frye handbags in stock!  I love the whole "implanted stud" thing they're doing these days.  They have an edgy, yet classic Frye look to them. (New women's Frye boots are here as well!)

Smartwool tights are back! They're perfect for when you want to wear skirts or dresses this Winter. I find that they keep me as warm as pants do when it's quite chilly out.

As of this very minute, 4:20pm on August 30th, we are 20 LIKES away from giving one lucky fan a $25 gift certificate! Share our page with your friends and family, pretty please! Share it with those you love and with those you loathe! Spread the good word of Village Shoes far and wide! Nobody deserves bad shoes! NOBODY!

All of that and we're still in the month of August! Over the next couple of months we're expecting more Fall shoes to arrive, as well as hats, scarves, and other cold weather accessories. Stop by our store or shop online!



post by Amanda
photos by Halle

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COMIDA!

Stacey and Halle have been out of town this past week on a buying trip, which made it so Jen and I would be working together. It's probably a good thing we rarely share shifts because all we do is eat.  This is not an exaggeration.  It's just how it is.  I mean, as we were eating lunch, we were discussing future snacks or dessert. It's kind of disturbing.

So, today, when we weren't eating, we were checking out easy food recipes online and found a couple that we'd like to share that may or may not have made us drool!

Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

foodwinethyme.com

INGREDIENTS

• 3 medium avocados, halved, pit and skin removed
• 4 oz crab meat
• 5 large shrimp, boiled, chilled and then chopped into small chunks
• 1 tbsp red bell pepper, small dice
• 1 tbsp red onion, small dice
• 1 tbsp celery, small dice
• ½ tbsp parsley, small dice
• 1 ½ tbsp lite mayo
• Fresh black pepper      

CHILI LIME SAUCE

• ¼ cup lite mayo
• 1 tsp siracha sauce (optional, but i love the extra kick and flavor it gives)
• 2 tbsp Chili Lime Cholula (or more to taste)
• Stir together well. I like to add it to a squirt bottle, so it is easier to use.

DIRECTIONS

• 1. Combine all ingredients together and mix well.
• 2. Scoop the crab & shrimp mixture onto the avocado.
• 3. Squirt the sauce over the avocado and sprinkle with parsley.

And another...

 Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

zestyandspicy.com

INGREDIENTS

• 3-4 Fresh Jalapenos peppers
• 1 tablespoon of Goat Cheese
• 1 tablespoon of light cream cheese
•  1 teaspoon of Dried Thyme crushed
• 2 teaspoons of Milk
• 1/4 teaspoon of Lime juice
• Parmesan cheese for topping

DIRECTIONS

• Pre-heat your oven at 350.  Cut your peppers in half (length wise) to end up with a cut little boat shape easy to stuffed.  Empty the middle part with a spoon and a knife before putting them on a parchment paper then on a baking sheet to cook them for 10 minutes.
• While the peppers are in the oven prepare your stuffing, mix all the ingredients together except the Parmesan cheese.  Once you’re peppers are out, stuffed them and sprinkle a bit of Parmesan on top.  Cook for another 10 minutes.
• Then bring your oven on BROIL and let them cook for another 3-4 minutes or till the top is brownish.  Watch out because if you cook them too long they will spill over.  Let them cool down a bit and serve warm or cold with a mini piece of fresh Thyme on top as decoration. 

Pretty easy, right?  What's your favorite summertime dish to whip up when you're feeling a little too hot to hang out over a stove? 



post by Amanda & Jen

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New(ish) Lunch Spots in Downtown Ashland

Us girls at Village Shoes have a healthy appetite.  After running up and down stairs all morning, we find that our hunger is ravenous, and look forward to eating as much food as our 30 minute lunch break will allow.

There are several new places to eat in Ashland, and I'll share with you what I've recently had and loved:

Anya's Thai Bistro:

Pad Thai with Chicken $9.25
Mango Bubble Tea $3.75

Being two doors down from Village Shoes, Anya's has been a convenient spot for many of us.  The first time I went there I had the Pad Thai with chicken.  It's on the sweet side, which isn't necessarily my thing, but now I know.  The veggies weren't overcooked, and the chicken was moist and lean.  The serving size is huge...definitely enough for two people or you can easily save the other half to eat as leftovers the next day.  I also ordered a Mango Bubble Tea which had fresh mango blended in it and for $3.75, I plan on making it a treat for a hot, hot day.

Beau Club Grill:

Teriyaki Pineapple: $7.49
Cheddar Cheese Mac: $8.49
Sweet Potato Fries: $4.29

If you love a good burger, you gotta stop by the Beau Club Grill.  I've had several of their menu items and I thoroughly enjoyed all of them.  If you're a fan of a good burger, you have to try the Teriyaki Pineapple burger.  It is definitely something that I'll be ordering again...and again.  I've also had their sweet potato fries, which have become a new obsession.  Their sweet potato fries dipped into their homemade fry sauce...HEAVEN!  I've also had their macaroni and cheese.  Now, it's hard to mess up mac and cheese.  It's pasta and cheese.  And it's simple to take it to the next level...they add bacon to theirs.  I think you have to ask for it, but they're happy to hook it up.  If you have lived in Ashland long enough, you'll know that the Beau is a local hotspot for drinks at night.  Although it's a bit of a dive bar, the waitstaff and bartenders are always friendly and for regulars, you're guaranteed to run into one or two friends.  Love the Beau!

Smithfields (Lunch):

Gravalax Sandwich: $10
Shrimp Po'Boy: $14
Grilled Romaine: $10

Now, if you follow any of my Facebook posts, you'll notice that I love, LOVE, Smithfields.  LOVE.  I've been there for brunch and dinner several times, however they weren't open for lunch until recently.  I was ecstatic when I discovered that their lunch prices were pretty much equal to everywhere else in town, so I wouldn't be breaking the bank to enjoy my favorite restaurant for lunch.  I first tried the Shrimp Po' Boy because I've never had one before and I wasn't let down.  Chipotle lime aoili? To die for.  The shrimp at Smithfields is always fantastic - I also love the Shrimp and Grits off of their brunch menu. I also can't get enough of the Gravalax sandwich.  It was the perfect size, but I contemplated ordering another one because it's just that good.  Oh, and do yourself a favor and try the Grilled Romaine salad. It's seriously phenomenal.  It's a salad, so it's refreshing, but it's grilled so it's not just a salad. The anchovies add a bit of salt and whatever they put on the crostini is super savory...so it's pretty much awesome in all ways possible.  So guys, seriously...Smithfields.  Do it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Star Sushi:

Sunrise roll: $7.50
Avocado roll: $2.75

Sushi is a favorite of mine and I was really excited to learn about Star Sushi going in where Yogurt on the Rocks used to be.  I went there a couple of days ago and tried the Sunrise roll that contained tuna, salmon, crab, cream cheese, avocado, green onion, and masago (roe).  The hunks of raw tuna were large and incredibly fresh.  I normally call in orders for pick up and then swing by, but since I didn't have their menu (apparently not available online), I placed my order from the restaurant.  It didn't take long for them to make my food and bag it up.  It was great.  I loved the Sunrise roll and the Avocado roll, although simple, was very tasty.  They have a lot to choose from as well...little pizzas, bento boxes, ramen...meat and veggie options...they definitely have a little something for everybody.

As many of you know, pretty much anywhere you go to eat in Ashland is going to be good.  The Deli Downstairs opened up not too long ago, and although they just make pretty straightforward sandwiches, there is something special about each of them.  I'm really looking forward to The Butcher Shop opening.  Their window says they'll be selling meat pies...how perfect will those be for when the weather cools down?

Have you tried any of these places yet for lunch? What's your favorite dish there?



post by Amanda
lunch bag illustration by Peter Pagano

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Boots: $80 vs. $250

Puss without Boots says, "Those boots are how much?"

Do you ever wonder why people spend so much money on their shoes?  Do you refuse to buy expensive shoes, but will buy many inexpensive pairs throughout the year?  If you answered yes to one or both of these questions, please continue reading!

Now, clearly there are totally valid reasons for not buying yourself an expensive pair of shoes right then and there. The most logical one would be that you can’t afford to and there’s no shame in that.  I believe our store is filled with “luxury” items and we jokingly tell our customers that Village Shoes is for surely more of a “want” store.  On the other hand, taking time to save for an expensive pair of shoes could potentially save you money in the long run just because you’ll be buying a pair every 3 or so years, opposed to several in just one.

So, the difference between an $80 boot and a $250 boot is quality.  Unless you found a killer sale on fancy boots, for $80 you more than likely will have to replace them in less than a year depending on wear.  You’ll normally have a boot comprised of man made materials that won’t mold to your foot or age well, and you could find yourself not wanting to take your shoes off around others because you came down with a mean case of stinky feet.  If you’re good with all of that, that’s perfectly fine, but the thing is that for all of the money you spent purchasing new shoes constantly, you could have shelled out the dough and had yourself some really nice shoes that you’d be able to wear for a long time.  For $250, you’ll have beautiful, moldable, BREATHABLE leather.  You’ll also be more inclined to take care of them because you spent a lot on them, and in turn you could potentially have and love that boot for YEARS.  For example, last fall I purchased a pair of $350 El Naturalista boots that are crazy comfortable and crazy cute.  I wore them consistently for months and once the weather got warm, I put them back in their box and there they’ll remain until it cools down again.  Those boots look like they’ve never been worn.  The leather looks fantastic…the sole of the shoe is seriously immaculate…I mean, I won’t be replacing these for about 3 or 4 years at the least.  Would it have been cheaper for me to have purchased a much cheaper pair every year?  Maybe…maybe not, but the fact of the matter is that I would not have been able to enjoy the benefits that goes along with owning a handmade shoe that’s made in Spain, Portugal, or Italy had I put myself on an $80 budget.  My El Naturalistas will hold up pretty well for a long time if I make sure I replace the soles when they need it, clean and hydrate the leather, and waterproof them...and at $350, you bet I'll be taking care of them! 
 
Fall inventory is consistently arriving at this point…which new pair do you see that’s worth saving for?

post by Amanda

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The Happenings at Village Shoes

It's hot as hell outside, but it's starting to feel like Fall at Village Shoes.  We're starting to get cold weather goodies in and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to boot season.

Fall 2012 inventory from Eric Michael has fully arrived. Purdy, ain't it?

 

 

These two, including the purse with the Eric Michael shoes above, are from the Maya Moon Trunk Show we had earlier this month.

Bask in the glory of the jam-packed sock wall! If we all purchase work together, we'll be able to make room for the B.ella socks that have yet to arrive for the ladies.

We noticed that you all love Acomo Jewelry, so we stocked up! Have at it!

Because we love you, we reordered Backlash by Poetic Licence.

Hooray for new A.J. Morgan readers!!

 Stop by if you haven't already and check out all of the new inventory for Fall!



post by Amanda
photos by Halle

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Survive the Summer

Summertime is for surely fun-time, but it's definitely a needy season.  Here are some things that I have grown to rely on and love that are pretty summer specific. Enjoy!

Evian Facial Spray $15
A bit of Evian's Facial Spray is a dream come true on a hot day.  The mist instantly cools your skin and leaves you feeling pretty refreshed.  This stuff is also a great tool to set your powder make-up in the morning.

Peppermint Oil $25.99
Last summer I was overheating at work and Stacey suggested I rub some peppermint oil on the back of my neck to help cool off.  The tingly sensation definitely made me feel like I had an ice pack on my neck. BONUS: Peppermint oil is great to rub on your belly to help relieve an upset stomach.

Wet Ones Singles $2.99 
Wet Ones...you know...because we don't have time to shower multiple times a day when it's a gazillion degrees outside.

Alba After-Sun Lotion $11.95 
Quoting Alba, "After a day in the sun, skin needs a little pick-me- up. Exotic and aromatic, the natural acids in coffee help soften skin and revitalize circulation, while caffeine and green tea help neutralize free radicals incited by sun exposure. Botanical emollients soothe, hydrate and nourish tired skin. Après-sun delight." Delight, indeed.

Maui Babe Browning Lotion $15
 This stuff is seriously the best tanning lotion you'll ever use.  If your desire is to become a bronzed beauty, Maui Babe's (All Natural) Browning Lotion is a must.  When you apply the lotion, it gives you a bit of color, however it doesn't "stain" in any way.  Now, I'm not making any promises, but for some reason when I've used this lotion in the past, I don't burn...I just get tan. Oh, and it smells good too...smells a bit nutty.

Rainbow Double Arch Flip Flops $53
I have been wearing Rainbow Flip flops for a while now, and I feel zero desire to experiment with any other brand.  These sandals are made to last, and with leather uppers, they're made to mold to your foot, giving you a custom fit. They're crazy comfy because of the bonus arch support. 

post by Amanda

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You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream For...POPSICLES!

Woo-Wee! It sure is freakin' hot in Southern Oregon already, and I'm desperate for delicious ways to beat the heat.  I came across some yummy and unique popsicle recipes that I'd love to share with y'all...

(Click on the popsicle name for complete recipe!)

Avocado Popsicle

Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Popsicle

Nutella Banana Fudgesicles

Root Beer Float Popsicle

Roasted Berry and Honey Popsicle

Watermelon Whole Fruit Popsicle

Margarita Popsicle

Of course if you don't feel like making your own, there are some pretty awesome pops you can buy at your local grocery store.  For example, I'm a fan of the Dryer's (All Natural) Antioxidant Fruit Bars that come in Acai Berry, Pomegranate, and Goji White Grape.  I recently had Ciao Bella's Blood Orange Sorbet Bars and OMG...so, so good! Oh, and pretty much anything coconut is amazing.

What's your favorite kind of popsicle? Have any special recipes? What's your favorite store-bought brand and flavor?



blog by Amanda

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