It all started with one of those Facebook sidebar ads with a thumbnail pic of the Mini Bunny, from Fluevog Shoes. I try not to pay much mind to those ads in the margins. They were particularly insulting once I changed my status to “engaged,” trying to tempt me with “elegant bridesmaid dresses” (there is no such thing!) and weight loss ideas (“Let Special K be part of your special day!” Cue barfing noises). But, alas, this time Facebook had my number.
I love the look of the shoe, as well as its specs, including “contrast piping, soft aniline leathers, a rubber F-Sole, and the iconic 3″ hourglass heel for the ultimate traction, durability and comfort.” I also dig the pink and navy version of the Mini Bunny (below). At first I thought the shoes already seem so exaggerated that the pink version might read “Cartoony” or “Crazy Lady.” But pink is generally a risk worth taking. (And besides, on the days when I look a bit Crazy Lady, it’s usually not the fault of my shoes.)
The real story is that these handmade shoes would be an investment piece for me. The dark green/brown Mini Bunny was love at first sight. I like the balance of the shoe’s bold shape and the more muted palette (and there’s still that bright green piping, a hint of something untamed). And I have mentioned that they make half sizes in the upper reaches of ladies’ footwear sizes? Size 10.5 sisters, rejoice!
I also like these shoes called Cheerful (below), available in aqua and camel.
As we slide toward winter, though, I may opt for a boot, such as the Babycake, shown in cherry and black.
WanderMan and I need to hightail it over to Seattle and check out their store. John Fluevog, the designer of this luscious empire of footwear, is based in Victoria, BC. So it turns out that I live in just the right part of the world to find a store for these. While I could order the shoes via the interwebs (Fluevog offers a reasonable return policy), I’d like to try on several pairs before I decide. And if I have to spend a weekend in Seattle to do that, well, I suppose I can tough it out. Le sigh.
With my Fluevogs, I’ll also need to step up my game in terms of shoe maintenance. I think of my WanderDad’s box of shoe polishes, brush, and rags. I have a couple of pairs of boots nice enough to need that weatherproofing spray. But Fluevogs recommends such gentrified accoutrements as a shoe horn and cedar shoe trees.
I’ve often said that I have an inner Golden Girl rather than an inner child, so maybe her day has finally come.
Photo credit: all photos from fluevog.com