I love Toms Shoes. I have about 4 pairs right now, and have worn through about 10 since I first met my dear friend Blake Mycoskie, who started the company 3 years ago. They are my “go to” shoe without fail. As I got to know Blake better, I became more and more interested in the cause: for every shoe sold, a shoe is then donated to a child in need. One for one.

In the summer of 2007, I did a large gifting of Toms to about 500 friends, family and colleagues. I was so excited I had to share them with everyone I knew. The card I attached said “Happy Summer! A child in need will receive a pair of shoes in your name.” At that point I knew I had to live up to my pledge and go on an official “shoe drop” with Friends of Toms — the actual trips where groups of people go into the field and personally put shoes on children’s feet, one at a time.

So, last January, I headed to Argentina for the first time and we donated over 1,500 pairs of shoes. One. At. A. Time. There’s no magic or quick fix here.

The experience was really fun as the actual field work is mixed in with travel, exploring, and bonding with the group over bumpy bus rides into the jungle and long conversational meals. But when you actually get down on your hands and knees and put a tiny red shoe (smaller than your hand) on a little girl’s foot, it’s the kind of experience that makes you feel like crying. Good tears, like the kind you get when you spot a man proposing to his girlfriend in Central Park, or when you cheer the runners on in the marathon. There’s something inherently good-natured, right down to the bone and it pangs your heart. It’s a feeling of connectivity that runs very deep. Oprah would probably call it The Zone or something but I just call it “Awesome!”

Think about giving Toms Shoes to your loved ones this holiday season.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysE2VlyvdnI[/youtube]

Originally published on The Huffington Post on 23 September 2009.

Favorite Fashion I loved (for Spring 2010), Movies I watched, Books I read, Places I went.

1) Tie Dye: Proenza Schouler

2) Beau Chapeau: Carine Roitfeld’s Hat

3) Bambi Sequins: Erin Fetherston

4) Film Premiere: Coco Before Chanel

5) New Talent: Chadwick Bell

6) Hot pants onesie: Erin Wasson RVCA

7) Suede biker jacket: Phi

New Rainbow Room: Boom Boom Room

9) Street Style Book: The Sartorialist By Scott Schuman

10) Artery Art: Brian Reyes heart arteries print tshirt dress

11) Book Signing: I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks
Amanda will do book signings at Chanel in LA Wednesday, September 23rd and in Chicago on the 30th.

12) 25th Anniversary Party: Paper Magazine

13) Denim: Waris’s jean jacket

14) Midnight Snack: The Standard Grill

15) African prints: Marc by Marc Jacobs

16) Cargo Safari Look: Altuzzara

17) Lips Dress: Philosophy di Alberta Feretti

18) Rage purse: Marc by Marc Jacob’s orange baby bucket bag with gold studs

19) Leopard print bootie: Christian Louboutin at Barney’s

20) Leather shorts: Alexander Wang

21) Nude leather dress: Elise Overland

22) Lingering Trend: Boyfriend blazer /tuxedo jacket

23) Flash Dance sweatshirt revival: Charlotte Ronson

24) Sequined Coat Dress: 3.1 Phillip Lim

25) Best entire show for wearable street style:
a tie between Boy By Band of Outsiders and Rag + Bone

.

Palacio Duhao, Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, An historic French style mansion restored to perfection with modern touches. Breakfast on the patio, Malbec at midnight. Good night, sleep tight while spoiling yourself here. Get a room in the modern tower (6th floor) that faces the historic palace.
Avenida Alvear 1661
Tel: +54 11 5171 1234

Confiteria Ideal, Tango the night away with the authentic Argentineans in this Belle Epoch dance hall. A perfect, crumbling-grandeur romantic fairytale.
Tel 52650 8069 or 4328 7750

Cafe Tortoni, Since 1858, it’s the most FAMOUS cafe in South America to drink coffee and watch tango.
Ave de Mayo 825
Tel 54-11- 43424328

Milion, Dine alfresco or indoors–or pop in for a drink–in this impeccably renovated French-style mansion, with several floors, moody lighting, vines and greenery spilling from the sides, with a grand marble staircase and rambling table seating that’s charming, warm and elegant in the most understated way.
Parana 1048
Tel 4815-9925

Bar Ueriate, Modern, fresh cuisine. Sit in the back garden.
1572 Uriarte
Tel 54 11 4834 6004

Belushi-Martini Bar
Honduras 5333
1444 Palermo
Tel (5411) 4831 8665

La Martina, Men’s + women’s patchy, pique, polo-gear.
Costa Rica Street

Castillo, Men’s quirky, preppy, stylish duds… very cool.
Gurrachaga 1683
Tel (54 11) 4833 9191

Comme il Faut, Tango Shoes in every color and style!
Arenales 1239 Puerta 3 Dpto. M (1061)
Tel 4815 5690

Santos Bazar, Elegant silver and horn home goods, champagne buckets, salad tongs, trays.
Thames 1759
Tel (54 11)  4833 3770

Gil Antiguedaded, My favorite antique and vintage clothing in Sunday’s San Telmo market.
Humberto 1
Tel 4361 5019

San Telmo Market, Top antique stores and outdoor market on Sundays since 1897.
961 Defensa or Bolívar 998

Arandu, Argentinean handcrafts and leather saddles, polo boots, belts and all things stylish and equestrian.
Ayacucho 1924
Tel 54-11-4800-1575

Fortin, Traditional style boots, shoes, handcrafted leather, custom orders.
Santa Fe 1245
Tel (54 11) 4812 2731

Polo Lessons with Edgar Pelado. Edgar is a polo master and former international champion. His estancia, an hour south of BA, raises the most sought-after polo ponies in Argentina. His incredibly laid back nature, and his true dedication to the sport (and not just the pretense and pomp of polo) make him an incredibly agile, patient and acutely skilled teacher. Novices and experts alike would enjoy a sunny day on his farm and fields. Email Edgar or his son, Santiago, and tell them I sent you. peladortelli@hotmail.com

This was first published on The Huffington Post 19 August 2008.

Reported by Kate Schelter
Edited by Lesley M. M. Blume

Editor’s note:

The era of the ostentatious ‘it’ bag is over. Blaring logos are dead.

But this fall, statement shoes are bigger, taller, and more opinionated than ever.

Below, Huffington Post Style section contributor and fashion-world insider Kate Schelter details six major shoe trends for this upcoming season. Love them or hate them, these designs will dominate the market from Manolo Blahnik to Nine West this autumn.

This list contains guilty pleasures for every woman, from the golfer to the dominatrix. We are particularly fond of the nostalgic Karen Blixen-esque spectators and the safari print pumps (“Mrs. Robinson – are you trying to seduce me?”). And as a bonus, Schelter generously offers notes on how to wear each style, including the most menacing patent booties.

A warning: don’t mix cocktails with the platforms … you won’t come out alive.

1. Return of the Spectator
Boy by Band of Outsiders collaboration with Manolo Blahnik.

Schelter’s note: Unfortunately these were never produced beyond a sample. But you get the picture, literally! I would have purchased these myself. They are so clean and modern, just white + navy canvas, with a hint of Croquet.

For more: boy.bandofoutsiders.com

Alexander McQueen peep-toe version

Schelter’s note: These shoes are great with wide-legged trousers (they’d only show when you crossed your legs in a chair), or with a miniskirt and opaque tights.

For more: www.net-a-porter.com

2. Black Patent T-strap heels with Platform
Jimmy Choo T-strap heels

Schelter’s note: The least platform of the three shoes shown here, and probably the most conservative. But I like the “low-fi” version of this sexy trend.

For more: www.net-a-porter.com

Burberry Studded T-bar sandals

Schelter’s note: You pack two trends with these with the added studs. Great with a delicate party dress to really show some fashion cred.

For more: www.net-a-porter.com

Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Sandal – Black Patent

Schelter’s note: Last season’s bestseller and fashionista fave is back with new colors and in new heights, which quite literally makes them great for more petite women who want to add some height. Tall girls beware: these get a little close to looking like stripper shoes if you are already 5′ 7″ or above. Men will feel totally intimidated by you and you will be a head taller than everyone else at the party. These are also great under wide legged pants if you just see a hint of the toe coming through.

For More: www.barneys.com

3. Classic Stiletto Pump – sans Platform
Sergio Rossi Veronica Black Patent Leather Pump

Schelter’s note: I bought these myself! If you can only buy one shoe this season, this is it. You can wear it day, night, office, dinner, drinks, date – it goes with everything. Try wearing them with Fogal black sheer stockings (with a black seam up the back of the leg) and it will have a touch of Guy Bourdin quality without looking retro.

For more: www.sergiorossi.com

Sergio Rossi Angelica Patent Leather Round-toe Stiletto Pump – Indigo

Schelter’s note: These pack a punch and have a slightly higher heel and rounded toe shape than the one above. I LOVE this Yves Klein blue, which as a mate totally updates this season’s all-the-rage return of the Little Black Dress.

For more: www.sergiorossi.com

Kate Spade pump

Schelter’s note: I bought these, too. Vogue loved “this season’s must-have watercolor trend.” But please don’t pair these beautiful shoes with a matching poufy pink prom dress; pick something watercolor-UNrelated, and the shoes will be their own statement. They have that slight Marni or Dries van Noten feel with the print and palette for half the price; Kate Spade is a very reasonably priced line.

For more: zeta.zappos.com

4. Winter Safari
Normally I would pass on the animal print shoes or belts as I feel they’re a little matronly or cliché chic. However, I recently saw Vogue-contributor Lauren Santo Domingo wearing a pair of YSL Snow Leopard print heels with a beautiful neutral look (a beige Yigal Azrouel Spring ‘08 skirt with a grey t-shirt). The whole look inspired me: it seemed like a completely modern and unfussy way to wear animal prints.

From style.com
Lanvin Patent Cone Heel Pump – Little bit of leopard

Schelter’s note: I’m not that crazy about this cone heel as it’s a little too trendy for my taste, but it will look very “right now” if you’re into that sort of thing.

For more: www.kirnazabete.com

Sergio Rossi Angelica Giraffe Print Pump

Schelter’s note: These are my faves… totally gorgeous. The heel, the last, the unusual print.

For more: www.sergiorossi.com

Silver Fox Python Round-toe Pump

Schelter’s note: I found these shoes positively arresting. Ladies, men and traffic alike will stop you when they see you in these.

www.sergiorossi.com

5. Bootie Call!
Manolo Blahnik Lacy lace-up bootie

Schelter’s note: I have these in black leather, and when I wear them I get more compliments than ever. I love the lacy quality, which is very now: a modern variation of the spectator, but with the open toe detail. And the lace alludes to Alaia. Again, these are a great rocker juxtaposition (think leather and lace) to a pretty party dress. I paired mine with an ethereal Erin Fetherston floating white cloud of a dress for the CFDA awards.

For more: www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Kate Schelter at CFDA Awards; photo from Style.com

Givenchy Gladiator Bootie

Schelter’s note: Here a gladiator, there a gladiator, everywhere a gladiator! The trend continues. These are great to juxtapose with a floral “watercolor” print cocktail dress for evening; or with a black mini, white t-shirt and bare (tan) legs. Update this summer trend for fall by wearing these with tights. They just make women look strong, sexy and, well, strappy.

For more: www.barneys.com

Valentino Suede Peep-Toe Booties

Schelter’s note: I LOVE these. Buy them.

www.saksfifthavenue.com

6. Monster platform wood soles
Stella McCartney Patent Platform Pump

Schelter’s note: Warning: any platform should be worn by women 5′6″ and BELOW. Tall women, please skip the extra height and opt for the gorgeous classic stiletto pumps – it looks a lot more elegant, and you don’t need the height, I promise. I am 5′ 10″ and I have almost fallen over in these. No kidding. Lost my balance. But this is this season’s editorial uber-trend, so prepare to wear these for one season only.

www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Marni peep-toe ankle boots

Schelter’s note: Same as above, just with covered ankle.

For more: www.net-a-porter.com

My dear friend and former Marc by Marc Jacobs shoe designer Valeria McCulloch, aka ValBlu, is all about the color blue. Yves Klein indigo to be exact. Everything she wears, owns, and sometimes designs is blue. Sharpie even named a marker after her (below).

What we find most fascinating is that she actually colors in her favorite shoes if they are not already blue. Here is an inside look into her fascinating creative process.

Valeria “ValBlu” McCulloch
Shoe Designer. Yves Klein blue.

Originally published 18 February 2008, New York Magazine

Why blue?
In college, I majored in color theory. Blue was the most interesting color, historically. Germanic tribes wore it to ward off enemies; Christians used it to denote divinity. Wearing blue for me is being in a dream all day.

Do you make your own blue shoes?
I go to leather fairs and have the factory make me shoes. I also buy white Chanel and Christian Louboutin shoes, and I color them blue with custom-ordered electric-blue Sharpies.

Do you wear blue makeup?
I wear YSL No. 3 mascara, Chanel Blue Satin nail polish, and blue Lancôme lip gloss, which looks clear when you put it on. And my bathroom products are blue, like my toothbrush.

Does the color reflect your personality?
Blue signifies loyalty, and I’m very loyal. It’s hard in this industry, but I’m a humanist.

There was a lot of electric blue in recent seasons.
It’s getting trendy. When it hits “mass,” it’s a turnoff.

What do your friends think?
My friend studied photography, and I was part of her thesis. She did a color study and took photos of me.

What color is your apartment?
My living room is neutral, but just go into my bedroom. I have a blue Nintendo, bedside table, suitcase, pillow, BlackBerry. And I collect blue gemstones. People once believed that sapphires had healing properties.

How does blue make you feel?
Blue is a peaceful color. The U.N. has a blue flag; all the presidential campaigns have blue. It touches every realm of life, from cosmic to future.

1. TOMS Shoes Comfier than Vans, lighter than a flip flop, and way more charitable than any other fashion company, TOMS are my favorite summer shoe for everyday wear. An instant classic up there with Haviannas, Reefs and your gladiator sandals. Every pair you buy for your cute little feet, guarantees a FREE pair to child in need. www.tomsshoes.com

2. Essie Nail Polish in Short Shorts When you’re not covering your toes with Toms, paint them neon pink, to go perfectly peeking out from your black Alaia strappy heels.

3. Bumble + Bumble Surf Spray Who you callin’ Surfer Girl? Whether you live at the beach and actually know how to surf, or never leave your Tribecca loft, this product will give your hair the just-swam-in-the sea-and-air-dried-on-the-beach texture and feel.

4. Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 80 Do what your mother says: cover up and protect your baby soft skin from the sun. This UVA + UVB blocker is so light that you don’t feel it at all, and it doesn’t let in any harmful rays. Editors choice of Allure magazine, it is also endorsed by the American Cancer Society. Another tip: squeeze some zinc oxide onto the bridge of your nose, and across your cheekbones, life guard style, to really create an opaque shield.

5. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Now that you’re covered in sunscreen doesn’t mean you must forgo your tan. Quite the opposite. Layer on this self tanner and watch your inner bronze blossom. Try mixing half and half with a basic body lotion and the effects are a little more subtle and elegant.

6. Rope Bracelets Need we say more? A classic that will surely say “I’ve been at the beach all summer” even if you haven’t been at all.

7.  Ice Cream Memorial Day through Labor day, the best ice cream one can experience is served up at Four Seas in Centerville on Cape Cod. Bordering the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, this is where Caroline Kennedy’s ice cream was from that was served at her wedding. Try Mint Chip, Coconut, Mocha Chip, Fresh Peach and Peppermint Stick. The lobster roll is the best one I’ve ever had.

8. Alex Katz Beach Towel By Works on Whatever. Soft, plush and stylish. Wide enough to sunbathe a deux. Available at The Standard Hotel in Miami or Shop Works on Whatever.

9. Hugo Guiness canvas tote from John Derian.

10. Hermes Eau d’Orange Verte Refreshing, lite, and lemony. You can’t over-do this when it’s hot out.