JenRocksFashion Colorful Musings from the Practical Fashionista…

Since this is my first Thanksgiving as a blogger, I was wracking my brain trying to come up with my own novel take on heritage turkeys and organic pumpkin pie.  Nothing came to mind, so then I was gonna tackle the annual shopping-as-contact-sport event that is Black Friday.  As the Practical Fashionista, I was thinking of sharing some secrets on how to elbow your way through the swirling mosh pit at the best sales.  However, I’ve made the pilgrimage to King of Prussia Mall at the reasonable hour of 9 a.m. on every Black Friday for the past several years and honestly, it has never been too chaotically crowded (have I now jinxed myself?).

So instead, I decided to keep my Thanksgiving Day post simple and straightforward.  The theme is what I’m truly grateful for–actually, the one main thing that I’m most grateful for.  My good health, yes.  My mom who has put up with me for almost four decades, sure.  My late father who was a brilliant man of great character, check.  And I could easily come up with several more big-ticket-shout-outs.

But during a recent run along the Mount Vernon Trail, I realized that right now, I’m really thankful for my freedom and being an American.  Is this an original concept?  Hardly–every politician will make the same point today.  Well, for the record, I’m endorsing sincere and proud patriotism, which isn’t about being fashionable, trendy, jingoistic or ignorant.

It was in this spirit that I took these serene photos on Monday afternoon of Arlington National Cemetery and the northeastern entrance to the Memorial Bridge.

Yes, America sometimes messes things up and often throws its weight around in the global arena, but I’m so grateful to be part of this big, hairy, audacious democracy.  And to our troops who make it all possible, thank you.

In short, America rocks.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Btw, it turns out that gratitude is good for your health.  And if you’re still in desperate need of savvy online shopping tips for Black Friday, shefinds.com has it covered.

OK, the saga continues–this is Part Deux of my dogged search to find a pair of comfortable yet stylish shoes for fall.  A pair that would go with my particular aesthetic.  A pair that I could wear for a long time (and thus I was willing to stretch my normal price point skyward).  And a pair ideally in the color palette of burgundy/oxblood/cordovan so I could wear them with black as well as dark brown tights.

One caveat: As I mentioned at the end of my previous post, I widened my search to include stores/brands (e.g. J.Crew ballet flats) that are not part of the traditional comfort shoe category (e.g. The Walking Company, Rockport).  So almost everything was fair footwear game.

After trudging through Tysons Corner and Tysons Galleria for countless hours over the course of a few weekends, here are several models that became bona fide contenders.  (And in case you’re wondering, yes, I have tried ordering shoes from zappos.com in the past, but for me, nothing beats visiting a bricks-and-mortar store and trying on a multitude of styles in as many sizes as possible.  Besides, my right foot is almost a full size smaller than my left so finding a good fit is devilishly difficult.  Ugh.)

Contender #1: These Mephistos had alot going for them.  My feet definitely felt well-cushioned.  I liked the curvy wedge heel.  I liked that they were made in Portugal.  The buckle was small and discreet.  But, I decided not to buy them.  Maybe it’s because they came up too high on the sides of my feet.  I dunno, something was holding me back.

Mephisto Jaika Mary-Jane in "Wine Crinkle" patent leather. Price: $325 but on sale for $209.

Contender #2: [Sigh.]  I really wanted to buy these Cole Haans.  I liked the classic penny loafer styling in an unexpected color.  I liked the mini stacked heel and Nike Air cushioning (you know how I feel about Nike).  This moccasin in black calfskin leather was so unbelievably comfortable–but in patent leather, the shoe felt very stiff.  [Sigh.]

Cole Haan Air Sloane Moc in "Oxblood Patent." Price: $188.

Contender #3: At the Ferragamo boutique at Tysons Galleria, I tried on the “Deka” loafer, the “My Pretty” pump, and various versions of flats, ballerina flats and elastic ballerina flats (picture me surrounded by towers of shoe boxes while pushing the patience of my once-eager salesman).  These flats were the cutest of the bunch.  I loved their classic, ladylike styling.  I loved the bright red accent and the iconic Ferragamo bow.  But, eegads.  They were so not comfortable.  (I’m now thoroughly convinced that my feet are not meant to be shod in patent leather.)

Ferragamo Varina Ballerina Flat in "Oxblood/Red" patent leather. Price: $450.

Next up: In the end, I did finally buy a pair of shoes.  I’ll reveal all the details.

Okay, okay, I admit that in a previous post I actually wrote these words: “I for one have fully embraced the comfort shoe category.  They’re not fuddy-duddy, geriatric-looking occupational shoes anymore.”  And I still stand by my belief that shoes in the comfort category can be stylish as well as blissfully supportive.

But recently, as I embarked on an unexpectedly epic search for fashionable yet comfy burgundy-colored loafers (which were on my wish list for fall), I realized that most comfort shoe brands are doing their darnedest to keep me from buying their wares.  Why?  Because the vibe of their offerings is now overwhelmingly folksy-hippie-dippie-crunchy-granola.  Their idea of stylish means criss-crossing lines of contrast stitching, lots of floral embellishments, huge snaps or buckles, and thick soles.  And the silhouettes are clunky, making my feet look bigger and wider than they already are.  Ugh.

Let me point out some prime offenders:

Taos Dutchess Mary-Jane. I appreciate the padded footbed and rubber outsole, but what's up with the oversized metal button and overdose on contrast topstitching?

Naturalizer Carlene Loafer. Alright, not exactly hippie-dippie but it looks bulky, right? It has a cushy, perforated footbed, but why all the rings for decoration?

Naot Nau Mai Flat. Whoa nature theme! A rugged rubber sole and too many embroidered leaves.

Next up: the Contenders–the handful of comfortable shoes that made my short list.  [Hint: I had to widen my search so I wasn't limited to traditional comfort shoe stores/brands like The Walking Company, Easy Spirit, Rockport, etc.]