Hootenanny is Closing!

I was torn between keeping this a secret until I got down there myself, or telling my plethora (read: trio) of readers and risking the possibility that they might get to the good stuff first. (They sell Iron Fist shoes! In person! No shipping!) Honestly I'm a little shocked though- this place has been in Cambridge for years and has a prime location in Harvard Square next to its partner Newbury Comics. Its closing is a depressing sign of the times indeed.

Whatever isn't sold will go to Newbury Comics stores for retail, which are now choosing to focus more on clothing in their locations anyway. They also own a relatively-new retail site, punk.com, though the material isn't at all as edgy as the URL indicates. 

(Shout outs to Ellen for the heads up!)

The Little Black Shoe

One thing I surprisingly don't own is a standby pair of black, formal heels. (Obviously, a versatile wardrobe necessity). I've been getting by with a great pair of sandals and some slightly more outfit-specific booties, but in the chilly months or with a longer skirt simply neither will do.

The Current Collection:

Betsey Johnson Law- ~$130

(Can be found for less) ..............................................Steve Madden Luxe Suede Pump- $90

If you liked the look of the second pair, I apologize. Thirty minutes of googling could not yield the picture or official style name. Sorry to be such a FashionTease. (And please excuse my dry, scarcely shaven legs. Like I said, it's February)

I know, I know, not quite in keeping with the "Fashion Blog for Everyone" Mantra price-wise, but considering the amount of wear I get out of them it's pretty worth it. Anyway, Enter the Runners up for the next major Little Black Shoe:

The second I saw this silouhette I was in love. I am a huge fan of the bow-on-heel movement*, and the rhinestones are the perfect finishing touch. For what it's worth this shoe also comes in a bright Christmassy Red and Girly Pink which are also amazing, but trying to stay on task here.

(*I soon hope to see actual acrylic bows on the back of spike heels. Also: bows laterally wrapped midway around the entire shoe like a fabulous christmas present of fashion. You heard it here first!)

Betsey Johnson Caseyy-R- ~$80 ($130 Full Retail)

So this one I just saw now but I think also deserves a shout-out. I am a sucker for anything printed/Newspaper looking. (Also available in

inverse black on white)

..............................Ed Hardy Mato Pump- $69.99

Alright, not nearly as sophisticated as we were going for and back on the bootie-bandwagon, but they're pretty badass and would look great for a night out on the town. I've been looking at these for awhile but have had trouble overcoming the $90 price tag.

Iron Fist Digi Skull Bootie- $89.99

Yet another Iron Fist pick. (I warned you- they are quickly becoming one of my favorite brands).

Again, more attitude than you might take to dinner at the Ritz... but how often do you really eat there anyway?

I would probably already own these if it weren't for a.) the price tag and b.) the fact that the height of that heel actually frightens me a little (a deadly weapon of its own at 5").

(If you like the artwork but not the shoe, a shirt and bag are also available at their website)

Iron Fist Parting Kiss- $89.99

And while we're on the topic of things I can't afford, here's a little High Fashion Porn to whet your appetite. (Yes, these were sported by Zoe Kravitz)

Alexander Wang "Liya" Pumps- $615

(Made from Suede, Leather, and...Stingray!?)

(High Five if you immediately thought of the "Manta Ray" Designer joke from SpiceWorld)

One Shoe, Two Shoe, Red Shoe, Blue Shoe

I've been on a major Blue and Red kick lately, so it was only a matter of time before I invested in a funky pair of heels to match. (Maybe I'm on to something here? Anyone who's been into a forever21 recently knows the Pink and Orange color-blocking trend is clearly at maximum capacity. Then again, perhaps so is color-blocking itself.)

True- heels aren't always the most wearable shoes, but that's why a genius god named Dr. Scholl exists. Thank the Lords of Science for him (her?), his (her?) slightly overpriced gel inserts, and brilliant portable folding flats. (Oh, and DrunkFeet. Never underestimate the fabulous powers of DrunkFeet).

Iron Fist Siren- $45.00

Michael Antonio Lanelle- $74.99

Ed Hardy Ophelia Wedge 62.99

The IronFist's (quickly becoming a new favorite brand, by the way) to the right I have been pretty much sold on for months (the fact that they can sometimes be found for $45 may indeed be a contributing factor), and the Ed Hardy wedge below I only saw five minutes ago but already feel the immediate need to own. The Lanelle in the middle may not make the cut, but I still threw it on here for the wonderful, summery, beachy feeling they seem to evoke. (Then again, it is February in Boston and I have already bought three pairs of shorts since Christmas, so that might just be me talking)