Truth in advertising: DC on Heels happy hour

It's not just a cute name: Markette and Vanessa of DC on Heels are serious about their footwear. I stopped by their happy hour at Park on Friday night and was blown away by Vanessa's shoes. Sadly, I don't think they glow in the dark. They do, however, stand out in a crowd. Go heels go!

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Field Trip: Smash Records

2314 18th Street NW, Second Floor

Washington, DC 20009

202-38-SMASH

www.smashrecords.com

I know, I know. You're sitting there like, "Jeebus girl, this is a record store not a vintage or thrift shop. You're doin' it wrong."

But I'm not! Scout's honor.

The same day that the roommate and I wandered into Meeps, we tripped upon Smash. We wouldn't have given it a second glance except she noted that the easel sign out front mentioned vintage. So wander we went, inside and up the stairs.

There are a ton more records than there are clothes here, but think about it: records take up much less room, and therefore approximately a zillion of them can be crammed in a small space. Clothes and shoes: slightly more cumbersome. The front half of the store has all the vintage and thrift goodies. It's a good mix of old stuff, and newer secondhand stuff that has an old vibe to it. There were all sorts of people in the store, which smelled kind of like armpits, and patience was required when visiting the racks. Everyone gets a turn to look and touch!

Prices aren't out of this world but are markedly higher if you're looking for a big name like Betsey Johnson--which, if you peek around, you can find. I was pretty proud of the shoes I bought at Smash. I had been looking for work-appropriate flats for a while, hoping to find a pair that would withstand my hellacious commute through the winding, faltering Metro system of doom. And I am a fool for some patent-leather shoes, or at the least something similarly shiny. So for $16 (plus tax of course), those cute flats were mine. I am still breaking them in, but they look glorious. Check 'em out--they even have fake taps on the bottom. They look awesome when I'm flying down the platform at Metro Center.

Stop by Smash after brunch during your weekend stroll of Adams Morgan. If you're not too hungover, you'll enjoy poking around here. Maybe get a few LPs while you're at it.

Shuffle fake-tap shuffle!

Modeling my new shoes in front of the store,
ignoring the extensive amount of clash I am creating in the process

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Thrift Tip: Shoes

Almost everyone I talk to about my thrifting adventures seems to recoil when I want to show off the amazing shoes I just bought. "Ew, old shoes," people say, or, "There have got to be some germs in there."

Well, I've never even had a case of athlete's foot. So thrift store shoes get my vote. Here's how to make wise choices about it:

Wear slip-ons: The last thing you want to be doing in the middle of the aisle in a crowded thrift store is untying your Chucks or fussing with socks. Summertime is great for buying thrift shoes because you can get away with your flip flops. But until we're frost-free, try some simple flats. You want to be able to be spontaneous as you look through the shelves.

Seek Quality: I don't care if they're cute--this is not the time to be scooping up all the Payless shoes that you could have gotten new for $10. This is your shot to get real quality shoes for a low price, so take advantage. If you're not sure if the brand is a trustworthy name, look at the construction. Does the shoe look cheaply-made? What are the materials? Is the shoe worth being secondhand? Think about these things before you even try the shoe on.

Examine Wear and Tear: Some shoes are in mint condition and have only been worn once. Some shoes have some wear, but are still in good enough shape to be worth the purchase. And still some are just not worth trying to clean, polish, or cobble into something wonderful. Make sure none of the seams are coming apart. Make sure any scratches aren't noticeable enough to embarrass you. Make sure the sole can last for the duration of your footwear love affair. For canvas shoes (I'm looking at you, cork wedges) make sure that the fabric isn't dingy.

One exception that I often make regards the lining of the shoe. It's not a big deal when the flap is coming up, as it's easily glued back down. More important, you should check under the flap if you see that it's loose. Checking there can tell you a lot about the construction of the shoe. If it looks cheap, leave it behind. If you go, "Wow, this shoe is nice," then it's a keeper. Just get out a little super glue.

That's it! If you see a pair you like, take them home and enjoy them. If you're squeamish, spray them with some food deodorizer or something. And when people ask you where you got your hot new shoes, you can decide whether you want to admit they're thrift. The secret's safe with me.

Speaking of shoes, remember the dress I bought at the Fashion is Spinach pop up sale?   Last week I found an ideal pair of shoes to match:

I can't wait to try on the entire ensemble and see how the ivory belt and shoes look with their crystal accents.  These heels aren't particularly vintage or by a big label, but they'll be the perfect touch. 

What else do I need to be ready for a June wedding in the dress and shoes?  I'm thinking an ivory clutch, and maybe a small hair clip with little crystals.

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Get This: BCBG and nearly new

"If only I were a size 10," I keep thinking to myself.  Granted, my frame would look awfully awkward with size 10 feet and size 10 shoes, but that's another story.  All I know is that these BCBG heels are truly something.  I know for a fact that the previous owner only wore them a few times, so they're virtually free of scuffs and marks.

Pointed toes don't seem to be going anywhere, so these will be fashionable for many seasons to come.  The T-strap is also a classic, flattering feature.  Personally, I love the white stitching.

If a size 10 sounds perfect, check out these BCBG heels on our eBay page.


In Other News: NorthJersey.com has an awesome feature article about the bevy of consignment shops that have shown up in the Jerz in the past year or so.  According to the piece, the sagging economy elevated the consignment industry.  A bridal-specific consignment shop is profiled in the article as well.

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Field Trip: Georgia Avenue Thrift Store

6101 Georgia Ave NW
Washington, DC 20011
(202) 291-4013

The Georgia Avenue Thrift Store is a good starting place for a new thrifter. It's small, which will prevent that overwhelming feeling that can take over upon walking into one of the area's larger stores. But there's still plenty to look at, for even the most experienced of shoppers. The store offers two discounted color tags every day, and regular price items were reasonable when I visited. There are some vintage diamonds in the rough, including a long coat from Yugoslavia. And yes, I consider anything from the time of Yugoslavia to be vintage.



My favorite find of the night was a pair of gold Steve Madden heels, snagged for 7 bucks. "You just had to have the gold shoes," commented an older man behind me in line to check out. I told him they looked great, but I was worried about keeping my balance in them.




He peered around me to size up the heels in my hand. "No, you'll be fine," he said with a smile. "They're very nice."

Thumbs up to the old man with style.

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Love, Philadelphia

Life took me to Atlantic City this past weekend, where I was greeted with complimentary (at least, I think they were complimentary) issues of Philadelphia Magazine and Philadelphia Style in my hotel room. I was not five minutes into Philadelphia when I noticed some familiar soles: Oxfords. They're back, apparently. I don't think I knew they were gone in the first place.

I instantly thought of these babies: Updated Oxfords with a sensible kitten heel and a little extra around the toe, now that toe cleavage is cool. I got them a few months ago to make up for my complete absence of brown shoes in my wardrobe, and love their wearable style.

So a nod to Philadelphia, for pointing out what I new all along: some looks never take a vacation.



Label: Steve Madden
Location: Value Village, Hyattsville (for $5, seriously)
Look: Preppy Oxfords with a girlie side
Likewise: Anything. Pair these shoes with just about anything and you'll look smart. Promise.

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