Tuesday Miscellany: Bespoke Shoes, Beauty Buys, and More
Bespoke Shoes, Made In Italy…
Earlier this year, I was contacted by Nicole and Sam of Viajiyu* shoes. They were in Los Angeles, and asked if I’d like to meet to take a look at their bespoke shoes, made in Italy. (That was an easy “yes!”)
They brought along several samples of their beautiful flats and wedges, and dozens of swatches of the various leathers and linings available. I tried on a few styles and was really impressed with the comfort and quality. When they asked if they could make me a pair (as a gift), another easy “yes!” The hard part was choosing the style, leather and lining. Ultimately, I decided on “timeless” and went with the “Como Flat,” a pointed-toe skimmer in black leather with a soft shimmer. And just for fun, that yellow lining.
The styles I tried on seemed to run true to my usual size 7½. I received my shoes a couple of weeks ago, and they are just as comfortable as the samples. The leather is soft but substantial, and they feel like they mold to my feet. I’ve worn them all day, running errands, walking dogs, etc. The insole is cushioned, though a little less than what I’d need for travel. I love this classic look, especially to add some refinement to my casual outfits.
The Viajiyu boutique is in Florence, Italy, so if you’ll be visiting, what could be a better souvenir than a pair of bespoke shoes? But they also take online orders, and will be traveling throughout the U.S. this summer with sample sizes and swatches. See the schedule and RSVP here.
*The name combines the Italian word “via” for road, and Japanese word “jiyu” for freedom.
Savings On Skincare Favorites
Today’s the last day to take advantage of the “Maximum Effect/Minimum Effort” Memorial Day Sale at Makeover Workshop. Brian has put together a few “Beauty Box” specials featuring some of my favorite products. Above, a Beauty Box featuring three that I use daily: Illuminate & Contour Eye Treatment, Re-Creation Lip Treatment, and Firming Neck and Throat Creme. I don’t buy into a lot of beauty hype, but these really do deliver noticeable results!
You can also save 20% on individual items featured in the “Maximum Effect/Minimum Effort” videos with code MAX. That includes my favorite Makeover Workshop lipsticks! Today’s the last day of this offer, so don’t delay if there’s anything you’ve had your eye on.
Just Finished Watching…
“Dead To Me” on Netflix. I don’t do “horror,” so don’t worry, it’s not one of those. A woman searching for the hit-and-run driver who killed her husband is befriended by another woman with…secrets. Though some of the story turns are predictable, others are not. The characters are flawed and complex, and both Applegate and Cardellini deliver outstanding performances. But it’s not all heaviness; it’s bitingly funny too.
If you were to design your own pair of bespoke shoes, what would you choose?
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
Love the shoes- very much- but ……..Love your style, therefore I am writing for some help from you. I have size 10 feet but very wide.; Broke my femur in a wreck a year ago, surgery, titanium rod, etc. Now- one leg is shorter than the other and I have to wear a heel wedge insert to balance. Can you suggest some dress up shoes for me? I am at wits end. Sandals dont work well, unfortunately.
the only shoe I can really walk in is a hiking mid rise boot-sneaker. Hate the orthopedic drudge look. I just know you can find me something!!
You might look at the website barkingdogshoes.com. They review shoes and make recommendations for various types of foot issues. Or perhaps contact the blogger who writes it for her suggestions?
thanks!
Hi Susie, you don’t mention whether you’re looking for heels or flats. If flats, here’s one that’s available in 10W, and has a removable insole: https://shopstyle.it/l/3ULR It’s offered in a few colors, too.
perfect! much thanks!!
Aha! In a perfect world my ballet shoes would have the bottoms of a soft flip flop, the cloth lining of a sneaker, a wider toe box and an elastic around the heel so it didn’t slip off, a half inch leather heel, all leather bottoms, an option for a snap on strap, and very soft leather on top… dreams…
I want this shoe!
You have given me the perfect spot to shop in Florence! I will be there for 5 days next April…
Ahh these are beautiful Susan. I have had shoes made for me a number of times but one pair, in particular, was a low Mary Jane with a tiny buckle across the top. I had such an itch to scratch about this particular style that I had them made exactly from my own drawing! Oh the days of being a young single Woman with a disposable income 😉 So self-indulgent!
I think bespoke or made to order anything is only a good thing now, in terms of sustainability. I wrote as much in a recent article on my blog.
Ahhh, shoes that would hide my bunions and hammertoe in comfort, yet be as beautiful as those I wore. I felt guilty that I had ruined my feet due to heels until the podiatrist told me that my genes not my shoes were responsible. I am trying to be grateful that these old feet are functional but miss how pretty they were.
We love problem feet. We have many styles that accomodate all sorts of issues!
Just got onto their website…fell in love with a pair of blue, tasseled loafers. Now I have another shopping obsession in Florence. Santa Maria Novella and Viajiyu!
We hope to see you soon!
To NMK – what relief to read what your podiatrist told you!! I was thinking of all the beautiful heels I used to wear decades ago!! My mom told me it was me choosing to wear those shoes…when actually it IS her fault after all that I have bunions!!! hahahaah! You made my day!
🙂 Love this. 🙂
Too often we shoulder the blame and guilt for sins we never committed.
Very disappointed to see Viajuyu are skipping the West Coast altogether.
They actually have dates open at the beginning of the tour and are looking for suggestions. Perhaps you can let them know you’d be interested in a West Coast date…
Ciao, Mary. We visit the West Coast every winter. We will be there December 2019 and Jan/Feb 2020. Can’t to be back in California. Cheers, Nic + Sam
I stopped pointy toes a long time ago.
I agree, “Dead to Me” is terrific. Good writing, tackles some interesting issues within the basic plot (mastectomy, infertility, female friendship, grief), and Christina Applegate is wonderful, as is her co-star Linda Cardellini. And Ed Asner! Definitely recommend it.
These are beautiful! How much arch support do they have?
Thank you! I’d say arch support is moderate. They have more than most flats I’ve tried, not as much as a sturdier shoe.