Saturday, January 9, 2010

We shall walk in velvet shoes


I do a lot of my shopping based on having a hunch. If I find a pair of shoes that are beautiful, well-made, and reasonably priced, I usually pick them up, even if I don't recognize the brand. You don't need to see a price-tag or a label to tell the difference between a $100 bottle of wine and Franzia.

When I get home, I Google my new purchase. What's the designer's background? What year and season is the piece from? Did I get a good deal? Even when I do know the brand, I like to find out a little more.


In need of some retail therapy on Thursday, I headed down to Century 21 on my lunch break. I found these cute Jil Sander pumps for $99.99 (orig $520). I've never had velvet shoes before and hit the internet to find out how to care for them (no water!)


A few entries down on my search, I came across this:

Velvet Shoes
Elinor Wylie (1885-1928)


Let us walk in the white snow

In a soundless space;

With footsteps quiet and slow,

At a tranquil pace,

Under veils of white lace.

I shall go shod in silk,

And you in wool,

White as white cow's milk,

More beautiful

Than the breast of a gull.

We shall walk through the still town

In a windless peace;

We shall step upon white down,

Upon silver fleece,

Upon softer than these.

We shall walk in velvet shoes:

Wherever we go

Silence will fall like dews

On white silence below.

We shall walk in the snow.



Although a poem about velvet shoes was not the purpose of my Google search, I'm so glad I came across it. Now, whenever I put these shoes on, I'll think of the luxurious experience of stepping into a fresh snowscape.


(Velvet shoes photos: © Littlehouse of Style)


4 comments:

Wendy said...

You're really lucky to have found these Jil Sander's... amazing!

Catherine said...

I was very excited to find them! The discount shopping in New York is unreal. I think I freaked out the first time I found Dolce & Gabbana in a Filene's Basement— that would never happen in my hometown! But in New York, you can definitely find designer pieces at 75% off if you dig.

Jade Purple Brown said...

i really want to get a velvet dress but i feel like im cutting it too close to spring.

Catherine said...

I've been wanting one, too! Marc Jacobs did a black asymmetrical one recently that was adorable. You should do it! The closer it gets to Spring, the more on sale winter dresses will be... Velvet is so lux— you'll be able to wear it for years if the style is classic.