ShopEatDrink

I was on an Italian holiday, roaming the streets of Positano, when I happened across a storefront selling custom-made sandals. You could choose the color of the leather straps, the style — such as thongs, or toe rings, and the sole, whether it’s flat, a wedge or a heel.

Several hundred feet later, there’s another custom sandal shop, with more brightly colored leather straps, and lots and lots of crystals adorning the sandals. My friend and I were trying on sandals to see what looked best on our feet, and got yelled at by the

cobbler – he was impatient and wanted us to make a quick decision. We left in a huff, vowing never to buy from him.

We searched Positano and Capri for other sandals, but his were the best. I went back the next day, swallowed my pride, and bought a gorgeous pair of pink sandals, with major bling.

Ever since, I’ve dreamed of opening my own custom sandal business. But in the meantime, I made a discovery that lets me fulfill my sandal cravings. I was in New York City a few weeks ago, walking along 5th Avenue, and something in the front window of Henri Bendel stopped me in my tracks. There was a live cobbler making custom sandals!

Turns out Bendel partnered up with Tuccia Di Capri to offer customized sandals.

If you can’t get to the NYC Bendels, you can order your sandals online. Tuccia di Capri gives you instructions on how to measure your feet. This is now my second pair of custom sandals, and I have to tell you, there’s nothing better than the fit of a shoe made for your feet. They are so comfortable, and they don’t rub at all.

If you know of any other custom sandal makers, please do share!

Everything comes down to choices and priorities. That’s why I’m not attending the 2010 Wine Bloggers’ Conference (WBC) in Walla Walla, Washington this weekend. The reason is perfectly clear: Wine Women & Shoes is happening in Napa, and there was no way to attend both. Yes, shoes win out over wine. In fact, I always compare what something costs to how many pairs of shoes I could buy. An $800 bottle of Screaming Eagle? That’s at least two or three pairs of shoes. Personally I’d rather have the shoes. Oh don’t get me wrong, I love wine and spend way too much money on it as it is. But shoes you can wear more than once, and perhaps even for years. Wine is a one time deal. Once you pop the cork, it’s gone. Anyway, that’s my reasoning. Anything to justify buying yet another pair.

No doubt I’ll be following the happenings and pronouncements from WBC. I’m hoping someone will finally reveal the secret to making loads of money by blogging. That would make the conference worth attending.

I’ll post about WW&S, which takes place at Hall Winery in St. Helena on Sunday, June 27. I’m going with a group of friends; our numbers keep expanding year after year. This is year four!

BJF flower slippers

If you’re able to get to Novato, the Bonjour Fleurette warehouse sale is totally worth going to.  Judi Flowers created flower slippers, and they’ve become all the rage, from Sex and the City to Oprah.

Here’s a video from In Wine Country that we did on Judi and her slippers.

Usually the slippers go for $50 and up!  But at the sale, you pay $10, unless there are Swarvoski crystals, then it’s a little more.  The luggage tags are fantastic!  I have several — some are flowers, others are plaids.  They make great gifts, and usually go for $12 but at the sale they’re $3-$6.

Italian wine guru Joe Bastianich sports custom “Drink Vino” Nike’s at San Francisco book signing event. How about “Wine Fashionista”?

Joe Bastianich

Joe's "Drink Vino" Nikes

The "Vino" Nike