Miss Meghan™ :: The Perfect Fit: What your shoes say about you

MISS MEGHAN HAS MOVED

2008-02-19T14:58:00.001-05:00

If you are looking for all things having to do with Meghan Cleary, aka Miss Meghan, she has now moved to MISSMEGHAN.COM.

Lots of fun and exciting things happening so go there right NOW.

NEW YEARS SHOE MUSINGS

2008-01-11T17:59:00.000-05:00

Noorindah captured the mood at my New Year's soiree quite perfectly!

COMFORT VS STYLE: THE ETERNAL SHOE CONFLICT

2007-12-19T13:17:00.000-05:00

From Marketing Daily's Sarah Mahoney:

ADD NEW BALANCE TO THE list of shoe marketers looking to branch out beyond performance shoes: The Boston-based company will launch NB Inside, a women's line of fashion sneakers next fall.

New Balance says its new line is key to its plans to reach $3 billion in sales by 2012. Executives say that over time they hope the new collection, with shoes priced around $125, will account for 25% of company sales.

The new strategy makes plenty of sense. New Balance, which also owns PF Flyers and Dunhams, is a brand best-known for its performance shoes, especially running, walking, and cross-training--all fairly stagnant categories of late. But the fashion category, or women's low-performance category, is tearing it up: NPD Group says that in the 12-month period ending in October, sales of women's low-performance athletic footwear increased 31.4% over the same 12-month period the prior year.

"This is the hottest segment in athletic footwear," says Matt Powell, senior research analyst for The SportsOneSource Group. "Right now, it's the second-largest selling category, behind running shoes." Skechers, with about 30% market share, continues to be the leader, he says, with Puma and Nike also top sellers.

Sales in the category are so strong, in fact, "that we've really broken the paradigm in athletic shoe marketing," he says. "For the last 30 years, it's always been about a sports-specific shoe. Maybe one year it was running shoes, and another year it was basketball. But this year, for the first time, it's not about a specific category."

As a result, Powell adds, shoe marketers are scrambling to find the best ways to sell shoes, now that high-priced athletic endorsers make less sense. Some companies certainly use celebrities, he says, "but for most, it's been much more about being in the right kind of retail outlet, as opposed to athletic specialty stores."

Consumer experts say the shift represents a sea change in the way women shop for shoes. "Women have this constant internal conflict about comfort versus style," says Meghan Cleary, a New York-based shoe expert and host of HSN's "Shoe Therapy." "And it's a very funny time in shoes. Even as heels go higher and higher, women are demanding more comfort from their shoes." Another example, she says, has been the popularity of wedge and platform styles recently, "which add height with more comfort."

For years, she points out, regular shoe manufacturers--Naturalizer and Aerosole, for instance--have been injecting sneaker-like comfort into regular shoes. (And then there's Crocs, she says, a comfort phenomenon all on its own.) "So it makes sense that sneaker companies like New Balance, which have already invested millions into comfort technology, would try it too."

New Balance says NB Inside will sport "environmentally preferred materials" inside, "using the natural cushioning, breathable and lightweight properties of cork to provide maximum support." And the shoes will use NB's Abzorb and Abzorb SBS, two of its shock-absorbing technologies, for the "stability, comfort and feel of an athletic shoe."

To the bunion-ridden fashion crowd, it's about time. Adds Cleary: "They're just recognizing that women want this fusion of comfort and style

STILETTO EARRINGS?

2007-12-08T17:56:00.001-05:00

Leave it up to fashion blogger and UGLY supermodel (didja see her on Nightline this week?), Najwa Moses to create an earring with Stilettos attached to it.

Working the trend of shoes in miniature as accessory accents (have you seen the Stiletto clasp on the Louboutin alpaca clutch for Spring?) Najwa's Stiletto earrings (aka the BFF earring) are part of her new earring collection you can check out on Styleaholics. They capture her signature outrageousness and her clever wordsmithing, with names like BFF, The Blogger, The Celebrity, The Publicist and The Agent. Work it Naj!

EILEEN SHIELDS SAMPLE SALE: TONITE!

2007-12-05T13:50:00.000-05:00

You know we love the Eileen Shields quinteseential "Juliette" t-strap ballerina flat (pictured here).

Get your hands on some tonight: Grape & Grain,620 East 6th Street, btwn B & C, 5:00pm-7:00pm, MC, VISA, AMEX, CASH. Wine and cheese too. mmmmm.

WINTRY BOOTS: KAMIK

2007-11-28T17:42:00.000-05:00

I like saying Kamik because it sounds like another language. Which I think it is. But besides that the Kamik people make some very excellent all-weather wintry boots that are cute for a girl in the city, country or anywhere in between.

They are shiny, come in a variety of fun prints and best of all have a really lovely Polartec lining to keep you toasty warm. The lining is an all-important aspect missing in some other rubber boots and believe me when it is 30 degrees and you are slogging to your next appointment, it makes all the difference.

I think I am going to do a rubber boot roundup soon, but until then, enjoy this little tidbit.

SHOE SHOPPING AT GEN ART

2007-11-28T16:58:00.000-05:00

You know I love to shop Ashley Dearborn, Ruthie Davis and Madison Harding.

Now can do all under one roof. On sale. With a cocktail to boot. (hee hee)

WHEN: Wednesday, December 5th, 2007
General Admission 6:00pm – 10:00pm

WHERE: Puck Building
293 Lafayette St. (btw. Prince and Houston)
New York, NY 10012

WHO: 50+ womenswear, accessories & menswear sell current season samples and overstock for up to 70% off at an upscale and stylish shopping event. Guests will also be pampered with blow outs and hairstyling by Ecru NY, manicures and brow grooming by Tweezerman, chocolate from Cote d’Or, complimentary cocktails courtesy of Baileys, Johnnie Walker, and custom gift-wrap printing from Epson.

Tickets: Free for Gen Art members, $15 advance purchase
VIP Tickets*: $30 for Gen Art members/$40 general
*Includes 1st picks on designer items, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and special VIP shopping bag full of fashionable products!

Visit www.genart.org or 212.255.7300

SHOE THERAPY (TM) WITH MEGHAN CLEARY:TONIGHT NOVEMBER 16

2007-11-14T15:25:00.000-05:00

Get into it.

(That's me wearing the Hot in Hollywood Slouch Boot in Grey on my last Shoe Therapy appearance)

Shoe Therapy (R)with me, Meghan Cleary, America's Shoe Expert tonight 11 PM Pacific and
2 AM Eastern Standard Time.

You know you want to stay up late for therapy. I mean, why not? You probably could use some feel-good prescriptions and I also have a little treat for you tonight in the show. A special preview of some shoes I discovered about two years ago who have refined their styles and are now one of the new brands on HSN.

If you are too tired, tune in tomorrow on HSN.COM:

Go to: HSN.COM

Click on: HSNTV

Click on "Weekly Product Review"

Find Friday, November 16 at 2 am: Shoe Therapy, click and enjoy.

You can watch at your desk at work
-- the boss won't notice that you are buying stilettos I promise.

There will be more of that in the New Year so stay tuned. And remember, you can always shop on HSN.COM if the phone lines are busy during the show. We expect sell-outs on many of the styles so is always smart to get your order in ASAP online, then you can relax and enjoy the Shoe Prescriptions I will be giving out!

xo
Meg

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES SHOES

2007-11-14T14:23:00.000-05:00

It's all right here. Curiously enough they didn't include Hillary in the bunch, only the man-folk, but was fun to analyze them anyway.

From RADARonline:

If you can judge a man by his shoes, what would you find out about the current crop of presidential contenders? Radar convened a panel of famous footwear fetishists to find out. Weighing in are former Diddy manservant Fonzworth Bentley, Meghan Cleary, author of The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoes Say About You, Barneys New York creative director Simon Doonan, and cobbling legend John Fluevog. Below, their character assessments from the ankle down. Click through to reveal the candidate in full.

1. Black Loafer
CLEARY: "These are the most presidential of all the shoes. Their wearer is a serious candidate who understands how to gracefully navigate tricky waters with apparent ease. The shoe's bright shine is a sign of high self-esteem."

2. Low-Top  Hiking Boot
CLEARY: "This guy is casual but not disorganized. He's a totally solid, extremely grounded straight shooter and a serious worker with a sense of adventure."

3. Cordovan Oxford
CLEARY: "He's traditional and can go along with convention sometimes, but he's also a scrapper who's not interested in details, just in getting the job done."

4. Faux Monk- Strap with Velcro  Fastener
CLEARY: "This man likes to be on the go, and could be a real modernist open to new ideas—or be casual to the point of sloppiness. Either way, he's a sensitive guy setting himself apart from the crowd."

5. Brown Lace-Up
CLEARY: "He's very old-school, preppy, and straightforward, but doesn't spend a lot of money on frills."

See who I am talking about on RADAR. . .

DUE FARINA SAMPLE SALE: GET INTO IT

2007-11-14T12:20:00.000-05:00

Rebeca Minkoff and Due Farina share their luxurious Collections with you at special prices.

Nov 13 until Nov 16 12pm-8pm.
158 Grand St. #207, 2nd Floor (between Lafayette St. and Centre St.)
50% off bags and shoes!
Famous "Morning After Bag" Italian Leather, as seen on Lindsday Lohan! Orig.
$595 now 50% off
Over the knee Equestrian Boots in calf nappa leather. Orig. $495 now 50%
off

VS, MC and AX accepted

$50,000 SNEAKERS

2007-11-09T12:18:00.000-05:00

Bring the bling, that's what I always say.

From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution today:

$50,000 sneakers? Big Boi to get first pair
by Christian Boone

Sneakers are a bona fide fashion ccessory, but are you ready to shell out $50,000 for a pair of diamond-studded Nikes?

If you're Big Boi from OutKast, you won't have to. He's getting the pair free, compliments of Atlanta retailers Laced Up Boutique and Priyya and Chintans Diamonds. First of a kind, they say.

Big Boi.

Artisans in Mumbai, India, are putting the finishing touches on the sneakers, featuring diamonds studded around the famous swoosh logo.

Diamonds are bedazzling everything from iPods to brassieres, which got Priyya and Chintans owner Rita Patel thinking: "Why not diamonds on sneakers?"

The inspiration hit her while waiting in line for breakfast across the street from Laced Up. Just so happens the upscale shoe boutique caters to hip-hop stars like T.I. and Usher. Owner Ernel Dawkins expects the sneaks will be a big hit with his celebrity clientele.

"People in the entertainment industry aren't afraid to spend big money, and sneakers are becoming like collectibles," Dawkins said. A mock-up of the shoes displayed at the recent BET Awards in Atlanta sparked dozens of inquiries.

The customized shoes are Air Force 1 "So Cals." Without diamonds, they retail for $225. To add the diamonds, the logo is cast in gold metal, and the diamonds are studded in casings held together by a fine gold stitching, Patel said.

"They had to look good, of course, and they had to be comfortable," she said.

"I have never heard of diamonds on sneakers, but it's a natural progression. It speaks to the whole rise of sneaker culture," said Meghan Cleary, host of "Shoe Therapy" on HSN.

The 11-carat sneakers will be unveiled Nov. 27.

And yes, you can get a pair in time for Christmas. Orders won't be taken until late November, and Patel said it takes about three to four weeks to complete the diamond studding.

"In the hip-hop industry, it's all about topping each other," Patel said. "We think it will be well worth it in the long run."

There's some precedent for this confidence.

On the HBO show "Entourage," one of the characters was gifted a $20,000 pair of sneakers, Nike Air Force 1 Fukijamas. The next day, Dawkins said he received dozens of calls from people wanting the same shoes.

"I was like, 'yeah man, that's cool but that's a TV show,'" he said. "It's not for real. I don't have 'em."

Cleary said the retailers shouldn't sweat their investment.

"I think you're going to see more and more uber-luxury customizations of sneakers," she said. "Sneakers have become such a mode of expression.

"Next year, you'll probably be writing about a $100,000 pair of sneakers."

Chuck Taylor must be running laps in his grave.

BONTONI SHOES

2007-11-08T12:30:00.000-05:00

My friends at Bontoni made the ForbesLife find of the day. And while I espouse all manner for Stilettos for women, one thing I am always adamant about for men is having a pair of custom made shoes. Just one pair in your closet is an amazing investment in yourself that will last you a lifetime and speak volumes about the man you are to anyone you hope to attract - from business investors to girlfriends. Not to mention being extremely comfortable as they are made just for your foot and wear in to form perfectly over the years. So men, listen to Miss Meghan, on this point. You can thank me later.

STILETTOS: COMFORT VS. STYLE

2007-11-06T14:57:00.000-05:00

The fabulous Amy Dufault investigated further into the eternal conflict in the Cape Cod Times . . .

Step away from foot pain

By AMY DuFAULT

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

November 05, 2007

You, the woman with the neatly lined boxes of slightly worn shoes! And you! The shoe hoarder who chanted, "Fashion is pain, fashion is pain," while jamming your swollen toes into a shiny new pair of pumps because they looked so perfect. The time has come to get real.

Just to start this out right, keep in mind that rumor has it a whopping nine out of 10 women have something irregular with their feet, anything from bunions to hammer toes to flat feet to arthritis. Finding comfortable shoes isn't always easy, but there are little tricks and I've swollen my own size nines to get them to you.

First, the fun stuff.

We turn to the supreme authority on all things shoes, the Home Shopping Network's Meghan Cleary, whose show, "Shoe Therapy," offers "part high-end runway commentary, part shopping with the girls, and a whole lot of shoe excitement," according to her Web site.

Cultivating a lifelong obsession into a new career as doyenne of all things shoe, Cleary a favorite of Tyra Banks and proclaimed a "shoe psychologist" by Isaac Mizrahi, says thousands of women have poured their hearts out to her when it comes to shoes and she knows why.

"I think the biggest thing with shoes is how it reflects a woman's mood and state of mind in a particular moment," says Cleary. "They're more revealing than jeans or bags, because they hit on a number of different levels and have a physiological impact on how we walk and occupy space."

Author of "The Perfect Fit" (2005, Chronicle Books), Cleary believes that though most women are constantly in search of the perfect-fitting shoe, they need to look more at themselves and their ever-changing lifestyles.

"I think there's sort of a conflict within a woman when it comes to comfort and style," says Cleary. "We see a beautiful pair of shoes and want them to fit, but I don't think any shoe is going to be perfectly perfect."

If a woman should find that perfect shoe, Cleary says, she should always buy more than one pair.

And, she adds there are tricks to making a shoe fit even if it doesn't want to.

A strong supporter of Dr. Scholl's insoles and molding skin foam that can be cut out to any shape you need, Cleary says she puts the foam on the inside of her shoe to alleviate pressure points that by day's end will become pain points.

"One thing I've realized as a shoe expert is to really, really tailor your shoe to you," says Cleary

To read the rest of the article, click here.

THE SHOE MAN COMES TO TOWN

2007-11-02T18:02:00.000-05:00

All the way from Iceland, Sruli came to visit me and show me his extremely cool shoes. You know they are amazing when they smell good.

ME, IN BOSNIAN

2007-10-24T15:26:00.000-05:00

From http://www.weekend.ba

MEGHAN CLEARY ON THE TODAY SHOW NOVEMBER 2

2007-10-23T14:26:00.000-05:00

Tune for Stiletto Strategies (C) and lots of other fun info
on the TODAY show, Friday, November 2 in the 8 am and 10 am hours EST.

We shot at the fabulous new Saks Fifth Avenue shoe floor and I had a moment with some new Alaias. You know how I love my Alaia and well, they have these new ones and well, I almost fainted at their beauty.

SPECIAL FOR MISS MEGHAN READERS: LE DUE

2007-10-23T13:24:00.000-05:00

hi sugars. Special for you from Marina Rosin the fab designer behind Due Farina and now their amazing second line, Le Due, a little coupon to celebrate their online store opening. Go here and shop till you drop. Check out the Rustic (pictured on right) one of my faves.

xo
Meg

HOLLYWOULD FOR TARGET

2007-10-22T13:18:00.000-05:00

I have been a fan of Hlly Dunlap's creations ever since she revolutionized ballet flats with her comfort soles and made them in a rainbow array of colors to suit every downtown girl's palette. Now she's at Target, and you KNOW how much I heart Target. View the entire collection here.
xo
Meg

DO THE SHOE-BOOTIE WITH MEGHAN CLEARY!

2007-10-08T13:03:00.000-05:00

STRAPPY FOR SPRING

2007-10-07T12:59:00.000-05:00

Legendary street fashion documentarian Bill Cunningham has sniffed a bit of the strap sandal phenom that will be dominating the shoe landscape come Spring. It is going to be strappy, stroppy, and more strappy.

SHOE OF THE WEEK: SLINGBACK PUMP

2007-10-03T09:35:00.001-05:00

My grandma had a pair just like these in the 60's, (minus the animal print!). It's a classic silhouette with a one and a half inch heel that makes it chic but still wearable. Perfect with a sheath dress, tailored trousers and white blouse, or a pencil skirt and nipped cardigan. Meow!

SHOE THERAPY WITH MEGHAN CLEARY: THURSDAY OCTOBER 4 AT 11 PM

2007-10-03T09:12:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow night tune into HSN to see another episode of Shoe Therapy (TM) with Meghan Cleary. A lot of uber-cool boots, including one by Bellini that I am totally loving. You know what Miss Meghan says: It's your booty call for Fall!

Shoe Therapy with Meghan Cleary

Thursday, October 4th
11 pm
on
HSN

ELEGANT AND BENEFICENT AND FUNNY: CATHERINE JANE CLEARY

2007-09-27T18:33:00.001-05:00

MEGHAN CLEARY ON E! NEWS TONIGHT

2007-09-26T12:44:00.000-05:00

Check me out talking all things Fall trend at the new shoe floor at Saks, and how celebs keep their tootsies so comfy when walking the Red Carpet. (I'll give you a hint: it starts with the words Dr and Scholls).

Tonight: 9/26 at 7 pm and 11 pm
Tomorrow: 9/27 at 3 am, 8 am and 12 pm

Check your local listings.

xo
Meg

MEGHAN CLEARY ON MSN.COM FALL FASHION WEEK ROUNDUP

2007-09-21T13:22:00.000-05:00

The lovely Kristin Larson included me in her roundup of all things Fall Fashion Week on MSN:

Chunky, high-heeled sandals
High-heeled sandals with thick soles were spotted everywhere on the runways, with designers ranging from Oscar de la Renta and Proenza Schouler to Stephen Burrows. “I love the thick, strappy sandal because it makes a statement—it’s less delicate than your typical strappy stiletto and is a fabulous casual and earthy look with the feminine skirts for spring,” says Meghan Cleary, host of “Shoe Therapy” on HSN and founder of missmeghan.com.

Photo: Design by Proenza Schouler.

SHOE THERAPY WITH MEGHAN CLEARY TONIGHT AT 6 PM

2007-09-13T09:53:00.000-05:00

Have I got a pump for you! Yes, ladies I have something special for you. A Dezario pump with a cone heel and a lovely flower petal embellishment on the toe. Tune in tonight at 6 pm on the shopping channel HSN. (check here for your local listing: hsn.com)
xo
Meg

MEGHAN CLEARY ON REUTERS

2007-09-10T14:04:00.000-05:00

If you've been watching Shoe Therapy on HSN, you'll understand what I'm talking about when I say that new shoes are better than a box of chocolates . . .

From Reuters

Most women own 19 pairs of shoes

Mon Sep 10, 2007

By Belinda Goldsmith

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - American women have come out of the closet with a secret -- most own about 19 pairs of shoes and some have hidden purchases from their partners.

A poll of 1,057 women by the Consumer Reports National Research Center for shopping magazine ShopSmart found U.S. women on average own 19 pairs of shoes although they only wear four pairs regularly while 15 percent have over 30 pairs.

The survey also found women would risk injury to squeeze into new slingbacks or stilettos, with 43 percent of women saying they had been at least moderately injured by shoes and 8 percent reporting serious injuries like sprains or breaks.

"Women love their shoes and are willing to go to great lengths for them - including risking injury and hiding their purchases from a significant other," said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart which is published by non-profit consumer research group Consumer Union.

"Women are passionate shoe shoppers and this survey shows that shoe shopping is almost a sport for women. I know I hide shoes from my husband. My secret trick is to bring them home without the box."

The telephone survey found women on average bought four pairs of shoes a year -- with 13 percent admitting to hiding a purchase from their partner.

Six out of 10 women regret at least one shoe purchase and on average women have worn a quarter of their shoes only once.

Shoe guru Meghan Cleary, who hosts a show "Shoe Therapy" on TV shopping channel HSN, said women's love of shoes was nothing new but women had now come out of the closet with their obsession, encouraged by TV shows like "Sex and the City" where the women speak openly about their love for their shoes.

"I often speak to women who have about 400 pairs of shoes. One woman I spoke to had 400 pairs of which 300 were knee-high black boots," said Cleary, who has about 150 pairs herself.

"A new pair of shoes makes a woman feel great - and they last longer than a box of chocolates. Forget indulging in a chocolate sundae and go buy shoes for a quick little uplift."

Sales of shoes has increased in recent years with figures from retail tracker NPD Group showing U.S. shoe sales rose 9 percent in 2005 to nearly $42 billion or 1.4 billion pairs. Figures for 2006 were not available.

But unlike clothing, which is the most often purchased item online by women, Internet shoe shopping has not yet caught on with only 14 percent of women buying shoes online.

Seven out of 10 women, or 74 percent, said they liked to try shoes on before buying them.

"Trying on shoes in a store is fun as you don't have to strip off in front of a brightly lit mirror," said Cleary.

SHOE THERAPY WITH MEGHAN CLEARY

2007-09-07T15:10:00.004-05:00

Don't forget to tune in to Shoe Therapy(TM) with yours truly next week.

Thursday, September 14 at 6 pm

and

Friday, September 15 at 6 am

We are going to have a total blast!

xo
Meg

FALL BOOT TRENDS: TOMORROW NIGHT AT 8 PM ON HSN

2007-09-04T17:35:00.000-05:00

Don't miss it!
xo

NATALIE MORALES: A PEEP-TOE WEDGE PLATFORM SLINGBACK KINDA GAL

2007-09-04T17:17:00.001-05:00

Some outtakes from Natalie and I dishing about her fab cute shoes and platforms.

MEGHAN CLEARY: ON THE TODAY SHOW THIS MORNING

2007-09-04T11:59:00.000-05:00

Got to talk Fall Shoe trends with Natalie Morales this morning and also analyze her amazing wedge, peep-toe, platform, slingbacks!

Watch the segment:

I wore a raspberry Ella Moss dress with gorgeous sueded braiding detail around the neck and my ALAIA's that everyone is so sick of!

We talked about BALLET FLATS;

Delman Grey Flannel and Pink Polka Dot ballet flats
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Snake Mary Jane ballet flats

Hot In Hollywood for HSN Mod black ballet flats (pictured above)

Then, we turned to PLATFORMS;

Vince Camuto Bordeaux Peep toe pumps
Miss Tina Leopard Stilettos
Jessica Simpson Green metallic ankle boots

Finally ANKLE BOOTS!
Fun, trendy, feminine -- yes! you can wear them with a skirt and cute leggings or a bright opaque tights and a denim mini.

Bellini's in FERRARI red (that's what the production guys called them!)
Mossimo Black Ankle Boot
Vince Camuto Quilted Ankle Boot

Was very fun -- pics to come!

xo
Meg

ACADEMY OF AMERICAN POETS: SHOES & POETRY

2007-08-30T10:16:00.000-05:00

The Academy of American Poets asked me to comment on my favorite shoe poems.

Oh! Poems AND Shoes! Two of my most favorite things together. Like Oreos and Milk or a pair of Wolford tights and my new Louboutins!

Favorite Fit: A Shoe Expert Tries on Poetry
by Meghan Cleary

Poetry is the delicious linguistic and oral art of transformation, taking one thing and holding it in light or dark and watching it transmute. These poems do that for shoes, every prism of the shoe is explored and illuminated so that we have a new taste on the tongue for an object that ranges from the mundane to the iconic, from the practical and functional, to the beautiful and seductive. This much is true: you cannot deny the power of the shoe. "Red Slippers" by Amy Lowell Red slippers in a shop-window; and outside in the street, flaws of gray, windy sleet! Behind the polished glass the slippers hang in long threads of red, festooning from the ceiling like stalactites of blood, flooding the eyes of passers-by with dripping color, jamming their crimson reflections against the windows of cabs and tram-cars, screaming their claret and salmon into the teeth of the sleet, plopping their little round maroon lights upon the tops of umbrellas. The row of white, sparkling shop-fronts is gashed and bleeding, it bleeds red slippers. They spout under the electric light, fluid and fluctuating, a hot rain—and freeze again to red slippers, myriadly multiplied in the mirror side of the window. They balance upon arched insteps like springing bridges of crimson lacquer; they swing up over curved heels like whirling tanagers sucked in a wind-pocket; they flatten out, heelless, like July ponds, flared and burnished by red rockets. Snap, snap, they are cracker sparks of scarlet in the white, monotonous block of shops. They plunge the clangor of billions of vermilion trumpets into the crowd outside, and echo in faint rose over the pavement. People hurry by, for these are only shoes, and in a window farther down is a big lotus bud of cardboard, whose petals open every few minutes and reveal a wax doll, with staring bead eyes and flaxen hair, lolling awkwardly in its flower chair. One has often seen shoes, but whoever saw a cardboard lotus bud before? The flaws of gray, windy sleet beat on the shop-window where there are only red slippers. Much like the moment in "Sex and the City" when Carrie Bradshaw peers into the shoe shop window and sultrily addresses a pair of heels through the glass as "Hello, lo-vah," this poem perfectly captures the iconic status of the shoe—especially for women. It hones in precisely on the shoe as a fantasy, an aspiration, an untouchable object of desire. By contrasting the gray and white of the everyday world of shops and windy sleet against the "crimson lacquer," the "stalactites of blood," the "red rockets" of these slippers hanging in the window, she heightens the shoe to this intense, pulsing otherworldly object, held just beyond reach, behind glass.

Read the rest of the article here, at the Academy of American Poets fab website.

NAJWA MOSES HEARTS MISS MEGHAN

2007-08-28T08:48:00.000-05:00

And we heart Najwa right back!!

Naj interviewed me for her amazing Styleaholics blog.

Styleaholics, welcome to not only another New Media Tuesday but you are about to discover not only one of the MUST READ BLOGS on the web, but a BRANDED PERSONALITY ON THE RISE and if you don’t now you know!

LOL.

Miss Meghan is not only one of my favorite all time people, but she is also smart, savvy and a shoe addict-read below to find out more.

Styleaholics Heart Miss Meghan!

You call yourself a Shoe Therapist–please explain what this does and feel free to relate any funny case studies/stories.

The concept of Shoe Therapy (TM) originated because getting a new pair shoes is really therapy for every woman. I don’t care if you are a clog girl or a Stiletto girl, or you get them at a cool vintage shop, Manolo Blahnik’s store on Madison, or the Salvation Army — every women loves a new pair of shoes. It gives you an instant uplift and you don’t have to dress and undress in front of a bad flourescent mirror, you just try them on and go. Shoes change the way you walk, how you feel, your entire mood, your confidence. It’s a beautiful thing!

For the past four years traveling on tour with my book around the country, this concept has been proven to me over and over in so many different contexts–thousands of women have poured out their shoe stories to me. I have seen women light up when they put on a pair of new shoes they like. It’s like this moment of transformation, like a lightbulb that literaly switches on. It changes how she thinks about herself. And it makes you just happy to see something you love on your feet. As Christian Louboutin says, “How can you not smile when you look down at your feet and see a hot pink pump?”

Read the entire interview here.

THIS NEXT: MEGHAN CLEARY

2007-08-27T13:47:00.001-05:00

Hey hey! The lovely and fabulous Kristopher Dukes interviewed me for This Next and it is now up. Read the entire interview here.

Who is Miss Meghan?

From the ThisNext blog: Posted Monday, August 27, 2007 at 06:59AM

After a successful run as a marketing consultant on Wall Street, it was time for Miss Meghan to pursue her life-long obsession with shoes. Now we know her as America’s Shoe Expert, a shoe therapist and doyenne, the fashion authority of all things shoe. From her hit television show Shoe Therapy ™ on the Home Shopping Network, to her podcast series Shoe are You?™ on iTunes, thousands of women across the globe pour out their shoe stories to learn key tips and strategies on finding the latest shoes. When Miss Meghan isn’t dispensing celebrity shoe secrets and teaching us how to walk in stilettos, she can be found rounding up the latest finds on ThisNext. We caught up with this ‘sole therapist’ for the latest trends in the shoe department.

TN: Any sneak previews you can share with ThisNext readers?
MM: Well, I can say that there is a very hot ankle boot we’ll be featuring on the debut of my new show on Home Shopping Network on the 20^th (8 p.m.). It is a patent bootie with a suede cuff that has this super sexy slit up the front. Is very eighties but with a cool modern heel. I looove it! And keep tuning in to my show Shoe Therapy on HSN because we are going to be bringing people some really hot shoes this fall and Winter and a lot of hilarious surprises.

TN: Biggest response a blog post of yours has received from consumers?
MM: We got a lot of response from my Shoe are You? podcast with Jason and Randy Sklar — they have a huuuge following and the podcast was so hilarious, I practically stopped interviewing because I was just laughing so hard. You can check it out here or on iTunes.

Read the rest of the interview here.

WHAT YOUR SHOES SAY ABOUT YOU ON LIFETIME

2007-08-24T17:04:00.000-05:00

Listen up! Here's a neat little slideshow on Lifetime.tv to tell you what your shoes say about you.

What Your Shoes Say About You

Are you a demanding diva or a down-to-earth mama? Look no further than your feet to find out.

by Camille Noe Pagán

Posted: Thu., Jul. 19, 2007 , 4:12 pm EDT

If you really want to get in touch with your soul, look at your soles. "Shoes speak volumes about who you are. They represent your mood, your aspirations, even the way you conduct yourself," says shoe expert Meghan Cleary, a.k.a. Miss Meghan, author of "The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoes Say About You."

Click here to see the slideshow.

SHOE THERAPY(TM) IN SEPTEMBER

2007-08-22T11:24:00.000-05:00

To my loyal fans:

Here's the Shoe Therapy schedule for September on HSN:

Wednesday September 5: Fall Boot Trends

Thursday, September 13 at 7 pm: Shoe Therapy

Friday, September 14 at 6 am: Shoe Therapy

Tune in or check it out live on HSN.com.

xo
Meg

SHOE THERAPY(TM) ON HSN

2007-08-21T21:15:00.000-05:00

Well if you missed me last night, you can click here to watch the entire hour. My fabulous host Suzanne Runyan did a preview of all the shoes and then I am on about 10 minutes into the hour.

We had a blast, and more pics and Behind the Scenes to come!

SHOE OF THE WEEK: SEQUIN BALLET FLAT

2007-08-15T21:54:00.000-05:00

Since we are majorly heart-ing ballet flats this week over at Miss Meghan headquarters, we thought we'd show you a really affordable one that we love. Leopard sequins. Meow. Click on the shoe to buy.

KIMBERLEE AUERBACH: SHOE ARE YOU?

2007-08-15T16:39:00.000-05:00

This week on Shoe are You? I chatted with dear friend Kimmi Auerbach, former FOX news producer and author of the recently released, The Devil, The Lovers & Me: My life in tarot, an amazing and touching memoir.

Join us as we chat all things animal totem, LeClic cameras, big hair and what shoes Kimmi wore for her first kiss.

Click here to launch and listen in iTunes.

MEGHAN CLEARY ON CW11 THIS AM

2007-08-14T16:47:00.000-05:00

Did you catch me? Truly Julie and I hit the streets of Manhattan to read women's shoe signs. . .

BALLET FLATS: MORE HEARTS

2007-08-14T16:38:00.001-05:00

Read all about it. . . .

BALLET FLATS: OH! AND WE HEART DELMANS

2007-08-12T16:59:00.000-05:00

Check out my thoughts on flats on Yahoo shopping.

Look sharp in flats
Our favorite picks for ballet-inspired footwear
from Deborah Hopewell, Yahoo! Shopping Editor

When Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw and gal pals reunite this fall for the big-screen follow-up to "Sex and the City," could it be possible that her Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo heels will be replaced by the new fashion must-have - ballet flats?

"Women have begun demanding more comfort with their style," says "America's Shoe Expert" Meghan Cleary, who writes about shoes for the New York Daily News and the Huffington Post, and is the author of "The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoes Say About You." And ballet flats, says Cleary, fit the bill perfectly.

The ballet flat evokes the glamorous Hollywood days of such willowy beauties such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly - yet it's a flattering look on just about anyone. They pair especially well with capris, knee-length or shorter skirts, leggings and shorts (save the heels for wearing with longer pants, dress and skirts, as flats will make you look shorter).

"The average heel height has skyrocketed," says Cleary. "Heels in the '60s were 1½-2 inches. Now they can even go 5 or 6 inches," says Cleary. "Women do react to that. They are going into the marketplace and looking for something to look acceptable to wear to work, out on the town, with a cute mini or tight jeans - any which way. It's a cute shoe, but it's comfortable. Women get very attached to that."

However, Cleary warns that because flats are, well, flat, there isn't a lot of support, and that can be uncomfortable for some. "Make sure they have a solid sole on them, and maybe more than just a little strip of leather on them." She suggests the "twist test": Hold the toe in one hand, the heel in the other and gently twist the shoe. "If it's really flexible, you shouldn't buy it. It shouldn't be hard, but it shouldn't be really flexible."

And says, Cleary, look for the ballet-flat trend to continue into the fall and winter. "We're going to keep seeing them," she says.

Delman, founded in 1919, has been making ballet flats since the 1940s, says Cleary. It's "Work" flat has a classic look, but looks particularly contemporary in a variety of cotton stripes: cream/beige, melon/beige or turquoise/green. These pair perfectly with a lightweight tea-length skirt or skinny jeans.

NEW SHOES: WE LIKE THIS SONG TOO

2007-08-08T10:43:00.000-05:00

First heard this song in May, then suddenly it was everywhere. Planes, buses, my iPod. An ode to the true power of the shoe. All you need is a new pair to change your life.

Paolo won't you call us? We want to podcast you!

ALEXANDRA NEEL: SHOE ARE YOU? ©

2007-08-07T15:10:00.000-05:00

Bonjour mes amours! This week on Shoe are You Miss Meghan chats with
French shoe designer Alexandra Neel. A onetime dancer with the Paris
Opéra, she worked for Celine and Balenciaga before she struck out on her
own. She is particularly known for her corset heel Stieltto creation in
2001 that kicked off her cult status among hardcore fashionistas
worldwide who demanded a little dose of delicate frills with their
sexiness. Continuing on with her amazing designs, look for some major
Alexandra Neel developments in the near future. Merci beaucoup!

From the interview...

Miss Meghan: What kind of shoe do you like to see on men?

Alexandra: On the men it's no shoes-- barefoot! Or motorcycle boots...
My style is more sexy, delicate, but for the men I prefer sporty men.

Alexandra supports UNICEF.

Hear the entire podcast on iTunes by clicking here or podshow by clicking here.

SHOE OF THE WEEK: AFRICAN CORSET SHOE

2007-08-06T15:19:00.001-05:00

Ladies, celebrate the very last moments of summer with this amazing sandal from Hot in Hollywood. Embroidered fabric upper, a large bow-shape vamp strap, center tie bow with seed beads and goldtone grommets. Buff leather outsole and a textured rubber sole which is key for us city girls. Leather stacked heel is 2-3/4".

As always: 5-1/2 to 10,11 medium. 6-1/2 to 10,11 wide in teal, neutral or pastel. Click on the shoe to buy now.

DID YOU KNOW?

2007-08-06T12:00:00.000-05:00

Did you know that HOME SHOPPING NETWORK (HSN)

--puts each and every one of their shoes through an extensive quality testing process with a guy named Vince (believe me, I met him and he is strict about the shoes!)?

--stocks hard-to-find sizes from 5 1/2 to 12?

--creates exclusive brand new shoe styles based on their customer feedback?

--carries brands like Beverly Feldman, Born, Hot in Hollywood, Yellowbox, Diego di Luca, and Bellini?

--average shoe buyer also shops at stores like Nordstrom's?

--oh! and also HSN has this great new show, you might have heard of it, called Shoe Therapy (TM) with Miss Meghan
? Don't forget to tune in, August 20 at 8 pm!

HSN.COM IS ALL NEW - AND I'M AN AVATAR!

2007-08-05T12:59:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness. HSN.com has completely revamped! And guess who is on the homepage for Shoes & Handbags? Moi. Check it out and hear me talk all about patent, animal prints and metallics. Meow.

EVEN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL ACKNOWLEDGES THE POWER OF THE STILETTO

2007-08-04T13:51:00.000-05:00

You know I am always, always talking about the power and confidence of a Stiletto. Apparently the Wall Street Journal agrees:

"Heelpolitik: The Power of the Stiletto

Why Female Executives Keep
A Pair for Clashes and Crises;
Ferragamos to Be Fired In
August 2, 2007; Page D8

Look under many a powerful woman's desk and you'll find a serious pair of heels. Whether they're on her feet or tucked in a drawer, the shoes' key attribute is a three-inch spike that, if redirected, could put your eye out.

A pair of black Richard Tyler pumps -- pointy-toed, matte leather, very skinny heels -- live under the desk of Dana Thayer, senior vice president of marketing for Chelsea Piers, a sports and entertainment complex in Manhattan. She pulls them out for important meetings. "They turn me into this different person," Ms. Thayer says.

Amy Swift, who runs a women's business incubator called Women Who Launch, opts for a pair of beige snakeskin Jimmy Choos that "have an all-business quality to them." She calls them "quiet but fierce."

Flats are this year's much-hyped shoe trend, with sales of comfy shoes shooting skyward, according to retailers such as Nordstrom and Zappos.com. But those friendly flats tend to disappear at key moments -- the biggest meetings, confrontations and transactions. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, 77% of women wear heels to special occasions, which probably explains why Zappos still sells more designer heels than flats, at a substantial ratio of 65-35.

"High heels indicate power," says Stuart Weitzman, designer of many a power heel. "For some reason, it's a natural instinct for human beings."

This is partly a factor of height. At 5'9½ in bare feet, a pair of heels leaves Kristin Bentz, who runs a fashion-investment blog, towering over many men in a room. "I totally use the shoes for the intimidation factor -- for women and for men," she says.

Yet, as much as I'd like to argue that this is all about the added height, I'm afraid it's not. High heels are sexy. They offer an inherent contradiction: They make us more fragile, but conquering them to stride alongside men in their sensible flats creates mystique.

In an elevator at Lehman Brothers, Ms. Bentz's former employer, a couple years ago, a senior executive stared at Ms. Bentz's chocolate-brown crocodile four-inch pointy-toe pumps and asked, "Where do the toes go?" she recalls with relish.

The empowerment of women in the office has actually opened the door for sexier looks, even in conservative offices like the insurance brokerage where Darla Brunner works in Los Angeles. High heels were once less acceptable because of their alluring connotations, says Ms. Brunner. They were a distraction. But "in this day and age when it is more accepted that females are capable in the business world, those same high heels now command more business respect," she says.

Even if sex is still power, it must be carefully constrained in the office. Step across the line to blatantly sexy, and you risk moving into the dumb zone, or worse. Hence, Christian Louboutin's red-soled heels, with their hint of bondage, are best left out of the monthly budget meeting."

Read the rest of the article here.

IF THE SHOE FITS: MM ON BOSTON NOW

2007-08-03T13:46:00.000-05:00

If the shoe fits: Talk with Meghan Cleary

Rachel Solar, Fashion Editor

What is the book's premise?
It's sort of like astrology for your feet. The book outlines some of the most popular shoe styles and includes analysis of what those characteristics say about your personality whether you're a "Stiletto Girl," Ballet Flat Girl" or "Sneaker Girl." Throughout each profile, I also provide tips on fashion, dating and careers to match each shoe type.

What is the appeal of heels for women?
I think women's love of shoes is absolutely genetic. When I was five, I became totally obsessed with this pair of baby blue wedge espadrille sandals with flowered embroidery. They just seemed like the ultimate accessory even though I probably didn't even know what that word meant then. I bothered my mom until she bought them.

What is your personal favorite shoe?
Some favorites right now are a pair of grey python Azzedine Alaia pumps from the winter 2006 collection. I loooooove Giuseppe Zanotti for red carpet events, and I have a pair of crazy platforms from Due Farina that are super fun -- black and yellow patent.

What makes a shoe sexy?
I am a Stiletto girl when it comes to sexy shoes. Stilettos are the most feminine, confident shoe a woman can have in her fashion arsenal. I love towering and the silhouette it brings to the whole outfit. But it's different for every woman. It's all about how a good pair of shoes makes you feel inside and how confidently you walk in them. You have to rock your platforms if that's what you're in!

Published on Fri, Aug 3, 2007

CHEAT ON YOUR PEDICURE

2007-08-01T15:50:00.000-05:00

Cheat on your pedicure!
It's much more practical than cheating on your man - and it'll save money too
by Meghan Cleary

From Sunday's New York Daily News

Between swishing through the sand and giving yourself blisters with new shoes, you're hardest on your feet in summer.

And even in the land of $20 pedicures, taking your weekly spa job down to every other can save you a little cash you can use for other beach staples (like Bumble & Bumble hair powder, a new tube of Diorshow mascara or a little deposit in your savings account).

POST-PEDICURE POLISH

Twenty-four to 48 hours after your pedicure, carefully brush on a clear top coat. Try Barielle Ultra Speed Dry Manicure Extender or No-Chip Speed Dry With Silk Protein: it'll add another layer of protection on your polish, extend the color and prevent chipping.

PAMPER YOUR PEDS

Summer dryness manifests in cuticles and rough heels. Help dry cuticles by rubbing them with oil - any kind, from olive to baby.

Rough patches? Try a 15-minute lukewarm foot bath at the end of the day. Buff rough spots with a pumice stone and layer on some foot lotion before bed. Try Dr. Scholl's for Her Foot Serum (it has beta hydroxy to gently exfoliate the rough bits). For extra oomph, give yourself a little foot massage, and slip some cotton socks on over your lotion to seal in moisture.

BANISH BLISTERS

We've all bought a pair of shoes we love for summer - that gave us the worst blisters. How to wear them without permanently disfiguring your feet? For starters, once you get a blister, let it heal! We all put the offending shoes back on the very next day, but feet should have a three- to four-day window to heal. Get some moleskin foam with adhesive at the drugstore, cut it up and put it inside the shoes in the spots that gave you the most trauma. Then soak feet in as warm a bath as possible and rub them down before bed with a thick, unscented lotion, like Lubriderm Seriously Sensitive, to speed healing and reduce scarring.

PAINT YOURSELF

This summer, go for deep purple-red jeweled tones on the toes, with a sparkly undertone. These reflect in the summer sun and turn your toes into gorgeous little jewels in your sexy strappy stilettos. For some added appeal, layer a deep wine with a reddish sparkle: Try one coat of Essie National Velvet with an overlay coat of Essie Wild Thing.

Meghan Cleary is a Manhattan-based shoe expert; see www.missmeghan.com.

LILY ALLEN: WHAT HER SHOES SAY ABOUT HER

2007-07-31T16:21:00.001-05:00

We love Lily here at Miss Meghan headquarters. Songs: catchy. Attitude: sassy. Dresses: a-plenty. Heels: her staple. She knows how to dress for her body and that is something to applaud. Here she is in an adorable sundress that begs for a pitcher of pink lemonade and a weekend at the Hamptons, no? And the shoes! Miss Lily is ever so fashionable in these cork wedges. We know she loves to tower--she can almost always be spotted in a pair of retro pumps-- but with these wedges, she can also take care of business! The flat sole keeps her grounded and on the go-- just the way we like our young starlets. The peep toe and ankle strap reveal she is a bit of a retro girl who loves a classic 50's silhouette and isn't afraid to be a flirt! What her shoe says about her? Retro, girly, flirty, fun.

WILLIAM TELL: SHOE ARE YOU? ©

2007-07-31T14:59:00.000-05:00

This week on Shoe are You? Miss Meghan chats with singer/song-writer William Tell. The California rocker shares his patchwork of inspiration-- from his gospel-singing youth to his alt-rock years with band Something Corporate, you can find a little bit of everything in William. Not surprisingly, he likes to keep his appearance simple with minimalist shoes (what's with rockers and their minimalist shoes?). The key to his heart, ladies? Appropriate footwear. That's my kind of man! Be sure to catch his solo record You Can Hold me Down in stores now!

From the interview...

Miss Meghan: What type of shoes do you like to see on the opposite sex?

William: I honestly think heels look fantasic on a girl, especially if she has great legs. It's always nice to see a girl in heels-- even if it's just with jeans. I dated a girl who would wear heels everywhere, at all times. Literally, you're going to the beach, she'd have to take her heels off. It's like, you're in a bikini!

Click here to listen to the full show on iTunes.

Click here to listen to the full show on podshow.

Shoe Therapy (TM) with Meghan Cleary

2007-07-29T12:15:00.001-05:00

Shoe Therapy (TM) with Meghan Cleary
debuts Monday, August 20th at 8 pm
during HSN's Fall Fashion week!

How exciting! A full hour of shoe fun with Miss Meghan and the very first shoe show of it's kind. Grab your girlfriends and tune in for an hour of everything from Stilettos to Loafers, Kitten Heels to Wedges, Boots to Flip Flops. There’s something for every kind of shoe girl on Shoe Therapy!

*And I want you to know, that unlike most stores, Shoe Therapy(TM) with Meghan Cleary on HSN will carry amazing shoes in sizes 5 1/2 to 12, in both medium and wide widths.

From the official announcement Monday, July 30:

"Pioneering a new trend in fashion-tainment,
HSN and Meghan Cleary have partnered to create a new show
that is part high-end runway commentary, part shopping with the girls,
and a whole lot of shoe excitement.

“Ever since Catherine de Medici stepped into the first pair of Stilettos in 1533,
women have had a love affair with their shoes,”
notes America’s Shoe Expert, Meghan Cleary.
“Now, I am here on HSN to advise women
about the most fashionable trends in shoes,
how to pair them with the perfect outfit, and above all,
how to feel really great in their shoes.”

"As a general rule, women love shoes,” says Tiffany Strother,head footwear buyer at HSN.
“They love buying them, wearing them and talking about them—
making ‘Shoe Therapy with Meghan Cleary’
a program we know our customers will embrace wholeheartedly.” "

MICHELLE WILLIAMS: WHAT HER SHOES SAY ABOUT HER

2007-07-26T15:48:00.000-05:00

Ok, so here's a new little feature we are starting on Miss Meghan's blog. WHAT HER SHOES SAY ABOUT HER (OR HIM) as the case may be.

I personally am a huge fan of Michelle William's style, she always is totally appropriately dressed for the occasion. By that I mean she always strikes just the right note, whether it is a cocktail party or just out and about or the red carpet. She seems to know herself and her body shape really well, and dresses to compliment it. Which is a lesson we all can take home with us! Know thyself! Know thy body! Ok, anyhoo. Here she is wearing Keds. She's out for a day with her daughter, running about the neighborhood, grabbing some coffee as many moms do, and note she has donned a close-toe Keds. Yes, it is still summery, yes it is cute, and yes they go with her summer dress. I love that she opted for these over a flip-flop. It totally goes to show you, there are many other options to look cute out there. What her shoe says about her? Fashion forward, down to earth, with a little bit of spunk.

JCREPORT: Lenny Swimwear

2007-07-26T15:44:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I like to write about bikinis. Check out my article about Lenny, her suits are MAJOR!

"A former landscape architect, Lenny Niemeyer has been at the forefront of the bikini revolution. In 1983 she moved from São Paolo to Rio, and promptly identified a gap in the market: the sophisticated swimsuit. Using her background in landscape design, she fashioned a new kind of bikini for herself, a skillful blend of form and function. Her closest friends started to clamor for her unusual designs, and soon she was forced to buy the apartment next door to house her burgeoning swimwear business. . . "

Click here to read the rest of the article.

SHOE ARE YOU: JENNIFER JUNE

2007-07-11T12:11:00.000-05:00

This week on Shoe are You? Miss Meghan chats with Jennifer June, the authority on all things Cowboy boot and author of Cowboy Boots: The Art & Sole. She also keeps a blog that is an invaluable resource for any cowboy boot lover. Much like yours truly, Jennifer understands the language our shoes speak, and in her eyes it doesn't get much better than the sweet southern drawl of the cowboy boot. Hear all about the art that goes into each creation—and what your cowboy boot says about you.

Jennifer supports Shoes that Fit.

click here to listen to the show on iTunes.
click here to listen to the show on podshow.

GRETTA MONAHAN: SHOE ARE YOU? ©

2007-06-26T10:24:00.000-05:00

This week on Shoe are You? listen as Miss Meghan chats with Gretta Monahan, the founder of Gretta Cole and Gretta Style-- high end salons and boutiques in the Boston area dedicated to making women look and feel beautiful. Rachael Ray regularly turns to Gretta's wisdom to give real women style tips and tricks on her show. Want affordable high fashion? Gretta has you covered with her latest Naturalizer collaboration. Listen to her describe what could possibly be the most amazing pair of Balenciaga's in the world. Ever get flak for being "high maintenance"? You're not alone and lucky for you, Gretta is here to stand up for all things beautiful and feminine. You go girl!

Click here to listen to the podcast on itunes.
Click here to listen to the podcast on podshow.

JJ APPLETON: SHOE ARE YOU? ©

2007-06-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

This week on Shoe are You? Miss Meghan chats with internationally famous singer song-writer JJ Appleton from his studio in London where his album Someone Else's Problem is quickly climbing the UK charts and where his single Walk into the Room, will be featured on the famous Sir Terry Wogan show on the BBC2. Loyal listeners of Shoe are You? are already familiar with JJ's work--he composed the fabulous theme music that accompanies the show each week (the mystery behind how he got Meghan's laugh into the music is finally solved!). Listen to his stories as an American getting his big break in London. Hear all about his escape from Delhi, the inspiration behind his music, and his nostalgic love for Chuck Taylors. Learn where you can find the hottest oxfords in England and where you can't find delicious sticky toffee pudding.

JJ Appleton is dedicated to Rising Star Outreach. Visit their website to see what you can do to help the leprosy colonies of India become self-sufficient.

Click here to listen to the podcast on itunes.
Click here to listen to the podcast on podshow.

NAJWA MOSES: SHOE ARE YOU? ©

2007-06-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Shoe Expert meets the Styleaholic this week on another exciting episode of Shoe are You? Listen up as Miss Meghan chats with Najwa Moses, fashionista extraordinaire. Najwa is the woman behind fashion blog styleaholics.com, the go-to guide for all stylish mavens in the know. Hear all about her grandmother’s collection of vintage shoes, how she rocks a house coat, and what happened when her wardrobe took over the house (Grandpa, step back). Tune in here.

Najwa supports Black Girls Rock, Action Against Hunger, and AIDS Walk. Learn what these causes are all about and what you can do to help.

Speaking of podcasts, this week Miss Meghan was the guest on NPR’s new show the Bryant Park Project. Listen to Miss Meg share her ballet flat wisdom as well throw ‘bows over platform height and the cuteness of Naturalizers (way cute!) Listen here (Miss Meghan’s segment is about 8 minutes in, following the scintillating Pope Mobile discussion.)

Tune in next week to hear UK rockstar and composer of our hip Shoe are You? theme song JJ Appleton wax poetic on his favorite blue Chuck Taylors.

Click here to listen to the podcast on itunes.
Click here to listen to the podcast on podshow.

CE CE CHIN: SHOE ARE YOU? ©

2007-06-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Miss Meghan welcomes you to another week of Shoe are You? Joining us this week is designer Ce Ce Chin, the genius behind downtown hip shoe line 80%20. Tune in to hear all about the hot trends for fall. Ce Ce designs shoes that are both irresistibly stylish and comfortable because people tend to wear their favorite 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time. Using math to justify wearing fabulous shoes? Now that’s math we can do!

Ce Ce donates her time and talents to Feed the Children. Find out how you can help needy children worldwide.

Click here to listen to the podcast on itunes.
Click here to listen to the podcast on podshow.

JASON AND RANDY SKLAR: SHOE ARE YOU? ©

2007-05-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

Get ready to laugh until you can’t breathe as the Sklar brothers Jason and Randy join Miss Meghan for another episode of Shoe Are You? Get the behind the scenes scoop on the set of Entourage and learn all about the value of a nice pair of Pradas. If anything, the Sklars teach us that men can like sports and shoes at the same time! Who knew?

Jason and Randy are big supporters of the 52nd Street Project, the Young Storytellers Foundation, and National Public Radio. See what they’re all about!

And listen to my new theme music composed and performed by JJ Appleton.

Click here to listen to the podcast on itunes.
Click here to listen to the podcast on podshow.

HEATHER MCELHATTON: SHOE ARE YOU? ©

2007-05-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome my dearies to my *new* weekly podcast series, Shoe are You? (TM)!

Our written interviews were so popular I have decided to turn them into a delicious audio interview series for your listening pleasure. Check in every Wednesday morning to download and listen. You can take Miss Meghan and Shoe are You’s? on the subway with you or listen at work for a little fun break–anytime you want to tune in to hear interesting people talk about their work and reveal some deep dark shoe secrets to the shoe psychologist.

Look forward to interviews with Heather MacElhatton, Najwa Moses, Jason and Randy Sklar, Gretta Monahan, CeCe Chin, JJ Appleton, and many more, who will all be queued up weekly right here and on itunes and podshow.com as well.

We have also launched a few new websites where you can access all things Miss Meghan. We’ve got our Xanga where I am pleased to announce the launch of our summer shoe contest (send me pics of your fave summer shoes and win some amazing prizes!), Podshow, Myspace, and logon to Dr.Scholls to get a free booklet all about shoe comfort as well as Fall shoe trends.

This week I interviewed my dear friend Heather McElhatton, who I met at Bread Loaf a few years ago. She is a fantastically talented writer and producer whose new book, Pretty Little Mistakes, just came out from Harper Collins. It’s a choose your own adventure book for adults and is very addictive and by turns screamingly hilarious and touchingly poignant. Just like Ms. McElhatton herself. Click here to hear Heather talk about her challenges as a writer and her favorite pair of sandals.

Heather supports Greenpeace. Check out the website to see what you can do to help save the environment.

Oh! and be sure to write in and tell me what you think: missmeghan@missmeghan.com or add to the comments below.

xo
Meghan

Click here to listen to the podcast on itunes.
Click here to listen to the podcast on podshow.

Shoe are You? (TM) Weekly Podcast Series with Miss Meghan

2007-05-19T19:17:00.000-05:00

So finally, Miss Meghan is back to blogging. Only this time she is blogging via podcast! Yes, that's right, every Wednesday morning (starting this Wednesday, May 23) tune in to hear Miss Meghan chat with some of the most interesting writers, artists, musicians and shoe designers of our time talk about their work and reveal scintillating inner shoe secrets.

We are also launching a new Xanga page, where I am pleased to announce we will be running a Summer Shoe contest beginning this Wednesday -- send me pics of your fave shoes and win a prize! And Miss Meghan also has a new page on Podshow as well. Check out Dr. Scholls where you can get a free booklet all about shoe comfort and Fall shoe trends. And of course, you can always stop by my mySpace and add yourself as a friend.

I look forward to hearing from you, let me know what you think of the new podcasts by posting a comment on the new blog or emailing me at missmeghan (at) missmeghan.com.

xo
Meghan

STAY TUNED!

2007-05-09T09:41:00.000-05:00

Here at Miss Meghan we are revamping and redoing and all sorts of good things. We will be launching Shoe are You? podcasts very soon and a whole slew of other fun things. So apologies for not being with you every day, have been working hard to make it all much more fun.

What I CAN tell you right now is that Tori Amos wore pair of white, five-inch patent peep-toe slingback Stilettos when I got to see her at the showcase she did last week. She wore white socks with them and she JAMMED on her pianos. Was totally acoustic and amazing. It was the shoes, of course.

Oh! and check me out on the Huffington Post today.

And my new reel - highlights from all my TV appearances.

JC REPORT : THE SHOE ISSUE

2007-03-23T11:23:00.000-05:00

The esteemed JCREPORT's shoe issue is up and it is fierce if I must say so myself. Jason really likes the Max Kibardin line, which is a major luxury line out of Milan, also check out the super-conceptual Gil Carvalho, and of course one of Miss Meg's ever-favorites, Carmen Ho out of London. I got to go in-depth, Down Under, with my piece on Agatha & Me, the new line from youngster Vanessa Rowed - loooooove her grey kid kitten flats.

I love how shoe silhouettes are exploding this Spring, both on the structural side and the color side. Lots of towering wild platforms, with details like curved chunky heels, buckles and straps and ties, and bright electric yellows, acid oranges and spring greens. Oh it is going to be a fun season that is for sure. I love how you cannot really go wrong with whatever styles juices you up -- from Ballet Flat to Stiletto to sleek sneakers and even the ubiquitous workboots, it is all all right this Spring, as long as you rock it with confidence.

NADIA TURNER: SHOE ARE YOU? ©

2007-03-21T08:14:00.000-05:00

Nadia Turner, former Dolphins cheerleader, singer, songwriter, actress and radio/TV personality is perhaps better known as the talented and diverse artist with the big hair, and the great set of pipes who wowed millions of viewers around the world with her beautiful, sultry voice, and unique sense of style on American Idol's 4th Season.

Named after Nadia Comaneci, and born and raised in Miami with American, Caribbean and European roots, Nadia's amazing blend of funk, rock and soul and fantastic personality has earned her legions of fans as well as guest host duties on The View, appearances on every talk show from Ellen to Jay Leno and a 43 city tour.

I met Nadia on FOX just days after her American Idol performance and she rocked her Stilettos something fierce. She took a few minutes out of her preparations for her upcoming album release this Spring to answer Miss Meg all the questions you love to read.

What are your favorite pair of shoes and why do you love them so much?

White dirty Converse sneakers (Did I mention that they are pretty dirty and beat up?!)

Where did you get them?

My little sister gave them to me.

What do you like to wear them with?

Everything I can get away with!

What type of shoes do you like to see on the opposite sex?

Timberland boots or classic Converse sneaks.

Most you ever paid for a pair of shoes?

$400

Least?

$8

Best shoe purchase?

My cowboy boots.

Worst?

A pair of rubber platform flip flops that I almost broke my neck in numerous times! Not a good look.

Pair of shoes you want to be buried in?

Whatever shoe that isn't gonna ruin my peaceful sleep. I would hate to wake up in the middle of being dead and say, "Damn these shoes are tight!"

Shoes you wore on your last date?

Pink stiletto silver tip heels.

Shoes you were wearing for your first kiss?

C'mon! LOL.... I wish I could remember that.... Do you?

Best pair of shoes to seduce an object of your affection?

My aforementioned pink stiletto silver tip heels...... Helllooooo000000000!

What pair of shoes changed your life?

My cowboy boots!

If you could buy a pair of shoes for someone, who would you buy for and why?

I actually did that recently. I bought my two little sisters and myself personalized Converse sneakers with our names stitched in.

What shoes would you wear if no one was looking?

If I could get away with it and trust me I have tried. I would wear BIG FURRY BOOTS ALL THE TIME! Can't get away with that in Miami!

Pointy or round toe?

Pointy.

Stiletto or flat?

Hmmmm. . . I'm stuck . . . My Converse or my cowboy boots.

On men you prefer: wing-tip or cool sneaker?

Depends on where we're going but most likely a cool sneaker.

Your favorite charity or good cause and why?

I do a lot of outreach in my community with various organizations to help abused kids.

To be considered for Miss Meghan's Shoe are you?© column, send an email to: shoeareyou@missmeghan.com

KATHRYN FINNEY: SHOE ARE YOU? ©

2007-03-14T07:47:00.000-05:00

Kathryn Finney, aka, The Budget Fashionista, took her love for fashion and lack of cash and parlayed it into a one-woman mini-media empire with her uber-successful blog, book, regular segments on the TODAY show, newsletters and new podcast series, Shoptalk.

Brought up in Minnesota, Kathryn's advice on how to be cheap and chic is delightfully straightforward and fun, with fresh, honest tips that every woman can use in her quest to feel fabulous without breaking the bank. She took time out of her whirlwind Winter to answer the essentials with Miss Meghan.

What are you favorite pair of shoes and why do you love them so much?

A pair of black and red Vaneli cowboy boots. I love them more than chocolate. Every time I wear them, I get a bazillion compliments. This fall, I was traveling a lot and was wearing them in the airport in Houston, and a woman told me that the boots were "darrrrrrrrrling" (southern drawl emphasized)-- and I feel like I can kick some A** when I wear them.

Where did you get them?

I bought them at DSW in Woodbridge, New Jersey for $45 (using my DSW Rewards of course). I believe god wanted me to have these shoes. At least that's what I told my husband.

What do you like to wear with them?

I like to wear them with everything-jeans, skirts, shorts, you name it. They're just so damn comfortable.

What type of shoes do you like to see on the opposite sex?

Shoes that cover their toes. 90% of men should never let their toes see the light of day.

Best shoe purchase? Worst?

Best? The before-mentioned Vaneli boots. Worst, those awful mesh Chinese slippers.

If you could walk in anyone's shoes for a day, whose shoes would it be and why?

There's just so many shoes to pick from-- ,Queen Elizabeth because they would be very sturdy and sensible and I would probably have great posture afterwards. Oprah, well, because she's Oprah and who wouldn't want to walk in her shoes. Condolezza Rice because it takes a special woman to rock a pair of four-inch knee-high pointy-toed stiletto boots to an economic summit.

What pair of shoes changed your life?

A pair of creme colored flat Kate Spade sandals I purchased for $13.98 on the clearance rack at DSW in like 1998. It was the first time I realized that it is possible to get designer shoes for cheap -- and in a size 11!

If you could buy a pair of shoes for someone, who would you buy for and why?

Britney Spears. She just looks like she needs a little help right now. I would also buy her a package of Hanes Her Way underwear.

What shoes would you wear if no one was looking?

I would wear a pair of big red clown shoes with a bright green bow--just kidding! Probably a pair of very sensible Rockport shoes with a pair of fat neon laces from back in the day. I would laugh at all the women teetering around Manhattan in their Manolo stilettos.

Most difficult thing you ever walked through?

Detroit.

Pointy or round toe?

Round toe.

Stiletto or flat?

Neither.

On men you prefer: wingtip or cool sneaker?

Cool sneaker.

Your favorite charity or good cause and why?

Bottomless Closet NYC. It's an organization that empowers women making the transition from economic dependence to economic self-sufficiency by helping them develop career and life skills and by providing them with a business wardrobe. It's one of my favorite organizations because it focuses on empowering women to be their own agents for personal change.

To be considered for Miss Meghan's Shoe are you?© column, send an email to: shoeareyou@missmeghan.com

PATRICIA FIELD: SHOE ARE YOU? ©

2007-03-07T11:38:00.000-05:00

Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning costume designer and stylist Patricia Field has been a fixture on the Manhattan style scene long before her signatures looks were worshipped around the world on Carrie Bradshaw. In 1966 she opened her first House of Field in Greenwich Village which quickly become the eponymous style epicenter for downtown style mavens in the know. Forty years, and numerous television, movie and commercial projects later, her new boutique at 302 Bowery is ushering in a new level of the eclectic, sexy and visionary style Field is known for. Field works with David Dalyrymple to create gorgeous, funky, street-savvy styles for her line, House of Field and has just embarked upon a new partnership with Payless Shoes, for whom she is designing a red carpet collection she premiered at the Oscars last week. She is also a chair of DIVAS Shop for the City Opera, which is where I had the good fortune to meet her and check out her legendary personal style. Field graciously took a few minutes out of hectic schedule to answer the essential question, Shoe are You?©, in which we find out Patricia and Miss Meghan have both once spent $900 on a pair of shoes. EEk!

What are your favorite pair of shoes and why do you love them so much?

I looove Havainaias rubber flip flops, so comfortable & affordable. I wear them all summer, and also in the winter with Japanese "Tabi" socks. I own a million pairs in every color you can think of. I wear them all day with casual clothes from jeans to shorts to skirts. And of course, the shoes I designed for Payless and wore to the Oscars -- metallic snakeskin platforms with an ankle strap. (see photo below).

Where did you get them?

I buy them in when I am in Brazil and also in my shop.

What type of shoes do you like to see on the opposite sex?

Tapered dress shoes and hip sneakers.

Most you ever paid for a pair of shoes? Least?

Most I ever paid was $900 , and the least was $8.

Best shoe purchase? Worst?

My best, best shoe purchase were my Chanel Motorcycle Boots. The worst were a pair of Gucci Stilettos.

Pair of shoes you want to be buried in?

Uggs.

Shoes you wore on your last date?

Christian Louboutin Ballet Flats.

If you could walk in anyone's shoes for a day, whose shoes would it be and why?

I would love to walk in Socrates' shoes, he is my intellectual idol.

Best pair of shoes to to seduce an object of your affection?

Sexy stilettos.

Most difficult thing you ever walked through?

Cobblestone streets in New York and in Europe.

Pointy or round-toe?

Round-toe.

Stiletto or flat?

Stiletto.

On men you prefer: wingtip or cool sneaker?

Cool sneaker.

Your favorite charity or good cause and why?

DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) is one of the oldest and largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide over $35 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide.

To be considered for Miss Meghan's Shoe are you?© column, send an email to: shoeareyou@missmeghan.com
If you are an advertiser and would like to sponsor the column, send an email to: sponsor@missmeghan.com

MISS MEGHAN DISHES WITH THE BUDGET FASHIONISTA

2007-03-05T23:36:00.000-05:00

Omg. Kathryn's interview with me is up! Listen now.

MISS MEGHAN ON RACHAEL RAY THIS MORNING

2007-03-05T16:58:00.000-05:00

Oh wow did we have fun. Rachael was really into my Stiletto Walking and Pilates analogy -- it was awesome. Then we taught the girls to work it! Check it out here.

Dress I was wearing? Leona Edmiston , she makes these fab dresses that make you look about 15 pounds lighter! Shoes I was wearing: Forest green Costume Nationals.

FARYL ROBIN: SHOE ARE YOU? ©

2007-02-28T07:02:00.000-05:00

Faryl Robin Morse is the founder and creative director of Farylrobin Footwear, one of the few fashion forward lines that do not cost an arm and a leg, and are actually, (gasp!) comfortable. Rachael Ray is a huge fan among many of downtown fashion-savvy girls who dig Faryl's funky designs.

Faryl discovered her passion for shoes at the tender age of sixteen. Born and raised in Manhattan, she developed a discerning eye for fashion and, like most teenage girls, salivated after the trends she so diligently followed. In order to pay off an exorbitant clothing debt to her mother, Faryl began selling shoes at Kenneth Cole. In 2001, Faryl decided to put her love for footwear to the test and create her own line. Since then, sales have doubled every year--fast forward to 2004 when she was named one of Footwear News’ Top Women Shoe Designers. We caught up with Faryl as she took a break from her busy schedule of running her business and raising her two small children to talk shoe with Miss Meghan.

What are you favorite pair of shoes and why do you love them so much?

Right now I am in love with one of my own boots, the Edie. I wear them all the time because they are flat, comfortable and easy to walk in. The shaft of the boot fits just right around my calf so it looks sexy in an "I’m not trying” sort of way, and they go with everything-- tucked into skinny jeans or with boot-cut jeans over top. I really love them with dresses and skirts – both day and night – which is great for me, because I love dresses.

Where did you get them?

I bought them at Bloomingdales. And, yes, I had to buy them! We sold out of the boot completely before I had the chance to pull a pair from our own inventory.

What type of shoes do you like to see on the opposite sex?

I find a man in boots or sneakers completely rugged and sexy. This is ironic, because my husband is in finance and has to go to work in a suit and really nice shoes everyday. So when it’s the weekend and he gets to loosen up a bit, I love it!

Most you ever paid for a pair of shoes? Least?

The most I ever paid was $1,500 for a pair of Sergio Rossi over-the-knee boots a few years ago. They are gorgeous and I love them – but I’ve never worn them! They’re beautiful but I just don’t feel comfortable in them. I couldn’t stop from buying them, though, and I do like looking at them in my closet.

The least? Havianas.

Your best shoe purchase? Worst?

My very first pair of Christian Louboutin pumps. They are a D’Orsay pump and are so sexy, and they still sell the pattern. I love them for what they represented, it was my first expensive shoe purchase and I felt like a woman.

The worst pair of shoes that I purchased was a Louboutin strappy sandal - not because the shoe wasn’t beautiful but they made my feet look like sausages and I couldn’t walk in them. There is nothing less attractive than a woman in pain because of her shoes!

Pair of shoes you want to be buried in?

Today? No thank you.

Shoes you wore on your last date?

My husband and I still date so this is a reasonable question. The last shoe I wore was mine, called the Farley in black, it looked really elegant with the black dress that I wore and is very, very, very comfortable.

Shoes you were wearing for your first kiss?

Sky blue pro keds. The thought of them still makes me happy.

What pair of shoes changed your life?

I’ll never forget, it was the Kenneth Cole Tokubei in white, the year was 1984. If Kenneth reads this, I am sure he will smile. As soon as I started working in Kenneth’s first New York retail store, I knew that the shoe business was for me. That job, that boot and Kenneth changed my life. It’s the reason I’m here today!

If you could buy a pair of shoes for someone, who would you buy for and why?

I would give anything to find the perfect shoe for my father. He has wide feet and arthritis, so it’s really hard for him to find a comfortable shoe. I would love to find him a shoe that feels good and looks beautiful – because he is a beautiful man and I love him.

What shoes would you wear if no one was looking?

Actually, I wear these really old Uggs in the garden sometimes. I won’t wear them on the street because honestly, I can’t stand looking at women in Uggs any more. I feel about them the way I feel about a song that I overplayed on my i-Pod. Enough!

Pointy or round toe?

Round.

Stiletto or flat?

Flat.

On men you prefer:

Wingtip or cool sneaker? Cool sneaker.

Faryl's favorite good cause:

One of my favorites is the ABC Carpet and Home’s Gifts of Compassion Program, which allows you to donate to a number of causes ranging from the environment to education to women in Afghanistan. You can make a donation in someone’s name to the cause that you feel that person would most relate to. This holiday season I actually gave everybody that I know the “gift of giving” and made a donation in their honor to a number of different causes.

To be considered for Miss Meghan's Shoe are you?© column, send an email to: shoeareyou@missmeghan.com

If you are an advertiser and would like to sponsor the column, send an email to: sponsor@missmeghan.com

SEE THE GIRLS ROCK OSCAR WEEK

2007-02-26T00:34:00.000-05:00

Check out this feature on the AP.

OSCAR SHOES

2007-02-25T22:22:00.000-05:00

Here's the shoes Heidi is wearing right now, sitting at the Oscars! (Giuseppe, of course.)

PARTYING WITH JESUS

2007-02-24T12:50:00.000-05:00

big par-tay for the film last night at a swank private residence in santa monica. heidi and rachel both looked fabulous, and ate their chocolate oscars very solemnly, as you can see above.

2007-02-21T06:09:00.000-05:00

Amanda Beard, America’s favorite Olympic cover girl and Elite model, has been bagging medals since she was 14, one of the youngest Olympians ever. Not a woman to just stop there, she broke the world record for the 200 meter breaststroke, and then took the gold for the same, at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Admired by girls and women the world over, her quintessential style is easy, fresh and very American. Miss Meghan caught up with her at a recent event in New York where she had a chance to delve deep into her current shoe obsessions.

What are your favorite pair of shoes? Where did you get them?

I just bought a new pair of Prada boots. I did a photo shoot for Speedo not to long ago and I put them on for the shoot and couldn’t take them off, I had to wear them home!!!!

Give me three adjectives that describe how you feel in these shoes.

Sexy, tall, and sexy.

What pair of shoes did you wear on your last date?

I had an awesome date with my boyfriend last night to the Nets game and I wore a pair of Michael Kors shoes. For something like a sporting event, specially basketball, I wanted to look tall and cute to be on my boys arm.

How many pairs of shoes in your closet? How many do you wish were there?

I probably have 60 pairs of shoes. I don’t really need any more because I have no more room in my closet. I think that you are good to go if you have a couple of pairs you absolutely adore. I tend to wear certain shoes till the heels break off and then other ones still have the tags on them.

What type of shoes do you like to see on the opposite sex?

I like a guy who is a guy, so if I look at his shoes and see that he knows his stuff when it comes to designers I don’t really dig it. I guess my favorite shoes on a boy are racing shoes!!

What shoe designer do you most identify with?

I love, love, love Marc Jacobs. I feel like he can read my mind when it comes to fashion. His stuff is funky yet practical. I want things that I can wear to every occasion.

Are you a pointy toe girl or round toe girl?

I am a round toe girl, funny enough not only because I think they’re better, but because I am so active. Yes, even in heels I run around so much, and if I am wearing pointy toed shoes, there’s no point by the end of the day. I can’t even tell you how many shoes I have ruined in my time.

Stiletto or flat?

Stiletto, once you learn how to hang out on your tippy toes all night, you’ll never want to go back.

What's the most you ever paid for a pair of shoes?

My newest pair of boots were so far my most costly. They were about $800 and my wallet is still hurting, but they look so damn cute!!

Do you remember your first pair of shoes? What were they? Where did you get them?

I have no idea, I grew up near the beach so I was always barefoot.

What pair of shoes would you want to be buried in?

Something that just screams "me." All of my friends would agree that it would be this pair of leather sandals that I wear all the time. I wear them on the pool deck, at the beach, and even sneak them into my wardrobe for dinners.

If you are an advertiser and would like to sponsor the column, send an email to: sponsor@missmeghan.com

WALKIN' IN LA

2007-02-19T11:51:00.000-05:00

As you know, one thing Miss Meghan loves to do in LA is walk. The rest of the population here thinks that is kind of wierd, so sometimes I drive around in my Ford Escape to appease them.

It's pouring rain here but I am happy just to not be in a parka. Today is: breakfast at cute cafe in Venice Beach, finding the perfect jeans at Fred Segal and then a hike with three dogs. I plan to rock the LA look with a Starbucks in one hand and my Blackberry in the other. I will not however be carrying a bag that is bigger than my body. I am going to skip that part of the equation. Yes I am.

READ WHAT HEIDI AND RACHEL HAVE TO SAY ABOUT BEING OSCAR NOMINEES

2007-02-15T22:15:00.000-05:00

in their day by day diary. it's the true inside look at their odyssey to the oscars. am praying for you guys to get the statue!! xo Miss Meg

2007-02-14T10:02:00.000-05:00

Manolo the Shoeblogger is one of the most intriguing bloggers on the web today, presiding over a blogging empire that includes shoeblogs.com, Manolo's Food Blog, Manolo for the Brides, the Men, a Prada Blog, and a Gallery of the Horrors. Recently profiled in UK Vogue ’s January issue, his reach is unquestionable in the blogosphere, and yet his true identity has still not been revealed, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his day to day musings. His pithy commentary on celeb and fashion faux pas (will we ever forget his 'My Name is Tommy and I Have a Torch' post?) including his ever-hilarious Karl Lagerfield tidbits, his well-documented hate for Crocs, Birkenstocks and Earth shoes, and his Project Runway critiques along with solid shoe advice, make for an everyday must-read.

Currently working on a book as well as running the day to day operations of his growing domain, and writing his column for the Washington Post Express, the Manolo graciously took some time to answer our most intimate questions as well as send us the very first picture of him to be published anywhere (of his shoes, but still, we feel honored). Super - fantastic!

What are your favorite pair of shoes and why do you love them so much?

The Manolo does not have the single pair of the favorite shoes. He is like the loving parent with many children, and in the fact, he has fifteen or sixteen pairs of the shoes that he absolutely loves, and thus every morning is like the glorious buffet of shoes for the Manolo. Sometimes, the Manolo even returns home early, so that he may change his shoes and go out again for the afternoon.

The Manolo has provided the picture of himself in the size eleven Clydes by the Taryn Rose, the pair of double-buckle, monk-strap shoes of which the Manolo has been especially fond this last year or so. They are exceptionally comfortable for walking long distances in the city.

What type of shoes do you like to see on the opposite sex?

Beautiful shoes! As long as the shoes are handsome and well-made, appropriate to the occasion and well-suited to the wearer the Manolo is very happy.

Most you ever paid for a pair of shoes? Least?

Several years ago, the Manolo purchased the pair of the custom-made John Lobb full brogue, navy cut shoes that cost something close to $2800 of the American dollars. Ayyyyy! So costly, but so beautiful!

As for the least, in the earlier days, when the Manolo was much poorer he purchased more than one pair of the distinguished flea-market or thrift-stores shoes for substantially less than $5 of the American dollars. At least one of these inexpensive pairs he still owns.

Shoes you wore on your last date?

The Manolo does not date. In the stead, he has chosen to fully devote himself to spreading the gospel of the beautiful shoes.

Shoes you were wearing for your first kiss?

First kiss with the human? In this case, the young Manolo was wearing the pair of the light-brown, high-top, side-button ankle boots which he had purchased at the Rastro flea market for very little money, and which he wore with the striped trousers and Edwardian frock coat of his own design and cut. The teenaged Manolo was in his Young Banker phase (not that he was the actual banker, mind you, but that he liked to dress as if he were the Edwardian banker, or perhaps as if he were the young clerk in the Mary Poppins movie). Strangely, this look would occasionally appeal to the very particular and very odd young peoples. It was one such young person who, while strolling in the park one evening, virtually assaulted the Manolo with the most ardent and unexpected kiss. The Manolo broke free of this amorous embrace and raced home to record it immediately in his journal. Needless to say, all further relations with this person were ended.

What pair of shoes changed your life?

It is hard to pick the single pair of the shoes, so the Manolo will speak of the collective. When the Manolo was the teeny little impoverished Manolo he would sit on the sidewalk outside the Teatro de la Zarzuela watching the by passers. It was the handsome shoes of these by passers--their beautiful, glittering wonderful shoes--that planted in the little Manolo this life-long love of the shoes. There the Manolo was, the dirty, barefeeted child of five or six years of age, sitting on the sidewalk and looking at the most beautiful objects in the entire world, the handsome shoes of the handsome peoples who were going into the theatre. How could these shoes do anything other than irrevocably change the life of the young shoeless Manolo?

What shoes would you wear if no one was looking?

Trust the Manolo, someone is always looking.

Wingtip or cool sneaker?

Wingtip, of the course.

Flip-flop or mandal?

Ayyyyyyyyy! Neither! During the hot weather the Manolo likes to wear the white buck shoes with his tropical suits.

On women you prefer: Stiletto or flat?

Stiletto, although the Manolo again believes that one must always wear what is appropriate for the occasion and suitable for the wearer. And so, obviously, sometimes the flats are better.

Your favorite charity or good cause and why?

The Manolo supports The Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation. Sadly, the Manolo has family members and friends who are afflicted with this debilitating disease.

If you are an advertiser and would like to sponsor the column, send an email to: sponsor@missmeghan.com

KILLER HEELS IN AUSTRALIA

2007-02-12T23:28:00.000-05:00

Heels quell date nerves

February 13, 2007 01:47pm
By Lisa Bjorksten

KEEN to feel poised for that all-important Valentine's date? Forget champagne, the key to first date confidence is all in your shoes, a new survey reveals.
Not just any shoes, mind. A new survey from RSVP and three2seven.com reveals 80 per cent of Australian women choose stilettos for a first date.
The stiletto, according to Manhattan-based shoe expert Meghan Cleary, is the most confident and feminine of all the shoe styles. And by choosing a strappy sandal or peep-toe, a woman is giving herself that vital confidence boost to quell date nerves.

Read the article in full here!

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT FIT IN MANHATTAN

2007-02-08T12:46:00.000-05:00

Or Westchester, or Rye, check out this fab boutique, Plaza Too. As well as carrying a super-fantastic (as the Manolo says) selection of shoes, they also carry my book. And, for all our fellow West Villagers, I have it confirmed from a super inside source that they are opening new locale on Hudson street where Constanca Basto used to be!

2007-02-07T11:15:00.000-05:00

Bursting on the scene in February 2004, shoe designer Eileen Shields has made quick work of getting to the top echelon of shoe designers. A designer at Donna Karan for more than a decade, before she journeyed out on her own, Shield’s creations, now sold at Harvey Nichols in London, Dublin and Edinburgh, her own gallery-boutique in Dublin, and at Girlshop and Anthropologie online here in the states, have made it into the hearts of celebs from Bono to Halle Berry, P.J. Harvey to Drew Barrymore.

Her designs have an old-world quality in their traditional last shapes, and are infused with a sense of fun in the square toe boxes and mixing and matching of materials from red suede to gold metallic, black velvet to striped two-tone leathers. Her take on the ballet flat, the Juliette, has become ubiquitous shorthand for those in the know looking for a refined and unique take on the ballet flat phenomenon.

And, exclusively for you here, we preview the sketch of her new style, the Eva, the first shoe ever commissioned by Eva Longoria herself for the hit show, Desperate Housewives, (with a special request to take the heel up to Eva’s preferred five-inch heel height, of course!).

What are you favorite pair of shoes and why do you love them so much?

That’s like asking me ‘which one of your children is your favorite’? So, I’d have to say them all, but one of my favorites this season is the Juliette in black haircalf. It’s divine – the perfect flat, sexy shoe made like a sneaker but is as light as a feather. For me, it’s all about your toe cleavage when you wear a pair of flats and I wanted to make the shoe barely cover the foot (the t-strap is there to hold on the shoe!)

What do you like to wear with them?

With out a doubt, Sharon Wauchob or Zero/Maria Cornejo. Absolutely delicious modern clothes!

If you could walk in someone else's shoes, who’s would they be and why?

Walking the streets of Monaco in the 1960's as Grace Kelly. No matter what pictures I see of her today, she looks so incredibly modern. And every pair of shoes on her feet were beautiful! For some reason in the places where I make my shoes in the Tuscan hills of Italy, her legacy follows me around. I see pictures of her everywhere, she visited these places so often. They always inspire me so much!

What type of shoes do you like to see on the opposite sex?

Chelsea boots of any kind. They are the perfect footwear for men.

Most you ever paid for a pair of shoes? Least?

$750 Ann Demeulemeester’s and $2 Chinese slippers from Chinatown.

Pair of shoes you want to be buried in?

Absolutely ballerinas. For years as a child I was afraid my bed would fly away in the night and I’d wake up in a field lost, so I used to spend ages every night balancing a pair of shoes on my bed post, one on top of the other so at least I’d have shoes to walk home in— even then, I had my priorities right about what girl needs to survive!

Shoes you wore on your last date?

The Jessica in red haircalf from my collection.

Shoes you were wearing for your first kiss?

Black haircalf flat platform mod lace-up shoes. I was fourteen and obsessed with the band The Specials!

What pair of shoes changed your life?

The Sam in my collection is named after my young son who has changed my life more than any shoe could!

If you could buy a pair of shoes for someone, who would you buy for and why?

My two amazing sisters and my mom. They are the most critical people I know in the world and are so completely different. It means the world to me when they love and wear shoes from my collection.

Pointy or round toe?

Oval!

Stiletto or flat?

Both, I can’t live without either of these.

On men you prefer: Wingtip or cool sneaker?

Cool sneaker but wingtips are one of my favorite shoes on earth. The true craftsmanship is incredible, it truly takes nearly two hundred pairs of hands to make one pair.

Your favorite charity or good cause and why?

Definitely GOAL. This international humanitarian charity helps to alleviate the suffering of the poorest of the poor and manage to do it on an administration cost base of less than 5% per annum – 95% of all funds raised go toward helping those who need it most.

To be considered for Miss Meghan's Shoe are you?© column, send an email to: shoeareyou@missmeghan.com

If you are an advertiser and would like to sponsor the column, send an email to: sponsor@missmeghan.com

2007-01-31T00:44:00.000-05:00

SHOE ARE YOU?©: ADRIANA TRIGIANI

Adriana Trigiani was a playwright, and writer/producer on The Cosby Show and A Different World, as well as the Emmy-nominated Lily Tomlin special, Growing Up Funny before she turned her attention to writing novels. Debuting her first novel Big Stone Gap in 2000, she has turned out a novel per year since then, with her latest Home To Big Stone Gap, making it onto the New York Times, Washington Post and Publishers Weekly best-seller lists. A fellow fan of both Harriet the Spy and Charlotte’s Web, Adrian took a few moments out from her writing time to answer Miss Meghan’s queries into her sole:

What are you favorite pair of shoes and why do you love them so much?

My all time fave shoes were my first pair for kindergarten. They were a Hush Puppy soft gray loafer. I often think of those shoes! I also loved a pair of Peter Fox satin lace-ups that I wore at my wedding. Like children, I love my shoes so much that it's hard for me to pick a favorite. This minute I'm loving my black Juicy Couture knee boots in the snow with the pom poms and charms on them- they're adorable. The leg portion is black cableknit wool- very chic.

Where did you get them?

I got the Juicy boots in New Jersey!

What do you like to wear with them?

Straight leg jeans.

What type of shoes do you like to see on the opposite sex?

My husband has a pair of black suede Donald Pliner loafers- they're divine.

Most you ever paid for a pair of shoes? Least?

The most? I shop sales with a vengence- I could NEVER pay retail- just not in my DNA. I always get a deal on great shoes. The least? Two dollars. And I loved those shoes! (Navy blue wedges with a zipper!)

Best shoe purchase?

Dr. Scholl's sandals, a new pair every summer since I was seven. I have beautiful feet because of those wooden sandals. Worst? I don't like sandals with toe thongs. And spike heels- I just look at and would not, could not actually wear.

Pair of shoes you want to be buried in?

I'm being cremated, so I wouldn't waste a good pair of shoes.

Shoes you wore on your last date?

Stuart Weitzman black suede ankle boots with a wedge heel.

Best pair of shoes to seduce an object of your affection?

I'll tell you what doesn't: Ugg boots.

What pair of shoes changed your life?

The Nike sneakers I was wearing the summer I moved to New York City.

If you could buy a pair of shoes for someone, who would you buy for and why?

I would buy Senator Hillary Clinton the aforementioned Stuart Weitzman black suede boots. You can stand in them for hours and give speeches without your feet hurting- and they give a nice line to the leg.

What shoes would you wear if no one was looking?

My grandmother's work shoes: black leather lace ups with a 3 inch heel.

Pointy or round toe?

Pointy.

Stiletto or flat?

Always a stiletto- heels are crucial.

On men you prefer: Wingtip or cool sneaker?

Either.

Your favorite charity or good cause and why?

The Saint Mary's Health Wagon run by Sister Bernadette Kenney in the Appalachians. She brings medicine up to folks in the mountains that need it. She's a saint.

To be considered for Miss Meghan's Shoe are you?© column, send an email to: shoeareyou@missmeghan.com

If you are an advertiser and would like to sponsor the column, send an email to: sponsor@missmeghan.com

LL COOL J, MARIO BATALI AND MOI

2007-01-30T16:27:00.000-05:00

This morning I was on the new show on FOX, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. LL Cool J was there promoting his new book about working out (note to self: get abs like LL), Mario Batali was making some delicious pasta (while wearing bright orange Crocs--which I got to analyze!) and it was A BLAST.

Valerie, Anna and Lara were such good shoe subjects in their Jimmy Choo tropical print Stilettos, cool Puma sneaks, and Platform Leopard shoes respectively. Mike and Juliet were super fun, and I joked around with some New Balance-wearing producers before the segment which got us all in the mood for deep shoe analyzation.

Shoes I was wearing: forest green, Costume National 3-inch pumps, which means I am really good at spending money.

*Watch the entire segment here.

THE BUDGET FASHIONISTA: SHOPTALK WITH MISS MEGHAN

2007-01-28T18:50:00.000-05:00

Kathryn is previewing her new series, click here to hear Miss Meghan laugh it up with her about the missing size 11 shoes. Hear the complete interview this Spring.

2007-01-26T11:04:00.000-05:00

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Sole Searching
"It's just the kind of hard-hitting interview we like: Tune in to www.missmeghan.com every Wednesday for shoe expert Meghan Cleary's new Q&A. "Shoe Are You?" queries "fascinating people" for their deepest, darkest shoe secrets (designer Shelley Steffee was wearing red kitten heels during her first kiss). Who needs CNN? " -Amy DiLuna

2007-01-23T16:50:00.000-05:00

Sitting at her seamstress grandmothers’ knees, Shelly Steffee, has been designing clothes since she was 12 years old. A native Pennsylvanian, she now calls New York home, where her boutique and studio in the Meatpacking district are regular destinations for celebs from Lindsay Lohan to Natalie Maines. Her designs are luxe and casual, sumptuous silks, delicious wools and gorgeous jerseys, in draping forms with architectural details and an intellectual punch. As you know, Miss Meghan is a huge fan of her pants, and has been seen about town in her silk tops this Winter, both layered over tees or on their own for a striking nighttime effect. Shelly graciously took time out from her busy schedule before Fashion Week to answer the essential question, Shoe are you?©

Favorite pair of shoes?

It would definitely be my faux shagreen platforms from Jane Mayle.

What do you like to wear with them?

Black denim jeans, a black liquid poly vest, and white fur collar necklace.

Type of shoes you like to see on the opposite sex?

I love to see a man in a masculine boot.

Most you ever paid for a pair of shoes?

Honestly, it was $800, but I also have paid $20— for a pair of flip-flops!

Shoes you were wearing for your first kiss?

Red patent-leather kitten heel pumps with a stripe dress. (It was the 80's!)

Pointy or round toe?

Round.

Stiletto or flat?

Neither, I’m more of a chiseled platform or a stacked heel kind of girl.

On men: Wingtip or cool sneaker?

Sneaker.

Shelly's Good Cause

After the death of her aunt from Ovarian Cancer, Shelly has been a supporter for research for the disease. Click here for more information.

If you are an advertiser and would like to sponsor the column, send an email to: sponsor@missmeghan.com

CHRONICLE BOOKS PODCAST

2007-01-23T13:52:00.000-05:00

They caught me in a cowboy-boot wearing moment!

OSCAR NOMINATED FILM, JESUS CAMP

2007-01-23T13:49:00.000-05:00

It feels so good to say that. Congrats Heidi and Rachel!

*Wear good shoes on the red carpet, please.

DID YOU VOTE FOR ME ON GLAM?

2007-01-20T13:34:00.000-05:00

kidlets! you can vote for Miss Meghan for the Glam Network Awards. *Takes 2 seconds to register and click!

In case you haven't checked out Glam they are quite fab. Lots of great articles and fashion advice, an amazing Glam Network (all the fashion bloggers like Kathryn, and Leslie and Michelle, slave to target, stylebakery, Kristopher, Pam, and Andy, Tia etc) and lots of fun little tidbits to read. You know how I love a tidbit.

Hit it before the 24th to vote for Miss Meghan.

MISMATCHED SHOES IN THE FINANCIAL TIMES

2007-01-19T17:49:00.001-05:00

Syl wrote a fab article today in the Financial Times, see what Miss Meghan has to say on the trend of intentionally mis-matching shoes:

Walking all over fashion

By Syl Tang

Published: January 19 2007

Although many interesting and salient facts may be gleaned from tourist brochures, one of the more esoteric has to be that included in a new informational pamphlet for visitors to Rome. There, apparently, the very latest thing is to wear two completely different shoes. Glossy-pictured proof is a red suede mule and a green patent pump sold as a set for women or for men, or a boot and a dress shoe in matching brocade. . .

At the end of the day, though, the question with mismatched shoes is not whether designers love making them but whether people will love wearing them. Shoe blogger and author of The Perfect Fit, Meghan Cleary, says: “I have seen people wearing two different shoes. I think someone who is intentionally wearing mismatched items is someone who is whimsical and is not beholden to regular style rules. When you get dressed, it’s about the silhouette, about the lines and the way it drapes on your body. It takes someone who really knows fashion to turn it on its head. It takes a courageous fashion person because you have to know the silhouette before you start to take away sections of the silhouette.”

Read the rest of the article here.

Syl Tang tracks trends and runs HipGuide Inc, ceo@hipguide.com

STYLISH BOOTS IN THE DAILY NEWS

2007-01-18T15:24:00.000-05:00

Read Miss Meghan's article in today's Daily News:

Stylish, to boot

In a city like ours, where a snowstorm can mean literally hiking your way to work, it's easy for a woman to maintain her savoir-faire when the weather is not so fair.

BOOTS TO PLAY BASKETBALL IN

If you insist on wearing a stiletto heel this winter, a state of mind I espouse especially for an important business meeting, try these Cole Haan suede knee-high boots. A classic silhouette with Nike Air technology means you also can hit a game of basketball on West Fourth St. without breaking a sweat. What? You mean you never played competitive sports in your stilettos before? Now's the time to start. $485 at Cole Haan stores.

FOR STOMPIN' IN THE RAIN

Though it seemed like flip-flops might be the only rubber-shoe item in your closet this winter, due to the global-warming apocalypse, you will get more mileage out a out of a cute pair of Wellies. They're perfect for stomping through rain and slush puddles and hiking over snow mounds, if necessary. Tamara Henriques boots, $118 at Olive and Bette's; locations at www.oliveandbettes.com.

ANKLE BOOTS THAT WON'T KILL YOUR ANKLES

Channel your inner '80s in these Steve Madden boots - but you won't have to strike a balancing act to still look cute in these 1 1/2-inch kitten heels (meow!). Tuck in your skinny black jeans and pair with a tight rock T-shirt, kohl your eyes, peroxide your hair, and it's almost like you are at back at CBGB's listening to Blondie rap for the very first time. At stevemadden.com.

-Meghan Cleary

I DID NOT GET THE ALAIAS

2007-01-16T22:34:00.000-05:00

You may think I wept or sobbed. You may think I was despondent for days. You may think I went into a chocolate eating frenzy. But no, none of these fates befell moi. Instead, I bought one pair Costume National hunter green-black three-inch pumps, one pair Loeffler Randall creme patent leather ballet flats, two pair Loeffler Randal ankle strap stilettos (in black suede and silver mettallic) and one pair L'Autre Chose creme caramel platform boots. Returning: 2 pair Loeffler's and one pair L'autre. This leaves me with the Costume and the Loeffler flats--both of which I wore all weekend long. They are delicious, beyond delicous. Why no Alaia you ask, and why am I so calm? Sometimes the shoe just does not fit. Then you must be practical with yourself and you must face the truth, and that is what I did right there in Bergdorf. I am a strong woman, I know.

AHEM, WE PAUSE FOR A SHORT BREAK

2007-01-16T22:32:00.000-05:00

Hello darlings, we are having o so much fun over here thinking about all new ways to be friends with you. New things on this blog next week. Keep tuning in.

TODAY THE ALAIA BECKONS ME

2007-01-11T15:45:00.000-05:00

Today the Azzedine Alaias on the second floor at Bergdorf sing their siren song to me. They sing so sweetly, so softly. And I will succumb and I will make my pilgrimage to the second floor at Bergdorf because today is the day when second markdowns begin. I may have to fight well-manicured ladies at the sale rack, I may have to eat a large chocolate bar for energy before I go, I may have to pray that I only find one pair and not two or more that fit me, I may have to call my mother from the sale rack once I have been sucked in to talk me back to reality. But I will go, and when the shoe goddesses above smile kindly upon me, I will come out of that hallowed place with one pair of perfectly priced, perfect fitting Alaias.

STILETTOS DOWN UNDER

2007-01-07T19:58:00.000-05:00

Guess who the Sydney Morning Herald quoted today? Your favorite. Moi.

Sexy stiletto heels get our women on a high

Angela Cuming
January 7, 2007

Liz Avery has fallen head over heels for shoes. And not just any shoes. Stilettos are what make her go weak at the knees.

The 21-year-old owns "about 30" pairs of heels, but she is by no means a rarity: a survey of more than 450 Australian women found 32 per cent owned between 26 and 50 pairs of shoes, while 31 per cent owned between 11 and 25 pairs.

Conducted by American shoe guru Meghan Cleary for two online dating services, the survey found that 80 per cent of women would wear stilettos or strappy heels on a first date.

Of those surveyed, 66 per cent said buying shoes was better than eating chocolate, while almost half of the women surveyed said high heels were the best way to boost sex appeal. Black was the colour of choice for 60 per cent of women, while 16 per cent favoured red and 7 per cent pink.

"Australian women overwhelmingly went for the stiletto as their favourite pair of shoes and shoes for a first date," Ms Cleary said.

"They also named their first pair of high heels as the most important shoe they will wear in their life."

Ms Avery, of Bondi, wears "all different types and colours of heels".

Her favourite is a pair of leopard-print, peep-toe heels from Australian designer Leona Edmiston, but the brand favoured by more than any other of those surveyed was Manolo Blahnik.

Favoured by shoe-crazed Carrie Bradshaw (aka Sarah Jessica Parker) of Sex And The City fame, Manolo Blahniks are famous for their sleek lines, not comfort levels.

Source: The Sun-Herald

HAPPY 2007!

2007-01-03T15:39:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness. So many fun things coming up in the world of Miss Meghan for 2007!

Next Thursday, check out the Daily News for a comprehensive look at winter boots. On Tuesday, January 30th, Miss Meg will be on Fox's brand-new Morning Show which is going to be hilarious and fun. Mike and Juliet are super fun hosts so I am sure we will have a blast. I am also doing a podcast with the amazing Kathryn Finney, and one for Chronicle Books, who has just launched their own podcast series, and it looks like personal appearances in both the UK and Australia are on the travel schedule for next Spring.

Thanks for all your love and support - I am so looking forward to 2007 and spending it with you!

xoxoxo
Meg

BOOTS YOU WEAR IN THE COUNTRY

2007-01-02T14:37:00.000-05:00

miss meghan rang in the new year in the country with lots of good food, beautiful hikes and good friends. not to mention the water table. i wore my frye's and some hunter wellies. and not one pair of stilettos. eek!

kisses,
meg

HILARY SWANK, CAFE CLUNY AND SHELLY STEFFEE'S PANTS

2006-12-21T14:46:00.000-05:00

what a morning miss meghan had here in her own little 'hood. first, a workout with dave, my fab trainer who makes me lift 35 pound weights. what? then breakfast at the new hotspot cafe cluny (who knew they were doing breakfast? organic eggs and multigrain toast and one of the best cappucinos i've had in awhile.) hilary swank popped in for breakfast while i was reading my horoscope in the daily news. not a stitch of makeup and she is totally gorg. then i hit shelly steffee where mimi and i rocked out to new order and i told her stories about bobby dinges the star basketball player at u of d high who played me blue monday for the first time in his basement in rosedale park and how i taped bizarre love triangle off the radio on a CASSETTE tape people, the first time it was ever played on detroit radio. such nostalgia. ok so shelly makes these PANTS. they are magic pants and i almost do NOT want to tell you about them because they are so MAJOR that once i talk about it then every other woman knows and once they try them on they will buy them. they are GENIUS. black wool full leg cut trousers with a waistband that is super soft jersey, kinda like preggy pants but way more super chic. brilliant. what woman's weight doesn't fluctuate during the month? i mean these are the perfect pants. perfect.

OF COURSE SHOES ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT

2006-12-19T06:08:00.000-05:00

"Designer Shoes Come First In Global Poll Of Most Wanted Accessories"

MISS MEGHAN TALKS SHOE GIFTS IN THE LAS VEGAS REVIEW

2006-12-18T16:48:00.000-05:00

Shoe-In Gifts from the Las Vegas Review Journal

Shoe clips, like those featured above, add instant dazzle to plain shoes. Top, $44, and bottom, $35, both available at www.alizadarik.com

Buff 'n Shine ($13.99), available at www.buffnshine.com or your local Wal-Mart, keeps shoes looking new.

• Dr. Scholl's Ball of Foot, $6.99 each, make a great stocking stuffer for the shoe lover on your list.

"The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoes Say About You" by Meghan Cleary, $12.95, Barnes & Noble

Some gifts are just easier to find than others. Just as some people are easier to buy for than others. Take for instance, the shoe lover. Sure, she loves shoes but will she love the shoes you buy her? Rather than take that chance, Meghan Cleary, author of "The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoes Say About You," offers some tips on how to please her shoe fetish without going shoe shopping. According to Cleary, the key is in buying around the shoe.

1. "Put stockings in their stockings," she said. Tights, whether textured or in a pretty jewel tone, are a great way to highlight her shoe collection. For him, go with cashmere socks that "match the pants, not the shoes."

2. Shoe clips. These cute accessories come in an assortment of styles (beads, pearls, rhinestones or bows) and will turn a pair of plain shoes from ordinary to extraordinary in a quick snap. Clearly recommends www.alizadarik.com and www.absolutelyaudrey.com to purchase them online. If you're more the crafty type, go shopping at your favorite vintage store where you'll find plenty of clip on earrings. Add a little hot glue and voila!

3. Shoe polisher. "If there's one thing that every shoe aficionado needs, it's to protect and maintain the investment by polishing his or her shoes," Cleary said. She recommends Buff 'n Shine ($13.99), available at www.buffnshine.com or your local Wal-Mart.

4. Shoe insoles. A shoe that looks fabulous and a shoe that feels fabulous don't have to be polar opposites. With a good insole, even a stiletto can fit a little more comfortably. The best ones Cleary has come cross are Dr. Scholl's Ball of Foot ($6.99 each). "It's thin, clear and you can use it in different pairs of shoes because they don't have damaging adhesive," she said.

5. Shoe tree. "Shoe trees are inserted into shoes to help maintain the original shoe shape, help prevent creases and cracking and absorb moisture from the lining of the shoes," Cleary said. They're perfect for the gal or guy on the go, too. Pop a shoe tree in your shoe and it will come out of the suitcase with the same shape it had going in.

6. When all else fails, the gift card always comes through. "A gift card to the nearest department or shoes store for post-holiday bargains means the recipient can build a better shoe repertoire and who doesn't love that?" Cleary said. Online shoe stores such as Zappos.com are great too. They let the shoe lover peruse several designers all at once.