These past ten days have left many of us in New Jersey with so very little to laugh about. Hurricane Sandy blasted our beautiful state.  Many lost their homes and even worse…some lost their lives.  For those of us who were lucky enough to visit the Jersey Shore every summer, the newly carved landscape has left us breathless.  The first few days were met with disbelief but you could sense the communities bonding together as neighbors helped neighbors.  It was like being on a giant Survivor show.  However, when you cross over the ten day mark with no electric, heat, or water somehow you are forced to find the humor in the way it is easy to identify those New Jerseyeans with electric and those of us without.  Here are my eight findings.

1- You can stand in any grocery store and easily identify those still without electric.  Their baskets are filled with wood stacks, Duraflames, bottled water, and any food that does not require cooking.

2- Without much effort, those without electric can be easily picked out in the long line of cars at the high school.  They are the mothers and fathers who are wearing ten sweaters, a scarf, hat, gloves and a blanket over their shoulders.  Generously letting every car go in front of them to savor the heat of the car.

3- Sit in your car at any 7-11 and you will invariably be able to spot more people than not whose hair is going in every direction only to be complimented by their flip flop adorned feet covered with sweat socks.

4- I am not sure if GQ just announced that beards are back in but if they are…New Jersey is taking the lead…and not just the men.

5- Drive through your neighborhoods and the humming sound of generators blast through what was once a “quiet neighborhood.”  You will also know who doesn’t have electric still because the same plastic buckets are collecting water to flush toilets.

6- You can assume that anyone sitting in Starbucks, Barnes and Noble or the local Grocery store cafe with their laptop does not have electric.

7- Take a breeze through Facebook.  Somehow it feels better when you tell people you know and perfect strangers that showering has been a challenge for the past ten days.  In the same light, if you see someone walking into work with their toiletries…no lights at their house.

8- Those sitting at the endless lines at the gas stations with smiles on their face…no heat…the car is a vacation spot now.

There really is no making sense of any of this.  Mother Nature was ticked and took her frustration out on our state but I know this…New Jerseyeans with or without electric are survivors and we still love our shoes.

Be well Bellas,

Deborah Stilettos

“Because the Right Shoe Can Change Your Life.”

If you are like me (and a millions others), the visions of grandeur end almost as quickly as reaching the last page of the magazine.  Wearing the latest Donnatella Versace Suit to the next Back to School night is a nice thought, but unfortunately it falls way down on the list of must haves being superseded by groceries, new kids’ sneakers and gas for the car.  But a girl can dream can’t she?

The one thing that does not change no matter how many kids you have, how depressing the economic forecasts are, or whether or not you are on a fixed budget…women want to look good.  Many of us would not have the need for a Vera Wang dress to be hanging in our closet but that does not prevent us from wanting something current, fashionable and by all means affordable.

Coming from the fashion industry, I would stay away from the “knock offs.”  They are over played, under manufactured for quality and shhhh….illegal.  Instead, search for designer inspired.  A quality product that takes the design features from a famed designer and creates it at a price point that is attainable.  If you are a name dropper than you will probably need to save every penny you have for the next few years so Dior’s name is printed noticeably on the side of your shoes but if you have a real appreciation for fashion, the styles, colors, and materials and structure, will be more important.

Most people recognize and admire the style of your shoes more that they will see the itsy bitsy tag reading “Toms”. For those in my age bracket (40 something), let’s face it, we can’t even see our text messages without our stylish cheaters on let alone a little tag placed on the back of a shoe.  And, if someone is spending time looking at the label on your shoe, you might want to consider a new shade of lipstick or a different hair style.  Instead, women appreciate the curved heel line of the latest Prada shoe or the edginess of a spike laden pump inspired by Alexander McQueen.

http://stores.ebay.com/Deborah-Stilettos22

Whatever your fancy, designer inspired fashions and shoes are fun and allow for more diversity for your closet.

Ciao Bellas,

Deborah Stilettos

Come visit our store http://stores.ebay.com/Deborah-Stilettos22 for our BIG shoe event

Classic black and nude wedge

Pair this gorgeous black and nude wedge with any outfit to boost your style points and complete a polished and sophisticated look. Simple but sexy, the patent leather nude toe adds a point of interest while the velvet black body keeps the look streamlined and minimalist. Perfect for any age, size, occupation, or event, do yourself a favor and come scoop up your very own pair of the Anthony.

Ciao Bellas,

“Because the Right Shoe Can Change Your Life”

Deborah Stilettos

Some might take that as a negative but I relish in it.  I’m know as the “Queen of Heels” and what a great empire to rule…platforms, stilettos, flats, mules, sandals, high heels, kitten heels, boots, Mary Janes…you can call them what you wish.  They are all part of what I call “heaven on earth.”

The true addict has more shoes than what some would deem necessary which is a shock to her.  Someone once asked me if I thought I was excessive and I found myself perplexed as I thought everyone felt the need to have every color foot ornament in varying sizes and shapes.  Making decisions on sizes, colors, shapes, comfort levels, and fabrics is something I do everyday and I can’t say I ever get tired of it but just because of sheer exposure a shoe that makes me go wow has to stand out.  In fact, I pride my company in only selecting these styles.  We are anything but ordinary…because shoe addicts need to be wowed!!

Number One Seller

This shoe arrived at our store a few weeks ago and has caused quite a stir.  I never buy a shoe twice but I had such a demand that I bought every shoe I could get my hands on.  Why so popular?  I think the color has a lot to do with it.  Nude is hot right now!!  It’s an easy kitten heel so the amount of people who can wear them is huge.  The bow is dramatic and has a definite european flair which is not found in today’s styles.  This is a winner with an affordable price….afforable luxury fashion…I told you this was heaven on earth!  (available on eBay  if you can’t get to the store  http://stores.ebay.com/Deborah-Stilettos22).  It is currently available in nude, red and black.  Stunning and one you will not want to pass up.

For those who are looking for a little bit of a wilder look, go no further.  When I spotted these lovelies at the Las Vegas Shoe Show, I knew my shoe addict sisters would melt and they have over and over again when seeing them.  The attraction?  Different, animal print, rhinestones…three strikes only this one gets a home run.

If you aren’t getting your man to whistle a love song when you wear these, you better check his pulse.  A true winner!  I would even call this “zexy”…ok I made it up but isn’t it a good word to describe it?   Available on eBay  http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-HEART-KITTEN-HEELS-CHEETAH-AND-RHINESTONES-SO-UNIQUE-STAND-OUT-/170834293248?pt=US_Women_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item6d756d0ace.

Ok…now for my high heels sisters who graduated with a PhD in heels.  There are not enough words to describe them so lets just say sexy…crazy…heels and leave it at that.

This is available on our other shopping site.  http://www.bonanza.com/listings/4-CRAZY-UNIQUE-HEEL-IN-LEOPARD-AND-CHEETAH-PRINTS/72125481.

Don’t worry if these are not your personality…we have over 180 styles to choose from so go ahead…take the plunge…your closet has room.

Kisses Bellas and Always remembers…”the right shoe can change your life”,

Deborah

“like” us on www.facebook.com/DeborahStilettos to get updates on we receive new shoes.  Join the greatest shoe sorority!!!

A PORTION OF ALL OUR PROCEEDS GOES TO HEELING, INC, AN ORGANIZATION THAT HELPS WOMEN AND CHILDREN RECOVER FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!!!

I had a wonderful day in Deborah Stilettos yesterday-located at 16 W Bridge Street, New Hope, Pa.  Sunday afternoon…and the women were so excited by the new shoes we had gotten in.  When I told them we had over 90 more coming in…they were beyond delighted.  However, the high heel that got most of the attention was my own creation…”Heels of Justice.”

Heels of Justice

I created this shoe as a symbol for all women suffering and recovering from domestic violence.  The many brass 22 caliper bullet shells positioned on this nude Mary Jane are empty representing the end of violence.  The shoe is unique representing the individual strength in all of us.  When you put these on…you are standing tall and strong.

I am recovering from domestic violence and have pledged myself as a designer, business woman, mother, and victim to do all that I can to help women and children who have had to endure the unthinkable…to be degraded as a human being.  Abuse is not just physical violence. It is also the emotional soul bashing that many women endure daily.

The proceeds of these shoes will go to Heeling, Inc., a charitable organization raising money for area prevention and assistance programs.

Be a part of the movement today…make more than a fashion statement today…buy these shoes and let’s spread the word that domestic violence needs to end!

Available on our eBay store: http://stores.ebay.com/Deborah-Stilettos22

Heels of Justice

Thanks for your support Bellas!!

Deborah Stilettos

www.Facebook.com/HeelingInc

For those of us born slightly prior to the computer era, keeping up with the ever-changing technological world can be somewhat daunting.  Now couple that with this “thing” called social media and you can find yourself always positioned behind the eight ball.  However, social media and Pinterest, most recently, cannot be ignored if those of us who find ourselves in the position of product branding want to be on the mind of those purchasing products each and everyday at the push of a button.

1- Pinterest is EASY to Use

I have a tendency to avoid what I don’t understand.  So it was no surprise to anyone   in my company that I dragged my heels (no pun intended) in embracing Pinterest.  I dreaded going on to another social media hot spot only to belabor the instructions and work through the kinks through trial and error.  However, Pinterest was as easy as putting a hot knife through butter.  The designers of this site made the site fun, easy, and addicting.

2- Instantly My Products Can Be Viewed and Repinned To Many Others

I come from the days of sending out postcards to prospective clients showing the latest and greatest of what my company had to offer.  The customer would marvel at the card, pick up the phone and call for further information.  Gone are those days.  Knowing what I do today, this method almost seems like it was taken from the annals of the Stone Age as it was anything but quick and easy.  Using Pinterest, I simply upload my product pictures, add some text (Pinterest was very generous in allowing a nice amount of space for those who love to talk about what we have to offer), I can attach a link and click.  Within seconds, my product went from the best kept secret to viral.  No wait time…no post office…no mailing lists.  Nice.

3- Pinterest Works Hand In Hand With Other Social Media Outlets

For those of us pressed for time, Pinterest has not only built a great platform to show what we have to offer but allows us to share this with other media outlets like Twitter and Facebook.  So one picture post has the possibilities of finding a home on three social media outlets and like the old Wella Balsam ad went “and they told two people and they told two people and on and on.”

4- See What Others In Your Industry are Doing

No need to set up spies like Bill Belachek did to win football games.  The cards are all laid out there for you to see.  Now it doesn’t take a brain sergeant to figure out that your competition also has a front row seat to what you are producing but if you are marketing your product correctly, they will anyway.  Conversely, if you see that those you are competing with in the open market all are offering products that are more similar than not, it might be a nice time to make a hard left and offer something different or improved.  In one place, you can see what is out there being offered and try to make it better.

5- Pinterest is No Cost Test Market

Remember the days of walking through the mall only to be stopped by a lovely woman with a clipboard soliciting your opinion on what perfume you wore, what vegetable brand you serve at dinner, or what television show you most watched.  Pinterest is a dream come true!  You have the option of following people on Pinterest that you have found to have a common interest or found their “pins” (Pinterest’s term for pictures that you post) to be interesting.  I suggest you find twenty people who have a connection to your business service or product.  They are a representation of what potential buyers are drawn.  If you start to see a repeated theme in the category in which you do business, you might want to consider incorporating those items into your own line or offerings.

6- Pinterest Allows You To Connect With More People

Some of us blasts from the past know this as the” touch program.”  The more times you can reach out to someone and show them what your company has to offer the better chance you have of success.  As I mentioned before, Pinterest does not only support this on their platform but makes connecting with others from other Social Media circles as easy as clicking a button.  People who view your pictures can comment back on them starting an instant dialogue and the possibility of building a relationship with a new client.  No return phone calls.  No email to be sent out.  And, more importantly, others viewing can read the conversation taking place causing more interest.

7- 10 Million Viewers a Month

Now that I have your attention!  What other marketing path could you travel that would allow you to advertise for FREE to 10 million viewers 24 hours a day every day of the month.  This doesn’t even count those who will see it on their Facebook and Twitter Accounts once it posts there as well.  And, unlike any other advertising channel,  your pictures remain allowing for people to revisit or find them at later dates when they have a need for what you have.  This alone should have you on pinning this afternoon.

8- A Picture Says A Thousand Words

Let’s face it.  Not all of us are word weavers or copy writers.  Pinterest lets you off the hook by letting your pin do all the talking.  Now Pinterest does encourage you to at least put a title on your post but you would want to do this anyway.  This can include your company’s name, website, and phone number.

9- Pinterest Let’s You Post Your Price Tag

Depending on your market, this might or might no be something that you can entertain.  I am in the women’s shoe business so not only are my clients impulse driven but they are price driven.  I can pin a shoe we just designed or got in for our stores, add a description, and simply type the price in the text box.  As soon as Pinterest detects the dollar sign it creates a banner on the top left hand corner of your picture. Viola…not only does my client get attracted to the heel by merely stumbling upon the picture but now she knows the price is affordable luxury fashion.  Home run, touchdown, or cha ching at the register…whatever lights you up.

10- Pinterest Showcases Your Company’s Ties With the Community Through Your Philanthropic Commitments

Who doesn’t love a company who gives back to those in need or helps their community.  By just creating a new board (how Pinterest allows you to categorize your pictures for easy viewing) potential clients will be able to align you with your charitable contributions.

BONUS- Ok, This is Not a Benefit To Your Business But You Will have Such Joy When Your Teenage Kids Realize Your Pictures are Being Repinned By Their Friends.

Who said you weren’t cool?

Any questions?  Just post them to this blog.

Kisses Bellas,

Deborah Stilettos

www.DeborahStilettos.com

I must admit I was over the moon when dots appeared before my eyes on this years most popular pumps, heels, and flats.  I found them to be fun, young and in some ways familiar.  As much as I tried, I was unable to control my urge to buy anything that had these little colored in circles.  I was like a young girl at a Sadie Hawkins dance unable to pick which one I would attend the dance.   As a true fashion addict, it only seemed reasonable to buy everything and anything with a polka dot on it.

Now I know that this fashion craze will see its final days relatively soon unless we decide to hold the fashion icons in a hold pattern much like we continue to do with the animal print craze.  Polka dots are eye-catching and even on a rainy Monday just throwing on a polka-dotted rain coat can make me swear I see rays of sunshine.  This spring’s shoe fashions have brought delectable colors back and while I love them I am drawn to those with dots like a moth to an outside light bulb in the summer.

Hot off the press!!  These just arrived on Friday.  So much fun and keeping in true commitment to my Shoe Sorority Sisters these lovelies are affordable. $39.95-affordable luxurious fashion at it’s best.

Polka Dotted Pumps-$39.95 at Deborah Stilettos

If you haven’t already, don’t miss out on adding a little fun to your wardrobe this spring.  We will continue to get an array of new shoes in over the next few weeks so I hope to see you in our store at 16 Bridge Street, New Hope, Pa or if you can’t make it you can always take a walk down the aisles of our website www.DeborahStilettos.com or our eBay store- Deborah Stilettos.

If you have found a fashion find this spring that highlights polka dots, post it to this blog.  We would love to see it!!!

Love and Kisses Bellas,

And as always, “the right shoe can change your life,”

Deborah Stilettos

www.Facebook.com/DeborahStilettos

Then five o’clock arrives.  I drive the short distance between my office/store and my home still in a good mood from all the goodies I was able to take a sneak peek on during my afternoon.   With the twist of my front door knob, I suddenly transform into Cinderella after the clock struck midnight. Words from my day like “fashionably affordable and stunning stilettos” are replaced with “why do I need another mess?”

My son who I picked up from weight lifting just moments earlier has found himself strategically placed on the couch unable to lift the garbage bag from the overflowing can in the kitchen.  My older son who tells me on a daily basis that he hates his science class has turned my kitchen counter into a laboratory test center to see how fast mold can grow on a glass of orange juice poured before he left for school.  My twenty year old daughter, who likes to regularly remind me on how she will manage her home more efficiently has left an empty bag of dog food on my living room chair.  Perhaps it is a new interior design technique I am unaware.

My heels pop off, the oven goes on and I have learned how to spray the Endust can far enough to hit three pieces of furniture at a time.  Then I silently laugh to myself.  The title of motherhood is one I have held longer than any other position at any other company.  Who would have ever known I go from being the Queen of Heels during the day to Princess of the Potty Brush at night?

Kisses Bellas,

Deborah Stilettos

www.DeborahStilettos.com

www.Facebook.com/DeborahStilettos

Domestic violence is not just being beaten or hit.  It is being controlled, manipulated, shunned, repeatedly cheated on, publically embarrassed, black mailed, and financially strangled. It is being scared… feeling that there is no way out.  I know because I too screamed and cried and begged myself to leave only finding myself giving him one more chance.  Finally, one very dark night I finally found the front door and the hand of an angel who was willing to help me.  I got out.  My children got out.

We were given safe haven and to my disbelief the abuse continued and in some ways got worse.  I went to the police who could only encourage me to take the matter to a higher authority…the courts.  I was scared.  I felt sorry for him.  I hated myself for not making all of this better somehow.  I regretted not leaving much earlier.  In many ways, I had become sicker than the offender.

Things escalated. I filed for a temporary restraining order. I went to court.  Twenty minutes before I was to go before the judge I almost left fearing that I couldn’t go through with it.  Finally, I was granted the permanent restraining order.  Peace.

I don’t share any of these details to defame the offender.  It is not easy for me to actually write the words because seeing them dance across my computer screen makes them real and I have become an expert at down playing these events.  It has become a way for me to survive.  I am sharing my experience, strength and hope because while the abusers are the direct vehicle in which the abuse is delivered…it is the silence of all of us that fuels the efforts.

I watched a video tonight which I am posting at the bottom of this blog.  I encourage you to watch it.  We spend more money each year in this country saving native birds than saving the women and children of this country. An epidemic that will surely devastate the mental health of our people in the future.  It is not easy for a victim to speak about this.  It’s embarrassing but it is necessary.

If you are reading this and are suffering, please know you are not alone.  Find someone to help you and leave as safely as you can.  We need to break this cycle.  If you have survived abuse, share your story and lend your strength to someone who is feeling powerless.  God does not want any of us to suffer but perhaps he has chosen us…the survivers to reach out and save one of our own…another human being.

A portion of all the sales of www.DeborahStilettos.com, our store on Bridge Street in New Hope, Pa, and our eBay store will donate a portion of our sales to help women and children recovering from domestic violence.

I encourage to hear from anyone looking for help or those who can offer some advice from their own experiences.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s2hu9Zon4s&feature=share

Domestic Violence Facts

Kisses Bellas…”The right shoe can change your life” but more importantly…no one deserves to be abused.

Deborah Stilettos

www.DeborahStilettos.com

16 W. Bridge Street

New Hope, Pa

Join us on the fight against domestic violence – www.Facebook.com/HeelingInc

Christian Louboutin Heels

For twenty years, the great shoe designer, Christian Louboutin, has amazed high heel aficionados.  His designs are nothing short of masterpieces providing the simply elegant pump for the more modest wearer to the simply outrageous stilettos for the woman who prefers to be more edgy.  His designs and end product guarantee style, comfort and a high price tag.

Christian Louboutin Heels

In 1992 under the guidance of Charles Jourdan, Louboutin trained in the art of woman shoe design and crafting.  According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art- Costume Institute, it was with Jourdan and his beginning job at the Folies Bergeres that this new innovative designer began to understand the art of high heel walking was in “posture and proportion.”

Christian Louboutin Heels

Christian made his way through some of the most famous couture houses in France such as Chanel and Maud Frizon before settling down in 1992.  It was in his home country that the talents of Mr. Louboutin exploded. Making headlines in the fashion world and creating a frenzy among well coifed and wealthy women to wear his shoes, it was not long before this new designer made his way to the United States.

Christian Louboutin Heels

The trademark red under sole is the signature of the famed couture house and one that Mr. Louboutin has fought ferociously to defend and maintain.  As we speak, the US high courts are still deciding whether a color can actually be trademarked of which he responds “that it is not the color but the placement of this specific color of red” that he is fighting for the rights.  While there have been others that have mimicked the success of the red bottom heel and have been sued by the famous couture house, most recently Yves St. Laurent is the latest vying for the right.  The fashion world will just have to wait to see the outcome.

Until then, women delight in wearing the Louboutin red bottomed shoe because it is a sign of style, fashion and of wealth.  So how did the color red come about in the design aspect of his high heels?  Christian was in the process of creating a prototype that was reflective of the Pop Art Era when he felt that the bottom of the heel was too dark for what he was trying to create.  One of his assistance has a bottle of red nail polish that he quickly used to paint the bottom of the new creation.  Viola…the birth of the Louboutin logo.

The average Christian Louboutin high heel is around $700.00 extending to the thousands.  You will not be hard pressed to see celebrities wearing these beauties to red carpet events nor will you have to search long to find a high ranked business woman walking to her next meeting in them.  The craze of Louboutin heels took to a broader market when the beloved character Carrie from Sex and the City suffered from let’s say a small heel addiction and between Blatnik and Louboutin sucess was inevitable.

Christian Louboutin has given us twenty years of sugar high heel perfection.  If you are a shoe crazed maniac like I am, you cannot help but in complete awe of the collections he has brought to us.

Christian Louboutin Heels

Kisses Bellas and please don’t forget…”the right shoe can change your life.”

Deborah Stilettos

www.DeborahStilettos.com

www.Facebook.com/DeborahStilettos