Local Artisan Holiday Market

This Saturday, December 14, officially starts the 12 days til Christmas countdown and we want to make it easy for you at our Local Artisan Holiday Market trunk show. This one stop shop event will have everything you need for that best friend or best man in your life. We will be featuring goods by Porter Lyons Jewelry, Krewe du Optic eyewear, and Sarah Amacker Pop Art. If these aren't reasons enough to get to Feet First this weekend, the 610 Stompers will be in the house signing their 2014 calendar and bringing us some holiday cheer.

Porter Lyons Jewelry

Porter Lyons believes in preservation and documenting culture through design.  A portion of all proceeds goes to causes that protect a culture’s fundamental identity. Porter Lyons’ first collection is inspired by New Orleans and the Bayou, and part of the proceeds benefits wetland preservation.

Krewe du Optic

KREWE du optic is a handmade eyewear company based firmly in New Orleans, LA. Committing ourselves to the highest standard of quality and craftsmanship; we create lasting, fashion-forward designs inspired by the city we call home. KREWE's frames are hand-crafted specially for those with an individualized style and timeless aesthetic. Or, as we like to call them, " THE KREWE ".

Sarah Amacker Pop Art

Sarah Amacker was born and raised in Zachary, Louisiana. Through self-teaching, she began experimenting and created her own unique style of pop art that gives simple photographs a pulse, bringing to life the beauty and complexity of the ordinary through bright and bold expression. Her pop art style gives viewers a new perspective to the ordinary snapshots of everyday life through the use of bright colors, bold shapes, and vibrant effects. 

 

  

610 Stompers

The 610 Stompers is a diverse group of ordinary men, from their 20s to their 60s. We are doctors, lawyers, professionals, laborers, students, teachers, and parents. We are different but we’re the same, and we’re brought together by our ongoing desire to entertain the world with our “Extraordinary Moves”, and in doing so, give back to the community that we love.

Local Love

While we at Feet First certainly love our shoes, we'd be remiss if we didn't shine the spotlight on our local New Orleans vendors that help us accessorize our outfits with style and class.

We absolutely LOVE the artistic styling of Ashley Porter's Porter Lyons collections. Her unique designs pay homage to New Orleans heritage and culture and showcase the originality and diversity that this city has to offer.

This bronze backbone cuff is the perfect example of what we're talking about.

 

This statement bracelet conjures up images of the swamp monsters that roam the bayous of the Louisiana country.

And of course, you can't get any more authentic than this genuine alligator hide cuff.

 

Another bold piece from her collection, this cuff bracelet is complete with a 22K gold plated snap lock.

But perhaps the piece that most fits the spirit of New Orleans is this voodoo skull bracelet.

While not available for viewing on our website, feel free to pop into either of our locations to take a closer look at these bold New Orleans inspired pieces, or give us a call at 504-899-6800 if you're out of town.

Another of our favorite local merchants we carry in our stores is Birds of a Feather. We adore their feather fascinators- they're a great way to jazz up a hair style in perfect New Orleans style.

Check out some of our favorites:

Such a fun and easy way to add a little flair to your wardrobe; you just clip them in and you're on your way.


We also carry the fabulous NOLA Couture line of Louisiana themed ties and bow ties.

Louisiana is famous for its fresh gulf oysters, and this tie is a great way to show your love for the city's fresh-as-can-be seafood:

Love Louisiana college sports? Try this LSU tie on for size:
 

This is the perfect way to show your love for your favorite football team in an office-appropriate way.

Want to show uptown New Orleans some love? Check out this St. Charles streetcar tie:

All NOLA couture ties are made with 100% silk with a wool interlining so, no matter the occasion, you're sure to be the most stylish one in attendance.

So next time you're out shopping, stop into Feet First and help us show some local love to our amazingly creative and endlessly talented local New Orleans vendors!

Wedding Bells and Debutante Balls

Well, it's summer in New Orleans and you know what that means- we're seeing plenty of wedding marches and debutante balls all over the city! But while you ladies are shopping for your dresses, don't forget the importance of a beautiful pair of shoes to complete your outfit!

 

Here at Feet First, we've got a wide selection of debutante and bridal footwear and we stock styles and colors that satisfy all preferences. You can find your traditional white heels, you can go with some less traditional styles, or you can opt for the completely unconventional style and color shoe. It's your big day and we want you to look stunning in whatever footwear makes you look and feel more beautiful than you've ever felt before.

Traditional

For the debutante or the traditional bride, we carry an assortment of white heels both open- and closed-toe (for all you debs out there).
On the close-toe side of things, check out these remarkable pumps:

Touch Ups "Zeta"

Dyeables "Grace"

Touch Ups "Ginger"

A classic look, these heels will complete your outfit in the most elegant fashion.

If you’re looking for an open-toe shoe, we’ve got plenty of those too! These peep-toe heels will be a tasteful addition to any dress. 

Dyeables "Ida"

Touch Ups "Marissa"

Touch Ups "Dakin"

And because we know you want your shoes to be perfect, we have samples of all these styles in the store for you to try on, but we will special order you a fresh pair in time for the big day!

Slightly Less Traditional
While many women choose to stick with tradition, recently we've seen brides who are breaking the norm by choosing less conventional styles on their big day. Take, for example, these Pelle Moda heels:

Pelle Moda "Gretel" Heels

Pelle Moda "Hadley" Evening Sandal

Both of these styles are just waiting to be seen on the big day!

We know that for the wedding you need to wear something blue- why not make it your shoes?
Both these Nina and these blue Butter shoes will complete your look with a flair:

Nina "Criana" Evening Pump

Butter "Putt" Peep-Toe Pump

These elegant blue heels will nicely compliment the white in your dress and will leave your guests speechless as you walk down the aisle.


Unconventional
Looking for something completely outside the norm for your wedding? We've got you covered too!

These Butter shoes will make your outfit pop on the big day! If all eyes weren't on you before, they will be now!

Butter "Sanford" Low Wedge

Butter "Percy" Slingback Pump

Butter "Posey" Low Wedge

In traditional New Orleans style, these colorful shoes will turn heads and make sure there is a big buzz about your big day.

Shopping for wedding shoes in New Orleans can be a nightmare, but whether you're a traditional bride or funky one, we've got you covered!

Celeberating Culture (and Keeping It Cute) with Feet First!

         Bonjour Fashionistas, Gabbi here! I've Missed you guys! Sorry it's been a while since my last post but you knew I wouldn't be gone for long! The Feet First Family would like to send out our humble condolences to the family of world renowned and city loved, Jazz and Blues legend Lionel "Uncle Lionel" Baptiste. He has influenced and helped shape New Orleans culture as we know it today and the city will forever be grateful for that. Being a locally owned business in the city for 35 years we know how much culture and tradition means to our city so, in memory of him I thought it would only be right to blog about some New Orleans culture and what better than the Secondline?!



Courtesy of Nola Pic

Secondlines are traditional brass band parades held in the city, usually on Sundays. The secondline originated from West African circle dances and dances performed in Congo Square by slaves that were given Sundays off. They are now modernly put on by Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, to celebrate weddings or for jazz funerals. The city will secondlining two weeks straight from the passing of Uncle Lionel on July 8 until his burial on Monday, July 23.

But if you're gonna be apart of the culture you've got to do it with comfort and style. That's where Feet First comes in!

A pair of Keds are great for stepping out. The classic Champion Oxford  from Keds features a canvas upper with lace-up Oxford style, rubber outsole, and cotton lining and insole. The insole features arch support and thick cushioning for comfortable wear. Perfect for dancing right?  The Classic Champion Oxford include to different color laces for versatile style and is available in numerous colors including pink, red, aqua, orange, green, yellow, and black.

Still not enough cushion and support for your bug jumping?  Pair those Keds with some Foot Petals feet cushions! The Killer Cushionz 3/4 Insole, Haute Heelz Bottom of Heel Cushions and Amazing Arches Arch Support Cushions, cushion your entire foot and decrease impact on your heels, legs, and lower back.

And to top it off you can't parade with out a scarf! This fuchsia Saachi scarf features a rich, multi-colored pattern reminiscent of a beautiful watercolor painting. Have an Indian made, Saachi scarf accompany you, while keeping you cool,(and swing it over your head) at any secondline and you're bound to be stepping in style.

You can get all these comfy styles locally or online at feetfirststores.com. And if you want to immerse into some more culture check out our Nola Couture items!

OH! One more thing, WE'RE MOVING!

R.I.P Lionel "Uncle Lionel" Baptiste

1931-2012

"Laissez les bons temps rouler"

(Let the good times roll)

&

Happy Shopping