Photo by Andrew Twort

My very favorite book of all time is Jitterbug Perfume, by Tom Robbins. My first sister in law gave it to me right after my divorce. She then divorced my brother, and we realized that we both had married the wrong men, but had become sisters by marriage, so it was a good thing in the end. It was a devastating time in my life and this funny book about a randy goat got me through a terrible period. The key message and not wanting to ruin the end was “lighten up”. And I did.

Queenie in Black Suede with Rhinestones

Mirage in Nude Sequins

Many years later, a new favorite book arrives, but delivered by the universe sent through Kindle and suggested by the Grand Duchess of Face Book, Miss Violet. I don’t exactly remember when I met the Grand Duchess, but I know she tried to help by giving me the name of some local retailers for my shoes, way back before social media… And then somehow we became friends on Facebook. I started to follow her many posts. We had the same political views, pure Democratic and she was quite outspoken. She was becoming as important for me as CNN. I would in fact watch CNN every morning and then see what Violet had to say. Occasionally I started to comment. “You go girl!” then it became more intimate, as when I opened my online store Violet bought a pair of shoes, actually she bought two, one pair in the states, style Queenie, my very favorite. She then at my suggestion bought style Mirage, from me in Spain. Both to twinkle and sparkle through the day….

We continued to post back and forth. I read her book list which now FB provides, and selected a Violet preferred book. It was a short story, a bit too short, and a bit underwhelming. I got an entire letter how Violet had met the author’s wife at their gallery in California and that is how she got the book etc, etc, etc. Then she sent me the link to the book, A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron… The review was so long, I did not read it, and trusting my Duchess, I just went to Kindle and clicked to buy it. I love that easy click, and why can not the whole internet be an easy one click? And even more amazingly it arrives in less than a minute…. just how do they do that? But Kindle wrote back immediately and said that I already owned the book.
I cheerfully wrote Violet and said, “ you won’t believe it Violet but I already had the book, what a coincidence!” As you all know I do not do short blogs. And I do not dress up with a lot of outfits and take photos of myself and call myself a “blogger”. I write stories. So take a break, get a drink, go for a pee, as this is a long, long one.

This book, A Dog’s Purpose, is for anyone that has had a dog, has a dog or is thinking about getting a dog. It is an absolute must. I have had dogs since I was 22 years old. 97% poodles and now I am into German shepherds. Or the poodles are into the German shepherds, currently at the Finca (farm in Spanish) there are 7 poodles and 3 German shepherds. The toy poodles, like to boss the shepherds around.

A dog that has many lives writes the book. He lives and dies and remembers each lifetime. Every time he died, wherever I was reading the book, streams of tears poured down my face. But as soon as he dies, in the next sentence he becomes a puppy again, a different kind of dog, in a different town. He explains why dogs do everything they do to humans, and everything they do in general. This has affected me greatly, as I am a woman who shares her life with ten dogs and now I feel I have some greater understanding to them. It also gives you a beautiful love story about a dog finding his true human love through reincarnation. The dog that I loved the most was Frankie. He lived to be an incredible 18 years old… If you remember my Frankie&Baby shoe collection, that is the Frankie I am talking about.

I was worried about him dying since the day he arrived in my life, that was before Zoloft. Now I have Elvis, who will not leave my side. He is my personal, 24 hours a day bodyguard. The book made me realize that just possibly maybe Frankie came back?

I always have tried to accept that each dog in my life as a new personality, and never try to think they are similar to another one, but after reading A Dog’s Purpose, everything has changed. For sure I have more respect and sensitivity to all of them now. And tell each and every one they are “Good Dogs” as much as possible….

But this isn’t even my story! The real story is that when I finished the book and I saw that the author had written another book, A Dog’s Journey. I wrote Miss Violet, who is also the reigning queen of the most outrageous, high calorie deserts ever created ( just try her brown sugar pound cake with caramel dribble sauce) and said “there is another book! Have you read that? I think I am going to get that one also!” I proceed back to Amazon Kindle, the fastest known delivery service of instant gratification, besides my own free shoe delivery (couldn’t resist a little promo) and low and behold, as they use to say, I get the same message that I already had bought the book!

Now I am thinking, I could have accidentally bought the first book in one of my own midnight madness sweeps, but for sure I didn’t buy the follow up when I hadn’t even finished book one…The flashing purple light bulb goes on, and I get a jolt to my shoed out brain. Violet had bought me the two books, and never told me. And I am an idiot, and I buy so much I don’t know what I buy or don’t buy? There are just some really nice people in the world and one just happens to live in Kentucky.
Thank you so much Miss Violet, a book is such a wonderful gift, especially these two… And especially from you!

P.S
As I told Violet, when I die all 23 dogs of my lifetime will be waiting for me in doggie heaven, as that’s where I want to be sent.

Once upon a time, long, long ago, when everyone lived in caves and women had no high heels, no open toe booties, no Havaianas, or Christian Louboutins, my great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great great, great, great ,great, great great, great grandmother had a fight with the man she lived with. He had hit her on the head and had dragged her by her extensions, into the cave. “This is the very last time,” is what she thought, and wrote on her cave wall with a stick figure drawing, to her girlfriend, Imelda.

Besides she had just spent the entire day doing her hair, and the drag had all but ruined it. She decided she would turn her life around and start controlling her destiny.

She went to the nearest tree, and pulled off the thick tree bark, soaked it in dinosaur pee over night, to soften it and then molded it to the soles of her feet. She cleverly cut off some small tree branches, and attached them to the tree bark giving her instantaneous height. This became the first high heel of history. To keep it attached to her foot, she tore up some sable skins and wrapped it around her foot and ankle. She then decided to attach two Avisaurus feathers to the ends, because “too much is not enough”. And she liked the added color. Fuchsia.

Voilà, now she was suddenly 10 inches taller. Taller is power in her world, especially since her significant other was a shorty. Shorty with a complex, I may add, and that is why he was always hitting her.

At the bottom of the branch that touched the ground, this very inventive ancestor of mine, sharpened the end, so it became a point. It was now a lethal weapon of destruction and personal protection at the same time. A clever, clever girl, I am proud to say.

The next day when she was hanging out with her girl pals, drinking herbal teas, laced with dried Brontosaurus sperm, Shorty came to get her. My “Mamacita”, put her bone tea cup down , took a deep breath and stood up and looked straight down at him. He was frozen dumbfounded, and it was 10,000 years before the ice age.

He could not figure out how she grew so tall overnight, with her boobies popping out and going north to the skies, and her booty going east to the sunrise. This was all too much for him, and he collapsed at her feet, where he then kissed them.

This became the first historical revelation dawn of
High Heel Sexual Power. It was also February 14th.

A family secret that has been passed down to me over the generations of woman shoemakers in my family through the centuries, since this first pair that was made by:

Fedosia Feldmanova
432 Rolling Cave Drive
Serious Moutains, Prehistoricville,
0001 Russia

I have kept it and tried to preserve it, and added my own touch by making my high heels comfortable and walkable. Because what is the sense to have the power but not be able to run with it?

The very first high heel designed by my ancestor Fedosia Feldmanova, 10000 B.C.

Continuing the family legacy of great shoe designing. Drama Queen by Beverly Feldman 2013 A.D.

The International Sexy Shoe Survey and the winner is Greece, the original party boys of history.

Mr. Konstantinos, our expert both on sex and shoes, says:

1. It says everything about the woman wearing it.
2. A sexy shoe makes you stare at it and dream of starting to undress her by taking off her shoes first.
3. Sexy shoe is usually a high heeled, with an important construction. For me sexy is single sole, stiletto or sexy peep toe bootie. It’s a statement about who the wearer is. I show enough but not too much, I wear high heels but not necessarily just to go out late in the evening.
4. Last but not least a sexy shoe is about being worn by the woman and not the other way around. She has to be able to walk the shoe without hearing the noise the heels make.
5. A sexy shoe, high heeled, doesn’t need a statue, but a smooth flow through a room.
6. A sexy shoe is the first detail that steps out of a limo. You go wrong on that and the thigh all of a sudden matters so much less…
7. Sexy shoe is the natural continuation of her legs. Shows her ankles, her toes, everything is about a perfect balance.

This is from Lorenzo, my first boyfriend in high school:

“Woman’s legs should look like two sleek pillars holding up a coliseum. In other words they should make you start at the shoe and then follow them up to the point where they begin… then undress them with your eyes. A good start is a six inch stiletto…”

Mr. Ian our representative from Scotland:

-         I used to favor over the knee boots with black opaque stockings until I discovered that in my age group these covered up varicose veins and cellulitis of the lower thigh.
-         Platforms no thanks
-         Sport shoes ughh!
-         Guess it all comes down to black patent high heel pumps in combination with of course black seamed stockings and a garter belt, how unusual is that?

And Alex from Germany….

“Roman sandals with long strings and sexy boots….”

Alex by the way is young and very handsome and an international top chef!

Ben from London says:

“Well. That’s a long story!! There is different kind of sexy.
If we are talking seductive sexy then that’s very different to elegant sexy. ie. bedroom shoes, or take my wife to a very posh event shoes. (Ben is not married by the way)
Generally, I like stiletto style shoes.
Like Manolo. (he really meant to say Beverly Feldman) That hits both. Don’t like too high. This is because if a woman can’t walk then it’s very awkward. She seems robotic, instead of at ease.
The heel must support her movement. It’s all about the movements of the hips when she puts the heels on.
I like how you move in shoes. So sexy, I watch you from behind sometimes (he is talking about me, and I always wear Beverly Feldman’s)
I like details like sling backs, mules. I like somewhat aggressive styles. Black high shiny leather pointy toe. Like a secretary dominatrix business.
I also like different textures of black. And I like mesh in everything. I think it looks so sexy. Actually some hosiery elements on a shoe, it’s REALLY SEXY.”

XX

Alvaro from Spain first said:

“Imagine a snake around a foot on top of a stiletto heel, that’s sexy!”

Which I rejected and sent back and then he wrote:

“Okay, okay, transparent-vinyl sandal with a high transparent stiletto-heel. What about that ???”

Tommy from Florida wrote: 

“Sexy shoes are anything my beautiful wife straps on or slides into. You can always tell when a woman has on the right shoes because she walks taller, is more confident, and will light up the entire room. Sexy shoes are fun and playful. They put a smile on her face because she knows they look amazing, and can turn every head in the room. Sexy shoes match the sparkle in her eyes, and the flirt in her skirt. I like them going on…and look forward to them coming off!
Can’t wait to meet the beautiful and talented Queen B sometime soon.”

Nate from NYC:

“To my mind, (he has a great mind as he is psychiatrist) a sexy shoe is pointy, shows toe cleavage, and has at least a bit of a heel though not necessarily a long spiky heel. When you’ve completed your survey I’d be interested in knowing what you’ve come up with.”

Edgar from Cuba:

A sexy shoe is for me a clean, transparent high heel 70 percent black leather and 30% a wild leopard skin. These are shoes that make a woman elegant even if the lady is naked. (Cubans are so Hot!)

And my favorite is from my Spanish lover who I asked over diner and he said:

“A plain pump that shows a lot of instep, a thin high heel, pointed toe, and bright red”

This really surprised me, as he is pretty classic, and short!

But when did we ever really listen to men? So I am suggesting 3 great “Summer Sexy” that just happen to be coming in April to my new web store.

Freedom of Choice Girls!

1. First have some great sex, preferably with someone and not just by yourself. Go the whole way; with the outfit, black lace everything. Woolford stay up hose, and perfect makeup and hair. Bubbles, creams, perfumes. Take at least three hours to get ready, not including prior hair appointment and of course necessary tortuous waxing. Mani&Pedi. Real nails (don’t want any pop offs) and I question the whole concept of hair extensions. Looks great, but if he ever runs his fingers thru your hair, then what?
Set your stage with flattering lighting, scented candles a must. Have appropriate drinks and a few things to nibble on besides you. And the shoes? That is why you are here. It’s all about the shoes.

2. Visualize what you think he will find sexy. Think like a man for a moment. Not what the fashion magazine says is sexy, or what your girlfriends just bought at the mall. But truly what a man thinks is a sexy shoe. This means research. A good conversation starter. Survey in the elevator, at the bus stop, in your next ticket line. “What is a sexy shoe for you?” I have interviewed men all around the world for my entire career. I, Beverly Feldman, Queen B, am a certified sexy shoe expert. (When convenient and when they deserve it!) My survey is to be blogged shortly…

3. Listen to what men say. I don’t think we ever listen to what they say. For sure they never listen to what we say. So we are even.

4. Hint, Hint, it is going to be a high heel, for sure. High heels push your bootie out, and if you remember to stand up straight, the girls also will stand right up to salute. But it’s all about posture, the arched back, and straight shoulders. The high heel is skinny; I think the heel preferences are in age categories. Any man over 40 will like thin heels, and younger men will like heavier heels, and heavier shoes. As a designer, I always prefer classic, high and simple.  Also the men I have dated, and am still dating, are mostly AARP groupies, and prefer classic sexy.

5. Texture: Suede is sexier than leather, patent is bit tough girl. Anything with studs and spikes is getting into specific specialties that are quite prevalent now. Color: Black, Black, and Black

6. Single soles versus platforms. Short guys versus Grande? Having channeled a string of 50s movies stars, my whole career, I am fond of single soles. C.S.G.O.T. (classic sex good old times) or you have F. B. I. (furniture bottom, impossible to walk anywhere, magazine editorial only). These usually work for short women with tall guys. He ends up carrying you to the bedroom in this case. Then you can actually return the shoe, and buy some more lingerie/makeup.

7. I think a sexy shoe, like anything else you are wearing should come off easy. So if and when the moment arises and you or he wishes you shoeless, there should be no fuss, with mini buckles, straps, or zips that get stuck. That is why girls, I design with very few straps, I love easy exits.

8. The toe has to be pointed to make a point. Points are sexy. Mentally aggressive.  Rounds toes mean you are accessible, men want a challenge. Pointed toes, are a form of psychological challenge. Like a knight jousting, your pointed shoes become your own lance/ weapon of sexual destruction.

9. Toe cleavage a must! Multiple mini little breasts as your foundation. Nothing could be sexier. And beautiful feet. If it’s pre-seduction and out for a drink, legs crossed and a swinging foot, with a half on and half off black suede pump swinging as a sub note, will say a lot without you saying a word, swing with a smile. A woman’s smile is a loud yes, in body language 101.

10. My sexy pump for next fall 2013. SPT… Short Pointed Toe, with matching sculptured heel.  A heel for men of all ages: thin at the bottom, heavier at the top, shaped and an added flash of metal. Just in case he does not turn out to be your knight in shining armor, you can whack him off his horse. Quickly galloping into the sunrise, keeping his stallion or Porsche, to search for the knight that will love you, no matter what kind of shoe you are wearing, even a ballerina.

This is my first ad. I did it for my beautiful friend Lola, the director of Tot en Rus. That is “Everything in Russian” in Spanish, explained in English… it was Lola´s idea and my shoes, I had the opportunity to work with the renowned photographer VCrown. Vincent also turned out to be a neighbor, which was a pleasant surprise.

The house was full, as everyone arrived with an assistant. I decided to let everyone do their job, and I would just watch…

First problem was the model was the wrong shoe size, and could only fit into my own personal shoes, and not the samples. This limited the choices substantially. Second problem, taking shoe photographs is a specialty.  I did not want to step on any ones toes, (feet or shoes) so I thought best to stay out, instead of my usual of take total control… third, nobody really had any idea of what to do, but Vincent was great and took 600 shots. The one above was the one I liked the most. Granted the shoes are slightly out of focus, but it is a beautiful shot.

Style: Fatal “Before” Photo: Vcrown

I added the other shoe, VaVa Voom, as it’s from my current spring collection and you can see the shoe. The logical shoe to put on top of my logo should have been the shoe that the model was wearing but…

This shoe, Fatal, is a few seasons old, goes with everything and is one of my favorites.  Day with jeans, night with nothing. The beauty of a BF shoe, timeless and versatile. And Super Comfortable but I think I should have named it something else!

fa·tal

As the shooting went around the house, and we were in the patio, I thought I should check on the shoes that had been left at the side entrance.. I had brought down all my favorites for the shoot. I just had a premonition, that leaving all my shoes outside was a dangerous thing.

A women’s premonition is wonderful sensor, except mine came a few moments too late. I opened the side door and all my shoes were on the ground, and Bruno and Bella were taking deep sun moments, sleeping so innocently surrounded by a bevy of half eaten shoes. (I love that word bevy!)

Style: Fatal “After” Photo: Queen B.

Criminals apprehended: Bruno and Bella

“And Who Ate these Shoes?” I screamed, as they woke up and ran for cover… so in a matter of a few seconds, I became shoeless, me the Queen B. of shoedom.

I did what any other hysterical woman would do in this case, I immediately ran upstairs and ordered replacements from my niece at the factory dear Dorothy… She is only making me 500 pairs of samples this week for my fall 2013 collection, so I figured a few more would not matter.

“Too Much is Not Enough”