Hot Mama Daily » Shoes

HMD’s Chat with “Shoeholic” Tinu Naija

Tracy Hopkins — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:00:59 +0000

How many Hot Mamas out there love shoes? Me too. Well, meet fellow shoeholic (and Grace Jones fan) Tinu Naija. The New York City model and singer’s latest music video, “Shoeholic,” from her sophomore album Addicted, is an ode to her enviable collection of boots, pumps, sandals, platforms and everything in between. You can even enter to win a shoe bag designed by Tinu.

Tinu loves shoes!

I chatted with the stunning Nigeria native via email.

Hot Mama Daily: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Tinu: (Laughs) Mum is the word here! I am so ashamed to say the number out loud for the fear of being called a mini Imelda Marcos. Perhaps I will let the cat out of the bag in my upcoming book. That is one you definitely don’t want to miss. It will be announced on my website when it launches.

Tinu's shoe collection.

HMD: What’s your favorite brand of shoes?

Tinu: I’m not loyal to any brand. I buy based on designs that appeal to me. [For example], I just got my first pair of Jimmy Choos a few months ago despite owning a few hundreds of other designer shoes. I don’t buy based on name or trend. I have to “connect” to the shoes and most importantly wear them.

Tinu's boots are made for cat-walking!

Tinu Naija

HMD: What designers did you model for in Europe?

Tinu: It was fun working with Julien McDonald when he did a special BBC feature in Paris when he was still the designer at Givenchy haute couture. I also had fun working with Pascal Millet at Carven haute couture. I would call my experience with them beyond just modeling. Now I’m also happy sitting front row watching the shows and collecting some of the best designs in the industry. There is nothing like owning a piece or two of haute couture; it’s no different than owning a Rembrandt.

HMD: When and why did you make the switch from modeling to singing?

Tinu: In high school, I was in the drama club and we would perform cultural dances, school plays, and sing. That’s where music really started for me. I gave it up for modeling and then pursued my education when I returned to the US. It hit me again after 9/11. I realized that life is short. It made me wake up and want to start doing all of those things again. It all came rushing back and I began sketching and writing songs. I got a deal and put out a CD. It was a wakeup to enjoy my life and do what I can do. I thought, I’m privileged to have talent, now what am I going to do with it?

HMD: Who is your biggest inspiration as a singer?

Tinu: Grace Jones! I am a big fan of her work because she has no rules to her own [personal] and singing style. Her songs make me feel free each time I listen to them. I sometimes feel like running around butt naked in the streets and screaming my lungs out singing to her songs. You can’t define feeling more free spirited than that!

Photos courtesy of Tinu

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Shabby Apple Shoes, Not Too Shabby

Tracy Hopkins — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:00:47 +0000

Over the summer I wrote about Shabby Apple, an online boutique that shows you how to dress for your body type. The web retailer launched the interactive “Fit to Flatter” feature on its website and as an iPhone application, which educates women on which cuts, fabrics, and styles will fit them best.

Shabby Apple "Body Talk" shoe, $89

Just in time for fall, Shabby Apple also offers a selection of stylish footwear. The styles range from the sexy, ruffled pink “Body Talk” pumps in the above photo to the funky day-to-night “Jenny Choo,” accented by studded leather and a chunky heel.

Image credit: Shabby Apple

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Payless’ Haute Designer Booties for Fall

Tracy Hopkins — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:00:17 +0000

Doesn’t it feel good to pay less? It sure does, especially when you can score designer shoes at Payless prices. Just in time for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, the affordable shoe retailer’s guest designers — Stacey Bendet (Alice + Olivia), Lela Rose, Laura Poretzky (Abaete), and newest guest designer Christian Siriano — unveiled the Payless Fall ’09 Designer Collections in true “high-low” fashion on the runway.

Rihanna would love these: Abaeté for Payless Antoine Bootie, $49.99

Lovesexy: Christian Siriano for Payless Slither Boot, $49.99

“This season presents a range of inspirations from the Egyptian landscape to the enchanted forest — the unique designs from each are truly amazing,” LuAnn Via, CEO and president of Payless ShoeSource said in a press statement. “And we are excited to see the Payless product paired with the designer’s ready-to-wear on the runway.”

Let's do the time warp: Alice + Olivia Robertson Jeweled Boot, $49.99

“Recessionista fashion is really relevant today,” Via added. ”And we are thrilled to bring designer runway looks to our stores season after season and to give these designers a broader audience for their creativity.”

I’m feeling all of the rocker designer booties. To check out these hot designer styles and more, go to Payless.com or drop in a Payless store near you.

Image credit: Payless

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Get Fit This Fall With Earth Footwear

Tracy Hopkins — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 11:00:46 +0000

My mother’s been telling me to wear comfortable shoes for years. And I wouldn’t listen. I continued to wear inexpensive flats that failed to give me the arch support I needed. Then I turned 39, and even if I still look like I’m in my 20s (please humor me) my feet feel every bit my age. So these days whenever I hear about a shoe that’s comfortable, supportive, and better yet has a fitness benefit, I’m ready to try a pair.

Faithe Calf Bordeaux

Here on Hot Mama Daily, I’ve written about Skechers’ Shape-Ups (I have to admit that this shoe has grown on me and many readers have commented on their fitness benefits) and TheraSandals (a FitFlops copy cat that has helped me navigate the hard city sidewalks this summer). Next up, Earth Footwear.

Unlike other “fitness” shoes, Earth offers an assortment of casual and dress casual styles. The footwear’s wellness benefits are the result of a proprietary design known as KalsØ® Negative Heel Technology®. Found in all Earth footwear, the slight incline from heel-to-toe sets the wearer’s toes at a 3.7° angle relative to their heels. This technology actively engages and recruits muscles throughout the body, and has an overall strengthening and toning effect. According to clinical research, Earth wearers can increase lean body mass, increase overall body efficiency, and effectively burn more calories with every step.

I’ve worn my pair of black Dharma clogs ($99) three times already. They’re cushiony and I can feel them toning my calves and forcing me to walk more upright. Earth’s new Fall/Winter collection, including the stylish, Bordeaux Leather Faithe clog, is now available and can y be found at select online and footwear retailers worldwide.

Image credit: Earth Footwear

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Hot Tip: Shoe-Shopping at Nine West

Tracy Hopkins — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:00:15 +0000

I’ve been stalking this pair of Nine West gladiator sandals for months now. I debated ordering the Ruffian sandal (on sale for $39.99), online but didn’t want to pay for shipping and handling. Besides, there’s not tax on clothing and shoes under $110 in New York.

Image by Nine West

When I no longer saw the sandals on display at a local Nine West store, I asked if they still had the shoes in stock. They didn’t, but the helpful staff did the next best thing. They found a nearby store and mailed the shoes to me without tax or shipping.

My Ruffian sandals arrived this week and I love them. So remember, if you want a pair of Nine West shoes but don’t see them in the store you visit — just ask and if they’re available at another store, you will receive.

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Hot Pick: Dollhouse Abiba Sandals

Tracy Hopkins — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:00:20 +0000

This is the perfect time to score major shopping bargains. Most stores are marking down their summer merchandise to make way for fall fashion stock. That’s great news for us. This weekend I scooped up this pair of Dollhouse sandals that regularly retail for $40 for only $20 at Starwberry’s, a trendy discount mini-chain in New York City.

Dollhouse Abiba sandals

Although I’m still on the prowl for a pair of quality black studded gladiator sandals on sale, these funky, beaded brown sandals will do the trick for now. Alas, if you want the same “Abiba” sandals, you’ll have to pay regular price. I found them on Shoes.com for $39.

Image credit: Shoes.com

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

The FitFlop vs. The TheraSandal

Tracy Hopkins — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:00:43 +0000

A couple weeks ago I pondered the purchase of FitFlops, a stylish pair of flip flops that promise to improve muscle tone and posture and burn calories. But this cheap budget fashionista wouldn’t cough up the forty bucks. And I’m glad I didn’t because here come TheraSandals — a far less expensive “fit flop” — to the rescue.

Image by Kmart

Apparently, TheraSandals can do anything FitFlops can do, all for the bargain price of $9.99. I like the bronze pair (see photo) I picked up at Kmart. My only complaint is the thong irritates my toes.

But heck, I saved $30, so that’s nothing a couple band aids can’t fix. Pick up your TheraSandals today.

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Are Gladiator Sandals Like So Summer 2008?

Tracy Hopkins — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:00:28 +0000

I know I’m asking a lot of questions this week, but I love it when Hot Mama Daily readers talk back. So I want to know, am I the only urbanite still pondering the purchase of yet another pair of gladiator sandals?

I bought a brown leather pair from Nine West at the end of last summer and they are surprisingly super comfortable.

Nine West Ruffian sandals, 30% Off!

Because of that, I’d like to purchase this pair of black studded “Ruffian” gladiator sandals, currently on sale for $69.99 with an additional 30% off.

Be honest with me Hot Mamas. Do you think the gladiator trend is over or would I be able to rock these into next year?

Image credit: Nine West

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Do FitFlops Really Work?

Tracy Hopkins — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:00:04 +0000

This week, I’m starting a two-week “Hot Mama Daily Diva Diet and Fitness Challenge” (I’ll post on the yoga classes I take and diet changes I make) and I’m planning to work any and all angles to shed some pounds before summer officially starts.

WalkStar FitFlops, on sale for $39.75 at Bath & Body Works

As my devoted readers already know (at least I hope I have some devoted readers), I test drove a pair of Skechers’ “Shape Ups” across the Brooklyn Bridge with mixed results. So in my search for a more fashionable, bum-toning fitness shoe I came across FitFlops. Before I part with $40, however, I want to know if they really:

Improve muscle tone
Increase muscle activity and circulation
Improve balance and posture
Burn calories

I tried on a pair of the thong sandals in Macy’s (also available online at Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret) and they were pretty comfy in the store. But I wonder if it’s a different story once they hit the concrete.

Has anyone tried Fit Flops? If so, let me know how you like ‘em.

Image credit: Bath & Body Works

Post from: Hot Mama Daily

Hot Find: Xhilaration “Tonia” Wedge Sandals

Tracy Hopkins — Sun, 31 May 2009 15:59:06 +0000

I’m a clothing swap fashionista. Thankfully in New York City I have plenty of opportunities to get my swap on. I’ve written about how clothing swaps work here on Hot Mama Daily, so hopefully you’ve had a chance to experience this recession busting way to shop.

Xhilaration Tonia wedge sandals, $19.99

This weekend I went to a clothing swap in Brooklyn at an outdoor art and event space called the Brooklyn Yard. The swap was well-organized with garments hanging on clothes pins; a DJ spinning funky new wave and hip-hop beats; and vendors selling Mexican food, beer, and fruit.

I brought a bag of unwanted clothing in good condition and came home with a blue Ikea tote full of cool finds including a brand new pair Xhilaration “Tonia” wedge sandals from Target with the tags still attached. The celery green shoes came out last spring and retail for $19.99, but I got them for free! I don’t wear heels, but these funky wedges have certainly inspired me to try.

So if you’re still paying regular retail prices, stop shopping and start shopping. Search social networking websites like Meetup.com and Going.com to find swaps in your area.

Image credit: Target

Post from: Hot Mama Daily