Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Style Question Wednesday: Mission Impossible IV: Walking Shoes for Wendy and a toast to Dorothy Parker

I am pretty sure Spring is on the way....

Why just last week, I saw a Robin.  Oh sure, it was in Madison Park in New York City, a 12 hour drive south of here, but I know it is coming my way and I have decided to walk out to meet it...

Except that: I NEED WALKING SHOES!!!

If you recall, I wore sensible shoes and boots in NYC, shoes that were wide at the toes, well-fitting, etc, etc, etc...  And still, I got a nasty couple of blisters.  I thought of taking pictures, but I don't think our relationship has progressed that far yet and frankly, I dream of having more people visit here, not less (my husband is less than enthusiastic about my feet and he has been with me for 28 years, what could I expect of you all, so kind and unsuspecting as you are to drop in and say hey, only to be faced with -cue scary organ music - THEM?????)

Your mission, should you wish to accept it, is to help your dear hostess find good walking shoes for spring.  Husband is willing to buy them.  We must not pass up such offers of generosity, they are rare and I am on a budget.

But, as with EVERYTHING related to me (roll eyes) this has some complications:

1) I have flat feet.  Regular sneakers KILL my feet
2) I would prefer they not be ugly
3) the only thing that has never hurt my feet for walking are Crocs.

WAIT!!!!!!

 DID SHE SAY CROCS????? 

Yup - when they first came out and everyone around here was buying a pair, I tried them.  And they felt good.  But you can't wear them out of the house or even around the house and I am no Mario Batali, so I have no way to manage this.  But since you are the Sherlock Holmes to my witless fool on this one, I feel you must know the one thing that is comfy on me....


HAS SHE NO VANITY????  Well no, don't you remember the picture of me in the jcrew sweater that fit like hell before Christmas?  With the beading?  The one that looked so fabulous of Ema afterwards?  No?  Well don't look up that picture!  Forget I mentioned it!

I also find my Uggs comfy...

Could I be ready for Wallabees?  OH MY GOD!


My dear departed Mum wore Wallabees in the 1980s.  sigh.  Is THIS where I am heading?????  Oh no!!!  I don't think I can make them look chic....On my 21 year old daughter they would be ironically chic.  But on 50 year old me?????  ARRGGHH!

So I need your help - what do you like to wear????  What do you recommend?

Husband wants me to get a pair of Blundstones (he owns two pairs) and they are okay I guess, but still worried about comfort...

Have any of you worn them?



All advice greatly appreciated and may be of help to some other poor sod who visits here besides myself!!!

And for Miss Ina - a picture of the swamo thing bracelet on me:



For information purposes, I measured the smallest part of my wrist for you - it is 5 1/2 inches around the smallest part.  I reckon the bracelet is about 6 1/2 inches long.  Hope this helps!  Even looking at it now, I think they should have named it The Kryptonite Bracelet!  Maybe I have a Superman thing?

So thanks in advance for your always excellent help! 

Now to change subjects wildly!

Dorthy Parker!
Darn that Kate Spade.  It's like the Mafia.  Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in...

Today they sent me an email.  I know - I shouldn't accept random emails from retailers as it can lead to the syndrome I like to call "Wendy's Gimmes" - this has been know to strike at any time and must be guarded against at all times.

Today's email shared with me their latest totes.  And those latest totes have the best Dorothy Parker quotes:

call to action small coal

call to action small coal

There are also iphone cases with the quotes above and this additional one:

millionaire quote iphone 5 case

I love Dorothy Parker - she was an excellent writer, a woman who could drink with the best of them, and one of the quickest wits ever.  Whenever I am in NYC and happen to walk by the Algonquin Hotel, I always stop and salute.

Given my current circumstances, I am quite drawn to the second tote.  However, they would have had my order already if they had used one of my two favourite quotes, neither of which can be put on a tote and paraded around in polite company:

1) If all the girls at Vassar were laid end to end I wouldn't be surprised.

and my most favourite:

2) When playing a word game, Parker was asked to use horticulture in a sentence and replied "you can lead a horticulture, but you can't make her think."

I don't need a tote for summer.  And I certainly don't need a $278 tote this summer.  But still...as Dorothy might say:

"One more drink, and I'd be the owner of that tote." 

I really must unsubscribe to things, I really must. I have no business finding this stuff.  It just gets me going!

Have a most happy Wednesday and stay safe out there!


68 comments:

  1. Looking forward to seeing the responses. I need a chic yet comfy walking loafer for a trip abroad this fall and I hope to see some good suggestions here, because I have none myself. (I'm a flat-footed girl myself.)

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    1. Hexicon, flat feet are hard! I once had a podiatrist, who was quite an eccentric Scot BTW, tell me that I should walk and run everywhere barefoot, especially on the sand. I had to remind him that this was Canada and we were 60 minutes to the beach! Well move, then, lass, was his reply!

      I just realized you have Madame X as your icon - I just visited her (and pretty much her alone) last week! Cool!

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  2. Thank you so much for the bracelet pic!!!!
    I have the same wrist size,so it helps.Might catch the bracelet if it gous on sale,because i dont need another one:)

    I am not good at giving tips for comfortable shoes,since i have shoes with heels only.But have you tried birkenstock yet?
    I know they have a footbed that forms to your foot.

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    1. Thanks for adding me to your blogroll!!!

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    2. Hi Ina - I actually thought you were on my blog roll - I am so Not technical - then realized you weren't as I missed a post! I don't have birks - do they do a shoe?

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    3. I think they do.

      I have friends with flat feet that raved about them!

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  3. Have you thought of Dansko? I think they only read "chic" if you've got nice legs (on me I think they'd look way too clunky) but one of the women I work with wears them with everything (skirts, dresses, capris, pants) and they look darling on her.

    The Pro XP is getting rave reviews on Zappos for insole cushioning: http://www.zappos.com/dansko-pro-xp-black-patent

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    1. Thanks Danielle - have never heard of either of these! I was contemplating bubble wrapping them - this may be better! ;-)

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    2. For the summer I reccomend Fitflops, they are a notch more stylish than Crocs and it's like walking on the moon.
      Somebody suggested Hogan as an alternative to sneakers but I never tried them.myself. They are expensive though since they are by the same company that makes Tod's.
      You don't need a message tote ;-).

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    3. Ema, I have always been curious about Fitflops. WMM, shoeme.ca is a good source for these that has free ship-returns at least sometimes. I think they also sell direct from their own site to Canada?

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    4. You'll definitely have to try a bunch on :) Fitflops never worked for me as they seem to not fit my feet correctly, but a friends of mine loves them. I have several pair of Dansko clogs and they are definitely my shoe of choice for walking, especially if I am literally going to be on my feet all day -- but they are not particularly stylish. There are a variety of models, some more fashion-y than others. I have several pair of the Dansko Professional, their traditional closed-back clog. The back is supposed to move up and down as you walk, so you want them sized a bit generously. For reference, I am a 7.5 or 8 (a 38) in other shoes but wear a 39 in the Dansko professionals. My cuter model Danskos, however, have more of a heel (less good for long walking) and fit more closely and in those I take a 38. But for summer I find a closed-back clog too warm. -- Also -- double-checked my eyelash curler from our discussion yesterday and apparently I totally lied to you, it is actually from Shue Uemura.

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  4. This is why I love spring summer, I can wear el cheapo fabric shoes form the HIgh ST, which are so so comfy, it's the only time I don't have blisters or sore feet.
    Do your Robins only come out in spring?

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    1. I need to find those cheapo fabric shoes!

      Yes - Robins will arrive later this month and leave in October. People get VERY excited when they arrive as they are usually the first of the songbirds to get here. My hummingbirds usually arrive the 2nd weekend of May

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  5. PES PLANUS First off WMM, suggest you skip the Blundstones. I have a pair and while they are durable, good in rotten weather, they take a while to break in and the sole is quite stiff versus providing support as well as tending to rub at the top/ ankles until they are worn in. Second, not a fan of Crocs BUT you do know they have a whole line of footwear now, not just the original Smurf garden shoes, right? Some of it is quite stylie and a few of my friends swear by them for summer - substantial rainy-weather ballets, slides etc. all with that composite sole. Based on my hotel, retail and pastry cheffie type friends who have same issue and/or are on feet for long stretches, I would say try Camper ('spensive), Ecco, Keen, Rockport or Clarks/ Privo. Another friend of mine swears by Danielle's reco Dansko, she orders 1/2 size up so her heel is not tight against back from start, but I think this might them big for you with your 6/7 thing. www.footsmart.com has a special section of shoes for flat feet. Finally IMOO, but I think it might be really worth it to either get fit for a custom orthotic for your cute close-toed shoes, or visit a place like Running Room or New Balance where they specifically fit you with runners (and sport flats from Puma, Adidas etc. based on your arch concerns.

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    1. GF - you gotta start that business! I have so much to look into!!!!! and your pun is especially punny today!

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    2. Oh, forgot something else I saw at Eaton Centre while friend was shopping for "cute work shoes" for her recently operated foot. Aertex have a walking shoe where you literally mold the insole yourself (by peeling bits out) to fit your specific arch. www.aertex.com They just looked like a cute sporty flat.

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    3. Ohh - shoes and craft project in one - nifty!

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  6. Crocs feel good when I'm having foot issues (they were great during the Plantar Fascitis Episode). Do I win for most embarrassing Crocs? Mine are gray and pink with Mickey Mouse head cut-outs :) I've had other pairs, but I get rid of them when they get too worn. The only worse thing than Crocs is worn-out Crocs! I am surprised that we both find Crocs comfortable because we have opposite feet - my arch is high. Anyway, I hate to break it to you, but I have never found a seriously supportive shoe that looks cute. I wear Dansko clogs sometimes, but I'd never wear them for a full day of serious walking. Check out this web site: http://www.thewalkingcompany.com This is where I have bought my Dansko clogs and also my Ecco "Yucatan" sandals (I have the Atmosphere Ice color). And my Uggs lol. If you look at the Dansko clogs, keep in mind they have two lines, one is regular one is their "professional", I think (sorry, I'm out of time can't check now). They fit me differently. I own the regular ones, but tried the professional ones one day in store and they ran smaller I thought. If you explore the web site, you may find something that is cute, and many of their shoes are supportive and comfortable.

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    1. Thanks Cate! I love that you have mickey mouse crocs - that's awesome! I can't wait to hear others' suggestions and then I am doing some research!!!

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  7. If all the Justin Bieber CDs were laid end-to-end, it would be easier to drive over them with my car.

    Maybe orthotics would help. You can also buy insoles that you heat slightly in the oven and then wear so they mold to your feet. My husband does this for our skates and it makes a huge difference. I have high arches and insteps so I'm the last person to advise what would work for flat feet but no way in H E double hockey sticks would I ever wear Crocs.

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    1. xoxo - you have made me laugh out loud twice! I will look into all of these. I love your Justin Bieber line!

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  8. Did you see cupcakes and cashmere wear "your" dress,aka the scalloped dress?
    You can see it here.

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    1. Hah, Ina, just saw that too. Jacket on, arms down, no side shot. (She usually keeps arms away from body as any photographer knows, thinner look.) But now that Emily's worn it will likely sell out...(And, I do like her bracelet collections too.)

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    2. Does she get paid to where that? It is such a pretty dress and such a shame about the arms! I don't think I have ever been to her wesite - thanks for the headsup!

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    3. I've had some luck with the Cole Haan shoes that have Nike Air technology-flats, heels and boots. Do you have a store near you that carries their product? Their website has a wide range of styles to choose from. Not all of their shoes have Nike Air-you need to look at the product description.

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    4. Usually if she links through, it's a supported (given) item - same as you see bloggers using c/o (credit now required by law in U.S. anyway.) C&C is one of the early wave of successful lifestyle bloggers. Worked for Google, started the blog, did collab with Coach, career took off. Recently turned website into self-titled book (kinda like a slim Kate Spade volume) and is an online "every girl" face of Estee Lauder. (One of PR students I mentor did a case study on her and others last year, so I could but won't bore you with all the deets.)

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    5. Prepare yourself if you browse C&C's web site, she recently ripped up a perfectly good J. Crew Keep Chambray shirt (in the name of fashion, but...!). Cannot relate.

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    6. HI Anon - I do have a store that carries Cole Haan, albeit in limited styles, but that would be a good place to check for sure! I have a couple of summer shoes with the air technology and it is so great!

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    7. Well she looks awfully pretty, though it would be hard for her to compete with the full-figured saggy woman-ness of your hostess! Heehee! I am having a great day as it is pouring rain and snow is melting!

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  9. I love my Wallabees! However, they are only for fall and winter and never when drinking. Somehow they can be more dangerous than high heels. I recommend Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole. Not cheap and some styles are quite matronly. You'll have to dig. I also agree with GF. You can get orthotics - I recommend Lynco($60)- to place in your shoes. Love the quotes...just not on the totes.

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    1. BB - now do you wear your wallabees with a tweed suit like my mum did?????? They are cute, but I am thinking of how she wore them many years ago. I will check out Gentle Souls - have never heard of them, which is odd, me having such a gentle soul myself...

      Lynco orthotics!

      My God - how long do you think it is till I do a post on people's preferred denture cream???

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    2. Hopefully not for thirty more years baby!

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    3. Love the idea of Wallabees with a tweed suit!

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    4. It was a skirt suit - very Miss Marple!

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  10. Or- the Dorothy Parker quote that belongs on a J Crew tote-
    If you wear a short enough skirt, the party will come to you.”
    ― Dorothy Parker
    I'm still looking for the perfect walking shoes. I have walked comfortably for hours in my Cece's and my TB Romys but at the end of the day, my feet are tired.

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    1. My Cece's do me for errands, but not long walks unfortunately. I never heard that Dorothy quote - that is awesome!

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  11. Cole Haan makes a line of shoes with the Nike air technology inside that are cute. Not something to probably wear hiking around NYC an entire day but they might be worth checking out. They are pricey though. Vince camuto makes comfy flats with padding in sole too. However, my disclaimer, my feet are very narrow especially in the heel. I don't ever wear athletic shoes unless I am playing tennis as my feet just slosh around in them. You might want to try the Naturalizer brand. Some of their styles are totally old lady but there are others that are more hip. This post is a great idea. I always feel like my cute work outfits are ruined by sensible shoes that are good for standing.
    As Dorothy would say, "If the shoe fits, buy it in every color!"

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    1. I will check out the naturalizer brand as well - have not been in their store for ages - used to take my Mum there when she was alive. Of course, in those days I was in my 30s and scoffed at the bad feet. WHo has the last laugh now, eh, Mum??

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  12. What about Tom's? They're fabric, very cute and the best part is for each pair of shoes you buy, they give a pair away to people in need. It's a very good company and I think the shoes are very comfortable. I could walk long distances in them. In LA, they're a really popular shoe.

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    1. do they hold your feet firmly? My son and his gorlfriend love theirs - must check them out!

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    2. They do, very firmly. My daughter wore the white sequined ones with her wedding gown.

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  13. I also do like Wallabees in the light sand color. I wore them all through Europe in the 1970's!
    Now I want a pair. Hmmm..

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    1. HA! I wondered if you had had them! They were followed by the slightly higher version we called desert boots...

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    2. That's the style I like and also had, and would get again. Love them, so retro cool.

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  14. I like leather Converse with a Dr. Scholl insert, the Gizeh-Birko Flor Birkenstock sandal and Gentle Souls flats.
    I used to wear Dansko a lot, but the clogs were a little clunky on me, a size 10.5.

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    1. I should try leather converse. I have a pair of short black canvas ones. Thanks Penny - appreciate this advice!

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  15. I also have extremely flat feet, WMM. I own a couple pair of Birkenstocks and can easily wear them walking all day long without any problem. I recently purchased a pair of Bernardo Miami sandals and find them to be extremely comfy, as well.

    Another brand of shoe that I have tried recently is Eileen Fisher, and the padding/comfort level in her shoes is AMAZING! Seriously, it feels as if you are walking on little tiny pillows when you have them on.

    I also recommend the brands Kork-Ease and Born. I own several pairs of each, and can easily wear them walking all day long.

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    1. Thanks FFM - I am off to take a look at all? Do the Eileen Fisher fit TTS?

      I am going to look at kork-ease and Born as well - this is like a treasure hunt!

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    2. The two pair of ballet flats that I've tried actually run a half-size large. I'm not sure if that's the case with all of her shoes though. There are usually a lot of reviews on the product pages, so I read them before deciding on the size to try, and have found them to be accurate so far.

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  16. Haven't made it through the comments yet, so I hope I'm not repeating anything.

    1) Crocs make some cute shoes, especially sandals. They don't fit me but I know a couple of stylish people who pull them off beautifully.

    2) SuperFeet inserts are great - MEC sells them.

    Happy Wednesday!

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    1. Thanks Abby - I have never heard of Superfeet inserts - so am off to take a look!

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  17. Hi there!
    I would recommend you to have a look at Trippen and Loint's. I have tried both and both have comfortable, yet pretty (to my taste at least) shoes... I love very much Trippen because you can chose the leather type and color for any pair of shoes you order. The price is quite high I agree, but they will last for ever. I am surprised that no one have yet advised you to have a look at Fluevog. I have not tried them yet, but DaniBP have some and seems to love them... I have also one pair of specific flat from French Sole (with rubber sole, not the classic ballet flats) in which I have been able to walk miles and lately I bought Russell and Bromley loafers which are good too... By the way, if I have to walk long distance I am not able anymore to do so in any shoes with bare feet... Let us know what is your finding!

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    1. Thanks Steph! I am not familiar with these brands, so will check them out! This is like a treasure hunt - I love it!! I know Dani and xoxo love their Fluevogs, am not sure what they have for walking shoes!

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    2. VOGS! Hi Steph, it is snowing where we are today. I only own one pair but I guess I think of Fluevogs as mary jane type heels, boots, maybe oxfords, but not walking shoes per se. Silly distinction maybe, as they are very comfy. WMM, www.fluevog.com and if you see anything you like happy to initial size try for you as they are only 5 blocks from me.

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    3. I have one pair of fluevogs, my black velvet pair and I wear them every day, all day while in the house, they are comfortable with sturdy rubber bottoms so I don't slip and fall in my tiled kitchen (which has happened many times while wearing other heels).
      In my city Blundstones are very popular but I find them extremely uncomfortable and too wide for my feet.
      I used to wear Born shoes all the time when my kids were younger, and Dansko clogs back in my overall days, both brands I found very comfy.

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    4. What do you wear out for your walks in early spring Dani?

      Thanks GF - I will add fluevogs to the list of places to look online! The list is getting long thanks to all the great advice!

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    5. Hunter boots, I've had the same pair in aubergine for years! La Canadienne boots all winter.
      You do have a long list, this will keep you busy!

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    6. Fluevogs are wonderful but the fit is incredibly inconsistent between styles and sometimes even in the same style between different colors or seasons. You really should try them on if possible. If that can't be arranged, call the store and talk to the staff for sizing advice. The website has reviews that can be helpful but even there some will say they sized up or down and others not in the same style so it can be confusing.

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  18. WMM, a brand that is not on anybody's radar as far as I can tell, but that I love is Wolky. Try their Passion model, it is a slipper with a crisscross strap. So comfortable, well made and lots of colors. I have the taupe and wear it all the time. Zappos and Onlineshoes.com carry them, but I don't know about Canada shipping policies.

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    1. Wolky! That is a great name! I will definitely take a look!

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  19. and back to Dorothy Parker, she had a knack for great reviews. When asked to name her favorite sister in Little Women, - apparently a movie version was about to be made - Mrs. Parker replied "Beth. Because she died."

    And yes, she was always Mrs. Parker.

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  20. And about shoes - for years, everyone told me to wear flat shoes. Finally an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in dancers and professional athletes (Beasts of the Foot, as Mr.White has it) - told me that I need a heel of at least 1.5 inches. It's made all the difference. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to travel and have a conversation about something other than feet.

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    1. I think you are right Fred, I love my new Tb wedges, which 2 1/2' but I had an old pair of walking shoes that were around 2 inches and they were perfection. I am off now to do research!

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Kindness is a virtue...