Viewing 1 - 6 out of 6 Columns.

1950's Pin Up legend  Betty Page became an icon to retro-loving pop culture fans during the 1980's and '90s. Not long after she made her way to New York City an amateur photographer took pictures of Bettie and put together her first pinup portfolio. The images of the shapely brunette reached Irving and Paula Klaw, brother-and-sister entrepreneurs who publish illicit magazines, and so began a career posing for photos in the 1940's as a way to make ends meet while working on an acting career.

"Bettie's numerous contradictions undoubtedly added to her charismatic personality. Nice and naughty, shy and daring, simple and exotic, Bettie shone with a freshness never before seen in the modeling industry. Without elaborate props, costumes, or set-dressings, Bettie produced some of the most beautiful shots to ever grace the covers of hundreds of magazines. Bettie's smoothly tanned skin, deep blue eyes and coal-black hair with her trademark bangs, were enough inspiration to spark the imagination of even the least experienced photographers. Her "girl next door" look and innocent smile only complemented that explosive combination of features.

Bettie's undeniable influence is still present today in fashion, films, and magazines just to name a few. The dark-haired girl from Nashville has become a living legend, a modern icon, a symbol of beauty and femininity that transcends ordinary standards. In the heart of her adoring fans, Bettie will forever remain the queen of pinup."

If you're thinking of that Bettie Page Pin Up Girl look for this Halloween, we have the perfect shoes for you!



Write your own Page, just like Bettie! Vintage-inspired pumps in faux patent with sexy double mary jane straps. Soft, padded footbed and traction sole. 3 1/2" Heel.  $59 at village-shoes.com

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The Frye Company was founded in 1863 by John A. Frye, a prominent English shoemaker. It is the oldest continuously operated shoe company in the United States. Run for nearly 50 years by Mr. Frye himself his family continued to run the company after his death in 1911 until 1945.

Frye’s footwear has a long history in America. Worn by Union and Confederate soldiers during America's Civil War, as well as soldiers in the Spanish- American War including Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. When New England families started to head West in the mid and late 1800's, many of these pioneers wore Frye Boots for the long journey.

The Frye Harness Boot has tradition and draws it's influence from the American Cavalry. During a 1938 trip to Washington, DC, John A. Frye's grandson and namesake met a U.S. Navy Admiral who noted his difficulty in finding the Wellington style he liked so much. As a favor, John agreed to make him a pair. Frye continued to fill requests for these boots through World War II. By mail order, the company supplied thousands of WWII servicemen with Frye Wellingtons, known as Jet Boots.

Their boots have traveled the world on the feet of U.S. soldiers during countless wars. Today, the classic Harness Boot holds a treasured place in American culture, has been featured in international fashion spreads, and enjoys strong sales in the United States, Europe and Japan.

In the 1960's, Frye reintroduced the Campus Boot based on its 1860 original. The style boasts a bulky toe and chunky heel that came to embody the attitude and the style of the 60's and 70's. There was nothing like it on the market, and consumers began to demand "Original Frye's." The Smithsonian Institute, in their search for items to best represent 1960’s America, chose a pair of Frye Boots, which proudly remain on display today.



The Frye brand remains true to its heritage and vintage American roots with finely crafted, fashionable boots, shoes, and handbags featuring rich leathers and quality hardware.

 Frye Andrea $193 at village-shoes.com

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There are so many reasons to love the eccentric designs of John Fluevog. I thought I’d share some of the many reasons we fell in love, along with thousands of other fans, with Fluevog shoes.

 

Design, style, comfort and wow factor play a huge roll in the unique and exceptional collections we affectionately know as “shoe families”. What is a shoe family? It’s a line of shoes that all have the same last and share the same message but feature different uppers. Like the 240 Wagons shoe family named after a classic automobile, the 240 Wagons are famous for exactly the same reason the car is. They're boxy, sturdy and reliable. As a designer John is fearless when it comes to bringing fashion to the table. Each shoe is a piece of art, keeping people coming back for more.

 

Philosophy and character contribute to the massive following of fans surrounding John Fluevog shoes. Messages on the soles of your shoes like “Wearever you go give thanks” are one of the reasons he’s been in the shoe business since the 1970’s. He has an undaunted reputation for the world's most distinctive shoes. In fact, most of his shoes are made in Portugal and Poland and are not mass produced. That’s why you can’t find them everywhere. When you walk in a pair of his shoes, people always stop you and ask, “Hey, where did you get those fantastic shoes?” From stitching detail to sculpted heels and innovative designs you won’t find anything like these.

 

Most recently John has opened a new flagship store in Vancouver and leaving a very green ecological footprint which is quite impressive. Once a parking lot between two buildings now a showroom bursting with creative energy. Almost everything in the atrium like space is reclaimed, recycled or prefabricated. From display tables made out of 150 year old oak trees grown in British Columbia to salvaged pipes from the Alaskan Pipeline, there’s no end to what John can conjure up. When he’s not making a statement with his shoes, he’s certainly making one by his actions and that’s why we love John, his legacy and his family.

 

To some it up, here are a few words from one of our Fluevog lovers Jody Lydick. “I tried them on and it was like the heavens opened up and light shone down while the angel choir sang...they were perfect! They were sooo comfortable, there was room for my toes. They were sturdy, good arch support, NOT clunky and clownish, unique (I knew no other person was going to have shoes like these at the wedding) They weren't too high, but high enough. I could dance all night in them. I didn't feel like a hippo in ballet slippers, they were size appropriate. They'd garner comments and attention, and ooohhh but they were cute!!”

 

If you haven’t tried them before come on in, sit down, stay awhile and prepare yourself to fall in love. We did. “Don’t delay, shop Fluevog today. Shoes to vie for, shoes to die for, Go on, buy one, buy two, buy four!”

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