Shop Talk : Perfect fit
As we all remember, Cinderella's foot ended up sliding into her perfect little glass slipper. If only it were that simple. Shoe shopping for both men and women is one thing that is definitely limited for those living on an Island. Don't get me wrong. Scattered throughout Island towns are numerous places to buy great shoes. For running shoes, I recommend Brickman's in Vineyard Haven and Basics in Oak Bluffs. If you were looking for something with a little more heel, I'd have to add B-tru in Oak Bluffs or Petunia's in Edgartown - to name just a few options.
The style or particular occasion for which you are shoe shopping plays a large part in deciding where to look. If it's the next run along Beach Road, or a friend's wedding at the Dr. Daniel Fisher house, your shoe necessities are very different and require different stores.
To investigate this topic, I spent a lot of time doing something I would never normally find myself doing - studying people's feet. I wanted to get a sense of what shoes Islanders are wearing.
The styles I saw were primarily Havaianas and Rainbow's, which are popular brands of flip-flops, and surprisingly, UGG's. Despite the warm weather rapidly approaching it is apparent that Islanders are still not willing to part with these warm, comfy pairs of shoe heaven.
As I wandered around Edgartown, I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my personal favorite shoes appear out of hiding: Jack Rogers.
A few years ago I joined the bandwagon in the craze for Jack Rogers. I can honestly say they are one of the most glorious shoes my feet have ever met. They encompass both comfort and class. They are one of those rare versatile shoes that can be worn to dress up a sundress or dress down that sassy new black strapless. "Jacks," as they are known in the shopping world, come in a rainbow of colors. A number of stores around Martha's Vineyard carry them:
Island Outfitters in Oak Bluffs (also with a new location on North Water Street in Edgartown), Petunia's in Edgartown, and The Green Room in Vineyard Haven.
After shopping around, I found myself rethinking the whole being idea of having limited choices on the Vineyard. With enough time and some diligent shopping, we can find our feet nestled in our own version of that perfect "glass slipper."
Email Katie Brewer at krocka@yahoo.com with your suggestions.
