Enough with winter!
It's been a rough winter for shoes.
Unless you've worn snow boots every day, chances are your shoes are salt stained and the leather is wilted. If warm water and a rag doesn't help, perhaps a shoe shopping trip is in order.
As you know, when you've got your new shoes on, suddenly everything's right.
Some of the newest shoe offerings include:
• Bootie Pies are Ugg-like boots which can be worn during a pedicure. Then, when you're ready to go, just pop the plastic dome top over your toes and off you go. ($128, www.bootiepies.com)
• Simple Shoes are stylish and eco-friendly -- made of materials like hemp or recycled tires. The line also carries a nice assortment of bags and kids shoes. Available at REI stores, Nordstrom, www.simpleshoes.com and Carousel Shoes, 222 S. Main St., Naperville.
• The best baby shoes around are now being made for children ages 2-5. Pediped's new Flex line debuts next week. Not only are they adorable, but they have flexible rubber-soled shoes that are comfy enough for the playground and nice enough for dressy outfits.
Available in children's sizes 6 to 12, they're priced between $38 and $48 per pair. Available online starting Feb. 28 (www.pediped.com) and in Nordstrom stores in late March or early April.
Daily Herald readers can get free shipping if they use promotional code hapr08.
• The wedge-heeled Kiki*C sandals are described as "part slipper, part shoe." Until the weather gets warm, you can wear these on tropical vacations or loafing around the house. ($79-$97 at www.kikic.com)
New in resale
Great deals can be found in resale shops, but here's what I don't like about them: The stores are dingy, and the products aren't organized or nicely displayed.
That's why I was pleasantly surprised with my visit to the new Goodwill store, 1551 N. Dryden Ave., in Arlington Heights. (www.amazinggoodwill.com)
It was like a neat and orderly garage sale -- where you can use a credit card.
On Sundays and Mondays, they offer 50 percent off on certain colored tags. I saw everything from like-new Circo (Target brand) kids shoes for $5 to a couch in nice condition for $200.
For purse lovers
"Pocketbook Anthropology: A Treasure of Handbags" is now showing in the Arlington Heights Historical Museum's Heritage Gallery, 112 W. Fremont St.
The exhibit explores the emotional attachment women have to their purses and the cultural meanings of the items using 70 purses, handbags and pocketbooks dating from 1875 to the present.
Hours are 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free but a suggested donation of $2 is recommended. The exhibit runs through April 27. (847) 255-1225, or www.ahmuseum.org.
Improve your mood
Winter got you down? Maybe you just need the right gem stone.
This Flourish Studios bracelet, made of sand dune jasper, boasts that it "improves sense of smell, strengthens one's will to do good, and balances emotions."
The company claims the jewelry made from jet beads can help eliminate depression, and the coral earrings are strength and passion.
All of the items are available in the gift shop at Flourish Studios, 3020 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, or at www.Icanflourish.com.
-- Jamie Sotonoff