Grain & Gram Latest

The latest feature from online men’s journal Grain & Gram, doing it right.

RAEN Optics

The sun still shines in the winter, right? We’re stoked about stocking San Diego based RAEN optics eyewear for men and women at Habitat this fall/winter season. RAEN’s designs are the perfect blend of California casual, urban hipster and fashionista. The prices are killer too for a sweet pair of handmade frames and polarized lenses.

That’s right, I said bootie.

I have a new favorite in the house.  It is the above bootie called Nuala by Coclico.  You know how you want to get a clog, but you try them on and think, “Self, you’re either going to have to get used to walking funny or just not have a pair of clogs!”.  Well…it’s just not so!  As Prince would say…The ride is so smooth…You must be a limousine.  (Sorry about that, folks.)  The experience of putting them on alone is worth the price tag.  I unzipped the back, put my foot in and it is seriously the first time in my life I have understood completely what it means for something to fit like a glove on some other part of your body besides your hand.  A GLOVE!!  I have to go touch them now.

Let’s Talk Color

Can I be frank?  This shoe by Chie Mihara is gorgeous, right?  Established.  But what I want to talk about is the color.  If you go to www.habitatshoes.com, you’ll see a top view of this shoe that is in an altogether different color.  A color that is altogether different from the color (called Ante Charcoal by Chie) that we thought we were ordering based on the leather swatches we saw on our computer screen (the real culprit)!  (You followed that, right?)  What you’re seeing above is the real color.  So, when it arrived, although we were confused, we realized that this color enriches and enlivens things you might not expect.  (Imagine: Brown Dress.  Red Dress.  Camel.  Yellow.  And on, and on.)  The fact that it’s suede will give you loads of latitude with the level of dressiness you’d like to achieve – goes with jeans too! – and the stacked wood heel next to this hue is a knock out combo.  (I’m sure if you’ve read this far you probably love the rosette ornament detailing as much as we do!)  The moral here?  When colors seem indescribable or slightly “off” they always end up  being the most versatile accessory in your closet.  Just buckle ‘em on and prepare for compliments to roll in.

First Things First

Here in KC we’ve gotten a hint of cooler, less humid air…finally.  Oh weather!  This is to say that thoughts of colorful leaves and crisp air have breezed through all our minds of late.  Naturally, our next thoughts are…BOOTS!  (Bolting upright in bed.)  Are you ready?  Well, can I make a suggestion??

The above boot by Rachel Comey, the Penpal, is my #1 pick this season for its cool factor and comfort.  We all know that a little heel makes us stand a little more confidently and look a little better in our jeans.  Don’t wear jeans?  Don’t get me STARTED!  Put these on with a skirt and ruin everyone else’s day with your enviable look.  Equal parts “now” and “classic”.

P.S. The Penpal is also available in Stamped Caramel!  It’s kind of great…

Fall 2010 Preview: Thorocraft

One of the many new brands being introduced this fast approaching fall season at Habitat is American based Thorocraft. The minds behind the contemporary line are committed to four basic principles: craftsmanship, quality, durability and comfort. We dig Thorocraft’s modern designs with a touch of classic americana.

SeaVees Fall 2010 at Habitat

We are stoked to introduce American brand SeaVees to Habitat this Fall. Started in 1964, SeaVees, at it’s core, is the quintessential California lifestyle shoe – embodying “modern sensibilities…with 40 years of perspective, appreciation and contemplation” in the design process. Here is a sneak peek of several styles arriving in early Fall 2010.

Y’all ready for this?

Ok, it’s seriously hot outside now.  We have passed the point of sneakers and no socks.

Time to break out the sandals.

Seychelles Araxi in Pewter $82. Seychelles Carousel $82. Corso Como Felony $145. Seychelles Liz $82. Seychelles Long Lost Twin $70. Cocobelle Victoria $110.

High Anxiety?

So, not to toot our own horn or anything, but we really do have the most comfortable high heels around.  I’d like to take a moment to highlight a couple of styles that are extraordinarily comfy although they’re HIGH heels – high & mighty!  Can you even really handle this?!  The darkest blue stingray stamped leather with buckles up to there.  And let me say before you can (if you’re short) that these ankle straps will not make your legs look shorter.  On the contrary, the positioning of these straps or maybe the repetition of buckles helps elongate the leg and makes them look longer than ever!  And what I want to tell you most is that this shoe is comfortable.  Cynthia Vincent is one of the few designers we’ve found who does clothing and shoes equally well.  She really seems to care what her shoes feel like – this is not an after thought for her.  I sing her praises!

Ocean colored leather and brass details are just the tip of the iceberg with the Ajo by Chie Mihara.  You won’t believe how confident this shoe will make you feel.  This sturdy wooden heel feels like a piece of furniture under you.  Once they’re on your feet you won’t want to take them off.  Prepare to give all the other shoes in your closet a rest.

If you’d like more tips on which shoes will keep you standing tall all day long call us at the store 1-877-747-2870.  Also, check out more styles at habitatshoes.com.  We’re always updating!  Hope to see you soon!

Your mother

I don’t know about your mom, but mine loves flats, low heels, fun sneakers and understated jewelry.  Luckily, we have all of the above to make Mother’s Day a success (mine at least!).  Let her know you care about keeping her hip.  She loves to hear your opinion…right?  We’ve got a great deal going through the weekend for you both…Buy one pair of regular priced women’s shoes, get the second half off.  Isn’t it about time you and mom spent some quality time together?

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Waverly Cap Toe Flat by Matt Bernson $135.  Bensimon Linen Lacet, $55.  Gorjana Chloe Necklace, $70.  Jorja Small Handbag in Green! by Matt & Nat, $115.

Check it all out at Habitatshoes.com, call our toll free number 1-877-747-2870 or stop by the store to pick up last minute gifts.  We won’t tell.