Chicago Shoe Market

Photo credit: Jorelle Gates Photographychicagoshoemarket0047 chicagoshoemarket0154 chicagoshoemarket0157 chicagoshoemarket0167 chicagoshoemarket0212If you aren’t a shoe retailer, vendor, or buyer, you may be wondering what the Chicago Shoe Market is exactly. It is an event that was created in response to a need for a personalized buying experience, where local retailer could easily attend and meet with all of the industries top vendors in one place. Other shoe expos are typically held in Las Vegas, which requires a lot more time and resources to attend, and since the shows in Vegas are typically much larger, the intimate nature of the setting is lost in those spaces.

For a shoe enthusiast and blogger like myself, this event is just as much fun as it is educational. Talking to a vendor or shoe designer about the origin of the brand and the design process, and the upcoming line is so exciting. It is also really great discovering smaller shoe labels that aren’t as visible yet in the big department stores or online market places, All Black is one of my favorite lines I’ve discovered here, and a few of their styles can be found at Anthropologie stores and other specialty boutiques like Shoo store in Milwaukee.

This is my second time partnering with The Chicago Shoe Market expo, and each time I’m surprised by the wide range of footwear I find. Over 300 shoe brands were featured, from household names like Steve Madden, Frye, and Corso Como, to cutting edge labels like Aussie favorite Silent D, which is making its United States launch this year, and specialty hand made shoes like Bed Stu that have already made it to my personal wish list.

Some of the key trends I noticed were lace-ups in both sandals and boots, over-the-knee boots, luxe leather and suede booties, strappy block heeled booties, many with buckles and other hardware. Other styles worth noting – platforms, boots, and sneakers, done up with embellishments, embroidery, and glitter.

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Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
Ski weekend with my favorites ❄️❄️ So proud of Sophia for skiing on her own for the first time!
There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
Just a mom who loves mums 🌸 🪴
Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!