Pulse: Style: Low Down: Shoe Biz
Step into these four new boutiques.
Chéree Amour Shoes
1040 North 2nd Street; 215-625-0225
Open since last December, this Northern Liberties boutique specializes in sexy, sophisticated styles that work for a day at the office or a night on the town. Owner Chéree Atwood has an eye for designs with striking details, such as beaded and jeweled mules by Donald J. Pliner Sportique ($99) and chocolate suede wedge-heeled boots by Charles David ($300).
Well Heeled
20 East Butler Avenue, Ambler; 215-628-3508
Seven-year Ambler resident Sharon Smart was so inspired by the town’s recent renaissance that she decided to join the action by opening Well Heeled in August. The boutique’s shoes are “a little preppy and a little classic, but with an edge,” she says. Customers can sink into plush pink and chocolate brown slipper chairs while trying on boots, heels and loafers by Via Spiga, Donald J. Pliner and Rebels. Also look for French Sole New York ballet flats in animal prints, leather and suede ($120-$205), and the whimsical Amy Jo Gladstone line, including needlepoint dog-print slides ($210) and monogrammed slippers ($230).
Daniel’s Shoes
Buckingham Green Shopping Center, Route 202, Buckingham; 215-794-2088
Daniel Van Antwerp, who was president of Aerosoles in the ’90s, opened Daniel’s Shoes in Doylestown five years ago to focus on high-end comfort. In March, he unveiled a second shop featuring more fashion-forward labels RZ Design, Hispanitas, Daniblackalongside classic Cole Haans. Autumn arrivals include retro crocodile-print wedges by Marc Jacobs ($350), sleek Christian Lacroix satin pumps ($400), and Blondo’s lace-up boots with fur trim ($200).
The Shoe Lounge at Joan Shepp
1616 Walnut Street; 215-735-2666
Having brought luxe labels like Miu Miu, Ann Demeulemeester, Balenciaga and Chloé to her second-floor Shoe Lounge for fall, Joan Shepp is continuing the runway parade this fall with Old Gringo’s richly detailed cowboy boots and mules ($250-$475) and Prada’s tall, refined riding boots ($895).
