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Shoe Collectors Walk The Walk
By Arlene Colcombe
Naples Sun Times
November 7, 2007
It seemed like a regular Thursday night at the Blu Sushi Restaurant,
except for a growing din resounding from the back room, as a group of
happy feet and faces gathered for the Shoe Club of Southwest Florida's
October meeting.
Originally a social gathering, the Shoe Club now
raises funds to benefit charities and community organizations. The
meeting focused on October's National Domestic Violence Awareness
Month. The club invited Nicole Moley, development and grants officer
for the Shelter for Abused Women and Children, to address the
club.
Gail Lulley, president of the club since its inception
in spring 2007, was familiar with another shoe club, called Hello
Stiletto, in her native Boston. A Naples resident for 14 years, she
liked the idea so much that she started a group here. "We usually have
a little shoe competition," Lulley explains. "Everyone wears their
favorite pair; they do a little catwalk."
Looking for the most outrageous pair of shoes, two randomly-selected
male judges pick the winner. What are they looking for? It's hard to
say, but Lulley notes, "They seem to like toes."
Originally a
group of friends who got together socially and enjoyed wearing and
sharing their favorite shoes, membership has quickly grown to more
than 100, all through word of mouth. "It's a social network for shoe
lovers," Lulley explained, "and a fun night out for the ladies."
Members brought piles of shoes with them to the meeting to donate
to the Shelter for Abused Women & Children and the thrift store it
operates, Options. The shoes will either be sold or given to residents
that need them. "Shoes are something we don't usually get at the
Shelter," Moley commented. She explained that the Shelter helped about
4,000 clients last year, of which 1,400 were children.
Jessica and Fabio Tesorone, manufacturers of fine footwear in Naples,
Italy and owners of the il Sandalo store here, were invited to speak
about their line of sandals. Jessica explained, "We are known for
custom-made sandals. We have an in-house cobbler. If you have anything
in mind, we can make it. I call it 'sandals a la carte'."
Lulley said the club's next meeting will be at the Shoe Warehouse,
which has agreed to donate part of their sales from that evening's
events to a local charity. She is working on another fund-raising
event, which she's calling Dress for Success, where members hope to
collect gently-used suits and business attire to help job-seekers in
need of proper clothing.
The burning question behind all this
activity seems to be: what is it about shoes? "Shoes are versatile,"
said Anna Jackson. "You can put anything on top or bottom, but if you
have good-looking shoes, mascara and lipstick - you're good to
go."
Maribell Martinez, a member of the club since the
beginning, agrees with that sentiment. "Oh my god, they just make me
feel good. They don't talk back - they're just pretty," she said.
Lully understands the shoe fascination. "No matter what size you
are, you can put on nice shoes and feel good. It can transform your
mood." For more information call 775-3862.
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