I love living and working here in Orange County. In the course of doing my job I get to visit the county’s best boutiques, meet all of local style mavens and I get a front row seat at the preview of the county’s newest lines. Of course, as a freelancer I don’t make enough money to purchase every amazingly cool thing I see on a daily basis but that doesn’t mean I can’t dream, right? What I’m dreaming about right now are two brand new break out lines by Orange County designers you should know.
First up, is Beek a line of mostly hand-made leather sandals out of Newport Beach. The line was co-founded by the former head shoe designer, Birgitt Klett, and Kenna Florie, former marketing veep, for Roxy. Beek features six sandal styles ($240-$320) named after birds — Finch, Starling, Lark, Sandpiper, Wren and Sparrow — rendered in burnished leather and sporting a molded arch in the footbed that makes the flats more comfortable to wear. They are stunning, simple and timeless, recalling long lazy days wherever a sunny shore can be found: Greece, Italy, Hawaii, St. Tropez, Ibiza, Laguna Beach. Their elegant and classic style could be worn with anything (short of a business suit that is, but, hey these are vacation shoes, weekend brunch on the terrace shoes not cubicle shoes!): the season’s wide-legged pants or culottes (that’s right! Culottes!), 70’s front button skirt, maxis or cut off shorts or …. They would look excellent with the next line on our wish list: Aïe a small collection of dresses and tops by Laguna Beach dress designer Jessica Barkley and partner Isaura Gardner. With a simple silhouette that is also universally flattering the line, in modal with mesh overlay, is sexy without being aggressive, easy without being sloppy. I particularly lust after the racer front top, $94 and the long-sleeved dress in black, $156. I’d wear the dress with Beek’s Wren for just about any occasion. Ciao for now!
My Life in Shoes 