May 3, 2006

In Her Shoes

Elizabeth Brady Shoes

Mom’s life-long critical examination of your hair (“get it out of your face”) and your posture (“stand up straight, young lady”) has you contemplating flashing your hidden tattoo — if only to change her focus.

Still. She raised, fed, and loved you. You would be lucky to fill her shoes.

Especially if they’re a pair designed by Chicagoan Elizabeth Brady, whose eponymous debut spring collection is a perfect mix of heels and flats. Our favorites include Bailey, a white patent leather flat with cutouts and silver trim; and Jennifer, a silver thong with just enough flash to add sparkle without taking it over the top. (Mom would so approve.)

Brady sources her leather and manufactures in Italy, which guarantees you’re getting high-quality kicks. And here’s the cutest mom-happy detail: Brady’s grandmother was a shoe designer in the ’20s for Marshall Field’s and Saks. Seems the know-how was in her blood.

Proving, once again, that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Available at Josephine, 1405 North Wells Street, at Schiller Street (312-274-0359); online at elizabethbradyshoes.com.