October 3, 2007

The Heel World: Chicago

Ruthie Davis Shoes

Forty yards to the next party. Rainy conditions. The blitz is on. You race toward dry ground and just as you’re about to touch down — SNAP! (Literally.)

Serious players don’t wear frail stilettos.

They kick it in wedge heels by Ruthie Davis, a former Ugg, Reebok, and Tommy Hilfiger designer who recently launched her own line.

An urban design fanatic, Davis likens her shoes to tiny buildings. Her collection introduces two four-and-a-half-inch heels: the Architecture (inspired by skyscrapers) and the Barcelona (named after van der Rohe’s famed chair).

Architecture styles have nearly invisible reflective chrome inserts and are like striking stilettos with ski-boot sturdiness. Eva is a black patent leather bootie, and Tract has hardware on both heel and toe. Barcelona styles include Chain, an open-toe stunner reinforced with gold links, and Tram, a snakeskin/patent leather combo.

Slipping into a pair before your big game will beat any pep talk. So go ahead and strike your pose.

It’s time to play to win.

Available at SHE Boutique, 1024 West Armitage Avenue, at Kenmore Avenue (773-880-8061).