April 7, 2008

Sole Trader

Livie & Luca Shoes

Fed, dressed, and out the door in under an hour? You’ve got to be kidding.

These days there’s always a diaper to change or a sippy cup gone AWOL.

Shorten the ordeal with Livie & Luca. The easy-on shoes come in lots of styles, like neo-preppy cobalt mocs with red stitching, two-strap sandals with toe guards in raspberry or buttery yellow, or brown T-straps with elephant trunks.

Super flexy soles, soft leather uppers, and velcro closures tell you these shoes were designed by a mama in the know (company cofounder Mitzi Rivas). And not just for kicks: They’re sweatshop free and crafted from salvaged leather and nontoxic glues, and 10 percent of online profits goes to charity.

And that’s no joke.

Available at Crackerjacks, 14 Glen Avenue, near Piedmont Avenue, Oakland (510-654-8844 or crackerjackskids.com); Fiddlesticks, 508 Hayes Street, between Octavia and Laguna Streets (415-565-0508 or shopfiddlesticks.com); online at livieandluca.com.

RAP
Music at the Playground
What: Neighborhood party features hip-hop by Alphabet Rockers, an update on the playground’s renovation, and treats.
Why: It’s the word on the street.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-noon.
Where: Dolores Park Playground, Dolores St., b/t 19th & 20th Sts.

CHECK
Friday Night Chess Camp
What: Adults hit the town, while kids ages 5-13 geek out with chess and pizza.
Why: Date night for everyone.
When: Fri., 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: St. John’s Church, 25 Lake St., at Arguello Blvd. Info at 415-412-4040.

DO
Tie-dyeing
What: Family activity day, with a tour of a textile exhibition and lessons in home dyeing techniques.
Why: Play hippie families.
When: Sat., 1-3 p.m.
Where: Museum of Craft and Folk Art, 51 Yerba Buena Ln., at Mission St. (415-227-4888).