Hurricane Sandy: Unfortunately More than Shoes Were Destroyed

This was the view from my stoop in  coastal Staten Island the morning after the storm

When I post by last blog entry at 7:49pm on Monday, October 29, I had no idea how things were about to change in a span of about 15 minutes. At just past 8pm I was called to the door by a family member. The street I had walked up and down so many times had turned into a angry river with 10ft of water that gradually increased. I stood on my stoop in disbelief as the car I has driven only hours earlier was snatched from me. First, the lights went on, then the trunk opened, finally the car spun around and started traveling down the river that invaded my block. My basement soon began to fill with water stopping inches from filling the first floor. As the initial disbelief wore off, the journalist in me grabbed my camera and sought to document the wrath of mother nature.

In the wake of the storm Internet and power outages prevented me from sharing these pictures on my blog. I managed to, in brief moments of cell phone signal, get a few pictures out on Facebook and Twitter. I also needed time to adjust to reality of life after the storm, a basement in desperate need of cleaning and drastically increased commuting times. Yet, all along I planned on sharing my experiences among the devastation that affected thousands along the east coast and beyond.

But first, my heart goes out to all those affected. In the wake of the devastation, houses completely destroyed and lives lost, I know I am one of the fortunate ones. While my family lost cars and possessions and our home was damaged, we remained safe and together. Our house still stands and luckily only the basement flooded.

I am also very thankful for the help and support of those around me, including strangers who volunteered their time and donated supplies to help my family in the recovery effort. While Staten Island is often the forgotten borough, starting a few days after the storm the outpouring of support has been astonishing.

The recovery efforts continue to this day, over 2 weeks after Sandy hit. In some ways I wonder if this area will ever be the same. Yet progress has been made and I would like to share how the storm affected us through pictures.

Since this is a shoe blog, I would be amiss if I didn't mention how my shoe collection faired.   Luckily, the shoes I most commonly wear were on the second floor and away from the water. However, I did have shoes I wore less frequently or was planning on donating that were destroyed. Unfortunately, that is one damage I did not photo document. 

My sneakers have been a symbol of the damage to my area. When faced with the water and dirt in my basement and the mud and debris on the streets I decided to only wear my old sneakers. While they lack the cushioning and support of my new sneakers, they have gotten so dirty I will happily throw them away when the cleaning is done.

On the left you see my sneakers before the storm. The right hand side shows the dirt and mud.

Unfortunately more than just sneakers or shoes were destroyed. These before and after pictures show my block during the afternoon of Monday October 29 and the after pictures are either from that night or the next morning. The before pictures show the results of some wind damage but nothing like the damage that was about to come. 

My car before and after it was spun around and floated down the street. Also note the cars on top of each other across the street. 

Hurricane Sandy: Please Stay Safe and Wear Appropriate Shoes

Through the Sole wishes everyone the best during Hurricane Sandy and that everyone is safe and sound. 

Hurricane Sandy starts to affect Midland Beach, SI, NY. Taken this afternoon.

This post is intended to share my experience through the lens of shoes as I have done with other less shoe related events, such as Election Day and the controversy over Susan G. Komen and Planned Parenthood.

So, what shoes are the best to during the storm? 

Given the dangerous conditions outside the best answer is what ever shoes will be comfortable for staying in (if you need to work, use judgement in deciding what to wear). 

I live in coastal Staten Island, NY close to our beaches. Earlier when winds and rain were calmer and it was more safe, I ventured out to see what it was like. I wore tall rubber rain boots. 

Going Nude: Flesh-toned Flats and High Heels

I've seen nude pumps all over fashion magazines and blogs, but never actually bought them. With being away at college with tons of hilly walking, they seemed unpractical. Plus, many styles seemed too plain. Now that I am working and back in New York City, I found flesh-toned shoes are my most valuable shoe. They go with everything, make your legs look amazing, and don't have to be so plain or so tall.

I recent purchased nude Bandolino flats with a buckle from Famous Footwear for about $40.

Shoe History: The Birth and History of the Stiletto

Stilettos with the amazing tall and thin heel are synonymous with sexiness and femininity, but when was this famous shoe invented?

Ancient Greeks may have worn sandals according to History of Sandals and in the 16th and 17th centuries chopine, very high and difficult to walk in platforms, were fashionable, according to All About Shoes.

It wasn't until after World War II that the stiletto became all the rage. After the war, women left their jobs and returned to domestic life. As this shift occurred, heels became higher, according to Hilary Greenbaum and Dana Rubinstein of the New York Times.

The exact inventor of the stiletto is unknown. While Ferragamo, Roger Vivier and Perugia have all been credited with invention, the shoe was most likely designed by a mix of Italian shoemakers, potentially with French designers involved.

Truth or Dare: Madonna to Launch a Shoe Line This Summer

The Material Girl shows off her fashion and shoe sense.

Some of the shoes from Madonna's upcoming Truth or Dare shoe line. 

The Material Girl is joining the ranks of celebrities, like Jessica Simpson, Fergie and Rachel Bilson, by launching a shoe line, Truth or Dare by Madonna. The line includes pumps, heels, flats, and boots, almost all black in color with embellishments like lace, cap toes, and studs. The line will include styles Madonna is famous for, like over-the-knee boots.

Retailing from $89-$349, the line is aimed at woman aged 27 to 5o who are timeless but have sex appeal, according to the press release as posted on all about Madonna. The line will include over 60 different styles, according to the Huffington Post.

Madonna will make some contribution to the design of her line. The creative consultant behind the line is Arianne Phillips, who worked on Madonna’s film W.E. and is a longtime fashion collaborator of Madonna, according to Glamour.