With homecoming steadily approaching, girls at HHS may have already started their search for the perfect pair of shoes to accent their dresses. It can be a difficult to find unique, comfortable, high-quality shoes for a decent price in town, unless one wants to resort to shopping online. But sifting through options via the Internet just isn’t the same as perusing in person. The internet lacks the rush of anticipation and eagerness which accompanies that first glimpse of patterned peep-toes or glossy black stilettos.
The Ruby Red Shoe Boutique, located on 128 West Market Street in downtown Harrisonburg, offers a wide assortment of classy women’s footwear. Owner Tracy Fornadel gestures to a relatively recent assortment of dress shoes, ideal for formal occasions like school functions. Reflecting the lights overhead is a pair of strappy heels in a burnished silver. Beside them are black lacy pumps and elegant rhinestone-embedded sandals. On the lower shelf is a versatile pair of nude heels. Fornadel also pays tribute to local artists by decorating her shelves with various pieces featuring nature and wildlife photography.
Resting on the circular front table are many shoes from the brand Chinese Laundry. Red ballet flats with bow embellishments. Gunmetal ankle boots. Bronze studded black flats. Particularly eye catching are the ‘heel-less’ nude pumps which seem to defy all preordained laws of gravity.
“They’re actually quite comfortable and easy to walk in,” Fornadel said.
The single front strap encircles the ankle before connecting smoothly to a wavy sole. This style greatly elongates the leg.
Just recently a line of Lucky Brand Leather Boots came in, varying from shades of light camel to rich mahogany.
Along with shoes, the boutique sells accessories as well, like bracelets, beaded necklaces, earrings, and floral scarves.
The quality of the shoes in relation to the prices is astounding. Flats are made from soft material which molds effortlessly to the foot. Dressy heels slip on comfortably and refrain from pinching toes and the backs of ankles. Boots, although durable and thick-soled, are slimming in shape. Prices for most shoes range from $30 to $60 dollars, with sale items below $25.
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