Guest article by Amanda Tatom
Everyone knows that Austin has a style all its own. From the bars on 6th Street to the bleachers of DKR, a mix of creativity and southern charm comes out of every sundress, kimono and pair of culots.
But for me, style starts from the ground up. I adore shoes. From the depths of my soul (and soles) I feel a primal desire for shoes that some people understand, and others do not. They are just my “thing.” I love the way a certain pair of shoes can change the way I carry myself or even boost my confidence. I love getting a killer pair of designer heels as much as I love discovering a cool pair of vintage boots tucked away in a nook inside some cute little shop. And I definitely love wearing a favorite pair, having a crazy good time while doing so, and reliving that memory every time I get those shoes back out of the box again. There is no place better than Austin for a blossoming adventuress such as myself to have landed.
As host of Studio512, I bring viewers all of the great things the city has to offer. Oftentimes, that’s done in the studio. But as much as possible, I like to get out and explore the shops, events, parks and restaurants that make Austin the perfect place to call home. So kick your feet up, and take a trip around town in my shoes.
Flip Flops at Sugarcoat Nails
Flip flops can go nearly anywhere in town. They are my top choice for “running around” shoes. I throw them on when I’m headed to barre class, while I’m checking errands off the list and especially when I’m going to get a pedicure. There’s no way I would mess up freshly painted toes or awesome nail art done by the masters at Sugarcoat!
These Valentino’s are some of my all-time favorites. I love a statement and the giant flower on top definitely makes one. Plus they are waterproof (should I feel the need to scamper through any puddles) and when I look down at my feet, they just put me in a good mood. And what better way to show off your latest paint job than with a cute pair of flops?
Sugarcoat Nails is located at 916 W 12th St – Website
Wedges at Antonelli’s
For me, cheese might be a close second to shoes when it comes to things-that-aren’t-my-family-and-friends-that-I-really-love. Antonelli’s is the most charming, friendly and approachable place to sample and shop for your next wedge of cheese, and I love to wear my own wedge(s) while doing so.
Saunter in and stay a while. Their try-before-you-buy approach is perfect for a girl like me who is a little pokey while she chooses a cheddar, selects a Swiss or gasps over the gouda.
(Notice these Louboutin wedges are cork on the bottom. Which makes me think of wine. Which goes perfectly with cheese. See how the shoes bring it full circle?)
Antonelli’s is located at 4220 Duval St – Website
Running Shoes at Lady Bird Lake
Time to work off that wine and cheese with a run at Lady Bird Lake. I adore all the fun, bright colors for running shoes these days. How can you not go just a little bit faster or a little bit longer while wearing the brightest freaking neon pink on the planet??? Plus the people watching and sheer gloriousness of this part of the city is enough to double those exercise endorphins.
The water! The greenery! The vibes! Let me just ask you, Austin, are you tired? Because you’ve been running through my mind all day.
Lady Bird Lake Website
Booties in the 2nd Street District
No better place for a bootie call than strolling the fun and trendy, yet cozy and easy, 2nd Street District. My Ash booties are spunky while perfectly comfortable as I window shop the boutiques, pass by the patios and take in the downtown energy.
They are perfect for sauntering the streets on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Plus, they are easy to slip on and off in the event I find other shoes to try on and potentially add to my collection…and the chances of that happening are quite good (shocker!).
2nd Street District Website
Cowboy Boots at The Driskill
The Driskill is quintessential Austin and very Texas. No wonder it’s so easy for this Lone Star girl to linger here endlessly. My cowboy boots are perfect to wear while I sink down into the comfy leather chairs and order some champagne or a Blackberry Smash while listening to those musical heartthrobs Ricky Stein or Jeremy McBee.
I’ve had these boots for more than ten years. The heel ornaments came from another pair of boots my mom got me that didn’t fit, but I couldn’t let those little jewels go to waste! I had the boot shop take them off of THAT pair and put them on mine. They add just the right amount of “special” to my old trusties. As a result, I feel the same way about putting on these boots time and time again as I do about going to The Driskill: it just never gets old.
The Driskill Hotel is located at 604 Brazos St – Website
Stilettos at Juliet
When I first visited Juliet to shoot a segment prior to their opening, I knew it was some place special. Amidst the bustling workers and the last of the on-going construction, the sexy vibe of this restaurant was already shining through. With a delightful patio, sophisticated interior, subtle details and a killer bathroom (trust me), this is just the spot to slip on some of your highest heels and take your perch.
Believe me, this place will make you look good while you eat well. I chose these strappy little blue numbers by Gucci with a golden heel: perfect to wear while tucked away in a cozy corner having their amazing beef carpaccio and ample amounts of red wine. Sexy indeed.
Juliet is located at 1500 Barton Springs Rd – Website
Barefoot at Barton Springs
Okay, even I have to admit sometimes the best shoes are no shoes. Barton Springs Pool is the perfect place to set those piggies free and daydream the hours away. I like to cool off with a refreshing swim in the brisk and invigorating waters of this Austin staple and then hop out to work on my tan as I stare at the sky and mull over segment ideas for Studio512, vow to someday learn how to drive a stick shift and make the perfect lemon meringue pie, and plan my next shoe shopping adventure.
Hey look…that cloud up there looks like a Louboutin!
Barton Springs Pool is located at 2201 Barton Springs Rd – Website
@theAustinot wants to know:
Where is your favorite place to show off your new kicks in Austin?
Amanda Tatom is the host of Austin lifestyle show Studio512, weekdays at 12:30 PM on KXAN. When she isn’t deciding which shoes to wear, she is thoroughly entertained by her three daughters and endlessly but joyfully trying to find balance between home and career. She seriously loves her job because it never allows her to take herself too seriously. Seriously.
Love the shoes and the article! Makes me want to get out and visit all of these places!
Fabulous article! I adore shoes too♡
Ms. Tatom, you are making me proud! Love the shoes and the lady!