At OKA b., we are constantly working on the next big thing.  Whether it’s as big as a new collection or as small as a revised hang-tag, most of you would be surprised at how much research and development goes into the day to day operations at OKA b.  Because we find everything we do so interesting, we’ve decided to give you, our awesome customers, a glimpse into the creation of the 2010 Spring Collection.  Spring may be a long way off for you, but for the design and product development department at OKA b., we’re already working on Summer!!

In this series of photographs, hopefully you’ll get a feel for what goes into the creation of a collection and the catalogue production.  We hope you enjoy!!

Since the days (and nights) of summer cocktail attire are over, we must focus on fall evening wear.  It’s a pretty basic fact that summer months allow for a more casual approach to evening events.  Cocktail and dinner parties are flip-flop friendly zones during summer, but strut into one of these affairs in autumn and you’ll find more formal attire across the board.  While women dust off their silk blouses, velvet pants and suede skirts, men exchange linen and seersucker for Harris tweed.  Footwear is not immune to this seasonal “fancification.”  And, most women will agree, as the shoes get dressier, they get more uncomfortable.  Pointy-toe pumps and stiletto boots may be cute, but who wants to crumple over in pain five minutes into a cocktail party and then spend the rest of the evening sitting in a chair, miserably gnawing on carrot sticks and pate as your friends mingle around you?  OK, maybe it’s not THAT dramatic, but we have spent many a cocktail party seated and unengaged thanks to uncomfortable shoes.  Trust us, the standing view is better – unless you particularly like staring at the general crotch area of others.

For those looking for evening appropriate yet comfortable shoes, OKA b. has the answer.  The 2009 Autumn/Winter collection includes several styles that are both comfortable AND dressy enough for evening events.  One of our favorite styles to wear with pants, the Avery, comes in Licorice and Copper and is tied with a soft, 2.5″ satin ribbon.  The Avery is flattering on the foot and the satin ribbon adds just enough shimmer that it pairs perfectly with pretty cocktail pants.  You can also try the Caroline and Taylor styles, which offer a subtle heel and elegant details, or the Fiona and Ava, OKA b.’s peep-toe styles that are gorgeous on the foot and  appropriate with stockings.  Those in warmer climates may still feel summer in the air but wardrobe rules dictate a shift towards the fall palette.  If it’s warm enough in your area, try the Amri.  Available in Platinum, Licorice and Cranberry, the Amri is adorable with slacks, dresses and skirts.  All of OKA b.’s evening-inspired styles conform to our signature comfort standards so, whichever option you choose, you’re sure to stand pretty all night long.

To view the complete OKA b. Autumn/Winter Collection, visit www.ShoesThatLoveYou.com 

In theory, prints are great.  We all love wearing a gorgeous printed skirt or wrap but, when it comes to footwear, we tend to shy away from bold patterns.  Perhaps it’s the notion that prints must only be accompanied by solids and, let’s face it, wearing a solid color head to ankle just to accomodate your fabulous shoes can be, in a word, boring. 

I’m not entirely free of this notion, either.  In general, I much prefer a single vibrantly printed piece to several in an ensemble.  Very few people can pull off that multi-pattern Marc by Marc Jacobs look without looking like deranged hobos or, even worse, clowns.  So where does this leave us?  How can we enjoy a printed shoe without feeling that we’ve sacrificed an entire outfit for its sake?   

The key is to pick your patterned item and then choose accompanying solid pieces in various colors and tones.  I might, for example, pair the Licorice Avery with the Zebra Print Ribbon with a pair of skinny black pants.  I might then throw on a soft grey tee, a charcoal blazer  and top the ensemble off with a light pink scarf.  Working with complementing colors like greys or beiges can seem monotonous but, when they’re paired with your patterned piece (in this case, the Zebra Avery), the resulting outfit is fun and exciting.

Visit www.ShoesThatLoveYou.com to view the complete collection.

xxOKA b.

We had several titles in mind for this post including ”What to Wear in the Boudoir” and “How to Dress for Bed” but everything we thought of just seemed too, um, saucy.  What we’d actually like to discuss is OKA b.’s super cute and ultra-stylish new line of slippers.  Cool weather is just around the corner and that means closed-toe slippers are essential.  So, as much as you love wearing your OKA b. flip-flops and slides everywhere, including around the house, you’ll thank us for introducing you to the 2009/2010 Boudoir Collection.

This tightly edited line of ballet-style mules incorporates our popular Leila style in pretty, soft metallic shades like Spa Blue, Raspberry Sorbet, Amethyst and Pearl making them perfect complements to feminine lougewear.  While this collection can be worn inside or out, we’ve designed each style specifically for wear around the home.  Soft satin scarves and pretty flower details complete each of the ten styles in this collection creating the perfect house shoe.  Each color and accent has been specifically chosen to match everything from casual yoga pants to the most elegant satin gown. 

You can be stylish and sexy even while lounging around the house so, this fall, toss out those sweatpants and fuzzy slippers and slide into OKA b.’s Boudoir Collection.

To view the complete Boudoir Collection visit www.ShoesThatLoveYou.com.

xxOKA b.

Listen up teachers, restauranteurs, retail sales associates and store owners: OKA b. has created the perfect cool-weather shoe for you!  Walking around all day is tough but STANDING all day is the absolute worst.  Not only is it extremely hard on your knees and lower back, but it can also damage your overall posture.  Anyone that spends a significant portion of her day standing should snag a pair of OKA b.’s super cute fall style, the Avery, ASAP. 

A modern update to OKA b.’s classic mini-mule style, the Avery features a sleek silhouette and faux snakesin finish.  A cute peek-a-boo cut-out and pretty ribbon detail add feminitiy and a little fun.  While we think the Avery is absolutely adorable, we’re even more excited about its comfort.  Our amazing designer, Naomi, kept OKA b.’s signature, massage-beaded foot-bed in place; however she updated the heel to provide additional cushion and bounce.  The result is like walking on air.  Seriously.

Even in the most stylish ensemble, it’s impossible to look chic if your feet are killing you and you’re hunched over as a result of unsupportive footwear.  While all OKA b. styles provide the necessary arch and heel support that naturally improves posture, the Avery is THE posture perfector for chronic standers.  Trust us, you will wear this shoe all season.

Visit www.ShoesThatLoveYou.com to view the complete OKA b. collection.

PS:  If you’re not into the bow detail of the Avery, don’t forget to check out the Tessa style! 

Have we all heard the recent hoopla surrounding the cleanliness of flip-flops?  If not, click here.  It’s common sense folks, shoes get dirty-especially your standard flip-flop.  The leather and foam variety soak up bacteria like nobody’s business.

How do you avoid that gnarly bacteria?  Wear OKA b. flip-flops!  OKA b.’s are your surest way to clean, bacteria free shoes and feet.  All styles are made entirely of a proprietary Microplast technology that is not only insanely comfortable, but also NON-POROUS, preventing nasty bacteria from settling into the material.  OKA b. shoes are also  ANTI-MICROBIAL, allowing them to act as a barrier to harmful and infectious bacteria.

If that’s not enough, OKA b. flip-flops are dishwasher and washing machine safe!  Just throw them in (by themselves, preferably), add detergent, and presto-your shoes are as clean as ever.  This little trick is one that our luxury spa and resort clients swear by-it’s the ultimate flip-flop sanitization technique.  In fact, we threw all 12 pairs of our personal OKA b. flip-flops into the washing machine just last night and awoke to squeaky clean shoes that needed only a little towel drying.

For more information on OKA b.’s amazing features and benefits, and to view the Fall 2009 Collection, visit www.ShoesThatLoveYou.com

Forget the convenience factor, now that airlines are charging upwards of $15 per checked bag packing lightly has become a necessity!  Whether you’re off for a weekend getaway or a month abroad, we’ve found a few key items that will make packing (and traveling) a breeze.

 Choose a lightweight handbag with multiple compartments.  Today’s airline rules require that passengers travel with no more than a single carry-on bag and a personal item which, for us girls, means a purse.  Rather than bring your day-to-day purse with you, opt for an over-sized yet lightweight tote.  We’ve had Ellington’s Parkrose Carryall for over a month and we still haven’t discovered all of its compartments.  The lightweight nylon construction makes this bag extremely durable.  Add to that multiple zip pockets, an extra shoulder strap and deep external pockets and you have a frequent flyer’s dream tote.  Pile everything in here: light toiletries and medications, a book, jewelry, wallet and passport, bottled water, we even fit a small dog in this baby (for testing purposes only, of course).

Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes.  The great thing about all OKA b. styles is that they’re lightweight and stackable.  They’re super easy to slide into the nooks and crannies of a suitcase and, because they’re so comfortable, sleek and stylish, one or two pairs will take you almost anywhere.  Think about where you are going.  If you’re headed to a more casual spot like the beach, bring your OKA b. Jasmines.  Their strappy silhouette and incredible arch and heel support makes them perfect for wear on the beach or out to dinner.  Stick in a pair of sneakers for athletic activities and you’ll be set for months by the shore.  If you are traveling to cooler weather, tuck the Tessa into your bag.  The Tessa is OKA b.’s newest style for 2009 and, true to OKA b. fashion, this shoe is unbelievably comfortable and flattering.  If you plan on doing any activities that require alternative footwear like golf, hiking, or horseback riding, RENT IT!  Unless you are a professional of any of the aforementioned activities, there is no reason to cart your riding equipment all the way across the Atlantic. 

Pack the travel toiletries you can and buy the rest when you get there.  It makes sense to pack toiletries.  It does not make sense to pack your entire bathroom.  Pick a travel set like Bliss Sinkside Six-Pack.  At $25 this set is affordable and all of the products are gentle enough for sensitive skin.  Plus they smell great and the package is small enough to fit anywhere.  If you must have your hairspray, mousse or whatever, and you can’t find an airline approved travel size, buy it when you get there.  Most brands don’t offer airline approved sizes of these products so just hit the drugstore when you arrive at your destination.  If your destination is so remote that it does not have a drugstore, trust us, you won’t be needing hairspray.  Ok, ok, you’re worried about having to purchase these products when you won’t have the time to use them all up before you come home.  Think about it this way:  if you pack them, the airline will make you check your bag.  That $15 you would spend checking your bottle of hairspray is already more expensive than most drugstore products.   If you’re worried about being wasteful, have your hotel ship any leftover product home-hotels do this all the time.

Jersey Jersey Jersey.   We can’t stress this enough!  Lightweight silk, cotton, and even synthetic jersey materials are absolutely the best for traveling.  They’re great layering pieces and they don’t wrinkle or lose their shape while en route.  Another benefit to this travel-friendly material?  It washes and dries quickly.  Albeit we don’t always pay attention to the words “Dry Clean Only”, but we’ve had great success washing several Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses in hotel sinks (although she probably wouldn’t appreciate us saying it!).  Pack a few Woolite Travel Laundry Soap Packs and you’ll be prepared for any stain emergencies.

Pack one great convertible wrap/scarf.   A single wrap can transform any outfit.  Pick one that can be worn as a scarf or shawl and carry it on the plane with you.  Most likely, you’ll be using it as a blanket in-flight!  We love this bright leopard print scarf by Yarnz.  The thing is 7 feet long and 3 feet wide but it’s constructed of lightweight silk and cashmere so it’s cozy without being cumbersome.

Fold your clothes and pack them neatly into Ziploc bags.  A tip mom’s around the world would applaud, this sounds strange but it saves an outrageous amount of space.  We prefer the freezer bags as they’re large enough to hold sweaters and even men’s shirts.  By folding your clothes and packing them into Ziploc bags, you’ll keep your clothes wrinkle-free while allowing much more space in your suitcase.  The principle is simple enough, fold in your garmets, push out the air and zip.  Presto!  You’ve saved space and you’re immediately organized.  Remember the infomercial for Space Bags?  Quite a similar idea but on a smaller scale without the vacuum seal.  It’s amazing how simple this tactic is but how few people actually do it.  Trust us, try it once and you’ll never look back!

Happy Travels!

xxOKA b.

It’s that time of year again!  Start the next school year in style wearing OKA b.  With countless styles and color combinations, you’re sure to find your perfect back-to-school shoe at www.ShoesThatLoveYou.com.  Our personal favorites?  Whether you’re headed to high school or college, OKA b.’s Chloe is an absolute must have.  The comfort benefits of this style are endless and they offer the arch and heel support young feet need to stay healthy and pain-free in the future.  Our non-porous, anti-microbial and washable material makes the Chloe a perfect shower shoe for dorms and locker rooms.  And at only $20 a pop, you can buy several pairs of this go-anywhere style.  For a fun and spirited look, pick out your school or sports team colors.

Our other favorite styles for the new school year?

The Madison.  These preppy stripes and pretty prints are the perfect accent to shorts and sun dresses in the early fall.  We’ve heard collegiate-bound ladies wear their Madisons all over campus and even to sorority rush parties!

Studded Thongs.  All the comfort and style of the Chloe with a pop of Italian-made colored stones, OKA b. studded thongs are adorable yet laid-back and casual accents to any ensemble.  If your school lets you, wear them to class and everywhere in between.

For all of OKA b.’s great back-to-school styles, visit www.ShoesThatLoveYou.com.

xxOKA b.

This summer, why not pamper your darling daughter’s toes with the same OKA b. styles you love?  In between summer camp, swim practice, ballet class and beach trips your tiny tots are spending a lot of time on their feet.  Thankfully, OKA b. makes several styles in sizes XXS and XS to fit most girls ages 6 to 10.  From our cute and colorful Madison collection to the simple and chic Chloe, girls have tons of comfortable options to choose from.

The Madison.  OKA b.’s Madison styles are adorable on girls of all ages but younger ones will love donning the same styles as their moms. 

The Grace.  OKA b.’s spa classic is perfect for wear throughout summer’s activities.  A non-slip sole keeps your little one safe playing poolside and the bright color offerings match any outfit she can imagine.  The easy slide style makes the Grace a perfect option for pre and post sports and dance classes since they slip on easily over socks and tights.

The Chloe.  Our ultimate spa thong, the Chloe offers exceptional support, an array of exciting colors and a sleek, feminine fit that beats any flat thong on the market.  Young years are certainly more carefree but it’s imporatant to protect tiny feet for the future.  We love the Chloe for it’s arch support and cute style.

The Savannah.  Our perfect Chloe goes glam with hand set Italian crystals.  Available in Ivory and Salt, we love the Savannah for tiny wedding attendants.

To view the complete collection of OKA b. styles for girls, visit www.ShoesThatLoveYou.com.

xxOKA b.

What better way to celebrate July 4th than with Made in the USA shoes like OKA b.?   Since all OKA b. styles are manufactured right here in Georgia, you can slip on any of our cool and comfortable thong or slide styles to show your patriotism but, if you are feeling particularly literal, we’ve created a few red, white and blue styles to suit the holiday.

The Nautical Madison.  OKA b. has several seaside-themed styles in the summer collection that would be perfect for celebrating the 4th.  Try the Sapphire style paired with a cute red and white star ribbon or the Salt tied with a red and blue woven lobster ribbon.  Both styles are red, white and blue and adorably fitting for the holiday

The Lucy.  OKA b.’s popular summer style, the Lucy, is a great option if you’re looking for a more subtle celebratory style.  Slip on the Sapphire Lucy with the red beaded chrysanthemum flower and pair with some cute white shorts and a navy top.  You’ll look fashionably spirited without the Uncle Sam vibe.

The Camellia.  Our favorite heeled style, the Camellia, is another red, white and blue option that adds a touch of elegance to Independence Day celebrations.  Perfect for a poolside picnic or an evening of fireworks, our Sapphire Camellia goes slightly retro with a gingham flower but with the sophistication of a subtle heel.

xxOKA b.