Many of you know of my passion and love of Italy and all things Italian, and how for this year and hopefully for this year only I have been unable to be over there in Tuscany for our BPP Tours. One of the favorite spots for us, aside from shopping is certainly our wine days. The highlight of that first day where we always start the two days of wineries, is the Antinori Winery in Chianti! So how excited was I to be able to heal my Tuscany-home-sickness binge by hearing of the opening of an authentic Italian quality leather shoe salon, that are hand-made in Tuscany and a name I knew and identified with. Available right here in Houston, Texas….Clorinda Antinori Shoe Salon in River Oaks Shopping Center.
While the Antinori family are famous for their wines, their high quality standards is not limited to wine. This week I was pleasantly introduced to and spent some time visiting with Antonio Aransaenz, who is the co-owner with his Italian wife, Valentina Sorzana Antinori, whose Mom, Clorinda Antinori is the store’s namesake. The couple have made a move to our town from Naples, Florida where they have been in the business of hand-made quality Italian footwear for the last decade. I was happy to hear that with the opening of the Houston store and after an extensive road trip by the duo through Texas last summer, Houston was their choice and will also become their permanent residence……I had to refrain from saying “Welcome y’all” to our city, as “Benvenuti” felt more appropriate. Whichever, we are thrilled to have them!
Unfortunately, due to timing, this marvelous collection of Italian footwear that was scheduled to open on March 15 was temporarily detained due to the pandemic that was engulfing our country, our city and the world. However, the time is now, the city is opening up more and those of us that have lived in flip-flops and sneakers for the past three months are showing a readiness to step out. Nothing is an easier transition to Summer than a new fashion shoe to step out in style. So Clorinda Antinori opened to the public on June 10 and is stocked full with many great looking shoes that the stylish couple designed and produced last summer in Tuscany specifically for the Houston ladies…….and some very cool styles for the guys as well!
About the Collection: This collection of high-end Italian footwear is 100% made in Tuscany in small family owned factories that have taken great pride in expert craftsmanship for generations. The couple design each shoe, and create its mold to ensure that maximum amount of comfort that is expected from soft, pliable Italian leather. Every category is covered within Clorinda Antinori from the casual Sandals perfect for summer, Espadrilles and Fashion Flats for wear to work (wherever that might be!), Block Heels, fashion’s newest and most transitional new heel that takes us from flat on the ground to a heel height that is safe and comfy. Also, a nice selection for dress up that is starting to happen to dressy sandals and evening wear for what’s coming on the horizon. Of course, the number one trend in Europe and the U.S. is Sneakers and there was an array for both basic functional, fashion and even some glitz for both the feminine and male clientele. Antonio assured that all of the styling was very much designed last summer in Tuscany with Houston and its climate and lifestyle in mind. All shoes, including sneakers are light and airy and built around their top priority of comfort. Sizing is European/American and ranges from 34/4,5 to 42/11 with all sizes in all widths. Pricing can ranges from $100’s for casual sandals to $200-300 and up to $400-500 and above for dressier and boots for Fall. The breadth of their inventory is at $200-300, some great value for excellent Italian hand-made quality! Lastly, for my regular Italy-visitors that cherish their Capri sandals, there is the Antinori, Capri-inspired version of that same made-in-Italy styling that you can purchase right here in Houston until that trip can happen again!
I will show you a sampling below of many of their favorite styles but first a Tip from Antonio that I want to share. “In our learning how to mold leather to a woman’s foot we learned that American women have thinner feet than Italian women. In fact, if you wear many closed toe shoes your feet will be more narrow and when you wear open-toed shoes a lot your foot width will expand.” That was pleasant news for me who has lived in flip flops for months and looked down at my horrifically wide feet and immediately felt better!
A sampling of Clorinda Antinori shoe collection…….
As you are all getting out more, you should make it a point to stop in and visit with Antonio Aransaenz and his soon to arrive wife, Valentina Sorzana Antinori. Chat and try on some of their very comfortable and of course, stylish footwear. (Masks and sanitizer is provided for your shopping ease and comfort!)Their location is The River Oaks Shopping Center, 2039 West Gray. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon-Sat, noon-5 p.m. Sunday; (832) 831-1828.
I love these! Where in ROSC are they?
Great shoes, they are in the front section, next door to Marble Slab….go in and meet Antonio, you’ll love him and his shoes!! http://www.clorindaantinori.com !
I CANNOT wait to visit the Antinori store. I absolutely love those shoes. What a fabulous addition to Houston!!
M.A.you will love them…..I know you like flats and he has a great selection! Stop in when you’re back in town!!