Markeshia Ricks Photo
Mayor Toni Harp’s high heels have to be ready for anything — one minute she might be clicking her way through City Hall, the next minute navigating the construction site of the 13-story office tower. So it made sense that the first stop on a new shop-local initiative delivered her to Thom Brown.
Harp stopped by the shoe store in the Broadway retail district Wednesday evening as part of her first in a series of excursions aimed at encouraging shoppers to stay out of the suburban malls and big-box stores, pursuing a goal she identified early in her administration of boosting neighborhood commerce. Over the next three months you are liable to bump into the mayor in your favorite neighborhood retail establishment, grocery store, or restaurant.
The mayor’s mission: To lead by example. In this case, that meant putting her money where her feet are.
Markeshia Ricks Photo
After spending part of her day in black patent-leather high heels, dodging puddles and construction equipment at the soon-to-be home of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Harp was on the lookout for a sturdy pair of pumps with a thicker heel.
Harp homed in early on a pair of t‑strap black leather pumps that looked sturdy enough to navigate a construction zone, but sleek enough to look good while doing it.
But the mayor wasn’t all business as usual when it comes to her shoe game. She tried on a pair of black, suede peep-toe, after-five pumps and a pair of pointy toe cobalt blue suede pumps.
Harp wasn’t the only one checking out shoes. Her driver, Officer Eric Scott, and Deputy Economic Development Director Stephen Fontana discussed the finer points of a black leather lace-up.
In the end, the mayor decided on the black leather t‑strap and the cobalt blue suede pumps. Grand total: $218.01
She wrapped her visit with a trip over to Trailblazer.
It’s a store that likely holds a special place in her heart: Her son used to work there.