Carlos by Carlos

Carlos Santana has a line of women's shoes. Huh?

That's the reaction that I had. That's the reaction that most people have, when I tell them that Carlos Santana has a line of not just shoes, but women's shoes. Not just women's shoes, but hot, sexy women's shoes.

But when you really look at the Carlos by Carlos shoes line, and think about the reasons behind it, you start to see the logic.

Point 1: Deborah Santana (Carlos' ex-wife) was probably integral in the concept, initiation, and design of the shoes line. She does wear sexy shoes, so it makes sense.

Point 2: Carlos' and Deborah Santana's charity -- the Milagro Foundation -- benefits from the sale of every Carlos by Carlos shoe. So it's another way to help children around the world. (If there's anyone more deserving than disadvantaged children, I've yet to hear it. Yea for the Santanas!).

Point 3: Carlos Santana is building himself as a brand. Paul Reed Smith Santana Signature guitars. The Mesa Boogie Amps. The Maria Maria restaurants (I'll be covering those in a future issue of this blog, and on the Web site.) He plans to introduce a line of handbags.

He's building an empire. He may not think of it as that -- but someone is thinking of it that way. And you can't blame Carlos. After all, he's put out dozens of albums, and played thousands of live shows. Why not take advantage of his fame -- especially if he's willing to give back to the community, as he obviously is.

So, it makes sense that he introduced the Carlos by Carlos shoes line. And, to help [male] fans of Carlos Santana, I -- with the aid of a talented stylist -- have crafted the "Guy's Guide to Buying Carlos by Carlos Shoes." This article may actually help men entire uncharted territory, and purchase a pair of shoes for their better halves.

Now that's progress!