Sunday, March 23, 2008

Ugly? Maybe. Interesting? Sure.

Historically, I have fallen for footwear styles that are aggressively feminine. However, this season's footwear is all about chunky heels, gladiator sandals, and other styles that are more tough than sweet - often paired with feminine staples like floaty, floral dresses. I didn't get the aesthetic at first, but now it's growing on me. Say what you will about this season's shoes, but at least they're interesting.

Nine West Heech - blatant knockoffs of Balenciaga gladiator sandals which come in an array of colors. I like the idea of pairing these with a floaty dress or skirt, or a pair of skinny jeans. Camille of Childhood Flames has them in black and brown; paired with her long legs, they look aggressive, funky and sexy. See them in action here and here. I used to be categorically opposed to footwear that cut off the length of one's leg, but at least these wedges are a million times more flattering than flat gladiators.

Nine West Zanja - a streamlined cousin of the gladiators, in my estimation. There's something so refreshing about a sandal that's not just a bunch of skinny straps that cut into your feet.

BCBG Max Azria Imin - I hated these at first, but now I think they're genius. First, they combine dark blue and black, allowing you to wear them with black, dark blue, or a range of colors, really. Secondly, that little strip of yellow acknowledges the season without going overboard. Also, they cover up one's heel, which is nice because no ones has pretty heels.

Seychelles Wait For No One - A pump with a delicious twist, basically. I love the army green color and vintage styling.

2 comments:

drwende said...

The "plate on front" style has always struck me as non-ugly, actually.

If anyone carried that sort of thing in black, with a 1.5" heel, at a price I consider appropriate for a disposable trend, I'd have bought a pair by noon today, to wear with jeans. From this, you can gather that I've looked!

WendyB said...

I adore gladiators and have since I first wore them in 1985!