2011 Shoe Trends: Flatforms Sweep Spring Styles … But Why?

Flatforms, as WWD and others have dubbed them, will sweep spring 2011 shelves. But why???

First of all, they’re not pretty. Secondly, they’re not avant-garde. Thirdly, they’re not easy to walk in or comfortable, from my humble try-on opinion.

Yet, new fashionable things are new fashionable things. And designers like my beloved Derek Lam are making horrendous things like this to your left. Shoes like this have been popular in Japan (and the goth community, all in black leather) for AGES.

That does not mean they should cost $590 and be as ugly as sin! I think the central failing of this shoe is its platform. Ironic that the platform, the central focal point and new stylist element, is the Achilles heel! It’s bland, blond wood-imitating and draws attention to the platform rather than the leg. The dark color of the vamp and heel cap don’t help, and the ankle strap shortens some of the appearance of height that the platform gives.

I am sure some women will make these look good, perhaps with some summery, billowy white linen pants or a cute pair of shorts. I for one am going to start going rogue and start picketing them outside department stores as the downfall of aesthetic value (translation: sheer, pure ugliness). (more…)

Sarah Palin’s Shoe Gaffes

Sarah Palin has had her share of shoe gaffes, from doing toenail art to wearing Naughty Monkeys, a brand Paris Hilton wears, to being accused of being matronly and not fashionable enough.

A friend of mine posted this recently on Facebook, and I just have to know if it’s for real.

She loves her comfy shoes. But was this really necessary?  It’s fine to change your shoes from comfy to pretty; we all do it. But could she not have changed her shoes on the plane before landing??

Casadei Proves that the Milanese are Bling-Obsessed

Casadei is not exactly known for being restrained. But these blingy babies are a little out of control, don’t you think? They look like Fruit Loops!

They are part of the Casadei Crystal Lovers Limited Edition collection, and they cost $9,452.50!!! Why did they bother with the 50 cents???

These sandals are covered with multicolored Swarovski crystals, which are a trend going strong. You can indulge the rest of your crystal fantasies at LuisaViaRoma.

In general, I found that shoes in Milan were very blingy, showy and super high-heeled, but not replete with buckles, zippers, etc. I don’t know if that’s just what I saw, but the styles seemed to stay toward the extreme feminine rather than the tough and motorcycle. The leather was more refined than distressed. 

These are shoes that would sell in Asia if they were less aggressive colors, such as only white and pink, and perhaps if the incline was less aggro. Hear that, Casadei? (wink wink)

You can purchase them here, and you can find plenty of Casadei shoes at Endless and at Forzieri. Happy shopping!

Golden Globes 2011 Pregnancy Shoes

Most women opt for flats or low heels when they are pregnant, but not so for Natalie Portman (who took home a Best Actress Award. Yay!) and Jane Krokowski  at the  2011 Golden Globes tonight.   They wore, respectively, Stella McCartney and Casadei heels.  I’m not sure whether to give them kudos for walking the red carpet in these shoes or worry because even though they both positively glow, I’m petrified that they might slip and fall.  Let’s do an inform poll.  If you were a celebrity, would you wear high heels on the red carpet while pregnant?

Update:  After party Azzaro dress change after the jump.  She also changed into more pregnancy friendly shoes -  flats! (more…)

Get Serpentine with Jimmy Choo’s Snake & Mesh Booties

Jimmy Choo Snake & Mesh Bootie

Every time I think I have seen the coolest Jimmy Choo shoes there are, the designer thrills me with something else. These Snake & Mesh Booties ($1,095 at Neiman Marcus) are probably the most awesome booties I have seen in a very long time. Each time I look at them, something new catches my eye – and isn’t that a big sign that you’ve got a really edgy, really stylish shoe on your hands? Well, on your feet, but you get what I’m saying, right?

Jimmy Choo is so bold with color, and these booties are no exception. I mean, they’re pink. They’re nearly hot pink, how can you not love that? What’s even better is the versatility of the color, because the mesh makes the light catch the shoes differently from different angles. (more…)