Recently, Shoesense quite neatly beat me to the punch regarding fringed footwear. I can’t help but shudder when I see many of the fringe-bedecked styles that are coming out.

Be warned. Its use is everywhere and seems to growing. As proof I offer Rachel Zoe’s picks of fringed moccasins a la Minnetonka at as a major trend for Fall 2008. Gulp.

I should have seen it coming. Once Skinny Jeans came back into fashion, causing a whole new generation of gals to look for the perfect tuck-in boot, it was only a matter of time before Minnetonka once again rose to ascendancy.

Think of a young Kurt Russell (Not an altogether unpleasant image, I’ll happily admit.) in Big Trouble in Little China.

Sleeveless T-shirt and blue jeans, tucked into these:

Actually, I just had to stop and watch the movie, just to be sure. Sigh, the sacrifices I am willing to make. Jack Burton’s boots laced up the side and were closer to these babies:

I know there are gonna be both guys and gals who love these. And, if they didn’t live through it the first time around, this is probably a fine time for them to do so. However, I’ve never regretted that I didn’t own any back in the 80’s when these were last in fashion. I hardly think I would, could, or even should attempt to take part in the trend this second time that I’m around to witness it.

As for the overall fringe trend, I have seen a few styles that I find that I almost like.

  • First, from Pleaser, specialists in lingerie for your feet, a flirty, fringed high-heel suede sandal (At 6pm.com):

  • Next, is the Steven “Bijoux“:

  • And my personal favorites from Betsey Johnson, Shoe goddess extraordinaire:

The Tisha:

And the Taylor:

In 3 colors, the purple almost has me won over.

I do love a glam, over-the-top shoe as much as the next shoe addict. Unfortunately, I am uncertain that I am the right personality to successfully rock this shoe trend.

Maybe you are?