Some 2000 and odd years ago, an otherwise civilized Roman Empire would get the same kick out of gladiator fights that we now get, say, from watching professional football:

As you can see from this ancient mosaic, gladiator footwear was serious business, complete with over-the-knee plates to protect the precious shins. Those shin-plates have been underrepresented in the long and glorious tradition of classical paintings, which more often than not depict sturdy, beefed-up warriors wearing the most ridiculously fragile footwear contraptions, made of delicate strings woven and attached in fanciful ways. They’re also underrepresented in the current resurgence of the so-called gladiator-trend sandals, because, let’s be honest, if anything, we want to showcase our shins, not protect them from the world (although in certain crowded subways that wouldn’t be such a bad idea–but I digress).

And so! I’ve finally accepted the fact that gladiator sandals are EVERYWHERE, I mean, just pick your shoe store of choice, online or not, and voila! There they are, and they have been there for a few seasons now, so I can’t willfully ignore them any longer. For here’s the thing: I stayed away from gladiators because they tend to “cut” the foot from your leg, often with bulky plates and multiple ankle straps, and disrupt the natural lines and the illusion of “elongated” that I so direly need to create. Which is to say, I’ve often thought that unless you’ve got wispy legs like a runway model, why, those gladiators are likely to turn you into the spitting image of those two beefcakes duking it out in my introductory mosaic. And that’s not a good look for me, is all I’m saying.

But! I think I’ve reached the critical point in time when I’ve got to get into a pair of gladiator sandals, or my summer wardrobe my life won’t be complete. A cursory perusal of my favorite shoe haunts on the internet has presented me with approximately 322,485 handy choices, give or take two. Ayyyyy! to quote the Manolo. What to do? After a rigorous selection process consisting mainly of “let’s just stick to one website, or I’m going to shoot myself,” I’ve narrowed down my choices to two:

The curiously-named Dolce Vita “Daisy-11″ sandal, in gold or pewter (probably gold, since gold and gladiator go together like that), $60 at Piperlime:

Or, the more high-end Cynthia Vincent “Dinah,” $200 at Piperlime (hey, Zappos has it listed for $214–what’s up, Zappos? Piperlime’s delivery is also free, you know!):

They both have that classic woven look on the vamp, and multiple ankle straps (which are pretty cool, if you ask me). I’m not completely sure I should spend so much money for a shoe that might as well go out of style next year (what? it’s been known to happen!), but the Cynthia Vincent sandals do have a quite excellent design. On the other hand, the Dolce Vitas are cheap and attractive and definitely satisfy the gladiator tooth. What say you, Internet? Which should I choose?

6 Comments »

There is something very sturdy and satisfying about Chie Mihara’s designs. They are substantial, earthy, if you will, but not earth-bound: they’re imaginative and colorful and overall happy.

The “Chiwawa” T-strap sandal in a delicious orange and cream color scheme is just that: a delightful, every-so-slightly-retro confection, that will make you, and everybody looking at you, happy. They’re $320 at Piperlime.

1 Comment »

Yellow is a hard color to pull off, especially when it’s on your shoes. I never owned yellow shoes, and I’m pretty sure that since the time I turned 12 I never wore anything yellow.

This spring, however, things are going to change. Yellow is big, and some of yellow shoes proposed by the designers are positively delightful. Every year I make one big shoe resolution–a couple of years ago it was throwing out my high heels; last year was buying more peep-toes; and this year, I think I’m going to make the leap to yellow.

I’m not sure what to choose though, especially when the choices are so varied!

Cynthia Vincent Sophie in black and yellow, 270 at Piperlime.

Kenneth Cole Button Up yellow suede flat, $120 at Piperlime.

Rafe Irina bow flat, $220 at Piperlime.

Dolce Vita Moritz peep-toe Mary Jane, $100 at Piperlime.

Frye Cameron skimmer, $148 at Piperlime.

AK Anne Klein Foxie, $89 at Piperlime.

Paul Green Vienna thong sandal, $219 at Zappos.

Kate Spade satin and crystals sandal, $299 at Zappos.

Gabriella Rocha Studio Cota, $109 at Zappos.

Franco Sarto Fancy, $89 at Piperlime.

Tory Burch Reva2, $195 at Plaza Too.

Chie Mihara Quake flat, $310 at Nordstrom.

…I’ll tell you what, I’m going to go and mull over this for a while…

2 Comments »

Now that all our Christmas and after-Christmas shopping is complete and life is slowly returning to normal, why not extend the holiday spirit of giving a bit longer?

I’m a little late in reporting this, but you can still donate your gently used shoes to Soles4Souls, which is an organization that aids those in need. For every donation,  Piperlime will even  give you a $15 off $75 coupon off your future purchase, you’ll receive a tax deductible receipt, and Piperlime will donate $1 to Soles4Souls. To qualify, the donation must be postmarked by Dec 31, 2007.

This is a great way to ring in the New Year.  Mark the passing of 2007 by throwing away the old (but lightly worn) shoes to make room for more NEW shoes in 2008.

No Comments Yet »

Purple is such an autumnal color for me. Not literally, of course–maroons and oranges and browns would probably more appropriate for the color palette of the season. Metaphorically though, it’s evocative of twilights, it’s melancholy, it’s spiritual–just like fall can be. Which is why I stubbornly look for purple shoes every time fall comes, just to get me in the mood.

Ok, it’s also a fun, fun, FUN color to wear, I admit. Happy now?

Here are seven of my favorite purple picks for this fall:

1) Sigerson Morrison violet suede pointy-toe skimmer, with a demure Mary Jane buckle and bold silver lining, $379 at Zappos:

2) Tory Burch ‘Quinn’ quilted patent ballet flat, lined in deep purple and featuring the signature ornament on the vamp, $225 at Plaza Too:

3) Dolce & Gabbana assymetrical high-throat, peep-toe pump, with cutout detail at the heel, $454 at Zappos (very appropriate come witch season, may I add):

4) Taryn Rose ‘Desi’ ankle boot, with black patent rosette detail, $645 at Nordstrom–absolutely stunning:

5) L’Autre Chose distressed leather oxfords (very in this fall), $174 at Yoox:

6) Vince Camuto ‘Heaven’ cutout patent pumps, $128 at Zappos:

7) Marc Jacobs violet slingback with frayed grosgrain trim, $355 at Shoes.com:

2 Comments »