Shoe Review: Very Volatile Wedges

I have been wear-testing the following ‘Very Volatile’ wedges for roughly the last month.

Volatile USA’s ‘Nobu’ ($74.99 @ volatileusa.com; the Nobu is also available at shoes.com, Zappos & Endless)

They are a great spring-summer sandal in one of this season’s more popular colors – turquoise. These also have an appealing organic design that really works with a spring wardrobe; particularly if you are like me and have a lot of cooler tones in your wardrobe.

These sandals are available in whole sizes 6-10 B US sizing (37-41 EU). Sizing was my first challenge. As a size 7.5 medium who prefers a lot of toe room, the choice on whether to try a 7 or 8 is the first challenge I encountered.   So, I actually tried a size 7 in the turquoise, and a size 8 in black suede.

The good news is that both sizes adjust fairly well in that the buckled slingback and suede material allow for a lot of fine-tuning and comfort on the initial fit. However, the size 7 had more than enough space to accommodate my anything-but narrow size 7.5 feet.  And, while sometimes slingbacks feel like the strap is about to slip off your ankle, these stayed secure through multiple wearings.

How comfortable are they? Well, they did have a brief breaking-in period of about 2-3 wearings of 2-5 hours each.  Each wearing was successively more comfortable than the last; there were no blisters thanks to the soft suede and roomy shape, but I did get a bit of a workout re-learning how to walk on a platform wedge; these have an almost 1″ lift under the toe and about a 4″ overall lift at the heel.  The footbed it lightly cushioned, and after several wearings, this padding started to form to the shape of my arch – an absolute necessity if you have a higher arch like I do.  If you are not ‘blessed’ with high arches, you may have little or no break-in period with these.

Here are some pictures of how these bamboo-wrapped wedges actually look on the foot:

(Yes, I need a pedicure – fast!)

The turquoise color really is fabulous!

You can see here that the size 7 in turquoise is definitely roomy enough for those of us who normally wear a 7.5. And, while it looks like my pinky toe is trying to escape, it never has. The straps and cutouts are placed perfectly to avoid that happening on my feet.

You can see in this next picture that the size 8 is super roomy. I would definitely think someone who is an 8-8.5 would have no problem with this size working for them.

(If you feel the need to put on your sunglasses to view these, I understand – I really am quite naturally pale.  My hubby has joked that since I don’t tan, I actually bleach in the sunlight. But, I digress).

If I have piqued your interest at all, you can find many other styles of  ‘Very Volatile’ shoes at volatileusa, zappos, endless, and shoes.com.

I have to admit, that although Volatile shoes are a well-known regional brand in the areas such as the Southeastern United States (A ‘go-to’ for wedges, flip-flops, and animal prints), I was unfamiliar with them before I stumbled across them several months ago.

As a brand, Volatile has competitive pricing, current styling, and reasonable comfort.  This is particularly remarkable in the current climate of ridiculously rising shoe prices. This makes Volatile shoes a nice value, particularly for ladies on a budget.

And, if you can get both comfort and style on a reasonable budget, I’m all for that.

Thoroughly Modern Marni

If you are interested in styles that are modern and playful with few, if any, fru-fru touches, Marni‘s designs have been gaining fans steadily over the last several years. And, looking at some of the Marni styles, it is not too difficult to see why this is so.

The Marni vibe, to me, is a particular joining of the crisp lines of Art Nouveau with a bit of the spirit of the 60′s and 70′s (color-blocking, wedges & platforms). These combine in sometimes unexpected ways and shapes to keep Marni’s styles feeling fresh and modern rather than retro or recycled.

Here are some current examples of what Marni has to offer to us shoe lovers:

Marni Grey Leather Flat Sandal ($CAN 477 $795 at Monamoore).

I love the Art-Nouveau feeling of these.

Marni black & blue suede wedge ($CAN 537 $995 at Monamoore).

This is a slightly different nod to tribal styling than I have been seeing from other designers.

Marni black patent wedge ($CAN 537 $995 at Monamoore)

This would be Marni’s version of the now-ubiquitous gladiator.

Marni purple suede sandal with black platform heel ($CAN $597 $995 at Monamoore).

On-trend styling of worthy of any runway platform, matched with a solid heel and lovely color contrasts.

Marni  ‘runway’ black patent slingback with gray and purple suede detail ($CAN $995 $597)

These have a hint of the Giambattista Valli ‘Victoria’  silhouette we saw a couple of seasons ago.  But, the combination of flared stiletto and wrap-around Maryjane effect have me loving what Marni has done to make these their own.

Marni ‘runway’ nude, purple and red patent leather pumps ($CAN $945 $567) at Monamoore.

The color-blocking on this just makes me think of a Mondrian painting.  Sure, I don’t know quite where I would wear these, but they are simply fabulous.

Marni brown python sandal with wood platform ($CAN $1195 $717 at Monamoore)

I’m not sure what it is about this pair, but I think they are my favorite of the bunch.

With all of the imitators and inspired shoes out there, it’s just refreshing to see designers who really have a strong personal aesthetic. Marni definitely has a style all it’s own.

Oh, and as you can see, MonaMoore is doing a bit of promotional pricing. This is just an added benefit; I’m a huge fan of getting a great price whenever possible.

Miss Trish of Capri for Target

Love them or hate them … the ‘for Target’ lines certainly keep things interesting for anyone on a budget.

Today’s question regards your image of the perfect summer sandal. Do you love a neutral, classic design that will support a flirty summer outfit without being the focus of attention? If so, the hot-selling Miss Trish of Capri for Target are probably not for you.

On the other hand, if you love a loud, seasonal sandal that shouts out “Here I am!”, this guest-designer line at Target may be just the thing for a more adventurous shoe personality.

Understand, at the Target price-point, these are not all-leather shoes; and they tend to be on the aggressive and shiny side. Having given that warning, they are also better looking in real life than the official online stock photos would suggest. And, after finding only 6 lonely boxes left at my local Target this weekend, they are apparently finding an appreciative shopping audience and are selling out fast.

Available styles are:

Rope Wedge Sandals ($34.99):

This is, color aside, about as conservative as this line comes.  Not for the shy, these designs.

Turtle Wedge Sandals ($34.99):

… yes those are pink rhinestone turtles, thank you very much; I did say, ‘Not for the Shy’, didn’t I?

Turtle Flat Sandals ($29.99):

… these are almost conservative compared to the hot-pink wedges we just saw.

Starfish Sandals ($29.99):

… these are just screaming for a jaunt to the beach.

Gold Lion Sandals ($29.99):

… I’m not even sure what to say about these; for some reason Charles Dickens immediately springs to mind.

Bee Toe-ring Sandals ($29.99):

… I’m actually kind of digging the whole queen-bee over the top vibe on this; kitschy and corny, but fun.

Flower Toe-ring Sandals ($29.99):

… And I must admit, these cuties are also making me smile.

So, what do you think? Are these too glam-tastic for your taste? Or, are they just that crazy touch of fun needed to push you into that full-fledged summer vay-cay mood?  Target certainly got the memo that color is king this year.

Lusting after Pour La Victoire

For those of you who have been Shoeblog readers for awhile, you may recall how I nearly swooned over last year’s Valentino line.

In particular, I would still love to own a pair of these delicious (and sold out) booties:

(Originally $945 at Saks)

But, budgets being what they are, I instead find myself turning to the Pour La Victoire brand to satisfy my lacey-shoe urges.

How are these for a lower-cost alternative?

Pour La Victoire ‘Eden’ $284 $166.25-$193.23 at Zappos.com

I think I actually prefer the lower ‘shootie’ height of these inspired-by copies.  Plus, if you are looking for a lighter spring color, the tan nubuck is a great spring neutral.

(The tan is also available from Urban Outfitters for a relative steal at $158)

I also love the allover lacework on both the original Valentino and the PLV version. This open design provides plenty of ventilation to keep your tootsies cool on hot summer days.  In addition, I think this is a great interpretation of the recent open-toe bootie mini-trend; one that is lovely enough on it’s own that it will last through many years without looking dated as is likely happen with many of the more

Plus, the PLV Eden is available in grey, white (if you can find it), and an absolutely amazing blue suede (this would blend so well with my clothing wardrobe).

(Grey is $292 at Shopbop, Blue is $280 at Piperlime)

Yummy. I could use a blue summer shoe. Maybe I’ll get lucky and this will go on sale in my size, making it an ever better deal…a girl can dream. Decisions, decisions…too bad I can’t get one in each color.

Spring 2009′s Perilous Platforms

Given recent runway tendencies toward ever-tottering shoe heights (the Spring 2009 Runway was notorious for having shoes styles that were positively dangerous to models’ walking health), it should come as no surprise that platform shoes are making a serious play for your Spring.Summer 2009 shoe-dollar.

This ‘higher the better’ silhouette on women’s heels is anything but subtle this season.  And, if you want to fly with the angels, several of this season designer offerings are about as close as you will get while still technically keeping your feet on the ground.

Let’s begin with the now-infamous ankle-breakers from Prada – and possibly the most dangerous shoes on the Spring 2009 Runways. I highly recommend avoiding the slipper-socks that turned these into dangerous devices of runway torture.

Prada platforms on the left are on sale at Saks for $482. The Prada Whipsnake slingbanks go for $695.

Next we have Prada’s near-cousin, Miu Miu; with an added nod to one of this season’s textural details – Bamboo.

Now we come to Yves St. Laurent. Well, given the incredible popularity of the YSL Tribute platforms, the Tribtoo’s are pretty much a gimme in the platform category. Plus, they have such a clean and elegant line, how can you go wrong? But, if you want something more trendy, YSL’s  got you covered there as well with gladiators, strappy sandals and caged styles.

And, of course, I would never forget Msr. Louboutin. I would certainly be remiss if I didn’t include a selection from shoe-dom’s current golden boy and purveyor footwear both feminine and fetish-inspired: Not single. Not double. Yes, it’s true, these are triple-platform pumps.

Can I get a Hoo-Rah!

But, lately, I can’t seem to stop ogling offerings from Guiseppe Zanotti. These are definitely not in my immediate future shoe-budget, and I’m not sold on the yellow buckle detail – Oh, and there’s that whole silly little issue of walking on a 1.5-inch heel *eek* to consider.  But, oh, that middle shoe is so pretty! (My weakness for oxfords is definitely showing here.  Unfortunately, my ankles are wobbling just looking at these)

This is just a small sampling of the many everyday-extreme platforms available this year.  Every time I turn around, there are more offerings – from high-end indulgences to more affordable (think Betsey Johnson & Jessica Simpson) splurges.

I believe that the shortest platforms shown here are 3/4 inches. Many of theses are actually closer to a 1.25 inch or greater lift under the toe; making these styles suitable for experienced heel wearers only.

These bring to mind a statement I encountered last fall, but whose original source I cannot recall (Paraphrased from memory):

“If models, trained to walk in such (exaggerated) heels, are unable to do so, what hope is there for us mere mortals?”