I don’t know about you, but for me, a shoe is often made by its details. Well, unless you’re talking about custom-made $1500+ John Lobb shoes, where materials and craftsmanship stand above anything frilly like that; but when we’re talking a middle-of-the road, good but not extraordinary, moderately-to-low price shoe, you know not to expect the finest leathers, or 40 hrs of labor going into each pair. No, you expect cheap, affordable shoes made for next to nothing in some factory in China, but which are fun, spunky, and will satisfy you trendy tooth for a season or so.

That is why I’m delighted with this “vertical” rather than “horizontal” buckle in this Nine West flat (which, btw, is 20% off at Piperlime, going for $62.50, so grab it while you can):

See what I mean? Most buckled shoes feature the buckle perpendicular over the vamp (as if it actually buckles something, mhmph). This one runs in line with your toes, as a rather ironic commentary to the futility of erstwhile utilitarian details. This rather small, but delightfully inventive decoration makes an otherwise so-and-so jacquard in a neutral color scheme stand out in a crowd. I approve!