How To Sound Like A Fashionista Even If You Aren’t (or, Shoe Types Decoded)

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

How To Sound Like A Fashionista Even If You Aren’t (or, Shoe Types Decoded)

Read on for an elaboration of some of the most dizzying shoe types shown above (and some they neglected to give honorable mention).

Flatforms: Shoes with a uniform-height platform wedge that run across the entire heel, popularized this season by designers such as Marni, Opening Ceremony, and Stella McCartney.

The Elyse, Britt and Binx Flatform shoes by Stella McCartney are currently part of the Fashion Week uniform

The Elyse, Britt and Binx Flatform shoes by Stella McCartney are the unofficial shoes of Fashion Week street style

Frye Boot: (See: The Buckle).

Lobster Claw: (See also: Armadillo Heels). Famously popularized at Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2010 runway show, these heels are 10 inches high, and only 21 pairs have ever been produced. They are rather impossible to get your hands on, and range from $3,900 to $10,000 depending on skin, style, and embroidery.

“The world needs fantasy, not reality. We have enough reality today,” Alexander McQueen told the New York Times regarding his “Lobster Claw” heels (above)

Mary Janes: The name is taken from the character Mary Jane in the Buster Brown comic strip. Characterized by a strap across the top of top the shoe running from ankle to ankle, fastened with a buckle.

The Original Purveyor of the “Mary Jane” shoe style, Buster Brown

Mules: Heels with open backs to expose the ankle. Whereas these heels were once reserved solely for “exotic dancers” (see Stripper Heels), they are currently trending in the fashion world.

The Mule Heel: Not Just For Strippers Anymore!

UGG boots: (See also: Teenybopper, Guilty Pleasures, Things That Are So Bad They’re Almost Good, Velour Tracksuits, and Things Hipsters Will Find ‘Cool in an Ironic Sort of Way’ In 2 Years).

What are your favorite shoe types? Did we miss any? Share in the comments section below! Also, be sure to check out the weekly Shoe Porn Thursday for a curated selection of the best, worst, and all-over craziest shoes around town.

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Fendi

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

When will Fendi’s furry little buggies get old? One thing is certain: They are as adorable as ever, and a fashionista’s quintessential item. Currently, I’m obsessed with these sneakers adorned with a hot pink buggie, aptly named “Karlito“. Check ’em out below. Wear ’em with a colorful, knitted midi skirt and bright cropped tank.

Fendi ‘Karlito’ Genuine Fox Fur Trim High Top Sneaker, $1,550

What do you think of these sneakers?

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Dolce & Gabbana

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

I have to hand it to Dolce & Gabbana for their unbelievable detailed shoes, always on trend with the theme for their season’s collection. Who could forget their wood & leather sandals or their African-inspired wedges? And, of course, there’s no beating Italian shoes.

Check out these Sicilian folklore pumps. Their elegant and classic design brings out the amazing piece of art covering the shoe. Wear these shoes with a white or cream pantsuit for work, or with a feminine A-line dress for play.

Dolce & Gabbana Sicilian Folklore Print Pumps, $1,095

Funny side note on Dolce & Gabbana: When my wonderful parents came to visit me in New York, we walked down Madison Avenue. As we were walking past the Dolce & Gabbana store, my dad said, “I know Dolce means ‘candy’ or ‘sweet’ in Spanish, so what does ‘Gabbana’ mean?” So adorable.