Shoes

The return of the mid-size heel

 in Shoes / Trends  tagged runway trends / spring 2013 / summer 2013 by

For the past several seasons, high heels have been sky high; and we mean SKY HIGH! The 5” inch heel, which under normal fashion circumstances is considered crazy, has been deemed on the conservative side over the past few seasons. As insane as this sounds, many Fashionistas have been clicking their heels in 6” heels and higher! Ouch!

For the spring 2013 season, flat soled shoes, also referred to as “single sole” shoes, have come back into fashion like wildfire. This means, a return to a heel height which is more comfortable for most women. Although 4” and 5” inch heels are still tinkering around on flat soled shoes, the 1” heel and 2” heel have returned.

Kitten heels (which are traditionally about 1”) the 2” heel are back with a vengeance. Shoe designers such as Valentino and Manolo Blahnik have gone back to the short, mid-size heel height for the spring 2013 season and women’s feet everywhere are cheering. While high heels add height and flatter one’s leg, are ankle-breaking heels really necessary? Nope.

The mid-size heel is back; and on an upward tick. This is the heel height to watch for in the fall 2013 collections as well as into 2014 and 2015. Heels are slowly coming back to earth, and ankles everywhere are breathing a sign of relief. Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 

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The pointed toe for spring 2013

 in Shoes / Trends  tagged classic style / flats / high heels / spring 2013 / summer 2013 by

Pointed toe shoes are classic and the toe style tends to swing in and out of style every few years. For spring 2013, pointed toe shoes are hotter than hot; so hot, they burn! The pointed toe is everywhere this upcoming spring season; making the round toe and almond toe feeling oh-so-last-year! Even the open toe is feeling a little left out.

Pointed toes are on every shoe style imaginable including high heels, low heels, kitten heels (yes-they are coming back), wedges and flats. The most important pointed toe of the season is proving to be the classic 4” pump as Fashionistas and shoe fans everywhere are flocking to this classic style from designers such as Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Valentino, Prada and more.

The pointed toe is being shown in every fabrication imaginable including suede, leather, faux leather, mirrored metallics, lace, PVC, fabrics and pony hair. The ladylike and demure style is also being decorated with edgy embellishments including studs and spikes.

Many shoe fans will find pointed toe shoes stored in the back of the closet from seasons’ past; but it is always fun to add to one’s collection! This spring 2013 season, look for pastel hues or bright colors on a 4” heeled pump. If you are feeling frisky, look for additional touches such as studs or spikes. Love this!

Of course there is one warning with the pointed toe. This shoe style tends to have less room in the toe box than other toe styles. Many Fashionistas find themselves wearing a half size up in pointed toe shoes. Therefore, don’t worry about the size on the box; it is more important to find the right fit. After all, nothing is more unfashionable than not being able to walk L Happy shopping, walking and of course, stay fabulous 

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The rise of the flat sole

 in Shoes / Trends  tagged high heels / spring 2013 by

Over the course of 2011 and 2012, we have discussed the possible demise of the platform sole. As fashion moves into 2013, designers and Fashionista’s on the street have rediscovered the flat sole shoe and have started to push their platforms towards the back of the closet. This is not to say that the platform is not relevant; it still has its’ place in fashion. The platform is just slowly fading and starting to hang out in the shadow of the new “IT” shoe in town; the flat sole.

Shoes have been reaching for new heights over the past several years and designers have been having fun being creative with platform soles. As garments begin to be more lighthearted, and consumers begin to tire of the sky-high platform, the sole of the shoe has become more understated; as not to compete with the rise of “anything-but-understated” apparel.

Prints, neon hues and bright colors are hot right now, and will continue to reign supreme as we move in 2013. This being said, the last thing a properly dressed Fashionista wants to do is have her shoes compete with her dress. This brings us to the flat soled shoe. A pretty, pointed toe pump in a solid, bright color looks perfect and fresh for the spring 2013 season when paired with a beautiful, floral, A-line dress. Somehow the thought of a multi-colored platform shoe paired with a sweet floral frock does not seem proper; wouldn’t you agree?

This does not mean all platforms must be banished from our closets, it just means as we move into 2013, look for a balance of soles in your wardrobe and invest in flatter soles rather than sky-high heels. Carrie Bradshaw and her collection of Manolo Blahnik shoes will be proud J