Rosy
Artist
IP Insider
Art is my passion, but so are shoes! Be prepared to make a bold statement with Fall’s edgy shoe trends. Designers have gone to the extreme this season!
MODERN PLATFORMS If you want to stand out from the rest of the crowd, try some extreme platforms which will literally put you a head above the rest. Steve Madden, Burberry, Nordsrtom, Neiman Marcus and Dillard’s have excellent examples of this style. The gladiator trend of the summer carries over with multiple straps and ankle interest. I must admit that there is something exciting about teetering on the edge of disaster, and anyone who can pull off this look without injury deserves some respect. For those of us who would much rather experience Fall as a season, not a verb, there are plenty of other fun shoe trends to indulge in. Bright colors and metallics are hot in both dress and casuals. A unique take on this is the Lego shoe by Balenciaga, which was copied for the masses by Bakers and Steve Madden. The primary colors are evocative of Lichtenstein’s pop art, while all the buckles and bolts add a constructed quality.
FLATS AND SNEAKERS For less formal occasions there are chic jewel-toned flats available at almost every boutique in the mall. Colorful shoes add a retro 80’s vibe to a modern wardrobe. Comfortable and stylishly colored sneakers for Fall can be found in Puma, Foot Locker, and Champs, while Journeys and Tilly’s carry the very latest Converse and Vans. Just remember to keep it simple- avoid wearing vivid shoes with equally colorful outfits, or risk looking clowney.
PUNK, RIDING BOOTS AND BOOTIES Punk has finally gone mainstream this season. Look for metallic accents like zippers and studs on black leather from Bakers, Steve Madden and Aldo. Fall’s knee high riding boots look tough enough to be worn on a motorcycle but still feminine enough to compliment a skirt. Booties with tights from XXI Forever, Wet Seal and Journeys have also made a comeback.
HOT OFF THE RUNWAY Dillard’s has a dazzling array of colorful heels to choose from, my favorites in their Gianni Bini collection. Gucci, Cole Haan, Kenneth Cole, Burberry and Louis Vuitton offer a wide variety of shoe designs from metallic accents to berry-colored suede. Nordstrom offers a diverse selection of all the latest trends, while Neiman Marcus has unique designer labels like Manolo Blahnik that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the area. Neiman Marcus also carries some of the funkiest fads, such as sculpted heels and fringe. Prada does offers some shoe designs at the upscale department store. Also on display is Guiseppe Zanotti’s “Jeweled Fish Sandal”, an exquisite oddity which could pass for an exhibit at the Dali Museum.
MOCCASINS At the other end of the spectrum, an obsession with flowy fringe has produced Moccasins in all shapes and sizes. How does one go native? Pair these groovy shoes with jeans, exotic prints, or a peasant dress for that psychedelic folksy feel.
UPDATED VINTAGE Running throughout fall’s trends is the theme of updated vintage. Often I am reminded of the retro future that was explored in all the science fiction stories I read and movies I watched when I was a kid. The Oxford embodies that combination of past and present, and is my favorite trend. Originally inspired by menswear, they can be dressed up or down, worn with pants or a skirt. Whether I’m going out to a gallery opening or a night of swing dancing I’m sure to make an impact with GB’s “Jiter-bug”(Available at Dillard’s), a flattering spectator heel that laces up with ribbons. Comfort, versatility, and drama never go out of style.