Here’s another entry in the “Fashion Trends Come and Go Forever” category.

Because you’d think that with the trends for oxford shoes and cut-out architectural heels that are everywhere these days, this shoe would be a modern creation, wouldn’t you?

But you’d be wrong.  It’s from the 1940s.  I have to say that, while the heel’s a bit high for me, I’m totally gaga for the clever cut-out that shows part of the insole.  Sexy peek-a-boo shoes.  And vintage, too.  Mwah!

(image courtesy of Vintage Fashion Guild)

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For some women, flashing those famous red soled shoes by Christian Louboutin is part of the reason for buying the shoes. There are even cobblers who specialize in protecting those red soles.

The Martha Stewart thinks quite differently. In the latest post on M. Stewart’s blog, she writes:

Karena, my wardrobe mistress, painting the soles of my Louboutins black - I am not a fan of the signature red soles and always change the red to black - this is easy if you use a broad sharpie.

I have divided feelings on this practice. On one hand, I admire and commend Martha for wearing shoes because she likes the style or quality, not simply because they are THE shoe brand to wear. On the other hand, I view many of Louboutin’s shoes as works of art. And one does not go around intentionally messing up someone’s art work before even wearing them, right? Besides, wouldn’t Karena’s time be better spent say, mentoring children or volunteering somewhere? Weigh in. What do you think?

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This issue of Ask the Shoebloggers comes from a friend of mine with a dilemma that’s got to do with a very of the moment trend.

What kind of (hopefully comfy) shoes look best with the now-trendy
wide-trouser-leg pants? I have a pair of nice wide jeans/slacks, and
I’m always worried I look a little Saturday Night Fever-ish if I wear
close-toed shoes or platforms–but I can’t wear flats because they’re
too long.

First off, I have to say that I support the trouser jean trend. Sure, you have to be careful about the high-waisted aspect, but it’s so much more flattering on so many more people than the horrible skinny jeans that are still unfortunately making the rounds on many more legs than they should be.

I, too, have bought a pair of trouser jeans, which I love, and I specifically had them tailored with a little extra length, so when I wear them, it’s got to be with heels or platforms of some sort.

Here are a few solutions I go for, illustrated with shoes that are close to (if not exactly) ones that are sitting in my closet.

First off, there’s the dainty look with a low wedge (which, for me, means 2″ or less). Or really any wedge, since if you want to go for more height, a wedge is a fairly comfy way to do it.

To avoid Saturday Night Fever, stick to something that doesn’t have a platform. Here are two pairs that have just been/are about to be added to my collection that I’m already planning on pairing with the trouser jeans.

Ecco Durango ($140), which is a good option to transition from one season to another.

or

Taryn Rose Kaelyn ($445), which is a more warm-weather choice, particularly if you opt for the leafy green color.

I’ve been pairing my trouser jeans with boots for the past few months while the weather’s still been cold. Everything from a 2″/2.5″ heel, sleek sort of boot like the Kenneth Cole Kiss Hello ($110)

to the classic cowboy boot (a good sturdy, comfy way to get a couple inches of height). Mine are Lucchese, similar to the N4540 pictured here, and on sale right now for $263 at Shoes.com.

Also fun would be sticking a pair of Camper Twins under your trouser jeans. Since just the toes will peek out from under the wide legs, I’m all in favor of those toes being interesting and different. I’m all about these Peacock heels ($165), which also come in another color combo that you can get directly from the Camper website.

Pretty much, I’d say almost anything goes. Just stay away from platforms, yes, because the 70s are over. Closed-toe shoes should be fine, as long as there’s something interesting going on with the toe (see above examples: stitching, buttons, open-toe, multi-color appliques). That should keep your inner disco diva confined to her proper place where she can keep you going all night on the dance floor instead of looking like you’re missing your John Travolta.

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There are some shoes that are the boiled-down essence of their particular look.   That have become synonymous over the years with a whole variety of lifestyles.

You have your anti-establishment Doc Marten 1460’s (introduced in 1960).

Your once-athletic and now indie/alternative Converse All Stars (introduced in 1917).

There’s your ultimate in uptown ladylike chic, Repetto BB flats (introduced in 1956 and named for their intended client: Brigitte Bardot).

And your life-of-leisure Gommino driving moc by Tods (introduced in the 1970s).

See… a shoe can evoke an entire lifestyle.

For more of the top 50 iconic shoes (as chosen by Footwear News), check out the slideshow at their site.

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Warning: This post contains photos from the upcoming Sex in the City Movie.

Or should I say Patricia Field, the costume designer for SATC, really loves Dior’s Extreme shoes since she’s the one that dressed the character Carrie Bradshaw?

ET Online reported that Sarah Jessica Parker went through 81 wardrobe changes for the SATC movie. If you count the 4 shots below, Sarah Jessica Parker wore the Dior shoes a whopping 5% of the time so I would say this falls in the ‘I really love my shoes’ category for this blog. According to Marene Gustin from ShoeTube everyone is also in love with the peeptoe Dior Extreme gladiator platforms. When she called the local Dior boutique, she got a response of

“Yeah, you’re like the 1,900th person to call about those. They don’t make them anymore and not even the outlets have them.”

Ouch. Luckily, for you fashionistas out there, we’ve spotted the line for you. The Dior Extremes are now available in select sizes at Eluxury for $770. I’m seriously thinking of getting a pair if only to collect them and help me reminiscent about SATC. For those on a more shoestring budget, the knock off pair can be found at ASOS for £55.00. I suspect both Eluxury and ASOS will be out of stock soon.

Relive the SATC moments. Enter ShoeBlog’s giveaway for a Sex in the City goodie bag.

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