Extreme Heels

From extreme heights to extreme designs, designers are making heels that are anything but conventional. I'll be showing you a few of my favorite, and least favorite takes on heels.

This pair of Proenza Schouler's Bracket shoes exemplify an extreme use of material,

combing a sleek and sexy white matte leather with a more industrial frame ornamented with, well, brackets. The idea of dividing hardware from the leather upper as opposed to the more common style of meshing the two adds an interesting layer to this design concept. This cousin of the wedge heel de-feminizes the look to a certain extent, adding a sense of power and strength, while also increasing the femininity of the upper part of the shoe because of the strong contrast.

Alexander McQueen can always fall under the category of extreme. His Fall 2009 collection did not disappoint.

This is definitely one of the oddest versions of a platform heel I have ever seen. When I showed my sister this photo, she responded, "Those aren't shoes Rachel, those are like, tables." Pretty much sums up the feels of a normal person, I would say. But, I keep wondering what I would say if I were people watching one day and saw someone walking down the road in these. Who I am to say that McQueen isn't the next Roger Vivier? I am sure there were skeptics when Vivier popularized the stiletto. They probably wondered how one would walk in a stiletto and worried about practicality. They probably said it wouldn't last.

Okay, so right now I am a skeptic, but don't quote me on that if you see these on me in a few years.

Bejeweled

This past winter while in Vienna, my family and I visited the Schatzkammer, the country’s Treasury, where we wandered amongst some of the most beautiful pieces of art left over

 the days of Emperors, Kings and Popes. Among the papal wardrobes embroidered with gold thread, the crowns encrusted with fine stones, and the ornate service ware with its own hand-made carry cases was the the 2860 carat Columbian emerald. This softball-sized wonder is the largest cut emerald in the world and is simply breathtaking. This jewel exemplifies how for as long as history can remember, bigger has been better. Even today, we watch celebrities on the silver screen fawning over Flower Rings the size of a small country and in real life sporting wedding bands with diamonds no smaller that 3.5 carats. The size of the stone or stones matters and as sandal season has quickly consumed the footwear world, everyone seems to be scrambling to purchase the pair with the most bling. 

Cheap and garish: two things you don’t want your shoes to say about you. Unfortunately, this pair of Pierre Dumas sandals is the definition of cheap and garish. Rhinestones, although not my favorite, can be done well. This is not an example of rhinestones done well. The lack of a true color palate or even some sort of reasoning to the color selection is just the beginning. Notice the horrid gold plastic-looking four prongs holding each oversized jewel in place. The simple sandal design of the shoe is totally ruined by the excessive use of jeweling. I repeat, cheap and garish. 

In complete contrast, this simple pair of egg shell blue kitten heel sandals by Manolo Blahnik, who is, in my mind, the epitome of shoe design. This pair shows a well thought out use of embellishment in the use turquoise stones on a simple design, which is much like that of the Pierre Dumas shoes. The size of the stones corresponds well to strap size and the placement of the stones is intriguing, making the embellishment interesting and something to look at.  The choice of natural turquoise over the crated clarity of rhinestones, is a statement in itself. Sometimes the most beauty is found in the most imperfect of places. 

Embellishment makes a shoe, it determines the beauty or the lack thereof. The new Louis Vuitton collection, with its African inspiration, is a tasteless use of embellishment. Although I may be the only one to think this, they are ugly. The basic design of this collection is fabulous, but the overzealous use of beads, sequins and feathers detracts from the shoe rather than enhancing it. I appreciate the almost ironic humor of the face in the left “Spicy Sandal,” as they are entitled, but I would never want to wear it. It is a real shame because the intricate use of contrast, in fabrics and shapes (look at the platform), is truly incredible.

 Of course, I am sure some woman will be willing to shell out all $2790.00, just to be able to walk down the street, watching her fellow female stare in awe, or is it disgust, at these signature designer shoes.

No Regrets Shoe Shopping

Black lace overlayed upon a deep maroon satin, presenting an aura of bronzed burgendy. This pair of 4 inch stillettos, with a boxed toe and 1/2 inch hidden platform, as one would expect this season, is the latest addition to my closet. Designed by Steve Madden Luxe, I would've expect to pay between 90-120 dollars on this absolutely worth it pair of shoes. Fortunately for me, I know the ABCs of shopping, and got them for 16 dollars! Although there is no exact formula to shoe buying, I find that the ABCs get me through the basics of buying on a budget.

Assortment: Get some! Don't always buy the same shoe. I have many pairs of black leather high heels in various styles that I have collected over the years, but there is one pair that is my consistent go-to pair. Until that pair is no longer recognizable as its former self, I won't buy another pair. There is no need to spend my time and energy searching for a pair of shoes I already own, when I could be finding a pair I don't. 

Many people get into a rut when it comes to shoes. Remember that stylistically similar shoes are only distinguishable by you. Your friends, family and the throngs of onlookers who stop and watch as you pass will not notice the difference in your shoes if they look like every other pair you own. While shopping take the time to be picky and search for a stand out shoe you don't already own, so you don't waste your money.

Budget: Know yours! Not every pair is right for you, as much as I like to think they are. Take the time to find what best fits your budget. 

If that perfect pair by Vivienne Westwood costs hundreds more than you have, its not perfect. The more dangerous pairs are those that are just out of your range, within twenty to fifty dollars of your budget: so close and yet so far. When you start saying, "Well, do I really need bread this week?" Back away!

There are day I walk into a store knowing I could go for that pair, so I set my limit. I am not spending more than x amount today, and if I don't find a pair less than that, I am going home without shoes. It is tough, trust me I understand, but in this economy, a bad credit score isn't worth it. 

Clearance: The holy grail of budgeted shoe lovers. Shopping the clearance section is an acquired skill, but with time, can be perfected. My personal plan of attack is based on how the clearance section is divided. If it is broken up by percent discount, I start the lowest, you don't want to fall in love with a pair that is 10 percent off to later find a pair 50 percent off. Otherwise, I begin my hunt in the section marked with your shoe size. I always do a preliminary scan for shoes I am on the lookout for, for example I am currently searching for a pair of leather boots. Once I realize that they have no boots, or have tried on what they have, I move on to the rest of the section. If you find yourself with a pair of shoes that doesn't quite fit, check the nearby sections or ask a sales associate for help. 

Good days are one like mine, when you can walk into a store and come out with a pair of 80% off shoes. But don't always expect results and don't ever force them, some shoes just aren't meant to be. As much as I love clearance, it is most definitely hit or miss.