The Sh**

Big shoes for tiny dollars (relatively).

Left to right from top:

1. Gold platform, Bronx (I'm awaiting details from the U.S. distributor because these don't seem to be available online yet - will update).
2. Black and Grey and Red, BCBG, on sale from $240 down to $139.99
3. Mauve lace up, Top Shop, $110
4. Contributor by Rachel Comey, Urban Outfitters, $78
5. Fashion-Toastish black lace up bootie, Steve Madden, $149.95
6. Beige with lace up detail by We Who See, Urban Outfitters, was $88 now $79
7. Patent red wedge by Christian Louboutin, was $495 now $346.99 - size 5 and 7!

I bought something

I got these shoes a few days ago. I was looking at Roberto Del Carlo shoes and the salesgirl was really giving me the hard sell on them ... but I kept turning over every shoe to look at the price and handing them right back to her. They were like $300-something! And then I said, wait what about these? I looked at the price and they were very reasonable. I told the girl that they were obviously the Poor Man's Roberto Del Carlo and she reluctantly agreed. Then I got them! My one pair of shoes for the summer.

My sister asked me how I can walk in them. It's easy; they aren't that high. I do walk down stairs kinda funny though. Importantly, my feet don't get dirty walking around NYC as I am raised above the Earth as if on my own personal litter (that's a thing one lies on when one has slaves to carry ... one)--

I checked out the website of the brand (Antelope) and these aren't on there, furthermore the shoes that are on there are quite hideous. Strange!

Shoes: Gladihaters

The gladiator sandal reappeared as a trend in contemporary times in the years MMIV- MMV.

Yes, it was over four years ago that Tara Subkoff did them for Easy Spirit, and the powers that be (WWD Accessories being one offender) are still trying to tell us that they are NEW for Spring. Listen, when the main sections of ALDO's website are "Pumps," "Shoes," "Sandals," "Boots," "Gladiator Glory," you know this style is not so edgy and NEW.

Anyway, I am not in Rome and I am not doing as the Romans/every girl on the L train. I couldn't even buy a shirt at Top Shop because I kept thinking of all the other people that would own it. So here are results of my search for something flat, sandalish, and mildly original (left to right from top):

1. Tapeet Vicini thong sandal $394.95

2. BCBG stretch sandal $198.00

3. Alexandra Cassaniti Summer Bummer slides $165

4. Roberto Del Carlo pink wedges $398

5. Pedro Garcia slides $360

6. Steve Madden bronze snake slide $49.95

P.S. I think the Birkenstock silhouette is the next Gladiator. Image credit: Iliyan Petkov.

Shoes: These Boots Were Made For Making

Photo credit (left to right from top): Isabel Marant, TFS via Knightcat, Queen Michelle @ Kingdom of Style, Rumi @ Fashiontoast

Part 1- When the March issue of US Vogue came out, I died over this Isabel Marant ad (top left). Everything perfect- shirt, shorts, boots. Never heard of her, but must have boots. Googled. Nothing. Boots? Not happening - don't think she evens sells shoes.

Part 2- Knightcat elucidates with image of model seemingly styling the boots by hand backstage at Isabel Marant (top right).

Part 3- The source of inspiration may differ (and studs instead of chains) but the bottom line is: handicraft may put Steve Madden and Aldo out of business. See Michelle. See Rumi. (Bottom right and left, respectively).

See what you can do with a pair of boots and a pile of biker paraphernalia?

Also of note: Isabel Marant intrigued others (see July Stars). Hopefully about to blow up ... where are the U.S. stockists?

The Basics: Clean Kicks

Spring presents footwear problems. In fall and winter you live in boots, then the somewhat warmer weather tempts you to ditch the tights and go boots/bare legs. I urge you to visit some midtown Manhattan bars on a Friday night; you will see ladies that make you rethink this look. And your sandals/flip flops are in hibernation where they belong until it's at least 70 out.

Like a Cadbury Creme Egg, canvas sneakers were born for Spring! They become deliciously relevant right around April, especially in shades of white.

Like a hip hop star, buy more than one pair because once they get dingy you have to throw them out. (I only buy Feiyue, and I buy several at once ... they are so cheap!)

1. John Varvatos for Converse. $95. The lack of laces is appealing.

2. F-Troupe. UK 20 quid. Dance-tastic in plastic.

3. Feiyue. Low tops $64. Available on their site (they ship to the US) and at Lion's Den (also check Urban Outfitters). BEWARE! The martial arts stores on the internet, including Amazon, sell counterfeits!

4. Tretorn. $55. Nicely understated.

5. PAM. $128.50. Gourmet from Australia.