ML's Critique of Shoes

I Love Casual Sneakers

2011-12-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

As those who follow my blog know, I really love wedges, Tory Burch flip flops, espadrilles and Jimmy Choo. Another style that is a favorite is the casual sneaker. But I'm kind of picky - nothing too trendy - so I usually go with the Puma California, Adidas Stan Smith, or my very favorite, the Adidas Rod Laver! I haven't been able to find a Rod Laver in years - never see them at Nordies or Macy's (yes, I know I can look online...just meant I never see them in stores). Recently, an independent sneaker store called The Sneakery opened up in West Seattle, so I had high hopes they would have the styles I love. And sure enough, while out yesterday doing some shopping, I decided to pop into The Sneakery and found my Rod Laver's in green and one pair left in my size. SCORE! So happy! This is a men's shoe, so ladies, you need to know the conversion. For me, I'm a size 7, so that is a 5 1/2 men's size. Being that is a small size for men, this is probably why they're hard to find.

RANT!! This is WAY overdue

2011-11-16T02:05:00.000-08:00

I've been too nice lately.... pretty much keeping my posts to shoes and boots that I love and am currently wearing. But along comes a certain special pair of shoes (?), or dare we even call them shoes, that deserve some commentary. And these offenders are the ugly duck foot-scuba shoe-kitten heel combo.

Really. Could there be anything more unattractive and un-user friendly? I honestly thought the Birkenstock took then cake. Then came the wearing-a-smartwool-sock-with-a-Teva-combo, then the Croc that wouldn't go away, and finally the shoe that is a looks like your damn foot. See my previous POST on that topic. I hate that damn shoe....

Anyhoo, this scuba flipper really tops the all time ugly list. Who green lit this design? And why? Was there a need in the demographic of women who scuba and then need a heel? Maybe in the St. Tropez or Monaco area....I'm just speculating here...go with it. You're snorkling or scuba diving around like 4pm..... oh, but hey, it's now 5pm, you gotta get to the shore, or your yacht, or that rocky outcropping and slip into a cocktail dress and hit the casino/nightclub/trendy outdoor cafe for a nice warm night? Is that the scene where this creation fits?

I guess so.... as I can not come up with ANY OTHER OPTION for this shoe-hybrid.

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale did me a solid!

2011-11-16T01:27:00.000-08:00

Thank god I got the Nordstrom debit card, b/c I am racking up the reward points. Found this
Nine West wedge at a great price. It's so comfy and perfect for fall/winter and can do double duty as a work and casual shoe. And those who know me, know I love a wedge.

Loving Ivanka Trump's line!!

2011-11-16T01:22:00.000-08:00

I wore her "Dermani" evening shoe in black for my brother's wedding and was sold on this line. Love!! This fall, I was looking for a round toe black pump that could be good for work and good for evening too.
So, I saunter into Nordies and the nice sales guy helps me find this little gem, the "Pinkish" in like a 5 inch heel!! Woa! More nighttime than daytime, but with a hidden platform, it works. And even better, about 3 days after I bought them, they go on sale for the Half-Yearly Women's sale, so back I go for a price adjustment. Score!

Fall is here in the NW! Time for boots! UPDATE!

2011-10-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

With the return of fall/winter, comes 6 months of drizzle, storms, grey days, dark nights and chilly/crisp air. This is the time of year I live in boots, sweaters, cozy scarves and puffy vests. This year I got a new pair of equestrian boots that I'm LOVING!! Great fit and at $149, a great price - find them at Nordstrom, both in black and brown (I have the black, but now want the brown as well). Currently unavailable online via http://www.nordstrom.com/. UPDATE!! Finally got the dark brown version of this boot about 2 weeks ago. Love, Love, Love!!!

My love of espadrilles continues....

2011-07-10T22:25:00.000-07:00

......As does my love of hot pink this spring/summer. It goes SO well with navy blue, or white, or a neutral. I wandered into Nine West about two months ago looking for something else and came across these amazing really high espadrilles at 40% off. Well, a discount, now you are speaking my language. Of course they had only one pair of size 7 left, and I loved them so much, but then found a tiny stain on one strap. I got another 10% for a total of 50%. At that price, they were a must have.

Shoes at Zara for Spring!!

2011-05-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

I shopped at Zara in San Francisco this past weekend. I love this store, and try to always go to it when in Van BC (we don't have one here in Seattle). For some reason, I haven't bought anything at the Van BC location, but this time around, I loved SO many things at the San Fran location. Got these fun, bright wedges!! Only $49 - can't beat it!! YAY SPRING

Spring in Seattle!!! FINALLY!

2011-04-24T22:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it only took until April 23rd for us to have the first day of upper 60's since September! On Saturday, I managed to sit on my deck in the sun from 3:30pm-7:00pm, and even had to switch to a tank top. GASP!
I was also finally able to break out the latest in my Tory Burch flip flop collection! So excited to bring them on my trip to CA later this week and finally put them to use in the sun. LOL!!

Thinking of Sping Shoes....

2011-02-25T23:29:00.000-08:00

As it's about 20 degrees tonight in Seattle, I am thinking of Spring..... and Spring shoes!! I am ready for spring/summer for sure. I likely see a new pair of my favorite flip flops, the Tory Burch. But also am looking at new wedges, esp the espardille, another fav of mine.
These Chinese Laundry ones, at Nordies, are a great inexpensive neutral:

There is also a Calvin Klein wood/rope heel that was featured in the newest Marie Claire mag that I must have. I can't find it anywhere, so I am guessing it just isn't out yet. Hmmmm..... Will have to blog about it later.

I got these for my bro's wedding in June from the new Ivanka Trump line at Nordies. They are AWESOME! I couldn't be more pleased!!

RAVE!!!! Tory Burch espradille?!! I think I just went to Heaven....

2011-01-16T01:09:00.000-08:00

I totally stumbled onto this tonight on nordstrom.com looking for something else Tory Burch. I MUST have this shoe and I will, in about a week!! The colors, blue, white and orange?! To die for! Go with sooo much that I own! Only $95!
As most of you know, I love me an espradille, and better yet if it is Tory Burch. The trifecta here would be if it were a wedge!! But hey, it's not and that is ok....

RAVE!!! My New rainboots from Target!!

2011-01-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

Amazing that I've lived in the Northwest my entire life, and have never owned rain boots....until now!
Over the holiday's, it became apparent that with a dog back in our lives, rain boots are a must for any park, off-leash dog park and walks around my neighborhood. Rob got me these super cute ones at Target. $25! Not too shabby. Lots more colors and styles online. They fit great, look cute and my feet stay dry! A win-win-win!!

Super High Platform = Confused

2010-11-01T22:01:00.000-07:00

So, this past weekend, with Rob out of town in Las Vegas at a work seminar, I had 3 solo days starting at 10am Saturday, when I dumped him off at Sea-Tac. Whew! Saturday, I enjoyed a down day at home - cleaning, tidying up, throwing crap out, and then rented Sex and the City 2. Perfect day! (Not sure on SATC2, but really loved the fashions and shoes of course. OHH, and Carrie and Big's apartment was awesome!).

Sunday, after a run to Target, I decide to hit the mall and start some fall shopping. The only thing I bought was a new down puffy vest at Eddie Bauer that I LOOOOOVEEE... I could sleep in it! But I did look at everything - shoes/handbags at Nordies, the INC section at Macy's, a once-over at the GAP, Etc.. Etc... But on my way out, I happen to walk by that inexpensive shoe store, Bakers, and stopped to look at the window display. Confused.
Am I getting old? I mean, I am going to be 36 soon, which is certainly not old at all. But this UBER-high platform pump shoe I do not get at all. Who walks in this without breaking an ankle? (Did I just say that?)
Am I being a snob b/c it's not Louboutin? I just don't get this style.... hmmm...

Amazing boots!!

2010-10-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you Rachel for this tip. Wow, these are great boots!!! Nothing bad to say here... No sarcastic comments at all.
Who doesn't love some Pucci!! Hmm...now, how to afford them... :-) For those of you who are dying to own these, CLICK HERE.

Pink Nightmare

2010-10-24T21:57:00.000-07:00

This comes via Renata, who posted THIS CRAZINESS on Facebook today. I really could not resist blogging about it. Because, for starters, what is this? A flip flop? A leg warmer? Who would wear this? And the color.... omg... so bad.. No wonder it is on sale. But $23 is still WAY too much. I would only buy this for $1.... at a Goodwill.... for some kind of, maybe, 80's themed costume?

Fall Boots....so many....and other items....

2010-10-11T23:07:00.000-07:00

My dentist is in downtown Seattle, in the Medical Dental Bldg, which is convienently located directly behind the flagship Nordstrom. Today I had a broken filling fixed, so to treat myself, which I was doped up on novicane, I wandered into Nordies to browse....   God, it's hard to only browse here. :-)
Sooo many awesome shoes for fall, esp the boots I saw.   Also, checked out handbags of course. I am loving the JPK Paris line, so scoped out a new one - a Messenger style.
Finally, settled on a more budget-friendly purchase of a new NARS lip gloss. For those who aren't in the know, NARS is my favorite makeup line.    Here are the things I am loving:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3098009?origin=category&resultback=0

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3129359?origin=category&resultback=0

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3124837?origin=category&resultback=1995

Another Michael Kors watch I'm considering....
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2926884?origin=category&resultback=3292

Dear Manolo, Wish I could afford your shoes....

2010-09-21T23:58:00.000-07:00

Oh Manolo,

Why do you have to tempt me with a creation such as this? I cannot always afford your shoes... I mean, affording you is like a once in a decade thing... or perhaps for my brother's upcoming wedding in June 2011... that might be the occasion you and I merge as one. Might not be THIS shoe. But THIS shoe is truely amazing...

Banana Republic this fall....I'm falling into Grey....

2010-09-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

So, I've been known to find a great pair of shoes at BR, from time to time....Sometimes it's a hit, sometimes a miss. Tonight, I felt like snooping around online. I found a few contenders for fall. What is up with me and the grey? :-) I know purple is really in this season, and I've been seeing grey with it, so have that on my mind. Also, my brother's wedding colors for 2011 are pewter/silver grey with purple accents, so that must be where this is coming from....

Anyway, thought? Discuss?..

Grey Pump, $120: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=35159&vid=1&pid=778844&scid=778844012

Grey Wedge, $98: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=35159&vid=1&pid=778846&scid=778846012

Crazy Ass shoes at NY Fashion Week

2010-09-20T22:54:00.000-07:00

Oh man, Check these out!! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/17/crazy-shoes-new-york-fashion-week_n_720085.html

Some Fall shoes I am loving right now @ Nordstrom.com....and one rant...

2010-08-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

Although I am not really ready to say goodbye to summer, I am looking forward to fall clothes, and esp fall shoes.   Here are a few via Nordstrom.com that I am loving - who knows if I'll be able to get them all, but a girl can dream big!! (Click the links to see my picks)

These with tights and a black dress, or jeans and a great sweater....MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Parker' Wedge Pump (Nordstrom Exclusive): http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3100177?origin=category&resultback=0

I am thinking these, with jeans and a cozy sweater...Jessica Simpson "Jessica" Pump: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3100131?origin=category&resultback=3352

LOVE that animal prints are in for fall/winter - so fun! Classiques Entier® Open Toe Pump: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3108033?origin=category&resultback=1796

There is something about this strappy hardware detail that I'm liking - thoughts??? Calvin Klein 'Kamrie' Pump:   http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3072936?origin=category&resultback=2993

Oh, and of course, one RANT to add. What in the world is this??  No wonder it is half-off.... ugh...
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3069961?origin=category&resultback=2739

Sketcher's Shape-Up's??? Z Coil??

2010-07-23T00:38:00.000-07:00

Folks,
Can anyone tell me what the deal with these is? Not that I'm in the market for some Shape-Ups or anything.... but, do they work?
Here's a positive blog entry...... I'm still not sold. I really hate ugly shoes...

These remind me of those Z-Coil shoes. Which, I don't think I would recommend. My mom was wearing these, fell and broke her shoulder. Trust me, she blames the Z-Coil! OMG - I'm looking at their site now, and they come in a hiking shoe? Scary!! Oh wait, a Teva Z-Coil?! NO!!
Ok, at over $200, I would really rather have a Tory Burch signature flat - less chance of breaking an ankle. Word.

ML's Standby for another season - The Tory Burch Flip Flop

2010-05-17T23:11:00.000-07:00

Another summer staple is back for a 2nd season, and I'm going to guess, another few seasons in the future. The really cute Tory Burch flip flop!! How can any resist this? For $45, yes, it's a little spendy for a flip flop, but much less than a TB ballet flat or wedge, and oh-so-cute!

Found at Nordstrom, online, at Nieman Marcus, or Tory Burch's site.

ML's Spring Pick - So far...

2010-05-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

Well, Spring has been slow for ML and new shoes.... car repairs have taken over the shoe budget. Sigh. What's a girl to do? Rely on DSWfor a quick fix! I got this little number a few weeks back. Originally I had my eye on the Blue faux-croc, but got the goldish-faux croc instead. hey, for $50, this is a nice wedge!

New for Sping....but I won't be buying these!! UGH!!

2010-03-11T19:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my good friend Jen for providing this hot little number for spring!!
When she sent me the link, I opened it, then starting laughing sooo hard and saying "OMG" over and over (keep in mind, I was alone in my condo) OUT LOUD! What the F are these? A wooden wedge/clog, with a nod to S&M (buckles), yet a spring floral print??? Nothing, let me repeat, nothing about spring/summer says "cover up all your feet and legs, but let just your toes peep out"... Arrgghhh.... I hate these.....
BUT, if you are that one person who thinks these are hot, CLICK HERE to order. Enjoy.

(P.S. I was laughing so hard and blogging, that I managed to overcook a filet of red snapper... yummy....)

Found these at DSW this past weekend.....am really thinking about getting them....

2010-03-11T18:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a fun, cute, blue wedge. (comes in other colors) Good price! Discuss....

I must have these!!

2010-03-11T18:31:00.000-08:00

I think those who know me, know I loved wedges, especially an espradille wedge. Found these in my new Nordstrom catalog that came in the mail today. These are a must buy for me!! YEAH!
They also come in black and turquoise - CLICK HERE to see....

Spring Shoes!!

2010-02-21T19:44:00.000-08:00

Now that Seattle is experiencing an early spring the past 3 days (and 2 more to come), I am thinking about spring clothes and of course spring shoes.

Does that include a Gladiator sandal this year - NO!! But of course I love my wedges, so am excited to get some new ones in the months to come. Here are a couple strong contenders, and one strappy sandal I'm on the fence about. Thoughts on this orange strappy heel?? (all from Nordstrom)

Spring Trend Watch: Super cute Tory Burch flip flop

2010-01-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited to see the Tory Burch rubber flip flop back for spring/summer. Last spring, I got some ocean blue ones, and LOVE them. Very excited to see the new color line up for 2010. Now, if the sun would just come out.....Will pray for an early spring.

P.S. FYI - the Northwest has it's very own new Tory Burch store, over in Bellevue

Spring Trend Watch: Ladies, the Gladiator is back!!

2010-01-09T21:04:00.000-08:00

Arrrgghhhh.... my shoe nemisis, the gladiator sandal, is back for another season. Just got a new Nordstrom catalog in the mail today and saw these by Steve Madden. Sigh. I can't win....

Speechless!!

2009-11-29T00:32:00.000-08:00

These shoes might actually make me want to buy a demure gladiator sandal.
I don't even know what to say - at a loss for words (which is usually hard for me). Discuss amoungst yourselves.

CLICK HERE and then scroll down....

(Source: Naarah)

Looking for new Fall Boots? Please, not these

2009-11-29T00:13:00.000-08:00

Ok look, I do get the whole Doc Marten thing.....but it was very early 90's. Let's not go there again. I would like to thing we've evolved.

And yet, the knock-off version is still out there... in a knee high... in tartan plaid.... WHY???? Could this be appealing to Emo kids? I have no idea - my finger is not on the pulse of "kids these days".

(source: Naarah)

I really don't want to see more feet....

2009-11-28T23:29:00.000-08:00

In the Northwest, when late May comes around, out come the trusty flip flop, Teva, Birkenstock, Keen shoe, etc. etc.... I think we see enough feet all summer long. But oh no!! This company has decided that even in the dead of late fall, say, at the Butterfly House @ Pacfic Science Center in Seattle, WA, one must continue to see feet.... in the form of this:

Is there some new "barefoot" movement? Does this somehow play into "going green"? I'm sooo confused?

A General Shout Out

2009-11-28T22:58:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give a Shout Out to my good friend, Naarah, for providing me excellent horrible shoes to blog about (please note upcoming posts). And now her hubby, Jason, comes into the mix with a truly bizarre excuse for a shoe - he wasn't sure of the name, but after several BING! searches, BING! came thru for us......

New Boots for ML.... and a new coat...

2009-11-01T00:35:00.001-07:00

Got these boots today at Nordies. Very reasonably priced (hey man, there's a recession going on out there!), and am thinking about getting the dark brown too. Super comfy and were what I was looking for.

Also while browsing thru Nordies, came across this uber cute brown wool coat in BP. For $52.90, HAD to have it! Thank you Vonna for the shopping help!

Ugly Shoes @ Victoria Secret

2009-10-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

This shoe reminds me of a straightjacket:

And, here we go again with the gladiator - this time in an ugly pump that goes only half-way up your leg. SWEET!!

Oh goody!! For those days when I want to wear a heel with my workout clothes:
Where's Waldo? ... in an UGG:

Vintage??? Not when it's crica 800 AD

2009-10-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hat Tip to Naarah for this find!!

Where do I even begin with this shoe? This makes the gladiator sandal look wearable. And for $300!! I don't think so.... Click HERE to get all the stats on this blast from the waaaayyy past - note, there are no reviews- I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that no one has bought this little beauty.

In case there is actually a person out there interested in this shoe, HERE is the company's site.

ML's hunt for the perfect fall boot - Equestrain style

2009-09-27T23:17:00.000-07:00

What does ML want for fall? A great, black leather, equestrain-style boot I can wear over my jeans. I'll be heading down to Portland in a few weeks for a tax-free fall shopping trip, and am so hoping I find my boots there. I'm willing to spend a few bucks, as I'll get a few seasons out of these boots, but don't totally want to break the bank. Of course my luck is that the ones I love are Tory Burch, D&G, Gucci, etc... and not really in my budget. Sigh. Here are some options:

Open Toed Boot - I'm very confused....

2009-09-27T22:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, I don't get this trend. Fall/Winter is all about the boot - you want to know why? Because in most parts of this country it's COLD, RAINY and SNOWY!! HELLO!? I mean.... really... This whole trend defeats the purpose of a boot. Not to mention, I really think an open toe ankle boot is unflattering. Anyone agree with me? Examples here:

It's been a while....

2009-09-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

Folks,
It's been a while since I posted here. Sorry - have been really busy this summer (see my other BLOG or my Facebook page), and just not focused on shoes as much. I did from time to time this summer encounter the hideous gladiator sandal - ugh.... God how I cannot stand that shoe. Let's all pray this does not rear it's ugly head for Spring/Summer '10!!

I am very ready for fall and all it brings - boots, puffy vests, sweaters, turtlenecks, etc... I love me a great boot and a cozy turtleneck. Without further adieu, I will begin some boot commentary in my next post!

Some of ML's Fav Things - not always shoes

2009-05-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

Hey Folks,
Time for a new post. Seattle is experiencing some really great summer-like weather this weekend (and I hear possibly stretching into the work week....which would be a stretch for sure), so of course I'm happy and positive! YEAThought I would share the new pairs of flip flops I recently acquired.... from Target! Yup, Tar-jay! You gotta love that place. And in this recession, there is nothing sweeter than a pair of cute, comfy flip flops for $10!Also, and in the non-shoe category, is my new Chanel lip gloss - great color (Tangerine Dream) and oh-so-luxurious. Love it!!

Sport shoes: Pumas

2009-05-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

I really love a non-running/tennis shoe. One that you can wear with jeans, cargo pants, etc.... but yet is not a running shoe. Puma has been my long time go-to for this need. I'm a HUGE fan of the old-school "California" style, but lately have been really getting into their new styles. Below is a pictoral of the ones I really love - you can get them at Macy's, or any stand alone Puma store. Or, of course ONLINE!!...

New Shoes for ML

2009-05-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

I satisfied my craving for new wedges while in California last weekend. Here is what I came up with (both can be found at Nordstrom):

Woa! RANT: A Disappointing Louboutin

2009-04-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

Wow! Sadly, as soon as I post re: some really fab Louboutin's, I now come across this crazy shoe. There is only one thing this shoe looks like - Sasquatch!

Big RAVE: Christian Louboutin

2009-04-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine from h.s. just informed me she has acquired a new pair of Christian's - fabulous!! She lives in the South, so not near me, but I am going to guess she picked a beautiful pair. I myself really want to get some Louboutin's either this year or next. Likely I will pick a classic style in black so I can have them forever. This was my game plan with my first pair of Jimmy Choo's - a black slingback - have had them now for 8 yrs, re-soled once, and still look wonderful and fit like a glove. A classic pair of designer shoes are worth EVERY penny. Here are some Louboutin's I LOVE:

RAVE: Shoefly Boutique in Seattle Area

2009-04-11T00:33:00.000-07:00

Shoefly is a really fun boutique in the Seattle and Portland area, with local stores in Bellevue and Belltown. Looks like you can now shop online!!

RAVE: I Love me an Espradille

2009-04-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

An espradille says summer, fun, the beach, etc... and is usually a wedge, which is great for comfort and support! A win-win-win all the way around!

Local story here (from '08, but still check out the stores mentioned): http://www.nwsource.com/shopping/versatile-espadrilles-perfect-spring-footwear

RAVE: Trolling the 'Net for Spring Shoes

2009-03-31T00:05:00.000-07:00

As Spring is now upon us, although not so much yet in Seattle, it's natural to start thinking about the flip flop, the open toe, the sandal, the wedge, etc... anything that is not a boot or an Ugg. I, like most women I know, are now on the hunt for cute spring shoes. So far on this blog, I've mentioned the Tory Burch flip flop - yes, I know this is $45 for a plastic flip flop you can get at Target for $5, but.....it's TORY BURCH! hello!?

Another great spring/summer sandal from TB is the leather flip flop - a bit more spendy, but this one will last you MANY seasons. Buy it in white, black or red and you cannot go wrong. Click here to view.

Piperlime.com - anyone buy from here yet? This is the site linked to Old Navy/GAP/Banana Republic. I have yet to buy anything from them, but have found THIS, THIS . They also carry handbags.

JCrew.com - Here is a perfect Ballet Flat under $100. FUN flip flops!

NeimanMarcus .com - Awesome Betty Muller Espadrille Wedge here. Love this Prada wedge. The $1K flip flop sold here.

RANT: What is this??

2009-03-31T00:00:00.001-07:00

As I was working on my current post (still in draft form), I came across this horrid shoe - I am so confused by this shoe. This is a Jessica Simpson shoe (should that just answer all my questions right there?) called the "Geni" - this is not anything that makes me think of a genie or Arabian Nights. This is a stilleto Sacagawea would have worn, had they been in style in 1803!

If I happen upon this in a $3 clearance sale, I will buy it as I can make a whole Halloween costume out of this shoe.

P.S... Knowing my luck, some blog reader is going to tell me they bought this shoe and LOVES it. ML cannot please everyone.... >

Reader Request, RAVE: Fyre's

2009-03-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

A loyal follower, Naarah, has requested I give a big thumbs up to Fyre's. Now, I do not own any myself, so cannot speak on fit, value, etc.... But I do love their boots and plan to get a pair for this coming fall/winter. Here is a pictoral sample - I'm thinking I LOVE this wedge and am going to hunt it down in Seattle for summer.

Gladiator Sandal Follow Up

2009-03-29T00:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, Funny story. I'm at Nine West today buying a pair of classic black pointy toe pumps, and the sales woman brings out an extra pair to try on, telling me they JUST got them in and how cute they are for spring. I cautiously said "ummm...ok...what have you got for me?"... And of course she pulls out a Gladiator sandal, albeit this one is a small wedge and not as "strappy" as some. But of course this gets a big laugh out of me. I tell her "Look, I am doing a shoe blog with/for my friends and my first topic was the Gladiator Sandal.....and how much I loathe it!". We had a good laugh! HA Maybe a bit more awkward for her than me, but hey, she got a sale out of the whole thing, so we're Even Steven on this one! HA

RAVE: Tory Burch Flip Flops

2009-03-26T01:43:00.000-07:00

TB redeemed herself from the weird Egyptian-Gladiator shoe with her line of flip flops for this season. LOVE THEM! Here are the ones I got: ( many other colors and styles available - check your local Nordies, Neiman Marcus, Saks or TB boutique.)

RANT - Gladiator Sandal Trend for Spring '09

2009-03-26T00:39:00.000-07:00

Starting off my new blog with a RANT!! My other blog is "Marylyn's Rants and Raves", so in keeping with that trend, that will be my theme here as well. I'm really hoping to have more shoe "raves" than "rants", but so far, it's not looking good.

Let's talk about this Gladiator sandal. Someone please tell me how this is a good look on anyone? Don't all those straps get sweaty in the hot summer sun? You would think, paired with a pair of crapped capris, your leg would look stumpy? I'm sooo confused as to why this style is back for another season. This died in 476 A.D..... along with the Roman Empire. Enough Said.

Let's chat about what is going on here. On top #1, a chunky heel as a gladiator? This is combining 1995 with 2009...not a great combo. #2 is a very traditional Gladiator - case in point - this was last seen at the Colosseum, likely in the late 300's A.D. #3 is a L.A.M.B design (Gwen Stefani), that is a mish-mash of a kind-of wedge, open toed gladiator, but with a rope espardille thing going on? pretty much vomit in a shoe. #4 is cute from the ankle down - ankle add-on not necessary at all here. And finally we get to #5 - this makes me sad, as this is a Tory Burch (whom I LOVE LOVE LOVE), but really... this was last seen during the Egyptian era BEFORE the Romans conquered, thus disqualifying it as a Gladiator. All #5 is going to do is emphasize cankles. Sigh. So sad from Tory Burch.