Shoe Zodiac

High Fashion in Low Times

Taran — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:34:05 +0000

My shoe-buying habit has always had a powerful effect on my personal financial condition (can I get a witness?). But who knew the nation’s financial condition could affect my shoe-buying habits?

According to Shoe historian Elizabeth Semmelhack, as our net worth gets lower, our fashion sense gets higher—at least when it comes to our heels. Fashionable heels got higher during the Great Depression, at the height of WWII rationing, through the oil crisis of the mid-70s—and now again, in the midst of the worst recession since then.

I sure can’t argue with Semmelhack, who’s shoe cred includes being senior curator of Toronto’s Bata Shoe Museum and author of Heights of Fashion: A History of the Elevated Shoe. But the big question on my mind is, simply, “Why?” What is it about hard times that drives us to higher fashion and higher heels?

In the New York Times Op-Art piece, “On the Heels of a Recession,” Penelope Rowlands and Christine Berrie speculate that economic stresses sharpen our focus on gender identity, including in our fashion choices.

Semmelheck has a simpler explanation that rings a lot truer for me: “These little trifles can elevate one’s mood.” In plain language, wearing high heels makes you feel better.

What do you think? Do you crave high heels more when you can afford them less? Or are pretty new pumps the first thing to go when you downsize your shopping list? Leave a comment below to let us know.

P.S.: The day after the NYT piece came out, Leona Tannenbaum (author of Bad Shoes and the Women Who Love Them) responded in her letter, “Women in High Heels,” that “the trend to go higher and higher flies in the face of common sense.”

Tannenbaum says we should have learned our lesson from—of all things—the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack of September 11, 2001, during which women had to remove their pumps and flee the scene barefoot.

I swear, sometimes I think the debate about high heels will never end.

To pump or not to pump, that is the question. What do you think? Leave a comment below.

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Sky High Party Shoes

Taran — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:30:28 +0000

It’s all about the sky high party shoes! I was totally inspired by Saturday nights in the UK. The ladies get dressed up to the nines. Their shoes boosted them to eleven!

Everywhere I went on Saturday nights women were in their dresses and sky high party shoes. Almost always a stiletto heel, I saw colors, textures, embellishments, platforms, peep toes, feathers, glitter… you name it! It was a shoe lovers candy shop in Glasgow!

So, I’ve decided to do a tribute to the ladies of Glasgow and their oh so fun party shoes!

The shoes featured in the post are reminiscent of what I saw that night. Enjoy!

These electric blue peep toe pumps from Pelle Moda are smokin!!

You're sure to command attention wearing the stylish Pelle Moda™ Sachi. Striking platform pump with contrast textures for added appeal.

Click here to buy at Zappos.com now!

And these peep toes from Dereon are SEX-AY!

Let this spicy purple heel add some class to your collection of pumps. Scoth is a lavish open toe pump with luxe shiny pink alligator-skin strap at the vamp, a 3/4 inch platform and 5 inch thick stiletto heel.

Click here to buy at Heels.com now!

Ah, and sequins. I think that sequins may be my one true love! Who can resist a sexy black pump made entirely of black sequins?? Check these out from Report Signature (and they come in different colors too! SWOON!).

Your look will always reign supreme when you wear this King pump from Report Signature. Its classic design is crowned with an eye-catching sequined upper, gentle almond toe, hidden platform, and daring heel. It's a look fit for a queen (namely, you).

Click here to buy from Endless.com now!

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The Perfect Valentine’s Day Shoe

Taran — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:43:39 +0000

Anyone need the perfect Valentine’s Day shoe? Me too!

So you have the perfect date with the perfect guy at the perfect restaurant. Now all you need is the perfect shoes of course!

I have selected a few options for the perfect Valentine’s Day shoe. The color of all of them? Red, silly! Take a look!

First, we’re going to go super girly. What makes you feel totally sexy, flirty and girly all in one? Ruffles! Check these babies out by Luichiny!

Your fancy outfit will never be forgotten in these sizzling red party sandals from Luichiny. Gim Me is a T strap party sandal in red satin featuring a 1/2 inch platform and a 4 1/2 inch paneled silver stiletto heel.

Click here to buy these at Heels.com now!

Next, for a softer, more romantic evening by candlelight… Nothing can make you feel more lady like than a pretty mary jane. Especially these by Fergie!

Fergie's Lavish take on mary-jane style will lift your height and turn heads everywhere you go. The soft suede look features feminine ruffles at the collar, as well as an open toe and a gently flared heel for a sensational silhouette.

Click here to buy these from Endless.com now!

And last, but definitely not least… the sexy heel! Some of us like to vamp it up on Valentine’s Day and show our men an amazing time. These heels by Carlos Santana to the trick!

It's a Privilege to step out in these hot heels from CARLOS by Carlos Santana™. Stacked heel. 4 1/2" heel.

Click here to buy these at Zappos.com now!

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United Kingdom of Shoes!

Taran — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 04:10:50 +0000

I was so late in posting the horoscopes this month! My extreme apologies! For the past two weeks, I have been on holiday in the UK. I had such an amazing time and let me tell you… the shoes there…AWESOME!

Shoes are practically in every store there! And some stores have the greatest prices. I went out with my friends in Glasgow and she made me go get some amazing stilettos! I know, poor me right?

Check my AMAZING patent stilettos out! I went out for a night on the town in these! And boy, a night did I have!
Anyway, I’m back and back in force. I did happen to get some other shoes over there that I’ve either found on one of my favorite shoe websites, or look alikes (which we all know and love so much!)

An overly sexy silhouette fused with a comfortable footbed is what you get, when you slip into the Flipp pump! Patent leather upper. Round toe. Leather lining. Covered platform and stiletto heel.

C lick the here to buy at Zappos.com now!

The other 2 pairs I acquired on vacation were for work. Check these out, gorgeous two toned mary janes!

You don't have to spend a huge Chunk of Change to get this darling style from Not Rated. The value-priced cutie features a mixed leather upper in a tri-colored palette, while an oversize buckle creates an adjustable fit.

Click here to buy these at Endless.com now!

And last but not least, I got these sexy stacked heel loafers!

Style is a go for this tailored oxford bootie from Steve Madden. A natural fabric upper is accented with an animal print leather and lace up front finished with a stacked 1/4 inch platform and 4 1/4 inch heel.

Click the here to buy these from Heels.com now!

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Aries Shoe Horoscope for February 2010

Taran — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:04:43 +0000

Aries (March 21 to April 20)

Decisions regarding changes in position at work or profession in general are best delayed. Continuing to grow and accepting upcoming changes with grace may pay off with renewed loyalty. Small disagreements with someone close to you result in slight changes in responsibilities. With all these upcoming changes you may need something to take your mind off of life – reclaim a sport or activity you once loved and go with it! Maybe it was horse back riding? Check these babies out by Kelsi Dagger!

Let your love for classic equestrian style show in this Kelsi Dagger boot. Chrysantha is crafted from ultra-smooth leather and features a polished buckle detail for shine. The partial zipper makes it easy to put on over denim or tights.

Click the pic to buy from Endless.com now!

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Taurus Shoe Horoscope for February 2010

Taran — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:59:27 +0000

Taurus (April 21 to May 21)

Your desire to help those who have helped you through a hard time may come into play this month – someone close to you may need you more than ever now. Show a little more compassion to those around you, you never know when or where lightning will strike. With all the helpful advice you have to give, remember to practice what you preach. And listen a little, you never know where the best advice will come from. It’s all about sensability this month – but who says you can’t be sensible AND sexy?! Try these booties from L.A.M.B.!

Lead a charmed life in these fabulous ankle boots from L.A.M.B.™. Leather upper with nail head ornamentation around collar and back of heel.

C lick the pic to buy at Zappos.com now!

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Gemini Shoe Horoscope for February 2010

Taran — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:53:31 +0000

Gemini (May 22 to June 21)

Gemini, this is your month! This is the time to entertain and be entertained. You have worked so hard and now is the time to pursue your new interests. Expect some excitement – attention and romance is coming your way! Although minor adjustments to travel plans later on this month may cause a slight snag, everything will turn out fine in the long run. Have fun Gemini, and have it in these fabulous flats by Pastry!

Sink your teeth into this sweet shoe from Pastry. Fiorellino features soft grey suede with a orange patent leather lining. A sparkly plaid rosette topped with a heart button sits at the vamp of this delectable ballet flat.

Click the pic to buy at Heels.com now!

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Cancer Shoe Horoscope for February 2010

Taran — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:48:11 +0000

Cancer (June 22 to July 22)

You have always been a compassionate person and you may find more than one person crying on your shoulder. Your presence (not your words) works wonders. Your intuition and imagnation is powerful all month. Traveling may be hard and deplete your funds but greatly enrich your spirit so definitely worth it. Enjoy the change in scenery and revel in the quiet moments. Remember to get your rest and sleep! Remember to surround yourself in comfort and style! in these Uggs….

A youthful-looking comfort boot that's perfect for any casual occasion. Cotton upper features sueded heel guards and a cute lace-adjustable top. Textile lining is soft against the skin and resists pilling. Genuine sheepskin insoles provide that famous UGG® comfort.

Click the pic to buy at Zappos.com now!

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Leo Shoe Horoscope for February 2010

Taran — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:43:21 +0000

Leo (July 23 to Aug 21)

You find inspiration this month and your independence and drive move you forward at work. Researching opportunities – even at a distance – proves generous and prosperous. The people around you at work are going to be wild and crazy, but remember that sometimes their craziness creates much provocative thought. It may be time to find love or re-kindle romance. Be sure not to promise more than you can deliver in the heat of the moment. Be confident! and do it in these super sexy heels by 7 for All Mankind!

Whether you need a smokin’ sandal to pair with your skinny jeans or to strap on with a special occasion dress, this shoe fits the bill.

Click the pic to buy at Endless.com now!

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Virgo Shoe Horoscope for February 2010

Taran — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:31:20 +0000

Virgo (Aug 22 – Sept 23)

You will start to see all your hard work start to pay off. What you have sown, you reap now. Whatever your project, a garden, work presentation, will blossom and grow – pride will be in your heart and surprises await you! Others may whisper behind your back, but sometimes any press is better than none! Be calm until you have all the facts and be strong – it helps to have stay grounded in a pair of great flats, especially these by Kate Spade!

You're a busy woman. Make time for yourself and radiantly relax in the charming comfort of the Kate Spade™ Chime! Wool upper. Fabulous floral accent. Elasticized for a snug fit.

Click the pic to buy at Zappos.com now!

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Libra Shoe Horoscope for February 2010

Taran — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:25:35 +0000

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Being home feels good this month. It’s always ok to take it easy and get grounded. Take the stress out of the day by working from home – talk on the phone. Although social events may be on hold, they will pick up by the end of the month. Take the opportunity to revamp and upgrade your wardrobe for the new and rested you. Romance is definitely in the stars! Take flight with a new pair of sky high heels by Jessica Simpson now!

Step it up a notch when you walk around in this daring, sexy d'orsay pump by Jessica Simpson. An iridescent purple patent upper is detailed with a sexy peep toe, sleek 4 inch heel and stunning d'orsay design.

Click the pic to buy at Heels.com now!

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Scorpio Shoe Horoscope for February 2010

Taran — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:19:30 +0000

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Scorpio, it is time for a well deserved vacation! And yes, romance will ignite! The small, yet many nagging annoyances will simply vanish as you wisk yourself away to the place of your choosing. Once you are refreshed, brothers, sisters and close friends will seek our your new found wisdom, your opinion or your advice. Get started on that vacation by getting a brand new pair of rockin’ sandals, like these by Steve Madden!

The stunning ankle wrap thong will keep up with your high fashion style, even with its low profile. The bold colors and playful strands of beads will make a glamorous statement paired with a flowy dress and some chunky jewelry.

Click the pic to buy at Endless.com now!

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