Dear Readers,

 

The Wall Street Journal just ran an article highlighting a significant trend for women's shoes this spring. In it, fashion writer Meenal Mistry concludes that lower heels may very well be a reflection of our current economic climate! Who knew?

 

Bata Shoe Museum curator Elizabeth Semmelhack noted that over the course of history, heel heights rose when the economy fell. "I was struck that high heels came about in the '30s during the Great Depression, and then there were all those crazy platforms in the '70s with the oil crisis," she said. "Was it simply the cycle of fashion or because of economic stress?" The latest obsession with ridiculously high heels coincided with the financial crisis, and is reversing as the markets recover. Just one more reason to buy new shoes and skip down the street . . .

 Let us rejoice and be glad!

the classic pump

the wedge

   

 

 Truth be told, most of us do not wear towering platforms or six inch stilettos and likely never will. But they have been prolific in the stores over the last few years. So, it's good to know that lower heels are back! And with our economy in recovery, they will likely stay around for years to come. This is going to make shoe shopping one heck of a lot easier!

Ok. That's the good news about shoes. The bad news is that white shoes are all the rage this season. Some of you may remember that decades ago, white shoes were shunned by the media and ridiculed by the fashion police. With the exception of tennis shoes and gym shoes, white shoes became extinct, or so I thought. 

 

Baby Boomers please take note. I almost missed this little fashion tidbit myself . . . Bright white shoes are IN and they are cool. My younger readers all know this.

 

But here's the rub. They are not particularly flattering. Unlike the nude neutrals most fashionistas have embraced, white shoes do not blend nicely with your skin tone. Rather, they fight with your legs for attention. In other words, white shoes make your legs look shorter and your feet look bigger. Unless, of course, you are very tall and have dainty little feet. If that's the case, then by all means go for the white.

 

My size tens are happy to blend with my legs, thank you. My skinny ankles are another story. They would actually appreciate some attention! Thus, we love another hot trend for shoes this year . . . the thin little ankle strap. Nice touch! These pumps are modern and uber demure. Again, keeping the color neutral, like this gorgeous blush nude, is the best option for those of us under six feet tall.

the ankle strap pump for spring 2013

 

If you love shoes, you will love shopping for a pretty new pair this season (economic indicators not withstanding). 

It's the right thing to do.

 

Happy Easter!

Nancy

 

PS. Is spring your favorite time of year? Then now is your moment. Allow me to provide shopping help that will give your confidence a boost, your spirits a lift and your wallet a break. 

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 See my monthly columns on Patch!