I’m a classics fanatic. I’ll happily don a little black dress, cashmere cardigan and strand of pearls over seasonal trends any day, confident in multi year wearability and infinitely stylish cuts that work time and time again. On the other hand, I’m a fashion provocateur, easily excited by the nouveau and equipped with a taste for fun – and easily bored with complacency. With tugs from both ends of the spectrum – and a budget that won’t allow for both – what’s a fashionista to do?

One needs only to look in one direction – down – to discover the solution to this wardrobe equation: the statement shoe. From Pocahontas-worthy fringed platform booties to stilettos dipped in the most decadent of patent leather, the statement shoe is the item that can help a lady literally step into a new look with no assembly required. Follow The Vogue City, if you please, as we delve into some fancy footwear – but please, wipe your feet at the door.

Zero & Maria Conejo lead the way with their elasticized platform bootie in white, $495 at eLuxury.com:

 

 

Wooden heels, leather insoles and a rubberized footpad means you can rock these on the dance floor – with straight leg jeans and strappy tank or an asymmetrical sheath dress– all night long. Just don’t blame us for professing your love to the bartender who made you a few too many dirty martinis – or your hangover.

Z&MC didn’t win any points with the flat version of the same bootie, $395 at eLuxury.com:

 

 

If I wanted to wear my grandfather’s gardening shoes out on the town, I’d have asked him.

Vince Camuto weaves his way (no pun intended) with this woven fabric platform sandal, $125 and exclusively at AnnTaylor.com:

 

 

Kudos to Ann Taylor in their ongoing attempt to revamp their brand with pieces that are professional yet punchy.

Payless – uh huh, that Payless – is currently hosting Bloomingdale’s favorite, Alice & Olivia, with a line designed exclusively for the big P, with steals that will leave you questioning the sanctity of the Medium Brown Bag.

 

 

This leopard print platform wedge, $38 at Payless stores, will quite literally take you for a walk on the wild side. Try pairing with that immortal little black dress to turn a basic into a bombshell.

-Karyn Polewaczyk

Posted by karynpol at 06:00 AM Expert Advice , What women over 40 want , Bargain Guides , What women in their 30s want , What women in their 20's want , Spring 2009 , Footwear | Trackback | Print This Post