Statement Shoes: The Medium is the Message

What are statement shoes? They are shoes that make a statement.  It’s seems so obvious right?  But there is a precarious balance when it comes to an outfit and statement shoes.  This unspoken rule that the the outfit paired with the SS needs to complimentary without being bland or too outrageous, then you risk either saying nothing or being fashion overkill.  It’s like the difference between a nervous and twitchy speaker versus an eloquent, inspirational leader giving a commencement speech at Harvard.  The crowd only goes wild for one of the two.  Let’s discuss…

The term Statement Shoes has been thrown around a lot lately so let’s clarify a bit.  Hypothetically speaking, let’s say you put on a great pair of shoes in the morning and sashay into work and by 5pm when your friends are clocking out, no one has said ‘boo.’  And when you walk down the street, girls fail to give you the Manhattan Onceover.  I’m sorry to burst your bubble – these are not Statement Shoes.  Why?  Because the SS speaks to the masses, thus the masses need to shower you with compliments on your fashion risk-taking.

Here are some visual examples of The Statement Shoe:

Is it Spicy enough for you? Madge, Mischa & Posh all like it HOTTT.

• On the higher end of the spectrum, here we have Spicy Shoes by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton.  Methinks Marc went on a tribal safari.  Even though these are probably (!) too crazytown for pushing your cart at the grocery, they have been worn by many celebs such as Victoria Beckham, Alexa Chung, Heidi Klum, Beyonce, Jessica Simpson…basically every starlet.  It’s a red carpet shoe, non?
• The Brits are always fashion forward with their shoe assortment.  Topshop is great at adapting high street fashion for young, trendy fashionistahs.   

MEMORANDUM:  Shoe Statements for FALL 2009

• RUCHING: Louboutin with the trademark red sole also has some beautiful, yet wearable shoes.  These camel suede ones have ruching (pronounced roosh-ing; a fancy way of saying gathering fabric), which is a big trend for both clothing and shoes.

 

• SNAKESKIN:  As far as I’m concerned, animal prints are and always will be in style.  But the python is in it to win it this Fall.  A lovely lady-like look in platform pumps.
• T-STRAP SANDALS:  This 1930’s style often comes in a delicate sandal, however, the designs for fall are more ornate with the t-straps decorated with fringe, bows or ruffled fabric.
• COBALT BLUE:  Another way to balance a monochromatic outfit is to pop your shoes with a bright colour.  If you need to update your shoe closet with one colour this Fall, it’s COBALT.

And a final parting note.  It’s not about how much you spend on your Statement Shoes.  It’s what you say with them…  APPLAUSE!!!

Runway to Reality: C breaks out her Statement Shoes on a Thursday night.

[Via http://lovecollage.wordpress.com]