Three reasons to avoid high heels, four stylish substitutes for summer
Summer Fashion
Written by cjhammon in Books | Music | Art | Culture, Features, Style
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“… there’d been a flutter out the corner of his eye and he’d seen a tag pinned to the neck of the dress she was wearing. Twenty-five cents, he read. He’d decided he would go then, realizing she was modeling her goods and that as soon as he stepped off the porch, she’d find herself digging though the cardboard boxes of shoes in search of a pair that came close to matching the faded shade of the dress, and still this wouldn’t suit her.”–– Chalktown, by Melinda Haynes
At the change of every season, I get a bad case of shoe malaise similar to this character. Can I still wear my boots in May, my sandals in October? I grew up on fashion rules and I want to know what’s right if only to feel good about breaking the rules. (I wore my black boots with white cotton trousers on a rainy April Sunday–probably not copasetic by someone’s rulebook, but okay with me.)
Rebellion aside, it’s a happy day when I learn that the formerly frumpy is chic again, as confirmed by this story in the New York Times Style section: low heels are “in” again! It feels like a personal victory for me and all my contemporaries who can’t stand or walk in anything more than a 2.5 inch heel—sort of like discovering Fleetwood Mac is back on the touring circuit again.
Don’t get me wrong: I adore high heels on other people. But Coco Chanel already fought the battle that lets us be comfortably stylish today. Who are we to backslide? (She was a great fan of the low heel. Imagine what she’d say about some of the Eiffel Towers we put on our feet!)
There was a day when I couldn’t imagine forgoing the beautiful for the practical. Be assured of one thing: when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of changing, you’ll gladly consent to a low kitten heel that allows you to walk with grace–without killing the ball of your foot, back or knees. And lo, if you wait long enough, you’ll find your preference catapulting to the very top of the charts, momentarily making you a fashion muse.
The New York Times story shows a very artful collection of low heels that reflect the trend. Unfortunately, only one of them (a $79 Zara sandal) was under $600–– not quite within the budget of even the most well-heeled (pardon the pun) women I know. The threshold for originality seems to start at $600, but for regular people like myself, I’ve done my best to assemble some reasonably-priced, low heels that are perfect for summer. None are bargains, but they are mostly high-quality shoes that can stay in your closet a few decades. Most are slingback pumps, a design I consider perfect for carrying you from season to season.
Four stylish low-heel pumps for summer
Joan & David – Gianne (Light Yellow Patent) – Footwear
Lilly Pulitzer – Kat Kitten Heel (New Green) – Footwear
Stuart Weitzman – Chainomid (Moon Glow Aniline) – Footwear
Trotters – Prima (Nude Patent) – Footwear
What’s your favorite Fleetwood Mac song? Mine’s The Chain, followed by You Making Loving Fun. Have you seen any great low heels for summer?
13 comments
May 1, 2013 at 5:05 pm
I have to admit, I love my 4″ heels, but for everyday, I don’t think you can beat a cute pair of ballet flats. Stylish and comfortable. 🙂
May 3, 2013 at 2:24 pm
Wear ’em while you can Cassie!
May 2, 2013 at 7:30 am
I actually like to walk places that are multiple blocks away in my shoes. The only pair I’d consider is the Stuart Weizman’s as they have a solid heel. Those kitty heels have you walking on your toes all the time because the heel has no surface to adjust with.
May 3, 2013 at 2:23 pm
I have to give you that, Ginger. They are much more solid!
May 2, 2013 at 12:35 pm
I love “Landslide!”
May 3, 2013 at 2:23 pm
I’m going to have to look that one up…I probably know it and don’t remember that I do!
May 3, 2013 at 8:40 pm
the high price of wearing heels day in and day out isn’t worth it in my opinion. i just don’t live a 6″ stiletto lifestyle. i love putting them on when the occasion calls for it, but going to Target to buy toilet paper isn’t such an occasion. 🙂
May 3, 2013 at 9:54 pm
That sounds like an idea for a whole blog series: what fashion bloggers really wear, day to day!
May 6, 2013 at 10:06 am
I love high heels to look at. I rarely wear them these days. More and more I wear my flat or wedge shoes. I have three pair of AGL flats I have accumulated over the past few years that I just love. They are stylish, cute and best of all comfy. They look good with just about anything I wear them with. I do have a very cute pair of Paul Green heels that are near 3″, they are very comfy as well and no problem walking. I looked to see if they were still available so I could send you a link. Not on my favorite “Z” website or my other favorite shoe store “N”. I have learned a long time ago to buy shoes only of good quality that fit my feet properly and that are comfortable. They last longer and my poor tooties and ankles will not pay the price. My podiatrist is much happier with my shoe selections these days as is my Chiropractor.
May 6, 2013 at 1:13 pm
Oh, gosh, I’d love to see those Paul Greens. We’re in the same box, girlfriend!
May 10, 2013 at 12:52 pm
First knee surgery and then arthritis. I gave up heel willingly for my spine and knees. Glad to hear the buyers are wishing up.plenty of us have said we all not compromise our health fashion.
May 10, 2013 at 12:56 pm
Writing on break on kindle without spellchecker or proofing. Lol
May 11, 2013 at 8:20 am
Landslide. Recently watched a documentary on Sun? Studio had a segment on Fleetwood Mac and eh added his 2 cents.a fan even when I didn’t know much about band.