I love shoes. I think I’ve made that pretty clear with this blog. I love almost all colors, almost all styles. I really love finding something unusual. Not unusual weird, like I wouldn’t be seen in public wearing it. Unusual as in not the norm. Not boring. Different. Colors you wouldn’t think to put together. Textures that seem to contradict each other. Different styles meeting somewhere in the middle to create a unique style with classic elements. And there are designers out there who just nail it. Some of them, I don’t know whom they’re designing for, or if they’ve made some sort of bet with someone to design the most hideous thing possible and see if anyone will actually wear it. But some designers never let me down, whether they come out with something nice but normal, or they surprise me with something so unexpectedly kickass that I’m just floored. Kate Spade is one of those designers, and her Gladly Peep Toe Pump is one of those kickass shoes.
The first thing that struck me was the green. It’s simply gorgeous. Just the right shade. Not too bright, not too lime, not too dark. A true green. Now put it on suede, and it becomes breathtakingly beautiful. And I like brown. I know it has a reputation for being kind of a boring color, but I like it. Rich and chocolatey, it’s a neutral that can be paired with just about any other color and look good. I especially like it with pink. I admit, I probably wouldn’t think about pairing it with this green. But Kate did, to dramatic effect. Now add in a classic detail like the perforated, scalloped trim, and this shoe can do no wrong. Still, if green isn’t your thing, it’s also available in caramel suede with black leather trim. The peep toe and four-inch heel just make it even better. It’s lined in leather, and has a leather insole, so this shoe will fit your foot like a…well, like a glove. I guess the equivalent for the foot would be a sock, but that just sounds weird. Anyway, when I’m thinking about what to splurge on for my fall wardrobe, I’ll gladly be thinking about the Gladly. It’s $329 at Zappos.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 1
You know I have issues with some of the names designers give to their shoes and handbags. I especially hate alphanumerics. They just seem lazy, like the designer couldn’t be bothered to come up with a good, creative name, so they just threw some random letters and numbers together. Bah. Sometimes they get it right. And sometimes, even the name of the company that makes a shoe or handbag is named well. That’s the case with Poetic Licence. Why? Because this Holiday Delight Peep Toe Pump is sheer poetry. The upper is smooth suede, given texture in the form of floral appliqués over the vamp. On either side of the vamp are tiny cutouts, which add interest, but may also add a little give, which is good if you have a wider foot. Seriously, designers, not all women have narrow, rectangular feet, ok? The shoe sits on a 4.5-inch heel, a 1-inch platform, and a man made sole. The heel is also covered around the back with suede, and the girly silhouette will give your legs a long, lean look. Not to mention, the holidays are coming up! This would be the perfect shoe for that party dress, wouldn’t it? If you don’t like it in raspberry, it also comes in black and electric blue, but they’re both shimmery leather instead of suede. I say stick with the suede. Try it out for $129.95 at Endless.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 2
Then there are company names like Promiscuous. Really? Whose bright idea was it to start a company that makes shoes for women, and then name it with a word that most women don’t want to be associated with? Do they have a sister clothing company called Slutty? Marketing fail! I do have to admit, though, that the Playfulness Peep Toe Pump is a cute shoe. At first glance, it doesn’t seem as flashy as the other two, but look a little more closely. It’s not a plain shoe. Sure, this one is gray, and a beautiful shade of gray perfect for fall. But there’s a design stitched into the inner facing side of the shoe, at the vamp and on the side. There’s also a dainty buckle over a cutout at the ankle, which is just for show, not closure. The upper is total suede. The back of the heel and the platform are covered in suede as well. A heart-shaped gel insert sits on the insole to add comfort, and you’ll need it on the five-inch heel. If the gray is too mild for you, it also comes in black and a bright fuchsia. And guess what? It’s on sale. It’s usually $109, but you can get it right now for $92.24 at Zappos.com.
