R is For RED!!!

Fun Fact:

* In Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries heels on shoes were always coloured red; 

* In China one of the bride's red shoes is tossed from the roof to ensure happiness for the bridal couple.

R is for RED by andiva featuring Onitsuka Tiger shoes

Items in this set:
Couture patent leather pumps, $745
Jimmy Choo Quiet patent-leather pumps, $665
Flower ballet flat, $610
Studded Thong Sandal - Red, $550
Christian Dior red patent trim rubber logo rainboots, $355

A red shoe is essential in every girl's wardrobe. In whatever shape, style of form, red shoes are a staple item. I will confess, I have no red shoe in my entire shoe closet...  *Altogether now* : "SHAME!!!"   From the collage I would probably pick the black shoes with the red detail or if I'm feeling feisty, the Valentino red appropriately situated in the middle. Such a bold colour that promises to brighten every outfit, even the drabbest dress. Caution though, be careful when you try to match red accessories, better still don't bother matching red. Too much red can equal a red hot fashion disaster.

The Symbolic Shoe

Fun Fact:

In the Middle Ages a father passed his authority over his daughter to her husband in a shoe ceremony. At the wedding, the groom handed the bride a shoe, which she put on to show she was then his subject.

I knew I was right about the importance of shoes. Their value can never be overemphasized! A wonderful shoe might actually beat a Harry Winston or Tiffany & Co. ring any day! I see heads shaking and tongues wagging in disagreement, no? So if a shoe rather than a ring was to be handed to you during your wedding, what shoe would you want? Here are some options:

The Symbolic Shoe by andiva featuring Giuseppe Zanotti shoes

Items in this set:
Lady Claude 120 pumps, $3,175
Studio 120 - Black, $1,895
Embellished Ankle-Wrap Sandals, $1,395
GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI - MULTI COLOR STONE EMBELLISHED SANDALS, 1.145 EUR
Embellished leather sandals, $1,075

So I did a very mini survey and asked what kind of shoe would be preferred. I got very interesting feedback :-) Some wanted everyday shoes because you wear your wedding ring everyday: flats or black pumps; some wanted dramatic beautiful shoes; and someone even wanted a cinderella shoe...yes, a glass slipper! And most ladies wanted Christian Louboutins! What shoe would you like to receive? I saw a number of Giuseppe Zannoti shoes I would love to own (some of which are featured) but it seems Christian Louboutin won hands down for most ladies!

Redefining the Caliga(e)

Fun fact:

Caliga(e)... the name given to the military sandals used by the Romans.  The caliga exposed the toes and had a lattice-patterned upper. Other styles included the calceus and the gallica, both with a closed toe- a style more suited to service in northern climates such as in Britain.

Caliga by andiva featuring Giuseppe Zanotti shoes

Items in this set:
CHRISSIE MORRIS - PYTHON AND SUEDE GLADIATOR BOOTS, 1.145 EUR
Gladiator Sandal - Black, $940
Studded gladiator heel sandal, $790
JIMMY CHOO - STUDDED BRIGHT GLADIATOR SANDALS, 510 EUR
Gladiator Sandals in Metallic Pietra, $650

The Romans were a very fashionable people (to me). Fashion will always be about recycling and redefining. The caliga or gladiator sandals as we know them now are a perfect example. I put the Alexander McQueen pair in the middle, not because I love it but because that is the closest looking example of a redefined caliga. These military sandals have become a staple in every fashionista's wardrobe and is perfect for the warm weather and you have a massive range to make your selection. From sexy to practical, it's available in whatever look you are going for. Viva la Caliga!

The Stiletto

Fun Fact:

Stiletto originally means little dagger in Italian. It had a strong period of popularity in the 1950s after replacing the chunky styles of the 1940s and complementing the postwar 'new look' in clothes. Competition between fashion and common sense was brought about by problems with carpet and flooring caused by the 'little dagger'. I think we can guess who won that war ;-D 

The Stiletto by andiva featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Items in this set:
Lady Claude 120 pumps, $3,175
Christian Louboutin Pigalle 100 studded pumps, $995
Fernando - Black, $925
black agate stiletto, $840
Roberto Cavalli Spider-web suede sandals, $700

This week I couldn't care less about clothes, it's all about shoes, baby! The collage is an ode to the stiletto though I sneaked in a chunky one that I adore, it can very much pass for a dagger too :-p. I had an extremely busy day and didn't have access to the internet for a while today, no thanks to sky *eyes roll*, but i was still able to put this together in the end. Of course, this had to feature Mr Guiseppe Zannoti and Mr Christian Louboutin, master shoe carvers in... (private joke!) I know I neglected a couple of other notables, but we have all week to blab about "Shoes, glorious shoes!!!"

x 

Let the Shoes Do the Talking

Well you can guess the theme for this week: "Shoes Glorious Shoes!" Alexander McQueen created these beautiful babies! For this one, I will let the shoes speak for themselves:

Let the Shoes Do the Talking by andiva featuring Alexander McQueen shoes

Items in this set:
David Koma Strapless Dress with Beaded Detail, 1,295 GBP
Long-sleeved bandage dress, $1,150
Alba Black & White Cocktail Dress, 510 GBP
Siren dress, $495
Asymmetric silk mini dress, $355

Let your shoes guide what clothes you wear and not the other way around. Alexander (yes, we are on a first name basis...lol) definitely made his best creations just before he died, a grand exit indeed. I guess he knew what he was doing and these yellow and black geometric pumps are definitely proof. A little black dress and the right accessories are perfectly suited for these shoes.