Leanne Delap
From Saturday's Globe and Mail Published on Friday, Jul. 03, 2009 3:14PM EDT Last updated on Tuesday, Jul. 07, 2009 7:35AM EDT
The highly technical fashion-insider term for the big footwear hit of the year is the “shoebootie.” Last winter, we had loads of high-heeled boots that ended at the ankle. For warmer weather, the same shape boasts cut-outs.
The winter version I love: Shoebooties are sexy, drawing attention to the ankle. And ideal for fun, bright opaque tights. Very Grace Jones at Les Bains Douche in Paris: to wit, sexy on the gender bender side.
But the strappy summer version brings call girl to mind (especially in this year's metallic leathers or faux exotic animal skin as per this Aldo heel).
Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail; AFP/Getty Images
Right, at $110, our Aldo knockoff shoebooties won't break the bank. Left, a pair by John Richmond on the spring/summer 2009 runway in Milan.
Then I realized (with the visual aid of a hobbled bridesmaid at the Banff Springs Hotel) what the summer version is: your feet in a bear trap.
How fickle we fashion victims. Even though it looks maiming, the strappy shoebootie is the shoe of the summer. With fake-bake legs and flouncy dresses, it looks right, in that magic algorithm of trend and zeitgeist.
Vogue even suggested the shoebootie for the bride of 2009, and did up a Russian model wedding party in frocks with foot armour.
No need to bust big bucks for the John Richmond originals. This is a one-season wonder, so cheap out and go a bit funkier than your comfort zone (these zippers add some punk zest to even the most unfortunate bridal team dresses).
This week, even as spring/summer is heading to the 70-per-cent-off zone, the weather in this country is just getting warm enough to actually wear seasonal stuff. So it is only now that I am finally sorted on how to adjust, fashion-wise, for the summer. And indeed, flip-flops aren't working for me this year. Most of the little ballet flats also seem too precious with the gauzy hippie dresses I went heavy on. And definitely wrong for the whack of sixties vintage shifts with bold prints I also bet my wardrobe on.
So the shoebootie it is. At least if I run into a grizzly I'll be able to defend myself.
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