Thursday, July 30, 2009

Chuck it Out

"The All Star sneaker was first created in 1917. It got a signature patch 18 years later. In [19]62 it got low, and 4 years after that it came in 7 new colors. After all this time and all this change, it's still the familiar made new--again and again and again."
-Converse.com

Let me just be completely honest with you. I had vowed a vow of a Chuck-less life. Suddenly, it became apparent I needed a pair. The reason I told people then, and continue to now, was not a sudden change of heart; I was in a competition in which the high-top Taylor's were required. Being very candid, I tell you this: I needed a pair of the very popular Chuck Taylor Converse canvas and rubber shoes only to complete a collection varying types. After being honest and breathing a sigh of relief, I feel better all ready. Wow...the truth does set you free!
In so many ways, this shoe that has with-stood the test of time for 92 years is an inspiration to me. Not only does it stay very true to form, but it is willing to mold and evolve with trends. Not only does it come in solid black, but in pink, green, and grey polka-dot while rhinestone hearts decorate the baby-chucks (which are nothing short of absolutely adorable). The original integrity of its design stays consistent, even through the strange and dynamic adversity that is the fashion world. What other shoe can successfully say that it has been flying off the shelves for such a period of time? For that matter, what other stylish object can say that at all?

Looking at the basic form of the non-athletic flat, I can only help to be dared to make a similar accomplishment. Of course, the punk, grunge, or rocker rarely rears itself from its sleepful, silent place in my imagination, but on occasion, I pull my All-Stars from my closet to embellish an outfit. In the end, not only do they invoke me to pursue something daring, they happen to spark a certain type of confidence that not even Steve Madden can carbon copy.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Closing the Generation Gap

There are several things a shoe can do. One of the many things is simply closing the gap between generations. Now, there are many ways that the perfect pair of pumps can pull pleasure from the wise Great-Grandmother and the Pretty-Pretty-Princess toddler. Today's simple point is this:

Shoes are Ageless!

I have heard many middleaged matrons mention, "Those heels are just too high for me!" Naturally, if hip, ankle, or knee problems arise, it is not safe to sport the six-inch stilettos anymore. The pretty-in-pink daisy canvas shoes shouldn't be seen on anyone over the age of 11, either. There are obvious rules about the rinestone butterfly meets the over-40 beauty and the spike heels sprain the seven year old that cannot be avoided. Were those rules to be left to the blatant discretion of maturity and not to be the focus of today's footwear topic, I would encounter something of a simple sort.

A pair of "granny flats" are not always mature in nature. Depending on the color, texture, and the paired outfit, a 15 year old can wear them just as nicely as a 50 year old. An example is the beautiful satin, champagne, pointed toe flat! It would be nice if the mother-of-the-groom wore them to the reception, wouldn't it? Very age appropriate. Wait a moment...take another look. See the gathered cloth at the toe? the slight ruffle on the inseam? Could those possibly be paired with dark denim jeans and a tan leopard print? There is a vision of the young career woman on a day off. Oh, yes, these shoes are versatile.

The ultimate shoe for closing the fashion gap is the heeled oxford. Grandmother wore the oxfords to school with her poodle skirt and bobbysocks. The modern teen adds two or three inches to them and puts on a pair of skinny jeans to make it work. Thankfully, the heels on them can be found relatively low and chunky so Grandma can wear them without worrying about s twisted ankle. Of course, should her grand-daughter find herself a tall drink of water to date, the heeled oxford comes in a thin four-inch as well.

Ooooooooh, haters!


There are haters in the world--haters of race, haters of religion, haters of peace, and haters of love. "But, eurogirl, why are you talking about haters when you only speak life about shoes?"

Shoe haters, ladies and gentlemen! Some people hate on the beautiful commodity we call shoe! The haters exist, though it is hard to imagine why.

I ran across this while in research of future blogs. How on earth a person could function sans shoe is fantasically foreign to my mind. However he does it and whatever the reason, I do hope he gives shoes another chance. Perhaps the wrong shoe left the wrong impression on him. Oh, one can only hope that the future of footwear will not listen to the faint voices of the "visionaries" that would squelch the sight of shiny shoes...

Monday, July 27, 2009

Where do I begin?


What a fabulous subject! Though I am not sure where to start, I will try. Let me begin by saying how special shoes are. Not just to me, although that is somewhat obvious, but in general--shoes are spectacular! Having been there, done that with every type of shoe imaginable, I believe I know a thing or two about the significance of a good shoe. What qualifies as a good shoe, you may ask. There will be time for that later, I promise you. For now, what we will consider is this: why shoes?

There are a few quotes I have on shoes that may just answer that question. Since I cannot possibly say it better than it already has been said, read the originals:

"Shoes are the best indicator of how people are feeling."
--June Swann

"In a way that few possessions can, shoes tell stories of individuals, geographic areas, cultures and human history. They may discretely reveal clues about the owner, or boldly proclaim their ethnicity, economic status and sense of style."

"Shoes are pure sex."
--Anita Loos

"Baby booties to orthopedic sandals, we spend most of our waking lives in shoes, and from them we may learn something about our culture, our history, and ourselves. Last, far from least, they can be drop-dead gorgeous."
--Cathy Newman

I ask you, how can anyone deny the importance of the shoe? Incroyable! This blog is not only dedicated to the shoes, their meaning, importance, and brilliance, but it is also dedicated to show others how to use a shoe to the greatest extent of its worth.