1970's Vintage Peter Fox Platforms

‎1970's flashback......
Peter Fox, Stained Glass Effect Platform Boots (c. 1973), [Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver BC May 14-Sep 26]

What is a D'orsay Shoe?

Many shoes are described as d’orsay pumps, but what does that expression mean and where did the name come from?

It generally refers to a pump style shoe in which the vamp is cut away on the sides, showing the arch and the side of the foot. The heels can be high or low, but usually it has a closed heel-back and toe.  Some shoe manufacturers will even include a hidden elastic inside the heel back which will help the shoe stay on the foot, especially for women with narrow heels. 

 

It is widely thought that this shoe style is named after the French noble artist, painter and sculptor  Count D’orsay in the 19^th century. He  was known for his charm and style in both fashion and art.  At this time both men and women wore pump style shoes that often didn’t fit and gaped on the sides. Being a style-setter and all around fashion dandy, he had the idea to cut out the sides of the shoes so that they would fit better.

Today the D’orsay shoe is considered a classic style that is both flattering and elegant. Leaving the arch of the foot exposed and often giving a peek of “toe cleavage”, it is also thought of as a very sexy shoe style, especially in a high heel. This style flatters most feet and elongates the leg for short skirts and eveningwear and even Bridal shoes.

Parity and the party

The record high of the Aussie dollar is making shopping in online US stores an absolute dream. I'm determined to get some classic pieces at good prices.

I'm also still keen to only buy vintage, but sometimes it is really difficult to find what I want/need. For example, black flat knee high boots. There are not many in eBay Australia, but probably a lot from the US. The cost of the real leather boots from China on eBay are so exciting though, so sometimes I think new has to be the way due to economical considerations.

Reading blogs like Fancy Treehouse and Another Day To Dress Up are a real source of inspiration. Check them out if you don't know them already!

Wedding Shoe Traditions

There are so many interesting Wedding traditions around the world, and many of them involve shoes!
From the website "All About Shoes":

Happily Ever After

Today, the image of shoes tied to the bumper of a car is an icon meaning “just married.” These shoes are considered to be a symbol of good luck. The origins of this practice have been obscured through time. More than 100 years ago, it was traditional in the West to hurl shoes at the departing couple. The throwing of shoes may have initially been a form of protest that a bride was being taken away. Over time, the tradition may have been modified to the tying of the shoes to the bumper.

Read more about Wedding Shoe traditions on the link below

http://www.allaboutshoes.ca/en/perfect_pair/index.php?target_table=perfect_pair

Shoe Horror

Now that I'm working in the city, I see a lot more fashion and in particular shoes. Despite the multitude of blogs and magazines that take aim at women who wear heels that they cannot walk in, women are not getting the message.

Why do I see women climbing a hill (which is in fact a gently undulating city street) in heels like these, but with the rubber tip worn bare. It makes a scrapping noise every time she lifts her foot forward, or should I say drags.

From this...

To this...

Then the horror of the... shoe boot. I love a wedge, but a wedge covered with the material of the shoe just looks wrong, particularly when the bottom of the shoe and the beginning of the heel cannot be seen by the naked eye.

I'm going to buy these... swoon.