THE CITIZEN INDEX

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Feeling Golden: Shoes that Gleam


What is it about shiny gold shoes? 

I've been fond of them since high school (which was back before the days of Zeus + Mt. Olympus, and cell phones) where I learned of the invisible fine line on wearing bright gold shoes- somehow your shiny hooves can veer from "goddess slippers," and slide into the gaudy category of "hooker shoes."  Gold shoes have 2 flavors: high class or just crass. I owned two pairs of gold shoes: Espirit gold leather ballet slippers which rang regal when worn with just about anything, and a cheap brand of strappy gold stilettos.

Gold lame on tottering heels, I learned at age 17, when worn with anything flouncy or flirty (including the magenta jersey knit V-neck dress your mom stay up late night sewing) could come off as "trampy." At least according to three classmates, one History teacher, and a frowning high school principal. As one admonisher put it, I looked less "Saks Fifth Avenue", and more "Frederick's of Hollywood." In the big scheme of things, I learned that to feel golden, looking demure was preferred to shiny streetwalker winsome.











Goddess, or strumpet? (Golden)Eye of the beholder, I suppose.

This season you'll be seeing a renaissance of shiny shoes, all sorts of metallics, from brazen bronze, mercurial silvers to glorious, glittering golds. I for one, am loving this return to the gilded age. I'm especially drawn to bright gold sandals  that gleam in the form of mirrored metallics. This mirrored metallic sheen adds a post-modern kick of fantasy, and if worn with the right outfit, can convert us mere mortals into emperial goddesses. To get a look that's more celestial flyer than streetwalker, look for mirrored leather with streamlined straps and minimal embellishments. Let the focus fall on the clean lines, and classic details.  The best finds are made up from an alchemist's brew of past, present + future, mixed equal parts sophisticate style, and comfort. 

In Order of Appearance: 
Nine West, Make Nice, Zappos
Gold Dot, Emi Sandals, Solestruck
Bottega Veneta, 298125VP360 8417, Zappos
Jimmy Choo, Mirrored Leather + Cork Wedges, Saks


41 comments:

Kitty said...

Mirrored leather?!
Argh, just when I think I know stuff they go changing it. comes from living in a vintage bubble I guess, LOL!

Patti said...

Ah, curse my wallet! My eyes went right to the Jimmy Choos : > I love metallic shoes, just scored some silver gladiator sandals at the thrift and I'm wearing them constantly.

Highland Fashionista said...

I do love me a pair of gold shoes, but yes, you have to be a wee bit careful with the reflective factor. I find that a burnished metallic is your best bet, and you can wear it as a neutral. I have a pair of burnished gold Enzo Angiolini [pumps that I have had for EVER and I contine to wear them all the time. Funny how something like footwear can make people instantly think....trashy, or prostitute, isn't it? I mean, so we think "porn star" every time we see a man with a bushy moustache? Probably not. I think it is less about the "trashiness" of the shoes, and more about what you balance it with.

Megan said...

I love those solestruck sandals! Must have!

Kristina said...

Yeah, I love all of them. I guess I'm trampy like that. :D

Kathleen said...

A little gold goes a long way?

Unknown said...

I love golden and colourful shoes ! Got two par of golden right now - Converse high tops and a par of really high heels with a bit of slut warning atached to them..But - eeyy - who cares! Sorry about the spelling.. I´m trying..

Lisa said...

Oh my gosh....the 'goddess/strumpet' stilettos are going to make me pass out...yes they are.

Unknown said...

Your gold sandals are too cute!! Thanks for giving me a dose of gold for my shoe addictio!!

Vix said...

Maybe it's a U.S thing, I'm not aware of any trashy connections with gold shoes, here it's white shoes that get a bad press. I like the metallic sandals you're wearing best, heeled ones remind me of something an posh elderly lady would wear on a cruise. x

Forest City Fashionista said...

Yeah, metallic shoes can be tough to pull off. I have a pair of mirrored silver Franco Sarto ankle boots, which I love, but when you have large feet already, they look positively gigantic in those. I agree with Vix, I like your gold flats the best.

Unknown said...

I love shiny shoes. Gold but silver too. I am worse than a magpie. Love your sandals.

Anonymous said...

as a magpie I love anything shiny. unfortunately--having big feet I have to be careful of having HUGE shiny hooves!!
I am so wanting a nice bronzy pair of ballet slippers htis fall. Which of course will not exist in the shoe universe!!

de|constructed said...

Oooohhhh girl! they are a dream! gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

I love the flats the best. I've always loved metallic shoes too. As long as they're not old lady looking. You know the kind....(SAS) ;)

CatieBeatty said...

Those are all so cool! I love when metallic accessories are really shiny and not just gold or silver colored. Great picks!

Miss Simmonds Says said...

stop with the gold shoes I can't afford! they're gorgeous, I can see Vix in all of them

Jennifer said...

No gold for me. I do platinum, bronze or silver, but muted, not shiny.
I can't wait for the "hooker" heels to fade out of fashion!

Anonymous said...

I've got a pair or two of interesting gold shoes myself. Actually ordered something from Frederick's this week. ;)

MELI. said...

"high class or crass" LOLLLLLLLLLL hahaa :)
these are fun, cant wait to wear some red wedges however mi feet will be beyond pale after these uber cold foggy months in the city.
sept. cant come fast enough xxo

Jill said...

I love your gold shoes, especially paired with a green pedicure. How fun! In this instance I say goddess not streetwalker. XO, Jill

Anonymous said...

So glad metallics are in! I have a great pair of pewter spiked flats. I can't wait to find some gold companions to share the closet with them ;-)

Heather Fonseca said...

Like you I'm really liking the metallic trend. It's not usually "me" as I only have o e pair of metallic shoes and they're bronze, but the late summer heat makes gold sandals, especially the flats you're wearing with those green toenails, look really good!

The Style Crone said...

This is why it's difficult to downsize. My vintage metallic shoes have been waiting for this moment.
Your creative and inspiring writing, as do the photos, have me visualizing an outfit in the midst of this post.

Oh to Be a Muse said...

I totally agree with you, Bella. Gold shoes can be really pretty or really slutty. I like the Emi sandals the best.

ClosetConfections said...

Shiny gold shoes (and their silver counterparts) have long been one of my favs. I have several pairs, and they're perfect because they go with everything and are much more fun than a basic neutral. Those Bottega Veneta's are gorgeous, btw!

Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb said...

Oh my goodness... I am loving those gold sandals, Bella! Look so good with the green toes too;)

Basically I'll want anything that's shiny, sparkly or glittery. So gold shoes get a big thumbs up from me, sweetie!

Catherine x
http://notdressedaslamb.com

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

As someone afflicted with a severe case of Magpie Syndrome, I can't resist the guilty pleasure of shiny and sparkly, classy or trampy (and who decides which is which?!!!) Love these shoes. Can't wait to see all my fashion friends incorporate this element into their outfits.

reviews said...

shiny, shiny gold. that's why i like it=)

Comtesse de ferveur said...

I love the bright green nails with that gold! Gold can be a dodgy colour to wear, but I still love it on everything!x

doradadama said...

Hell Yeah Todo Dorado!
love the mirrored leather platforms.
besos

Marissa said...

First of all, I love that you worked the word "strumpet" into your post. It's a great one and not used often enough. :)

Second, I LOVE the look of mirrored leather. I may need to take a gander at those Nine West wedges and see if they have my size.

Jenmarie said...

Great minds must think alike! First our posts about sunglasses, and now gold? :) Love it!

Kimberley said...

these are the gleaming shoes that I covet- chrome oxfords!!
http://pinterest.com/pin/80994493268708004/

Shybiker said...

Awesome. Gold shoes rock.

And thank you, Bella, for the smart tweet. I've been encouraged by the sign of other deviants out there and it'd be nice if my existence served that purpose for others.

BTW, and I hope you take this the right way, I've always viewed you as The Patron Saint of the Charmingly Eccentric. You're fierce!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Stay gold Pony Boy!

Melanie said...

Is there such a thing as a classy tramp? I'd love to see you in those Jimmy Choos, but I also like the Gold Dot. The sandals you're wearing are pretty awesome but what did the goddess from the ankles up?

lasophia said...

I have a friend who "hates people who wear silver shoes." I just think that is bizarre. Gold and silver shoes should be as common as the Nike. Then the world would be a happier place.

mispapelicos said...

I love gold and glitter, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.
I also love heart of gold.
Love to be back, my dearest friend.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Goodwill Fangirl said...

Wow, even the high school principal? That was kinda harsh :/

I like gold and silver shoes, albeit a bit muted for the office.

I'm also kinda excited that my toenails are painted green right now, like yours. It's kinda neat to be doing what the Cool Girlz are doing :)

Becky said...

Just bookmarked the Emi sandals. Why??? Why did you have to post those? I just told myself last night I was not going to buy any more shoes. Your post also brought me back (way back) to all the flak I used to get in high school about my clothes...