Gap, circa 1995

Yes, really—the Gap! These leather Brazilian slides are an easy, minimal design…a perfect summer basic. (And the perfect basics are always the hardest to find—that’s why I still have these after a decade and a half!)

Popularity: 53% [?]

Technorati Tags: Designer Shoes, gap, sandals

Walter Steiger, spring 2000

Finding these amazing Italian sandals at Loehmann’s was another of those serendipitous shopping moments… I had recently found the Charles Jourdan tote (07.20.2009) in Paris; the bag and sandals came together perfectly. These patent leather sandals use ordinary vinyl tubing in an uncommon way—very clever as the gladiator laces. Another witty fashion moment!

Walter Steiger (born 1942 in Geneva) has designed shoes for a host of designers, from Mary Quant in the “swinging sixties” London, to Karl Lagerfeld, Azzedine Alaia, Claude Montana, and Kenzo; as well as Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta and Calvin Klein. Among his sixteen retail locations worldwide is a New York boutique at 417 Park Avenue at 55th Street.

Popularity: 53% [?]

Technorati Tags: Designer Shoes, sandals, walter steiger

Anne Klein, spring 1999

What a fun idea to fill the platforms of these champagne leather banded slides with sparkling faux crystals! Too bad the company didn’t take the time to test the durability of the vinyl shell of the platform…the first time I wore these, one platform split open and the tiny beads trickled out! It was a sort of Hansel and Gretel event, with the shiny bits marking my shopping path in Soho!

Fortunately Neiman Marcus replaced these fun and funky Italian sandals; the second pair just doesn’t go long distances!

Popularity: 53% [?]

Technorati Tags: anne klein, Designer Shoes, sandals

Anne Klein, spring 1998

I bought these Italian slides as a starting point for an outfit to wear to an elegant spring wedding. Yes, I often start with the shoes or bags, or even a belt or pair of gloves. I definitely would style a look around a unique piece of jewelry. My clothes are typically simple, clean designs; this allows the accessories to star without the look becoming too cluttered. Also, this allows me to create more looks from my basic wardrobe…and have more money left for handbags!

So, back to the wedding…it was cancelled two weeks before the invitations were due to be mailed. My fashion event was certainly not of equal significance to that! The gold sandals just became incorporated into my wardrobe without leading to something new.

When you have a very specific design ideology (and strong personal style), and stay true to it when shopping, the elements of your wardrobe will always come together…at some point. (Shopping alert!  Don’t buy everything you like if it really has no place in your closet—be objective about your purchases! And call a friend with a hot tip if the item should really be in her closet!) When I found the Francesco Biasia Wave Tote I found a new counterpoint to these slides. The key element which brought them together is the color of the sandals—it’s a bit unusual, sort of a pinkish-cast warm gold—really nice with the warm metallic coral tote. Of course, both shoes and bag have a fresh, modern feel. So even though this is not the “wedding guest” look which I originally envisioned, it did find a place in my closet!

Popularity: 52% [?]

Technorati Tags: anne klein, Designer Shoes, mules, sandals, slides

Puma, early 21st century

You probably can’t moonwalk in these…they’re not too practical, but they are too funny! And they do work well as wall art!

These funky flip-flops were another hilarious find at Marshall’s—I came home laughing!

Popularity: 14% [?]

Technorati Tags: Designer Shoes, flip flops, puma, sandals

Anne Klein Couture, late 1980’s

You can’t beat summer sandals! These vintage variegated black and white cord flats (amazingly) still look contemporary. They came from Bonwit Teller in Philadelphia shortly before its demise.  

Popularity: 13% [?]

Technorati Tags: anne klein, Designer Shoes, sandals, vintage

Calvin Klein Collection, summer 2006

These sandals define contemporary fusion fashion. The inspiration is the traditional Japanese Geta clog, but it’s made elegant with lacquered silver leaf and black suede, and very contemporary by the sexy wedge-shaped thong and gladiator laces.

Shortly after finding these at Sak’s Off Fifth, I was given the Issey Miyake bamboo and leather bag (06.19.2009)—it was serendipitous—they’re the perfect counterpoint!   

Popularity: 11% [?]

Technorati Tags: calvin klein, japanese geta clog, sandals