Shoeflyer | Shoes, Trends & Reviews

How do you know if something is trendy? Aside from what advertisers tell you (plaid?), it’s hard to know what’s actually turning heads out there on the streets. Since designers showcase their seasonal wares at shows scheduled months ahead of the relevant season, even their best efforts could be way off mark. When you think of it in these terms, following fashion is like following a school of fish that’s constantly shifting shape and switching directions. That’s why it takes focused attention and in-depth analysis to figure out what the average consumer will see as trendy over the next few months–yet the folks over at Forbes report that it is possible.  According to their article on Fall 2009 fashion trends, Lazard Capital Markets’ analysts gathered and combed through ten issues of fall 2009 fashion magazines to discover which trends will be big this fall.  (Tough job they have over there… maybe I should think about becoming an analyst…) Here’s a summary of their findings:

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Jessica Joyner, like many women, once dreaded opening her closet to search for that perfect pair of shoes. It didn’t matter if she was going to work, to a social engagement, or just to relax — choosing the right shoe from amidst a plethora of possibilities gave her a headache. That is, until she discovered the secret to shoe selection. If you want the skinny on her top five shoes every woman should own, read on.

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Shoeflyer wishes steamy Puerto Rican actor Benicio Del Toro a very happy 42nd birthday. Not that he needs our well wishing. The stars seem to have aligned for this film star. Not only did he land the role of one of history’s most influential politicians (Che), but he will strut his stuff today on the catwalks of New York’s Fashion Week.

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Given the internationally depressed economy, it’s no surprise that three designers, including Vera Wang, decided to pull out of fashion week in New York.  Fashion Week is a glitzy, expensive affair requiring gobs of investment on the part of the designers. Those who are participating are finding ways to cut costs. Some brought fewer models. Others are requiring guests to bring their own libations to the after parties.

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The melting economy has all retailers (and most businesses, for that matter) frantic for ideas to distinguish themselves from the increasingly winnowed pack of competitors. Shoe sales certainly haven’t benefitted from nosediving consumer confidence– unless we’re talking about second-hand shoe sales. Those are booming. But designers haven’t stopped designing. Shoe stores are still open. And we’re all still wearing shoes. So how can retailers and designers be sure that you spend your choosy footwear dollars on their brands?

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Plastic bags are a ubiquitous part of our consumer culture. Several countries and cities have banned the use of plastic bags. Some companies, like Ikea, offer only reusable bags at the counter. As a culture, we are moving toward plastic bag reduction. But what about all those bags that are already in the world? Can they be repurposed, rather than tossed?

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I’m taking an anti-year-in-review stand. There are enough “Shoe Trends of 2008” posts out there to satisfy the biggest shoe addict. And besides, if you’re interested enough in footwear to read shoe blogs, you already know what happened this year: gladiator sandals, bright colors, high heels, jewels, chains, and the shootie. So, instead of lingering over the past, let’s get moving toward the future. (more…)

In case you missed the terrific news, MTV recently posted their entire video collection online. From Kelly’s viral “Shoes” to rite of passage remakes of the King’s “Blue Suede Shoes,” there are dozens of hit music videos about shoes. The next few posts here at Shoeflyer will celebrate such videos. I’ll also feature Shoefly selections that express the spirit of the music video shoes. (more…)

Colored tights are one of this winter’s greatest accessories because:

1) They brighten up an otherwise drab winter palate. Shazam, winter eye-popping color!
2) They’re easy on the wallet– tights and fun socks are the ultimate splurge when the economy’s in the tank.
3) They keep you warm while showing off your luscious gams.
4) Boots + Colored Tights = Automatic Rock Star. (And a warm Rock Star at that! The kind of well-prepared Rock Star that excelled in Girl Scouts until she burned gloriously into her Age of Rebellion.)
5) It’s oh-so-easy to strike up conversations with random cute boys when you’re wearing colored tights. They send the message that you have a sense of humor and a sense of fashion.

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