Retro & Vintage Shoes » James Dean http://www.retrovintageshoes.com Fashion News On Retro & Vintage Boots, Sandals & Shoes Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:04:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Penny For Your Thoughts: Stylish Loafers for You! http://www.retrovintageshoes.com/2011/07/penny-thoughts-stylish-loafers/ http://www.retrovintageshoes.com/2011/07/penny-thoughts-stylish-loafers/#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:15:25 +0000 Karla Manlangit http://www.retrovintageshoes.com/?p=3473 Growing up, penny loafers were my go-to shoes in school. They fit the stringent fashion rules of my Catholic school (low-heeled, black) without hassling me with laces. Comfortable but otherwise boring.

That is why until now, I haven’t looked to them as viable, stylish footwear. Today, they come in all kinds of heels, colors and patterns, ...Read more]]> Growing up, penny loafers were my go-to shoes in school. They fit the stringent fashion rules of my Catholic school (low-heeled, black) without hassling me with laces. Comfortable but otherwise boring.

That is why until now, I haven’t looked to them as viable, stylish footwear. Today, they come in all kinds of heels, colors and patterns, and they go with practically anything.

James Dean in penny loafers

Penny loafers began in the 1930s from Norway. They were low, slip-on and lace less shoes. They became more popular in the 1950s when celebrities like Steve McQueen and James Dean started wearing them. Shortly after, Michael Jackson brought it back when he incorporated it into his fashion in the 1980s.

Today’s loafer revival caters more to the women and my favorite has to be the loafer pumps. They blur the lines of conservative and sexy and I am half-wishing we had them back in the day. Well, better late than never.

 

Talli Penny Loafer Pumps, $395.00, Vera Wang Lavender Label

 

Night Penny Loafer Pumps, $180.00, Boutique 9

 

High Heel Penny Loafers, $275.00, Marc by Marc Jacobs

 

Roxanne Keeper Suede Loafer Pumps, $280.00, Diane von Furstenberg

All featured loafers are available on Shopbop.

]]> http://www.retrovintageshoes.com/2011/07/penny-thoughts-stylish-loafers/feed/ 0 Bass Weejun Penny Loafers Then and Now http://www.retrovintageshoes.com/2009/12/bass-weejun-penny-loafers-then-and-now/ http://www.retrovintageshoes.com/2009/12/bass-weejun-penny-loafers-then-and-now/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:12:07 +0000 Erika http://www.retrovintageshoes.com/?p=371 Penny loafers, the lace-less, buckle-less slip-on shoes, have been around since the 1930s. They were copied from a shoe style from Norway that were worn mostly by Norwegian fishermen. George Henry Bass of G.H. Bass & Co. Shoe Company picked up this shoe and redesigned it into the classic penny loafer that we now know ...Read more]]> James Dean

Penny loafers, the lace-less, buckle-less slip-on shoes, have been around since the 1930s. They were copied from a shoe style from Norway that were worn mostly by Norwegian fishermen. George Henry Bass of G.H. Bass & Co. Shoe Company picked up this shoe and redesigned it into the classic penny loafer that we now know today. He gave it the name “Weejun”, which is of course derived from the word “Norwegian”.

When James Dean (pictured above) wore the Bass Weejuns with his biker jacket and his pants rolled up, he made not just an undeniable fashion statement but also turned the penny loafers into a timeless piece of clothing.

Presently, loafers are worn by men, women, and children alike. G.H. Bass & Co. is still regarded as the maker of quality penny loafers. Their range of penny loafers has broadened to include both classic and trendier designs.

The Bass Freeway is one of the top-selling styles of Bass’ women’s penny loafers:

Bass Women's Freeway

Bass Women’s Freeway, now 10% off at Shoes.com

For men, the smart and sleek Bass Alberta is the popular style:

Bass Men's Alberta

Bass Men’s Alberta, $71.00 at Shoes.com

Check out more popular penny loafer shoe styles for men and for women over at Shoes.com.

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