Retro & Vintage Shoes » Mules

Get the Glam Rock Look of ‘Velvet Goldmine’

Karla Manlangit — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 05:25:09 +0000

The ’70s have been making waves recently, but I wonder why we’re still waiting on glam rock to fully reemerge. Where is the theatrical use of makeup? How about the eye-catching platform pumps and sandals? And of course, furs and sequins!

Jonathan Rhys-Meyers in Velvet Goldmine

And I thought Velvet Goldmine was such a heavily influential film. If we’re gonna do the ’70s, it might as well be the glam rock era. It’s one of the most, if not THE, most extreme milestones of fashion!

Christian Bale in the glam rock style of Velvet Goldmine

Fortunately, we found some pieces here and there that can bring glam rock back– and for cheap, too! Check out this very retro blog post and we hope you get inspired to style a glam rock look of your own!

Qupid Suede Platform Heel, $32.50, Hot Topic

This 5″ high platform heel is both sexy and daring in a retro palette of black, turquoise, pink, and purple faux suede.

Sequin Lightning Dot Top, $15.95, GoJane

We love this short sleeve, midriff-baring top with a sequin lightning in the middle. Now that’s glam rock!

Electric Matte Eyeshadow, $6.00, Urban Decay

As it says on the Urban Decay website, this electric blue matte eyeshadow is silky and not chalky. Perfect for partying and band chasing.

Janika Faux Fur Vest, $57.00, BB Dakota, Revolve Clothing

Glam rock wouldn’t be complete without some fur-inspired clothing. This faux fur vest is the perfect complement to leather skirts and neon jumpsuits. Love it!

Patent Peep Toe T-Strap Platform in Orange, $21.95, GoJane

You’re not glam rock if your not sitting on more than an inch of platform. We love this patent t-strap because not only is it retro, it’s also in this lovely orange color.

25% Off on 5 Hot Brands at Heels!

Karla Manlangit — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 05:43:06 +0000

Hello, well-heeled readers! Heels is giving 25% off on five hot brands! Avail of this hard core promo and get the retro shoes you’ve been eyeing from BCBG, Ironfist, Michael Antonio and Michael Antonio Studio, Jessica Simpson, and Guess.

Here are the coupon codes to get this red-hot, 25% off deal and shop ’til your heart’s content at Heels all the way through August! See also our hot suggestions below.

Brand: BCBG

Coupon Code: BCBG25

Retro & Vintage Suggests:

Gumby in Chili Patent, $79.99, BCBG

Brand: Jessica Simpson

Coupon Code: jsimpson25

Retro & Vintage Suggests:

Cheetah in Dusty Taupe, $99.99, Jessica Simpson

Brand: Guess

Coupon Code: guess25

Retro & Vintage Suggests:

Kadi in Med Red Patent, $94.99, Guess

Brand: Ironfist

Coupon Code: ironfist25

Retro & Vintage Suggests:

Jen’s Heart Heel in Black, $54.99, Ironfist

Brand: Michael Antonio and Michael Antonio Studio

Coupon Code: antonio25

Retro & Vintage Suggests:

Theronn in Red, $84.99, Michael Antonio

Bedazzled: Slipping On The Glitter Shoes

Karla Manlangit — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:36:29 +0000

Back in Kansas, the adventure all but a dream, I wonder if Dorothy ever thought about those magical ruby red slippers. Missed them perhaps? After all, glitter is irresistible to any girl.

Dorothy’s ruby red slippers in The Wizard of Oz

For example, I certainly felt covetous after seeing the crystal-encrusted suede pumps from Christian Louboutin. Crystal. Encrusted. Suede. It’s one luxurious thing after another. Insane, isn’t it? But the best fashion usually are.

Crystal-Encrusted Suede Pump, $3,095.00, Christian Louboutin, Neiman Marcus

It’s a bit of a price mark but fortunately, we found equally dazzling pairs that aren’t as steep. Into the blinding light with you then.

Flash, $79.99, BCBGirls, Heels

Cristle, $89.00, Enzo Angiolini, Piperlime

Wowww, $129.99, Steve Madden, Heels

Keme, $54.99, Michael Antonio, Heels

Sparkler, $429.99, ZiGiny Black Label, Heels

Christin Michaels Classic Pumps, Sandals and Slingbacks for Just Under $45!

Erika — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 09:04:10 +0000

This has got to be one of the best deals we’ve ever featured here on Retro Vintage Shoes. What were previously hundred-dollar Christin Michaels shoes are now going for just under $45 at 6pm.com!

In case you haven’t heard of Christin Michaels yet, it’s a relatively new “contemporary luxe” footwear and apparel brand that was founded just in December of 2007. Their target market is the fashionable career woman so they have lots of classic and elegant shoe designs that are also comfortable, sensible and work appropriate.

Combining style with practicality in footwear is never an inexpensive undertaking so Christin Michaels generally price their shoes between $100 to $300. It’s the price range you would pay for a premium shoe label – but just not today. Today, prices on Christin Michaels pumps, sandals and slingbacks start at just $24.75 and here are some of the lovely styles to choose from:

Christin Michaels Farica, $24.75 (was $125.00)

Christine Micheals Fabienne, $28.05 (was $161.00)

Christin Michaels Felicity, $28.05 (was $141.00)

Christin Michaels Jenielle, $31.90 (was $146.00)

Christin Micheals Arla, $33.55 (was $155.00)

Christin Michaels Rebecca, $19.95 (was $126.00)

Christin Michaels Vickie, $34.30 (was $115.00)

Christin Michaels Adilene, $44.10 (was $150.00)

As with any major sale, these Christin Michaels shoes only have one or a few sizes left. But imagine scoring your size in the style that you want – the feeling would be like Christmas arriving early!

1960s Marabou Feather Bedroom Heels from Pleaser USA

Erika — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:29:20 +0000

These Amour 03 heels from Pleaser USA are an exact replica of the marabou feather bedroom heels that were popular in the 1960s:

Pleaser USA Amour 3

Just compare them with these pictures of authentic 1960s marabou feather bedroom heels which I found on the internet:

Authentic 1960s blue marabou feather bedroom heels, Polly of California brand

Black maraboue feather bedroom heels from the 1960s; brand: Norman Kaplan Las Vegas

These reminded of a scene in the movie “Down With Love” where Barbara Novak (played by Renee Zellweger) is singing in her apartment in her nightgown and wearing these heels. I found a still – the movie was also set in the 60s by the way:

Renee Zellweger as Barbara Novak in the 2003 set-in-the-60s movie “Down With Love”

The Pleaser USA Amour 3 heels would be fun to wear to bed, but I don’t think I’d be able to wear them outside of the house. Would you?

If I really had to wear feathered shoes to go out, I’d go for these from Martinez Valero instead:

Martinez Valero Carla Heel in Green Satin, $174.99

Martinez Valero Carla Heel in Black Satin, $157.49

Bernardo Miami – Sandals that Stand the Test of Time

Erika — Sat, 29 May 2010 07:40:56 +0000

I was perusing Zappos.com for a pair of sandals for this summer when I chanced upon these Bernardo Miami sandals:

Bernardo Miami sandals in Bronza Nappa, $89.00

They’re no stand outs at first glance really, but there was something about the sandals’ construction and design.

So, wanting to know more about them, I clicked on the thumbnail and boy, did I know a lot more about them. Turns out, Bernardo has been in the shoe industry since 1947 and this particular sandal, the Miami sandal, was originally designed way back in the 1940s. The Bernardo Miami sandal is one of Bernardo’s most popular shoe styles and as you can see, they are still being sold and are still just as popular as they were 70 years ago.

I headed on over to the Bernardo website and found these vintage Bernardo print ads from the 1960s to the 1970s. I put them alongside new sandal styles from the Bernardo Spring 2010 collection to show just how classic and timeless Bernardo sandals are. Bernardo sandals are stylish and actually remain stylish over the years – no wonder iconic celebrity Jackie Onassis considered herself a big fan of Bernardo and owned the Bernardo Miami sandal in 16 colors.

Enjoy these vintage ads from 60s to 70s Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue!

Bernardo ad in the May 1960 issue of Vogue

Bernardo Miami Woven, $115.00

September 1964 Harper’s Bazaar Bernardo product placement

Bernardo Tina, $149.00

Bernardo ad in the November 1968 Harper’s Bazaar

Bernardo Mohawk, $159.00

Donald J Pliner Contrast Trim Peep Toe Mary Janes and Other Authentic Vintage 50s Two Tone Shoes

Erika — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 18:07:28 +0000

I came across these shoes on Zappos.com and instantly fell in love:

These are the Zsa peep toe mary janes from Donald J Pliner. Don’t they remind you of 50 shoes? They have the high stiletto heel that was a main fixture on women’s feet in the 50s, plus they have the piping trim in a contrasting color which were common on women’s shoes in that era.

Here’s a collection of pictures I found on the internet of 5 genuine vintage 50s shoes featuring the contrast trim, to show just how common it was back then:

Black on mustard on these Andrew Geller for Joseph La Rose pointy toe pumps

Navy accented with gold on these vintage 5os John Marino New York mules

The clear foot strap is set off by the beige tone of the rest of these Nicholas Ungar slingbacks

Black and white mesh pumps from the “I Love Lucy” era

Another pair of authentic vintage 50s pumps, this time in black and brown

I like the clean line that the contrast trim makes and I think they somehow make the feet look narrower and slimmer. I’ll most definitely be on the lookout for more shoes with contrast trim next time I go shoe hunting. I’ll share what I’ll be able to find in a next post here on Retro Vintage Shoes!

If you’re liking the Donald J Pliner Zsa peep toe mary janes, they’re available for purchase for $214.12 at Zappos.com.

A Brief History of Lucite – From the 50s to the Latest Prada Lucite Shoes

Erika — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:34:33 +0000

Did you know that before lucite was associated with strippers, it was actually considered to be a very high class and a very expensive type of plastic? The transparent thermoplastic was developed in the 40s and was used in World War II as building material for submarine periscopes, windshields, and gunner turrets for bombers and fighter planes to name a few uses. (Wikipedia)

The war inspired a lot of fashion trends during that time (look up 40s military fashion and Christian Dior in the 40s) and it wasn’t long before the fashion industry picked up on lucite. Designers were soon churning out purses, jewelery, shoes, and other accessories made out of lucite and it became all the rage among women in the 1950s.

1950s actress and leading sex symbol Jayne Mansfield wearing lucite heels

The most expensive lucite purses in those days were made by Wilardy of New York and were even showcased in major department stores throughout the US (Henrietta Timmon’s “Lucite Purses – A Brief History and Buying Guide”):

1955 advertisement for a Wilardy Rhinestone Clutch, as used by English-American actress and director Ida Lupino in the 1954 film “Private Hell 36″

After the heyday of lucite in those years, it all kind of went downhill. There was a brief period in the 70s when the popularity of lucite spiked up again in the form of disco shoes, but it slowly became associated with strippers and became known as “hooker wear” from then on.

There is however a small group of people who know the true value of lucite and perpetuate the glamorous legacy that it started in the 50s. It looks like Miucca Prada is one of those people in the know, as she included elegant clear and smoky black-tinged lucite heels for her latest Spring 2010 Ready-To-Wear collection:

Lucite heels in the Prada Spring 2010 RTW fashion show

Lately, select shoe designers have also been coming out with really tasteful lucite shoes. See if any of these 3 lucite shoes are to your liking:

Stuart Weitzman Mam, $315.00

Onex Venus, $64.00

Two Lips Mel, $25.88

What do you think of the Prada lucite heels or lucite shoes in general? Will they catch on and restore their former glory or are they just a novelty to you?

Read more about Prada lucite heels in this blog post entitled “Lucite Heels from Prada: Chic or Cheap?” over at YourNextShoes.com.

Alexander Wang Abbey High Heels: A More Glamorous Take on Men’s Fisherman Sandals

Roselle — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 07:00:44 +0000

Here’s a pair I wouldn’t mind wearing: The Alexander Wang Abbey High Heel Sandals.

Alexander Wang Abbey High Heel Sandals in Tobacco

These shoes were first presented in Wang’s 2010 Resort Collection.

Alexander Wang Resort Wear 2010

It also comes in flat version, as seen on the 2^nd and 4^th models in the picture above.

At first glance, the Abbey High Heel Sandals may look masculine and perhaps a little ordinary, but these vintage looking shoes are actually sexy to wear.

The pointed toe offsets all the tough looking straps of the shoe, giving it a more feminine appeal. It also makes the legs appear longer. The T-bar detail adds to the sexiness as well.

A close analysis will show us that this pair is actually a cross between fisherman sandals (in its glamorized form), mules, and T-straps.

To illustrate the comparison, here’s a pair of fisherman sandals from Bacco Bucci:

Bacco Bucci CJ Fisherman Sandals, US$159

VS.

Alexander Wang Abbey High Heel Sandals in Black

As for the ankle straps on these shoes, I am not entirely crazy about it, but I can live with it. Ankle straps always cut the length of the legs, so these shoes will have to go with short or mini outfits to look good.

Altogether, I would give the Alexander Wang Abbey High Heel Sandals a good 8 out of 10.

If you would like a pair of Alexander Wang Abbey High Heel Sandals for yourself, you may purchase it at Shopbop.com for US$495.

Old-Fashioned Vintage Lace Shoes

Erika — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:37:07 +0000

Lace, sheer fabrics, and lingerie may be the newest, latest, and hottest trend for 2010, but lace still elicits old-fashioned delicateness and age-old elegance.

Intricate lacework

Lace-making originally involved fine materials such as silver and gold threads. Nowadays, anything from cotton to copper threads are used in the lacing process. But no matter what material is used – and no matter how old it gets or how new it is - the amazing thing about lace is its designs still remain timeless.

See here a pair of vintage lace pumps with sparkly lucite heels, circa 1950:

1950s vintage lace pumps

Lucite heels reveal a sparkly rhinestone-inlaid flower in each heel

Compare them with these new Aven ivory lace pumps from rsvp:

rsvp Aven

Even though there are about 60 years between these two lace pumps, the lace design remains relevant and retains it sophisticated style in each shoe. Here’s proof that lace is everlasting and its fragile grace and luxury will last through time.

Another amazing thing about lace is that it can be lolita pretty or alluring and sexy, depending on the color and the lacework.

Here are 3 lace shoes that are delicately pretty:

Stuart Weitzman Dippy

Hale Bob Women’s Rio

Coloriffics Women’s Anne

And 3 that are sexy vampy:

Carlos by Carlos Santana Privilege

Romantic Soles Pamela

DSQUARED2 S10A001001 48

Which side of lace are you on – the pretty or the sexy?