#1 Emilio Pucci 794975

If there’s talk of print, then there’s talk of Pucci. Looks like pointed toes are coming back this season. $247.86 marked down from $424.00.

#2 Matisse Robertson

Can it get any more 70s than a wavy chevron print? These ballet flats with a lovely crochet design are $80.95.

#3 Marc by Marc Jacobs 605817

Psychedelic prints leap out of the 60s and onto these peep toe pumps from Marc Jacobs. Even the slightly rounded shape and the tapered heel look like they came from the 60s. $330.00.

#4 Bandolino Kalliopa

Flower power! These 70s cork wedges also come in more subdued black and dark blue hues. Now only $65.08.

#5 J. Renee Gretel

80s jungle print gets tamed on a vintage d’orsay pump. $79.95.

Still can’t get enough of prints? Then check out other lively shoe choices in these posts about Hippie fashion and floral Fossil flats.

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   Alexis Mabille Spring 2010 Couture Collection
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2. Vintage Beaded Shoes Vs. Modern Beaded Shoes
   

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3. Pretty Pumps in Retro Prints from Naughty Monkey
   

   Naughty Monkey came up with this precious line of pumps with chunky heels and in playful retro prints:

   Naughty Monkey Sequin Bouquet in black, blue, and tan

   Naughty Monkey T-Cup in green, yellow, blue, and pink
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Hippie fashion came out right after the Beatles movement, which was in the 50’s. Its development was driven by rebelliousness and the need to be free from society’s repressive rules.

If the Beatles era was characterized by the black turtleneck, the 60’s was all about freedom, peace, love, and going back to nature with its colorful loose clothing, peasant blouses, granny dresses, organic accessories, tank tops with bell bottom jeans, and micro-mini skirts. Even the hair was let loose (men and women alike) to signify freedom from the constraints of oneself.

The term “flower power” emerged soon after hippies referred to it as the ultimate symbol of what they believed in (freedom, peace, love, and nature). This of course translated into the frequent use of flowers as accessories and  floral printed clothes that were either hand made, hand painted, or tie-dyed.

Today, hippie fashion is not the general norm, but it is a look one can easily achieve with the right clothing and accessories. Even some celebrities love carrying out this style frequently (Olsen twins, Kate Moss).

If you’re a hippie fashion fanatic, you can take advantage of the spring  season’s call for colors, prints, and patterns by wearing floral printed shoes that are reminiscent of  the Flower Power era.

Betseyville Victoria Wedge

GUESS Delightful

Tribeca Prime Letter

Betsey Johnson Foster Wedge

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2. Re-Mix Spectator Wedge Shoes in Spectacular Fashion
   

   The spectator shoe is one footwear trend that has been going in and out of fashion since it was  first designed in the late 1800s. To prove that point, here’s an ad for spectator shoes in a 1930 Sears catalog:

   1930s ad for Sears’ spring shoes
   Over 10 years later, a similar ad for spectator shoes appeared [...]

3. How the D’orsay Shoe Got its Name
   

   You’ve most likely come across d’orsay shoes even if you don’t know it – the term d’orsay refers to a French shoe style where the vamp and the sides of the shoe are cut away to expose the décolleté and arch of the foot:

   Drawing of vintage d’orsay shoes
   This shoe style evolved sometime in the 19th [...]

Here are 3 pairs of shoes with very now silhouettes made old-fashioned simply by attaching flower details:

Bordello Camille 01 – This is the extreme wedge trend toned down by a satin flower and a satin fabric finish. The effect is an elegant and interesting shoe that can be worn on special occasions and even on casual days if the detachable flower is removed. $54.95.

Vince Camuto Sarita – We usually see the high heel peep toe boot embellished with studs, chains and other rock elements, so the stitched/etched flower on the side of these Vince Camuto Saritas is a refreshing detail. It still looks trendy yet intriguingly very classic for a peep toe boot. $129.95.

BCBG Max Azria Ceetaly 2 – It’s a rockin’ platform bootie, with a 4 inch-high stacked heel and edgy zipper hardware. But add that spiraled flower and the whole shoe suddenly looks sassy but sweet. $349.95.

We commonly see modern adaptations of actual retro or vintage shoes, so it’s nice to see it done the other way around this time.

You can buy these shoes at Shoebuy.com. They’re having their once-a-year-only Spring sale right now so you have the chance to get 20% off on top of free delivery on every purchase from their website.

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2. Old-Fashioned Vintage Lace Shoes
   

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   Intricate lacework
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3. New and Modern Shoes Made the Old-Fashioned Way
   

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modern day Huarache

(image care of Wikipedia)

Huarache sandals are Mexican in origin; they were first worn by native American Indians living in Mexico, and soon after by peasants who preferred the shoes because of its durability.

The characteristics of the Huarache shoe include hand-woven leather upper and hand-cut leather soles. However, during the 1930’s, the Mexicans started using rubber from recycled tires as soles for these sandals, more due to the reason that rubber soles were less expensive.

These sandals became really popular in the United States during the 1960’s, when the hippies started wearing them.

Before, Huarache sandals only came in limited sizes and these sizes were tailored to fit the Mexican feet, which were short, wide, and stout.

Today however, Huarache sandals come in many styles and sizes. Sometimes, the styles even go as far as looking like gladiator sandals such as the  Elizabeth and James Edge Huarache Sandals Mary Kate Olsen is wearing in the picture below.

Mary Kate Olsen

If you’re a sandal junkie and you want something new and different, especially with the numerous gladiator sandals swarming around, then buying a pair of Huarache sandals would be a great alternative.

Check out the Huarache sandals on Jessica Zohr:

Jessica Zohr

You can get the same look by purchasing the Gabriella Rocha Stryker Sandal:

Gabriella Rocha Stryker Sandal

You can even get it in high heels, check out these Huarache heels from Boutique 9:

Boutique 9 Yashi

Or in closed-toe flats with tribal accents such as the Lucky Brand Ali:

Lucky Brand Ali

Men are not behind when it comes to Huaraches, check out these men’s Huarache sandals from Frye:

Frye Lawson Haurache

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2. Suri Cruise: Budding Fashionista in T-Strap Sandals
   

   It’s no secret that little Hollywood princess, Ms. Suri Cruise walks around town looking like she just stepped out from a photo shoot for kid’s fashion. I heard that she actually chooses her own clothes and accessories (with the help of stylish Mommy Katie, of course). Now that’s a fashionista in the making!
   I actually wouldn’t [...]

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Relatively “bigger” models: Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes and Lara Stone

In real life, Dutch model Lara Stone is a teeny size 4 (US). As for the other two? Well, they’re only Victoria’s Secret models. So for Prada to use them in her fashion show shouldn’t be a big deal but because she has been sending down barely teenaged-body types down the runway for years, it’s become front-page headline material.

Whether it’s a publicity ploy or not, Prada timed her use of curvy models perfectly. Her Fall 2010 RTW collection is very much inspired by the 50s and the 60s and with all those ruffles, generously cut fabric, and details attracting all the attention towards the breasts and the hips, skinny waif models wouldn’t be able to carry the clothes as well as Miranda Kerr and company.

Miuccia Prada herself admitted that she only rehashed her old designs and even went as far as calling her collection “normal clothes”, but the 50s/60s inspired clothes are still all very lovely even to this day. There was the beehive hair, the peter pan collars, the full knee-length skirts and even the cat-eye glasses. As for the shoes, Prada sent down at least 3 different styles but these square toe pumps in retro colors were the most in harmony with the 50s/60s theme:

Prada square toe pumps in retro colors

Rich camel, khaki, burnt orange and other fall/autumn colors

Sometimes, fashion is square. Try these 3 square toe pumps on for size:

J. Renee Alona, now only $71.50

Nine West Pugnose, on sale at $70.25

AK Anne Klein Tricky, now only $67.90

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   Christina Aguilera and Nicole Richie
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3. Review of Vintage-Inspired Franco Sarto Arch Round Toe Pumps
   

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   But there’s something about these vintage-inspired Franco Sarto Arch round toe pumps that’s got us looking a lot longer than we should have:

   Franco Sarto Arch round toe pumps
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No less than the hottest and brightest female stars of the young Hollywood set have been seen sporting these lace-up shoe styles, trading in their beautiful but tortuous high heels for the lowly yet comfy oxford or derby shoe:

Set 1: Kristen Stewart, Zoe Kravitz, and Taylor Swift in oxford/derby shoes

Set 2: Ashley Greene, Taylor Swift (again), and Leighton Meester

Before anything else, can you tell which set is wearing oxford shoes and which set is wearing derby shoes?

Okay, it might be hard to tell apart without say, a magnifying glass, but there is a way to distinguish derby shoes from oxford shoes. Take a closer look at the vamp of the shoe: the lace facings on the derby shoes are NOT stitched to the bottom; they are attached on the oxfords.

As of late, oxford and derby shoes have become interchangeable and derby shoes are now generally classified as oxford shoes as well. But here are more examples anyways, just to distinguish one from the other:

Oxford Shoes

Sam Edelman Women’s Cory

Steven by Steve Madden Women’s Melin

Franco Sarto Women’s Henley

Derby Shoes

Bass Women’s Chrissie

Bass Women’s Ellie

Trotters Women’s Martie

Now can you tell them apart?

If you’re wondering how to wear these types of shoes, check out this previous Retrovintageshoes post showing 6 Ways to Wear Oxford Shoes, ala Sienna Miller.

All of these oxford shoes and derby shoes are available at Shoes.com.

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2. Chloe Sevigny Wears Bass Classic 50s Saddle Shoes
   

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3. Bass Weejun Penny Loafers Then and Now
   

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It was hard to tell whether her outfit was a two-piece or a dress but the look was feminine, simple, and a little edgy. On her feet were a pair of  black T-strap pumps.

Michelle Williams

(photo care of Just Jared)

Now we all know T-strap pumps came out during the Flapper Era (1920s) along with the appearance of Mary Janes. But this type of shoe silhouette has definitely stayed on until today, not only because of its timeless and versatile appeal, but also because the T-bar that crosses the feet vertically  makes the feet look slim and sexy, making it the perfect shoes to wear if you have wide feet.

Today, T-straps don’t just come in the form of pumps, but also in sandals,  peep-toes, and flats.

If you don’t have a pair of T-strap pumps, go and try one on for kicks. I guarantee you will not want to take it off.

You may also want to check out the following:

BCBGirls Fantasia Heel

Luichiny Star Heel

Paris Hilton Brand T-Strap

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2. Rachel Bilson Wears Her T-Strap Flats in the LA Winter Weather
   

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   1920s green and black t-strap straw shoes

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Fossil Sofia Flat in floral canvas

Fossil Sofia Flat in multi canvas

Don’t they remind you of lazy Sunday afternoons? Wear a colorful shift dress, hold an ice-cold drink in your hand, slip these Fossil flats on your feet and you’d fit right in in this summer scene:

The Fossil Sofia Flats pictured above obviously get their vintage vibe from the 60s-inspired prints printed on them, but don’t overlook the braided jute trim running along the soles of the shoes. That seemingly small detail is what tones down the hippie, flower-child effect of the print and instead makes these flats simple, casual, and cool.

Braided jute trim along the soles of the Fossil Sofia Flats

In retrospect, I guess all colors of these Fossil flats do have the vintage vibe going on. Especially if you view them all together, placed side by side:

Fossil Sofia Flats in black leather, friar brown, antique gold leather, floral canvas, and multi canvas

Viewed this way, even the metallic gold version could pass for a vintage flat, couldn’t it?

At $68.00 a pop, it’s tempting to get every color of these Fossil Sofia Flats. They’re available at Zappos.com.

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The details are as follows:

1. The promo code “GUESS15” will give you 15% off all GUESS shoes.  All US orders get free 2nd day shipping, but cheap international shipping is also available! This coupon expires at midnight on March 3, 2010.

2. The promo code “FREEINT” provides free international shipping on all orders over $250! This offer is valid for a limited time only.

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2. Holiday Shoes Sale – 20% Off All Retro & Vintage Shoes
   

   The incredible 20% off everything sale just started at Shoemall, and it is valid for three days only! Shipping is free both ways within the United States. Please check out their fantastic collection of shoes.  Why would you shop anywhere else?

   Share this on Facebook

   Digg this!

   Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon

   Share this on [...]

Samantha Ronson

We all know hi-top shoes were big in the 80’s, now they’re making quite a come back. It’s not as hot as the gladiator trend, but we do see a certain following for this shoe style, like Samantha here.

If you’re a Samantha Ronson fan, and you like this 80’s inspired look, simply emulate the outfit and pair it with these really affordable vintage-looking hi-tops:

Diesel Strappy W, on sale for US$105 at Zappos.com

Creative Recreation Galow Hi W, on sale for US$89 at Zappos.com

Nike Dunk High 6.0, on sale for US$77 at Zappos.com

Onitsuka Tiger by Asics Seck Hi, US$80

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   Take for example this picture of her coming out of (what looks like) a hotel.

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