Copper Thimble: July 2011

I've been absolutely obsessed with this summer trend and am so thankful to the sartorial Gods over at Milan, New York and the like for bringing these back in my lifetime. I clearly remember scoffing at wedges as a young fashionist-ling, so other than the natural wisdom that comes with age, how have wedges won me over?

versatile, check.
statement-making, check.
summer-factor, check!

Really now, I'm quite reasonable. So what more could one ask for in a shoe?

So first let's talk a bit about the ultimate summer wedge. THE ESPADRILLE (the deal is you have to say it with low toned melodrama. Extra points for rolling the -rrrrrille)

I am especially feeling the neutral-toned, woven rope heeled espadrilles this season, and you can opt for some strappy canvas detailing on the shoe-top in bright solids (blues, reds, and yellows)--these I find to be the most verstaille and can be paired with any casual or dressed up outfit. But of course, you don't have to have your wedges left out when you need a more polished look for an evening ensemble or a day in the boardroom.

Giuseppe Zanotti

whoa...McQueen.

Wedges can certainly be dressed up when the material of the wedge heel and shoe-top are a bit more streamlined and the material be more modest yet elegant such as matte suede or a quality patent leather.

Stella McCartney Wooden Wedge Pump--Classic pump meets clog, non? | Lanvin Calfskin Wedges

Aldo's "KRONE". yes, ALDO!

Something I've been also looking for is the wedges with the silk crisscross straps which can then climb a bit up your ankles when you tie up the ends in a bow. Try something like this Lanvin piece (the patent top reminds me of a shiny pair of tap shoes but the nude silk sash beautifully breaks up the black and is a throwback to a ballerina's slipper).