Finding my way into Saks is never, ever the issue, it is the walking out part that always seems to take hours of self-discipline especially if it requires doing so empty handed. The shoes only Saks store (located in the former Urban Outfitters space across from Smart Kids) is b basically an uber huge space is not only a total death trap for the shoe lovers among us but it literally has everything and anything for everyone to transform a mediocre ensemble into a showstopper. The truth is unless you frequent #NYFW shows and take it upon yourself to relentlessly scour the pages of the latest fashion magazines it can be difficult to keep up with what is actually trending, what is downright lunacy and what is timeless when it comes to all fashion especially footwear. And while we are being totally transparent I even admit that despite my obsession for all shoes my excitement of the plethora of options can be beyond overwhelming at times. Where do I even start? What do I actually need? Or do I just want it all? Did I even have something in mind before I walked into this heaven of amazingness related to all things shoes? Regardless of how you found yourself hopelessly in a panic among the Manolos and Dolce’s one thing remains: no matter who you are or how up to date with the trends you are, walking into a store with so many options can be daunting to say the least and maybe even slightly intimidating. After almost a full month (gasp) of not visiting the Saks shoe store that I typically frequent I experienced this feeling in the truest of forms from the moment I flung the front door open. Surrounded by sparkles, sneakers that lit up with LED lights, shoes that looked more like art than wearable and a number of women who seemed to be quite comfortable trying on said crazy ass looking shoes I suddenly felt lost yet right at home at the same time. Obviously this meant I had to figure out immediately what the trends were and catch up to speed with what is actually cool and practical versus what is a one wear wonder with a hefty price tag. I am still unsure if it was my look of utter confusion or the ghastly look of all color draining from my face that provoked the wonderful and super knowledgable sales woman, Monica, to approach me but whatever it was I was beyond relieved. Immediately spewing out dozens of questions with overly gesticular motions and animated responses we walked around the store together as I picked up handfuls of shoes questioning if some were actually for sale or just for decoration while I simultaneously asked if most of the others came in my size. Needless to say, an hour and a half later I not only was on the up and up with footwear but I was also knee deep in boxes of soon to be purchased fabulous shoes. So before I continue going on for days about my affinity for footwear I thought it was only fair to share with you what I consider the cliff notes of what is trending in the shoe world and to let you know that you can in fact find all of these trends right at Saks in Greenwich. And if you feel at all confused just ask for Monica.
So here are the cliffs on what I took away from this visit besides boxes of heels I can only pray I will not break my foot in again: most notably I saw a lot of white shoes which totally threw me off – le duh that white can in fact be worn after Labor Day but I must admit that I haven’t seen white shoes as being fashionable in I don’t even know how long and frankly I can’t even recall a pair of white shoes EVER that I have seen and deemed wearable other than the geriatric sneaker trend from last summer. That is until this fateful day.
It seemed as if all designers from one spectrum to the other had a meeting of the minds and decided that white is the new black, well sort of. From what looked like white Doc Marten combat boots made by The Row to the classic Chanel ballerina flat these white shoes scattered nearly every table in the place. Heeled mules (another trend) to platform sneaker-like slip ons dauned with metallic tips on the toes (metallic being another trend) it was impossible to ignore this obvious trend. As I walked briskly by every table and took in all of the pairs of what seemed to be foreign styles I came to the quick conclusion that this season is ALL about making a statement and doing it with total confidence. From all white shoes to glitter, sparkle, metallics and embellishment overload the range of subtle to in-your-face shoe options were readily available and ready for purchase.
The embellishment craze took over entire shoes from the sole to the heel and shoe in its entirety, in some cases with pearl and studded additions, while other styles remained subtle with the amount of bedazzling leaving only the heel of a bootie, for example, covered in pearls. Another trend that plastered every style of shoe from flats to heels and boots was embroidery as well as fabrics and textures. From silk, yes silk, ankle boots to embroidered thigh high, actually higher than thigh high, boots the concept of being a little too ‘extra’ is clearly NOT even a thought as we galavant our ways through Fall/Winter.
Another trend that became quickly apparent is the new take on classic oldies: the reinvented cowboy boot for example. From laced up the side Alexander McQueen boots to Calvin Klein mid shin height cowboy boots made with two toned crocodile and a steel toe the classic cowboy boot while a classic is clearly a thing of the past.
I will say that a few styles from the past did reappear – the slouchy boot, the red shoe of any style and the whole combat trend were among the most tame and reminiscent of prior seasons. That being said just wait until you see the whole fad of beyond artful heels – from stilettos that actually could be mistaken as chess pieces to lucite chunky heels and gold sculptures with cutouts the “artful heel” of this season does bring one thing to mind: forget comfort, how about safety? Just saying. All in all, I admit that my admiration for art and for all shoes was intensified tremendously after this fabulous visit to Saks as it offered inspiration, excitement and brought a whole new vision of my next wardrobe era.
