I. Miller Evening Shoes - 1958

"To balance The Empire, gold medallions on lustrous silk satin woven in France by Cotillion. For late day and resort in gold with sparkling colors." 

They just don't make shoes like they used to.  Would I wear these?  In a heartbeat.  Shoes by I. Miller, 1958.

Full page ad from Harper's Bazaar, 1958.  No artist signature on the illustration.

Perfect Shoes, 1958

Perhaps I should say the perfect photograph for the perfect ad for the perfect shoe.  Karen Radkai took this photo for Delman shoes in 1958.  The photo says it all, so just adding the one word "Delman" to the full page ad is enough.  The composition of the photo is incredible, as are the shoes!

High Fashion Shoes - 1966

This image from 1966 made quite an impression on my Facebook fan page yesterday.  Everyone fell in love with these shoes!   What strikes me is how wearable and comfortable these shoes look.  There's not a 5" spike heel or a platform in site.  You could actually wear these shoes to a party and stand up all night!  From left to right the shoes are by Christian Dior, Charles Jourdan, Charles Jourdan, and Roger Vivier.  Would you wear them?

Carmen Miranda's Platform Shoes

Larger-than-life movie star Carmen Miranda. was a mere 5 feet tall.  She was key in popularizing platform shoes in the 1940s and had an amazing collection which she wore both on and off stage.  She would have the hems of her costumes lengthened to the floor so she appeared taller on film.

Many of Carmen's original costumes and shoes can be seen today at the Carmen Miranda Museum in Rio de Janiero.  The museum's website is in Portuguese, but you can see lots of wonderful pictures of items in the collection there.



This is a wonderful montage of clips from many of Carmen's movies.  Watch closely and you'll see her platform shoes peeking out of several of them.

Lastex in Shoes

I came across this 2-page advertisement from 1956 for "Revolutionary New Shoes" made with Lastex.  Lastex was a fiber made by the United States Rubber company consisting of an elastic core wound with cotton, rayon, nylon or silk threads.  The shoes shown here have leather vamps with Lastex fabric backs so the shoe stretches to "fit your foot like a sheath."  Sounds like a great idea, right?  Turns out this wasn't the first time Lastex was used in shoes!

From 1938, this ad shows Lastex Shoes.  Here, the Lastex fibers are combined with suede for "Shoes that fit-and feel-like a glove!"  I'm sure they mean suede-like fabric here, because you could not combine Lastex with leather.....at least I don't think so.

In 1941, Lastex was combined with gabardine to make these shoes.  The back of the shoes and the heels are leather, but this was a smart idea during the shortages of war.  Here, the shoes are described as "these Fashion Plates flattering your foot as your pet girdle flatters your figure."  Pet girdle.....really?????

And from 1950, these tweed jersey shoes are described as "the promise of the many wonderful, glamorous, ultra smart shoes every woman will soon be able to wear."

Skinny Pants - 1963

Today we call them skinny jeans, leggings, tights, what have you.  But narrowly cut pants are nothing new.  Neither are leggings.  With the advent of the new "miracle" knit fabrics in the early 60s, knit stretch and stirrup pants were all the rage with young women.  Make note, though, that pants like these were strictly for casual wear and would not have been worn to work, to a meeting with a professional or to a restaurant.  Many women wouldn't even wear them for shopping or to class.  Today's photos are from 1963.

Above at left:  Davenshire rayon/nylon stirrup pants came in 8 colors and were offered in short, medium and tall lengths.  At right:  Davenshire wool worsted plaid skinny pants, fully lined of course.

Tiger brand pants and coordinating blouses.  Left:  Black wool flannel pants (fully lined) worn with a printed acetate blouse.  At right:  Wool/nylon stretch pants with stirrups worn with a cotton blend blouse.

Koret of California introduced jacquard textured skinny pants in Permathal cotton knit.  Supposedly, the pants were tough enough to be tackled by football players!

 What did one wear with skinny pants and leggings?  Flats and only flats!  Shoes with heels would have been considered too "trashy".  Cute flat shoes and ankle boots were called for and the style choices were plentiful.  Above, 9 styles of flat shoes and booties, all by Sandler of Boston.

Three menswear style boots, all in leather.  At the top, Pappagallo buckle boot.  In the center, a laced bootie by Sandler of Boston.  At the bottom, A loafer extended into a boot by Trampeze.

I'll Have One of Each Please!

 Don't these shoes look great?  And comfortable too!  Town & Country ran this two page ad to introduce their new line of jewel-toned shoes and bags for spring of 1949.  They were made of Maracain, which was a trademark of Allied Kid Company.  Maracain was "unfinished and partly finished leather made from kid, goat, calf, or cowhide."

At left, the Basquette wedge sling back came in turquoise, yellow, red or green.  On the right, the Basquette low heel shoe came in turquoise only.

At left, the Allegro sandal came in yellow, turquoise, green, red, and white.  There's the Basquette wedge again at the right.  All of the shoe styles sold for $8.95 in 1949 (about $83.00 in today's dollar.)  And here's the kicker:  they were all available in sizes 4 to 10 and widths AAA to B.  I wish today's shoes were available in all those sizes.

The matching purse came in all the colors and sold for $10.75 in 1949 (about $100.00 in today's dollar.)

Since I can't choose, I'll have one pair of each please, in all the colors.....and the matching bags would be nice too.  Aren't they great?

Polka Dot Shoes, 1955

Gosh, I would love to find a pair of these cute summer shoes by Joyce from 1955. The ad doesn't give many details, but these shoes were made of cotton topsail fabric adorned with white studs. Even the polka-dotted lining of these shoes is great! They were offered in 4 different color combinations, three styles, and a myriad of sizes and widths. Prices ranged from $9.95 - $12.95 in 1955 (about $81 - $106 in today's dollar.) Which ones are your favorites?

Look Fabulous From Head to Toe - 1936

In 1936, if you found the perfect dress or suit, your ensemble wasn't complete without the right hat and the smartest shoes. Accessories can still make or break your outfit. Are you paying attention to the details?

Left: Franklin Simon fedora. Sold for $8.95 in 1936 (about $142.00 in today's dollar).
Right: Schiaparelli "Roly-Poly" cap. Sold for $10.00 in 1936 (about $158.00 in today's dollar).

Left: Pandora black doeskin shoe piped in black and gray. Sold for $12.75 in 1936 (about $202.00 in today's dollar).
Right: Stetson Shoe shop suede step-in shoe. Sold for $11.75 in 1936 (about $186.00 in today's dollar).

Left: McCutcheon's navy felt beret with grosgrain trim. Sold for $10.00 in 1936 (about $158.00 in today's dollar).
Right: Rilla Marie black velvet cap with feathers. Sold for $15.00 in 1936 (about $237.00 in today's dollar).


Left: Andrew Geller "Valora" black suede pump with black patent piping. Sold for $10.75 in 1936 (about $170.00 in today's dollar).
Right: Saks Fifth Avenue high cut pump with Cuban heel. Sold for $7.95 in 1936 (about $126.00 in today's dollar).

Shoes - 1946

I love these shoes. I love them more than any shoe I could buy today. I love them more than my comfiest flats. I love them more than my black booties that I can wear all day when shopping at the mall. I love them more than my leopard print pumps that jazz up my little black dress. Made by Newton Elkins in black, red, blue, tan, or gray suede with studs, I love these shoes from 1946. Anybody have a time machine I can borrow?

Weekend Eye Candy - Elsa Schiaparelli, 1939

Leopard skin booties designed by Elsa Schiaparelli for her Fall 1939-40 season. The pair shown here were part of the designer's personal wardrobe and one of her favorite pairs of shoes. They were shown in the exhibit "Shocking! The Art and Fashion of Elsa Schiaparelli" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 2003.

Photo from the book that accompanied the exhibit.

Vintage Shoe Exhibit in Hong Kong

My friends and colleagues Jonathan Walford and Kenn Norman of the Fashion History Museum in Canada were recently approached by a firm in Hong Kong to create an exhibit of vintage shoes for a shopping plaza there. Kenn traveled to Hong Kong with 50 pairs of vintage shoes from such designers as Joe Famolare, Christian Louboutin, Maude Frizon, Roger Vivier, Salvatore Ferragamo, Andre Perugia, Andrea Pfister, Charles Jourdan, David Evins, Herman Delman, Beth Levine, and many more. The shoes will be on exhibit at the Town Plaza in Sha Tin until May 31. Not traveling to Hong Kong this month? Not to worry! You can see many of the shoes in the following news video from Beauty Exchange in Hong Kong. The first minute of the video is in Chinese, but be patient, as the interviewer switches to English when interviewing Kenn, and close-ups of the shoes abound. Enjoy, and congrats to Jonathan and Kenn!

Vintage Shoes - 1948

You know the ads for the smaller advertisers that you find in the back of magazines? Back in the 40s and early 50s, those ads were found in the middle of the magazines, after the full page ads but before the editorial content. Some of those ads have some great stuff! I know you'll enjoy these ads for shoes from 1948. The range of sizes these companies offered was incredible, and you can definitely see that women's feet were smaller then.

Winkelman Shoe offered this "Leslie" wedge shoe in black, blue, Balenciaga, grey, or white suede, or black, blue, brown, red, and green leather. Sizes 4 to 10, widths AAA to C. $10.95 in 1948 (about $99 in today's dollar). I have no idea what color Balenciaga is, but if you were cool in 1948, you probably did.

Wilbar's in Boston offered these Frenchies wedge shoes in white, green, red, black, and brown, all with gold trim. You could order them by mail in sizes 4 to 9, widths AA to B. $12.95 in 1948 (about $117 in today's dollar).

Mary Lewis offered this "Flirtation" wedge sandal in black or white suede with gold kid bows and wedge. Sizes 3 1/2 to 10, widths AAA to B. $9.95 in 1948 (about $89 in today's dollar).

JeJ Slater offered these wedge shoes in white, blue, or black suede without lacing, or in white suede with 4 bright colored laces, blue or red calf leather, or gold kid leather. And they had the matching bags! $16.95 in 1948 (about $153 in today's dollar).
And, just because I think they're adorable, Buskens "Turkish Ballet" wedge shoes in black, red, green, or white suedine. $3.98 in 1948 (about $36 in today's dollar).

Pretty Shoes - 1960

It's the last day to sign up for our latest giveaway! Don't miss out!

Dear Shoe Designers,

Can we go back to pretty shoes that a woman like me can actually wear?

Please?

Textured Tights and More Cute Shoes - 1963

I'm still on the hunt for a great pair of walking shoes, and any of these from 1963 would do the trick. I especially love the way these are matched with textured tights which give them a "to the manor born" feel.

From left to right:
- Pappagallo red suede ghillie with black patent lacings up the leg. Sold for $34 in 1963 (about $237 in today's dollar). Bonnie Doon black and white textured stockings.
- Bally tan suede ghillie worn with Bonnie Doon blue textured stockings. Sold for $28 in 1963 (about $195 in today's dollar).
- David Evins brown calfskin ghillie laced in red suede worn with Adler heathered ribbed stocking. Sold for $55 in 1963 (about $383 in today's dollar).
- Josef green calfskin handbag. Sold for $46 in 1963 (about $321 in today's dollar).

From left to right:
- Joseph yellow calfskin handbag. Sold for $40 in 1963 (about $279 in today's dollar).
- Wear-Right Irish knit long glove and Grandoe brown rib knit long glove.
- Pappagallo green suede ghillie with rust suede lacings that wrap the ankle. Sold for $16 in 1963 (about $112 in today's dollar).
- Hansen leopard knit long glove.

From left to right:
- Vitality rust suede oxford with rubber wedge sole. Sold for $11 in 1963 (about $77 in today's dollar). Worn with Balenciaga printed tights.
- I. Miller taupe grained leather oxford with perforations. Sold for $40 in 1963 (about $279 in today's dollar). Worn with Francessa herringbone stockings.
- Naturalizer mahogany calfskin loafer. Sold for $18 in 1963 (about $125 in today's dollar). Worn with Mary Grey two-tone lattice patterned stockings.

- Delman hand-knit sock attached to thick soled suede shoe make a unique "boot". Sold for $85 in 1963 (about $592 in today's dollar).
- Gucci shoulder bag in ponyskin and brown leather. Sold for $61 in 1963 (about $425 in today's dollar).
- Kislav hand-sewn lambskin gloves.
- Renauld of France sunglasses.

Cute Shoes - 1958

Since sandal weather is over, I've been looking for a pair of cute shoes I can wear with skirts or pants that have a low enough heel that I can walk or stand in them for several hours. I have a wide foot, and prefer something with arch support and at least a 3/4" heel. The search has been fruitless so far. I believe I've finally found the perfect shoes. Too bad they're all from 1958.

Clockwise from upper right:
- Cloudhoppers red suede with removable kilt tab. Sold for $10 in 1958 (about $74 in today's dollar).
- Town & Country pumpkin suede with laces on brass hooks. Sold for $11 in 1958 (about $81 in today's dollar).
- Sandler of Boston blue suede with kid leather cuff and eyelet tie. Sold for $10 in 1958 (about $74 in today's dollar).
- Pappagallo brushed suede leather in blue and green mimics the look of mohair in a slip on moccasin. Sold for $11 in 1958 (about $81 in today's dollar).
- Golo moss green pigskin with tasseled corset lacing. Sold for $11 in 1958 (about $81 in today's dollar).
- Patinos red and orange suede tied with black patent. Sold for $11 in 1958 (about $81 in today's dollar).




Top to bottom:
- College Hill brushed cowhide in blue with black tasseled tie. Sold for $9 in 1958 (about $66 in today's dollar).
- Penobscot Trampeze red suede ribbed to look like corduroy with eyelet ties. Sold for $8 in 1958 (about $59 in today's dollar).
- Ki-Yaks loden green brushed leather bootie with single eyelet tie. Sold for $8 in 1958 (about $59 in today's dollar).

My favs? The red and orange suede by Patinos. How about you?

Sweet Shoes from 1949

I don't mean sweet like candy. I mean suh-weeeeeet, like don't they make you drool?

DeLiso Debs polka dot linen shoes in two styles could be purchased with the matching Lennox handbag.

Cobblers wedges came in kid suede or leather in lots of colors. My favs!

White wedges in flat, low, and high heels by Fortunet.


Three styles of black leather pumps from Matrix Shoes.

Pandora suede pumps exclusively for the Famous-Barr department store in St. Louis. Love the rosette on the vamp!

UPDATE! Thanks to Deja Pseu for pointing out Re-Mix Vintage Shoes where you can buy reproduction styles from the past. And thanks to Fleur de Guerre for introducing me to Rocket Originals, who also make fabulous reproduction shoes and clothing in the UK!!!

Vintage 1950's Shoes

Shoes, shoes, who likes shoes? All from October 1959.