passion is in fashion

Indeed, Sex and the City is grossly misleading, not only in terms of expected apartment sizes of newspaper column writers (not even syndicated!), but also that all New York women all prance around in 4-inch Manolos.

During my years in Hong Kong I have amassed an astonishing amount of 3-inch heels.  (I’m 5′ 7″ and do not have a Napoleon complex.)  See, Hong Kong is very heels-friendly.  First, the city is very compactly constructed.  Just take a look at the hundred-story high-rises — space is a precious commodity.  Second, we were not known to explore much.  The best places to live, work, eat, and drink, were all within a 5-mile radius of Central.  Third, the culture of Hong Kong itself favored heels.  A notorious one-industry town, most people toiled away in über-conservative investment banks.  Exposed toes are not a good look on that chick who’s about to take your company public!  In conclusion, due to the small distance traveled and general expensive footwear-oriented culture, stilettos were my weapon of choice.

By contrast, New  York is just as pedestrian-friendly as it is heels-unfriendly.  Have you seen those cross-town blocks?  They are so freakin’ long!  Combined with the perils of those metal subway covers waiting for your poor stilettos to sink in, heels are not a practical choice.  Though fashionistas may interject with the “heels, always” motto, hobbling down Fifth Avenue is never fashionable.  I love walking and gawking in New York.  Why bereave yourself of such a simple pleasure?  Save the Manolos for the days of being chauffeured.

As much as flip flops suffice for most occasions, it is just a tad inappropriate for any situation involving anything marble.  In particular, I cringe when the rubber goes pitter patter against marble stairs.  What to do?  Here are my choices for chic flat sandals.

Giuseppe Zanotti flat sandal from Endless

Giuseppe Zanotti is *the* brand I think of as soon as I see “flat” and “sandals”.  They create what I consider to be one of their signature items, the jeweled thong, every season.  These are casual but oh-so gorgeous!  Combine with a beautiful pedicure for maximum effect.

K Jacques St Tropez Valerie sandals from NAP

In case you didn’t get the memo, t-strap sandals are all the rage here in New York. I love the K Jacques version.  The tan leather sole nicely sets off the metallic straps, making it glam but not over the top for day.  And what is this “K. Jacques”, you may ask.  Fashionista has some interesting insights.

Gucci Nolita sandals from Bergdorf

If you did seek something more over the top, however, this Gucci version is to-die-for.  Stupid interlocking G’s symbol aside, this sandal is simplicity at its best.  I love mirrored metallics for the summer.  Add a little sparkle to your step while traversing Central Park!

Has always been a favorite item of mine, but this season they have really exploded.  If you are wondering about how to wear them, here is a perfect way to style them.

Julia Stegner in Vogue Spain

Something about Sundays that are just so lazy, that heels seem somehow out of place.  Ideal Sunday activities include a leisurely brunch, hot yoga, followed by dinner and a movie.    I previously explored my philosophy on appropriate Sunday dress here, and would like to revise my stance based on recent experiences.

Usually I like to “date” during the weekdays or on the weekends on Friday or Saturday.  Weekday dress is easy.  It’s the oh-just-got-off-of-work look.  (For me this works because I can dress pretty creatively for work!)  Weekend dress is easy again.  It’s one of my many many dresses and the oh-I-might-go-out-with-my-friends-afterwards look.

What about dates on Sundays?!  On the one hand, I subscribe to the theory that Sundays ought to be lazy and is the only day where flats are not just welcome, they are assumed.  On the other hand, I am a staunch believer in the school of thought that is “Heels.  Always.”  This is therefore a profound question requiring careful analysis.

The appropriate dress depends on three factors: the activity, the place, and the height of the other person.  If the activity is anything remotely active, such as going to the beach or hiking, heels are definitely out.  Dressing appropriately for the occasion is sometimes a welcomed gesture!  (Even if I constantly expound you should not dress for the life you have, but the life you want to have.)   The place you are going to offers clues as well.  (Robuchon?  Heels.  Burger King?  Flats, also never go out with him ever again, but McDonald’s has a soft place in my heart. )  To be considerate, I avoid wearing my 5 inch wedges with guys shorter than 6 feet, but this is true for most occasions anyway.

So on the last few Sunday dates, I alternated between mule sandals and wedges.  Mules are heels without backs.  Most of the time they are secured simply by a band in the front.  Unlike strappy sandals, they remind me of a more dressed up version of flip flops, and therefore perfectly appropriate for daytime wear.  (Gucci does this style very well!)  Wedge sandals are also a good casual alternative to heels.  They forgo that click-clack sound on marble floors, so are less intrusive and better for walking quietly.  For the same reason, however, I don’t find them appropriate for evenings.  I believe the sound of your heels “heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure” just as much as perfume.  (Recognize that quote?)

As winter approaches, I will also briefly opine on winter Sunday dress.   Due to the fashionable-ness of flat boots, this is a clear and obvious choice.  Also not to be forgotten is the simple jeans with heels combination.  As much as it reminds you of the college sorority girls, it is a classic standby for a reason – that is brilliant and forever appropriate!  Jeans tone down the heels to make the outfit versatile for most occasions. (However, because it is Sunday, no need to bust out the metallic four inch platforms – lower heel will do.  Nothing over 2.5 inches.)

So, my final conclusion is: heels, always – unless they are boots, and choose more casual versions when possible.  To help you get started, here are a few of my favorites:

Gucci mules. Not saying paillettes are appropriate for day, but just an example of how the shape is *perfect*. Doesn't Frida do it nicely? <3

Christian Louboutin wedges. Why teeter around in stilettos when you can run around in wedges?

Giuseppe Zanotti flat boots. Rare occasion where flats are acceptable: sometimes it's not about the height of the heel, but rather the height of the boot.

Christian Louboutin kitten heels. Remember, boys and girls, *nothing* over 2.5 inches.

Images from saks.com and net-a-porter.com

Competitive Advantage

In case you didn’t hear, I went to some third-tier-model-studded event recently.  It was catered by Harlan’s and had delicious free flowing white wine.  Yuuum.

Don’t keep up with local gossip rags really, so had no idea who these people were.  All the girls were extremely tall, from some province in China, and had on as much make up as one could humanly contain.  And there, you see, is our current definition of beauty.

Loving the shoes in the middle there.  Can’t wait until the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection to come out!

Christian Louboutin Ad Campaign F/W 09/10 by Peter Lippman

Stepped into the cobbler’s today to fix my Tory Burch flats. Had them for almost a year now and they have become my goto shoes for, oh, those lost days spent crossing China borders. The soles are worn and the inside leather lining a little uneven.

The cobbler could not resole them today because they were wet from the rain, but he did glue the inside lining for me. When I got them back, I started trying to press the leather smooth as he kept on working on other shoes. About a minute or so later, he turned to tell me: “that leather will never be smooth again, like the wrinkles on a person’s face.” I thought: shhh… don’t let the believers of La Mer hear you.

I tried to pay but he would not take it. He also had long salt and pepper hair. As I walked away, I realized he is the personification of the cartoon sketches of Confucius I used to read when I was little.

And there you have it. As inspired by trip-planning, I am becoming more and more interested in the merits of flats. F got me new ones for, oh, sparkly days!

Giuseppe Zanotti Banana Flats