Spring/summer 2015 shoes are springing up all over. Have you recited the Open Toed Shoe Pledge dictating that you wear sandals that fit, get professional pedicures and not live in "corn denial"? Good. Then prepare to enjoy your new kicks as the temperatures rise. Trends include something for everybody ... fringe details, stilettos, ankle straps, knee-length gladiators, color-blocked sandals and more.
So which trends do local shoe retailers believe will fly here? Representatives of three west Little Rock boutiques weigh in.
"Our clients enjoy the open-toe shootie," a heeled shoe, says Lila Ashmore of Vesta's. "Both leather and suede have been favorites." She adds that slip-on sneakers continue their hotness, and the flat bootie -- a low-top boot -- will be around from now going into fall.
Ashmore also recommends a venerable brand that might raise a few eyebrows. "Dr. Scholl's ... introduced an extensive line of great-looking shoes, sandals, wedges and heels for spring," she says. "Our clients are digging the look and the comfort."
Among customers of Barbara/Jean Ltd., lace-up sandals, suede and chunky heels are the go-to trends. "Nobody does [lace-up sandals] better than Aquazzura, the brand who started the trend," says merchandise manager Tiffany Robinson.
"We have versions in flat sandals, wedges and heels that are already flying off the shelves," Robinson continues. "We also have a great Jimmy Choo purple and gray suede lace-up flat sandal that is really unique."
Robinson says suede is a favored shoe fabric because "it goes along with the more casual clothing fashion trends, as it reads 'softer' than leather." Preferred springtime shades include natural, cognac and blush.
At Scarlet, "we are still loving the platform, or better, the 'flatform'" -- shoes whose platform soles do not incline, says Grace Roberts, the store's social media director. "One of our favorite shoes this season is the platform sneaker from Flamingos." She, too, cites booties, but specific ones with certain flourishes -- the Jeffrey Campbell black bootie with buckles all the way up the side or a taupe suede pair with fringe tassels.
"We are also loving star-covered booties. The star trend seems to be on the rise."
Roberts goes on to mention mules and metallic pumps from Kendall & Kylie, also makers of some "awesome" heels featuring cut-outs and narrow ankle straps; and black-and-white color-block slides from Opening Ceremony.
And, she says, the Birkenstock-style sandal is still going strong.
Other shoe notes
Those whose feet cry out for a more laid-back, classic look and total comfort will be in luck, too.
Among the offerings out there are Vionic's medium-width Paden T-strap Sandal ($89.95), the traditional thong style, of which I tried a sample. These come in five solids/prints; bear buckles that can be fastened with what I call the one-handed method; and dimensions friendly to wider feet.
I also sampled Hush Puppies' heavenly take on the ballet flat. The Chaste, in leather or suede ($79), comes in 10 colors and in medium and wide widths. They feature elastic in the edges and therefore won't slip off the wearer's heels.
Mother's Day fashion
Listen up, you well-clad moms: "Cupidon Is Inviting You: Viva Mothers!," a fashion show and vendors showcase, will take place May 7 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. The vendors showcase will take place from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in ballroom sections A-E. The 6 p.m. show will feature designers Ivan Kornilov, Aida Shamenova, Juliana Kuznetsova and Aigul Karybaeva, all of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; founder/producer Lacie Cupani of Cupani Fashion; Haute Dames designers Suzy Capitelli and Debbie Evans of Covington, La.; and Jammie Jones with Jammie Jones Originals of Sibley, La. Tickets run $120 for VIP and $50 general admission, and are available at cupanifashion.com.
New lease on fashion
Also happening May 7 is "Where Green Is the New Black" -- the second annual Re-Fashion Bash recycling fashion show, hosted by Recycle Saline and produced by Little Rock Fashion Week founder Brandon D. Campbell.
The show takes place at the Benton Event Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. for a dessert hour; the program begins at 6. Saline County students will compete for first-, second- and third-place prizes ($500-$100) by showing their "trash-into-treasure" creations.
Designers and mentors Jennifer Smith and Lisa Jackson will also present their clothing lines. Tickets are $10 at the door. Proceeds will go to the Yea! (Youth Environmental Ambassadors) Team program sponsored by Recycle Saline.
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High Profile on 04/24/2016