Spring Shoe Report: Lusts vs. Musts!

In my pre-mama days, I could (and quite often would) spend most of my waking hours in skyscraper-tall shoes. I loved the way they made me feel: sexy and sassy – plus they made me stand straighter and look taller. All positives! Then I spent a good portion of my 30s pregnant. And let me tell you, I very quickly learnt that running after little munchkins in heels, though do-able, was not very practical – especially whilst pregnant. And so, I had little choice but to introduce flats into my wardrobe. Of course moving to London, the land of the cobbled pavements, also meant I often traded-in the glamour of heels for the functionality of flats. And THAT, ladies and gentlemen is the real reason why my shoe collection mysteriously multiplied!But truth be told, I am besotted by footwear, which is why I am super-excited about this season’s offerings! We have:

1. COLOUR
For the past few years, it has been all about neutrals to create an illusion of ‘bambi’ legs. Along with the very fashion-forward Duchess of Cambridge I happily followed the pack, snapping up a few pairs of varying shades of neutral in differing styles. But this season, you will find colors ranging from your pastels through to eye-popping colors that look like they were stolen straight from the rainbow!

GET IT!: Colours that pop or pastels: Jimmy Choo or Charles & Keith
DREAMING OF: Faythe Patent Sandals by Ralph Lauren

2. ANKLE STRAPS
Be still my pounding heart! I love ankle straps. It doesn’t really matter the width of the strap and though not the type you can simply slip on or off, I can really see myself rocking a few of these – especially if they are accompanied by an oversized buckle!

GET IT!: Am LOVING the ones offered by Steve Madden
DREAMING OF: Gucci Victoire Sandals

3. CLEAR
Shoes with see-through elements are not a new trend in Asia but it seems the rest of the world is finally catching up. Designers everywhere are now joining the party this season with their collections featuring see-through Perspex heels and clear PVC panels.
GET IT!: From Stella McCartney to New Look and Topshop
DREAMING OF: Lanvin’s Suede Ruffle Trompe L’oeil Wedge heels in black

4. LASER CUT
Again, not a new trend, but somehow, if feels as if more designers have embraced laser cutting this year; with prettier and more creative patterns, using materials ranging from leather and PVC to lace, silk and suede.
GET IT!: Again, you can go as high end as or as penny conscious as you like:
Chloe, Sergio Rossi, DKNY, Victoria’s Secret, Topshop, New Look.
DREAMING OF: Christian Louboutin Leather Pampas 150 Laser Cut Peeptoe Booties

5. BLOCK HEELS
I can almost hear mamas all over the world giving a collective “HOORAY!” as this style is probably the most practical for keeping up with little ones while still wearing any sort of heels. The even better news: these heels come in varying heights and are definitely made for walking (or running!)!

GET IT!: LK Bennett, Kurt Geiger, Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, Dorothy Perkins
DREAMING OF: A pair of Nude Patent Leather Pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood

These are all very wearable trends that won’t disappear overnight and if any (or all) are do-able in your ‘mama world’, are definitely worth investing in. You KNOW how a pair of awesome shoes can transform the simplest look and turn up your chic factor a notch or two! Of course you will find all of the above trends in the Singapore shops I mentioned in my previous piece “Shoe Nirvana in Singapore? Shoe bargains galore!” That way, you can add more than one pair to your collection. Enjoy!