Chasing Unicorns
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| This is a “mid heel?” Seriously?? |
I’ve been on the lookout for some pointy toe pumps with a) print or pattern or texture or color…just something with a bit more visual interest than a plain black or nude shoe, and b) a heel between 2 and 3 inches and let me tell you, such a thing has attained the elusive status of a mythical Medieval creature.
Perusing shelf after shelf after shelf of 4, 5 and even 6 inch heels at Nordstrom’s on Saturday, I finally asked a Sales Associate, “don’t you have any mid-heels?” only to be informed that “mid heel” now means 3 to 4 (or 4.5) inches, and anything below 3 inches is now considered a “low heel.” Exasperated, I asked “but who is buying and wearing these?” She only shrugged. If you look at the percentage of shelf space vs. the percentage of women you see on a daily basis going about their business in 4+ inch heels, there’s a pretty big disconnect there. How is it that retailers are selling enough of these pricey, towering heels to justify the real estate they occupy? I’m just baffled.
The odd thing is, I can do an online search for 2-3 inch heels at most retailers and turn up quite a few choices, even from the top designers. Yet they don’t seem to stock them in the stores here.
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| If money were no object, I’d be ALL OVER these Choo’s… |
The other mythical beast I’ve been hunting for some time now is a simple, lightweight jacket for the office in any neutral color besides black or navy. I’ve seen a few but they either feature one of my pet peeves, front panel facings that aren’t tacked down (in unlined jackets) or else they are that short, boxy style that I’ve sworn off.
Retailers, these are BASIC items! It just shouldn’t be this hard!
Are there any wardrobe items that you’ve been chasing that just seem to be impossible to find?
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The loose jacket facings really irk me and I tack them down myself. Hand sewing.
The only trick is to leave the lapels turned to the right side as you work and work loosely, this gives you the tiny bit of rolling ease.
I just got back from three weeks in Australia and New Zealand, where no one seems to be wearing heels higher than 3″ at most. I saw a lot of boots 2″ or less heels, a lot of flats, and a few wedges. When I did see pumps, the heels were in the 2″ range and not too skinny. And there were absolutely no platform heels at all.
My elusive find right now is a navy blue flat. Even if I do find them, they’re usually the cheap ones sold at, say, Old Navy or the Gap, and I’m looking for something a bit more refined.
I’ve found that if I want something basic, I almost always have to shop online. Which means I do most of my shopping online. The stores seem to be focused on what will sell quickly, which probably means they stock more impulse items, or cheap stuff that they can easily mark down and sell quickly.
check out stuart weitzman; some great looking pumps at all heel heights!
well made and comfortable and a decent price point (not choo!)
As a redhead I look awful in the ubiquitous black/ grey /navy on offer finding any blazers or suits for wire in a decent fabric in olive, camel tan or brown feels like looking for hens teeth!
Oops I meant work!
I hear you! I am in love with some low heeled Louboutins, maybe 3 cm high? Good luck with the search x
AprilB I feel your pain! I’m a redhead too!
You are so right. I was stunned when I was in Nordstrom yesterday and could not find a pair of pumps in the 2-3″ range. Nordstrom is my go-store place to shop, and it was completely frustrating.
I second Stuart Weitzman, but their shoes are a bit pricey for me. I splurged for a pair of black patent pumps, but I can’t bring myself to buy less basic shoes at those price points.
I am now going to look at “Comfort One” shoe store – I don’t know if that’s a national or regional (mid-Atlantic) chain.
As for other elusive basic items, I have been looking for 2 years for a (winter season) black jacket that does not look like the top of a suit. I want something professional but stylish, and again, not looking like I took the jacket from a suit. And I’ll wear boxy – still having a hard time finding something.
This is SO true! Seriously, who is wearing the 3 inch heels for getting around (never mind the even taller ones)?! You can be so chic with a 2 inch heel. Why court back pain and foot problems?
It’d cost you probably less than $20 to get facings tacked down at the nearest alterations place..
M-C, yeah probably. However to me it’s a sign of a shoddily made garment, and puts me off right from the start.
The Nordstrom near me is at Santa Monica Place, and the shoe department there is simply full of ultra-high platform heels. I do see young women wearing them, but I can’t fathom how they do it.
Those shoes look like hooves.
I love high heels to look at, but not to walk in. Platforms are not too bad, bad the mid heel is the best option indeed. I always find them on line.
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Retailers stock super-high heels for the same reason car ads have a history of showcasing beautiful women: fantasy/sex sells!
Before Ann Curry got fired she did an interview saying her bosses pressured her hair, clothing/shoes, and makeup choices. [Ann being more included to let her grey shoe and wear low or no heels.] She said, “I’m encouraged by my bosses to wear these ridiculously high-heel shoes because women say, ‘I love your shoes!’ So if it makes women happy, I’ll wear them. But I’m still going to be me.”
I do wear 2.5 – 3″ heels regularly and for walking, but they are always chunky-heeled and cushioned. I’m not even a “shoe person” but like many I have pairs — from low to higher — that were bought for movement yet relegated to mostly sedentary activities. [Or donated.]
But good luck on your hunt — I like the idea of what you’d like to add and echo the online shopping ideas. My best solution….
I agree with two other posters that Stuart Weiztman shoes are the way to go. We have a Stuart Weiztman store in Dallas, so hopefully you have one in your area too. The ONLY heels I’ve purchased in the last 10+ years are Weitzman.
Yes, actually, thank you for asking. (i love those Choo heels – ridiculously fabulous!)
Black dressy capris without gold or other bling (have been looking for over a year)
Black wedges w/out the cork or rope heel (none even online- I feel like a freak for even thinking they might exist)
Black flats that aren’t too pointy or too round, not too dowdy and with a smidge of a heel
Running tanks w/a secure pocket
I’m either more high maintenance than I thought, or hopelessly unfashionable.
Black wedges:
Garnet Hill carries the Gentle Souls “Ridge” and is running a promotion on all shoes and boots through Aug. 28. http://bit.ly/SLcqbe
Arche does a nice black wedge: http://amzn.to/SLcFmT
Also see Thierry Rabotin: http://bit.ly/SLcXKx and http://bit.ly/SLd4FT
And Paul Green: http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Green-Womens-Faro-Wedge/dp/B003EELKYY
Oh I so agree…I am all about kitten heels.
Weitzman make some and I have a pair that are very comfy and are in their 3rd or 4th season and still look new.
Happy Hunting!
When I look for shoew at all the Mall they have these huge gimmickly sales and the shooes look impossible to wear. I wear my 4 inch heels to work and for all other activities wear my wedges. I never wear flats, or flops, and would love to find a pair of feminine low heeled ankle strap pumps. I cannot shop online for anything ever again because I hate to send things back so talk myself into keeping the item and vowed never again.
I know shoes are supposed to be sold not for comfort but for style so they must sell enough of them to just sit in peoples closests until they go to a party.
I do not know where Moms and mature adults go in platforms and 4 inch heels in their normal life. We need some undercover agents to find out why running shoes and flip flops or flats are one choice and sky high heels are the other choice.
So true. Two-three different < 2" shoes, 3 different Nordstroms withing 30 miles of me and not a pair in stock. It makes me thing the high-heel purchase is an impulse and the retailer keeps it in stock becuase that’s how to sell it. The low-heeled pump is a purchase of necessity and women are willing to click and wait to get them.
I so totally agree. I am a “basic” girl, I want nice, unfuzzy cloths in solid colors – so hard to find. Patterns everywhere, strange silhouetts. I don#t need real business clothes, just nice everyday clothes – impossible to find!
Now that you mention it … I do love leopard print shoes but
just can’t get into the calf hair … guess that’s my unicorn.
I agree that the shoe heights (don’t even get me started on platforms. Ugh) have become ridiculous. I do most of my shoe shopping online or at boutiques these days. I did notice Kate Spade has some kitten heels in bright reptile. Butter is another brand that does very nice mid heels. Try Simply Soles. Local for me but they have amazing customer service and are mostly an online shop.
I totally agree about the shoe problem. My job requires a lot of walking and standing and anything above 3″ is absolutely out of the question. Limping by the middle of the afternoon is definitely not a stylish look!
Also, a simple knee-length a-line skirt for a pear shape like myself is near impossible to find at a reasonable price. It seems only high end designers make this shape. And attractive navy blue heels or handbags are another elusive item. And a real pet peeve for me is any skirt without an actual waistband…I’d gladly pay more for the little extra fabric and labor it takes to sew an actual waistband on a skirt.
Am I lucky to be not in need of shoes or jackets : ).
Last century I always bought Bruno Magli shoes, available then over here, models were different than the ones they now have= better.
These days, I rely on Tod´s. We have them over here, but if I can´t find the right size ( often ), online is the place to shop.
Not knowing the brand – risky.
Sierra Trading Post has some low heeled pumps–probably not at your level of chic. I can’t wear pumps at all. Here’s a leopard pair: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/beautifeel-mallory-mary-jane-pumps-leather-for-women~p~4819c/?filterString=s~pumps%2FSofft~b~1625%2C15105%2F&colorFamily=01
Knee-length skirts- in retail-speak, this now means at least 3 inches above the knee, if not more.
Like Ms M, I buy basics online, even shoes. So what if I have to occasionally return something? I’m exhausted after more than a one-hour shopping expedition, so will gladly pay the return shipping.
Thought about Arche “Kalyum” shoes like these?
http://www.arche-shoes.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=3&idproduct=14975
and I’m in love with “Kalin”:
http://www.arche-shoes.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=3&idproduct=14959
I may be hopelessly out of it but I cannot stand the looks of very high heels. To me they are graceless and unnatural. The PERMANENT damage to the feet, spine and legs makes me fear for my young relatives who alternate between thongs (almost as bad) and super high heels.
The other issue is damage to hardwood floors – surely the people who wear them must be aware that they damage wood floors. One woman in stilettos did thousands of dollars of damage at a party at the home of friends. They didn’t discover it until afterwards.
Pseu, did you try the J Crew Valentinas? I think they made a red snakeskin and leopard print too , in addition to the standard color choices 🙂
Sorry- meant to add I thought they were doing a promo with free shipping with shoes and handbags 🙂
Lined wool dress pants in black. I’m so tired of designers trying to convince us that unlined trousers hang better. Really? Then why aren’t men having the linings of their dress trousers removed?
For an utterly irreverant, hilarious view on women’s shoes,clothing, fashion, and all, read Caitlin Moran’s chapter “I Get Into Fashion!” in her British bestseller (available now in the USA), How to Be a Woman. You won’t be sorry.
These will come as no surprise, since they are perenially on The List:
dresses with sleeves
dresses/skirts that are long enough (though this one might change with this season’s longer hemlines).
glasses that do not have a logo or bling on them (you’d be surprised how nearly impossible it is to find unadorned glasses)
So true, and so annoying! I’m with you on the lightweight jacket problem. I can’t find any either but would love to have one or two or three.
I am an avowed (and outted) shoe addict, and a shrimpy one at that. But the 4″, 5″, 6″ craze?
Nuts. Really. As I wrote recently (on a multi-day chaussure-palooza), my heels tend to be 3″, a few at 4″ (worn only for dress and not for long), and one – just one – very sturdy and comfy pair of platforms at 5″ more because I couldn’t resist them on sale 18 months ago than anything else!
I strongly recommend you look at both Bloomies and Macys. Many of the shoes I mentioned at Tish’s place a while back came in multiple heel heights, or variations with multiple heel heights, including far more wearable 2 to 3″ offerings. Likewise, Macy’s (pretty affordable). I haven’t checked my local DSW (not in the market at the moment), but I would be surprised if there weren’t some jewel toned peep-toes at 3″ anyway.
Then again, anyone who calls 5″ a “mid-heel” is nuts!
How frustrating! I haven’t been shoe shopping for a long time, but this makes now sense. I have trouble finding the perfect turtlenecks for winter. I’m still looking!
I just won’t wear a heel over 3 inches. Any higher and I have trouble walking. I’ve been searching for a kelly green cardigan. I find lots of shades of green, but not the true green I’m after.
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This is to Anon 4:48 — really high heels have always looked like hooker shoes to me. They will never be stylish, much less elegant. But at the same time,I don’t judge the wearer — 8 just figure they are fashion victims, not actual hookers.
To Anon 6;oo pm — yes, yes, yes! Where have all the lined pants gone? Long time passing.
If you don’t mind spending the money (I think of the perfect pump as an investment shoe), Stuart Weitzman is always a good bet. As I’m a size 4B, I have few choices (Nordstrom, SW and Cinderella of Boston, which is strictly mail order and only goes up to size 5 – they are a bit hit or miss).
SW has a lovely pump (chic pump) with a low heel. I have it in 5 different colors and I can walk all day in them. They are soooo comfortable. They actually look much better on than they do in the picture.
That said, while you are waiting to find the perfect show, why not pump up the look of your plain pumps with shoe clips: http://www.shoeclips.biz/
Happy hunting.
I’d like to find a perfect pair of distressed jeans that don’t make me look like I’m trying too hard. In a mid rise, impossible!
The thing about those really high shoes is that they appeal to the young crowd in a sort of addiction way. I watched my daughter go through this. She was buying them up because of the thrill and the hot flashes she’d get when she’d find them. But then never wear them for obvious reasons. She finally stopped thank God.
Anonymous @ 4:48: Most men find heels sexy, and men who find heels sexy are not thinking 2-inch Easy Spirits. There really is allure in a pair of classic Manolo pumps. It may be cultural conditioning, but, like décolleté, the desired result is achieved.
Not all 4-inch heels make women look like hookers. These are pretty classy, IMO, even though I can’t wear them.
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446464742