There’s nothing more troublesome than not being able to get your hands on something you desperately covet. But rather than hanging my head and dwelling in self-pity, I try to make the best out of the situation: mainly, by finding a good alternative to the things I desire.
The most recent case of this has been 2 particular pair of shoes. The Dries Van Noten patent wedges from 2007, and Gucci’s AW08 babouska shoes.
Photo snatched from Nubby Twiglet
The Dries Van Noten wedges are beings of absolutely weird, gorgeous construction. I love how they make the foot look similar to a hoof, how all parts of the shoe just meld into each other to make this strong, solid shape. Integrating the oxofrd lace-up style I have come to love, they also look like a foot support dream. However, as much as I love this shoe, it is a star crossed infatuation, as these shoes have proven completely impossible to find. I have searched around enough to say with authority that there are no more of these shoes left in existence (unless you are Nubby, who I have learned on good authority has been selling her soul in shares to score 2 pairs of these).
The other shoe, the Gucci, is much easier to find, but just totally out of my price range. I absolutely adored Gucci’s AW08 collection, with the bohemian-military-pirate look, but the babouska shoe was the particular piece that just completely stole my heart. I love how they resemble ornamental old-world bells or trinkets, but also have that tough, punk edge to them as well.
Suffice to say, I have been keeping my eyes peeled for suitable alternatives to both shoes, and I am pleased to report that I have struck pay dirt. Behold, my next-best-things:
The top shoe is made by Poetic License. I spied these in a shop in the city, and nearly flipped. Ok, they don’t completely resemble the Dries, but the molded heel construction is similar enough that I am satisfied, as that is the part of the shoe I truly love. And there are so many things about this shoe that I adore in its own right. The color is a sumptuous, glossy, burgundy-red, with a popping red suede stripe running along the side. They close up with a velcro strap across the top, and are by far the cutest, weirdest mary janes I have ever seen. They are also impossibly comfy to wear.
The Jeffrey Campbell shoes I have taken to calling the “I Can’t Believe It’s not Gucci.” I have been a huge fan of Campbell’s shoes for some time, and own several pairs – as a brand, I have come to rely on them as well built, affordable shoes, with fantastic variety of styles. These shoes not only look fantastic, but they are the most comfortable heels I have ever worn. I attribute this to the fact that the shoe itself is constructed much like a sling, and the leather is supple enough that it gives just enough that the entire thing molds to your foot. I cannot generally wear very tall shoes, and I love how these look tall, but due to their platform are actually quite reasonable to walk around in.
I am utterly in love with these shoes, and will be wearing them alot this season. Here are two of the first outfits I whipped together to wear them with…
Thursday, 9/18:Sweater: Thrifted, Shorts: Charlotte Russe, Socks: $1 Store, Shoes: Poetic License, Watch: Bulova
Wednesday, 9/24:Dress: Vintage Shop in Harajuku, Cardigan: Etsy, Belt: Thrifted, Tights: Sockdreams, Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell, Necklace: Gift
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be subsisting on Saltines, as I have blown my budget through the roof…but it was worth it!
« Week in Wardrobe: 9/19 – 9/25 Alice Palmer SS09 Rocks Knits »
