On the Increasing Malleability of Price Thresholds, and Also, These Fendi Pumps

Recently, I found myself chatting with a friend about the increasing malleability of price thresholds, meaning the absolute cap you've self-imposed when buying a category of fashion. My thresholds do differ from category to category (panties are no classic Burberry trench, you see), but across the board, it's been a slippery slope since I was a lowly FIT student and wouldn't spend more than $100 on a pair of shoes.

In short, the moment you cross a previously perceived price ceiling, it's all downhill, cherry's popped, it no longer feels out-of-the-question to spend, say, $1,295 on the Fendi Layered Pyramid Stud Heel Pump seen above (price ceiling in question being $1,000+ pre-tax).

Now, don't get me wrong, even I will own up to the fact that these are a splurge by the truest definition. After all, no woman in the world needs a pair of $1,295 shoes, and in particular, a pair that resembles, vaguely, a dinosaur comprised of Legos.

But love is love, you guys, and sometimes, love is impractical.

Any price thresholds you'll own up to, particularly in the category of footwear?

Cole Haan, Mildly Refreshed and Reinvented

As a marketer by trade, I'm continually interested in how mildly staid and conservative brands reinvent themselves. The most recent (and among the most assertive!) to hit my radar is Cole Haan.  Truth be told, I'm obsessed with their New York-specific campaigns, which have encompassed outdoor/subway advertising, pop-up dance parties, late night food trucks and their neat-o Tumblr, which focuses on #SubwayStyle. Try sorting by neighborhood or subway line for stark exercises in contrast. Clever, yes?

Of course, Cole Haan remains a fashion brand, so what I care about most is the product, most notably the shoes. Many of their styles remain a little conservative for my tastes personally, but THIS pump, the Chelsea Pointy High Pump in Larkspur Purple Snake Print (currently on sale for $229.95), is among many standout styles worth your attention this Spring. Like other styles from Cole Haan, the Chelsea incorporates Nike Air technology (Nike used to own Cole Haan, for those keeping score), which adds to the comfort level despite the towering 4" stiletto. The lavender feels so fresh for spring, with pastels having a major cultural moment. That said, there's also a bold green or a neutral sand, if you're so inclined. Shop: here.

How To: Style a Floral Shoe for Spring

 

Earlier this week, we chatted about how to style a bold and wildly patterned shoe, thanks to the folks at Desigual and ideeli. Next up, florals! After all, what could be more appropriate for spring?

Florals, however, CAN be a bit of a style challenge, particularly when your tastes lean a little more minimal or edgy (as mine do!)  BUT, where there's a will, there's a way - here are some ideas on how to work a sweet floral print into your look, from the bottom up.

• If you're eyeing an open-toed style, like the sweet peep-toe platforms shown above, try creating a little contrast with a foiled metallic or glittery pedicure. I love the idea of gold or silver!
• For a bolder, more graphic look, choose a LARGER floral print as opposed to something dainty and wee.
• Use a floral shoe with a more delicate pattern to tear down a more downtown look. For example, I'm LOVING the idea of a flowery pattern adding contrast, femininity and sweetness to a cropped dark indigo jean, harem pant or jumpsuit.
• When in doubt, go OBVIOUS! Don't hesitate to partner a floral pump, platform or espadrille with a lovely white eyelet skirt or fitted chambray dress. It's a style cliche for a reason - it works!

Do you have any floral shoes in your closet for spring? Tell me all in the comments, and for more beautifully blooming shoes, visit MyHotShoes.com.

While all thoughts are my own, this post was produced in association with My Hot Shoes.