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Imelda Marcos, You Have Competition with Shoes

Imelda Marcos, You Have Competition with Shoes
Dragon Fly

Dragon Fly

Shoes have always been in fashion and fun and many of us have a closet full. When I was unable to find my photos from the Kennebunkport Festival, where I had photographed shoes of attendees, I called my friend Angie Helton for help. She could give Imelda Marcos a run for the money. Every day, Angie wore a different pair of fun or beautiful shoes, which exquisitely matched her outfits. So Angie came through and pulled some of her favorites out of her closet.

Red Patten Sandals on a Weggie Heel.

Red Patten Sandals on a Weggie Heel.

In the 40s and 50s, platform shoes were the rage and spaghetti straps went wild. Women were shorter then, and platforms added several inches without having all the weight balanced on the heel. Women liked wedgies, but they were not as stylish as today. Saddle shoes and white bucks were a must for school, as well as penny loafers. Flats were boring.

Gold Sparkles

Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle

 

In the 60s, platforms were gone and pointy toes with three or four-inch heels were the most popular. Occasionally, stilettos would appear, but not often. Dyed to match was the key for outfits, and shoe stores did not offer as many alternatives.

 

Red Silk Class

Red Silk Class

The 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s also brought practical shoes. Some were downright ugly. More focus was on comfort, which spoiled a lot of us.  However, the 80s also brought many more options, with high heel alternatives, printed fabrics and creative innovative designers.

Leopard and Ruffles

Leopard and Ruffles

 

Pink Leopard

Pink Leopard

Let’s skip to the last five years. Anything and everything goes and it is time for fun. I’ll admit that I doubt I’d balance very well in some of those shoes now in fashion, but they sure intrigue me.

 

Sparkle Plenty

Sparkle Plenty

Red Suede Boots

Red Suede Boots

In addition to having everything imaginable available in high-heels, cowboy boots are more colorful and fun, and they even come in rain boots. Flats are actually attractive, cute and practical, and comfortable shoes can look great.

Cowboy Boots with Class

Cowboy Boots with Class

 

Zebra-Lepord Rain Boots

Zebra-Lepord Rain Boots

This small selection from Angie’s collection is just a taste of what’s hot and fun. I’ve a friend who’s a shoe designer for a German company, and her designs are wild. I wouldn’t want to walk a couple of miles in either Angie or my friend’s, but I sure admire how they look.

Leopard Boots

Leopard Boots

 

A Different Take on Mary Jane's

A Different Take on Mary Jane’s

Blue Suede

Blue Suede

Hope you enjoy.

Photos courtesy of Angie Helton.

About The Author

Maralyn Hill

Maralyn Dennis Hill is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and is known as The Epicurean Explorer. She was born to travel and loves to tell the tale. As a professional travel and food, writer, Maralyn is intrigued by all aspects of spa and culinary tourism. From local cuisine to Michelin Star, simple to gourmet, she thrives on discovering flavors, spices, and trends worldwide. Not only does she love to share the tales of unique customs, Maralyn also believes that her passion for global travel is the greatest geography lesson. The best part is meeting people along the way and hearing their stories. From Bocuse d’Or to being a judge at the Turks & Caicos Conch Festival and the Oregon Chocolate Festival and more, Maralyn is truly a world traveler. She is a frequent guest on radio shows and editor and contributor to more than eight print and online publications. Maralyn continues to reach an audience of several million in the United States and abroad. Her adventures don’t stop there. She has co-authored three books and from 2002 to 2006, she hosted a cable television show on Time-Warner. Maralyn is the past president of The International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (12-2008 to 12-2012) and continued her work as a board member and co-chair of its Conference and Media Trip Committee through 2014. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the Society of Professional Journalists. When she’s not jetting to her next destination, Maralyn enjoys coaching individuals on writing and marketing successful projects. And although she lives to travel, she enjoys quiet time exploring. Specialties: Culinary tourism, luxury and spas, but loves all travel. Food judging is enjoyable and Maralyn enjoys using her conference, incentive, and meeting planning skills.

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