STEPPING IN STYLE WITH STEVE MADDEN

Steve Madden's “Slinky” slide shoe was a popular style in the 1990's through the early 2000's. The Slinky was probably worn by many for years after that! The black platform shoe with a stretchy fabric running across the top of the foot became an icon. I had a pair, loved them, wore them often and since then wear Steve Madden shoes from time to time.

The Steven brand manufactured by Steve Madden was another brand I liked back then. At the time I thought this brand was positioned to be more upscale than Steve Madden. Yet, today I believe Steven is sold at off-price stores such as Nordstrom Rack and Gilt and has the name Steven New York associated with it. I don’t know if this is an ongoing brand and manufactured for the off-price distribution channel or it is being eliminated. My research hasn’t turned up anything about this name.

I recall favoring the “Steven” brand as one day in 2000 I unexpectedly met Steve Madden. I was staying at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in South Beach. While in the lobby picking up a newspaper and a few goodies and with my head down I heard a voice ask me “What brand shoes are you wearing?” I looked up and answered “The Steven brand by Steve Madden” The person asking immediately went to shake my hand and said “I’m Steve Madden.” We had a brief conversation and I then ran to tell my friend about the nice surprise in the lobby!

The iconic black Slinky has been back for some time. About five years ago it was re-introduced for a time in collaboration with Urban Outfitters, with it being available in black, pink, and green. Another reintroduction is the Slinky 30. I do not recall when it joined the line-up and it seems to enjoy wide ranging demand. It is available on Amazon in nine colors, a few options are listed on stevemadden.com and stores such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s sell it as well.

The Mary Jane style (A shoe with a strap across the top) shoes are popular for Spring 2024. Offered season after season, they are a classic. The surge in popularity in 2024 is because they are available in a range of fabrications, such as sheer, metallic, embellished and even with multi straps and sling backs. There is also an assortment of heights, ranging from flats, which are the most popular to those with heels. (e.g. Christian Louboutin offers a Mary Jane with a double strap and a two-inch heel and Manolo Blahnik offers a Mary Jane pump with a heel over three inches.)

I do not like the Mary Jane style for myself, the leading reasons being they typically have a round toe (I favor pointed toes) and I do not like straps across my feet. However, wanting to step up and join the trend, I searched and found a lovely interpretation. I recently purchased the Steve Madden Sarella style, a flat shown here in black leather. Please refer to top photo and photo below. I love the scrunch detail and pointed toes. Another favorite aspect is the thin tie strap across the top.

Fashionistas might point out this shoe is not a true Mary Jane as it lacks a wider strap. But it does have a strap across the top. It is amazing!  Sarella is also available in silver leather. Check them out here: https://tinyurl.com/ye2a7de5 

The Steve Madden brand is fast and right on the mark with identifying footwear trends and quickly arranges manufacturing (I believe this is so; but I do not have any insights into the Company’s business strategy and operations.) allowing shoppers to enjoy fresh styles, feel good and buy trending footwear at a reasonable price.

The Company is customer focused, not only at the corporate level, but also in the stores it operates. Each time I visit a Steve Madden store I am always impressed with the employees’ friendliness, patience and professionalism.

I don’t know if I will bump into Steve Madden while wearing these new shoes. If that should happen, I’d be glad telling him I’m wearing the Steve Madden brand and the Sarella style!

Is the term "elevate" losing its impact in the fashion industry?

The word elevate and forms of it such as elevating and elevated are words I've been seeing frequently in fashion marketing, advertising and in articles. Maybe these have been the leading words for promoting fashion and only recently the continual use of these words caught my attention. Since elevate and the forms of it are now commonplace, for me they don't mean anything special. I've learned that anything related to fashion is being elevated!

Below are examples:

Elevated luxury fashion

Elevated fashion with celebrities

Elevated fashion for a particular season

Elevate with a specific piece of clothing

Elevate an entire wardrobe

Elevate with colors

Elevate accessories

Elevate your beauty

Elevate is for men and children too

Elevate your home

Have you noticed the increased use of elevated? Do you believe it is overused?

SPRING HANDBAGS - A FEW FAVORITES

Spring is arriving in just a few days. When a new season begins, I usually freshen up my wardrobe and that includes buying a new handbag. (At least one bag and hopefully don't go overboard!)

After recent store visits and internet searches, I've picked out a few stylish handbags for further consideration. Based on interesting designs and attractive colors, below are the three standouts.

Bottega Veneta, known for its Intrecciato craftsmanship with handbags and shoes, has a fun way with the attractive Mini Jodie design. The bag shown, in shades of camel and brown in printed lambskin has a cotton shirting effect and sleeve knot detail. It is distinctive and makes me smile. Have you ever seen leather looking like a shirt? It even fits iPhone 15 Pro Max!

I could see this bag made to look like other cotton shirts in an endless variety of colors and stripes and other buttons. Imagine it designed with a royal blue and white stripe and pearl buttons. The price is $3,000. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/3v7s94nz

Longchamp, known for a diverse offering of Le Pliage bags in man-made and / or leather fabrications recently added several leather bags to its line up.

One of the notable bags has an interesting shape. It is named Le Foulonne. It has a double handle and a cross body strap as well as a snap closure It comes in six colors. The lovely bag is shown here in this cheerful apricot shade. The price is $495. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/399v4dne

The Swedish fashion company TOTEME known for minimalism and focusing on sustainability has a smart looking bag that is available in several colors. Shown here is the T-Lock top handle in the color fawn.

The curved top curved top flap adds interest. There are two inside pockets and a feature that should be in all ) if style permits) handbags is it has protective feet. A detachable and adjustable shoulder strap is included. It currently is available in three colors and the Company's website shows three additional colors will be coming soon. The price price is $1,390. The link to it at Saks Fifth Avenue is here: https://tinyurl.com/4tmpsxnf

Are you planning to buy a new handbag for Spring? What are your top picks?