Shoe Smitten

trend
n.
1. The general direction in which something tends to move.
2. A general tendency or inclination. See synonyms at tendency.
3. Current style; vogue: the latest trend in fashion.

The New Year is coming, but not all is out with the old and in with the new in shoe fashion.  Here I’ve made a list of what I believe were the best and worst shoe trends of 2008.  Some captured my imagination and have me hoping that they last well into the New Year; others horrified me and all I can do is hope that they make their exit when the clock strikes midnight tomorrow!  What do you think were the best and worst trends of 2008?

Best

• Peep toes and colored/textured tights - Just follow a few simple rules and you’re golden!
• Architectural (extreme) heels - The more interesting, the better if you ask me!  Visit shoes.about.com for an example.
• Super stilettos - Pair a super-high heel with a platform and you will stand above the rest and stay safer (the platform helps with balance).  Learn more about the risks and lures of the super stiletto.
• Animal Prints-I love animal print, in small doses, usually on accessories (not all over the body), for example my Bernardo “Biker” flats.  Browse the top animal print shoes for women and decide how much of your wild side you’ll reveal in 2009.
• Embellished shoes - Buttons, buckles, chains and other embellishments add that certain something to a pair of shoes.
• Two tone - Two-tone shoes add interest to an otherwise boring outfit.
• Bold statement shoes - Just take a look at this CBS News video, where shoes make a bold fashion statement.  I love letting my shoes do the talking, while the rest of my outfit lays fairly low.
• Tall cuffed boots - ShoeBlog and I agree that the tall boot is a classic that will never go out of style, just make sure that if it’s cuffed, you avoid jeans since the cuff adds bulk to the calf.
• Purple footwear - I love the color purple because it is such a rich tone that compliments so many of the colors I enjoy wearing.

Worst

• Socks with sandals - I feel that a sock underneath a beautiful strappy stiletto totally counteracts the elegance of the shoe.  Sandals are meant to show off the foot!  However kpriss at Stylefrizz, like some other fashion gurus, supports this trend.
• Crocs - If you follow me on Twitter, than you are well aware of my feelings against Croc shoes.  What scares me is that, as Dan says in his article Crocs: The Latest Trend That Just Won’t Die, “they seem destined to become a staple of our collective closets.”
• Furry boots - Do I really need to justify why these hairy monstrosities made my “worst” list?
• Uggs - I dislike the traditional style Ugg boot, although I did note that not all Uggs are ‘Ugh’ when I spotted a pair of stacked-heel Uggs at TJ Maxx.
• Industrial/Military boots - ShoeDish might love these, but I just don’t see the appeal.  However I think the military boots she found are the prettiest I’ve seen.  I found this site, Combat Boot Review, dedicated to combat boots that offers good advice on finding the best pair, if you want to take this trend with you into the New Year.
• Wedges - They are okay for every now and then, but I hope that they cease to dominate the feet of most fashionistas (I only own one pair).  Unlike pumps and stiletto heels, the wedge is flattering on few legs.