Giuseppe Zanotti I96056 (Blue) wedges ($481.14)
Today I’d like to focus on a style I rarely feature: the wedge. From sky-scraping designer wedges to low, modest cork wedges, there are thousands of styles available! Many times I find myself at a loss for what to wear with this unique style of shoe. To be completely honest, wedges aren’t my favorite style; I prefer platform pumps and stiletto heels. But I do understand their value (hey, comfort and height and better balance), so maybe it’s time to delve deeper into how to choose the perfect pair and how to wear them. This is where my friend Trish comes in.
Trish is a wedge enthusiast who has written a comprehensive Wedge Shoes Guide, and who originally approached me for a link exchange and just to chat about shoes. She has some great advice when it comes to picking the right wedges for your lifestyle and tastes. Read below the break to learn how to do wedges right, plus see a few of her favorite wedges and where you can buy them online! Readers, I’d like to make this a regular feature on Shoe Smitten – to bring on “experts” or “enthusiasts” who are versed in shoe design or shoe fashion. If you’d like to be interviewed, email me!
Where did your love of wedges come from?
Well I’m a bit of a klutz so I’m constantly falling over in shoes. I used to wear platforms all the time… I mean ALL the time and most were straight platform (no angle on them). Anyway I started hunting for high heels because I like height and I love what heels do to your legs (make ‘em look yummy). So I bought this super duper pair of high heels and immediately fell on my face. I brought them back to the store and the salesgirl recommended wedges. I’ve never looked back! My legs look amazing in skirts and… no embarrassing “face meets pavement” moments.
What makes wedge shoes so much “better” than other styles? Why do you love them?
Wedge shoes have this unique style about them. They’re like a shoe with sass. They also let any woman, even a klutz like me, get the beauty of a high heel without the ankle twists or arch issues. I basically love them for the same reason they’re better than other styles: they look amazing, unique and they provide great support. (Plus they go with everything!)
What are your favorite shoe brands and why?
I’m crazy about Betsey Johnson because she’s so fabulously girlish. All her bows, polka dots and frills make me squeal. Her shoes have personality and you just feel lighter and happier in them.
Betsey Johnson – Foster (Yellow) – Footwear,$80.50 at 6pm.com
My second favorite is Michael Kors. I love him for the opposite reason that I love Betsey…he makes you feel like a fashionista: daring, bold and sexy (and utterly feminine).
KORS Michael Kors – Veil (Dark Grey Patent) – Footwear, $175.00 at Zappos.com
My third favorite is probably Anne Klein or Calvin Klein. Kors is high fashion, Betsey is girly glee, but Calvin and Anne are all class and sophistication. When I see their shoes I think “Wow that is New York Wall Street Woman” (in all caps for her headline lol).
Calvin Klein – Stasia (Black Kidskin/Mesh) – Footwear, $120.52 at Zappos.com
What types of things do you look for in a wedge?
Personally I look for any shoe that makes me go “Hello Lover”. Like that moment from Sex and the City when Carrie sees those shoes in the window. I’ve actually felt like that! One thing I look for, though, is leather. I understand why some people prefer non-animal shoes, but my personal preference is natural fabrics; i.e. leather, satin, cotton etc. While there are plenty of pretty, even gorgeous, pleather shoes, I haven’t found a pair that molds to the foot. Some even cause blisters because of their material :( . My props to anyone who can wear them! Other than that, I find that I look for properly-made shoes with good stitching and brand names that have a reputation for lasting. I have to admit, however, that I tend to pick platform shoes almost 100% of the time, haha.
Are there certain outfits/types of clothing that never look good with wedges?
Certain types of wedges look terrible with formal gowns, but that is because the wrong heel was chosen. Formal wear shouldn’t be worn with cork or rubber heels, and even while a shoe may be gold or silver, a rubber or cork heel will bring the outfit down. It’s better to go with a wooden heel, but it’s best to go with a covered heel (matches the upper). Also, I’ve heard many people say that wedge heels look clunky with skinny jeans, but I strongly disagree. If skinny jeans can look good with high heels (and they do), then wedges are a great choice.
Anything else you want to share with Shoe Smitten readers?
I want to say how honored I am that you chose to interview me. I’ve been a big fan of your site for ages, but my husband respectfully asks you not to show me any more shoes. Apparently, he feels that our credit cards are taking a beating. I respectfully disagree with him. =)
Trish, as for me showing you more shoes…it’ll be our little secret ;) Haha! Thanks for sharing your wedge expertise with us all!
If you enjoyed this interview and want to learn more about wedges, make sure you visit Trish’s Wedge Shoes Guide.
