Sign of the Times or Mistake?

Many have drawn a parallel between the economic climate and fashion trends, oftentimes, fashion critics describe collections as a reflection of the economy – e.g. short hemlines reflect boom times, longer hemlines mirror the opposite.

However, I am completely baffled by Jimmy Choos’ latest sandal pictured here – the heel in particular is distressing at best – wide and low? Really? More Easy Spirit than the iconic “I am woman hear me roar, watch me teeter on my Choos and desire me”. I don’t think this sandal is a reflection of the times but rather a mistake, plain and simple and I would like to hear Jimmy Choo utter an apology.

I understand that times are tough everywhere. Even the Duchess of Cambridge, in an effort to be sympathetic to the harsh economic climate facing many people around the globe, has vowed to be frugal by re-wearing outfits rather than spending lavishly on new clothes. This still doesn’t make sense -- why would Jimmy Choo design a shoe so dramatically different from his brand ( and frankly, unsexy). That low wide heel will still set you back $495. If Kate Middleton is re-wearing outfits, then I am not convinced many women will spend the $495 on a low, wide heeled Jimmy Choo sandal that won’t make you roar but rather prompt an insignificant squeak.

Furthering my mistake theory is the fact that Vogue and Vanity Fair are both picking beloved bad girls to grace their September issues – Vogue has booked Kate Moss' in her July wedding as its cover story, while Vanity Fair has shot under-house-arrest Lindsay Lohan to be its cover siren. Bad girls mean party time and party time would reflect good economic times and sexy high heels, no? I submit to you once again that this Jimmy Choo sandal is not a sign of the times but a mistake.

Did you know that Aretha Franklin recently fractured her toe by falling over a pile of shoes and stepping atop the spiked heel of a Jimmy Choo sandal? Had Aretha fallen on the sandal in this picture she might have hummed a refrain of “Chain of Fools”! I am not fooled by this Jimmy Choo imposter sandal, are you?

Me and Liza

So according to page 6, Liza Minelli had a yard sale which included lampshades, wine glasses, worn dance shoes amongst other things. Evidently she signed those items as she sold them off. I am not sure that I have enough in common with Liza (discuss amongst yourselves) however I am taking a cue from her and will be signing all of my "giveaways/hand me downs" from now on. From children's clothing to housewares to all of those horrendous ill-fitting outfits I pass along will now come with my very own John Hancock.

On that note, I am just back from a trip to Banana Republic - did some impulse shopping as I have a meeting with a recruiter tomorrow and not a thing to wear. I succumbed to some ruffled puffy blouses (these can't look good on ANYONE!) and a hot pink sweater. I may don one of the ruffled blouses with the ever famous Mandee black pants. The intent of that outfit will be to psych out the recruiter so he will actually look directly into my eyes because the outfit, both top and bottom, will be like a car wreck with mangled bodies and he will have to look away from that.

Didn't Liza wear ruffle-d blouses? Maybe I have more in common with her than I thought.

Liza said the following and I feel that it is very true for me:

"I feel like I haven't done my best work yet."