Get pumped to party!

Chennai: Every girl has to have a pair of pumps. They save the day when you need to convert a casual look into a formal one in the back seat of a car, or be dutiful when you’ve missed a pedicure. Everyone who has been reading my column for sometime now will know my partiality toward looking at global fashion trends. This time I’ll be looking at what the designers are doing at their high-street stores, what the women are wearing in and out of the office and of course, all the fashion week dictat.

I remember the first time I took a six month break from the US to come back to Chennai. Panicked at being possibly deprived from any kind of worthwhile retail therapy, I headed straight for the hills. Beverly Hills, that is. The Stuart Weitzman store was appropriately positioned at the top of the hill, where I got ready to feed my big addiction. Shoes. I believe in love at first sight (note: in fashion, not men) and believe that

comparison-shopping is only for groceries. Stunning comes from impulse-buying most of the time. At least, this is what I told myself when I picked up the most unique pair of Mary-Jane pumps, with a perfectly rounded toe and black and white checked fabric covering the rest of it. The best part was the patent black leather strap that ran across it to secure the ankle and thanks to my TLC, it is still in good shape.

Harper’s Bazaar got it right this season when it placed one of SW’s pointed toe fiery orange pumps called ‘Blaze’ on its hot list. The designer derived the colour from the word ‘pimento’, which stands for a hot cherry red pepper. One of the accessory editors said it right in that even though orange isn’t the new black, it’s definitely making heads. New York says hello to mules (and of course I follow suit) this season in high-heeled suede leather, both black and nude. These pieces stood their own on the ramp, not to be outdone by other more vivacious colours. All those who love their shoes probably have a closet full of them. No matter though, there’s always place for Herve Leger. His standout pieces at NY Fashion Week were ankle cuff closed toe pump heels where the military style detailing gave way to Vegas-like transparent orange heels. The defiance of this pair made my eyes pop, and I guarantee they will do the same to yours!

One can never go wrong with J. Crew, in regard to its generic, safe colours in black, white, blue and red. Just when I thought I had it pegged, it did a volte-face with orange floral low-heeled pumps, which go perfectly in denim or printed capris. Well played! Kate Spade came out with delicate pointed-toe pumps, which had small metal braid detailing in the front. With a pointed heel and a dainty straw hat, you’ll be the perfect guest at the Kentucky Derby or a Polo Match anywhere. The best part about this piece is it’s elitist, almost decadent indulgence. Hence, we shall not discuss its price.

Of course, I’ve run out of time and I’m still here. Anyone for round two on shoes next time? Inbox me!