This one’s gonna be tricky. Admittedly, I have no authority to weigh-in on anything regarding women’s attire…what they should put on. I’m good with the takin’ off part of the weigh-in but otherwise I should take a pass. But a few readers have asked from time to time about what I’ll refer to as sturdy shoes. And the good folks at Crockett and Jones offer a selection of shoddings just for gals. But can anyone pull off a look that includes such sturdy shoddings without manifesting an inner Pat?
I’d say that the answer to that question is a qualified yes. Whatever the female corollary to swagger and aplomb might be…is necessary to make a go of sturdy shoes. Come to think of it, swagger and aplomb are just fine for gals. Hepburn did it. Duende maybe? George Frazier probably wouldn’t have lauded her with his most esteemed characterization but I think she sported sturdy shoes in tandem with plucky female confidence. Shut up.
Admittedly, it's an acquired look/taste thang. In a spectatoresque kinda way.
I happen to think that sturdy shoes convey from the golf course nicely...if you, sturdy girl, think so. If you don't have the confidence necessary to pull it off, then I reckon you better leave said shoes in the clubhouse. This look could turn on you, just like Belgians if you don't show the shoes who's boss...from the get-go.
Don't even try to tell me that our gal on the left has given up any of her vroom vroom vroom as a result of tailored trousers and saddle shoes. Hotter than Georgia asphalt I'd say. Shut up. Oh and by the way, I'm her boss.
I rest my case. Again. Now move on boy, so I can sit and chat with Roxanne. She could be my boss.
There is no "Pat" manifest here my friends. None. Zero. Nadda. So let's take a look at your options....
Classic alternative to a pair of Weejuns. And we all know that there's nothing wrong with a pair of Weejuns. This little loafer just spiffs up the look a bit.
Ok, this one may be a little too Pat-ish.
Perhaps Horse and Hound environs would be just the terrain corollary to keep this model from being a bit too butch-ey.
This one...with jodhpurs...and a flimsy little cashmere blouse...yep. That's it. Thank you.
See the previous statement...butcept add a keepers tweed hacking jacket.
Ditto.
And finally...if I had to suggest one of these Crockett and Jones options, it would be the classic tassel loafer. No socks, madras shorts, white knit shirt, just enough sun on your cheeks to offer a contrasting glow as you lift your gin and tonic for a sip. Come sit in my lap. Thank you.
Onward. In tassels. On your shoes only.
ADG II
26 comments:
Oh these are so nice pairs. Where in the Philippines can I have such!
ADG, please stick with sartorial issues for gentlemen. I would not wear any of these shoes and it is not a confidence issue, says the girl with a closet or two full of go-to-hell clothing.
I have to agree with ilovelimegreen....I might, and that's a very big might, wear the first shoes...but the rest go beyond a touch of sturdy right into batting-for-the-other-team territory.
I appreciate you delving into the world of women's footgear, but I have to admit I enjoyed your wandering garbles regarding scorched fuzziness a tad more! Always a fan!
Britt
The Jodhpur and the Barnwell are MINE. I'd love more of a monkstrap on that J-pur, guess that's a nunstrap, good enough for me. These shoes don't signify gender issues to me, they are just elegance on the ground, oh that leather.
I do wear weejuns and I would definitely wear the tassle loafers, probably with the outfit you just described. I would not wear the boots, but I do not ride horses and feel if I don't actually ride horses it is ridiculous to dress like I do. I like when you wander into female territory. If I am dressing to be, among other things, attractive to the oppposite sex then it is nice to have their opinion. And to know that not all men want us to dress like we work at Hooters. Lol.
My daughter and the horsey posse she runs with at the barn would wear the lace-up boot around the stalls and look anything but Pat-ish...
Also, this reminds me of Robin Williams in "Good Morning Vietnam: "We can't say lesbians...it's women in comfortable shoes"
They are very, um.......mature!
Sturdy or not, a girl's gotta be bigger than her shoes. Otherwise they will just wear her. Always quality stuff here ADG !
I always liked this pic of Nicole Kidman shod in (RM Williams) the footwear of her homeland.
http://frockwriter.blogspot.com/2008/08/bush-outfit-kidmans-off-screen-rm.html
Maxminimus, you have read my mind! Right, this post was not to everyone's liking, but it was exactly what I've been looking for. Spectators...must have. Must have now. Thanks!!!
As the resident shoe-worshipper, I have to say, these are a bit on the "meh" side. I do like the jodhpur boots, but they'd need to be worn with a long skirt to take out the dyke factor. Just sayin. And Belgians for women need to go over the top, or else you're playing for the wrong side. Think animal print etc, or go for the Belgian suede loafers. Or try this look: http://www.berenshoes.com/silvia-fiorentina-laura-pump/p/SL0059_BLK_PT/
Trick is to mix the manly shoe with decidedly nonmanly clothes. I love my Ferragamo and Tods loafers, but you gotta make it look like Grace Kelly or Kate Hepburn. Not KD Laing. I can admire all yours, but I can only drool that you have them. Lucky boy. I'll stick with my old-school look rather than try a poor imitation of ADG!
Just as long as we remember the difference between sturdy and sensible, we'll know who's playing for which team.
I figured this one would stir up the shitake around here.
Mini-skirts, knee socks, "sweater girls" - sure these shoes work. hehe xoxo
Loafers are better than the athletic shoes that so many women wear on the way to and from work.
"Loafers are better than the athletic shoes that so many women wear on the way to and from work.
One of these days [Alice] there will be a shoemaker to design and execute a lovely pair of shoes for those males and females with various not-their-fault orthopaedic conditions, the simplest of which would be fallen arches. If one must wear an orthotic to support said arches, shoe choices are tragically limited. Every time I see sneakers worn in 'inappropriate places' by ladies and gents alike, I try my best to extend judgmental latitude [but only because I crave the return in exchange!].
i love this.
and i am a fan and where the gresham style boot.
thanks
What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing!
" a girl's gotta be bigger than her shoes" ... There's been a lot of interesting comments on this post but that one is a real gem! A Golightly Gem.
I wear loafers and all forms of moccasins with pearls. Elegant and smart. No ugly running shoes which should never be worn except for running. Oh boat shoes are ok if you sail.
"ADG/LisaGo: 'a girl's gotta be bigger than her shoes' "
GENIUS!
ALL these shoes work well for the sexy secretary/librarian look, as well:
Fitted 40's style skirt with kick pleat. Tight buttoned-up sweater to wear belted over wispy blouse with small round collar. Add glasses.
Down boy.
The gal on the left in the Eatmore Ice Cream pic is badass. I want to be like her when I grow up.
Well, I am a sturdy gal -- physically as well as sartorially -- and other than the boots, which look too functionally equestrian for me, a nonrider, I'd wear any of these shoes. They need not carry certain connotations if the rest of one's outfit is not geared towards such a message.
The lesbians I know who favor men's clothes prefer proletarian work or hiking boots, anyway -- these would be considered too excessively consumerist, as it were, by that set.
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