These pumps are a perfect cross between cute and stylish shoes and sensible footwear for an office or on-your-feet job. They’d go great with the slacks, skirts or dresses of that mid-century time.
By Air Step, one of the earlier makers of mid-priced shoes and purses that were sold all over the U.S. – almost like chain stores do now, but with a bit more personal feel. There was a whole basket of them then, some with a little more prestige than others.
I just love finding items that are hardly worn – it tells me such a story about the former owner, who cared for her wardrobe and used it lightly. Of course, there could be other explanations, but I’ve seen so many examples of this with older items that it seems like the most plausible explanation. The attitude toward clothing before 1970 was very different than what it is today.
This pair reminds me of the Mod British influence in the late ’60’s, with the short tie vamp and no tongue – it’s just decorative – they slip on. I also like the combination of smooth and suede leather and always love dark brown.
It’s a good work shoe, too. Comfortable to stand and walk in. Just right to wear with that pleated skirt or secretary dress . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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I just HAD to have these when I found them! It’s interesting how they look so much like the fashion that became really popular in the early 1980’s “New Wave” era. The Fifties did some really fun, dramatic styling when they were coming out of their conservative period – think about fins on cars that were made then.
These pumps escape looking trashy by the fact that they are quality footwear, well-made of leather and not over-the-top in terms of the design. Their elegance makes them wearable with almost any type of outfit. In my opinion, that’s the way to make dramatic looks really effective, rather than just faddish or cheap and easy to forget (along with the person wearing them!) Vintage-era designers knew this.
A follower asked me yesterday how I date clothing, etc. and it’s not an easy thing to answer in a few words. Mostly, I just “know”. There are lots of little bits and pieces of information and know-how, like with any type of experience. The evidence is out there . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
There’s a ’30’s – ’40’s flair to these with the high vamp and bow detail, but I don’t know when they were made, for sure. It was a small maker – likely European.
They are so soft – like kid gloves. It’s so true that you can judge someone’s taste and elegance by looking at their shoes, gloves and handbag. And I don’t mean designer labels or logos – I refer to high quality and workmanship . . . . . . . . . . that’s the real clue.
They’d look nice with a lot of things, and unusual – attention-getting. This week I’ll show a 3-piece outfit that they’d look fabulous with, plus some other pieces in the same color family – all true vintage, of course . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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