Drill, baby, drill

Think "Summer" and what classic footwear springs to mind? (And it's not "None," no matter how much we all long to go barefoot in the park this weekend.) It is the espadrille.

Over to our friends at Wikipedia for a moment: "Espadrilles are normally flat but sometimes high heeled shoes originating from the Pyrenees. The jute rope sole is the defining characteristic of an espadrille. The term espadrille is French and derives from the Catalan name for the shoes, espardenya, from esparto, a tough, wiry Mediterranean grass used in making rope. Espadrilles have been made in Catalonia since the 14th century at least, and there are Catalan shops still in existence that have been making espadrilles for over a century."

"Espadrilles became fashionable in USA in the 1940s. Lauren Bacall's character in the 1948 movie Key Largo wore ankle-laced espadrilles [thanks to fashiongonethrifty for LB pix]. The style was revived in the 1980s, due to the success of Miami Vice - the shoe was worn by Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson)."

Sadly, your Shoe Blogger is currently stationed half a world away from the Florida Keys, and spending summer in the office to boot. But look what we found last week... 

These black leather wedge-heel espadrilles are the perfect combination of work-day smart and holiday cool. They are from Aldo (a Canadian company launched by Aldo Bensadoun in Montreal in the early 1970s, fact-lovers). The leather is soft and stretchy. And, to borrow a metaphor from Bogey and Bacall in Key Largo, they went down a storm in the office. 

PS As seen also at Baldinini, the 'designer' version, at a designer price...

Scouting for Stylistas

 Following last week's post, further evidence of the winsome appeal of the beige ankle sock. On Kamergersky Pereulok at lunchtime I spotted this twentysomething girl taking the look back to its school-daze roots. Those evocative Girl-Guide sandals are actually perfectly cool "Wonda" tan leather gold buckle and studded wooden wedges from Topshop (as seen in the shop window below). 

It's the fact that these particular beige ankle socks are ribbed and slightly loose that give them a nostalgic charm for those of us whose gymslip memories are from pre-lycra days (ahem). But something else that recommends this look is its practicality: should the temperature drop, socks will also keep your toes nice and toasty, plus what better way to nonchalantly sidestep being caught on a sunny day non-pedi-ready?! Top of the class!

Ace ankles

I admit that referencing 'pre-fall' in May smacks somewhat of wishing one's life away, but hey, that's the dizzy pace of fashion for you. Grown-up-lady shoes with little-girl socks is a trend for Autumn/Winter 2011/12 (see DKNY for some of the more wearable versions). This is not a look that everyone can master: you need an unerring eye for detail, a fair dollop of chutzpah, and fabulous pins. But when done right, its as cool as footwear gets.   

  

This is why, when awaiting the lift the other morning, I was transfixed by Oksana O and her metallic and patent sky-blue-and-French-navy Pierre Hardy stack heels, paired with neat little taupe turn-down ankle socks.

Everything works with this look – the high block heels give it sexy authority, the contrast between bold strappy sandals and delicate neutral hose gives it a diffident, effortless chic. The kicker is that her Pierre Hardys are, as Oksana pointed out, from a couple of seasons back. Fashion forward with a retro twist? That's a head-turner, just like Oksana's ace ankle styling.