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Show FILL YOUR SOLE BY ANDREA WHATCOTT Editor-in-Chief W ith spring officially upon us and summer just around the corner, it's time to break out and step into the new, or rather, borrowed trends in footwear. While some runway pieces don't translate into everyday wear, there are some picks that are sure to make their appearance in the general public. Made out of cork because of shortages in rubber and leather during the lean 1930s, the wedge heel made its debut and provided wearers with stability and style. The wedge popped up throughout the 20th cen- tury in different variations, including five inch heels during WWII, a goldfish bowl heel in the 1970s and sneaker wedges in the 1990s. This year's variations may not be as outlandish as fish bowl heels, but they do stand out just the same. Wedges feature laces, braided straps and buckles, as well as a punch of color. Though heels appeared hundreds of years ago, when Catherine de Medici wanted to impress the French Court and draw the attention of her soon to be husband, the Duke of Orleans and eventual King of France, away from his taller mistress, they remain ever popular today. While Medici was attempting to level the playing field, almost 100 years later, another ruler, Napoleon, banished heels to create equality. After reappearing in the 1860s, heels have gone up and down throughout the years. And in true futuristic fashion, this year's 21st century heels feature metallic toes, transparent frames, pointed toes, ruffles and even rivets. Heels and wedges are versatile enough to wear to a wide variety of locations, but it's comforting to know that flats and flat sandals can be worn too, and let our feet take a little break. Flats and flat sandals date back to the time of the pyramids and even farther. King Tut even had gold flipflops . This years popular flats aren't made of gold and won't weigh down the wearer, or their wallet, but they will add to any outfit, dressy or casual. Designers this season have taken the ballet slipper and adapted it, giving it a sense of modern simplicity and elegance. Flat sandals offer a similar vibe with clean lines and cool colors. When it comes to footwear, this season has a lot of options for shoe lovers to explore and create a new look, by using borrowed designs modified to our 21st century tastes. PHOTOS FROM SXC.HU GLITTER TOES: A Utah phenomenon BY TIFFANY THATCHER Special Sections Editor With sandal season in sight, glitter is once again showing up on the toes of women and girls. It can be done in a salon or at home, but what many don't know is that this fun fad is actually a Utah thing Cassi Young is from California, where she says the style is more natural. "Girls from Utah always have painted toenails," Young said. "It's more like a natural look in California, especially since paint just chips off when you're at the beach. I think glitter toes are girly, I don't have glitter on my toes." "Glitter toes are super great because they never chip and last forever." because they never chip and last forever." Nicole Lier said. It's true that glitter is considered a girly thing. One reason why Utah women may decide to be fancy with their feet may be because of hiding them during the winter months. Kim Blackburn is a UVU student and agrees with this. "During the winter we have to hide our toe nails, so when the sun comes out we have to flaunt them," Blackburn said. Young said she also thinks painting toe nails is inconvenient, but Nicole Lier, a Utah native, thinks glitter toes are very convenient. Lier mentioned that glitter toes last as long as the nail does, or until it grows out. Vanessa Perkins from Philadelphia said she also has her toes glittered. "I've had mine done for a while, and whenever I go out of Utah, people will notice and comment on them," Perkins said. "People out of state haven't seen glitter toes, but they think they are really cool." This crafty innovation may or may not spread to other states, but regardless, Utah women will do what they will. Whether a Utah native or not, you can put on your glam and sport your Utah pride this season. Students from out of state say Utah loves the glam. CHRISTINA RUTH/UVU Review |
