Tuesday Shoesday: The Roaring 20s

In a couple of weeks, cubes and I are attending a 20s themed party; the perfect excuse for a new pair of shoes! (Also a great reason to watch one of my favorite all time campy musicals - Thoroughly Modern Millie!) Of course the shoes need to represent the period, so off my fingers went.

First, I discovered that with the rising hem lines (up to the knees) of the 1920s, shoes became a fashion accessory. Second, I learned the shoes were designed with me in mind!

"One of the most remarkable of this decade’s shoe styles was the ankle strap button shoe. The T-bar shoe was also popular, along with shoe trimmings of sequins or similar materials (Source: The People History)."

"High heels and buckled footwear were considered to be an ultimate fashion statement ... Peep toe heels were also popular (Source: Buzzle.com)."

"Bar shoes became all the rage for they didn’t fall off your foot while dancing the night away. T-straps were popular too for the same reason and were worn primarily with afternoon gowns. In the twenties, shoes were all about the strap (Source: Head Over Heels History)."

For inspiration, Vintage Textile has galleries of the best items they've sold from various periods.
Their 1920s collection is amazing.

Armed with a few general guidelines it was time to find a vintage (or retro) pair of shoes or a modern representation. I, of course, gravitated towards Mary Janes.

The Finds (top clockwise): Diamond Shine Mary Jane Pump, Clarks, Red Patent Leather, Black Leather, Black Suede (shown), Dark Grey, Blue, $51.98 to $76, endless.com; Artisan Diamond Sparkle Pump, Clarks, Burgandy (shown), Black Leather, Black Suede, Pewter, $94.95, endless.com; indigo, Clarks, Champagne Plush Sateen (shown), Black Leather $90 to $99.95, endless.com.

Unfortunately none of these styles by Clarks were in my size; I really loved the Artisan pumps. For the time being, I'll be doing some more Internet surfing.

Any ideas where I can find cute Mary Janes with a reasonable heel and button detailing? In a size 6.5 or 7?

Finally once you've got your shoes picked out, don't forget this other fashion tip: the color of your nylons.

"Stockings shaded with a skin tone were worn with knee length dresses rather than the traditional black shade (Source: Buzzle.com)."

Want more shoe candy? View my previous Tuesday Shoesday picks.

Or, check out these other blogs:

Blush Printables, Brancorpa,

La Petite Coquin, Landlocked Bride, 

Life in the Super Burbs, Magnolia Rouge, 

Marry You Me, Postcards & Pretties, and

Santa Barbara Chic.

Ciao Bella!

Eden

 

Credits: All product photographs taken by their respective sellers, Vintage Textile and endless.com. All collages created by Eden Hensley Silverstein for A Timeless Affair.