the study of brown, polka-dot spectator pumps

2 Nov

Two-tone spectator pumps with polka-dot cutouts, ankle strap, and 5-inch heel, by Guess.  That heel is intense, and there is no platform to help cheat the height and these can be a little tricky when you are trying to skip or run.  (Yes, I run in most of my shoes prior to purchasing them, you never know when it will be essential that you are able to run trot about in heels.)  I love the two-tone of these shoes, the capped toes are divine and I don’t think I will ever be over the polka-dot cutouts.  These were a Nordstrom Rack find a few years ago, I spent at least an hour searching to find both ankle straps amongst the piles of loose shoes; an hour well spent, I’d say.

Are you ready for a little shoe lesson?  Ok, here we go.  A spectator shoe is typically two-tone in with caps on the toes and heels, something similar to this classic black and white pump or these slightly funkier ones.  Spectators first made their appearance in the mid 1800′s in England as a men’s wingtipped cricket shoe.  For decades this wingtip style heavily influenced two-tone spectators.  In the last century there have been hundreds of different design-takes on the  spectator shoe, they are now in a range of colors and fabrics,  and the influence of this classic can be seen in lace-up ankle booties, heeled loafers, platform stilettos and gorgeous, swoon worthy pumps. (Seriously, I can’t get over that last pair.  They are so beautiful!) Now, go forth and search out a fabulous pair of spectators, heeled or flat, classic or colorful, pumps or ankle boots!  Class dismissed.



6 Responses to “the study of brown, polka-dot spectator pumps”

  1. Sparkle November 2, 2010 at 7:31 am #

    Your blog posts are as important and addictive as my morning coffee. It’s like I can’t function until I have my beautiful shoe fix =) These are beautiful! I love them. Thanks for the lesson on spectator pumps. I’ll be on the lookout for a great pair of my own.

    Reply
  2. Sparkle November 2, 2010 at 7:31 am #

    OH! And I’ve totally had to run in heels too … my kids don’t seem to care what shoes I’m wearing – they take off regardless LOL

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth November 2, 2010 at 7:40 am #

    Those are really fabulous!

    xo -El

    Reply
  4. Annie November 2, 2010 at 8:31 am #

    hello! Those are beautiful. I was wondering if you could give me a lesson on how to find comfortable yet smokin hot pair of heels. A pair that would not only look good with a skirt, but also with pants. I honestly only have 2 pairs of heels (pathetic, I know). One was on clearance for $4.00 and they are super cute, but my feet can only stand them for about 4 seconds and they have to come off. The other pair is ok, but I just can’t seem to style them with anything. Help!

    Reply
  5. Science Teacher Mommy November 2, 2010 at 11:01 am #

    The ones you love are only $700. Go for it!

    Reply
  6. Ashley November 2, 2010 at 11:15 am #

    At first I thought your headline was “The Study of Brown, Polkda-dot SPECTACTULAR Pumps.” Either way, Spectator or Spectacular, I love these. Anything two-tone AND with polka-dots are to die for.

    Reply

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