My latest Steve Madden newsletter approached things from a new angle, categorizing a variety of styles by decade, and asking potential consumers, “Which Era Are You?”

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I thought it was kind of a fun idea, certainly for the younger fashionistas who are just learning which “look” belongs to which time period…  

I feel like the ’60s “Prim Flats” could work for ’50s-style dresses also, and though I prefer to be in something lower (after many moons of ice skates, ballroom shoes, ballet slippers and pointe shoes!) I’m not sure I can go TOTALLY flat.  I tend to go with pointer because they feel sassier to me somehow – Elusion and Euphoria would be may favorite silhouettes (and, naturally, I’d go for black. 😉 ) 

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The ’70s “Wooden Sandals” are pretty fabulous all around.  Why?  Super tall-and-teetering, but also wider-based than a heel (the lovely benefit of a wedge.  Ahhh, stability!)  I like the curvier and more slimming styles personally, so Vanchetta is my fav of this group.  I’d definitely go for the natural color in this one – leg-lengthening! 

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’80s “Power Heels” made me giggle.  I keep picturing tube skirts with voluminous perms and shoulder pads.  What were we thinking back then?  Seriously?!  I guess we were all in it together!  *LOL*  Anyway…pumps can go with just about anything.  This group primarily features set-back heels and, while I don’t love really rounded points quite as much as the sharper ones, these could swing for a number of ensembles.  I’d rock Dejavu with black skinny jeans, no doubt.  And I’d probably go for Valancia because the shape has interest (though I’d prefer it in a solid nude or black.)

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The ’90s “Skate Sneakers” are a tougher sell for me, simply because I am a Converse, Chuck Taylor All Star kind of girl.  I prefer the lace-up, and the hi-top, to slip-on, lows.  I do like that Madden at least jazzed the uppers with some surface texture – gives the styles differentiation and some oomph!

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