Star-Shoe Combo
What’s the deal with Manolo Blahnik’s, Jimmy Choo’s, and Ugg Boots!
By Lindi Whittemore, 12.01.04

As onlookers, we all know that shoe trends among celebrities change faster than Paris Hilton changes boyfriends.

We have seen everything from western-themed boots to stiletto wrap-arounds on the stars of red carpet this year.

Let's take a closer look at these star studded shoes to see what is popular now, and what we can expect to see in 2005.

Ever since “Sex and the City” hit television screens, women everywhere have been drooling over two men: Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo.

But no need to worry, men. These guys aren’t sought after for their stunning good looks—women just want them for their shoes.

Sarah Jessica Parker and the cast of “Sex and the City” helped market these designers to every house in America. Women haven’t stopped talking about them.

In an interview with the Guardian Review, Manolo Blahnik said that he’s no psychoanalyst, but he knows that women desire shoes.

Ladies, we all know what a long hard day of work is like—when nothing makes us feel like the princesses we are. But Manolo says the “quick fix” for the workday burnout is a pair of four inch heels. He knows that they can make a woman feel pretty; and even change the way she moves.

Jimmy Choo said in an article, that women love his shoes because they are not only comfortable, but these stilettos strike a different cord with consumers. They create femininity. He also said that a good shoe can make a woman walk better, and even feel better.

Manolo and Choo aren’t the only designing divas of footwear this year. Remember the Sam and Libby’s slip-on version of the ballet shoe that was so popular in the 80’s? Well, Prada, Chanel, Burberry and Kate Spade brought those comfy shoes back in style by creating fun and flirty versions of them this year.

And don’t forget those crazy-looking winter boots that every one from Britney Spears to Kristen Dunst have been seen wearing. Young girls on TV shows, like the OC, sported their Ugg Boots with skirts in the summertime.

Women swear by the comfort of those clunky looking foot warmers. Ugg Boots make your feet feel like your walking on soft carpet every step you take—it is great!

If there is one thing that women can count on in the fashion world, it is that fashion is cyclical. Designers bring back past fashion decades all the time. We have seen the return of the fifties, sixties and seventies. And now, we are in the year of the eighties.

For those of you who grew up in the 80's, your love for leg warmers and jelly shoes are still fresh in your memories.

So, get ready ladies, because designers are bringing those beloved jelly shoes back in style.

Brazilian shoemaking company Grendene, who brought us the original “Melissa” jelly shoe in the 80's, are back! And they brought a new a better looking jelly shoe with them.

The Melissa Gallery Collection is a new collection of fashion trendy jelly shoes. With everything from sandals to platforms and stilettos, these jellies are back in a big way.

Although they were cute back in the eighties, they used to make your feet sweat. Well, no need to fear because the company has partnered with chemists to create a classier, stronger plastic that feels better on your feet and holds color longer.

Celebrities like Gisele Bundchen, and architecture designers the Campana Brothers have coupled with the company to create shoes that bear their name. And ladies let me tell you, “The Campana High” shoe, is one worth drooling over.

Even as these new trends emerge, the old ones aren’t going away. You will still see me and the red carpet trend setters, wearing Ugg’s well into next year. But do keep your eyes open because those Melissa Jellies are going to be the next big thing in shoe trends!