Ruffles, ruffles everywhere
This ruffles thing has gotten out of control. Feminine, flirty, bust-enhancing ruffles that spiced up tops -- got it. A fine trend.
Cascading ruffles on dresses were a logical next step. Whatevs that most of us don't need any more action on our hips and rear. It looks pretty on models, so we were suckers.
Now the fashion world wants our toes to get in on the action.
I'm seeing shoe ruffles everywhere this season. My question is why? Does a ruffle really belong on a gladiator flat? Was some designer inspired by a dream of Russell Crowe auditioning for a breakout cameo in Pretty In Pink?
At Steve Madden, 'tis the season of How Many Trends Can We Work Onto One Shoe. Ruffles on clunky wedges (see left.) On flat gladiators (see right). On cut-out inspired shoe booties (see fug, fug, fug.)
Coming next season: Biker spike stilettos with ruffles rippling off the heel.
~ Deal Diva Letitia
(Photos: Steve Madden)
Stephanie Hayes came out of the womb wearing high heels. While other kids were reciting multiplication tables, she was learning to calculate an extra third off the half-price discount during buy-one-get-one week. She loves animal prints, black mascara and anything that sparkles. She objects to visible panty lines, Crocs and anything that costs more than a car payment. And she doesn't drive a nice car. She can be reached at (727) 893-8857 or 
Since she was a little girl Nicole Hutcheson dreamed of dressing like a Vogue cover girl. But her reality was more JCPenney catalog. The fact only honed her better ability to find luxury for less. Always on the hunt for markdowns on designer labels, this Deal Diva’s weaknesses are good jeans and killer heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8828 or 
Colleen Jenkins learned two invaluable shopping tenets from her mom: 1. Buy quality. 2. Get it on sale. Then she added one of her own: Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! This Deal Diva’s idea of a blissful Saturday includes a trip to the Ellenton outlet mall. She loves mixing classic with trendy and cheap Target accessories with her markdown Banana Republic duds. She can be reached at (813) 226-3337 or 
A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or 
I like the red wedge..the Gladiator sandal? Not so much...
Posted by: USFBullsBabe | April 13, 2009 at 02:14 PM