Remember Hush Puppies, the brand uniform-wearing, pigtail-rocking little girls are so often forced to wear with their school uniforms? Yup, I'm guessing you do. And, if you're having nausea-inducing flashbacks about those clunky mary janes and wide lace-up shoes your mom insisted were so stylish, don't moan and groan just yet. See, Hush Puppies has come a long way (and so have you!) Sure, they haven't been on many "It" lists for some time now, but that's all about to change (just like it did in '95, when designer John Bartlett collaborated with the company to create a line of brightly-colored footwear for his NYC fashion show). Yes, ladies, Hush Puppies is going haute couture -- without going high price.
For their 50th anniversary, they've collaborated with London-based stylist Rachel Fanconi (who has dressed celebs like David Beckham (Posh can't do every little thing, right?), Ashlee and Jessica Simpson, Jamie Bell, Samantha Mumba and more), who guest-designed a gorgeous collection of fashion-forward boots and heels that are consistent with the brand's history and honor its commitment to comfort. The inaugural collection hits stores this fall and incorporates five styles, including "Alise," a leather-and-suede, high-heel mary jane; "Divinity," an updated "granny" boot; "Ariana," a fun pump with a chunky wedge heel; and more. All retail for about $100-$125, so your wallet won't take a hit (always a big plus).
My pick of the litter is the "Adeline" bootie in deep purple suede( pictured here). You could literally walk a 5-mile stretch in these shoes (not that you'd actually want to walk that far in any pair of shoes, but you could ostensibly do so in these without your toes falling off during the trek), and the purple hue is rich and regal.
Now, call and tell your mom how much you're loving Hush Puppies' new line -- I'm sure she'll be more than happy to hear that you finally came around.
Available Fall 2008. "Adeline" bootie, $110; Visit http://www.hushpuppies.com
