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an all blogger trend?

always trying

Veteran

There has not been a discussion about the frumpy word on here for a while. Shoes called block heel ballerina pumps are suppose to be what all the fashion bloggers are wearing this season. Many of these type shoes have been worn by older women for a long time, thus look frumpy to me. Mostly I have a hard time with pumps of any kind as they slip on my heels. secondly I have a small bunion on left foot that most are not high enough to accommodate, and when I do wear pumps I wear higher heels. However a couple of pairs pictured below are looking very interesting to me. I will post which ones after I see what you all think.

Below are several photos of the ones that are supposed to be the big blogger trends. Do you find any looking frumpy? If so what ones and why or why not?

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51 replies

Latest reply was from Sara L.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What do you mean by "the big blogger trends"?

I like ALL the pumps you posted, and don't think they look frumpy. I almost got these from Topshop which are very similar, and I might still get them. They are a top pick and VERY comfy.

JUNO Soft Glove Mid Shoes

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4

Topshop 'Juno' Ballet Shoe (Women)

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7

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

It's taking a while for my eye to adjust to these. I know they are one of the big new trends, but this shoe silhouette has been associated for so long with the elderly orthopedic grandma set, and worn for practical reasons (heels that you can walk in and not hurt yourself) not for primarily aesthetic ones.

Was it last summer or the summer before when Birkenstocks came back in a big way? That has happened a couple times during my lifetime now and it always makes me realize how much of this trendiness is cyclical. When I was a kid, Birks were frumpy and associated with hippies. Then in the 90s they made a comeback for a few years. Then they looked dated again, and only worn by certain subcultures.

There is a lot of stuff trending right now that my first reaction to is dislike. A lot of late 80s early 90s bright colors in combination, reminding me of the female villain in Spy. Yet to me it doesn't have the enthusiasm and charm of the original versions. At least when you wore a bright turquoise jacket with big shoulder pads in the 80s everyone knew why you were doing it. Now, there are so many style 'subcultures' that the messages don't come across clearly; it's like we've all agreed not to speak the same language anymore.

El Cee

Veteran

Looks like some of the shoes STILL in my closet. Glad to know I'll be "trendy" this year. Everything old is new again! As Angie just stated, these types of shoes are VERY comfy… especially for people like me who need a wider toe box, but not a wide ankle. (Yes -- I have duck feet.) Those extra pointy toed shoes never worked for me, although I love the look. I have honestly had the concern that this particular footwear look reads "frumpy" and have hesitated to wear mine because of that thought. I am glad that Angie says it is a go.

Kari

Veteran

I have been wearing that style of pump almost exclusively for 6 or 7 years. They are the most comfortable and stable for me. I don't wear shoes that make my feet sore, period, even if that means others may find my footwear unstylish. I'm happy that it sounds like this shoe style will be more widely available now.

kkards

Veteran

I wouldn't say frumpy...but I do think of this style as more conservative then a pointed toe heel, because I tend to associate this style with the Queen and my great aunts....that being said, I have a great black pump in this shape that I'm going to pull out of the holding zone and put back into rotation.

rachylou

Veteran

This is my favorite kind of shoe to wear but I think it can be a terribly conservative shoe. I think the last pair is the one I'd stay away from. The beige and black spectator. Too easy to just put on black trousers and call it a day.

always trying

Veteran

thanks everyone. The ones I want to try are 2 and 4. 3 and 5 to me, have a more old lady look. also the ones Angie posted in gold. If the pumps don't work then will get some like in Dianes post. I am finding that the 2 inch block heels are a substitute for flats. another plus, they look great in adding height with wider leg pants and longer skirts. If all these young bloggers are wearing them and find the comfort factor, they may replace higher heels. Another thought, as we have an aging population these may just become classic. They can be very versatile, and made is so many patterns and colors. Lots more classy than ballet flats too.

LaPed

Veteran

I felt the same way about loafers when they began to have such a huge resurgence. I assumed they were unavoidably frumpy, but the past couple years have proven me wrong. Still don't own any though. Nor will I suddenly start wearing pumps, block heel or otherwise. I do, however, appreciate footwear trends that embrace comfort, practicality, and walkability.

Anonymous

Like kkards, these shoes put me in mind of Queen Elizabeth. Dignified and sedate. Comfy for reviewing the palace guard and other ceremonies. So not me!

Anonymous

I wouldn't wear them.

always trying

Veteran

Angie-on Bloglovin the other day there a post stated "all the bloggers are wearing these this spring! so it looks like Alyson is into this look. Don't know how influential she is among the young. I do think,as you said, the block heel is big and around to stay.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Laura. I have no attraction to these, but I never wear pumps anyway. Of the batch, I like 4 and 6 the best.

Banoffi

Veteran

#3 and 5 look "older" to me.

Anonymous

I know exactly what you mean and put it in that "blogger or fashion editor " trend category . I like them though but would only wear them with jeans . I can pretty much guarantee I'll never see them on anyone around here though. I've seen a few pair in stores and thought many of them looked kind of "cheap" . I don't know ....

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Just lost my post eep. I love these shoes and have worn a variation on them for a couple of years. I like the retro integrity and they make my feet very happy.

I do have tattoos on my feet and calf so perhaps the tension helps when wearing a more conservative shoe.

If I didn't live in such a wet area I would own #2. I do love the gold pair Angie posted.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I think frumpy is more of a total look and not one particular item - it's all in the styling.

ClaraT

Veteran

My $0.02 is that the fringe trends, or even brand new not-so-fringe trends, can (of course) be worn successfully by gorgeous models/bloggers--there are some women that are so cute or "it" that whatever they put on--you can suddenly see it on you, at least maybe! And the good thing is that there is usually a watering down effect that results in more mainstream wearable versions that are less jarring.

Right now, those shoes don't scream fresh to me--they look ladylike and conservative (not a bad thing, if that's your style). I'll be interested to watch this trend.

MsMaven

Veteran

I have memories of shoes like these being in style at some time--possibly the 70s? Can't remember exactly. If I start looking at old photos I'll lose the day.

Runcarla

Veteran

Saw the shoes Angie posted at Top Shop yesterday, and was shocked! Thought they looked like orthopaedic shoes out of the Sears catalogue. Didn't know they were a trend, and thought someone had made a mistake.

FWIW the mannequins were all styled with ankle socks - half with Under Armour ankle socks (black and neon green) under sandals, booties, and ankle strap shoes. They also had grey hair!

Meow

Veteran

If they were good enough for Grandma, they're good enough for me!

http://www.refinery29.com/low-block-heels#slide

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Pumps don't stay on my feet, so I'm still hanging on to the ankle strap style pump and bootie for as long as I can.

If I *could* wear this type of shoe, I'd look for one with subtle details that make the shoe elegant. Right, these Pradas are pricey but check the details that take this style out of frump-ville. A distinct shaped block heel, wider at the base. A very graceful square toe box. I did notice these details on a few of your pictures.

Prada Buckle Embellished Pump (Women)

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3

Prada 'Decollete' Block Heel Pump (Women)

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2

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks, always trying. I'm going to blog about this next week. I need you ALL to keep an open mind about the style!

And as always, I'm nodding along with Jules (RoseandJoan). Remember that items can be frumpy right up until they are fashionable. La Pedestrienne makes a good point about loafers.

Muffin

Veteran

I love this style and lust after the Chanel slingbacks that were so popular with bloggers. I like the classic old lady vibe and would love them with jeans for my casual lifestyle. Also this block heel style seems like it would be good for adding height, balancing my thicker legs, and being much easier to walk in than stilettos.

Kari

Veteran

These are shoes I've been wearing for years. I don't see these as frumpy at all, though certainly they are less streamlined than tall heels with pointy toes, BUT i also have no worries about the comfort factor. (Once I started bussing/walking uphill to get to work I got rid of shoes that caused pain on that commute and I haven't looked back.)

BC Footwear Women's That'll Be The Day Pump,Emerald,7.5 M US

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5

Me Too 'Pria' Pump (Nordstrom Exclusive)

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Halogen 'Geneva' Pump

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4

BrieN

Veteran

swooning over shoe #6. And the blue Pradas above.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I'm going to sit this one out and keep to my pointed toe pumps and wedges. This style reminds me very much of my wealthy very well dressed grandmother and just doesn't feel like me. I do however think that they could be comfortable and great for others and don't quite have that poison eye thing with these.

Deborah

Veteran

I do like them. Have worn them in years past but I am put off by every trendy blogger I see wearing them. If they are the must have item of the moment I tend to feel a need to rebel and not have them. lol

Colette

Veteran

I haven't seen the bloggers who wear this style shoe yet but I like it. I posted this picture of Carolyn Bassette Kennedy on another thread wearing a similar style shoe and I don't think she looks frumpy at all. If she were walking down the street today she would look modern classic to my eye. Paired with modern silhouettes I think is the best way to avoid looking frumpy wearing this style shoe.

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Cococat

Veteran

My mother wears shoes like this that she buys from the pharmacy. She has worn this style for the past 20 or more years.

Whenever she buys a pair and I'm with her, we usually play this little game. She asks if I like them, knowing that I don't, and I usually mumble, "mmmm they're nice for you mum", and she laughs and says to the SA, "See my daughter doesn't like my taste in shoes, but I like to be comfortable and when she's my age she'll wear them too", and I think, "Oh no I won't!"

I'm trying to keep an open mind Angie.

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