Saddle Me Up

Here's one trend I never thought was coming back: saddle shoes. But unlike the color-blocked, Sandra Dee version your grandma may have done the Twist to, today's version is monochromatic and (dare we say it?) sleek and sophisticated. They also look rather endearing when paired with a short, full skirt and a button-up.

The goal of the modern saddle shoe is to give a cool, retro vibe to a look. While I don't love them with pants, they instantly class up any skirt/dress combination, and easily fit in with the visible-ankle-socks-with-shoes trend. Another plus is that they have the formailty of a lace-up heel with the comfort of a flat, which just can't be beat.

Saddle shoes are also being reproduced in a plethora of new materials, from canvas and rubber over at Vans to the smooth leather of Original Bass.

One of my absolute favorites is the all-brown version from Salvatore Ferragamo:

But with a $50 price tag, the Vans ones are much more affordable... plus they come in patterns, like the classic checkered print, and electric blue!

PS... Not sure who the other girl is (sue me), but Kristen Stewart nailed it with these SPARKLY saddle shoes:


Maybe it's Olivia from The Hills?