But shoppers are not finding the abundance of frivolously decorated shoes that popped out on streets and in stores last summer. A year ago, a walk through a fashionable shoe department was like a stroll through your garden, or a birthday celebration marked with colorful favors. Flowers, birds and even multicolored bows were the obligatory decorations. Step forward a few months and the party is over. The mood is more serious and somewhat retrospective.
Shoe people say it's just time to clean up and settle down after the recent embellishment overdose.
The emphasis is now on architectural design elements such as curved heels and pointed toes. Textures, say, of crocodile leather or a sparkling linen are getting considerable attention. And don't forget the spring color palette that teams with tan, camel, red and even green. Shoes have less decoration, he says, because they are no longer the important attention-getting accessory. Then we had fancy shoes.