Forgive me for showing you a shoe's rear end, but I happen to think that these vintage 1980s heels, with their jaw-droppingly pristine heel caps, have particularly shapely bottoms.
One can only speculate on how these shoes have kept in such good nick for upwards of 20 years, but I wouldn't let their age put me off. The gold 'scale' pattern makes them particularly wearable at the moment, as it looks almost like fish scale - a material that's insanely popular with designers just now.
$28 from Midnight Flight on Etsy
Related: Shoewawa guide to buying vintage shoes | 80s vintage gold metallic heels with bows | 1980s cream bow pumps
I've gone on at some length about how good quality vintage shoes are rare as hens' teeth, so I could hardly resist sharing this fabulous pair with you today. The gorgeous red and white high-heel pumps were spotted by the ladies at Domestic Sluttery, and I can only assume that the only reason they're still available is that they're a diddy size 3 - another hazard of vintage shoe shopping.
But I know plenty of small-footed ladies, at least some of whom read this blog. So if you want to treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime pair of occasion shoes, now could be your chance. They're just £35 at Lady Pearls
Related: Shoewawa guide to vintage shoe shopping | Vintage Liz Clairborne
You certainly won't find anything like this on the highstreet at the moment: these vintage, French style slip-ons by Liz Clairbourne are from a classic 1980s collection and would be perfect for those who make it their mission to seek out rare and elegant pieces.
The shoes may be getting on for twenty years old, but they're beautifully preserved, the silky brocade still shimmery and with no visible scuffing on the heels. I wonder where they've been hiding? If these look like an asset to your wardrobe or vintage collection, you can pick them up on Etsy for just $36
Related: Where to buy the best vintage shoes | 80s vintage gold metallic heels with bows
Here's a little reminder about how it can be well worth keeping an eye out for well-preserved vintage shoes. I spotted these towering patent heels over on Etsy, where they were being sold amongst all manner of second-hand bric-a-brac at Rulala's Vintage Boutique.
The shoes, which have an unusual and flirty cut-out design must have been worn only once or twice if at all, as the heels look like they've never touched the ground! If you happen to be a US size (a UK 4.5) then these could be a fantastic addition to your going-out arsenal. They're on sale at just $18 (about £11).
Related: Where to buy the best vintage shoes | 1980s vintage abstract patchwork rainbow pumps
image: rice and beans vintage
Vintage shopping is hard unless you've got a real eye for quality and extensive knowledge on where to find the good stuff. But when it's vintage shoes you're after, it gets even more complicated than that. Shoes don't always age well, and if they've been lovingly worn for years, begin to take on the shape of the wearer's foot, creating a tricky 'cinderalla' situation for the vintage hunter. Add to this the fact that shoe sizes are more generous nowadays than they were even a generation ago, and you're starting to get an idea how hard it can be.
But quality vintage footwear is out there if you know how to find it, and once you've got an idea how to translate your size (I find going one to one and a half sizes up works fine for any shoes made before the nineties works fine), and is very rewarding if you know where to get it.
Follow the jump for some suggestions!
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Here's an old pair of shoes that wouldn't look out of place on the racks of any uber-trendy boutique: they're another great pick from Decades Vintage.
Slim-heeled and curvy with an over-sized gauze bow, the shoes are in great shape as they're unused 'deadstock'- like a time capsule from the '80s! $44 on Etsy
Related: 1980s vintage cream bow pumps | Vintage 1980s wing-detail shoe-boots
Remember Rainbow Brite? Well, I think she'd approve of these multi-coloured, patchwork pumps coming at your from the '80s via the reliable route of Almighty Vintage Venus.
I can't think of a better way to cheer up the January doom and gloom than a really cute pair of shoes, particularly a pair that's sugar-coated as these are in a riot of colour. If you'd like to let these ones brighten up your day, they could be yours for $39 (ship from New York)
Related: Vintage 1980s cream bow pumps | Vintage 1970s Halston pink python sandals | Vintage 1980s wing details shoe boots
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