Her style was so cool that even if she slouched, she'd appear poised. But of course, she never slouched. Momentarily checking her watch, she hoisted her bag up onto the bar and fumbled for her filofax. 4pm. She was on time, which in turn, meant they were late. She sighed, subconsciously tapping her foot against the floor; the tassles on her Tod's shoes gently dancing from side to side.
“Can I get you something, miss?” The bartender leaned over. For a second, she was tempted to order a cognac, call him Winston and recount her life’s story. Instead, she smiled and shook her head. They arrived five minutes later.
“We’d love to do this collaboration with you,” they began, “but do you think you'll find the time with everything you've got going on already?"
“I am always running," she replied. "It fuels me! I don't spend time getting places; I use the journey as part of the destination. So yes, is the answer to your question.”
“Well," came the reply, "for someone who runs so much, you certainly don’t break a sweat. You’re always so perfectly put together!”
“Thank you!” she took a sip of water before gesturing toward her feet, “who says you have to wear heels to be glamorous?” They all laughed. The deal was signed.
She left the restaurant; her mind a flurry of would-be creative love-children before she looked at her watch once more. Ten minutes until her next meeting. Standing at the pavement, she judged the busy-ness of the road and impatiently waited at the traffic lights until the little man went green - hopping, skipping and (only slightly) running across to the other side whilst internally thanking herself for wearing the most comfortable pair of shoes she owned.
There is this odd misconception in the world that ‘sexy-style’ equates a great pair of heels. Granted, a great pair of heels can make us feel taller somehow but aside, it is just as aforementioned; a misconception.
For, prior to this notion becoming prevalent and the new era of, dare I say it, ‘style icons’ (inverted commas intended), there was Katherine Hepburn.
And that laid-back; shirt-come-pants-come-flats thing had an effortless appeal that made a woman appear womanly yet was dichotomous to this. As though she had better things to do with her time than preen herself or totter in a pair of heels (not that there's anything wrong with that - myself, I love a little preening). A busy woman, I can assure you, is one that is elusive and capable. That, my friends, is sexy.
It’s like, just throw your hair up in an easy bun that casually messes itself up throughout the day, tuck a crisp white shirt into a pair of (non-skinny) jeans, stick on a belt and put your favourite Tod’s shoes on. Know what I’m sayin’?
I have always loved Tod’s. But sometime between my own ‘époque de prep’ (or preppy era, for those of you who don’t just make up phrases like I do) and my mother’s unquestionable glamour (Tod’s very much included), I forgot. And perhaps I forgot because in that time, nothing really, truly piqued my attention.
That was until this season. And I can tell you that it will be an ongoing love affair.
Putting aside the use of denim (denim X classic Tod’s! Genius!) and pastel yellow (I know. It’s like, just empty my shoe closet because I need more space), the designs themselves are original in the most classic way possible. This collection is, true to the brand: wearable, effortless, comfortable and chic with a fashion edge that I can safely say, puts it at the forefront of sheer-shoe-brilliance.
And it’s very feminine.
I mean, a fringe; on a pair of shoes! And my favourites - classic Tod's with the backs sewn down (because who hasn’t not put their moccasins on properly at least once?!). Quilted silk-satin features too and don’t even get me started on the sandals (also a sure favourite of mine).
In the end, it’s all about that chic, cool and slightly playful style whether you're rushed off your feet or having a weekend-lounge. Welcome back, Tod’s.
Love,
Girl in Style