SLIDE SHOW

By Elaine Glusac
From the Chicago Tribune, April 20, 1997.

Not since the 1970s has such a simple shoe style
blossomed into so
many varieties. An open-toed sandal with a
single (or criss-crossed) foot-spanning strap,
the newest slides glide from sweet to street-wise.

At the retro end of the style spectrum is the
reincarnation of the Dr. Scholl wooden sandal,
updated in iridescent silver, lime, melon and
even animal prints. Candie's, the classic
high-heeled wooden mules,
are back too, reinterpreted by
wore-them-the-first-time-around designers such
as Nicole Miller and Anna Sui.

"(Slides are) the shoe for the easy-on, easy-off
lifestyle," says shoe designer Kenneth Cole,
whose own standout selection of slides
includes daisy print brights in fuchsia and
cobalt blue. "The design is comfortable and
practical. Color this season is the new neutral."

"Shoes are a great way to work color into your
wardrobe," says Gina Tovar, regional fashion
director for Nordstrom. "Especially with
slides, because they're an inexpensive purchase."

In footwear, as in fashion, "Yellow, chartreuse
and orange are the colors of the season," says
Lori Andre, owner of Lori's Designer Shoes in
Chicago. But neutral lovers need not fear.
Black is still a staple, as is brown, in texture
spin-offs such as tortoise and mock-croc.

And slide styles range from delicate, square-toed,
thin-strapped feminine forms to chunky, platform
models, complementing fashions from delicate floral
dresses to slim trousers.

Wear bright slides with all-white clothing
"to make a statement," advises Andre.

Not always the darlings they are today,
slides once notoriously slid off feet as wearers
clip-clopped along. But new designs address
comfort and security with wider bands.

"You're not gripping with your toes to keep
them on," Tovar says. And there's another advantage
to substantial straps. "Most people don't like their
feet," Andre says. "So the more coverage in front the
better."

The finishing touch: A nice coat of nail polish to
make your little piggies presentable.

A QUICK GUIDE TO THE SLIDE
NEWEST COLORS: citrus brights

NEWEST PATTERNS: florals, plaids.

MOST SOLEFUL: platform styles.

SOPHISTICATED STAPLES: black, brown, tortoise.

SEXIEST: skinny-strap styles.

MOST COMFORTABLE: wide-band styles.

WHERE TO FIND THE MOST STYLE FOR THE LEAST
MONEY: Target, Parade of Shoes, Chernin's.

BEST SLIDE ACCESSORY: a professional pedicure.

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