Reading Red: Vintage Shoes, With Foreword by Christian Louboutin

Just scrolling through the blogs as usual, and what heaven did we spy over on Stylist? Why, they've reviewed the book Vintage Shoes: Collecting and Wearing 20th Century Designer Footwear  by Caroline Cox, with a foreword by Christian himself. 

According to Stylist, the book is of the coffee-table ilk, so we'll pass on it for now; we don't have a coffee table and prefer smaller distractions for the subway, thank you. Nonetheless, we will head to the bookstore to read Christian's thoughts on vintage footwear. Musty or must-have?

A Red-Soled Ode to: Black Mesh

Vizu and Unknown

Baladi Elba and Air Con

Kitty and Quadrillette

Of all the sexy treatments favored by Louboutin, one of the most prevalent is black mesh with a nude lining. It also happens to be a personal favorite as this writer owns the heeled version of the Baladi Elba above (and Juliana has it in white). 

So why does a showpiece mesh shoe appear in almost every season of CL designs? We think it has to with Christian's love for toe cleavage, as mesh takes it even farther. One of his most well known and cleavage-y styles is the Pigalle, and although not pictured, they are most definitely made in mesh. Shoes like these are made for women who don't walk much, but take taxis and private cars. That probably explains why we don't get enough wear out of our Baladis.

[Images via ShopStyle, Bob Ellis Shoes, Barneys]

Seeing Red: My Roommate's Gold CL Boots

Before heading out last night, my roommate asked of me: "Should I tuck them in, or keep them out?" When I learned she was headed to Le Souk I emphatically responded "Out!"

Then I made her do a Louboutin lean for my camera, and above you can glimpse the very rare (and years back) Christians she received as a gift from a stylist for Vibe Magazine.

This morning I learned that she had been stopped on the street no less than 7 times-- to be complimented, questioned, and generally fawned-over.

That's what happens when you flash the red sole.