PMA Fashion Doubleheader Part II

So on Tuesday we began our tour of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s current fashion exhibitions with their Silver and Gold Fashions Since 1960.  Today we tackle their showstopper: Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love.  It’s such a big deal, in fact, that they have a second supporting exhibit of another designer inspired by Kelly.  They’re not fooling around with this.

And nor should they—Kelly’s work is amazing!  Bright, fun, and playful, Kelly doesn’t shy away from being a little outré, but you never get the sense that he’s doing it just to be weird—he’s doing it because it genuinely makes him smile.  And I mean really, how can you not smile at this:

This is from Kelly’s fall/winter 1988-89 collection, playing off how a bridal gown usually finished a runway show.  Look at all the red tulle!  It’s like Valentine’s Day come to life!

The Tulle Peep Toe by Diva Lounge has the same spirit of Kelly’s body suit, but perhaps in a more wearable way for day-to-day.  The body is red satin topped in tulle, with a half-inch platform and zipper up the back to let you in. Also available in black; your choice for $15 (on sale!) from Cici Hot.

This glamournaut is from Kelly’s spring/summer 1989 collection.  Look at that dress, people—LOOK at that dress.  I love how it’s cut around the feet, but also, it’s essentially made of starlight.  Gorgeous.

Why this shoe out of all silver shoes?  For starters, it’s by Celeste.  (Get it?  Celestial?  …I am a nerd.  Apologies.)  Second, the rhinestones around the shoe are aurora borealis, so they shimmer in many colors just like the dress!  Perfect.  The upper is actually covered in a fine net fabric, which is a little interesting. It has a four-inch heel and half-inch platform and is also available in black, which has its own charms.  Find them at Overstock for $43.

D’aww, this dress from Kelly’s spring/summer 1989 collection is like the ultimate garden party dress.  It’s so fluffy!

Normally I sort of hate high-top sneakers, but I sort of love the Floral Dreams by Shakuhachi.  I love the gentle print; I love the jute trim (so unexpected!).  Dare I even say it?: this would be cute with a skirt.  And “No sneakers with skirts” is a rule enshrined in the Shoe Fairy pantheon.  If this is what change looks like, then I’m down with change.  Yours for $168 from Lyst.

This strapless silver gown is from July 1989.  Meow-squerade?  No—glamourpuss!  Bahaha.

Me-OW, baby.  The Harrahly by Guess has an upper made of sparkling snow leopard fabric, and a 4.5-inch heel and three-quarter-inch platform in metallic silver.  Trimmed in silver, too—around the foot and up the back of the heel. Yours for $100 from Heels.com.

So head on over to the PMA and get your fashion on!  Both shows run through the fall.

Sales this weekend:

Sorry ladies; the Shoe Fairy is running around with company at the moment and wasn’t able to check the sales.  But it’s Memorial Day!  So I think I’m pretty safe in guessing that every shoe in the world is on sale.

Polka Dots

So my colleague Melanie told me she found these graphic black and gray polka dot heels at the Nine West Outlet at the Gallery at Market East, and asked for a PSF polka dots post!  Absolutely—polka dots are SO cute for spring.  While I can’t find any pics of the ones at Nine West, I did see them in person and they’re very cute.  The pattern is similar to this, actually:

The Shelley by Bandolino has a burgundy patent leather 2.25-inch heel, with burgundy patent at the toebed and piping as well.  Find them at Endless for $53.

Nine West does have a lot of other polka dotted options as well, even if I couldn’t find a photo of Melanie’s—like these:

The Crusader has a five-inch patent leather heel, one-inch platform, and bow at its peep-toe.  And look close at the bow—it’s got a patent leather buckle around it!  And the red insole is so sexy, right?  Yours for $99.

Gaaa!  Love!  The Alana by Fergalicious has a satin upper and ruffle, synthetic sole, and...I’m sorry; I got distracted by how adorable they are.  Where am I?  Oh yes.  Also available in black; find them at DSW for $30.

Oh god, now I’m just completely overwhelmed by cuteness.  The Canddee by Betsey Johnson has a polka dot fabric upper, T-strap, satin bow at the peep-toe, and lightly padded footbed.  Also available in black with white polka dots and a light pink bow, black, nude, or fuchsia satin, or leopard with a black bow—could these be any cuter?  Find them at Zappos for $99.

So nautical!  This polka-dotted wedge by DIVA Lounge has a serious tan wedge, fabric upper, slingback with silver buckle, and a bow at its peep-toe.  Also available in black and pink from Amazon for $27.

And just in case it rains (it is spring, after all):

Don’t they just make you want to sing in the rain?  (Heads up, though, if you’re planning on swinging around lampposts Singing in the Rain-style.  That ends in injuries.)  These blue beauties have one-inch block heels, eleven-inch shafts with a fourteen-inch circumference, and a buckle at the top.  Find them at Target for $33.

Aren’t polka dots happy?  Go forth and be happy!