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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Forever Modern Mules




Louis Vuitton; Source



I have walked a mile in my mother’s mules. Ok, I know what you are thinking. No, this was not recent. The point is that mules are so retro that they were fashionable before the word retro became popular.  I did walk a miles in my mother’s mules but I was probably four or five at the time. I loved playing dress up. Besides putting on my mother’s clothes and choosing the perfect handbag from her wardrobe putting on a pair of her mules was a must. I think this may have stemmed from those black and white movies I watched at a young age. I may not have quite understood the plot but it seemed that many of the glamorous film starts had on a pair of mules at one time or another in this or that scene. I still equate mules with film stars such as Jean Harlow, Carole Lombard and Marilyn Monroe. I will always associate them with glamour for that reason.

Of course, women dressed in a more uniform manner back then. The freedom to express ourselves in how we dress has naturally effected the types of mules that are commonly worn. While I still love mules designed specifically for glamour’s sake I cannot logically wear those type of mules on an everyday basis which proves the old saying that what is old is new is thoroughly accurate. Red mules, during the days when emperors reigned supreme, were worn by magistrates to denote their status but were not commonly worn outside of that due to their impracticality. In the 15th century affluent Venetian women wore mules for essentially the same reason, as a symbol of their social power. The common thread amongst powerful mule-wearers from different centuries is that they largely wore their mules inside. They were not widely worn when a lot of walking and running would be necessary.
 
Altuzarra Spring 2014, Source
 



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Costume National Spring 2014; Source



Alexander Wang Spring 2014; Source

 


3.1 Philip Lim; Source
 
 
Oscar de la Renta; Source
 
 

 
This high-heel pump and slipper hybrid which has been a beloved shoe not only among celebrities of old but among historical figures such as courtesans, popes and artists has certainly come a long way. Just take a stroll through an art museum to see how many illustrious figures are shod in mules in paintings throughout the centuries. It has certainly been proven that if a pair of mules were to be put in an imaginary time capsule anyone whom opened the capsule would be able to readily discern that mules not only retained their popularity but they look largely the same as they did many, many years ago. This can’t be said of many items. I think, therefore, I can state with certainty that mules never really became outdated enough to change their basic design; just as I can state with certainty that they remain difficult, for some, to walk or run a mile in.
 
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I occasionally have trouble walking in mules; particularly, open-toe mules. I have had several almost accidents walking in them. These incidents consisted of tripping, sliding forward and other mishaps that almost resulted in a sprained ankle or knee. I walk different in them than I do in other shoes. I tend to shy away from open-toe mules, for this reason, which is fine with me since there are more than enough closed-toe mules to meet my fashion needs.  I have always considered myself balance-challenged but the amount of work required by my calves may have more to do with my mishaps than my balance. I won’t shy away from mules this spring and summer though so I guess I am a glutton for punishment. Mules, to me, are near the top of the shoe chain. After all, if a shoe was good enough for notable figures such as Marie Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour, I think I can do my part, like the stylish ladies of fashion below, to make sure that the world’s long love affair with mules keeps going.
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Nina Garcia; Source
 
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Elin Kling; Source
 
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Today, of course, they are a favorite spring shoe prominently featured in the world of advertisement and film. Are you acquainted with Candies? How about Daisy Duke from the Dukes of Hazard? Mules are a part of pop culture and will likely remain so. So grab some mules and clomp around in style. Just make sure your balance is up to the challenge.  Also, please remember, if your goal is to walk in silence that mules probably should not be your first choice of footwear. Mules are likely to announce your impending arrival as they go clomp, clomp, and clomp as you walk.

What do you think of mules? I always look forward to comments so please don’t be shy.

Thank you to my followers for their continued support.

 

40 comments:

  1. Very unique shoes!
    roseylittleme.blogspot.com

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  2. Mules are nice to look at, but personally, I find them difficult to wear. Even when I wear muled flats, I always find that they slip out from under me and that I have to clutch my toes to keep them on. Not my favorite shoe to wear, but the current styles are very chic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am glad I am not the only one that has trouble walking in them. I have definitely had plenty of mishaps wearing them. I have a love-hate relationship with them.

      Sharon
      http://www.afashioncrowd.blogspot.com

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  3. Me parece un tipo de calzado muy sexy pero incómodo evidentemente. Yo tengo unos, el secreto es que sean muy cerrados del empeine. Cuando me los pongo siempre tengo mucho cuidado, supongo que también seré como tú un poco masoquista...
    Estupendo post!!!
    Feliz día... Bsss

    http:/www.diseneitorforever.blogspot.com.es

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for your comment, Emilia. I always loom forward to your input. Mules are so on-trend right now and they are certainly glamorous. I wish I could walk better in them though.

      Sharon

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  4. Interesting article Sharon. I didn't know mules had soo much history behind them. Time to grab my mules and go clomp clomp..haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are definitely an ancient type of shoe. I really enjoyed researching their history. I am happy you enjoyed the post. I love mules but my physical coordination goes into overdrive when I wear them. :)

      Sharon

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  5. I like mules but unfortunately i can't walk in them :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me either, Aga. They sure are glamorous though.

      Sharon

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  6. i love mules
    xo

    http://devsnochaos.blogspot.fr/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are so glam. Thanks for visiting.

      Sharon

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  7. Me gustan los mules pero me resulta dificil caminar con ellos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love them for their elegance but I do find them difficult to keep on my feet. Thanks so much for visiting, Elia.

      Sharon

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  8. I love mules but it is tricky to style it. Thanks for stopping by.
    effortlesslady.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your visit and comment, Diana.

      Sharon

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  9. Amazing shoes <3

    Federica
    http://www.thecutielicious.com
    The Cutielicious

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Federica. I think the shoes are amazing too.

      Sharon

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  10. Replies
    1. Thank you, Petra. It was hard to narrow them down to just those featured here. There are just so many beautiful mules available this season.

      Sharon

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  11. These trends are all so amazing! Peep toe shoes are everything *.* How about following each other via GFC/Bloglovin'/Instagram/FB page? I would love to :) just let me know on my blog and I'll make sure to follow back asap! Have a nice day babe xx
    Isotta
    Red Velvet | Bloglovin' | Instagram | Facebook Page

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Isotta, for the compliment. I have followed you on GFC and Bloglovin and will also follow you on the other sites. I hope you can follow back. I had the opportunity to view your blog and recent post. I enjoyed my visit and hope we can stay in touch.

      Sharon

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  12. I really love the black one from Nina Garcia, they are so cute!
    Love, Felicia
    www.feliciards.wordpress.com

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    Replies
    1. They are fabulous. Thanks for visiting, Felicia.

      Sharon
      http://www.afashioncrowd.blogspot.com

      Delete
  13. I like mules, I had many pairs of them in the past years, so I'm happy they are on trend again.
    Have a nice week, Sharon!
    Oriana xx

    www.stylexis.com

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  14. Hi, Oriana. I think mules are so fabulous. There are lots of newer styles available now. Just when I think designers could not possibly reinvent the design of mules they manage to still make them modern.

    Sharon

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  15. I still don't know if I love this trend or not, but there are some mules on this post I like ;)

    xoxo
    STYLE TRACES BLOG . FACEBOOK . INSTAGRAM . BLOGLOVIN
    GIVEAWAY ON THE BLOG

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment, Joana. I really like mules a lot but there are certain styles I have to stay away from. Perhaps, if I was coordinated I would own more than I do.

      Sharon
      http://www.afashioncrowd.blogspot.com

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  16. what is the brand of the shoes on the Elin King and last pictures? Love them X

    www.carlaginola.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Carla:

      They are Celine mules from the SS14 collection. I also think they are so hot.

      Sharon

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  17. Son preciosos, muy femeninos y versátiles.
    Besos
    http://unachicasual.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree wholeheartedly, Cristina. They look superb with so many types of outfits. Thanks for your input. I so appreciate it.

      Sharon

      Delete
  18. Love the look of mules, but I have such a hard time walking in them! I do love the white ones with the black wedge and the little strap though...
    Debbie
    www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love learning that I am not alone in having difficulty walking in them. The mules you mentioned are one of my favorites too. Have a great weekend.

      Sharon

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  19. Thanks so much, You cover many interesting topics on your blog. I have followed you on Bloglovin.

    Sharon

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  20. Thanks a lot Sharon for your lovely comment on my blog. As I red I understood my error on the title and text. Sometimes you read and read before to click to publish and didn't see the mistake.
    Thanks anyway. I rectify but a little bit later... :D
    Big kiss and have a lovely day

    Lady Trends
    http://myladytrends.blogspot.com.es/ NEW POST!!
    http://instagram.com/ladytrends
    https://www.facebook.com/myladytrends
    https://twitter.com/RmMoraza

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks, Rosa, for visiting my blog.

    Sharon

    ReplyDelete