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Leather Mules
If you’ve got an undeniable compulsion to buy shoes you’re not alone. Surely you know that already though – all you need to do is take a look around to see we’re a society obsessed. But that’s not new either. More than 200 years ago, the infamous Marie Antoinette is said to have gone to her execution wearing two-inch heels. Even if you’re really uninterested in shoes, you have to admit, her footwear added a fabulously cheeky touch.
Although we have millions of options, styles and brands to choose from these days, we don’t place the same type of emphasis on shoes as some throughout the ages did. Ladies shoes weren’t always the primary focus either. For instance, did you know that 700 years ago the length of shoe toes were a symbol of status and rank among men? The longer the better, so to speak, and some kings boasted shoe tips of up to 30 inches. They couldn’t have been very comfortable so it seems discomfort in the name of fashion has always been practised, or perhaps they were simply overcompensating? On a more practical note, heeled boots for men became trendy in the 1500′s when they were designed to keep the foot from slipping out of stirrups. Later, Louis XIV made heels fashionable by sporting shoes with five inch heels that depicted miniature battle scenes on them.
Shoes were a vital part of society much earlier on than that though, and not just because they looked good on feet. In 1000 AD, brides were given away by their fathers who would then give the groom one of the bride’s shoes as a symbol of transference of authority. And instead of throwing a bouquet, the bride would throw her shoe. Sometimes grooms sipped toasts from the bride’s shoe instead of a glass. Interestingly, in some cultures throwing a shoe at someone is the ultimate sign of disrespect – remember the shoe-throwing incident involving George Bush?
Starting off as necessity but incorporating status, luxury, comfort and artistic expression along the way, shoes have literally been part of human history from the very beginning. The earliest pictures of shoes can be found on cave paintings in locations around the world. We’ll never know who the first person to ever put something on their feet was, but some believe that Leonardo da Vinci was the first person to invent the heel. About 70 years after he invented it, people started using heels to make themselves appear taller. A popular first example of this was 14 year-old Catherine d’ Medici who wore heels at her wedding to gain two inches in height – and it’s been done ever since.
Heeled shoes, although incredibly popular since invention, took a knock in France after Marie Antoinette’s excessive love for them put a dampener on the trend during the French Revolution, and they were made lower for the rest of the century. While other popular styles came to the forefront during that time, it was only a matter of time before heels made a sharp comeback. In the 50′s the stiletto, invented in Italy and adopted by celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, took the world by storm and changed the way we wore heels forever.
Considering that shoes started off as nothing more than leather held together with lace to stop feet from getting scuffed, it’s impressive how they’ve evolved. These days shoes perform the exact same function, but with flair. We’ve got Manolo Blahniks and Jimmy Choo’s, Stuart Weitzman’s (which literally cost millions a pair) and red soled Christian Louboutin’s. Let’s not even begin on sneakers, pumps, clogs, loafers, sling backs, mules and sandals… the list is endless and if you need to buy shoes, you certainly won’t be stuck for options this century!
Anita Lyon is a Professional freelance SEO Copywriter and writes on various topics. She has a love for ladies shoes and womans fashion in general.
AWOL….Missing, where are they now?
Where are Pinky & Perky? Did they end up on the hog roast or become part of a Melton Mowbray Pork Pie?
Where is Muffin the Mule? Did he get shipped off to France to be consumed and ingested? Or did he end up in the Glue Factory after a lethal trip to the abattoir?
Where is Larry the Lamb? Did he end up smothered in mint sauce… chewy and tasting like old boot leather?
Where is Hector from Hector’s House? Was he ceased under the dangerous dogs act and put down?
Where are Dick Dastardly and Muttley; Penelope Pitstop; The Ant Hill Mob; and Peter Perfect? Did all their vehicles fail the MOT? Or were they too high in exhaust emissions? Or maybe the price of petrol made the round the globe race nonviable? Or where there just too many speed cameras, chicanes, sleeping policemen and traffic calming measures?
They were all sold on eBay to some nerd living in his mom’s basement in Indiana and now rest quietly in a box under a stack of Playboy and Gamer magazines.
AJ. Valenci Leather Mule with Ostrich-Embossed Detail
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Shoes Of C15 Photo Mugs English footwear a pair of Piked or Copped shoes, also called Poulaines or Cracowes; a pair of late C15th leather pattens. …. |
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Hell Bent for Leather! THIS IS AN ORIGINAL VINYL RECORD ALBUM BY FRANKIE LAINE CALLED “Hell Bent for Leather!”, & IT’S ON THE ‘SIX-EYES’ COLUMBIA LABEL #CS-8415 IN STEREO, & IT CAME OUT IN 1961! IT CONTAINS A DOZEN C&W TUNES FROM TV + WESTERN FILMS LIKE: “RAWHIDE, HIGH NOON, WANTED MAN, COOL WATER, ALONG THE NAVAJO TRAIL, BOWIE KNIFE, GUNFIGHT AT O.K. CORRAL, CITY BOY, THE CRY OF THE WILD GOOSE, THE 3:10 TO YUMA, THE HA… |
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Merrell Men’s Intercept GTX (UK 8, Coffee) $189.51 The Merrell Intercept GTX features cutting edge technology and modern styling converge for durable, all-condition performance anytime action calls. A GORE-TEX® XCR® waterproof breathable lining bonds to the synthetic leather upper to play defense against moisture inside and out. Anatomical footbed and air cushion midsole score points for lightness and comfort above a sticky…. |
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Wells Lamont 224 Sixe XS Premium Leather Palm Glove $5.99 White Mule 224 – Gunn cut. Straight thumb. Full feature Size Extra Small… |
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Men’s Leather Work Gloves – White Mule – 224 – by Wells Lamont – Size 2XL $11.99 Wells Lamont® brings you yet another great pair of work gloves with model 224. These White Mule® leather gloves aer gunn cut with a straight thumb. When you need a great leather glove at an even better price, stick with a name you trust, Wells Lamont…. |
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Wells Lamont 224 White Mule Leather Gloves, Large $10.50 The palm, thumb, full forefinger, fingertips, knuckle strap and continuous heel are constructed of selected pearl side split leather for strength and durability. Flannel-lined palm and 100% cotton back with gunn cut design assure you a comfortable fit. Thumb cut, elastic strap at wrist, and rubberized safety cuff…. |
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Drew Shoe Women’s Paradise II Velco Slip-on $116.95 The Drew Women’s Paradise II Adjustable Slip-On Shoe gives sensitive feet an easy, comfortable fit. The Drew Plus Fitting System offers customization options thanks to two hook-and-loop straps and two removable insoles, which deliver added depth. The flared polyurethane rocker outsole provides excellent cushioning and stability, and the soft leather upper is lined with moisture-wicking Dri-Lex for… |
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Charlie 1 Horse ‘I6149′ Western Mules Womens – Caramel $199.00 Caramel Calfskin Leather ‘I6149′ Western Mules… |
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Men’s Black Buckle Loafers, Slip on Shoes $79.50 Simple classicaly timeless & versatile, you will love this pair. Dress it up or dress it down as it works just as well in a professional business environment and a suit as it does for a smart casual dinner under a pair of jeans…. |
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Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Shoes Of C1 from Mary Evans $29.99 Photo Puzzle, SHOES OF C15. English footwear a pair of Piked or Copped shoes, also called Poulaines or Cracowes; a pair of late C15th leather pattens. . Chosen by Mary Evans. 10×14 Photo Puzzle with 252 pieces. Packed in black cardboard box of dimensions 5 5/8 x 7 5/8 x 1 1/5. Puzzle image 5×7 affixed to box top. Puzzle pieces printed on RA4 paper at 300 dpi. This item is shipped from our American… |