Illustrated with photographs of actual shoes, this book takes us on a remarkable tour of the shoe closets of the world, exploring how major historical events, social change and industrialization have influenced styles and production.

Stilettos have the power to transform, instilling confidence, distinguishing status and lifting your mood the minute you put them on. They inject glamor, femininity, and sex appeal to any ensemble. From classic to tribal and luxe to vintage, there is a shoe out there to fit every foot and this invaluable guide will highlight some of the most exquisite examples of stilettos one could ever be tempted to wear. Beginning with the history of shoes, Tracy Martin explores the origins of the high heel, explaining how it has evolved to become the most desirable of all footwear. Quirky facts, famous quotes, and interesting anecdotes are interspersed throughout the pages illustrated with images of gorgeous shoes that are guaranteed to capture the heart of every shoe lover. This book is sure to seek out anyone’s inner shoe fetish as it offers something for every sole.

This is the first academic study of sneakers and the subculture that surrounds them. Since the 1980s, American sneaker enthusiasts, popularly known as “sneakerheads” or “sneakerholics”, have created a distinctive identity for themselves, while sneaker manufacturers such as Reebok, Puma and Nike have become global fashion brands. How have sneakers come to gain this status and what makes them fashionable? In what ways are sneaker subcultures bound up with gender identity and why are sneakerholics mostly young men? Based on the author's own ethnographic fieldwork in New York, where sneaker subculture is said to have originated, this unique study traces the transformation of sneakers from sportswear to fashion symbol. Sneakers explores the obsessions and idiosyncrasies surrounding the sneaker phenomenon, from competitive subcultures to sneaker painting and artwork. It is a valuable contribution to the growing study of footwear in fashion studies and will appeal to students of fashion theory, gender studies, sociology, and popular culture.

Sick of cheap, wasteful, disposable fast fashion? Learn how to shop for vintage clothing and accessories and build a more sustainable, stylish closet. In this indispensable guide, anyone who buys or wears women’s clothing will learn how to: • Avoid overpaying • Sort trash from treasure • Fix minor flaws—and spot major ones • Find your ideal silhouette (including tips for plus-size shoppers) • Alter and repurpose garments • Care for delicate vintage fabrics Buying older clothing means getting beautiful pieces that are built to last, without contributing to sweatshops or landfills—but only if you know what to look for. Let a vintage clothing expert guide you to ethical fashion bliss! Previously published as The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping in 2009, this updated edition includes a new introduction and resources for evaluating online and brick-and-mortar shops.

The last two decades have seen an explosion of creativity in footwear design. Sexy laced-up sandals, sky-high platform heels, and outrageously decorated shoes are seen on fashionable women everywhere, from the catwalk to the street.

Bad Shoes & the Women Who Love Them is a lighthearted wake-up call to women to make informed decisions when buying and wearing fashionable shoes. Arming the reader with essential facts, citing medical literature as well as leading podiatric surgeons and orthopedists, Tanenbaum covers the history of high heels, Chinese foot binding, the controversy over cosmetic surgery of the foot, and what Freud had to say about women's shoes and sex. Illustrated by artist Vanessa Davis throughout, Bad Shoes & the Women Who Love Them also includes hilarious anecdotes from women who love shoes. And yes—it is possible to make smart footwear decisions without sacrificing style! Tanenbaum shows you how.

Scholars of literature and culture from the US and Britain investigate why western culture has acquired a fascination with footwear. They explore the representation of shoes in popular entertainment, advertising, fashion, museums, and scholarly accounts. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR