Splurge: Classic Pumps With a Twist

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

How do you shake up your shoe wardrobe without wasting your hard-earned money on crazy heels that won’t see the light of day? I suggest a classic pump shape, but with a bit of a twist.

By embracing a silhouette that is instantly recognizable as a classic pump, but eschewing basic black leather, these shoes have all the versatility of your workday favorites plus a little something extra. Every one of these investment-worthy pumps can go to work, when paired with an appropriate ensemble. But, you won’t feel the least bit bored thanks to a little twist that’s unique to that particular shoe.

First up, the fashionista favorite Saint Laurent Elaphe Pump. The twist? A funky zebra-print snakeskin. Zebras and snakes look great together… who knew?

Saint Laurent Zebra Print Elaphe Pump


→ Buy the Saint Laurent Zebra Print Elaphe Pump, $795.00, at net-a-porter.com.


These leather pumps recreate Vince’s best-selling d’Orsay flats, but with a heel. The high vamp is unusual for a pump these days, with “toe cleavage” being the more popular approach. The juxtaposition of the unexpectedly modest cut of the vamp with the d’Orsay cutouts is striking.

Vince Claire Choked Up d’Orsay Pump


→ Buy the Vince Claire Choked Up d’Orsay Pump, $375.00, at saks.com.


A neon-bright isn’t all that hard to come by in a throwaway party pump, but in a designer shoe it’s a little more difficult to find. The combination of a rich shade of sunshine yellow and luxe lizard-embossed leather makes these Manolo Blahnik pumps completely work worthy.

Manolo Blahnik BB Lizard-Embossed Leather Pumps


→ Buy the Manolo Blahnik BB Lizard-Embossed Leather Pumps, $655.00, at saks.com.


I can honestly say that I’ve never seen anything quite like these new Rachel Zoe pumps. The subtly textured black leather upper has a chunky chain pattern embossed around the heel and vamp. It’s ridiculously fun.

Rachel Zoe Kenley Pump


→ Buy the Rachel Zoe Kenley Pump, $295.00, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.


Fabric pumps aren’t anything new, but when that fabric is a metallic gold basket weave it definitely brings another level of fashionista head-turning to the party.

Manolo Blahnik BB Pump


→ Buy the Manolo Blahnik BB Pump, $655.00, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.