Let's take a stroll down memory lane, back to the early 2000s. We made many mistakes in these years from faded jeans to velour track suits (thanks to Jenny from the block). But there was one particular look that really topped the list. Who could forget the epic invention of jersey dresses and sneaker wedges?
I'm not talking about jersey cotton, that wonderful material that I love to sleep in, I'm talking NBA jerseys. I mean, why not... all the guys were wearing NBA jerseys like they were the coolest thing around, so clearly it was acceptable to turn those jerseys into dresses. No! It was not acceptable. And the worst part of this look (because the jersey dress really wasn't the worst part) was the shoes!
The sneaker wedge!
A sneaker with a heel, a complete oxymoron. And now here we are, about a decade later, and they're back!
I'm not usually a hater of returning trends. I love the way fashion cycles and recycles the hits and misses of the past decades. I was right there, on trend with high-waisted shorts. I was even a fan of last year's palazzo pants, which is really just a modern take on the bell-bottom (which I suspect will be back and happening this spring). However, I can't get on board with sneaker wedges.
It's just not cute
I've also never seen anyone look cute wearing them, and I've looked. I creeped the pictures of Rihanna, Alicia Keys and Ciara all rocking the sneaker wedges, and it just wasn't working for any of them.
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Now in their defence, all of these beautiful celebrity faces were at casual sporting events, so maybe that makes it OK? I would disagree, but I can see the reasoning behind the thought process. If it's not bad enough that some of your favourite celebrities are indulging in this oh-so-tacky trend, so are some of your favourite designers. Yes, it's true: Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and even Christian Louboutin.
What is the appeal?
You can't tell me that the logic behind sneaker wedges is just comfort. You can throw on a pair of normal wedges, or even a bootie or sandal with a chunky heel and you'll be just as comfortable. I promise you! So if it's not the comfort, it must be the look. If you really love the look of a sneaker with your outfit, wear a sneaker! If you want that sneaker to be feminine, wear a bedazzled sneaker... just keep it flat.
So what are we to do?
Well, this isn't a reality show. We can't just vote the trend off the island. In fashion, everyone is entitled to her own taste, style and opinion (that's why I'm so openly voicing mine here). So the alternative option is to sit idly by and wait for the trend to pass. I will be crossing my fingers that it will be just as short-lived as it was last time. Using my (non-existent) psychic powers, I predict that we will be rid of the sneaker wedge by 2014.
I would love to tell you that we will be rid of it for good... but we'll have to leave that one up to the fashion gods.
Are you a sneaker wedge lover? Please share! There must be another side to this story.