Towering Heels in Toppling Times

Skyscraping styles from bottom-barrel times: (clockwise from top left) Ferragamo's iconic 1938 platform, WWII-era cork wedge from 1943, a sparkling disco stage for one from 1974, and Emilio Pucci's 2010 red stilletto design. Illustrated by Christine Berrie for The New York Times.

We fashion fiends are familiar with the varying trends that somehow seem to follow (or predict?) the swings of the economic pendulum. Mostly the history books have shown a correlation between good times and short skirts. Beyond hemlines, a slideshow in today's Times makes the case for a footwear barometer. Apparently the worse the dollar does, the higher womens' shoes get. That would explain the rash of ankle-breakers that seem to have taken a toehold in fashion's top tier for at least three seasons now (read: an eternity). If the enduring popularity of platforms, stilettos, and spikes are any indication, we may be in for some long-lasting hard times, but at least we'll look fierce while we starve.

Yes, No, Maybe?

You all remember Blaire Walsh, right?

She was our most recent Closet Case (yes, yes, more are coming, I promise!). Well, she's still stylin' and honor of all honors, she asked me for a little wardrobe advice and I figured you could all weigh in. Blaire has her eye on this pair of Frye boots from Urban Outfitters:

They are deeply discounted (from $358 to $249.99), but they're still a pretty hefty purchase. I find this dilemma is coming up more and more in this economic climate. Quality items that used to be way out of my reach are suddenly coming slightly, kinda, sorta, maybe within my grasp. I'm seeing big name items with usually big price tags at discounted rates. I'm wondering, and now Blaire is too, do I splurge on the quality goods? Or, do I save my pennies for the rain-soaked days that may be on the horizon? The Frye boots Blaire has her eye on are notoriously good quality and this particular pair is classic with enough detail to keep them fresh. What do you say, guys? Should she go for them? Should she splurge? Anybody see them for less? For more? Lookalikes? Give Blaire and I your two cents!