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Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Pump Shoe...



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Pump styles can be found in spiky stilettos, flat ballerina slippers', and just about everything in between. Therefore, where did the pump shoe originate, how long have they been around, and what makes them the style that defy time?

Defining the pump shoe. Pump is a term used to describe a style or type of shoe. A pump shoe can have a high heel or a flat heel, a rounded toe or pointed toe, they can even have a squared off toe. The classic pump shoe is made of leather, the toes, sides and back cover the foot, and are rounded at the top, and come to cover the toes.

Through the years, the pump shoe has evolved greatly, and the materials used now vary from the most typical leather of yesterday. Today's pump shoe is produced in many different materials, such as canvas, silk, and a wide Variety of synthetic materials. The original pump shoe was most often a solid color, but as years have passed the pump morphed in many directions. The pump went from being a plain colored leather shoe, to you name it ... Pumps now can be found in multi colors, metallic, prints, and decorated with straps and bows , etc.

Although you'll find countless pairs of pumps , the true pump was designed with a medium or high heel, a comfortable toe area cut fairly low at both the sides and front, so that the arch of the foot, and a bit of toe cleavage was slightly revealed. To confuse matters further, some pumps are described as "ankle strap pumps." The ankle strap pump is very flexible and comfortable due to its adjustable strap. The market place offers so many styles of the pump shoe perhaps this is one of the reasons the style has stayed around for so long, and still remains so popular.

The pump shoe is a true fashion classic, having been around for centuries. The name itself was first used in the 1500s, when strapless shoes without heels were worn by men and referred to as "Pompes". Today's fashion pump is firmly established as a woman's shoe.
Centuries ago in the mid 1500s the woman's pump was worn on the feet of servants. Why did servants prefer the pump shoe? First of all, the pump shoe was inexpensive, and easy to put on, as well as comfortable. Servants didn't have the time or money for the fussy button and lace up shoes of the upper middle class, and the well to do folk...

It wasn't until the twentieth century that things turned around for the classic pump shoe. Time had brought dramatic changes in footwear, and the classic style pump shoe took its rightful place in fashion, and quickly became the shoe style that was associated with style and glamour.

Style icon's such as Jacqueline Kennedy, and Audrey Hepburn were big fans of the pump, and they frequently wore a pump style shoe to complete their fashion look. Mrs. Kennedy was known to order twelve new pairs at a time. Audrey Hepburn loved pumps' - perhaps for their understated elegance. The pumps' sensible yet sophisticated style has also been a favorite of many other first ladies and celebrities.

Today's pumps' are similar to the styles of the past. The well-known designers' today have added their own individual twists to the pump shoe, making sure to design pump shoes that come in a wide range of different materials', and a good selection of heel heights.

How to Wear Pumps...
Pumps have such a classic style, and are designed to be worn with almost anything. They look wonderful when worn with a skirt or dress ,but also look great with pants. What can liven up a pair of jean more than a great pair of sexy pumps? They look wonderful in the evening with a little black dress or with that tailored business suit for work. The fact is the best feature of a pump is its versatility. A classic pump shoe can see you through from day to night without a hitch.
No matter what your occupation or lifestyle, a great pair of pump's is a must for the fashion forward gal... The pump shoe truly defies's time..

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