Shoes have always been the little detail that can make your outfit a hit. No matter what part of the world of fashion you are in, shoes rule.
That is why some women become obsessed with them, spending hours, not to mention hundreds of dollars-shopping for the perfect color match or the \cutest"" shoe. The shoe syndrome may have already hit you; you may be in a detoxification phase-or you simply may not be addicted yet.
Shoes can give the passing stranger a first clue of what type of person you are. And some shoes carry a very strong stereotype, especially at UW-Madison, where Ugg boots are drawing a growing resentment.
Even TheFacebook.com, the online college community, has its own special group, ""students against Uggs abuse,"" where UW-Madison students share their disgust for the popular fur-trimmed boots.
This trend, originated by a young Australian surfer, still generates repulsion among students who do not understand why this trend has not faded yet.
Mollie Milano, manager of Bop on 222 West Gorham Street, blamed the continuation of the trend on Wisconsin's fashion stubbornness.
""Style slowly comes in in the Midwest and students do not want to be edgy, they just want to dress the same,"" she said.
In fact, Uggs are definitely out of style in Europe, even though the magazine Elle France believes you can still play off a boot such as the Mukluk, which comes from Alaska and looks furrier. In the same ""hunter from remote lands"" style, moccasins will be big in spring. Some students still stay skeptical about the sex appeal of boots.
""Why do they wear those? They are just so ugly,"" Chris Wegener, a UW-Madison sophomore, said with a sigh.
Most girls that oppose Ugg boots do not conceive those shoes can be seen as pretty or feminine, as UW-Madison sophomore Liz Huxsol claimed.
""They are a disgrace to the world of fashion,"" she lamented.
Nevertheless, Uggs aficionados cherish their comfortable sheepskin, which protects their feet from the icy winter. One should still recognize that these shoes are warm and comfortable, which is why they are a hit in Madison that will likely last. Ugg-haters, be ready to confront the new spring collection arriving on campus that will promote vibrant colors like bright green, pink, yellow and orange.
""They are warm and cute, because all the girls wear them,"" argued Hillary Williams, a UW-Madison freshman, who has been wearing Uggs since second grade when her mom brought them back from Australia.
For those who tend to be exasperated by the Uggs controversy, try to focus on the new trends for next spring that will revive Madison.
First, the relaxed look of Converse shoes will still be in. Created in 1908, theConverse All-Star is still around. Giselle B??ndchen in 2002 brought hers out of the closet and since then everyone loves them. The Converse shoe projects an ""I don't care about what's in,"" casual look. But seemingly every fashion addict owns a pair and shows them off at any occasion. Even though they may not be for Madison's winter, a few pair of woollen socks will do the trick and jumping in dirty downtown snow can only perfect their grungy look.
For students who would rather play the ""chic"" look, trust your pair of stilettos. Female students don't seem to make good use of their heels, hardly ever wearing them to class. Too bad! The stiletto presents more than one advantage. It makes your calves look thinner and that it a great asset, since the elliptical machine at the SERF can do big damage to women's leg lines. And they are a fantastic tool in the snow, since planting your heel in the ice assures you a nice firm grip and evinces all risks of slipping off Bascom Hill.
Some might object that stilettos are not doable in Madison, because feet will just freeze. Perhaps the solution is to have a shot of vodka before or after class! Only warning: Beware the low-quality salt that is designed to destroy the snow, but will also attack the leather of your adorable Marc Jacobs!
For those who threaten the pain high heels can inflict on you, no worries; flats are in again. According to Miuccia Prada in the December Vogue, flats are going to be the shoe to have in spring. Metallic colors will blend perfectly in every day life and ballet shoes will give an elegant twist to your walk.
Athletically inspired shoes are still probably the most popular among college boys and girls and will remain the number one shoe on college grounds, probably because they embody comfort and are decently priced. Some brands are good at turning your work-out shoes into trendy accessories, especially Nike, Adidas and Puma.
""Nike Dunks and eurotrash Pumas [are in for boys]"" according to UW-Madison freshman Mark Korshak. Puma especially started ruling the asphalt in 2001 with the ""Sparco"" model and seems to be still top dog for chic casual. It remains the king tennis shoe at Bop where the price range for them is about $80; affordable, plus the fresh colors attract young people and will likely make Pumas a hit for spring. Check out the new collection of Adidas that will be designed by Stella McCartney in 2005 and that will soon become a must-have.
Get inspired over vacation and break out your own new trends!
