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Day: 30 March 2013

A glitter-heeled step too far?

I’m all for the retro resurgance of ’90s fashion – dungarees, ‘snapbacks’, crop tops, psychadellic leggings – it’s great fun. However I do have an issue with these little stompers which I spotted on ASOS. I’m awfully sorry to vent, but I feel fashion has seriously crossed the line.

My personal recollection of jelly shoes (glamorously revamped as ‘glitter heeled sandals’) was a screaming argument between my five-year-old self and ol’ mum. I was determined to wear my prized footwear in public, but despite my screams, sobs and flailing legs they were prised off. And thank God, I mean look at them.

If it is undesirable for a child to wear these plastic monstrosities when they have cuteness and naivity on their side, then adults in jelly shoes are definitely not okay. I’m recalling a similar situation with crocs (I have to lie down when I think of the science teachers croc+sock combo on non-uniform day ‘09). “Pah! Who would ever wear crocs”, I hear you scoff. But it seems we have not learnt from our history of footwear faux pas, as I can already envisage the packs of jelly-shoed girls tottering around our streets this summer.

All it takes is one good looking chica in a pair of plastic shoes, and we’ll descend on the shops in a glitter sandal rage. Thankfully I’ve spotted the threat early, and taken the time to compile a short list of their drawbacks. Maybe note them down on a bit of paper just in case you lose your brain:

1. They are made of PLASTIC. You wouldn’t wear plastic bags on your feet would you (although if you do, maybe go for the sandals. I guess it’s an upgrade)?

2. HEELED SANDALS. Categorically unhelpful on sand, although good entertainment for the rest of us.

3. GLITTERY. This point is only compounded by the fact that they are plastic shoes.

4. PAINFUL. I know hopes of a warm summer are a little optimistic following the easter blizzards, but I can’t imagine hot feet and plastic are a good combo. I hear blisters.

5. TAN LINES. I’m not sure how quickly your feet tan but you could be wrestling with some funky patterns.

So please, if summer ever does happen this year, remember the above health and safety warnings and stay glitter-heel sandal free.

Top 5: political style icons

Female politicians are rapidly coming to the forefront of the fashion scene, and quickly learning that in a pair of Louboutins and a suit that hugs you in all the right places, us girls really are unstoppable. Many female politicos are quickly and often harshly judged on what they wear and how they look, but here at The Mancunion we are celebrating such figures and their powerful, confident style.

1. Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand (above)

Elegant, charming and beautiful, not only is Miss Shinawatra the first female president Thailand has seen in 6 decades, she is by far its most stylish. With a penchant for high-end brands, her powerful East meets West fashion statements certainly pack a punch, combining occidental trends with striking traditional Thai fabrics and patterns.

2. Cristina Kirchner, President of Argentina

picture: women-s-rights.blogspot.co.uk

Notorious for her immaculate war paint, numerous daily costume changes and having a tag-along beautician accompany her unfailingly on visits abroad, this Latino firecracker is a fashion force to be reckoned with. She is rumoured to own a total of 200 LBDs as well as an astounding number of sky-high heels and fascinators.

3. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Prime Minister of Denmark

picture: ft.com

Described as “slender as a hare, yet strong as a silk thread” this willowy blue-eyed blonde is a walking paradox and that’s just how we like it. Coined ‘Gucci Helle’ in 1999 for her handbag obsession, Ms Schmidt always maintains an air of elegant hostility in her impeccably tailored yet on-trend skirt suits.

4. Laura Chinchilla, President of Costa Rica

picture: zimbio.com

OK so she’s not exactly in Costa Rica’s good books at the moment, being allegedly responsible for a massive $997 million deficit but at least she looks good, RIGHT?! Widely known to favor bold indigenous prints when it comes to her professional attire, Chinchilla’s look is highly hybridized and eye-catching.

5. Condoleezza Rice, 66th United States Secretary of State

picture: specials.rediff.com

Ms Rice perfectly exemplifies the lethal combination of sex and power. Known as a ‘consummate power dresser’ she appeared at a US army base in 2005 wearing ‘dominatrix’ boots and a military jacket, thereby becoming a subversive sex symbol and beacon of fashion in the political sphere. You go girl!