Pumps by Isabel Marant

Although there are many designers who will set out to try all the different shoe morphings this coming season (sometimes losing their aesthetic good sense in the process), others will be going back to the basics of the woman's shoe by opting for the classic heeled pump. Among them is Isabel Marant who, as usual, is offering a model with promising potential.

Between the Louis Vuitton flat bow, the Dolce&Gabbana dark red velvet and the Prada stilettos, the major fashion houses have all shown their vision of the ideal pump for fall/winter 2010-2011. For the upcoming season, nothing will be more fashionably correct than to slip into a pair of these neo-classic models. The more excessive, high-glamour soles are out; the new trend is controlled chic with just a touch of fantasy.

The Louis Vuitton creations may be delicious, for their inventive mix of materials (e.g., velvet/rhinestone/leather) as well as for their delicately girly color harmonies, but it will definitely be easier to opt for a pair of Isabel Marant's -- admittedly less refined but with a sweet appearance capable of enchanting the casual chic fashionista.

In cherry or licorice suede, these pumps are sufficiently tame to bring that little classical touch so indispensable this season to ensembles that are less so, all the while adding a hint of sexiness. Better to wear them barefoot in order to emphasize the ankle whose sensuality is often concealed in the low boots currently in fashion.

We can then pair them with a skinny-cut 3/4 pant revealing just enough calf, a full skirt à la Dries Van Noten, or with the houndstooth prints from Maje, finishing off the look with a short, loose sweater in order to keep from losing oneself in a style more matronly than up-to-date.

As easy to slip on as a pair of ballet flats, the Isabel Marant heels will also immediately transform the adolescent duo slim jeans/sweatshirt into a polished look.

Pumps by Isabel Marant, 405 euros at Net-a-Porter:
http://www.net-a-porter.com/Isabel_Marant/Shoes