All That Glitters...

© Flickr / .Jennifer Leigh.

So you may think that glitter has already had its moment – back when you were a little girl (or boy!) and you couldn’t get enough of the stuff. Sparkles on your sneakers, on your backpack, on your fingernails and on your Barbie Dream House. Or maybe your heyday with it was in the seventies, when gender-bending rockstars donned sparkling platforms with glitter eye-makeup, and glam rock was born. Inevitably, you grew out of it and now the stigma around glitter is that it’s just for little kids or exotic dancers; two extremes on the opposite ends of the spectrum, neither of which you want to identify with.

Well not anymore: since late last year, high-end accessories designers like Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo have been pioneering a glitter-revival trend with their sparkling stilettos and glimmering flats. Miu Miu jumped on board with a line of crystal-encrusted brogues and sandals, as did Stuart Weitzman and Kate Spade with classy evening pumps and bow-detail slingbacks. Now we’re seeing the trend trickle down through the retail market, with Steve Madden and cult-favorite Jeffrey Campbell offering an extensive selection of glitter-sprayed shoes in every style, from criss-cross wedges to chunky-heeled booties and sandals.

So if you’ve resigned yourself to using glitter only in your “special occasion” makeup routine or as part of an arts and crafts project, step into a sweet pair of sparkling slippers, or grab a bedazzled clutch purse and see if you can get behind this swanky trend. If you find it suits your style, there are a few guidelines to consider: stick to accessories – though we did see some stretch-glitter pieces at the Richie Rich show last week, we recommend you limit your sparkle to shoes, bags, or small accessories like bracelets and hair-clips if you’re into that. Remember to wear your flair with a chic, simple outfit so the glitter stands out without competition.

© Giuseppe Zanotti, Steve Madden, Miu Miu, Anya Hindmarch

For the cautious girl, try on a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti Glitter Flats and try to tell us that you don’t squeal with delight whenever you look down at your toes. They’re very Audrey Hepburn-meets-Disco and they’re great for adding that little extra-oomph to your casual outfits. Try them with skinny jeans or cropped pants, and a solid or striped tee on top. Or, wear these with your favorite little black dress when your feet simply can’t stand another night in heels. If this pair just isn't you style, Giuseppe Zanotti offers a whole range of fabulous options, from toe-capped pumps to Ziggy Stardust-style ankle boots.

If you’re looking for party-girl platforms, look no further than the Caryssa Pumps from Steve Madden. Just one of their many glitter styles, we love that this gold isn’t too craft-glitter bright. The shoes are show-stoppers for sure, so wear them with caution! Perfect for pairing with flirty nighttime frocks, or to set yourself apart at a stuffy banquet or wedding reception. Did we mention they also look awesome just sitting on a shelf? Trust us, you’ll spend plenty of time just staring at ‘em.

Miu Miu’s Glitter Sandals are star-worthy t-straps practically dripping with highly reflective silver glitter. Because there’s less glitter surface-area than a solid pump or flat, these are really wearable. We’d love to see them with dark-wash skinny jeans and a black leather jacket, or a light-as-air midi-length dress. Put them on whenever you feel your outfit is lacking a little fancy.

Sparkles were not meant for shoes alone – this trend has also infiltrated the likes of handbags. Our pick is an Anya Hindmarch Valorie Glitter-Finish Suede Clutch. The midnight navy blue color is a demure and unusual choice for glitter. Take this to a cocktail party in an all-black ensemble and hold on tight – no doubt envious ladies will be making a grab at it all night.

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