What Would Project Runway Shoe? Episode 13: Season Finale, Part 1

Well, we’re here.  It’s the beginning of the end of another very intense season of Project Runway.  This is my weekly post of ‘What Would Project Runway Shoe?’ (WWPRS) where I pair the winning look with a great shoe.  Spoiler Alert!!  Stop reading if you want to wait to watch last night's episode first. ;)

I truly did NOT envy Michael, Nina or Heidi last night.  Gretchen, Michael C., Andy and Mondo brought their A-games and gave us oodles of gorgeous clothes on the runway last night.  You can check out everyone’s brilliant work here: Project Runway on LifetimeTV. 

The family visits episodes always make me tear up because you get the context of where people came from and how hard they have worked to get there.  It’s always heartwarming to see the Cinderella stories, which is why I was truly devastated for little Michael C. during his mega-meltdown for being auf’ed from the competition.  Not having your family supporting you in life when all you’re trying to be is you is really hard.  The other designers clearly have had challenges to overcome but they all had their family backing them 100%.  Little Michael C. was the reject through and through and although he’s been cut, he’s always gonna have a devoted fan in me. ;)

The judges critiques were triple harsh and even Heidi realized they were on a rampage with how many new ones they were ripping.  However, at this point of the competition, you are really splitting hairs in terms of the level of design, construction and styling.  It’s the best and most talented of the group, making those that move on all the more special and deserving.  Señor Mondo came out on top being called first to move on to show at Fashion Week and deservingly so.  My goodness, what innovation and genius!  He makes mixing prints so fun and fantastic looking that it makes me feel I can overcome my issues about print mixing in my everyday wear. (In fact, I did the other day! :))  His collection is truly about making fashion fun again.  And who can’t benefit from a little fun in this overly stressful world we’re living in? 

I went with Mondo's winning look for today’s post.  And inspired by the great eco-haute fashions from LA's Fashion Week show,  I’m doing one regular suggestion and a comparable vegan option. ;)  Mondo’s choice of the nude peep toe bootie with the hint of turquoise was a great pick.  But I wanted that pop of color so, I chose the ‘Calandra’ by the fun and fabulous Betsey Johnson.  These fun and funky purple pink suede peep toe pumps have this fantastic whipstitched grosgrain ribbon that are the kind of sass you want with this kind of dress.  They have a 4” heel with a 1 ¼” platform that give you great vertical proportions when wearing a floor length dress. ;)  The ‘Calandra’ is on sale on Piperlime for $139.50.  These shoes not only are head turners but generate flurries of compliments!

My vegan choice is the ‘Pig’ by Mink shoes.  If you haven’t heard of Mink shoes, they are all about animal-free and eco-friendly materials.  They use all sustainable materials like rubber, cork, wood and organic fabrics.  Their very colorful shoe boxes are made from recycled paper that’s got clever little handles making it a reusable bag.  Loves it! ;) The ‘Pig’ is a bright pink velveteen strappy stiletto with pink rhinestones on the criss-cross straps.  The heel is about 3 ½” high.  The delicate ankle ties make the shoe uber feminine.  Pairing this little ‘Pig’ with the fun Mondo dress makes for a fabulous “look at me” night on the town.

Andy and Gretchen put out great pieces in their mini-collections.  Andy clearly has serious skillz with that beautiful green dress.  Gretchen has a great concept with her boho-chic style.  Next week’s our last episode and our last ‘What Would Project Runway Shoe?’ but as you know, all good things must come to an end.  What’s your prediction on who will win?  I have mine! ;) #TeamMondo