Aldo the right thing

I've never been drawn to Aldo shoes. After having seen their stores in the U.S., Mexico, Shanghai, Bangkok and Singapore, I found the stuff for guys too generic, and the stuff for girls too "Nine West-y" and a bit cookie-cutter. Their accessories are an altogether different thing, though. I think their AIDS awareness pendants were very novel.

Since they opened shop in Manila, there hasn't been an urge for me to visit their stores. But this weekend, an unknown force caught me like a tracking beam and drew me to their Galleria branch. (Honestly, the "unknown force" was a huge sale sign.)

My perception of Aldo was changed, thanks to that visit. (At least for the women's shoe side) Beyond the "Nine West-y" stuff which is still there, Aldo has a number of edgy and surprising pairs. Two of which were so edgy and surprising, I had to bring them home for Ate.

The first was a black patent pump with huge, metal studs up front. At first glance, it looks like your regular black pair. But upon closer scrutiny, the interesting details start popping out.



Among them are pleats on the side.


Plus metal bands on the heel. This gives the pair a "rock-star-meets-secretary" vibe.


Then there's this pair of seemingly normal black patent D' Orsays. The workmanship is also commendable, although I've seen equally nice shoes for less than what Aldo sells them for. But a quick look at the side springs the surprise.



Architectural heels. Yup, that's definitely worth the price of admission.


These pairs have given me a renewed interest in the brand. Renewed to a point that I'd like to check out the other stores in the vicinity. And if they have more good stuff like these two, then Aldo it all over again.