“A Rage in the Cage.” Do you remember it? Circa mid 80′s. J. Geils Band of “Freeze Frame” and “Piss on the Wall” fame (my parents’ favorite). Everything in the mid 80′s was ripped, stripped, tattered and torn. Well, it’s happening again, as these things tend to go and it’s all about the “caged shoe” for Spring.

Yves Saint Laurent Cage Ankle Boots $1500

I wish that I could take credit for coining the term but I have a feeling someone at the House of Prada or Chanel beat me to it. So what is it, you might ask? The caged shoe is like a sandal and a shoe bootie combined. They were all over the runway and most have a leather design that looks like, well, a cage. Some more straight lines. Others geometric shapes. Most of what I saw on the runway and in the early Spring previews are stilettos and va va voom! Some teetering at over 5 inches (for those damsels who walk gingerly to their limo or sit at the club but do not stand or walk) and others more runway than run to the mall (see YSL $1500 beauties). As for the rest of us, there’s just about every style, fabric, color and heel height to choose from. I’ve seen everything from a super-slinky gold to a super-hot fuchsia suede by Linea Paolo (which I had to have).

Linea Paolo 'Jacadia' Sandal

You may wonder, what in pete’s name do I wear these caged beauties with? Here are a few wardrobing ideas. First, start with a pair in a more neutral color so you can wear it with more (black, cream, browns, tans). Yes, it’s kind of boring but, let’s face it, they go with everything. The great thing about these shoes is that you can wear them with just about everything – and I don’t say that about everything. Everything. (Sorry, couldn’t resist).

The Stylish Eye caged shoes outfit ideas:

Outfit #1: Fitted dress with a wide belt.

Outfit #2: Pencil skirt, silk blouse, same wide belt.

Outift #3: Straight-leg jeans, same silk blouse or funky tee.

Outfit #4: Skinny jeans, flowy top or funky tee and shoe.

Outfit #5: Shorts (yes, I know but everyone in New York is wearing them out at night), funky tee and shoe.

Nine West Kentaro

The thing I love most about this shoe is that, depending on the color, you can wear them pretty much year round. Yes, I know my darling, we live in the North East along with snow, sleet and rain. The life of a sandal is typically limited to June-August. These are different. Because of the “shoe” form of these lovelies, they can stand up to patterned or opaque tights. Blasphemy you might say. I know. I already told you that I am not a big fan of tights with open-toe shoes but you also know about my obsession for Wolford hosiery, which are in a class all their own. These shoes typically have a zipper or significant buckle which makes the pairing of the tights a much better fit than a simple sandal or peep-toe. I see this style taking you right through Fall, which is why they are an excellent choice.

What’s the rage in your cage? Share your caged shoe ideas. I’m cooking up my Spring must-haves and this one is on the list!

Go forth and be caged.

PS: Since I posted this I came across fellow fashionista, Sabrina, who put together this amazing list of caged and cutout shoes! Enjoy!