Images via Vogue.com

Just like Derek Lam’s Spring 2012 handbags surprised and delighted me, so did his shoes. I think of Lam’s ready-to-wear before I think of his footwear or accessories, so it’s been exciting to be so charmed by both this season. Seeing a young designer come into his own in the industry sectors that I love the most is always a treat.

As far as the shoes themselves go, the collection was mostly a welcome respite from towering stilettos and platforms. There were retro wedges inlaid with a contrasting leather pattern, a few clogs with minimal sole height and some yellow and white platform pumps with nary a platform to be seen. I bet that most shoe enthusiasts could spend a few hours atop all of these designs without a single regret. I certainly wouldn’t have any regrets about adding these designs to my closet, particularly the wedges.