For our first installment of Workwear Cojones, let’s begin with some word association starting with “Pumps” –  Shoes.  Neutral.  Basic.  Modern.  Corporate.  Pointy.  Pain.  Long Hours.  Exhaustion.  Beverages.  Beverages.  Did I say Beverages?  Before we delve any deeper into the french-fried psyche of the modern working woman (there are many more posts for that), let’s talk about the pump.  A go-to for today’s working woman.  A style staple transcending season, trend, and locale.  Thanks to the likes of Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik, a shoe available in nearly every height, shape, color, and texture imaginable.  And, public enemy number one when it comes to a little something known as toooeeee cleeeaaavagggeee.

That’s right – toe cleavage.  We said it.  And we know it made you squirm in your deskchair.  But don’t get uncomfortable.  Toe cleavage is a beautiful thing, and a great way to show your workwear cojones.

Wikipedia (a most trusted source) defines toe cleavage as “the partial exposure of a woman’s toes in shoes that are cut low enough at the vamp.  Low cut shoes reveal toe cleavage similar to how low cut tops reveal breast cleavage.”  Urban dictionary (a clear authority on the subject) similarly defines toe cleavage as “the fleshy sections between and around the toes which can be squeezed together to form cleavage when wearing low-cut or strappy type (infact any kind of toe exposure) shoes or heels.  This is used to attract members of the opposite (or in some cases ‘same’) sex who find this appealing.”

What’s so appalling appealing about baring a little toe cleavage?  Well, for one, its an ingenious way to remain professional while expressing a little femininity.  Flaunt it without fearing any of the following badges of workplace infamy: “inappropriate,” “distracting,” or my personal favorite, “incapable of being taken seriously.”   Coupled with its ability to draw attention from the effect long hours and emergency projects have on foot care pediquette, women of the pump-persuasion are embracing toe cleavage in offices across the globe.  Have you done the same?  We know we have (cue toe cleavage photo montage):

just the right amount of toe cleavage

toe cleavage on ‘roids

side toe cleavage

textured toe cleavage

 painful toe cleavage

So whether you’re rocking neon patent or sticking to a black leather pump, embrace your toe cleavage!   And don’t fret about the stares of your male co-workers  - It is cleavage.  They are men.  Need we say more?

Check out some of my favorite toe-cleavage creators from Casadei, Guiseppe Zanotti, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, and Pierre Hardy.  And for those looking to flaunt it without filing for bankruptcy, check out these melon makers from Rachel Zoe, Chinese Laundry, D&G, and Enzo Angiolini.