Tabitha Simmons x JCrew - Review

My Tabitha Simmons for JCrew mary janes finally arrived!

The fabrics are even more adorable in person and I love the graphic pop of the navy edging and sweet little button.

The construction feels pretty solid, although I'd like to compare them to one of the original silk pairs from Tabitha's line.

They started this collection at size 6 so they are a bit big on me but it probably helps because, as always with mid-shoe strap mary janes, the strap presses a bit on the top of my foot due to my high arch.  But overall they've been comfortable to wear and walk in.

I love the two floral prints.  They will be perfect to pair up to a solid dress or one with a bolder pattern.  I'm wearing them today with a navy cardigan and pencil skirt so the piping really pops.

The mary janes are my favorite style from the collection and it's so fun that they pulled in their other collaboration - Liberty - for the fabrics.   A sweet summer heel that makes me want to wear rose water perfume.

Sam & Libby for Target

I was excited, when I popped into Target over the weekend, to see the new Sam & Libby for Target shoe collection.  I have a number of  Sam & Libby shoes from ages ago and they are always cute.

This collection is reasonably priced and had a variety of styles from sandals to wedges to loafers.  I especially liked the ballet flats.

The loafers are great with jeans and the cap-toe ballet flats are pefect with shorts and dresses and skirts. I got the black/creme pair and the taupe/neon yellow pair.

Not all stores will have all the styles, so check online too. The Bree ballet flats, for example, also come in a creme/tan and a light turquoise (which I may have to order as well!)

I think the flats are the best designs in the collections and they look fancier than their price, so snap a few up!

No Games, No Time

I have been so swamped lately!

Between work and travel and a new chicken rescue, I haven't had time to do much shoe perusing.  I've also been filling the little free time I have with reading the Game of Thrones series.  I've only got a few thousand pages to race through... not sure why I have no spare time!

I thought perhaps I could see if there had been any great collaborations or designers inspired by the series.  Sadly, I found that Helmut Lang designers created a shoe capsule collection that was meant to evoke the grit and blood of the series.

I can see the dark and the "blood" but these shoes look a bit too dystopian for the fantastical realms in the book and the show.

I'd rather look to the actual clothing and style of the show for inspiration.  Fashionista.com had a great interview with the hair and costume creators of the show.  It's a longer article but well worth reading through, especially if you like all the details, like I do. 

Now, while everyone is out and about at Fashion Week, I'm going to hunker down with my books.

Push It Payless

Each Fall I get a little bit jazzed about the runways shoes by the Payless-affiliated designers like Lela Rose and Christian Siriano.  Not only do I like their clothing styles but they always show some lovely shoes.

This year was no different.  I pinned a few lovely pairs to my Fall 2012 board in hopes they would make it to reality...

But, sadly again, the reality is not as edgy as the originals.

While these pumps are nice enough, and close to those shown above, they are missing the sheen and the height.  Can't girls on budget have cute shoes too???  And these aren't even that "cheap" at $55!

Maybe more are on the way... right? Well, yes, the whole collection should be out in September. So I'm reserving full judgement until then.

The only collaboration that seems to really be consistently keeping up in the design arena is the Isabel Toledo collection.  I like her edgy style, especially these Fluevog-esque mary janes.

Two-tone, patent, fun heel.  These are heels I'd be happy to pick up from Payless, even for $55!

Payless, if you want to up your price range, you need to up your design bravery.

Picking Polka-Dots - Louis Vuitton & Yayoi Kusama Collection

The fashion world is buzzing over the collaboration between Louis Vuitton & artist Yayoi Kusama.

And rightly so.

Yayoi's use of organic shapes and rigid dots are infusing the often times staid LV pieces with a playful spirit.  I appreciate that LV has allowed it's branding to take a bit of a backseat and is only represented with LV-initial brocade fabric and signature shapes.

It's a great pairing because there is just the right amount of fission between the two.

I love nearly every piece in the extensive collection - which includes clothes, outerwear, collars, jewelry, shoes, sunglasses and handbags - there is one huge thing that jumps out at me the most.

This whole collection is a knock-off dream.

These pieces are simple and classic, differentiated only by the association with Yayoi and subtle LV materials.  

I fully anticipate seeing a HUGE number of look-a-likes come out in the next few months.  From bow adorned heels to dotty-fabric sandals.

I hope that will not be the case.  Yayoi is a remarkable artist who deserves to be respected for her career, not have her work, even that used in a collaboration, stolen for a quick profit.

Payless is ready for Spring

It's been a while since I've checked up on what Payless has going with their designer collections.

It seems they are still going strong with their design.  I've picked out three favorites from each collection.

I love the modern style of these Isabel Toledo Marina flats.  The aqua color is going to be strong for spring and these will work with tailored outfit, jeans and even into the Fall with tights.

Christian Siriano's strappy Rosa heels can't get any sexier.  Lacing, hot hot red and a curvy leopard print.  They may be a bit high for it but sultry dancing is almost required.

But I think my favorites are the print wedge Mapleton sandals from Lela Rose.  They just look so airy and fresh.  Summer stripes with a bold print and a pop of coral?  These are the ones I plan on buying to wear with a swingy white skirt.

There are tons of other styles too.  Thank goodness for their BOGO!

Lucky UK - Manolo Blahnik at Liberty

Manolo Blahnik and Liberty

I have to admit that I am green with jealousy, that I do no have access to this collection.  I can think of little else that would be as swoon-worthy and the reality of it is almost too much.  

Manolo Blahnik has paired up with Liberty to create an exclusive line of scarves, bags, pillows, candles, accessories, fabrics and more.  He has even created a line of shoes using some of the classic fabrics. 

Some of the collection you can buy online but the shoes are only available in stores.  GAH!

I am loving this collection but even more amazing is the full range of styles from Manolo Blahnik that the store carries.   I had no idea!

The worst part is... THEY DON'T SHIP!  Why is that?  I can't understand why a store or company would not want to help me spend my money.  LET ME SPEND MY MONEY WITH YOU!!!

Anyways, if you are in the UK, you lucky dog, pop round and scoop some up for yourself!  Just don't tell me about it or I will die of envy.

 

PS. Thank you, MilkGlassHeart for alerting me to this collaboration!

Tell Your Shoe Story at Selfridges

Do you have a Shoe Story?

I believe in Shoe Luck.  Sometimes it's serendipitous and sometimes you have to make the luck happen.  I love a good shoe story.

Well, Selfridges is giving you the chance to tell your shoe story and win a year's worth of shoes from the famous store.

Selfridges is on the verge of launching the world's single biggest destination for shoes: The Shoe Galleries. (I need to shop there!) To kick it off they are inviting customers, bloggers, journalists, and celebrities to tell their shoe stories via the website, with the chance to win a year’s supply of shoes.

I went on and told my Shoe Luck story about finding my most fabulous pair of boots ever - those sparkly Dolce & Gabbana boots up there.  Check it out and let me know if you add a story.  I want to go read them all.

Featured Shoe: Isabel Toledo Pom Pom flat

I like to get inexpensive flats for keeping in my office or for walking around city streets when know they might get a bit beat up. But I also want them to be classic and cute, because I know I may need to grab them in a hurry and pair them up with a random outfit.

I usually prefer a metallic color or black and these pom pom flats from the Isabel Toledo for Payless collection fit the bill perfectly.

Cute. Simple. Fun. And only $35! Grab them while you can.

UPDATE - Fashion's Night Out Events with Payless.

Payless will be having a big Fashion’s Night Out event in NYC.  You can hop on board one of Payless’ Fashion Rides – free grey line double decker buses – and head to the Lexington Avenue store (between 57th and 58th streets) on Friday, September 10 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm with all four Payless Guest Designers: Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, Patricia Field and Isabel Toledo on hand, who will be available for a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity

WHERE: Payless ShoeSource, 716 Lexington Ave. at 58th Street

Payless is also selling an exclusive limited-edition Fashion's Night Out Totes for $10 in more than 40 stores throughout the city, while supplies last, beginning Sept. 10 with $5 per tote sold donated to the NYC AIDS Fund.

A limited quantity of totes pre-signed by all four Payless Guest Designers will also be available at the Lexington store only Sept. 10 beginning at 7 p.m.

Reaching the Masses

I am generally a fan of designer collaboration. I think that good design should be available at all price points and this absolutely is possible. That's why you will find shoes all along the price spectrum in my closet. If I like it, I don't care about it's pedigree.

So I was excited for the upcoming collaboration between Isabel Toledo and Payless. Payless has been doing a much better job than even Target with bringing better designs down to a lower price while still looking cute. And these sketches released earlier this year pointed to a cute pairing. Quirky, fun and playful shoes that would add a punch of color to Fall outfits.

I love the idea of wearing these chunky cut-out oxfords with charcoal tights and running all over the city. And the heeled version, below, with the colorful soles are equally cute.

But part of the appeal is that these were going available to everyone (at least via online). While the pricepoint of just under $40 is higher than the usual Payless shoe, it's not that far. And these are more unique than I'm seeing in Nine West or the like.

But here is the problem.... they are only doing the red, white and blue (the best options in my mind) through Colette... France.

Now, I love Colette. They have some of the best buyers and always carry enviable, covetable items. And they have items all along the price range. But why do this?

Okay, I can guess - while from a marketing perspective it's great for the designer to say they are excited to reach out to a whole new group of shoppers but it's another to actually align yourself with Payless, a store that's changing it's image but is known for inexpensive goods. So you put one token pair in Payless, probably mainly online with a few select stores getting them in stock, and then you sell the rest at Colette, a much more chic storefront.... and clientele.

So I'm torn. I like the red sole option below and from what I see of these I'll probably like the red oxfords. But will I be able to get them? If shipping from France is around $15-$20 or more that jumps the price to around $60. Not sure it's worth it.

What do you think? Of course, the full line of bags and shoes are yet to be revealed. I'll be curious to see how this line is distributed. Are we worthy enough to get them here in the US or not?

Imitation = Flattery?

Typically when I do an "Inspriation = Flattery?" post I'm talking about how a company is knocking off or heavily leveraging the design of another company or designer. But what I am seeing more and more (I'm sure you are too) are celebrity lines somewhat claiming to be based on the spokesperson's style but in reality reproducing the real designer pieces they wear in public.

And with the "celebrity" blogger gaining more and more prominence, it was bound to happen in the blogging realm too. The J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes collection at Urban Outfitters is really one of the first... I'm sure more are to follow.

Now right off the bat, I am not knocking Jane from Sea of Shoes and I'm entirely basing this on my own opinion and perceptions combined with the PR where Jane states that she designed the shoes based on what she has in her closet. That's more than most companies will say! I just find it interesting that these companies (not just this particular instance) will dumb down and knock off a designer style rather than think up new pretty shoes on their own. I will buy cute shoes at any price point but I don't want lame substitutes.



As stated in the UO press release:

"Jane Aldridge may be just 17 years old, but the Dallas-based fashion blogger has an impressive global following on her personal style blog, Sea of Shoes. "Ever since I've reached my full shoe size I've been fanatical about collecting shoes," says Aldridge. "That's how my blog got started, as a means of chronicling my addiction to beautiful footwear and the evolution of my personal style," she adds.

The magnetic Texas teen has to wear a school uniform five days a week with a one and a half inch heel rule, but outside of class, flats are the last thing you'll see her wearing. From YSL cage heels and Chanel bow-tie booties to Margiela clogs, Aldridge pairs her favored heels with equally envied outfits. And now, she has found another creative outlet for her passion; designing shoes herself, with the help of Urban Outfitters.

Launching next month, J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes is a capsule collection of three styles, exclusive to Urban Outfitters. Dramatic knee-high brown leather peep-toe boots feature top-stitched detailing and lacing at the front, black gladiator heels with studs and twin buckle straps, and lace-up, pointy skimmers. "I'm really excited to bring my designs to Urban Outfitters," says Aldridge. "The inspiration for this collection is a mish-mash of some of the elements of my favorite pairs—sort of Victoriana meets gladiator warrior."




So here are what I think are the inspirations pieces and the actual shoe in UO.

Top - Chanel bow booties in pink, mesh and black. Bottom - JA SOS Satin Bow Heels in pink and black.



Next - Chloe Lace-up Wedge Booties from Jane's shoe picks for Fall 2009.



Left - Chloe bootie. Right - JA SOS Wedge Bootie



Next, Spring 2006 Prada lace-up peep-toe boots.

I think the JA SOS Laced Boots are a combo of the Ann Demeulemeester triple lace boots and the Prada peep-toe boots.

Last on the left are the Ann Demeulemeester open lace sandal heels and the JA SOS laced flats.

Jane is a very pretty girl who has a great sense of style... combined with access to and the ability to buy amazing new and vintage designer clothes and shoes. She also has a mother, very stylish herself, who has a history as a model and working in the retail business, I believe.

I'd be curious to know how much of the designing she was able to do and how much was Urban Outfitters sifting through her closet and finding pieces they could bring down to a more mass-market level. I'd also love to know, if anyone has bought these, what the quality is like.

As with most celebrity lines and their "creators", I'm waiting to see Jane wearing "her" pieces. Chloe Sevigny is the only one that comes to mind who wore her shoes out quite a bit. Jane has a lot of fans and is getting a lot of attention. I think that is great. What I don't think is great is that her name is being used to sell a product that she didn't really come up with and that she doesn't wear.

Does this bother anyone else?