The Perfect T-Strap

I currently have it in my head that I need a wardrobe of classic t-strap pumps.

What I didn't realize is how challenging it was going to be to find t-straps with all of my criterial.  Closed-toe, high-heeled, not chunky, thin straps, almond toe and un-embellished.

I want something classic and elegant and powerful.

It's proving to be elusive.

The closest I've found thus far are these Gucci pumps.  Luckily they have them in 5 colors - black, red, blue, olive green and beige. There is also a lovely tweed version.

They might be a bit pointier than I would like.  It's hard to say.

Oh yeah and they're $695.

SIGH!

I'll have to keep searching, I guess.

Summer Skies

As the days grow shorter and the dark comes earlier, I'm excited for Fall but I'm still drawn to bright blues like summer skies. I think it's instinctual. Personally, I hate the heat but I love a bright sunny day that's around 72 degrees. Perfect convertible weather.

These blues just jumped out at me...

Christian Louboutin Simple Pump in Turquoise
$595 at Barneys

Gucci Peep-toe Signature Pump
$250 at DSW

Dolce Vita Apple Pump
$150 at Nordstroms

Mulberry Postman's Lock boots
$695 at Net-a-Porter

Jessica Simpson Evoni Pump
$90 at Nordstroms

Eeeewwww!!!!

Please... no defense for these:



Just, no.

Gucci Janis clogs (clogs!) - $745

Under the Skin

I know they are not the same style (although very reminiscent, don't you think?) and the quality has to be different in person, but don't you think these two shoes look earily similar???

Gucci Lucy Platorm - at Neiman Marcus



Pat Fields Saki Pump for Payless





I think it's that they both just look too shiny. I'm not a fan in either case.

Imitation = Flattery?

Last year I talked about how pretty I thought these Gucci tailored pumps are. I'd still like to have a pair of these but refrained. I have a lot of white shoes and it's not like black where, for some reason it's easy to justify another pair.



What I like is the classic shape and the chunky heel as well as the cute little strap embellishment.

Well, it took them a year but Target is giving us almost the exact same shape - with just a few changes. And there are four colors to choose from.

I, of course, like the white the best but the black and grey are pretty cute too.










I'm not as sure about the red pair, but at $33 buck I'll probably get them too. If they don't work out I'll just return them at the store.



I think they'll be cute for Fall, especially with tights or knee-socks, and I won't have to worry about them getting wet in the rain.

Don't Be a Tough Guy

After I bought the Bluemarine dress from YOOX.com, I determined that I had absolutely no shoes that would properly go with it. I really wanted to pair something strappy but modern and a bit tough. I have some lovely sandals and pumps but not a lot of "tough" shoes.

But I'm finding that I'm more and more drawn to these shoes. I think perhaps, my horizons have been widened by my stylish blogger friends.

I am very covetous of these Gucci Sevigny sandals. The wide strap and double buckles give it the edge but I love the shape of the heel. Nine West did a knock-off of these but, even though they are far more wallet friendly, they just are not executed that well. I'd rather go without than get a shoe so poorly done.

Since those are not likely to be bought any time soon, I've been looking for another option that jumps out at me. These sandals from Nine West are pretty good. I like the strappyness but I wonder if they are dressy enough. They're $80 which isn't too bad




But I think these Everless sandals are more the look I'm going for. The triple straps and toe strap give it sort of a dominatrix-y look which is more my kind of tough.



I'm not sure if I'll get either. I'm sure they would come in handy but I don't need them that quickly. I'm actually sending the dress back. It had a rip in a seam and for the price it was (even way marked down) I don't want to have to worry about it. It is a gorgeous dress though. Now I just need to find another going out dress that I can wear one of these heels with.

Imitation = Flattery?

Okay, I know I just expressed a renewed fondness and admiration for Nine West but I am now sort of feeling mixed about them because the similarities between these two shoes is too close to be coincidental. I thought Steve Madden was bad but this is pretty blatant.

The top shoe is the Sevigny Heel by Gucci, available for $695 on Saks...



A very striking patent heel with a fashion-forward style. I love the wide strap, giving a new twist to a double-strap mary jane.

Now, here's the Nine West Olavera, in pre-order for $79 on NineWest.com ...



Hmmmm.... that's pretty darn close if you ask me. I'm kind of shocked and dismayed that they are so closely copying this. They also did the shoe in gold, which I actually like better than the Nine West black, but both look kind of shoddy next to the Gucci pair, especially in the heel shape.



Thoughts?

Also, is Chloe Sevigny really a style icon? I know she "takes risks" with her wardrobe, but really, does anyone like her??? Maybe it's just me.

Not for Shrinking Violets

So, as to be expected, the shoes coming on the scene for the next season are airy and colorful. Vibrant shoes with streamlined styles that let the color take center stage. They aren't overly embellished or precious. And definitely not pastels!

Here's a collage sample of the gorgeousness (Click to enlarge):

Photo Key:

1 & 2. Brian Atwood Harlow Suede Platform Sandals in Rubino - Saks - $740
3. Brian Atwood Harlow Suede Platform Sandals in Saffron - Saks - $740
4 & 5. Dior Suede Slingbacks - Saks - $660
6. Elie Tahari Ashton Patent Ballet Flats in Laguna - Saks - $195 (also in mandarin)

7. Gucci Grease High Heel Platform Sandal - Saks - $595 (Do you think it is named after the movie?)
8. JCrew Cameron Printed Espadrilles in Burnished Yellow - $148 (other colors available)
9. JCrew Cameron Printed Espadrilles in Flame Dots - $148 (other colors available)
10. Gucci Swing High Heel Pump - Saks - $575 (also in black)
11. Manolo Blahnik Criss Cross Python Sandal in Blue - Neiman Marcus - $675
12. Manolo Blahnik Criss Cross Python Sandal in Pink - Neiman Marcus - $675

13. JCrew City Printed Ballet Flats in Burnished Yellow - $128 (other patterns available)
14. JCrew City Printed Ballet Flats in Flame Tiles - $128 (other patterns available)
15. JCrew Vachetta Wedges in Dark Poppy - $160 (also in driftwood)
16. Louboutin Foil Rings Slide - Neiman Marcus - $720
17 & 18. Louboutin Trescobaldi Gisa Sandals - Saks - $720

19. Manolo Blahnik Criss Cross Slingback in Yellow - Neiman Marcus - $585 (also in black)
20. Dolce & Gabbana Suede Pump in Fuchsia - Trunk Show at Neiman Marcus - $550 (also in black)
21. Miu Miu Open- Slingback Pump in Dark Turquoise - Barneys - $395
22 & 23. Jimmy Choo Once Patent Sandals in Pepper - Saks - $595 (also in taupe)
24. Ralph Lauren Satin Sandals with Flower - Saks - $425

25. Prada Camoscio Deco Suede Platform Sandal - Saks - $650
26 & 27. Jimmy Choo Patent Sandals in Fuchsia -Saks - $585 (also in black)
28 & 29. Louboutin Passmule Sandal - Saks - $620 (also in grey)
30. JCrew Cameron Suede Espadrilles in Burnished Yellow - $145 (also in fresh tangerine and black)

31 & 32. Louboutin Joli Noeud 957 Satin Slides in Fuchsia - Saks - $550 (also in black)
33 & 34. Louboutin Comme Ca Gisa Wedges - Saks - $735
35 & 36. Louboutin Noeudette Gisa Sandal in Pink - Saks - $740 (also in black - I think this will be THE hot shoe of the summer.)


So lots of pink with some very sunny yellow. Perfect for chasing away winter doldrums. This is just a small sample - check out the full listing of bright beauties at these stores -

Saks Fifth Avenue - Bright Shoes - Premier Designer

Saks Fifth Avenue - Bright Shoes - Designer

Neiman Marcus - Bright & Cheerful Shoes

Tailored for Spring/Summer 2008

This is such a schizophrenic time of year when looking at shoes. It's the middle of winter, but you're seeing early Spring and Resort sandals and peep-toes, leftovers from Fall going on sale and it's all rainy and crummy outside so you feel like you can't wear anything but boots and wellies.

Plus, you're broke from all that darn holiday shopping and spending on others.

But now is the time to get in there and pre-order any of the shoes you are in love with for Spring and Summer or, guaranteed, there will be slim pickings in a few months. I've already received two of my favorites - the Prada Spuntate flower heels and the Miu Miu Capretto jeweled sandal (both of which are freakin' amazing!) - because if those were to have run out before I got them I would be seriously heartbroken.

In looking through all of the new arrivals quietly drifting into stores I've seen a lot of color - bold blues, pinks, corals, reds and yellows - which I think I will save for another post. But another thing I've seen a lot are some strong tailored looks. Not tailored as in menswear, which we saw in the Fall of this year, but more like classic 40's influences as well as some safari elements mixed in through the use of colors and materials.

Of what I've seen out there, here are some of the ones that rise to the top for me. In somewhat of an alphabetical order with front and back views as available. (click on the text to visit their page):

Dior Jeweled Python Slingback - $1450 - Neiman Marcus



I love exotics and the shape on this is great. Plus the jeweled element adds a contrast.

Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Open Toe Slingbacks - $492 - Saks





I love tan and red together and this sculpted heel just puts it over the edge.

Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Trim Spectator Pumps - $595 - Saks





This may be my favorite of the bunch. Guiseppe Zanotti is fast becoming one of my top designers. I love the classy stacked heel and the red patent at the back.

Gucci Sissi High Heel Peep-toe- $550 - Neiman Marcus



A very classy peep-toe and I love a well done white heel. Also available in black.

Jimmy Choo Eliza Patent Sandals - $585 - Saks





Just throwing in a little uber-glamour there. Kind of like a palette cleanser. What a heel! This comes in red with a black heel but I think the black with green is much sexier. Back to the show...

Jimmy Choo Erica Nappa Pumps - $660 - Saks





That to me is a real power shoe, perfect with a structured suit but still seasonally appropriate. I love that clay/taupe color too.

Louboutin Moyen Empire Cork Slingback - $735 - Saks





Very sexy, yes, but still sort of tough looking too. It has a very hot weather vibe to me.

Louboutin Quadrillette Leather Sling backs - $620 - Saks



These look eminently wearable all summer long. A great height, a great color and breezy. Perfect with work clothes or linen pants.

Louboutin Xatrinxia Platform Sandal - $425 - Saks





These are some serious statement shoes and, I think, sort of a departure for Louboutin. But they check all the right boxes for a tough, tailored safari-summer-ish look. I'm not sure if I would get them but I think in the right environment they would be amazing. They have to be accessorized with a icy drink that has an umbrella. And can you believe the "low" starting price for a Louboutin? Maybe because they are so different.

Manolo Pointed Toe Suede Slingback - $815 - Neiman Marcus



These have to me by second favorite. They are so lady-like and perfect. Of course they are totally pricey but they are suede and have lizard trim, so I guess that explains it. You could invest in these and wear them forever. They are very reminiscent of a pair of Ralph Lauren slingbacks I have from about 10 years ago. I still wear them.

Manolo Leather Kati Crisscross Pump - $666 - Neiman Marcus



I'm sure there will be events and nights out during the warmer months. These gold heels are tough enough for jeans but would be gleaming paired with black.

MARC by Marc Jacob Color-block d'Orsay Sandal - $395 - Neiman Marcus



These would be perfect with a linen shirt-dress in either a tan or dark brown then pair it with wood bangles and a large bag that incorporates the rusty orange. I'll bet you could walk all day in those.

Stuart Weitzman Gator Printed Slingback - $285 - Neiman Marcus



Yeah, I'm a sucker for an alligator/croc print especially when it is as classy as this. If you can't find a pair as good as my vintage ones, these are a good way to go. Get the brown and the black and you'll always have something to wear.

Tod's 85 Pump - $465 - Saks





Clay and white patent with restrained but luxe looking embellishments. What's not to love. This would be great with a tennis looking outfit all in classic white. Dress your guy in white bucks and your good to go.

Enjoy!

Black and White

I have previously expressed my love for contrasting heels, especially for one of my favorite shoe buys this year - my YSL Tribute slingbacks. They are so elegant but with a touch of the unexpected in the white heel element.



And they aren't trashy looking like the more popular platform ankle-strap version below. Ugh! It's amazing what a few details can make.



Now I have a new love that I want to make room for in my wardrobe of black and white heels - these lovely white pumps with black heels by Gucci from their resort collection (Loving Resort this year!)



I know white shoes can be challenging, but Gawd, I love them!