Spring/Summer 2015 Theme: A Midsummer Night's Dream - blackberries, elderflowers, Titania and Puck

I love it when the New York Times Fashion section, echoes my own choices for a season.

 As I've shared before, each season I pick a "theme" which becomes a running thread through my choices for any shoe, accessory, or clothing purchase for the season.  Fall/Winter 2014 was "Predatory. Provocative. Dark Glamour." and there was a lot of black, sheer fabrics, sensual shapes and flirty details. It was a season of seductive thoughts meant to be edgy and even a bit scary.

With Spring, I feel lighter but not necessarily brighter.  I am feeling muted, languid, capricious and moving from being seductive this past Fall/Winter to enchanting. Titania from Midsummer Night's Dream was the inspiration - all fairy magic, elderflowers and sweet, yet possibly dangerous, berries - to tempt, to entice, to bewitch.


Funny enough, New York Times sees this season in a similar light.  Their collage below showcases their take on the "Bohemian Rhapsody" influences, filled with "a dreamlike state... referencing a romantic love affair with the spirit of Mother Nature."

I'm feeling the need for dreamy fabrics and frothy tulle. The shimmer of iridescence and the reflected glow of dew drops on petals and coating spider webs. Embroidery, eyelet, floral appliqués and dusky prints.

Some items I've already acquired are Sophia Webster's magical, winged Evangeline sandals...

Ann Taylor has some magical items as well. Like this sheer, flower-bedecked top.

... and this eyelet pencil skirt...

My other shoe addition were the Valentino rainbow Rockstud heels. What could be more appropriate for Spring and Summer?

As the season progresses, more will be added to the board.  I love going back to see how the inspiration moves and comes together.

Courting Kate Spade

You know I love a bit of whimsy, especially in a cute purse. And how good is Kate Spade at knowing what is going to strike my fancy???

Well, how about this 50s fabulous, WASPy tennis-lovin faux grass "Hold Court Quinn" bag.  Oh, how much do I want this for Summer???  SO MUCH, I tell you!

 I also wouldn't turn down this sweet picnic basket style bag...

How adorable would this be with one of my new patterned dresses???

Maybe I need both!  It's the only solution!!!

Sugar Addiction

I admit it.  I'm totally addicted to these candy colored bags from Furla. Plastic-y, bright, perfect for Summer.  I trying to stop myself from buying them all.

They come in a slew of juicy colors - Mango, Avocado, Acai, Dragon Fruit, Passion Fruit and then refreshing clear, snappy black and clear and tri-toned red, clear and pink.

These babies, priced at $195,  are selling out fast! Mango yellow and Passion Fruit orange are still available on the Furla site, but Acai blue and Dragon Fruit pink are out.  The 3 clear options are best sourced by calling the stores, I haven't seen them online.

Dillards has pink, green, yellow and orange.  Macy's still has Avocado green and the Black/Clear combo.

I may or may not have bought a few of these.... you'll just have to wait and see.  But don't wait to get one for yourself.  They're super cute and then we can be twin stars!

Is it Summer yet?

While searching for another shoe on ShopStyle, I saw these cuties -



Guess Realize - On sale for $39.99 at Guess.com (also in tan)

There are only a few sizes left but what a bargain. I'm not always on the look out for Guess shoes but they have a few really cute styles.

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!