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Sunday, February 21, 2010

Shoe Review: New York Fashion Week Fall 2010

Love on the Run(way)

The fashion world converged on New York from February 11-18 to see what everyone in the know will wear come Fall 2010. Designers found various ways to fashionably interpret the current global financial climate and sartorially lift spirits during New York Fashion Week. My focus, though, was on the shoes. I usually dread the coming cold season (especially when there's STILL snow on the ground), but some designers gave me something to look forward to. Here's a sampling of what caught my eye:

Christian Louboutin's designs for 3.1 Phillip Lim featured details galore: layered kilties, grommets, tassels and buckles. There was supple suede, metallic leather, luxe velvet and contrasting combinations of textures. The forest green peep toes with the double ankle strap were my personal favorites. I see them with fishnets and plaid skirts... not too short, but also somewhat playful.





Calvin Klein took more of a pared down, but toughened-up approach. Simple mary janes and ankle boots got the urban warrior treatment with metal platforms and lug soles. During the winter, it's often difficult to find footwear that's both chic and durable. For Fall 2010, Calvin will be my go-to guy. These ankle boots will look great with a pencil skirt/ dress and opaque tights or a pair of cropped skinny pants.


Opulent accents with pops of deep red and mustard ruled the Carolina Herrera runway. Her shoes were demure and decadently decorated with 3-D sueded jewels. They're so serious that there's almost something fun about them. However, they should only be worn with the most ladylike of attire. The mustard/ deep red combination in the pair pictured called out to me. They could easily be the focal point of an ensemble, requiring only a simple shift dress to complement them.



It was all about exotic skins and metallic leather treatments at Donna Karan. However, she kept things simple, showing ankle boots, updated mary janes and sandals in varying shades of black, bronze and gray with elastic gore detailing. I'm most likely to wear the ostrich ankle boots with patent and elastic side gore shown here. They're simple and versatile, but the ostrich leather luxes them up, and the stilt-height heel is right up my alley. 


A favorite among the swank set, Oscar de la Renta opted for a color palette of regal purple, gold, red, deep blue and teal. The clothes were a nod to the "Dynasty" days, but the shoes were timeless. Tassels, jeweled embellishments and straps accented classic platform pumps, knee boots and ankle boots. The funkiest look was probably a pair of purple suede platform pumps with copper piping and back tassels affixed to a copper strip. They're definitely not a "wear with everything" pair, but they'll add a royal touch to a skirt suit or pants look. Those sparkly tights are a winner too!




Rodarte went a bit wacky, combining textures, fabrics, colors and styles into a fashion hodge podge that somehow worked amazigly, and Nicholas Kirkwood's shoes for the collection were a veritable icing on the chaotic cake. Oxfords with sandal toes, ankle wraps and heels that resemble melted wax may sound a bit odd. But I was in love at first glance. Shoes like these aren't for the faint of foot (or fashion), though. They're best worn with an abundant dose of confidence and an outfit that says "I care not what you think..."



Fur, calf hair and suede on peep toes, ankle boots, wedge pumps and ankle strap heels made Thakoon's show a game of hide and seek. In some instances fox fur peeked from inside a peep toe, lace up bootie. In others, calf hair wedge pumps were accented by a puff of fur at the toe. I can see myself in the peep toe booties with the metallic underlay. They're simple enough to go with almost anything, but the metallic accent adds a unique touch.


Stay tuned for my picks from London, Paris and Milan! In the meantime, what were some of your favorites from New York Fashion Week? Who's designs totally turned you off?


(Images via Style.com and Elle.com)

Monday, February 15, 2010

Don't Mess With Me Monday: President's Day in Jean Paul Gaultier Oxfords

In Total Command
You didn't have today off, did you? You're actually sitting at your desk and enviously reading your friends' Facebook and Twitter updates about how they're sleeping in or catching a movie... and wishing you could join them. Alas bills must be paid, and that shoe collection won't grow on its own (at least it's only a half day). Still, I pity the fool who crosses you today. Let them know you're not in a playful mood with a serious pair of oxfords, like these lace-up booties by Jean Paul Gaultier (available via Endless.com). The reverse spectator styling on the front, combined with the dark color palette of brown, black and blue says you mean business. It has a 4.5 inch heel with a .75 inch platform (only a 3.75 inch incline), so if you need to stomp your feet a little, it won't hurt too bad.

When the closing bell rings, and you grab a drink to toast the accomplishments of good ole George Washington and Honest Abe Lincoln, make it an El Presidente. While I've come across a few different ingredient lists for this drink, the one I liked best was listed on The Science of Drink (via Esquire). It combines white rum (we enjoy 10 Cane Rum), orange curacao (maybe try Hiram Walker), dry vermouth and a dash of grenadine. Yes, it's dark liquor season, but in the spirit of independence, you're free to drink as you please. Just don't drink too much. There's a huge difference between being head of state and a ward of the state. Got it?


Hugs & High Heels!

Yours Shoely,
StyleScrybe

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Sweet Sunday: Lanvin Red pumps

 
The Sweetest Thing

If you're anything like me, you're single and sassy this Valentine's Day. That doesn't mean you have to sit in the house lamenting, though ("Baby's got blue skies up ahead"). Instead, put on your sexiest pair of red pumps, and take yourself to brunch... or wherever you like. In fact, if you don't already have a pair, treat yourself to some, like these red Lanvin Patent and Suede Pumps (available at LuisaViaRoma.com). The color means love, and who loves you more then, well, YOU? The approximately 4.5 inch heel says you're a force to be reckoned with, and the slightly raised back of the shoe creates a sexy profile (should a potential suitor notice you strutting to brunch... or if you're in New York, to the Fashion Week tents). Then there's the neutrally hued half inch platform, which not only adds comfort, but also softens the severity of the red a bit. The combination of suede and patent somehow speaks to the fact that you're a classic lady, but you've got an edge.
No matter what you do today, treat yourself to brunch. Instead of your usual mimosa or bellini, opt for something a bit more romantic. A "Sweet Red Kiss" should do the trick (recipe & image via Cosmopolitan Magazine's "16 Flirty V-Day Drinks"). Other than the fact that it looks absolutely indulgent, the combination of Dubonnet Rouge, Chambord, Absolut Kurant and splashes of cranberry, orange and pineapple juices will also make you feel a bit warm and fuzzy inside. This isn't the strongest of drinks, but still mind your intake. You don't want to go from sexy solo to sexting the ex. Friends don't let friends dial drunk, and because I love you... consider yourself forewarned.





Thursday, February 11, 2010

Shoe News: Alexander McQueen Commits Suicide

In Memoriam

New York Fashion Week opened on a sad note today. It has been announced that British fashion king (and S&B fave) Lee Alexander McQueen has taken his own life. The visionary 40 year old designer created pieces that were loved by various celebrities and socialites worldwide. Lady Gaga, Beyonce and others have oft been photographed in one iconic item of his or another. Details about his death are extremely limited at the moment. I pray for the comfort of his friends and family during this trying time. In his honor, here are a few of his footwear creations that struck awe in me.They're from McQueen's RTW runway shows from Spring 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and Fall 2007 and 2008 (and just think, that's the edited list). (Images from Style.com)








































R.I.P Alexander McQueen.

Yours Shoely,
StyleScrybe

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Red Carpet Recap: 51st Grammys, Jan 31, 2010

Show Stealers

Last night's Grammy Awards Show had its great moments, but it also had others that left a bit to be desired. While I enjoyed the music and gawked (and gagged) at the dresses, I'm sure you all know my focus was on (drumroll) the shoes! Here are the ones that caught my eye:
 
Surprise! Fergie (pictured here with her hubby, Josh Duhamel) didn't wear a pair from her namesake line. Instead, she opted for stunning gold stilettos by Le Silla (A Shoes N Booze favorite) to compliment her Pucci mini dress. (Photo credit: Getty Images)


Heidi Klum chose a gorgeous pair of jeweled Jimmy Choo "Quinze" sandals to accompany her sequined tunic style Emilio Pucci dress. (Photo credit: Jason Merritt for Getty Images)


Then, there was Beyonce's bevy of beautiful shoes. On the red carpet, her Stephane Rolland gown hid her shoes. However, on stage, her leather Atelier Versace mini showed off her Giuseppe Zanotti "Karma" booties perfectly. Later, the Giorgio Armani Prive mini she wore when she accepted her award played the perfect partner to her gold Ruthie Davis "Cindy" platform sandals.



As Usual, Lady Gaga's shoes stole the show in a pair of dazzling beaded platforms that seemed to actually be part of the head-to-toe body suit she wore under her custom made Giorgio Armani Prive gown. (Photo Credit: Spreadit.org)


My absolute favorite of the night, though, was the pair of sparkling Rene Caovilla sandals (No enlarged photo available) Pink wore as she sang and swang from high above the audience. Photo credit: Getty Images.