We were all "ooohs and ahhhs" when Jeremy Scott sent neon colored Melissa shoes down the runway with a his Moschino collection. Classic silhouettes with styling and accents inspired by inflatable pool and bath toys, they were playfully sophisticated. They were also high on our wishlist (so we were ridiculously excited when we were gifted the mule one season and the ankle boot the following season. If you haven't already scored a pair or two, here's your chance. They're 50% off (and all less than $125)! Here are our five favorites from the sale:
Remember that time Anthony Vacarello stopped the world by sending a pair of mesmerizing silver, jeweled slouch boots down the YSL Fall 17 runway? Did you also seethe with envy swoon when Rihanna wore those exact boots less than a week later?
OK, us, too. While we had zero hopes of securing the $10,000 (yes, you read that right) phenoms of footwear, we have since been wondering who would be first to make a similar style available to the masses. (Because in addition to that price tag, there's also a crazy waiting list.) Well, it looks like British brand, Kandee, is among the leaders of that pack with its aptly named "Bad Girl" boot.
Though the $550 version doesn't have the structural cone heel (because, uh, hello trademarks), it does have the pointed toe, slouch silhouette and dazzling allover crystals. (That's what matters most, right?) If you're chasing this trend, you'll have to pre-order a pair HERE. They'll take 3-6 weeks to ship— according to Kandee, they're handmade to order.
New York Fashion Week has come to an end, and Spring/ Summer 2015 has a head-spinning variety of styles in store. There were so many shows and so many shoes (as always). We're simultaneously catching our breath from all the amzing pieces and trying to keep up with the coverage of London Fashion Week, but we managed to find our top #NYFW picks.
The Project Runway alum said in his notes that he drew inspiration for this collection from the multidimensional glass sculptures of Australian sculptor Sergio Redegalli. We think these shoes are the stuff of fairy tales, especially the silver iridescent pair at the top center and the white mules with the mint green perspex heels.
Inspirations for the apparel at the J. Crew Spring 2015 RTW presentation ran the gamut from sports to stars to South American textiles, resulting in a collection that that epitomized elevated cool. The shoes were gorgeous. This iridescent sandal, with its dainty heel and slender straps, took our breath away. We're coveting the entire collection, though.
A favorite among the red carpet crowd, Monique Lhuillier, recalled a recent trip to Harbour Island in the Bahamas for her Spring 2105 collection. She was moved by the blush and lilac tones, and she was inspired by the reflective, rippling water. Consequently, most of her had an element of sparkle or shimmer (and then there were those effervescent pink dresses). The shoes shined as well. This clear-heeled gold sandal is on our must-get list.
According to her instagram, Marissa Webb's shoes didn't arrive in time for her presentation. As a result, Ivy Kirzhner's (already-available-online yay!) footwear marched down the runway with her collection— a mash-up of tough, sweet and easy that will likely gain traction with the street style set. This particular pair— studded gladiator sandal with cutouts, lots of hardware and a dash of cowgirl inspiration— reminded us of Xena, one of our favorite on-screen tough chicks.
An ode to the outdoors, Kate Spade's Spring 2015 collection was a sartorial invitation to "Escape the Ordinary." (Ya know, the cubicle, the constant staring at screens, the concrete jungle...) Leisure-in-spirit clothing was complemented by quirky accessories and easy, wear-all-day shoes. This lace-up sandal, with its block heel and dotted cutout pattern, has us fantasizing about dining alfresco on a sunny afternoon.
We bet you had your own favorites from the New York shows... We'd love to know what they were (so that maybe we can pair them with great cocktails once the season arrives).
Pastels are always big for spring 2012 (though every year editors gush about them as if they weren’t HUGE the year before). That said, what do you think about this butter yellow pair of claw (or fang)-soled shoes from Iris van Herpen? Yes, couture is meant to push the sartorial envelope a bit. It’s for those who will change the stylistic notions of the masses before adhering to them. Still, could you pull these off? Would you be willing to try? Is there a celebrity you think would make them work, or are they just crazy shoes? I have my opinions, but I’ll hold mine until you share yours.
All fashion-loving eyes have turned to the City of Light for the next installment of ‘what you’ll be wearing come fall.’ The first day was pretty tame in terms of footwear, but there were a couple of stand outs.
Azzaro
Mathilde Castello Branco’s first collection for Azzaro wasn’t a jaw dropper, but it was definitely playful and cute. The shoes weren’t incredibly high or outrageous, either. However, they were classic and coy with their ankle straps and slight wing tips. **Image via WWD
Rochas
Marco Zanini’s fall 2012 eady to wear collection for Rochas was quirkishly wearable. There were retro prints in rich hues, but they were used to create classically shaped clothes. Think pencil skirts, pleats, trousers and leisure jackets. The shoes were no different, mixing skins, textures and sometimes colors, they were perfect for my inner eclectic bookworm. **Image via Style.com
Raf Simons’ swan song for Jil Sander was marked by calm elegance. While much of the collection nodded to the late 60s, the shoes were more of a futuristic reference. I, for one, wouldn’t mind this pair of pink-trimmed pumps being part of my future. **Image via Style.com
Uniqueness
Alessandra Facchinetti took the term “ready to wear” literally in the Uniqueness Fall 2012 collection, so much so that it became available online the day of its Fashion Week presentation. Throughout the collection, it was clear that the 1920s were part of the designers mood board, and there was a whisper of art deco in the shoes. Suede pumps with metallic zig-zag T-straps, anyone? **Image via WWD
Antonio Marras
Fifties chic, folkloric fabrics and bits of fur would seem to combat each other in a collection, but somehow they worked well in Antonio Marras’ ultra feminine showing for fall 2012. The shoes were ladylike, as well. Don’t these velvet color blocked, cap toe pumps look demure?
Day 2 of the Milan ready to wear shows were definitely more exciting on the footwear front. Here’s what caught my eye:
Blugirl
I’m a sucker for saddle shoes, especially when they have heels. Add bright, bubbly colors and I’m all in. Blugirl, these pastel cap toe oxfords are a win. **Photo by Piero Cristaldi via WWD
Fendi
Multi color is one thing, but multicolor AND multi-material is different level of awesome (when done properly). Fendi’s Fall 2012 booties mixed leather, pony hair and sometimes snakeskin to create a look that was at once serious and fun. **Image via ELLE
Alice + Oliviais known for its ability to inject playful sophistication into easy-to-wear apparel. The brand launched its shoe collection this year, but Spring 2012 represents its first complete line. The shoes presented, like the clothes, were fun and varied in style, but managed not to go too far over the top. There were pumps and sandals with wedge and stiletto heels in various vivid hues. My favorites? The candy colored wedge sandals.
Betsey Johnson has a tendency to toy with tutus, tulle and prom queen themes. For Spring 2012, though, she pushed the buck a bit further with her whimsical T&A themed collection. Body-hugging bra top dresses, sparkly jumpsuits and cigarette pants were paired with baby-doll shoes and lace up booties- all on pole-worthy platforms. Notwithstanding their “working” girl inspirations, the shoes were still more party than prostitute. I’m especially excited about the work boots with glittery platforms.
Few designer labels are as “New York” as DKNY. It’s no surprise, then, that its runway collection was presented on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. There’s also no heel silhouette more city-smart than a wedge (except a flat, but who wears those? lol). Any woman who’s navigated the cobblestones of the Meat Packing District or walked a city block in stilettos will tell you that. Therefore, it’s also fitting that DKNY’s shoe collection consisted exclusively of high platform wedges. There was even one in red white and blue camo- either a fitting tribute, or an eerie reference to a tragic day, depending on your perspective.
For Spring 2012, Thakoon Panichgul toyed with the concept of cowboys and Indians- literally blending Western motifs with Bollywood inspirations. The shoes- gold- toed sling backs in exotic skins with cowboy boot references and sensible heels- will easily work with various spring looks, no bandana needed.
The king of preppy cool’s Spring 2012 RTW collection was a nod to 60s mod with a bit of Pop thrown in. Think glen plaid in blue and orange, bright stripes and kick pleats. On the models’ feet? Boat shoes and loafers- but with high wooden heels and in eye- catching prints. Hilfiger also did camouflage, but his was pink.
It seems the high heeled loafer trend will carry into Spring 2012, and Charlotte Olympia’s versions for Peter Som’s runway combined fun and luxury, using exotic stingray leather, bright colors and delicate metallic details.
The cutout platform booties have a futuristic flair, but I’m absolutely in love with the heavily hued platform pumps. Both are part of Cota’s collaboration with ALDO Rise, so they may actually be within reach for most of us next Spring.
Metallic pin heels on bright platform pumps? YES please! Style.com’s Alison Baenen criticized the design duo for pairing pink and canary yellow dresses with matching looks, but she also applauded their fine tailoring. I agree that the dresses were gorgeous. Still, the shoes, a collaboration between ALDO Rise and Cushnie et Ochs, stole my heart. *Images via Fashionologie.com.
Douglas Hannant
You’d think neutral leather, coupled with rope and raffia would look rugged. Yet this shoe is quite feminine and fun.
