Trend Talk: Fresh Takes on Transitional Floral Footwear

Petals for your Mettle

Anyone else feel like spring's just not that into us this year, and winter has decided we'll be together forever? Granted, we've had some beautiful days, but they've often been followed by rain, low temperatures and in some places hail or snow. Meanwhile, we're all tired pretty tired of our winter boots. What's a gal to do when Mother Nature can't seem to decide on a season? Opt for fun, versatile floral footwear, of course.

We know, floral motifs for spring aren't exactly a sartorial revolution. Nonetheless, flowers are still a refreshing sight at this point, and this year they're bold, exaggerated and often layered over other prints, like snake and stripes. Here are a few pairs we suggest to take you through the rest of the wacky-weather season.

Loafers

We love the versatility of a good loafer, and this "Loraine" flat by Sam Edelman features this year's must-have horse-bit accent. (inspired by Gucci? We think so.) Add a snake-print upper covered in cartoonish florals, and you've got a work-to-weekend shoe that looks as great with a pencil skirt as it does with cut-offs and a cool tee. Available at Shopbop.

Easy Flats

These misty days of spring can make shoe selection tough- there's not enough moisture for a rain boot, but you also don't want your leather or canvas shoes to get damp. That's why we love this Melissa "Ultragirl 3db" flat. A simple style in lightweight PVC, it's perfect for the office, errands or even for wearing to an event and then slipping on your heels before making your grand entrance. It's basically the polished, grown-up version of the jelly shoes we wore as children. Available (along with a huge selection of other plastic shoes we love) at shopmelissa.com.

Sneakers

Call it a carryover habit from childhood, but we tend to refresh our sneaker collection in spring. This pair from Keds X Rifle Paper Co. gives us all the feels a a pretty bouquet with none of the allergy symptoms. Tie these on, and it'll be tough not to skip down the street, even on cloudy days. Available here.

Heels

Not every flower girl's job is limited to dropping petals at weddings. Some of us are adults who have to actually work in an office. While you may not want a full bouquet on your desk, you can wear one on your feet and still look sophisticated. This JADE pump from Betsey Johnson works for both the office AND after-work drinks. That checks just about all the boxes, no? Get it here.

Rain Booties

When April's showers are more of a downpour, but it feels too warm out for a tall boot, rubber ankle booties are a must. We love the combination of nautical navy stripes and feminine pastel florals on this chelsea boot from London Fog. Available here.

Trend Talk: How to Wear White Shoes After Labor Day

White is the New Black

Remember when white shoes after labor day were a serious "don't" for fashionable folks? Well, those days are officially gone—at least for now. White shoes are actually a fall 2017 must among the style set. For everyone else, white shoes can be tough enough to pull off during the spring and summer, let alone fall and winter. Fret not if you find the trend a bit challenging. We've got a few tips to help you step confidently into this trend. The first step is actually accepting that white shoes can look great during the chilly seasons and realizing that they should look pretty different from the ones you'd wear May-August.

A few things to keep in mind as you start assembling your lewks:

• Keep the silhouette simple
• Wear with season-right (and on-trend) outfits—a frilly mini may look like you're still trying to hold onto summer.
• A black outsole helps keep things season-right and adds a bit of monochromatic edge
• Don't be afraid to experiment with brightly colored pairings

Here are a few styles and silhouettes we suggest:

The Mule:

Topshop "Juicy" v-cut mules

Whether high or low-heeled, mules are EVERYWHERE this season. And for good reason. They're versatile, easy-on and can be worn throughout at least 3/4 of the year. We love the high v-cut vamp of Topshop's "Juicy" mules. Plus, the mid-height, tapered heel makes them approachably sexy. Whether you wear it with frayed wide-leg jeans, pencil skirts or stirrup leggings, you'll nail the look.  Get them HERE.

The Block-heel Pump

SMOKE with white sculpted-heel pumps by O.WHEN

Squared toes and marbled, sculpted block heels give these "SMOKE with white" pumps from O.WHEN a modern, architectural feel. These are perfect for those who work in creative offices. Think sleek maxi skirts or trousers... and a red lip that'll leave a nice print on your glass at happy hour. Get them HERE.

The Stiletto Pump

Katy Perry "Cecilia" stiletto pumps

Katy Perry's Cecilia pumps are oozing with sparkly fun. The v-cut vamp gives us 90s feels, and the glittery accent makes them perfect for a night out. Hello, LBD or ripped jeans, meet your new party partners. Available via Amazon Prime.

Jeffrey Campbell "Stratford" Stacked-Heel Bootie

What's autumn if not ankle boot season? That said, a crisp white iteration is the perfect addition to your collection this season. It'll freshen up a sweater and jeans or add a crisp note to a turtleneck and trumpet skirt. Get this block-heel pair of Jeffrey Campbell "Stratford" booties at Shopbop.

Steve Madden "Vivacious" slouch boots

Remember that glistening jeweled slouch boot that stopped the world as it strode down YSL's Fall 2017 runway? Well, the silhouette has clearly inspired other brands (luckily for those of us who can't spend 5 figures on shoes). Steven Madden interpreted the cone-heel style in a white boot aptly named "Vivacious", and we must say it's high on our want list. Imagine strutting down the street in a chunky sweater and wrap skirt that exposes just a little thigh... HAWT! Or what about when it's time to hit the club and you go full-on 80s in a denim mini... LIT! Get it HERE.

Will you be trying the white shoe trend this fall? Need help finding a specific silhouette? Let us know. Our Shoe Sleuth is happy to help!

Trend Talk: Nail Spring Style in Studded Shoes

Stud-y Buddies

Designers definitely drew inspiration from the free-spirited style of the 70s (again) for Spring '16, meaning chunky platforms, clogs and block heels are huge this season. Almost every brand has its own version of a retro-inspired mule or sandal with stud accents near the sole. If you want to dip your toe into the boho-inspired studded shoe trend without going full-on flower child, fret not. We found a few studded styles with a more refined look that work for the office, weekend brunch or date night. And one even costs less than $100.

Pour La Victoire Geo Mules $275

Zara Studded Clog Sandals $119

FLOGG Socialite Mules $159.95

Lulus Wood-n't Ya Know Sandals $38

Alexander Wang Bree Caged Pumps $650

Will a pair of studded shoes find their way into your closet this season? Eyeing a pair that's out of your price range and want to know where to get the look for less? Let us know in the comments.

Heart & Sole: Garcelle Beauvais x ShoeDazzle to Help Erase MS

 

Multiple Sclerosis affects close to two million Americans, primarily between the ages of 20 and 40, and at almost three times as many women as men. Nancy Davis, who was diagnosed with MS in 1993, founded the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis in an effort to treat and eventually cure the chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. This year, ShoeDazzle is partnering with with the foundation for the second time, and actress Garcelle Beauvais has signed on as a celebrity guest designer. Available exclusively on ShoeDazzle.com on May 14th for $39.95 with 100% of profits going to the Nancy Davis Foundation, the “Ms. Glam” wedge is in Spring 2012’s hottest hue (which also happens to be the official color of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness). As part of the “Orange You Happy to Erase MS” campaign, “Ms. Glam” will be among other orange products by popular designers featured in the Shop to Erase MS Collection. Also, ShoeDazzle will make an additional $5 donation for each new client who joins the site using the special code “MSGLAM” between May 14th and June 14th. I actually have two friends living thriving with MS, so I’m really happy to share this opportunity to not only get in step with one of this season’s biggest trends, but also help fund research to cure this disease.

 

Technorati Tags: Orange platform wedges,Orange shoes,shop for a cause,Garcelle Beauvais for Shoe Dazzle,ShoeDazzle,Help Erase MS,Multiple Sclerosis Awareness,Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis,ShoeDazzle celebrity guest designer,Glam shoes,Spring 2012 Orange Trend,Shoe Stylist,MSGLAM

Blogger Labels: Orange platform wedges,Orange shoes,shop for a cause,Garcelle Beauvais for Shoe Dazzle,ShoeDazzle,Help Erase MS,Multiple Sclerosis Awareness,Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis,ShoeDazzle celebrity guest designer,Glam shoes,Spring 2012 Orange Trend,Shoe Stylist,MSGLAM

Much Ado about Shoes: FFANY June 2011

 

For shoe lovers such as moi, the FFANY Shoe Expo is like a style-savvy friend with whom we only chat every few months. When we do get together, however, it’s always a blast. Plus, she’s in the know and shares the inside scoop (but only if she trusts you). This year, many brands were wary of letting people take pictures (thanks to style thieves). However, I thoroughly enjoyed checking out some of my favorite brands’ interpretations of shoe trends for this and upcoming seasons. Here’s what I spied with my shoe-lusting eye (WARNING: Long post ahead):

Demure for Sure

In the coming season, things will stay pretty prim. With their bows, ankle straps and dainty details, ladylike looks balance out the rock-glam and menswear inspired looks that have dominated lately.(Clockwise: C-Label’s Arnie-2 (blue) and Peyton-12 (pink), ankle strap print sandal by Candela, Sandal with sparkly strap by Schutz)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twinkle Toes

The sparkly shoe trend also seems to be sticking around for a while. You may remember a past post featuring Bordello Teeze  pump… Well lately, lots of brands have been offering slightly toned-down and smoothed out alternatives, and glam gals like me can’t get enough. (Left to right: Miss Me Vibe-2 pump, Charles David ankle strap glitter pump)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fringe Binge

We’ve seen fringed footwear here and there lately, but for Fall 2011, it’s going to be in full force. (left to right: C-Label Dainty-5, Luichiny High Life.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stepping it Up

We’ve been walking tall for quite some time in platform peep toes, pumps and other styles. In the last couple of seasons, designers have kicked it up a notch with double platforms and semi-strippertastic styles. Shoe Fairy, I’ll take these, please! (Clockwise: Leopard lace up bootie by N.Y.L.A., Brea T-strap by Francheska, Tara tan tied sandal by Fever Shoes, Green Suede pump by Pour la Victoire, Tasha fuchsia sandal by Fever Shoes.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Block Party

Color blocking is HUGE for Summer 2011 and will continue to keep things fun in the coming seasons. (Clockwise: Color block ankle boot and multi-color sandal by Luichiny, Color block pumps, blue/ black platforms, pink/ red platforms from Charles by Charles David, pink/ orange pumps from Kelsi Dagger, blue/ green pumps by Schutz)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horse Play

The perfect luxe touch for fall, pony hair adds extra personality and texture to some of the upcoming season’s most chic styles. (Clockwise: black ankle boot by Luichiny, lace up booties by Pour la Victoire, splatter-look bootie by Plomo, Leopard print d’orsay pump by Charles David.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Had enough? Want more? (I’ve still got a few waiting in the wings.. Think crazy wedges, snakeskin and ultra brights by brands like Jefferey Campbell, Schutz and Butter shoes.) Have a question about when/ where you can buy a pair you’ve seen here? Let me know!

Technorati Tags: FFANY,Shoe trends,shoe trade shows,double platform shoes,pony hair shoes

Much Ado about Shoes: FFANY part 2 Hilton Hotel and Nine West

Tales of a Trade Show

Earlier this month, I attended the FFANY New York Shoe Expo at New York's Flatotel, Hilton New York Hotel and various member showrooms (see my faves from the Flatotel here). In addition to swooning over the shoe offerings for S/S 2011, I had the opportunity to chat with representative from various brands (which means the inside scoop on where to buy the shoes, and maybe future giveaways, so stay tuned). Here are the shoes that made me squeal at the Hilton and the Nine West showroom:

You may remember the buzz surrounding Q by Pasquale's Glass Q Shoe. For S/S 2011, they're offering a new line of more accessible, more mainstream shoes with Murano glass accents and beautifully painted soles. I love the fact that there's a thin, clear rubber layer under the footbed that allows you to marvel at the artistic painting without scratching it when you walk. I'm hoping the Shoe Fairy delivers one or all three of these (I wasn't allowed to take photos the day of, but my contacts have emailed me images since then): 

Elizabeth Brady's designs straddled the line between conservative chic and trendy touches with their ruffles, platforms and not-quite-neon pops of color. The retail prices will be really reasonable, too! These three swept me off my feet:

Enigma, a brand known for celeb-worthy styles at super-low prices, will keep things fun for Summer 2011, but I was more caught up in their offerings for Fall 2010. Strippertastic Platforms, sky-high heels, bright booties? I'm sold!

Nine West's Spring/ Summer 2011 lineup will be a brightly colored and sometimes sparkly nod to Marylin Monroe, Grease and other iconic Americana.

We may be feeling the breezes of an approaching Autumn, but I'm shoely looking forward to Spring 2011 now.