No surprise to any of our regular readers is the rather obvious fact that I like shoes.  This is beyond the actual ’shoes I’d like to wear’ and into the land of ‘If I had an unlimited budget I’d consider opening a shoe-museum’.  There are simply too many love-them or hate-them… yet always interesting-to-look-at shoes being made for me to own (let alone wear) even a fraction of the styles that pique my interest.

Lanvin python and Mongolian fur pumps $1990 via Net-a-porter

Today’s attention-getters are these too-much-going-on pumps from Lanvin. I don’t think I like them (I’m still digesting them, as it were), yet they fascinate me.  They are more evidence of the growing trend of adding exterior-fur details as an artistic element of a shoe’s overall design. Normally,  as we enter the fall/winter seasons, fur  and shearling linings are the most common usage we see of these materials; their warmth value makes them a natural winter option.  But, this increase in these fibers being used in the upper/decorative areas of shoes and boots could lead to some fascinating looks and textural details. While I am sure that I will not love all of the looks that come out of this, I look forward to finding out just where this experimentation might lead.

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Rebecca Minkoff announced she is expanding her handbag and ready-to-wear portfolio with the introduction of a 25-style shoe collection. The footwear will be offered in stores for spring and will make their debut at Minkoff’s ready to wear presentation next month during fashion week in New York. The shoes are supposed to retail for $160 to $395. 

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So I went to a wedding last weekend, the dresses were beautiful, the shoes were lovely, and everyone in the bridal party had body art.  Maybe it is a generational thing, but when I see tatoos, especially on women - especially when the women are dressed up, the first thing I think is “Eeww.”   

 Then I was wandering around online and saw this photo.  It is Kat Vod D promoting the opening of her new Gallery in West Hollywood.   Here is a bangin body, a pretty face, a wonderful dress, and great shoes.   I understand the reason for Kat’s tats (tee hee) is  part of her self-promotion,  but the body ink just detracts the attention from her outfit.

I told my daughter that in 50 years, nurses in care centers will be sniggering about tramp stamps, full sleeves and boob/chest tatoos on the 80 year old patients.  She just rolled her eyes at me.  

So, what do you think?  Is body art attractive?   Is it distractive?

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Brian Atwood and Jones Apparel Group announced today a new footwear and accessory line called B Brian Atwood.   According to Atwood, the new accessories collection will be inspired by the “East Village girls who have great style”.

The collection will feature shoes priced between $200 and $500 with an initial launch  planned to commence in fall 2011.  While that’s less expensive than the main line, this isn’t exactly affordable to the masses as B Brian Atwood is not a diffusion line but a compliment to the main line.

Tell me, are you excited about B Brian Atwood?  I’m going to reserve judgment until I see the styles and quality of the shoes.

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Alaia cutout calf hair platform pumps $2375 via Net-a-porter.

These layered, laser-cut overlay booties almost make me wish I could get married all over again just to have an excuse to own them.  They visually scream,  “Unforgettable fall wedding.”  Lucky, indeed, is the gal who scores these  beautiful ankle boots to wear under her wedding gown.

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