Return of the Balenciaga Lego shoes

We’ve blogged about these shoes before. On several occasions.

The folks at ELLE clearly agree with my assessment of the LEGO-like quality of these shoes.

I think they’re hideous.

Kanye West doesn’t.

And apparently Beyonce agrees with Kanye, rather than me, because she was sporting a pair at the American Music Awards last weekend.

The jacket was designed by Tina Knowles (Beyonce’s mom), who, of course, designs a lot of the clothes Beyonce steps out in for events. Who knows if the jacket was designed to match the shoes, but match it does.

I’m as shocked as anyone to say this, because I a) hate those shoes and b) think Beyonce rarely wears clothes that are flattering, but… drumroll please…

I like this whole look. Yep. I love how the jacket and shoes match. I love the hair and makeup. I love the earrings (which are hard to see in this photo). I love how the jeans (J Brand, which I can personally state are awesome) fit her and make her look curvaceous and fab without looking like they’re a size too small.

I still think the shoes are severely fug, but Beyonce is proving very well that the right outfit can make pretty much anything work.

Shoes for Thanksgiving

I don’t know about you other Thanksgiving-celebrating Shoeblog readers, but to me, Thanksgiving is sort of the pinnacle of autumn before winter hits. It’s a holiday of reds, browns, oranges, and yellows. Walking in the woods wrapped up in scarves and coming in from the cold with rosy cheeks to warm up with mugs of hot cider. It’s shared family time in the kitchen and the dining room and playing board games and watching movies.

Of course there are shoes that go along with this vision (just like there are sweaters and scarves and gloves), and they’re all about boots that have leather and tweed and flannel and outdoorsiness with style. Anthropologie has lots of offerings that are just perfect for this sort of atmosphere. Like these Pennine Way flannel/leather ones ($298) that feel just right for tromping through the fallen leaves.

Or these Buttonhole boots ($98) that make me want to sit in front of a fire playing Scrabble.

How about getting your fall plaid on with these Plaid Slouchers booties ($248) and curling up with a good book in the window seat with a lap rug?

Or take a page from comfy slippers with these Maloles Bronze Medal booties ($358) that manage the unlikely combination of cozy and glam at the same time.

But of all the current Anthropologie offerings, there’s one boot that sums up this Thanksgiving autumnal feeling for me more than all the others, and it’s the Precious Cargo boot ($178). Zip these on with tights and a corduroy skirt, stick your car key in the little pocket, and off you go for a handsfree (aka “no purse”) romp in the fields.

Treads, sweater cuff, working pocket, leather straps, and above all, a price tag that’s quite reasonable to me for tall boots. I love em.

Of course, if none of this fall idealizing hits you quite right, you can always just chalk up any of these to a lust for Black Friday and revel in the communal day of shopping.

Edible Delicious Shoes

As we approach Thanksgiving in the USA, a holiday that is all about appreciating your chosen family and food, I must say I’ve got edible delicacies on the brain. I’m going home to our usual Thanksgiving fare (complete with the best gravy out there) along with a new addition this year of pumpkin bread pudding with creme anglaise. Mmmmm… can’t wait!

But if you’re not feeling the bread pudding, and want something else dessert-like and show-stopping, why not try these chocolate shoes. Yes. You heard right… chocolate shoes! Chocolaterie Maya (remember? from the film?) has crafted several elaborate shoe confections. Check them out.

Yes, you’ll have to special order them (the first two pairs are $200 each), and maybe they won’t make it in time for Thanksgiving, but who knows when you’ll need an impressive piece of chocolate shoe creation?

Gucci.com 10% off Sale – Today Only

This Gucci deal was updated on our holiday coupon guide, but since it is so rare for a luxury brand to have a sale on virtually all their super spectacular inventory, I thought it deserved its own post.

On Tuesday, November 20, 2007 (today for all you in the east and midwest) , Gucci.com is have a special holiday shopping event. All purchases at Gucci.com will automatically receive a 10% discount at checkout (except for the UNICEF Holiday merchandise).

There are a ton of beautiful goodies on display, but there were a few that stood out for me. Keep in mind that I’m in the holiday mood and I’m still hunting for the perfect outfits to wear to the holiday parties that I’ll be attending.

Gucci Gold Kelly Pumps- This would really make the little black cocktail dress pop. I’m a fan of the gold knot at the top. Originally $560 but now on sale for $504.

If your holiday outfit is sparkling and you need a more basic shoe, I like these black Gucci pumps with swarovski crystal accents on the heel. I imagine they would be a closet staple for years to come and the crystals give the classic black pump instant, but still understated, glam. Originally $650; One sale for $585. There’s also a peeptoe version of this shoe in case you want to show off your perfect pedicure.

And since no outfit is complete without the perfect date and handbag/clutch, I’m in love with this feminine and radiant purple snakeskin clutch with mink tassels and swarovski crystals. Original price is $1280 but it is not on sale for $1152.

If the color isn’t to your liking but the style is, a gold version is available for a sale price of $805.5.

Manolo Meets Marimekko

I must say I’m very excited about the news that Manolo Blahnik’s Spring/Summer 08 collection will include some shoes with Marimekko patterns.

While I can’t say I’m much of a fan of Marimekko’s clothing, I think their graphic patterns are great. Fun, fresh, flirty, fantastic. And combine them with Manolo’s shoe designing power… it’s a combo that’s hard to beat.