I love that women’s oxfords have been in fashion for the last few seasons. Something about the laces and stitched leather that combine to make a nearly irresistible package that I just can’t wait to try on.

So, when I drove the three hours to the nearest Nordstrom in May during the Half-yearly sale, this shoe, of course, was not included in the sale, became my new obsession:

BCBGirls ‘Corona’.

Available in: Icy Foam/Black, Summer Brown/Canvas, and Black/Black Snake (not pictured). Retailing for $109.95-$112.99 at Nordstrom.com and Heels.com; it is currently $66.45 at Shoebuy.com.

I was specifically attracted to the spectator color styling; my favorite being the ‘Icy Foam’ grey and black combination. This is a lovely alternative to the more traditional black and white spectators and is a great summer alternative to similar closed-toe styles. Unfortunately, this particular color combination is only available in Nordstrom stores and is not available at the Nordstrom online shopping site.  This is a  real obstacle when it is three hours and one gas tank to the nearest brick and mortar location.

So, my online hunt was on.

I actually found a similar shoe by Guess:

The ‘Doozi’.

Available in: Espresso/Ivory or Black at Endless.com ($119.95), Shoes.com ($120), and Zappos.com ($124).

With two mass-retailed brands bringing out such similar styles, should I have been suspicious?

Does it live up to the reputation of Uber-sexy classic styling? Christian Louboutin’s ‘Sometimes’ starting at $860. Already sold out at Net-a-porter, it may still be available in-store at Saks, Louboutin boutiques, and other high-end retailers..

6 Comments »

The new metallics replacing golds and silvers are pewters and coppers. I simply adore this BCBG Max Azria Elicia metallic flat ($200 at Piperlime), with its imaginative shiny rosettes on the vamp. Now, that’s a delightful bunch! Great for office parties or just to spice up your day.

No Comments Yet »

I’ve noticed it enough times to call it almost a trend (see the post on Tod’s skimmers ): the mix of soft, luxurious suedes or velvets with glossy patents. Two sides of femininity in two materials: one for that warm, fuzzy, brownie-loving purring cat in you, the other for the ice-queen, perfectionist, smooth and perfect and polished fashion queen.

Luckily, this BCBG Max Azria ‘Cora’ flat, will satisfy both sides:

I love the domino effect created by the mix of black suede and ivory patent, with minimalist stitching and a coquettish bow. Tres chic, tres feminine, tres you: B(on) C(hic) B(on) G(enre), indeed!

No Comments Yet »

You know when a shoe rubs you the wrong way, don’t you? I don’t mean when you wear it, but when you see it:

That was the case for me with this BCBG Max Azria ‘Talina’ peep-toe low wedge in gold leather (currently on sale for $100, down from $210, at Plaza Too). I know it’s supposed to be oh-so-trendy, and I have nothing against the gold, the peep-toe, or the low wedge. However, all that combined with the excessive ruching makes this shoe bulky and grandmotherly (the black patent version doesn’t fare much better in my opinion). Something’s got to give here, and it should be those ruffles.

No Comments Yet »

Here’s a gold cage I wouldn’t mind being trapped in:

The gold! The studs! The peep-toe! The ingenious vamp strappiness! The peep-toe! The low wedge! The gold! Be still my beating heart. They’re $210 at Shoes.com. 

No Comments Yet »