Who Says Boots Were Made Only for Walking in Winter?

I’m one of those stubborn girls who insists on wearing her boots in the summer. Why, you ask? Because boots are hot with short little skirts, and I live in miniskirts (until I turn 30… okay, maybe later too…)

But no one wants to be sweating in their boots, however cute. So here are a few that will make you look hot but not feel sweaty this summer, many of them with cutouts for ventilation (who wants to wear socks during the summer?). Winter white was hot, and now summer off-white and white are hot, but that doesn’t mean black doesn’t look still great at night.

I love the cute little curvy laser cutout Jump Mond, available for $100.80 at Zappos.

The famous Giuseppe Zanotti boot with a number for its name now comes in a summer-appropriate shade, but still at $879, unfortunately. You can zip them up by hitting Endless. I still think it looks like a whalebone corset or a skeleton.

Marc, j’adore! MBMJ Leather Cutout Boots for $550 at Net-a-Porter.

If you can afford the lovely YSL Cage Ankle Boots that go for the price of a cheap studio’s monthly rent in New York, scoop ‘em up for $1290 at Net-a-Porter.

If you can’t afford them, then try the Luichiny Star Bound for $93.95 at Zappos. Yes, people will know it’s not the real thing, and no, it’s not as quality, but it’s about $1200 cheaper and if it’s the look you’re going for…

Jimmy Choo’s Reese is $995 at Net-a-Porter.

The Chinese Laundry Kingwood is cute but I think the Western style might go out of style pretty quickly. However, if you dig the trend, it’s pretty adorable for right now. It’s at Endless for $119.95.

I can’t help but like the androidy/Star Wars getup/forcefield-like/constructed-from-Nile-reeds Sigerson Morrison gladiator, but then, you all know I like freak shoes (anything but NORMAL – gasp!). It’s available at La Garconne for $1048.60. (Yes, that’s right, you read that correctly.)

I don’t love Sigerson Morrison’s cutout boot, but maybe you will. They’re on sale for $356 at Zappos.

Lastly, leave it to Proenza Schouler to wow with $1150 boots at Zappos Couture. Love it! The interestingly placed zipper, the great heel detail, the half solid leather, half gladiator-style shredded leather, this is a perfect boot.

Lastly, my other fave, the Halston Cluny magenta cutout boots, $1395, available at Net-a-Porter.com.

Go to Shopbop for more lovely boots, including some of my favorites by Balmain, Camilla Skovgaard, Givenchy, Zero Maria Cornejo and Opening Ceremony.

Hardware Trend Part 1: Zippers

This look is being referred to loosely in fashion magazines as the ‘Hardware Trend’; it’s main indicator is an obvious and sometimes excessive use of metallic visual embellishments such as Buckles, Studs, Grommets, or in this case, Zippers.  When it is used in Fall boots, it has also been referred to as ‘Biker Chic’ or ‘Moto Style’. The common thread to these looks is that the hardware is up-front. While the zippers or buckles may occasionally be functional, in most cases the primary use of these items is decorative in nature.  This type of Metallic adornment is not at all unusual on Motorcycle Boots, as well as at retailers such as Hot Topic who specialize in the Alternative Rock, Punk, Industrial or Goth musical scenes. 

Interestingly enough, I first encountered zippers as trim on the following very exuberant shoes: The Marc by Marc Jacobs Zipped and Studded Pump  in blue denim or black calfskin ($197.80 6pm.com; also available in a slingback Flat for $163.30)) and the Metallic Naughty Monkey ‘Gudahame’ ($40.25 6pm.com). These are rather aggressive shoes that have quite a lot going on.

However, the current popularity of the trend can likely be laid at the feet of Christian Louboutin’s Caracolo (previously blogged about here) out around Christmastime last year. Recently available at Bluefly ($616 in Red, Black, and Dusty Pink),the Caracolo has not lost it’s delightful edge; it was also striking enough that Steve Madden apparently created a very faithful (Sans Red Sole) replica that sold out in very little time indeed). 

Similar in spirit to the above Louboutin, I also love this cute Punk/Industrial-styled  ’Zipper Point Flat’ by well-know alternative shoe brand T.U.K. Shoes (Zappos.com $45).It has that same look of the zipper ‘swallowing’ the foot as the Caracolo that I find really appealing and fun while retaining a practical and walkable cut for everyday use.

Back to Christian Louboutin, the ’Rhodita’ summer sandal ($835 at net-a-porter.com and Niemanmarcus.com) continues with the zipper taking front stage as an integral and eye-catching detail.

Similar but not identical to the Rhodita is the slightly more budget-conscious LAMB ‘Shauna’ in Black or Gunmetal ($279.95 Endless.com /269.99 Heels.com / Shopbop.com);This is a chunkier YSL-esque platform for the girl who really loves that extra oomph! a few added inches can give her.

Yet another similar sandal, Carlos by Carlos Santana’s ‘Cougar’ in Silver, Bronze, or Black (Endless.com $98.95 / Zappos.com $100); this one also has zippered straps and its price range is much more in line for all the bargain fashionistas out there.

Coming back to LAMB, we have two styles that play up zippers on the vamp area.  First, the ‘Selene’ pump with zip-trimmed tuxedo-shirt flaps in Black or Gunmetal ($239.00 Endless.com /$252.95 Zappos.com /$299.99 Heels.com). Second, the slingback ‘Sidney’ with Zipper Rosette on the vamp ($319 Zappos.com / $315 Shoes.com / $239.90 Endless.com/ $220.50 on sale at Shopbop.com). Both of these styles are riding the zipper trend to keep Gwen’s L.A.M.B. brand fun and funky.

Are these early adopters all we can expect from the Zipper trend? Most assuredly not. A quick search as I am writing this has come up with dozens of late contenders for moving into Fall. Among these styles:

Betsey Johnson’s ‘Tayla’ in Black, Grey or Camel ($235 Zappos.com / $234.99 Heels.com / $234.95 Endless.com / Sale priced $119.99 at Smartbargains.com). As this is Betsey Johnson; it should come as little surprise that the zipper pull is in the shape of a lightning bolt. If there is an opportunity for Glam, Betsey usually takes it.

For a bit of playful appeal, Not Rated’s ‘Sidestep’ in Pink, Green, Yellow, Charcoal, or Black, ($39.95 Endless.com / $49.00 Zappos.com) gives a colorful kick.

Sergio Rossie ‘Patent Leather Platform Sandal’ ($850 Nordstrom’s Pre-order). This is a fairly conservative interpretation on the zipper theme.

BCBGirls ‘Lotun’ in Croc-embossed Red or Black Calfskin ($109.95 Nordstrom.com); another conservative interpretation.

Taryn Rose’s ‘Bridger’ Ballet Flat with Zipper Rose detail ($495 Neimanmarcus.com). I sure hope that’s one cozy Flat.

And yes, Helle Comfort has made a Zipped and Studded Clog ($174 Zappos.com). Oh My!

Other Honorable Mentions go to the following:

Sergio Rossi ‘Farisa‘ Zip-toe Pump $373 clearance.
Chinese Laundry ‘Betsey‘ Zipper Platform in Denim or Black $79.95
Chinese Laundry ‘Arcane‘ Zipper Pump $89.95.
Harley Davidson ‘Fortune‘  High Heel Sandal $64.00.
Fly London ‘Mall‘ Peep-toe Heel $96.23.
Fly London ‘Mex‘ Peep-toe Heel $82.49.
Not Rated ‘Zip It’ Flat $44.95.
Michael Kors ‘Berkeley‘ Flat $99.00.

Project Runway 5.3 – Shoes on a Budget

Well, after episode two’s rather bland shoe offerings, last week’s episode three was a definite improvement. 

I have been drooling over the Gucci “Eva” wingtip platform pump and booties since I first saw them at the Gucci website last fall.  Unfortunately, even at Bluefly’s best sale prices, these have yet to drop below the $450-500 range. This is just too rich for my blood – and my bank account.

So, I was happy recently to find several reasonable and affordable alternatives to satisfy my attraction to the basic style of the Gucci originals.

• Guess by Marciano’s “Egeria” $129 at Zappos.com/$125 at Shoes.com. In black or brown:

• Report “Ellis” $189 at Zappos.com/$185 at Shoes.com.  In black, grey, or nude:

• Bongo “Square Dance” $46.00 at Zappos.com:

And, for those of you attracted to the green Cavalli sandal already seen on several episodes, Chinese Laundry has this affordable copy. Which, interestingly enough, seems to come in just about any color except for green.

• Chinese Laundry “Mika”, $63 at Zappos. In black, red, royal blue, and white:

I love the challenge of finding affordable styles for those of us who are on a budget or who live in small towns where we see very little variety. I hope these help you to look like you just walked off of a fashion runway.

And as for tonight’s show? I’m hoping to start seeing stronger designs tonight, both in footwear and in fashion.

Colorblock T-straps…

…are all the rage now. Check it:

Chinese Laundry Sinead, $54 at Zappos:

Paul Smith colorful sandal, $319 at Zappos:

Unusual LD Tuttle flat sandals, $395 at Satine Boutique:

Tod’s très chic Matisse sandals, $425 at eLuxury:

MiuMiu jeweled flat sandals, $670 at Netaporter:

Clarks Maplewood (also in multiple color combos), $74 at Zappos:

I really need to get me one of these–summer’s just around the corner!