Milan Spring 2010 Fashion Week: Platform Sandals

Earlier this year, André Leon Talley of Vogue was heard remarking that he was “over the mania of the high, high heel”.  On the Milan Spring 2010 runways, it’s really unapparent that designers took André’s word to heart.  The shoes were still soaring and high, abetted by one and two inch platforms.

Strappy Fendi Sandals for Spring 2010: My favorite part of these wraparound Fendi sandals were the rose-hued clear platform.

Gucci Spring 2010 Heels: Futuristic, sexy bondage heels appeared to be the theme on Gucci’s runway.

Versace Spring 2010 Fantasy Land Shoes: Donatella Versace’s Spring Collection was said to be inspired by the upcoming Alice in Wonderland movie from Tim Burton. This must explain the medley of playful polka dot, geometric, and pastel prints.

Fashion-conscious, affordable finds at Famous Footwear

Let me start out by saying that I like summer as much as anyone. Warm weather and sunshine is nice, but after weeks of high-90′s temperatures, I am looking forward to more moderate fall temperatures.  Plus, my recent time in Las Vegas visiting with family may have left me feeling a bit ‘summered out’ – at least for a while. Whatever the reason, I was thrilled to discover during this weekend’s window-shopping that shoe and department stores are moving past caged booties, gladiator sandals, and *ick* flip-flops and into fall-friendly closed-toe Maryjanes, ankle boots, and knee-boots.

Yay! Fall has some of the most delicious footwear – particularly if you are a boot-lover like me.

One thing I noticed after visiting several area stores is that grey boots, in particular, are calling to me this season.  Perhaps it’s a carry-over from walking through the Bellagio shops where I covetously petted these uber-soft, grey, majorette boots by Fendi that are, sadly, not even remotely in this year’s budget (But *Gasp*  – Love ‘em!):

(Fendi boots are $995 at Net-a-porter)

These Fendi lovelies felt soooo dreamy. There really is whole other level of softness that you don’t find in cheaper leathers. (Don’t even get me started about walking through Bottega Veneta and Hermes …. *Sigh*)

So, since I am obviously obsessing over grey boots, I want to show you the first ones that caught my eye while I was wandering the aisles at Famous Footwear yesterday.

But first….Why famous footwear?

Well, for anyone on a budget, the whole buy-one get one 1/2 off is always tempting:

But, even better, there’s also a limited-time coupon, effective until September 12th, that is good for an additional 20% off your total purchase. You can print a copy of this coupon from their website or use discount code 32BTSD9 if you are buying at their website online:

How cool is that?

Anyway, back to ogling cute little grey ankle boots…

The first ones that caught my eye were these Lifestride boots. They have a bit of the same saucy majorette attitude I see in the Fendi boots while not being too costume-y. I really like the contrasting black piping against the grey suede. Hubby, however, is less won over by these. Also, these were true to size but a bit snug at the heel; they would probably fit better on gals with slightly narrower heels.

Lifestride ‘Smith’ $59.99 $69.99 before sales discounts.(Also available in an all-black combo)

By the way – These looked great peeking out from under my jeans!

Also catching my eye were several pairs of boots by the Fergalicious brand. One thing is certain, Fergie’s brand has a good feel for producing fashionable styles that don’t break the bank.

I am in love with this next little bootie; all it needs to be a perfect fit is a little arch insert to accommodate my high-ish arches. It has a black faux leather upper with contrasting grey piping and and open toe. I am loving the look of these. They are a bit reminiscent of Gucci a few seasons back, but the added lacing on these gives them a retro bowling-shoe vibe that appeals to my love of both swing and rockabilly.  These would look fabulous with a 50′s-inspired sundress or 40′s-style pencil skirt.

Fergalicious ‘Margo’ $49.99 $59.99.

But, I really, really, love these little grey ankle booties.  Just look at that zipper and that cute little wearable heel. Plus, when I tried them on, they were so soft, it was like wearing little hugs for my feet. These are definitely tempting me to make a return trip to the store before that extra 20% coupon runs out.

Fergilicious ‘Tasha’ $59.99 $69.99.

And look, they also come in black….so tempting! Just because I am in love with grey doesn’t mean I can’t love other colors too….

And, just to satisfy my love of earth-tones, is this knee-high, Fergalicious boot; warm browns are a great fall wardrobe staple. Just check out these strap-happy boots. (Also appropriate for any of you steampunks out there – Maybe I’ll see ya at Steam-con this fall.)

Fergalicious ‘Skeeter’ in brown or black; $69.99 $89.99.

Now, I just have to double-check to see if I can fit a couple of these into this month’s budget. After all, I’ve been good. I haven’t purchased a new pair of shoes since May (quite an acheivement for a lady who’s had periods where she averaged four new pairs of shoes per month)…..and that includes my recent trip to Las Vegas.

What do ya think?

Shoe Girl Crush – Zoe Saldana

It’s been a while since I’ve have a shoe girl crush.  By that, I mean that I’ll go gaga over every pair of shoes a celebrity wears.  Last year, one of my favorite shoe girls was the same as Jitterbugbaby’s,  who wrote a lot about Gwyneth Paltrow shoes.

This year, I think we already have a strong contender for 2009 Shoe Girl Crush.  That person is Zoe Saldana and whoever her shoe stylist may be.  Since she started appearing on red carpets to promote the new Star Trek movie, I have to admit that I’m been scouring the web for images.   The shoes she wears are always so unexpected (i.e. not Louboutin), edgy, and glamorous. Oh yeah, the outfits aren’t bad either but the shoes are the main focal point.  So without further ado, here are some of Zoe’s fabulous footwear.

Shoe Crush #1: Giambattista Valli Spring 2009 heels

Shoe Crush #2: Patent Multi-Strap Heels (I’m not sure who the designer is, but the shoe look like they are either by Phi or Emilio Pucci)

Shoe Crush #3: Alaia Lace Ups

Shoe Crush #4: ‘Wicked’ Pumps by Brian Atwood

Anyways, you get my drift.  For more out of this world shoes, click on some of the thumbnail shots below.

Sources; FashionSpot, Style, RedCarpetFashionAwards, FabSugar

A Dreamy Selection of Shoes for Christmas Eve

Whether or not you’ve got chestnuts roasting on an open fire or stockings all hung by the chimney with care, it is indeed the night before Christmas in my time zone.

And on this night when so many go to sleep dreaming of the delightful treasures to be unwrapped tomorrow and the smiles on faces of other people unwrapping their own treasured gifts, I come bearing some shoes to inspire pleasant dreams.

Here’s an ice sculpture of a Chanel stunner from their upcoming Spring 2009 line.

Who wouldn’t be happy to open this trompe l’oeil Fendi bootie under the Christmas tree?

The Jimmy Choo Roz sandal will spice up any holiday party.

You’ll never be called boring if you show up anywhere in these Marc Jacobs yellow python stilettos.

Just imagine little fairy lights twinkling off the sparkle on these Miu Miu platforms.

Or take a page from Galligator’s book and wish for something blue, like these crystallized Valentino pumps.

And if none of those is making for sweet dreams for you, then I’ll leave you with this final winter wonderland of a shoe that I snapped a photo of in a Paris store window on a recent pass by the classic department store, Le Printemps.

May those of you celebrating have a joyous Christmas.  And may all of you (celebrating or not) have a wonderful last week of 2008 filled with good cheer and good company.

Fendi Logo Pump

I am not usually a fan of logo shoes. They are not really my thing; too busy, too ‘advertisy’, among other reasons. I am one of those gals who doesn’t like paying $300 extra on a shoe simply to get a logo.

But, I openly admit that I am really fond of these.  They are a bit more subtle than most logo shoes I have seen.  All of the detail is in the heel, leaving the the classic peep-toe and slight platform in black leather to maintain a classic appeal and nice visual balance.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt that I love a beautiful stacked-wood heel. The addition of the logo in this case hints at leopard spotting from a distance, so the logo lettering seems more playful to me in this instance.

These would look fantastic peeking out under the right pair of black trousers or accompanying a sexy pencil skirt.

(Available at Saks for $640)

I’m growing very fond of the look of this particular shoe. What to you think?