The Handsomeness of Marni

I promised I’d post more photos from Saks. Here are a pair of gorgeous Marni shoes I snapped that I would just die for. I don’t care how old they are, because they’re so classic, I would wear them forever. I love the curvy heel, the platform, the open toe, the color and the woven vamp. I can’t find the name for them easily though, and I’ve got to dash out the door in a moment. Does anyone know their name?

I love the Marni style because it’s so distinctive and a little bit more outlandish and daring than some of the other high end stuff, but still so classic, and I love the 70s notes. They’re just such HANDSOME shoes. I would never say pretty, and some of them are plain ugly, but I love a good handsome shoe. It makes me feel very safe and classic and sturdy in good leather. Sort of that feeling of being in horseback riding class, wearing classic breeches and riding boots. That’s the kind of girl I can see wearing Marni in her professional life.

Here’s a screenshot of some Marni platforms from ShopStyle, one of my favorite websites for easily searching for either a category (“platforms” or “silk camisole”) or specific item (“Irregular Choice shoes”).

These Marni buckle sandals, one of my favorites, are on sale for $344, down from $685.

And here’s a fun little Marni video for you, set to jazzy music, no less (not what I would have expected for Swinging Seventies shoes, but fun!)

Saks’ Shoe Heaven Has a Sale, its Own Shoe Code … and an Express Elevator!

Going to Saks’ Shoe Heaven is an experience, especially when they’re having a sale. The shoe floor is so big, it has its own zip code: 10022-SHOE! We’ve written about it before, but with this sale, it deserves a fresh look.

You take an express elevator (here’s a photo of Kellie Pickler in front of said elevator) to the eighth floor and start getting excited while you’re in the elevator, which says 10022-SHOE.

The shoe mecca has its own repair service, Charbonnel chocolate cafe and private room for VIP shopping. There is also a large selection of Roger Vivier bags and shoes against the wall adjacent to the VIP room. I don’t love the Vivier Pilgrim Pumps, but some of the bags are great.

The first thing that hits you when you come in is a tough, black, motorcycle-styled display by some of the most prominent shoe designers today, including McQueen, Choo and Louboutin. Yup, that trend is still rockin strong.

The above shoes are not on sale, unfortunately, but may be by this fall if there are any left.

I will post more photos later, but for now, I’d like for you all to know that it’s going on so you can check it out during your strolling midtown business lunch! Plenty of iconic Marni, Louboutin and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes were on sale. That means that shoes that range from a bottom of around $500 to a top of around $1500 were on sale for around $200 to $500. Not bad.

Don’t get me wrong, there weren’t only 7 to 7.5 shoes on sale, but like many women, that has always been my dream size (I’m an 8.5 to 9), so I snapped a photo of those in wishful thinking.

If you’re buying online, there’s free shipping on all orders with the code SFASUM9, only through today.

Thoroughly Modern Marni

If you are interested in styles that are modern and playful with few, if any, fru-fru touches, Marni‘s designs have been gaining fans steadily over the last several years. And, looking at some of the Marni styles, it is not too difficult to see why this is so.

The Marni vibe, to me, is a particular joining of the crisp lines of Art Nouveau with a bit of the spirit of the 60′s and 70′s (color-blocking, wedges & platforms). These combine in sometimes unexpected ways and shapes to keep Marni’s styles feeling fresh and modern rather than retro or recycled.

Here are some current examples of what Marni has to offer to us shoe lovers:

Marni Grey Leather Flat Sandal ($CAN 477 $795 at Monamoore).

I love the Art-Nouveau feeling of these.

Marni black & blue suede wedge ($CAN 537 $995 at Monamoore).

This is a slightly different nod to tribal styling than I have been seeing from other designers.

Marni black patent wedge ($CAN 537 $995 at Monamoore)

This would be Marni’s version of the now-ubiquitous gladiator.

Marni purple suede sandal with black platform heel ($CAN $597 $995 at Monamoore).

On-trend styling of worthy of any runway platform, matched with a solid heel and lovely color contrasts.

Marni  ‘runway’ black patent slingback with gray and purple suede detail ($CAN $995 $597)

These have a hint of the Giambattista Valli ‘Victoria’  silhouette we saw a couple of seasons ago.  But, the combination of flared stiletto and wrap-around Maryjane effect have me loving what Marni has done to make these their own.

Marni ‘runway’ nude, purple and red patent leather pumps ($CAN $945 $567) at Monamoore.

The color-blocking on this just makes me think of a Mondrian painting.  Sure, I don’t know quite where I would wear these, but they are simply fabulous.

Marni brown python sandal with wood platform ($CAN $1195 $717 at Monamoore)

I’m not sure what it is about this pair, but I think they are my favorite of the bunch.

With all of the imitators and inspired shoes out there, it’s just refreshing to see designers who really have a strong personal aesthetic. Marni definitely has a style all it’s own.

Oh, and as you can see, MonaMoore is doing a bit of promotional pricing. This is just an added benefit; I’m a huge fan of getting a great price whenever possible.

Bootie-licious

Black Leather Boots by Marc by Marc Jacobs: 599 dollars

Vintage Black Leather Ankle Booties by Rave Review: 13 dollars

Winning one in the turf war with designer price inflation: Priceless

I fell in love with these Rave Review booties the minute I saw them. I have never heard of the brand Rave Review (and still can’t find them on the internet), but I could tell from the luster of the leather that we were going to be great friends. Sadly, this budding relationship was destined to end in near heartbreak. Being vintage, the shoes were available in only one size which was a full two sizes too small for me. Never one to be defeated by practicality, I grabbed the shoes off the shelf at Beacon’s Closet* and ran over to my shopping buddy, a girl of diminutive foot proportions. They fit her perfectly and with a little pushing, she was convinced to take them home with her. It was an act of selflessness of great proportion. But at least I know they have a good home and I got the opportunity to photograph at will.

Two weeks later, I was in the West Village and meandered into the Marc by Marc Jacobs store. What should I see as a focal point in the store but ankle boots nearly identical to those I had sent my friend home with before. Though the ones I saw in the store are not yet available online, the ones above are. These can be found at Zappos are are basically the boot version of the bootie to come.

Moral of the story: a stylish bargain shopper’s friends are oft rewarded.

*Beacon’s Closet {bē’kuhnz kloz-et} -noun: a Brooklyn thrift store/paradise of deals.
If you live in New York, you have probably heard of Beacon’s Closet, the quality establishment where my recent shoe adventure took place. If you are a Californian, think Crossroads Trading Company, but cheaper. If you are a Manhattanite who doesn’t go to Brooklyn, shame on you. If you are unacquainted or looking to visit the big apple, let me fill you in. Beacon’s Closet is a Brooklyn thrift store. It has two locations, one in Park Slope and one in Willamsburg. They are very particular about what they accept, so they tend to carry really cool stuff. Even more awesome: their prices range from about $5 – $50. Some of my past find at Beacon’s include an adorable pair of Marni heels ($50), a Catherine Malandrino sundress ($19.95), and a Dolce and Gabbana snakeskin belt ($25). These prices are actually a bit higher than the average (because I might be a tiny bit of a label whore). More common are the Abaete for Payless pumps I found for $9 and the vast array of Urban Outfitters wear available for around $13. I prefer the Park Slope location; it’s a bit smaller and more manageable.

Marni Fur Platform Boot.

Know for innovative and bold styles, behold this Marni  platform boot with removable weasel-fur cuff:  ($1521.00 at Bluefly in size 38)

This boot needs nothing more from me than to give it an audience.