Shoe lovers! Today is the ONE-DAY ONLY up-to-60% off shoe sale on bluefly.com! There are some truly amazing deals!

Want winter shoes? There are boots galore. Here are some examples:

Rafe “‘Galata Simpson” Boots, $475, reduced to $172.70!

KORS by Michael Kors “Loony” Boots, $360, reduced $194.40!

The holiday season is rapidly approaching and who doesn’t want to look awesome at the assorted holiday parties and get-togethers the will most certainly ensue?

Rafe Gold Metallic Flats, $235, reduced to $95.39!

Charles David “Kailey” Sandals, $250, reduced to $115.42!

Stuart Weitzman “Oboe” Sandals, $285, $131.56!

YSL “Kelly” Sandal, $525, reduced to $378!

And many, many more. There are nearly 2000 pairs of shoes that are covered in the sale. Go! Go now! Remember it is TODAY, Nov.10th only. And if you find something spectacular, come back and tell us.

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One of my favorite things about fashion week are the celebrity looks off the runway. For NY Fashion Week Spring 2009, we saw…

Jennifer Lopez at the Oscar de la Renta show. J Lo wore fall 2008 Alexander McQueen bejeweled pumps featuring a 4.5 inch heel and jeweled, silk vamp. The shoes are available at the Alexander McQueen online website for $995.

At Michael Kors Spring 2009, Blake Lively from Gossip Girls was decked in, what else, head to toe Michael Kors. The lattice A dress is available at Netaporter while Michael Kors’ patent ‘Candi’ double ankle strap pumps are at Zappos.

Lindsay Lohan arrived at the Samantha Ronson show in these hot blue Chloe peeptoes, which are selling at Saks (for forest green only) for $585.

Mary Kate Olsen loves the knee high, bondage, gladiator inspired look (seen in Chanel here). So it came as no surprise that Mary-Kate wore these Spring 2008 Givenchys at the DVF fashion show.

Finally, Nicole Richie was rocking these suede with zipper pull Pierre Hardy pumps. They are 675 euros at Luisaviaroma.

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Now that the Video Music Awards are over, let’s look at some shoe highlights.

First up, Britney Spears was the apparent darling of the evening; winning 3 awards as well as the approval of fashion critics with this sensational Versace gown and perfectly matching strappy heels. If anyone knows who made these lovely shoes, please let us know.

Jordan Sparks accessorized her flirty Betsey Johnson dress with black Sergio Rossi sandals. ($695 Net-a-porter.com)

I love Miley Cyrus’ whole look. This cute cocktail dress is perfectly matched by what appears to be the Michael Kors ‘Berkley’ gladiator sandal ($128.95 Nordstrom.com).

And what Red Carpet would be complete without a classic pair of Christian Louboutin Stilettos, worn here by Ciara? At a guess, these look to be at least a 120mm heel height. You can come very close to this look with the 110mm Decollette ($575 Net-a-porter.com).

These Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Platforms ($995 Saks.com) worn by Lindsay Lohan are fantastic. Unfortunately they may not be enough to save her in this strangely puckered dress.

I’m not really a fan of Heidi Montag’s off-the-shoulder shift-dress. However, these ankle boots look suspiciously like the Gucci Fall-Winter 2008 Babouska Studded Ankle Boots. A woven version is available online ($1195 Saks.com in black; $1295 pre-order in gold leather at Neimanmarcus.com)

Finally, I don’t hate Tara Conner’s black and white outfit, but it seems almost too conservative for the VMA. However, these Chloe Peep-toe Leather Shoe Boots ($387 Clearance at Net-a-Porter) are one fantastic and trendy set of kicks.

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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.

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Shoe lovers, shoe lovers, hear ye, hear ye. Come one, come all and see the Nordstrom’s Fall Fashion Guide, a great friend to shoe fashionistas everywhere. Forecasting the prevailing trends of any given season is always a delightful thing, and when you can go buy those trends with a few extra clicks and all without leaving the comfort of your air conditioned, in-from-the-crazy-humidity-and-heat home or office… well that’s a foolproof formula, if you ask me.

So, what do we have in store for us this fall?

First off, the major trend (and we saw this at the WSA Show last week, too): booties! Think ankle height and you’ll be golden for fall on-trend status.

These booties are also great at bringing different decades of style into your wardrobe. How so?

Well, check out the 70s disco fever stylings of these mirror ball like MICHAEL Michael Kors silver Studio booties ($198).

Or if you’re looking for a little Victorian era Dickens style in your life, try these Jeffrey Campbell Cherry bootie ($110). Say it with me now. ”Please sir. I want some more.”

And if you’re digging the 80s revival, go with these Kenneth Cole Reaction Sexy Mrs booties ($129) and strut around with either leggings and a big belt over a tunic, or swing toward the punk side with some leather cuffs, skinny black jeans, and an old band t-shirt. What can I say, I’m a sucker for the punk look, and I just re-watched Sid and Nancy and got all geeked out on the style.

I’ll cheat for a minute and leave Nordstrom’s in the name of sharing my absolute favorite bootie for fall, the gorgeous Taryn Rose Dillian ($575). Super luxe, very posh, and good for your feet, too! And don’t forget the gray… also a big trendy color this fall… which brings us to…

Our next Fall Trend. That’s right: Gray, Baby! Since this is a color choice, there are lots of ways to work this trend into your shoe collection. Everything from this adorable suede and sequins Kate Spade Oz flat ($285)

to this divine Facade Eva wedge ($99).

Want to kill two trend birds with one stone? Grab this gray Connect bootie by Natural Comfort ($130).

I think the next trend might be my favorite of them all. Menswear Detailing. I always like shoes (and clothes for that matter) that have some androgyny to them. Lots of people are showing high heels with oxford lacing, like this beautiful Vince Camuto Maran peep toe ($130).

But if you’re like me and say an automatic NO WAY to a heel that high (that’s 4.5 inches, folks, and with only a .75 inch platform to help you out), then try something like the Circa Joan and David Dani skimmer ($99), which takes that classic of men’s blazers: tweed, and makes it sweet and feminine.

If you’ve been looking at all the delicious candy-colored patents shining around you and hoping you’ll be able to incorporate something so flash into fall, you’re in luck. Shiny Metallics for daytime wear are the next trend, and Nordstrom has some doozies on offer. Again, since this is a color story, you can find this one on pretty much any kind of shoe. These Via Spiga Vivo slingbacks ($198) could almost serve as a mirror to check your makeup. Just be careful wearing skirts!

And these Nine West Alyn flats (only $79) incorporate the shine of the metallic with the Yves Klein blue that will be making a big splash come next springtime. Snag this little shoe, and you’ll be set for several seasons to come. Seems like a worthwhile investment for that much trendiness.

And last, but certainly not least in our fall trend rundown: T-straps and Mary Janes. These are feminine classics, and it’s hard to go wrong.

Try something rounded like this Corso Como Candy MJ ($160)

or if you’ve got the feet to pull them off without intense pain, something sharper and pointier like this Claudia Ciuti Lilla pump ($295). T-strap: check. Shiny metallic: check. Super trendy: double and triple check.

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