Dillards Boot & Shoe Sale

If you have not yet had your fill of post-Christmas and New Years Day sales, Dillard’s has you covered on affordable shoe fashion.

In addition to today’s Boot Sale, they also have other styles of shoes on sale at 40% off as well.

Some eye-catching options in boots for you to consider:

This first boot just brings to mind the thought of sipping hot cocoa and having cozy conversation with the family in front of a warm fire.

Jessica Simpson ‘Mazzey’ $83.94 $139.

With the quilted fabric and patent contrast, this next one still looks cozy, but has a hint of edge.

Calvin Klein ‘Diamond’ $96.00 $160.

This one is all straps and buckle. Super sexy… but the warm brown tones keep it from being too in-your-face and helps keep it’s edge on the more subtle side.

Calvin Klein ‘Peg’ $89.40 $149

This one (aptly named) has a definite Western vibe. Cute for the gal who loves showing that she’s ‘A Little Bit Country’.

Reba ‘Blaze’ $59.40 $99.00.

Next, generous fringe for the Boho-Chic Moccasin lover.

Guess ‘Rami’ $135.00 $225

Next, throwing me back again to a 1980′s Janet Jackson vibe, are these sexy, kidskin, ‘marching band’ boots.

Antonio Melani ‘Mirabelle’ $118.80 $198

And, from my favorite Project Runway judge, a straight-up, unapologetically sexy, black leather boot:

Michael Kors/Michael ‘Lattington’ $178.80 $298

As for the shoe and sandal selection? Well, my attention was stolen by some fantastic Vince Camuto Styles. Too bad New Years Eve is already over … Wowza.

Vince Camuto ‘Palmer’ $62.50 $125

Vince Camuto ‘Nell’ $65.00 $130

Vince Camuto ‘Greene’ $65.00 $130

Vince Camuto ‘Nora’ $65.00 $130

I don’t know how long the sales prices are good until … So, hop on over & take a look to see if there is a perfect shoe deal to ring in your New Year.

A Shoe Plea

Ok folks, in the midst of fashion week madness (we’re off to Paris next) I am going to interrupt with a personal plea for a little help in the shoe department.

This is the KORS by Michael Kors Brink Boot:

They are available in very limited sizes on bluefly.com in black and brown for $237 or 6pm for $195, a significant reduction from their original price of $395. These are my ideal winter boots. I absolutely love them and want to take them home with me and call them my very own. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find them in my size. They are actually from last year’s line of winter boots a la Lady Kors, so they are not easy to track down and a 9 or 9.5 has been completely unfindable.

So here is my plea: if you find them online or are in the greater NY area or even the greater San Francisco area (I’ll be there at the beginning of October) and your eagle eye spots these in black in a 9 or a 9.5, TELL ME! I know you shoe-lovers have a lot of secret hunting grounds that the average person does not know about. I am counting on you! (P.S. these boots run small, so if you do decide to pick up the remaining ones on Bluefly, be aware.)

If this post has given you an unsatisfied longing similar to mine, here is this year’s version of the boot, the Breck, also KORS by Michael Kors:

These are widely available at $425 (and unfortunately not on sale yet) in black leather, brown leather, and black patent. These are definitely awesome boots and would probably much more practical for the New York winter, but I never was a particularly practical girl.

Thanks in advance loyal shoeblog readers!

Shoes of the VMA

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.

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.

Shoes of Project Runway 5.8

Stella, I’m sorry to see you go.  You brought some attitude and edge to Project Runway along with a New York accent that won’t quit.

And honestly, I didn’t hate your outfit this week.  OK, so the tailoring wasn’t good, and the vest didn’t come out real sharp, and after being in the bottom two a few times, I get why they sent you home.

But your look was much more creative and cohesive than some of the others.  And it was indeed staying true to your own design vision and making it work for a 1940s internationally-traveling spy by way of Diane von Furstenberg.  Plus, you used those same bronze ankle booties that you’ve used for just about every challenge (see the Olympic challenge outfit for a good view).

I like those booties.  A lot.  And I can never seem to find them on Bluefly, though these Nanette Lepore Bewitching booties in gold come pretty close.

My much-beloved Leanne won her second challenge in a row (immunity be damned!) with this beautiful and beautifully-tailored gown and fun little jacket.

Who knows what shoes she has under there, though.

But, much as I like these two pieces, I don’t think they work well together at all.  And in addition, neither of them (the dress especially) seems particularly Diane von Furstenberg to me.

For that, you’d have to go to Korto’s dress-and-jacket pair.  Both pieces seem to work with each other and individually as DVF styles.  The patent leather peep-toes could be many shoes, but I’ll point to these Prada ones, which are sleek and chic.

Blayne went with a knickerlicious pant and top, much like his Lipstick Jungle outfit, and while I don’t love it (except that jacket, which I covet), I also weirdly don’t hate it.  Do you think he gets extra credit for using shoes by Michael Kors (the Bradford pump)?

Terri gave us this week’s pant-and-jacket combo (and how frightening that she herself can fit into the same size pants as her model) and this week’s wearing of the Patron Shoe of Project Runway 5.8 (yes, I’m coming straight out and declaring it officially): the Gucci Eva wingtip (though this could be the maryjane, too… can’t quite tell).

My boy Jerell went with some nondescript t-straps.  Joe looks like he used a shoe with a Chinese-inspired knot to add one more over-the-top-Shanghai element to his already-over-the-top-Shanghai outfit.  Suede could have buried any sort of wackadoodle shoe under his sack of a dress.

But the best shoes by far this week were with Kenley’s dress.  Look how cute those little floral sandals are.  I mean, the girl may drive me nuts with her whining and her vocal tone, but she does make a damn good dress, and she does pick some damn good shoes to go with it.  Sadly, though they seem Nanette Lepore-ish with the girly chic thing going on, I don’t seem to see them on Bluefly.

Ah well.  Better shoe-finding luck next time, I suppose.

[ETA: Sorry, dear readers.  This post seems to have been partially eaten at some point during the day.  It's back up now.]