Spring 2012 Fashion Week Footwear: More Updates from the Runways

Of the most recent crop of runway shoes out there, I was smitten by… wait, no.  I’ll save the smitten-making shoes til the end.  What I’ll start with instead is another trend I’ve been seeing a fair bit of: transparency.

Like these from three from Marchesa.  The collection was floaty and ethereal and romantic, and the transparent shoes matched that with some gorgeous graceful lines.

Oscar de la Renta also showed us some transparent shoes, though in that show there was quite a bit of playing with colors and socks underneath to make the transparency show up very differently (god, I just typed that “shoe up very differently” at first… guess what I’ve been thinking about this week).  I dig the oxford inspiration and the buckles and the ankle straps… but you’re probably getting tired of me mentioning those things this week.

The next triad here is three shoes from three shows that I loved.  Left to right we have Narciso Rodriguez’s take on a super high class Ace bandage, Sophie Theallet’s spectator-inspired pump that looks like murder to wear but is so damn adorable (plus double buckles!), and one more by Oscar de la Renta that was a mule so beautifully embellished and so reminiscent of something Marie-Antoinette might have slipped on that I couldn’t pass it up.

But the shoes that had me smitten (you’ve been patient until now, after all) were the shoes that out Lepore’d Nanette Lepore for quirky feminine… Tory Burch.  I was hella surprised, I must admit, because usually I find Tory Burch shoes insipid and ubiquitous, and Nanette Lepore usually does the quirky feminine to a T.  But first, look at the Nanette Lepore offering, of which I only present one to save your retinas some serious searing.

You can click on that image and enlarge it, but you might want to put some sunglasses on first.

OK, back with me?  Sunspots cleared from your vision?  Well if you want to cool things down a little, then check out the adorableness (and look! some low heels!) of Tory Burch’s offerings and coo in delight that these may be coming to a store near you in a matter of months.

Spring Eye Candy at Saks Part 2: Metallics

In my last post I rounded up my favorite spring shoes from a recent trip to Saks Fifth Avenue! While shopping I noticed a trend that I am ready to endorse: metallics! There is just something undeniably chic and weather-appropriate about metallics complemented by a glowing tan (preferably fake for people who care about their health!). I am partial to gold shoes, but subtler metallics are also catching my eye. Without further ado, here are my favorite metallic shoes courtesy of Saks!

These Jimmy Choo Wedges are everything I want in a sandal – gold and a low wedge heel!

Jimmy Choo Crisscross Wedges for $595 at Saks (limited sizes remain online; better luck in person!).

I was recently shopping with a friend and we both agreed that we wish we lived an Oscar de la Renta kind of life! These gold heels courtesy of Mr. de la Renta are a bit subtler in tone, but pack a punch in style and height.

Oscar de la Renta Textured Leather Sandals for $575 at Saks.

Gladiators still seem to be everywhere, so why not a metallic gladiator!

Dolce Vita Strappy Flat Sandals for $195 at Saks (also available in white).

I have an inexplicable love for Juicy Couture, so I couldn’t resist loving these sandals.

Juicy Couture Charly Ankle-Wrap Sandals for $225 at Saks (also available in black).

And finally, the cutest metallic flats ever! I love how Jimmy Choo updated and embellished the basic flat!

Jimmy Choo Metallic Suede Ballet Flats for $415 at Saks (currently on pre-order).

Tragedies and Triumphs at the Tents for NY Fall 2009

If the shoes are anything to go by, there were apparently some highly suspect events going on at Bryant Park yesterday.

A tiger got loose at the Oscar de la Renta show and slashed the hell out of some unlucky model’s feet.

Michael Kors decided to use his fall 2009 collection to let the world know that he’s giving up American sportswear and moving into S&M gear.

And a serious case of repeated projectile vomiting was clearly had by some front-row inhabitant at the Richard Chai show.  I’m only offering one example of this embarrassing illness, but believe me, this was not an isolated incident.

But despite such heart-breaking occurrences, there were some pretties on display, too.

Oscar de la Renta and Doo.Ri joined ranks with Matthew Williamson to prove once and for all that heel zips will surely be forthcoming for fall.

OK, so that Doo.Ri one might not survive the deadly leather-eating virus eating away at it.  But if it manages to pull through with minimal scarring, the button-up spats that were also part of the line might help as a facelift.  You all know how much I love a spat.

And last, but certainly not least—in fact, I’d go completely the opposite direction and say that is the GREATEST—the Marchesa (sweet little booties with faceted heels) and 3.1 Phillip Lim (metallic trims and red soles) shows suggested we may be seeing more lace, which, in combination with the chunky platforms and mixed textures, is a playful and ladylike trend I can wholeheartedly get behind.

Note: In case the red soles look familiar, that is because Christian Louboutin continued his successful collaboration with 3.1 Phillip Lim for the fall 2009 collection.

A mixed bag of a day, but in the end I like to think the triumphs outweighed the tragedies of this round of fashion shows.

40% off sale prices at Neiman’s

Shipping is also free with code–so what I’m saying is, that’s a good opportunity to save on gorgeous Manolos, cheeky Pradas, sassy Guccis, and other similar fashion weaknesses you might have. Here’s a selection of my favorites:

Manolo Blahnik Leopard Sting Ray sandals, now $308 (down from $685):

Manolo Blahnik Scalloped Patent sandals, now $308 (down from $685):

Prada Wavy T-Strap sandals, now $257 (down from $570):

Tod’s Malibu sandals, now $164 (down from $365):

Giorgio Armani ankle-strap flats, now $191 (down from $425):

Christian Louboutin stretch metallic ballerina, now $234 (down from $520):

Oscar de la Renta ballerina mini wedge, now $233 (down from $555):

Sizes are, of course, limited, so you’d better hurry. Happy bargain hunting, shoe lovers!