Sigerson Morrison Wrap-Around Zip Wedge Ankle Boots

Sigerson Morrison Wrap-Around Zip Wedge Ankle Boots

I love Sigerson Morrison, and I love the Belle by Sigerson Morrison line especially. The shoes in that collection are so innovative. I mean, Morrison takes a basic, simple concept, but then tweaks it, turns it, twists it into something brand new and unique, something you really want to wear because you know you’re making a statement. Take, for instance, these Wrap-Around Zip Wedge Ankle Boots ($139.99 at Saks) – and really, you should take them, because Saks does itself proud yet again and has these marked down more than half, from an original price of $350. Go Saks!

Anyway, they’re just ankle boots, right? Right – except not. In the first place, although wedges are becoming more and more popular – which are great when you have crap for balance, ahem ahem – I don’t really see a lot of wedge boots. At least, I don’t see enough to suit me. (more…)

Sigerson Morrison Velukid Suede Lace-Up Ankle Boots

Sigerson Morrison Velukid Suede Lace-Up Ankle Boots

The thing I love most about the Sigerson Morrison brand is the way it takes a classic design and twists it into something brand new. Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison are diva geniuses, I don’t even mind saying so. They are style mavens. They are amazing. They have the kind of eye that every shoe designer dies to have. Love them, love love love. I especially love the Sigerson Morrison Velukid Suede Lace-Up Ankle Boots ($297.50 at Net-a-Porter). Those are the boots that spawn my gushing, you see.

You all know by now that I have a serious boot addiction. These are just something else, though. All open laces in front, they are made of a truly decadent suede that really defines the cutout shapes. I even love the laces, they’re so skinny and chic. They look like they’re just part of the boots, there for show, but no, no! They actually do lace up! (more…)

Sigerson Morrison Metallic Leather Braided Flat Sandals

Sigerson Morrison Metallic Leather Braided Flat Sandals

A lot has been said, here in other posts and, well, everywhere, about what Sigerson Morrison does concerning the gladiator style. I think Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison might be single-handledly responsible for making sure this particular shoe trend doesn’t go anywhere. Not only that, but the daring, innovative twosome behind Sigerson Morrison also takes the trend to the outer edges in risky, predominantly successful ways. But I am not yet sure how I feel about the Metallic Leather Braided Flat Sandals ($475 at Saks).

On the one hand, I think the details and embellishments are gorgeous – but then, I’m a huge fan of silver. Randomly, Saks says that the leather braids have “a hint of metallic luster,” and here I have to ask, oh really? Because if that’s a “hint,” I’d hate to see how the store defines “obvious.” (more…)

Sigerson Morrison reflects the evolution of the gladiator sandal

I’m not a fan of gladiator sandals and boots. I’ve tried to like them and just can’t seem to find any gladiator love in me. Something about the entire open, caged, flat-soles of the core gladiator sandal style just leaves me cold.

Sure, there are some super skinny, super tall, young ladies who can wear this style without looking stumpy.  I am currently none of these things, so perhaps that is part of my bias.Preview

Whatever the reason, I have no love for the basic, flat gladiator.

Over the last few years, as gladiator sandals have become a  spring and summer shoe-staple, the closest I have come to the gladiator styling are these Chie Mihara’s I picked up about 18 months ago:

And, honestly, these barely give nod to the whole gladiator trend.  Plus, they evidence what occurs when you add a heel to a strappy-styled flat. The original trend concept starts to change…which we have been seeing in action over the last year in the morphing of flat gladiator styles into caged sandals, openwork boot, sandal boots, hybrid boots, and an increased availability of open-front boots and lace-up styles at retailers.

To demonstrate how drastically heels affect gladiator styles, let’s look at Sigerson Morrison.

First, the basic gladiator:

Sigerson Morrison ’9879′ $499.

Now,  add a heel to that:

Sigerson Morrison ’9880′ $654

Look at how the whole silhouette changes. Yes, some people will like the first sandal better. But for me, the overall  lines of the second sandal are just more beautiful. Sure, it’s an individual aesthetic judgment, but there it is.

Another Sigerson Morrison example:

These:

Sigerson Morrison ’9829′ $485

Sigerson Morison ’9828′ $795 $556.50 at the Sigerson Morison website.

Vs. these:

Sigerson Morison ’9873′ $695

Sigerson Morrison ’9804′ $1204

I really, really, don’t like the  flat versions of this style.  The buckles feel incongruous and out of place on the more faithful, flat,  gladiator style. But, on the heeled version, the package as a whole works for me. Rather than feeling like an overworked gladiator, the heel takes this into the level of modernized granny boot with an attitude. The word ‘gladiator’ does not even come to mind when looking at them.  The only thing that I might have changed on these would be to have them on a slightly shorter, stacked heel. These are already channeling a retro-modern weird west vibe, why not go the whole way and keep them at an easy walkable height?

Maybe that’s not the only thing I’d change. I’d also want these to be in a price range that I could afford. Alas, such is not the case . And so, temptation is averted by cold, hard, economic realities.

Others will disagree with me and continue their flirtation with the classic gladiators that drive me nuts.

But, that doesn’t change the inevitable movement of fashion that, thankfully, constantly reinvents itself to help all of us find styles that we can love.

I see the gladiator-sandal trend in the process of merging into other silhouettes – from strappy sandals to ankle boots – and coming out on the other side as something a bit more classic and refined.  I suspect we will see a modern take on more conservative or classic boot styles in full force come fall; ranging from fairly faithful, granny-inspired boots to sleek, open, cut-work hybrids. True lace-up and button-detailed boots will easily blend in with these other silhouettes. I have to admit that after almost two years of studs, zippers, et. al. attached to every visible surface of a shoe, plain old leather with brass highlights seems positively retrained.

*Note: I chose Sigerson Morrison by way of illustration because they have so many excellent examples of what I wanted to talk about contained within one brand and season. Plus, I love the 9804 boot and would have found a way to share that with our readers one way or another. We generally do not receive compensation for our posts from any brands mentioned in the blog, and will specifically mention if such a relationship exists.

Spring Eye Candy at Saks Part 1: My Favorites

The weather has turned warm in Northern California, I just got a pedicure, and I’m ready to wear cute dresses with adorable shoes to match! Saks Fifth Avenue totally has the best spring shoes! After spending hours looking online, I made my way to an actual store so I could be close to the shoes I’ve been loving online. Saks also has a “Friend and Family” 20% discount currently available (the code is FRIEND3). Some designers are excluded.

Here are some of my favorite Spring shoes currently available at Saks!

The feathers on these Diane von Furstenberg sandals are so fun! I like that a flat sandal can be a bit dressy.

Diane von Furstenberg Dahlia Feathered Flat sandals for $195 at Saks (also available in black).

Again, I’m really drawn to flat sandals that are not too casual. The zipper on these Belle by Sigerson Morrison shoes is so of the moment.

Belle by Sigerson Morrison Mini-Wedge Leather Cage sandals for $225 at Saks (also available in black).

My love of the Elizabeth and James Crochet Lace-Up Ankle boots is very intense! They are so fun, and I actually think rather versatile!

Elizabeth and James Crochet Lace-Up Ankle boots for $425 at Saks.

These Alexander McQueen peep-toe flats are so Rock n’ Roll. The could totally become my everyday shoes.

Alexander McQueen Zipper & Skull Peep-Toe flats for $570 at Saks.

And finally, a pair of shoes that is pure luxury! Silk tulle and suede – together! Fendi, you never disappoint!

Fendi Attraction Flat sandals for $410 at Saks (also available in black).