Shoe Deja Vu: Louboutin’s Spiked Clou Noeud

You may remember Louboutin’s Clou Noeud with the girly bow on the toe & the all-over spikes….If not, here’s another peek:

Christian Louboutin Clou Noeud  (sold out) , original retail $1195

Well, since these have been out for over a year, I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised that mainstream imitations are available at lower-end prices.

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Runway to Retail: Maison Martin Margiela

I wanted to write about the Maison Martin Margiela* SS2011 RTW show right after the original runway photos came out. Unfortunately, every time I looked at the press photos, a certain television theme song would, inevitably, begin playing in my head – suddenly, all bets were off and I’d have to call it quits for the day.

But,  the shoes have been available since mid-year and I need to get my ranting and reviewing over with already.

First Impressions: Love or Hate?

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Maison Martin Margiela ‘Defile’ open-toe sandal pump $930 $371.99 via Saks & $465 via the Martin Margiela e-boutique

more review details after the break

Alejandro Ingelmo’s New Web Site

Earlier this month Alejandro Ingelmo launched a new web site, alejandroingelmo.com.  It is an interesting website.  With vintage photos, a video featuring Mr. Ingelmo talking about the history and vision of his company and the ability to shop online for both men and women collections.

He features two designs in each season that are available only through his site.   For example, his Crosby bootie ($695) in the Fall/Winter line is offered in gold.  (I know this is early, especially with the heat, but wouldn’t these be fun during the Christmas Season?)

Ingelmo shoes are at the $350 to $1100 price point with the Spring/Summer shoes currently on sale to about 40 %.

Let’s look at some shoes. (more…)

2011′s Feminine Oxford Flats

I was a big fan of cute Oxford jazz shoes waayyy back in the 90′s; the combo of cute with dressy works for me.  So, with current trends starting to allow for shorter heels and sassy flats…let’s just say that  I’m not hating  fashion’s recent obsession for Oxfords with a more traditional, low-heeled silhouette.

My own closet is inordinately over-stocked with menswear-inspired heels and uber-impractical platforms. It’s definitely time for me to concentrate on acquiring more practical shoes for everyday wear and general errand running. Plus, flats, while not my faves aesthetically, are so much more practical for summertime outings to the park than my usual stiletto-sandal crushes tend to allow.

Here is what I am currently mooning over:

Betsey Johnson ‘Drrew’ $67.46 $89.95 at Zappos.com & Endless.com

Lusting after: (more…)

Beverly Feldman’s Embroidered Curacao Wedge Slides

Wedges seem to be quite  popular this year – particularly when they are playing with bright colors, interesting silhouettes, or attention-grabbing embellishments.

Well, when I tripped across these embroidered Beverly Feldman slides on a recent  inter-web window-shopping  jaunt, I just knew that I would be sharing them with you.

Beverly Feldman ‘Curacao’ $179 at Zappos.com

These are cute, summery, and feminine. Made in a combination of earthy khaki and beige toned linen,  these are topped off with  a delicate, pastel-floral embroidery on both the upper band and the heel.  I like them as a dressier, yet still casual, alternative to the ever-popular rope espadrilles that we see each summer.

And then, of course, there’s that whole soft spot I have for floral details – Oh, and that other soft spot for embroidered details. So, it’s not that much of a stretch to find that I would like these more than just a bit. However, the best part is that at a price under $200, while these are not cheap, they are much more budget-friendly than so many of the premium designer wedges we have already seen this season – Yet they are still unique enough that they will turn heads.

(Depending on your monitor, the khaki-green color may look more accurate  in the  product video below.) (more…)