Paris Fashion Week: Louis Vuitton SS 2010 RTW

Is it just me, or have many designers forgotten the meaning of the phrase ‘Ready to wear’ during the Spring-Summer 2010 runway shows?  I know the runway is about drama, but more actual wear-ability in RTW lines would be nice to see.

Am I being too judgmental?

Perhaps I am in the minority here, but, I am willing to take the risk of being called  ‘unfashionable’ (or worse) when discussing the footwear that made it’s appearance at this week’s Louis Vuitton RTW runway show.

(Photos c/o style.com & nymag.com)

Called “terrific—modified clogs, moccasins and penny loafers, with kitten heels and feathery tufts” by Cathy Horyn at the New York times – I must, respectfully and vociferously, disagree!

We are, after all, speaking of these shoes:

And, painfully, all of these:

About the only thing I liked on the runway was the playful beaded take on the classic LV monogrammed bags (Which, if you take off that over-sized, fringe tassel, is kind of adorable):

Let me be clear on this.

I love that Marc Jacobs is unpretentious and playful with fashion.  Really, I do.

And, the idea of LV embracing MJ and adding a bit of play into their line is a nice idea – in theory.

But, please……..Let’s hope designers and fashion houses remember that we regular people need to do more than look at our fashion. We need to be able to wear it, too.

Sis’s Spring Sandal Pick Is Pikolinos

I recently found out that one of my sisters is reading our blog when she recently asked me via e-mail  “How are those fuzzy boots working out?“.  Now that she is following our site, she has also started campaigning to convert me over to Clarks, which is her absolute favorite shoe brand.  Apparently, it took me moving to a different state to find out that she loves looking at and trying on cute, sexy, or funky shoes almost as much as I do.

In this recent message, subject line: ‘My New Shoes’, she shares with me her brief summer sandal search. The siren-call that she was hoping to answer was for one of these two pairs of Frye sandals.

Frye ‘Dara’ T-strap $192 at Zappos

Frye ‘Grace’ Sandal $227.95 at Nordstrom

Unfortunately, she laments that “she couldn’t walk in them”.  And, since the primary purpose of shoes is to protect our feet in the everyday action of walking, this was an obvious deal-breaker.

So, where did she turn instead? Surprisingly, not to her fave brand Clarks, but to this shoe by Pikolinos:

Pikolinos ‘Romana’ mule $144.95 at Nordstrom

This is a unique little slip-on shoe that manages to be comfy and funky while still retaining a solid feminine flare. I love the attention to detail on these; they are also a wonderful way to get a boho-styled shoe that won’t be on the feet of everybody else around.

Now, the ‘Romana’ is definitely more Sis’s style than mine. But, it is refreshingly different and eclectic. So, after receiving her e-mail, I just had to go peeking around online to see what other styles Pikolinos might offer.

Here are a few that caught my eye:

This one is a wonderfully quirky interpretation of the still-dominant gladiator sandal style.

Pikolinos ‘Formentera gladiator sandal’ $174.95 at Nordstrom

And, if gladiators are not your thing, the Formentera is available in a simple slide variation as well:

Pikolinos ‘Formentera’ sandal $149.95 at Nordstrom

Another  Pikolinos shoe that I love is this charming Maryjane.

Pikolinos ‘Genebra’ Maryjane pump $81.90 $164.95 at Nordstrom

Now, I am undeniably a fan of Maryjane styles, so I was somewhat biased at the outset. But the leather on this is so yummy and I love the overall quilted effect of the stitching as well. This is one fantastic shoe with wonderfully whimsical artistic appeal.

On an unrelated note, I challenge you to say the title of this article three times fast.

Spring 2009 Shoe Trends: Natural Textures

Hello warmer weather!

As we move into another spring season, certain classic footwear trends have re-emerged as if on an annual schedule. In this case, the trend is of rope-like espadrilles and cork-soled sandals. These continue to be casual warm-weather favorites.

This spring and summer it will be tough to go wrong style-wise if your sandals include a cork sole; or perhaps rafia, bamboo, or jute details. Natural textures, warm tan and brown colors, and an earthy, Boho vibe are making a huge appearance in stores this spring.

First up - Prada’s Rafia, Cork, and Bamboo Wedges:

Prada Raffia Wedge Sandals $650 at Saks.com

Prada Bamboo Wedge Platforms $695 at Saks.com

Prada Wedge Platform Cutout Sandals $750 at Saks.com

I’m not finding myself to be much of a fan of the rafia, and I can take or leave the whole cork thing, but the bamboo is pretty intriguing.

Volatile Shoes also has a few bamboo-wrapped offerings in their spring line-up (with more of a reedy effect): (more…)

Altered Couture: Reconstructed Shoes

I am constantly surprised at the different fashion movements that we find around us. One of the more intriguing trends that has been on the rise (or revival) for several years is the Altered Couture & Art to Wear movements among home-sewers, hobbyists, and artists. These result in one-of-a-kind individualistic pieces that fulfill simultaneous roles as both art and fashion; function with beauty and individuality.  The fact that many of the creations combine artistic methods with recycling of past fashion materials is a bonus for those interested in living a more ‘green lifestyle’ – it seems a natural complement to those who tend toward a boho-chic lifestyle.

Why this topic? Simple, yesterday’s weekly ’pilgrimage’ to our local bookseller saw me purchasing the Spring 2009 issue of Stampington & Company’s ‘Altered Couture’ magazine.  Just look at the shoe-candy cover on this thing:

And the quick peak inside to give you an idea of the content and format:

Above photos via Stampington & Company website.

While there are occasionally articles on altered shoe projects, this issue has not one, but three different articles specifically focusing on individually reconstructed/altered shoes, plus two additional reader’s projects highlighted within the ’gallery’ subsection of it’s pages.  It is a lovely indicator that even in a tight economy, some people are drawn to add elegance and beauty into their lives – even in so simple a fashion as making a pair of sale-price shoes into unique pieces of wearable art.

Whether your are a crafting enthusiast, sewer, or simply a lover of unique or artistic shoes, this issue is an intriguing look at those who don’t settle for ‘store-bought’ but feel compelled to make a simple pair of shoes into something much more interesting.  The fact that the articles give a brief explanation on how readers can apply techniques to their own projects to achieve similar results is an added bonus.

And, at least one of the featured artists, Pat Berryhill,  has an online etsy storefront; one where the following unique items that were showcased in the Spring 2009 Altered Couture are currently offered for sale:

Here Kitty, Kitty Mary Jane Shoes $50, size 8-8.5

Snazzalicious Shoes $50, size 8

Marie A. Shoes $50, size 8

Cover price of this quarterly publication is $14.99. I have found it to be stocked at most Borders and Barnes and Nobles brick-and-mortar locations, as well as some news-stands and grocery markets. It is also available for order at the Stampington & Company website.

Of course, if you are a size 8, you could always pop over to etsy.com and decide if these are for you.

Valentine Shoes: Hearts, Flowers and Red-Hot Heels

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.  And, whether you have a romantic evening planned with your honey, or are having a single gal’s ‘stag’ evening – any excuse to ogle red, hot, sexy shoes is okay in my book.

So, let’s start with some sweet floral shoes that look like romantic bouquets:

Jessica Simpson ‘Josette’ $39.99 @ Smartbargains

Kate Spade ‘Gesture’ $218.97 $297.95 @ Zappos

Kate Spade ‘Carine’ $161.70 $277.95 @ Zappos

Taryn Rose ‘Betty’ $315.96 $394.95@ Zappos  

Moving on to wearing your heart for everyone to see (though on your feet, not on your sleeve):

 Promiscuous ‘Heartless’ $55 @ Zappos

Promiscuous ‘Enticing’ $49 @ Zappos

Promiscuous ‘Fixation’ $53.10 $59@ Zappos

Penthouse 509-Diora Stiletto $72.99 @ Snaz75

 BC Footwear ‘Cuttin and Scratchin’ $80 $100@ Zappos

Betseyville ‘Lenore’ $82 $114@ Zappos

Well, whatever your Saturday has in store for you, there’s always room for another pair of fabulous red shoes in any gal’s closet:

Luichiny ‘Clara’ $90.21 $134 @ Zappos

LAMB ‘Sidney’ $240.30 $319@ Zappos

RSVP ‘Dinda’ $53 $65@ Zappos

RSVP  ‘Rori’ $59.55 $85@ Zappos

Sam Edelman ‘XIla’ $64.43 @ Endless & $85 $123@ Zappos

Via Spiga ‘Mavis’ $122 $197.95@ Zappos

 RSVP ‘Joi’ $56.50 $74@ Zappos

Oh, and if you are one of those ladies who doesn’t yet own a pair of red heels – What are you waiting for? Red is an absolutely fabulous wardrobe neutral that simply exudes confidence from the ground up.