Donald J Pliner 1-Day sale at 6pm.com

Today, and today only, from 6am to 6pm (PST) select styles of Donald J. Pliner shoes are available for $29.95 at 6pm.com.  Known for merging classic styles with an emphasis on comfort and wearablity, this is a rare buying opportunity.

And, since most DJP shoes normally retail in the $150 – $300 price range, this is definitely worth a peek.

So, here is just a taste of what is available:

Donald J Pliner ‘Nakia’ $29.95 $254 @ 6pm.com.

Donald J Pliner ‘Jun’ $29.95 $229 @ 6pm.com.

Donald J Pliner ‘Jibon’ $29.95 $229 @ 6pm.com.

Donald J Pliner ‘Zoya’ $29.95 $219 @ 6pm.com.

Donald J Pliner ‘Lila’ $29.95 $264 @ 6pm.com.

(This is also available in an embroidered pattern similar to the Nakia above).

Donald J Pliner ‘Nievo’ $29.95 $199 @ 6pm.com.

Donald J Pliner ‘Zorba’ $29.95 $204 @ 6pm.com.

Donald J Pliner ‘Canna’ $29.95 $314 @ 6pm.com.

Donald J Pliner ‘Zuza’ $29.95 $204 @ 6pm.com.

Donald J Pliner ‘Jelo’ $29.95 $194 @ 6pm.com.

So, to all of you Recessionistas out there …. what are you waiting for?

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.

Laser-cut floral shoes

Ah, thank god for lasers–how else could we have a shoe covered in tiny, delicate flower petals competing with playful peek-a-boos that engage in frothy rococo swirls, imaginative leather bouquets that leave the viewer always thirsty for more? (Or I guess, we could rely on old-and-trusted handmade techniques, in which case each pair of shoes would cost an arm and a leg now.) Laser cut-outs in floral patterns come also in 3-D, where the cut-out has been turned into a pretty applique, or in 2-D, creating gardens of patterns that envelop the wearer in magic. If you’re a fan of this style, here are a few choices for a variety of occasions and budgets:

Hype Scheme flat, available in three creamy color combos, on sale at Endless for $74 (double that price at Zappos, if you want to know).

Anna Sui ‘Cherry Dipped’ Floral Flats, $268 at Anthropologie,

and Anna Sui White Floral Trainers, $258 at Anthropologie.

Dr. Martens ‘Laser 14′ floral-etched eye-zip white boots, $121 at Zappos.

Dr. Martens Mods Laser cut-out boots, $134 at Zappos.

Sesto Meucci leather mule with laser-cut floral detailing, $169 at Neiman Marcus.

Michael Kors Gogo laser-cut ballet flat, $113 at Zappos.

Floral Mule

Isn’t this mule from Blay just adorable?

Sunny, flirtatious, comfy (or so it looks)–a holy triad of attributes, and just what you need to enliven your spring wardrobe. They’re also on a fantastic sale–over 75% off, going for $50 now, but unfortunately (you were waiting for this, right) only available in a size 36. If that’s your size, I’d jump at the opportunity!

shoe entertainment for a rainy (and windy and cold) day

This morning waiting for the bus, the wind and rain were something else. We were all huddled under the little glass bus awning with a wall of umbrellas facing outward like a Roman military formation covered by interlocked shields. Yuck!

So, what kind of fun can we have with shoes on a rainy day? I think it’s time for a Walking Disasters post.

How about these pink monstrosities by Irregular Choice (a brand that can always be counted on to make some style missteps–although I do confess to loving some of their less extreme shoes). I pretty much hate everything about these, from their skeletal-looking woven leather strips to the bow that looks like it’s been put through the washing machine a few too many times to the bubblegum pink heel tips. Yuck!

I love Heidi Klum for Project Runway, and for that reason, I am forgiving her for helping to create these day-glo Star sandals for her Birkenstock line. Birkenstocks take enough heat for having no style. Why, oh why, must they make a shoe out of radioactive ooze on top of all that?

The perfect shoes for your upcoming Halloween costume as a Sexy, Hairy Toad.

Is Albert Einstein your style inspiration? have you always dreamed of recreating his signature mop of crazy white hair in your footwear? Then, these D&G boots are surely your fashion dream come true.