Now that the Video Music Awards are over, let’s look at some shoe highlights.

First up, Britney Spears was the apparent darling of the evening; winning 3 awards as well as the approval of fashion critics with this sensational Versace gown and perfectly matching strappy heels. If anyone knows who made these lovely shoes, please let us know.

Jordan Sparks accessorized her flirty Betsey Johnson dress with black Sergio Rossi sandals. ($695 Net-a-porter.com)

I love Miley Cyrus’ whole look. This cute cocktail dress is perfectly matched by what appears to be the Michael Kors ‘Berkley’ gladiator sandal ($128.95 Nordstrom.com).

And what Red Carpet would be complete without a classic pair of Christian Louboutin Stilettos, worn here by Ciara? At a guess, these look to be at least a 120mm heel height. You can come very close to this look with the 110mm Decollette ($575 Net-a-porter.com).

These Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Platforms ($995 Saks.com) worn by Lindsay Lohan are fantastic. Unfortunately they may not be enough to save her in this strangely puckered dress.

I’m not really a fan of Heidi Montag’s off-the-shoulder shift-dress. However, these ankle boots look suspiciously like the Gucci Fall-Winter 2008 Babouska Studded Ankle Boots. A woven version is available online ($1195 Saks.com in black; $1295 pre-order in gold leather at Neimanmarcus.com)

Finally, I don’t hate Tara Conner’s black and white outfit, but it seems almost too conservative for the VMA. However, these Chloe Peep-toe Leather Shoe Boots ($387 Clearance at Net-a-Porter) are one fantastic and trendy set of kicks.

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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.

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Oh, Valentino! How do I choose? I didn’t notice any significant hints of this in your Pre-Fall, Spring 2008 or Fall 2008 runway shows; I am truly thrilled to see what is being offered off-runway for Valentino Fall 2008.

Goodbye Valentino strappy and sexy caged sandal. We hope you won’t be gone long.

Hello romance, femininity, coquetry and 1940’s era glamour. Welcome to the Party!

1.) Valentino Satin Pearl Sandals at Saks for $795. These would be gorgeous for the Holidays.

2.) Valentino Graphique Leather Pumps for $695 at Saks.com. I simply love these. This cut-out style front with the bow-tied demi-Maryjane front is completely retro-glam in the best sense.

3.)Valentino Open-toe Nappa-leather Ruched Sandals ($695 at Saks.com). This is soft and yet filled with grown-up allure.

4.) Valentino Mena Day Wear Pumps in red or black ($695 at  Saks.com). Featuring an attractive half-bow at the vamp.

5.) Fabulously Bowed rose and nude colored pump ($695 Neimanmarcus.com). A spiritual sister to Mr. Louboutin’s Anemone?

6.) Valentino Mena Ankle Booties in black or beige ($795 at Saks.com). Soft, Feminine and right on-trend for Fall.

7.) Valentino Button-up Tall Boot ($1495 Neimanmarcus.com). This is one decidedly feminine and softly-sexy Granny Boot.

8.) Valentino Laser-Cut Ankle Boot ($1145 Neimanmarcus.com). The cut-outs on this are so lovely and delicate; they are a visual delight.

9.) Valentino Suede Peep-toe Laser-cut Bootie ($945 Saks.com). This is the same basic styling as the higher ankle boot but is more in-line with the current peep-toe ankle bootie trend.

10.) Valentino Jewelled Platform Pump ($975 pre-order at Neimanmarcus.com). This is another breathtaking beauty.

I just may have a mad crush on this whole line.

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Te Casan is starting to receive new Fall stock. What does that mean to us?  Clearance prices on shoes from talented new designers as a fraction of their original price. Sounds like a plan to me.

1.) First up, Gianluca Soldi’s “Ginette“. Limited edition of 60 pairs; originally $295, sale priced at $99. Trend: Peep-toe, colored by Jewel-tones that add a hint of color-blocking sensibility.

The Ginette is also available in Purple, making it a great style moving into Fall; with the predominant ‘Berry’ themes that are now available in stores and which range in tone from cool burgundies to true purples.

2.) Next, by Zoe Lee, are two more deep purple picks for Fall.

• First, the “Lea“. Limited edition of 60 pairs; originally $285, sale priced at $99. Trend: Berry(Purple), Luxe fabrics, Mini-wedge.

• Next, the “Lily” boot, reminiscent of French court shoes (Think Louis XIV).  Limited edition of 30 pairs; originally $315, sale priced at $189.50. Trend: Berry, Luxe Fabrics, Ankle Boots.

3.) Animal Prints continue to be popular as we head into Fall.  Here are two Te Casan offerings:

• Gianluca Soldi’s ‘Greta‘. Limited edition of 60 pairs; originally $325, sale priced at $195.50. Trend: Animal prints.

• Zoe Lee’s ‘Lorna‘. Limited edition of 60 pairs; originally $315, sale priced at $167.50. Trend: Animal Prints combined with color-blocked styling.

4.) Rounding out this batch of sales offerings, we arrive at the super-hot trend of menswear-inspired ladies shoes (These are styles that make me think of Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo on the old Silver Screen). All three of these styles are by Gianluca Soldi.

• First, the ‘Geena‘ pump. Limited edition of 60 pairs; originally $365, sale priced at $99. Trend: (Subtle) Menswear design, Retro-look; matches well with the neutral tones that are also very present this Fall.

• Next, the ‘Genny‘ pump. Limited edition of 60 pairs; originally $325, sale priced at $99. Trend: Peep-Toe, Menswear Wing-tip details with just a hint of spectator styling. This is a nice alternative for those who like the menswear styling but are not attracted to the Oxford ankle-boot styles.

• Last, we have the two-tone ‘Gigliola‘ in Grey or Brown color combinations.Limited edition of 60 pairs; originally $355, now $99.  Trend: Menswear, Wingtip Oxfords, Spectator styling.

For those of us unable or unlikely to shop runway designers at boutique prices, this is a nice opportunity to acquire a lovely pair of designer-quality  shoes at real-live prices.

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For those of you in the United States, Labor day is one of those three-day weekends that is synonymous with shopping (although for plenty of men it is synonymous with grilling). For many of the younger set, it is the last big holiday weekend before school resumes. What is interesting to me is that a holiday that originated with the intent to give a day of rest and appreciation to the working citizens has morphed into a day where those folks working in service industries (particularly retail and food service) continue to work during the holiday to serve the rest of us who are lucky enough to have 9-5 employment.

If you happen to work in a government or white collar job, enjoy your day off.  For those of you in the service industry, been there, done that; I do hope you’re eligible for overtime. 

To all of those working through the holiday, THANK YOU for your commitment and work ethic.   This is my cheerleader moment: Our people are what keep our nation strong.

And, to those in a shopping frame of mind, there are a few sales. Unfortunately, there are not as many as I might have hoped:

1.) Asos has a shopping discount code good until Sunday, Sept 7th; Enter “ASOSGLAMOUR” at checkout for 20% off (I do not know if there is a price floor on this discount):

(Lotus Long Vintage Panelled Boots £190.00 before ASOS discount)

2. Bloomingdales is having a “Big Brown Bag Sale” through today [Extra 30-50% off Select Sale Items valid thru September 1st, 2008 on Bloomingdales.com only. Sale Items as marked. Discount Automatically Taken at Checkout. Offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Delivery charges and applicable sales taxes are additional. No adjustments to prior purchases. Offer excludes Electronic Gift Cards Beauty, Gifts, and Home (Including Furniture & Mattresses). Online Offer differs in Bloomingdale’s store locations and is not valid on bloomingdales.weddingchannel.com]:

3. Bluefly has select shoes at and additional 25% off through today. I don’t know about you, but in my book extra discounts at Bluefly are always a good idea:

4. Eluxury is giving an additional 30% off sale items:

How about these D&G patchwork sandals for an additional discount off the $539 sale price (Originally $895). That puts these under $400:

5. Nieman Marcus has free shipping for orders over $200 and for any shoe or handbag purchase over $350, a gift set of 12 designer notecards will be sent as a gift with purchase. 

I don’t happen to have any $350 shoes that I can’t live without. However, the notecards are darned cute.

6. Payless Shoe Source is having an online and in-store BOGO: Buy one; Get one for 1/2 Price. Always a crowd pleaser:

7. Shoebuy has a 20% off discount code; Enter “LD2008″ during checkout.  This is a great time to purchase a last-season clearance boot for fall.  With few exceptions, boots are a classic, trend-proof fall staple.  Don’t forget that if you are registered with Shoebuy, you normally receive an additional 10% discount above any current sales promotions.

Bronx ‘Zari’ on sale for $194 -20% -additional 10% = $139.68; 35% off the original $215.  Gotta love them stacked discounts.  I know I already said it, but the extra discounts make this a great time to browse; great time to buy.

As always, happy browsing!

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