I am biased. I love Betsey Johnson shoes to a degree than might be a tad overenthusiastic even among gals who are half of my age. But, rather than apologize, I revel in that exuberance. Age appropriate?  Act my age? No, thank you.

Today’s New York presentation of the Spring 2009 line simply hit all the right notes for me.  It also happens to be serious eye-candy for anyone out there who is even remotely involved in the Retro Fashion, Swing Music, Gothic Lolita, or Romantigoth scenes; heck, for any gal with a hardcore girly streak.

These clothes are all Romance and Frills.  There are heavy doses of Victorian and Edwardian influences as well as 1950’s-60’s floral chintz; and that’s just at a glance.  All these sweet ruffles and layers add up to one sassy and pouty whole.

Quoting from Laird Borrelli-Persson’s review over at Style.com: “Johnson herself, who took her traditional runway cartwheel dressed as Peter Pan, conceded that some of the show clothes were “over-the-top.” (They will, of course, be adapted for retail.) That said, she really is focusing on broadening her label’s appeal.”

I certainly hope these don’t get too adapted for retail. I can’t help thinking that these are already pretty much perfect as is.  Who doesn’t need a set of lacy knickers in her closet?

And all of this is combined with strappy platforms, flats with ankle socks and naughty knee-highs. 

The word ‘Yummy’ comes to mind.

Fabulous fashions also deserve amazing footwear; but perhaps not too amazing. I can’t help feeling that these fanciful shoes (adorned with bows, polka dots, and fob details) would really work better as the focal point of an outfit. Don’t get me wrong; I love the whole over-the-top vibe of this show. But, for me, I love it when the first thing folks notice when I am out and about is a pair of fabulous shoes.  

[Photos courtesy of New York Magazine / nymag.com]

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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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After a hiatus from last week’s weekly shoe review, we’re back and just in time for Spring 2009 NY Fashion Week.

-Style.com predicts the next Louboutin (can you guess who by the photo below?) Judging by the number of Spring 2009 collaborations this shoe designer has been commissioned to work with and the sexy silhouette , we wouldn’t be surprised either.

-Over at Vanity Fair, a good deal of discussion is going on about the cost of Cindy McCain’s and Laura Bush’s outfits at the Republican National Convention Tuesday night (around $300,000 for the former and $3,500 for the latter, including shoes priced between $300 and $600). On the other side of the pricing scale, Sarah Palin, the GOP vice presidential nominee, was spotted in these Naughty Monkey Double Dare Shoes which cost a more reasonable $89. Via Fausta’s blog.

- In slightly older news (I did miss last week afterall), the French Health, Youth, and Sports Minister (uggh, what a long title) Roselyne Bachelot lost a bet she made with France’s Olympic athletes. Her punishment if France returned from the Beijing Olympics with at least 40 medals? She had to wear a pair of hideous, pink Crocs to work. What a good sport! -Via Trend Hunter

- Madonna recently kicked off her Sticky and Sweet World Tour. The shoes were custom made by Miu Miu and Stella McCartney. At 50, she has more energy than I do and I’m in awe that we was able to wear such tall heels while dancing. -Via NYMag and WWD; Photos via FashionSpot

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Olympic withdrawal is already starting to hit me. So how about we extended the memories a bit more with a look back at some of this week’s Olympic shoe news:

• Shoe promise inspires Becki Adlington to Olympic gold - Via The Mirror
• Remember how Usain Bolt kissed his shoes after winning gold? Puma is denying that the kiss was deliberate - Via Times of India

Usain Bolt wore the Puma Theseus II shoes during the record breaking events. They are available in white and blue at Zappos for $104. Disclaimer: Individual results will vary

• Knowing the Chinese have a penchant for giant sized shoes, the Beijing Olympics would not be complete without Olympic mascot shoes. - Via The Official Beijing 2008 Olympic Games website

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Myers says sex just doesn’t cut it. Shoes, on the other hand, get her heart racing. - Via CNN

It’s about time. Women No Longer Forced to Wear High Heels in U.K.-Via NYMag

From Phelps’ record 8 gold medals to Torres’ swim at a record age, the Olympics has kept me glued to the television. And while not quite as historic, Usain Bolt broke a world record AND won gold with his left shoelaces undone. Geez, I’m lucky if I can prevent myself from tripping. - Via Fox

And since I can’t get enough of these games, how to win the Olympics - Just Shoe It! - Via 5Min Life Videopedia

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