These are not your Grandma’s boots. And, to a boot-lover like me, that is a good thing.

Gucci Riddle Lace-up Boot $1690 at Saks.com

I love the equestrian-reference of the lower lacing.  Add to that the slightly military-feel of the buckled calf details and you wind up with a boot that is not quite granny, not quite riding boot, and 100% fabulous.

I love how these boots feel like an updated classic. They are just fresh enough not to blend in as just another cookie-cutter granny boot, but are still classy and sexy enough that you can easily get years of wear-ability from them - whether they are matched with casual jeans or a hot pencil skirt.

How would you wear a pair of boots like these?

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Earlier this year, André Leon Talley of Vogue was heard remarking that he was “over the mania of the high, high heel”.  On the Milan Spring 2010 runways, it’s really unapparent that designers took André’s word to heart.  The shoes were still soaring and high, abetted by one and two inch platforms.

Strappy Fendi Sandals for Spring 2010: My favorite part of these wraparound Fendi sandals were the rose-hued clear platform.

Gucci Spring 2010 Heels: Futuristic, sexy bondage heels appeared to be the theme on Gucci’s runway.

Versace Spring 2010 Fantasy Land Shoes: Donatella Versace’s Spring Collection was said to be inspired by the upcoming Alice in Wonderland movie from Tim Burton. This must explain the medley of playful polka dot, geometric, and pastel prints.

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Men’s Spring 2010 Milan fashion week started Saturday.  I have been casually following men’s shoe fashions because our men who come here have largely been ignored.  I wanted them to know that we love them too.  Also, since I have a large foot,  if I am looking for a good pair of trouser flats, I often look in the menswear section. 

What are we seeing on the Milan runway for Spring 2010? 

Jil Sander:  These close ups don’t show it, but this line showed mostly whites and colors that were barely there.  I  love the yellow lace ups.  Would my husband wear them?  At a size 13,  ’fraid not.  Actually, the yellow lace up would probably be the only thing in this line he would wear, if his foot were smaller.

Gucci offered variations on one pair of sneakers.

And variations on a pair of slip ons.

lastly, white driving loafers. 

So what do you think guys?  Is there a pair you love?

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Jumping off from Shomore’s earlier Ed Hardy/Tattoo trends article, I wanted to share some of the Gucci 2009 Cruise collection styles with all of our readers.

As a brief peek at some of my previous postsmight indicate, I love graphics trends on shoes whether they are subtle or over the top. A recent encounter at another website where a poster stated ‘Ed Hardy is So Last Year’ (and by extension, tattoo flash and graphic adornment) had me wondering whether such a declaration was perhaps premature. Of course, it twas not that long ago that fashion forecasters were also gloomily predicting the yet-to-materialise decline of the wedge heel. 

Both of the above positions are firmly contradicted by Gucci’s current offerings.

There is actually a lovely relaxed quality to many of the shoes in this collection; a certain femininity noticeable in a  variety of styles and silhouettes that are likely to please a diverse set of tastes.  Given my love of graphics, it is no surprise that my current favorite is the tattoo-inspired ‘Heart Slingbacks’ and ‘Heart Wedges’; I am a sucker for such playful styles.

I find these tan shoes to be stylish, feminine and just a touch edgy without bowing completely to the trend. No small feat, and the resulting shoe is one that will remain wearable when the tattoo-flash fashion heyday has played itself out.

This style also comes in a signature print for those who love the logo look. I’m not sure that these are quite as sexy as the tan simply due to the busier background, but the grey contrast is actually a very nice contrast against the rose artwork.

And, if you happen to be one of those shoe-lovers who is also more than a bit fond of handbags, the rose-detailed purses Gucci is offering will certainly round out your  accessories options for indulging in this trend.

Definitely on the funkier side, the Heart wedges don’t give me the same timeless feel as the slingback stilettos; yet they nevertheless have an undeniable sense of quirky fun that will be just the thing for the gal who isn’t shy about showing her personality.

For the more conservatively minded, Gucci’s tortoise-detailed stilettos, platforms and wedges are still plenty tempting, and, let’s face it, divine.

I absolutely love the tortoise stiletto. Simply sexy and sophisticated.  While Gucci is certainly not the first to add the tortoise detail at the heel, they have definitely done it right with these Sophia High Heel pumps. These are definitely a great excuse not to wear white after labor day (though if that bothers you, it also comes in black).

For a bit of a younger look, any one of the more casual tortoise styles will do the trick. The warm brown tones paired with black are certainly timely with the black and brown combinations that we have been seeing in recent handbag fashion.

And yes, for those of you who actually don’t mind the occasional matchy shoe-handbag indulgence, the Gucci Hysteria Clutch and Hysteria Medium Hobo also come in a matching tortoise finish.

These are certainly some of my favorite styles from this collection. Of course, this is by no means is the a comprehensive list of the 2009 Gucci Cruise shoe and handbag styles currently available, but a girl’s got to start somewhere.

Styles shown on this page:

Gucci Tattoo Heart Slingbacks (Tan) $695 
Gucci Tattoo Heart Slingbacks (Grey) $595
Gucci Joy Medium Boston Bag $695
Gucci Tribeca Medium Shoulder Bag $1395
Gucci Babouska Large Tote $1250
Gucci Tattoo Heart Wedges $780
Gucci Sophia High Heel Pumps $645
Gucci Grease Platform Sandals $775
Gucci Kotao Wedges $1125
Gucci Swing Vitello Vernice Wedges $575
Gucci Sunset Thongs $475
Gucci Hysteria Clutch $1250
Gucci Hysteria Medium Hobo $1360

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It’s another Mad Monday. Time to reveal my latest shoe crush.

I know that many ladies are drooling over the SATC Dior Extreme cut-out gladiator heels. I, however, have not been one of them (Sacrilege, I know). To clarify this, I have, for the most part, been uninspired by the majority of gladiator-styled choices that have surrounded us this year. Thanks to Gucci, that has changed.

The Gucci ‘Marion’ High-heeled sandals are a simply perfect gladiator-slash-equestrian sandal with just enough edge to keep things interesting. On top of all those sexy cutouts, there’s that little hint of a Mary-jane buckle over the instep. And then, the best touch of all is the wonderful warm chocolate leather that makes this a style that can be dressed up for dancing or dressed down for denim.

There is certainly a whole lot going on in this sandal. Luckily, it is in all the right places and has ended with a shoe that can proudly claim to ‘Have it all going on’.

Come share my current crush.

Gucci Marion High Heeled Sandal $995 at Saks.com

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