Lovely and Lacey Louboutins for Fall

Posted by galligator in Boots, Christian Louboutin Shoes, Fall 2009 Shoes, High heels, Platforms, Pumps, Trend Alert

Today I just wanted to give our readers some happy Saturday eye-candy.

So, I went straight to Louboutin in search of some drool-worthy choices. What I found were variations on timeless lace.

This first one is my favorite, even if the shape is all wrong for my particular feet. The all-over lace and that peek of red sole are superbly matched.

Christian Louboutin ‘Ronda Dina’ 140 mm platform pumps; $1025 at Net-a-porter.

But, if you are more of an ankle-boot gal, this next style may be more your speed.  Cute horizontal lace patterns make this a nice update on a classic allover lace boot.

Christian Louboutin ‘Paola’ 100mm ankle boots; $1155 at Net-a-porter.

(The Paola is also available on pre-order at Saks)

For a more conservative take (using the same lace as the Paola), is this classic pump designed with a lower, sturdy heel. This is a great look that is not likely to go out of style.

Christian Louboutin ‘Ambro’ lace peep-toe pump; $825 at Nieman Marcus.

Finally, for you gals that like to show off a bit of bad-girl vibe, check out this shoe-confection made with lace, studs, and a zipper bow. This is glam-rock for a new generation.

Christian Louboutin ‘Candy Stud’ pumps $965 at Saks.com.

So, this is just one designer’s take on lace. Are you anticipating more fabulous lace creations from other designers this fall?

I know I am.

2 Comments »

Spring 2009 Shoes Trends: A Rainbow of Color

Posted by galligator in BCBG Shoes, Boots, Brian Atwood, Christian Dior Shoes, Christian Louboutin Shoes, Costume National Shoes, Flats, High heels, Jimmy Choo Shoes, Loeffler Randall Shoes, Platforms, Pumps, Roberto Cavalli Shoes, Sandals, Sergio Rossi Shoes, Slingbacks, Spring 2009 Shoes, Trend Alert, Valentino Shoes, Wedges, Zappos

While economic events have been a bit dreary over the past six months or so, it’s nice to see that we won’t have to worry about being stuck with spring shoe options that are either conservative or gloomy.  

So, what am I seeing at online retailers as well as in every brick-and-mortar store with a shoe section?

Color.

What kind of color? From Payless to Macy’s to Saks, just about every primary, prism-based color is on tempting display.

So, if you like bold colors, then this is the season for you.

Here are some (mostly) high-end highlights.

Red:

Christian Louboutin ‘Madame Claude’ D’orsay Pumps $795 at Saks.com

Valentino ‘Mena’ Day Wear Pumps $695 at Saks.com

 

BCBGMaxazria Patent and Rafia* Sandals $250 at Saks.com

Orange:

Dior ‘Klimt’ T-strap Sandal $570 at Saks.com

 

Miu Miu patent leather wedges $570 at Net-a-porter

Yellow:

Christian Louboutin Platform pumps $736 at Saks.com

 

Brian Atwood ‘Riva’ patent sandals $725 at Net-a-porter

 

Green:

Roberto Cavalli satin basketweave sandals $915 at Net-a-porter

Brian Atwood Suede Sandals $710 at Saks.com

 

Blue:

Christian Louboutin ‘New Simple’ pumps $675 at Saks.com

Oscar de la Renta V-Pieced open-toe platform pumps $755 at Saks.com 

Loeffler Randal ‘Graphic’ wood platform sandal $575 at Saks.com

Violet:

Miu Miu ‘Sandali’ cork* sandals $585 at Saks.com

Miu Miu suede pumps $495 at Saks.com

Costume National slingback flats $560 at Saks.com

What if you want to play with the whole rainbow instead of just choosing by the individual color?  Well, multi-hued styles are available too. Heck, many of us are just starting to experience 2009’s first rainy, spring-time weather; it’s as good a reason as any to bring your own rainbow to the party.

Nine West Women's Mudpie Platform Wedge Slide

Nine West ‘Mudpie’ bamboo*-wrapped slide $88.95 at Endless.com

T.U.K Rainbow Heart Strap Heel $60.50 at Zappos.com

 

Jimmy Choo Open-Toe Sandals $825 at Saks.com

Brian Atwood ‘Margie’ rainbow sandals $565 at Saks.com

Sergio Rossi patchwork knee-high boots $1500 at Net-a-porter

Here’s to a colorful and optimistic spring.

* See, you really can’t get away from cork & rafia this year. 

 

6 Comments »

Saks Sales Highlights

Posted by galligator in Christian Dior Shoes, Fall 2008 Shoes, Gucci Shoes, High heels, Hot Shoe Deals and Steals, Platforms, Sandals, Spot the Shoe on Sale, Spring 2008 shoes, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Shoes

Saks 5th Avenue continues to put new items on sale over at their website.

Among the items available today are:

Yves St. Laurent Y-strap Patent sandal $311.90 $780.

Certainly, this style is not as universal at the Tribute and Tribute Two, but for those of you that like this funkier interpretation of their platform style, the price really is fantastic.

 

 

Gucci Newton High Heel Sandal $295.90 $740.

This two-tone is a lovely, classic style that will be wearable for years.

 

 

Dior Whisper T-Strap Sandals $267.90 $670

Imagine this with your perfect little black dress… wonderful.

 

 

So many sales these days, sigh.

4 Comments »

Gucci Cruise 2009

Posted by galligator in Cruise 2009 Shoes, General, Gucci Shoes, High heels, Platforms, Pumps, Sandals, Slingbacks, Trend Alert, Wedges

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

4 Comments »

Prada Resort 2009: From Classic to Glam

Posted by galligator in Cruise 2009 Shoes, Focus on the Shoe Brand, High heels, Mary Janes, Platforms, Prada & MiuMiu Shoes, Pumps, Sandals, Shoe Trends, Wedges

In case you haven’t yet seen these in stores, several of this Fall’s resort collections have start to turn up at our favorite online shopping sites. Today’s focus is the Prada 2009 Resort Collection.

For more conservative ladies,  a number of these 2009 Resort styles are simple, feminine, classic, and stylish. The low demi-wedge sandals are a nice change from recent trends toward higher and more precarious styles. If you happen to prefer the higher heel, the ombre nude Maryjane pumps have a slim yet solid heel that will allow you to indulge in the trend of  higher styles without sacrificing too much in walking stability (~a la stilettos).


Prada Demi-wedge (T-strap) Sandals $520 Saks.com*


Prada Demi-wedge (Strappy) Sandals $520 at Saks.com


Prada T-strap Sandals $620 at Saks.com


Prada Ankle-strap Wedges $595 at Saks.com


Prada Mary-Jane Pumps $620 at Saks.com


Prada Round-toe Pumps $490 at Saks.com

Of course,  the folks over at Prada have not forgotten to include styles with a bit of bling in this collection (in apparent consideration of the many ladies who simply never stopped loving the idea of playing dress-up with their fashion). And, with the holidays just around the corner, I’m sure there are many gals out there who will find plenty of opportunities to let these lovelies shine - as they are quite obviously meant to do.


Prada Sequined Peep-toe Pumps $850 at Saks.com


Prada sequined mules $590 at Saks.com


Prada Sequined Sandals $850 at Saks.com


Prada Jewelled Slides $730 at Saks.com


Prada T-strap sandals $890 at Saks.com


Prada T-strap Sandals $790 at Saks.com

As for me, do I have a favorite? Well, while I am wholeheartedly loving the art-deco 1940’s appeal of the last 2 jewelled T-straps, I actually find myself more torn between the demi-wedge T-strap and the basic-yet oh, so sexy, jewelled slides.

How about you, which style do you find most appealing?

 *For those of you with a Saks 5th Avenue account, there is a triple-points event currently in progress online, and running Nov. 11-15  in stores.

2 Comments »