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Up to 50% of women asked by America’s Research Group to rate Spring clothes this season responded that they had not even noticed what stores were selling! Of course, the experts are saying that’s more because of the economy than fashion itself; I don’t think anyone would contest that (The heel-less shoes this year?!!). Even though I don’t have a car nor do I own a home to pay a mortgage on, I know all about the rising gas prices and problems with national debt. On top of those consumer troubles, stores and clothing labels themselves are facing higher costs for raw materials and labor and due to the dollar being weak compared to international currencies. So, sadly, the price of fashion goes up when few could really afford to pay for it even at the original prices. As the story from MSNBC (that I found my interesting opening tidbit from) continues, “It’s just too many stores with too much square footage chasing too few shoppers,” and “…Beemer [head of America's Research Group] isn’t expecting discretionary spending on things like clothes to really bounce back until May 2009, after next year’s tax refunds start to kick in.”
Yikes. But maybe it means we’ll see lots more creative dressing on the sidewalks as people try to re-invent their old clothes and accessories. That would be a plus. Unfortunately for me, as this blog indicates, I do have a teensy tiny in-the-way belief that I will not be able to live without another pair of shoes (repeat infinitely). So, even if I did have all the bills of an average middle American, I’m pretty sure I’d still find a way to get a new pair every so often. If you’re in the same “situation,” or if you just haven’t gotten yourself a treat in a while, try to make the best of the bad times. For me that means… shoes on SALE!
As much as I would like these Moschino heels for $320, or even the Jcrew version in the middle for $195, the Steve Maddens below right, fit my strappy blue shoe wishes just as well and when they’re on sale for $24.99, I can’t even make myself cry about it.
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I’ve also selected some other great sale items, priced right for the economy. These cute gold sandals by Baby Phat would look great with a long dress (I’m obviously still on a bit of a cork trip from learning about how great it is as a renewable resource during Earth Day), and a fun, casual pair of bright pink kitten heels by American Eagle are the kind of easy, go-with-anything-as-your-running-out-the-door kind of shoe I love. A runner-up for the blue strappy sandal title above was these MIA wedges (also cork, yay!). I really like the gold trim on the straps. And the green heels are by Enzo Angiolini. They have multi-colored crocheted (!) detail down the front that makes them looks like they came straight out of a couture house (but, of course, not couture price). But I can’t decide if the detail looks more like flowers, berries, leaves or pieces of coral – it reminds me of different things on different days, which is probably why I like them so much. What’s your vote? (there’s a red-brown-orange version too).
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Happy May Day tomorrow!
And P.S. I am newly obsessed with the iGoogle Artist Themes. They’re featuring a crazy awesome range of people: from Jeff Koons to Tory Burch, Coldplay to Anne Geddes, Akira Isogawa (their featured piece would look gorgeous as a wedding invite print!) and Diane von Furstenberg, among others! Very cool! (listen, Tory Burch makes shoes… it’s still shoe related).
And double P.S. (P.P.S ?), I can’t end this blog without mentioning these crazy shoes I just found (warning- not to be confused with the inexpensive business above). They’re called Camileon Heels and they adjust between a 3.25 inch height and a 1.5 inch height. Yes, one shoe, two heel heights! There’s a little video that demonstrates how they work if you click on that link I made with the name of the shoe. Awesome idea, but I can’t get over the feeling that they heel will snap off when you’re wearing them tall since they are made to collapse. I think I’ll wait for a few more reviews before trying them out. Maybe by then the company will have some brighter colors too (all their styles are fairly basic and browns and blacks for now), but definitely a brand to watch! Let me know if you try a pair before I do.
How many of you style diva’s have ever had this happen to you? You wake up to a bright and sunny morning. Your local weather person tells you that today will be the warmest day of the season to date and your mind starts racing; “Oh my goodness, I’ve been waiting for a day just like this to wear xyz outfit with those 3 1/2 inch sandals that I’ve been saving since winter! (I couldn’t pass them up, 90% off retail, I will use them I swear!!)
I know I’ve never worn them before and I know that I should probably break them in before attempting to leave my 3 floor walk-up, and running down the block to catch my bus (almost missed it b/c I remembered that I DO have the perfect bag to go with this ensemble, and had to switch out from my everyday messenger).
Made it into the city on time (maybe these sandals weren’t the best idea today, my toes are tingling). Ok, If I can make it to work I can take them off under my desk for a while (pinky toes are going numb now). Whose bright idea was it to don these almost too cute for words heels on a Wednesday when I know it’s the busiest day of my week, with corporate meetings, client lunches, and drinks after work with the girls?! MY FEET HURT!! I am swearing off heels for… Ok ladies, it’s time to stop now.
Please spare your pretty manicured toes from that part of your day when you know you’ll be pounding pavement. Lucky for us, we can strut your stuff in some very acceptable canvas sneakers. which by the way are said to be an item of ‘mass appeal’ in Nylon magazine’s, May issue pg 52.
Here are a few trendy versions. Take ‘em along with you as a spare instead of the ugly old flip flops you’ve had in your desk drawer for the last year and a half. Your feet will be nothing but thankful.
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Blake Lively and Leighton Meester, stars of the CW’s Gossip Girl show, were featured on alternating covers of Nylon magazine’s latest Young Hollywood issue. One of many programs halted recently because of the recent writer strikes, Gossip Girl started their season again this week (Can you believe that yogurt toss?!).
In addition to being having lives filled with delicious drama as their alter egos: Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen, these girls are equally stocked with stylish shoes both on the show and off. Below is a picture of Leighton Meester in a blue dress and some cute white pumps; shoes which would also pair nicely with the diamond-print miu miu mini dress she shows off in the Nylon spread (also below!).
Pics from justjared.buzznet.com and bussbuss.com
Inspired by photos of the GG girls, I have found some cute white heels for those of us without a personal stylist. The first wedges below by Faryl Robin have a nice crackle finish that I hear we’ll be seeing on more and more shoes as stores start featuring fall 08 collections. And the Steve Madden wedges, second, have some nice detailing and pleating over the toes that really make them stand out.
In honor of Earth Day, I’ve decided to include these next two shoes. The first (that is to say, the third) are patent leather peep toes by Jessica Simpson which feature a lightweight cork heel and platform. And the last are these gorgeous Salvatore Ferragamo leather heels with a molded cork heel in a stacked snowball design with gold trim. What’s so eco-friendly about these shoes? Well, Cork is made from the bark of a tree, not the wood, so the tree does not have to be cut down in order to harvest the cork. Since the cork oaks will keep growing the bark back again and again (for up to 250 years!), cork is a renewable, sustainable and environmentally friendly material. It also is a little springy, which provides a bit of extra cushioning!
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For something easy to do for the earth today, change your lightbulbs!
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been waiting for Spring 2008 since last spring! The flowers, the colors, the birds chirping outside of my window at daybreak (well maybe not that last one so much). Now that the sun is staying out longer and longer, what better way to express your enthusiasm for the season than by focusing some attention to your spring feet! Here are a few picks to keep you in step with a blossoming trend.
Betsey Johnson Appolonia satin high heel sandals have a bit of an abstract floral detail, but the hot pink soles definitely reflect an appreciation for fresh blossoms. For a more toned down display of your appreciation for the season (although, I have no idea why one would want to tone down), I love these Kenneth Cole fabric heels. They are just the right mix of everything that is right for the spring/summer months.
And how romantic are these French Sole flats, the flower detail looks so real! I can almost smell the roses. Some girls don’t like flowers, but most like colors! For a more grown up take on the jelly…yup, they’re back again, look to Kate Spade’s version.
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Happy day after tax day! (phew)
Not getting as much back as you hoped? And what’s that you say? You also have a wedding to go to fairly soon (your own and/or someone else’s)!? Well, (to quote Flight of the Conchords) I’m not surprised. June is the number one month for weddings in the US. If you were planning on using part of your tax return towards your outfit, you may be interested to note that the average cost of a wedding dress is between $400 and $1000 and wedding shoes usually put a girl back $100-$300 whether you’re the bride or the bridesmaid! Don’t stress though, I can at least help you with the shoe part! My picks below are all under $40 but will dress your feet like a million bucks.
First, on the right, I’ve picked these Tribeca by Kenneth Cole metallic pewter wedges. Nothing says party like a metallic color! And although the wedge isn’t solid, the portion of it hitting the floor is wide enough to give you lots of dancing stability. Next, the ivory fabric Style & Co heels have a bit of gladiator stylin’ to keep them current and all that detail will convince everyone that you spent way more on them than you did (they come in other fun, bright colors too).
The Rampage black t-straps have some not-at-all-flashy tonal beading and the cherry blossom print on the insoles is to die for (I’d definitely be taking the shoes off to show people… well, early in the night. Wouldn’t that be cute if your invites had that print on them?). Last, the gray satin Nine West shoes on the right are elegant enough from the front, but the best part (you’ll have to click to see the other images) are the rhinestones running down the center of the back of the heel. It’s like a flirty wink to the people you pass.
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Low wedges may rule the sidewalks as summer approaches and today, the city’s first 70 degree day in what seems like forever, has gotten me in the mood to tell you all about it.
Lucky Magazine (May) highlights how the low height is both easy on your feet and flattering for your legs. So true! I also noticed that all their picks had either sling-backs or ankle straps so do keep that in mind as you shoe shop for the summer (…I haven’t seen many people praising straight flip flops for now, sorry.) But unlike all of Lucky’s full-price choices, my discounted picks below are sure to fit your budget!
The Nine West ivory and gold wedges (below left) have an ankle strap and a sling-back to incorporate the best of both, and they’re just so sophisticated looking. I am completely in love, especially because you could easily wear them with a black corporate pencil skirt or the polar opposite: full, flowery dress or faded denim capris. Yellow is an “it” color right now and this sunny shade cheers me up just looking at it. Grab these Steve Madden sandals on one of those Mondays you’re dreading to put a bright bounce in your morning.
Arturo by Arturo Chiang created my third choice, these not-too-casual-for-weekdays blue and white fabric wedges, and infused them with the nicest hint of the beach. I’d wear them with a slightly more grown-up outfit though (tailored white capris?); shorts and a t-shirt could push them over the casual ledge and doesn’t make the best use of these cute shoes. Last, I really can’t help saying these look like glass slippers (!), but talk about your go with anything shoe. The low heel on these Rampage peep-toes means you can take them from day to night without limping and the lack of color means it doesn’t matter what you wear with it, it’ll match! I would suggest pairing them with something a little covered up on top though (like a loose tunic top or a slightly below knee-length skirt) or you may look a bit over-exposed.
Happy Spring, or as I like to call it, happy Almost-Summer!
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If the New Kids on the Block can get back together, anything is possible. But since I’ve also noticed some influences from the 1980s in runway collections already (neon colors! even some shoulder pads!), it seems even more likely… Could the fashionable masses take a giant step backwards in time and go seriously 80s? Well, better safe than sorry. Just like you should have a few gallons of water in your house and band-aids just in case, here’s what you should stash in your closet in case of a world gone crazy. And don’t worry, with my picks, you can wear them now and even years in the future without hating yourself later (let’s not talk about that side ponytail thing I did once upon a time 
).
Even if you weren’t alive in the 80s, I’m sure you know that legwarmers were big (I think they’re still around some even now). Well, the younger of us paired them with sneakers, but the stylish teenagers matched them with some thin-heeled pumps, also a throwback to the dress-to-climb-the-corporate ladder/power suit era for women. I like the basic black leather pair below by Guess which would blend equally well with tailored pants today as they would with a poofy-sleeved prom dress back in the day. And on that strain, do you remember the Guess brand itself? The jeans, the tops, the shoes, the purses – they were all huge in the 80s and Guess is still around. So, because in addition to neon (love those Lacoste sneakers), checkerboard patterned prints were uber popular during the decade, I’ve added a second pair of Guess heels- this time platforms for some “now” power and black and white checks for the vintage quality.
Last, who could forget Michael Jackson and his plethora of sparkle (the single glove, most famously). So for instant 80s, it’s easy to take a cue from The King of Pop and pour some glitter on your shoes. I am diggin’ these red Marc by Marc Jacobs jellies (below right). Just match them with a red leather jacket and you’re ready to have a dance-off with some zombies (YouTube the Thriller video if you didn’t laugh; I’m not saying it’ll make me funnier but at least you’ll be entertained). See, I told you I was going to make the 80s less scary! – and yet your feet would totally blend in if you warped back there in a time machine. Now pull out some of those old John Cusack movies and a little Bill & Ted for the weekend… if it does mature into a full-blown trend, maybe it wouldn’t be so “bogus” after all.
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UPDATE 9/28 – check out this hilarious blog on equally loving and hating heel-less shoes (and/or Victoria Beckham).
Did you know we likely owe all our high heeled glory/troubles to a 14 year old girl? Apparently Catherine de Medici hadn’t had her growth spurt yet when she married Duc d’Orleans in 1533, so she had a pair of 5 inch heels made for her. When she debuted them in Paris, they became the latest rage and have graced feet ever since (thanks Wallpaper Magazine!).
As I’m sure you’ve seen on this blog and in the stores, you may not be able to walk further than a runway length and back in them, but high (and I mean high) heels are not going away anytime soon (even with re-inventions of ballet flats remaining fairly popular). Wallpaper notes Antonio Berardi’s heel-less platforms (pictured – thanks ShoeWaWa!)
as well as Sergio Rossi “who sent his models down the catwalk in strappy sandals complete with super-sexy heels made from stacked gold balls; Guiseppe Zanotti cut into the wedge to create a sensational hollowed-out platform heel; at Christian Dior, John Galliano’s models were hoisted up on a whopping 5.5in silver heel; and Chanel’s glamorous, staggered heels looked as if they were inspired by the Empire State Building, in both shape and height.”
I love a good heel too, however, I do almost equally love walking around in them enough to show them off, and, you know, regular walking in itself is pretty good too. So in the spirit of high to the sky heels that are also pretty wearable, I give you the following shoes complete with heel heights! The Michael Michael Kors gold sandals will raise you up 4.75 inches (love the cork sole and heel!) while the platform front takes some of the edge off. These white patent Nine West wedges make my calf muscles relax just looking at them and you definitely cannot scoff at 4.25″. And for the big 5 inch finale we have gold sequin covered platforms by Casadei (I’m dying to wear these with jeans and a plain t-shirt - total rock-star).
Fashion is your slave now!
Happy April Fool’s Day by the way! However, please note that the heel-less shoes above are not a joke, they’re completely real and for sale for about $3,600 a pair. You know, in case you get a really big tax refund.
Showing Some Love