Shoe du jour

A modern, elegant silhouette from Coach, fall 2012. The black “Cary” bootie has piping detail on the rich leather and large tassels decorating the front zipper … a signature detail that sets them apart. A brown stacked wooden 4.5″ heel and .75″ platform adds contrast and lift. The zipper does tend to gradually unzip throughout the day. It could be the placement of the zipper on the front vamp or the tassels could be a tad too large or heavy. A slight annoyance, yes. But that aside, these shoes are comfortable, polished and compliments abound.

Coach Cary

Coach Cary profile Coach Cary snapshot

Shoe du jour

Modern construction on this unique Kenneth Cole “tres a charm” bootie. Smooth burgundy calf hair, pointy toe and black leather contrasting wrap-around strap gives a tough appearance but the 4.25″ stacked skinny wedge heel makes it less tough and more très-chic! Stylish and timeless, it can add an elegance to jeans or add “edge” to a shift dress.

 

Kenneth Cole tres a charm

Kenneth Cole snapshot Kenneth Cole_side

Shoe du jour

Two colors that never go out of style are black and white. Paired together, they can create a graphic masterpiece. I am enamored with these ankle boots by Bionda Castana. The vintage inspired “Giovanna” boot has monochrome paneled leather in black and off-white. The round toe is accented with a cute leather bow. Black leather covered  3.5″ block heel and inside zipper. This standout autumn staple adds a playful-feminine edge to any wardrobe.

Bionda Castana side

Bionda Castana bow

BC Giovana snapshot

Shoe du jour

Chasing pavement in these pretty shoes – and looking stylish in the act! Black laces and a gathered tongue accent the front of this flirty peep toe, khaki-green, canvas-textured heel by Elizabeth and James. The “Margo” slingback has plenty of material covering the back of the ankle for support. There’s a 5″ partially covered heel and a 1.25″ concealed platform. A modern look and a comfy ride … suddenly Fall is looking up.

Elizabeth and James MargoE&J Margo snapshot

 

Shoe du jour

Some boots just have that “broken in” appeal. That’s why I love the Frye “Veronica” short distressed boot. From the brown crackled, soft leather texture to the slouchy shaft, this pull on, moto-inspired boot is a go-to boot for a classic, modern look. Simple, and stylish with a vintage, perfectly lived-in look, a great transition into fall–a Frye classic–redefined.

Veronica Frye distressedveronica Frye distressed backFrye cracked sideFrye cracked snapshot

Shoe du jour

Fall is all about texture and I’m smitten with animal prints and fur. Pony up with a luxurious, chocolate brown and off-white spotted pony hair stiletto. This pump is meant to go places, so have no fear, it’s just another way to texturize and add interest to your look. Elegant and yet, ultra-current with a round almond toe and 4″ dark chocolate wooden stiletto heel, this pump goes from day to evening with ease. By BCBGMAXAZRIA, added to my shoe closet in early 2000. So sharpen up your style this fall and give it an edge that exudes sheer animal magnetism.

BCBG ponyBCBG pony snapshotBCBG pony porfile

Shoe du jour

Cracked leather ankle boots with pointed toe and wraparound ankle strap – from Elizabeth and James’ fall 2010 collection, the “e-boss” is the Boss! There’s an elastic gusset at the outer side, a hidden instep side zipper and a 3.75″ stacked black wooden court heel. These came in calf hair, variegated pebble greyish nubuck and black cracked leather. The cracked leather appears glittery and actually sparkles. A modern interpretation of a western wear staple makes this shoe have a rock and roll vibe. The boot lacks padding but that is fixed with an addition of a insole and voilà – it’s one comfy, stylish, bad-ass, boss boot for you to show off and sparkle.

Photo reference duplicated from Bergdorf Goodman 5th/58th blog

Photo reference duplicated from Bergdorf Goodman 5th/58th blog

 

E&J Boss snapshot

Shoe du jour

Vacation day. A casual day with time to kick back and relax in my Converse All-Stars. This shoe is not like the traditional chunky white sole you instantly recognize as Chuck Taylor. What drew me to this shoe in 2006 was the details – the rubber sole was thinner, outer side is pin-striped in red and black, there’s red piping on the black canvas back heel and the toe had no pin-striping whatsoever. Now although I prefer the non-lace versions, I really appreciated that this pair had 14 grommets and skinny laces. Chuck Taylor’s come in so many different styles, heights and fabrics – leather, canvas, studded – every color imaginable and you can custom design your own pair too. This is a flat shoe, with no arch support. Is it comfortable? Not particularly, but I didn’t buy these for comfort, I bought these for style. Lasting style. And they have plenty of that!

converse Allstar snapshot

converse side

Allstar back

Shoe du jour

The thing about Fluevog’s….they last. These “Belleview Libby Smith’s” are circa 2010 and the only thing that’s changed for 2013 is the color combinations. Miu Miu is doing a similar style this season as well. The vintage and color block fashion trend continues. Soft, dusty grey toned leather unites with a muted olive creating a faux-spat effect – accented by small, decorative navy leather buttons. This zipped calf-high boot sports a low 2.5″ spool heel. This style is a hidden gem.

Fluevog Libby sideFluevog Belleview Libby Smith spat Fluevog Libby snapshot

 

Shoe du jour

A stream-lined, stylish and comfortable open toe, two-tone suede oxford from JCrew Italian collection – probably circa 2010. Found these in the back of my shoe closet and thought I’d take them out for a season changing spin. Stacked 4″ wood heel with .75 suede platform. I simply love the supple Italian suede mixed tones of mustard and beige….leather laces tie it all together. The menswear inspired oxford has reached new heights. These can easily go from work to dinner to weekend. A perfect shoe for transitioning into fall.

Jcrew suede oxford Jcrew suede

JCrew Suede oxford