Style Cynics

Okay, I’m not normally a huge fan of expensive, cutesy shoes that look like they’re worth about $60 but cost $400. However, looking at the Miu Miu Antic Crystal Ballerina Slipper, I might have to change my mind. I have this feeling that I missed out when I was little. I dreamed about having jewelled shoes to dance around in during my princess-themed games. Now that I’m all grown up, I’m still coveting princess-like shoes, and these ballerina slippers do not disappoint.

I have an addiction to red shoes – I can’t help it. Maybe it stems from the fact that when I was younger, I was absolutely in love with Dorothy’s ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz, and I used to beg my mother to buy me red dress shoes so that I could pretend I had those amazing pumps, too. Maybe I just love the way that you can wear any black, white or grey outfit and as long as you’ve got red shoes, you’re bound to get noticed. Anyway, whatever the reason, when I came across these red pumps from Brian Atwood on the Saks Fifth Avenue site, I knew I had to write about them. These babies are hot, hot, hot! They’ve got a high-gloss patent red leather exterior, smooth, classic lines and a pointed toe, a high four-and-a-half-inch heel, and a leather lining and sole. In short, these pumps are killer – and if I’m going to add another pair of expensive red shoes to my collection, they’d better be.

It’s probably happened to you: you see a pair of absolutely amazing shoes and know you have to have them. I pretty much feel that way about all Manolo Blahnik creations, but these ones caught my eye especially, and if I hadn’t just paid down my credit card, I would be inputting the numbers faster than you can say “suede high heels”. Maybe it’s the soft grey-blue suede enveloping the shoe, or maybe it’s the fact that the stiletto heel is a decent three and a half inches, but I think the real draw is the beautifully-shaped collar and buckled strap that make this a Mary Jane, but unlike any Mary Jane I’ve ever owned. This shoe is sexy and classy, two characteristics that should be in every pump. As well, the shoes have got a lightly padded insole, which means that my feet won’t be killed by these killer shoes by the end of the night.

When fall is in, two-tone is in, and that’s certainly true of this functional, yet stylish riding boot by Steve Madden. I can just see the ads now – beautiful girl striding across the windswept field in cowboy-chic skinny jeans, leather jacket, and peasant blouse. To tell the truth, this boot truly makes anyone’s legs look longer, but the rounded toe isn’t something you’d want to wear out to the club. If you’re someone who doesn’t like a lot of heel, this boot’s for you – with a one and a half-inch heel, it gives you enough height to be stylish, but you’re not going to break your neck on those slippery leaf-covered streets. As well, everyone needs a pair of comfortable shoes; why not let these boots be yours?

Hey, didn’t you know? Lolita is in! This cute, yet chic style was inspired by Vladimir Nabokov’s famous novel about a teacher and his student, and the clothes and shoes are reminiscent of a more innocent era. That doesn’t mean, however, that they can’t be sexy, and Michael Kors has hit the mark again with his open-toed pumps that do justice to the whole Lolita movement. These are just delicious – the grey leather and patent leather trim are pinked to add a little texture to this three and a half wedge heel shoe. The shoe’s got a platform sole, so if you’re height-challenged (like me), you can add more than just the promised three and a half inches to your stature. However, the best part about this pump for me is how the puckered leather gives way to an open toe, which provides a little intrigue to an otherwise straightforward seventies’ style pump. The finishing touch, and the signature of the Lolita fashion movement, is a small black bow on the vamp.

What is about these cut-off boots that make everyone so wild? Hey, even I love these things, and I rarely wear heels higher than two inches! Of course, no one can resist the beauty and elegance of Jimmy Choo, and he comes through again with these beautiful metallic leather shoe-boots, which apparently is the new term for the halfway point between a shoe and a boot. With a 3.9 inch spike heel, you’re going to have to be careful walking in these, but the chic pointed toe and beautiful metallic leather will make any fashionista drool and scrabble for her wallet. They’ve a zip on the heel, but the most interesting thing about these boots is their lateral chunky gold zipper, which swings across the upper. I know, they’re Jimmy Choo, but without this detail, these shoes would be nothing more than mediocre.

Pair these boots with jeans, skirts, or even a business suit. The great thing about these shoe-boots is that they are quite versatile. Jimmy Choo also offers the shoes in a variety of sizes, so don’t worry about being left out. On the website, these boots are listed in Jimmy’s favorites, so you know they must be good. If anything, people will look twice at your feet! Just make sure to wear something a little more comfortable a few days out of the week – these shoes aren’t really meant for everyday wear. Well, I guess they can be – if you’ve got a high pain threshold!

Chic, versatile, and beautiful – what don’t these shoes have? Well, they are Jimmy, so you’ll be paying for the privilege of wearing his creation. These shoe-boots are $870 at JimmyChoo.com.

Can’t afford Jimmy? Why not try these Donald J Pliner shoe-boots? The shoes, called “Mars”, have a buttery-black suede or calf leather upper and an in-step zipper, as opposed to a heel zipper. However, their leather strap with metal peace-signs will make people look twice at your feet. They’ve also got just enough of a pointy toe to rival Jimmy Choo without crushing your toes. Find them for ¼ of the price, or $288.95, at Zappos.com.

Want to change it up a bit? These eighties-style slouchy Report Signature Women’s Billy Booties have a soft leather upper and a leather sole, with a three-and-a-half inch heel and a funky skull pin. They resemble the Jimmys, but not in the price – these babies are $147.89 on Endless.com.

In a recent article about heeled Oxfords, I was talking about how I find that the designers’ idea of business shoes is sadly lacking. However, my faith has been restored by Michael Kors, that wonderful man, who has designed an absolutely transcendent pair of simple black shoes that can be worn in the workplace environment and are equally at home in a formal setting. The Suede Point-Toe pumps are covered in buttery black suede with a two-and-a-quarter-inch heel. Really? Two and a quarter inches? These really are my dream shoes.

I love my black pumps – they go with everything I own and they’re functional and chic, all at the same time. Sometimes, however, I wish I could change them up just a bit, because although they’re basic black, they can also be boring black. Well, my wish was answered by Isabella Fiore – she’s made a black pump with pumped-up style! The ornamental satin “Holman Bis” is covered in rich black satin and has a heel of approximately two and a half inches. The best part about it, though, is the frayed black-and-white cotton trimming held in place with ten shining metal buttons. What a way to dress up your old black standbys! As the website says, it creates a great “evening story”, and would look great with any evening dress, black pencil skirt, or even, if you dare, a black business suit. Some girls would wear these with skinny jeans, but I feel that may be a bit understated for the elegance that these pumps exude.

You know, I find it so funny that a chunk of wood roughly carved into a shoe shape ever made it into high fashion, but I’ve got to say, I am never going to turn down a chance to wear a comfortable pair of clogs. True, they’re not really that good-looking; in fact, they look exactly like what they are – a dome of calfskin attached to a padded sole. Maybe today’s lazy society just appreciates a comfortable shoe that they can slip on and off with ease, but whatever the reason, clogs became hot two years ago and they haven’t dropped out of the fashion world yet.

To tell you the truth, when I first saw these shoes, I couldn’t decide if I liked or hated them. I feel like I should like them, because they’re Prada, but something about them just really makes me cringe. Maybe it’s the square toe or the absolutely heinous tassels – since when is a Cowboys-and-Indians look ever chic? However, I do like the shape of the shoe, and the low heel ensures that I can wear these safely on a wet fall street with no recourse.

As a rule of thumb, I’m not overly impressed with most lace-up sandals, simply because most of them are quite ugly. However, I had to change my mind when it came to the Givenchy Open Toe Lace Up Sandal, because really, this shoe is amazing. It’s got a four-and-a-half-inch heel, a patent leather lace-up upper, and a thin ankle strap with a silver buckle. As well, although it resembles its cousins the lace-up bootie, it has none of their frumpiness. Wow!

For those of us who like a nice flat, be it for taking a walk or simply kicking back and hanging out, have no fear: the designers have heard us. And for me, it’s even better, because this particular Donna Karan flat comes in grey suede. I have to say – I truly adore grey shoes. I adore flats even more, because as a girl who wobbles on the lowest of heels, flats at least ensure that my feet are pretty without me falling on my face. These particular flats are definitely something I would pick up. Their soft grey suede and silver-tone vamp ornament make them equally casual and professional enough for work, and hey – if I’m not feeling the heels on a club night, I might even wear these out then.

Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but in my understanding, a brogue is something akin to what an Irish man speaks in. According to Roberto Cavalli, this isn’t so. Now, I like Colin Farrell as much as the next girl, but if brogue refers to these absolutely magnificent pumps, I’ll take the shoes, please. These smoky grey soft leather pumps are deliciously sprinkled with eyelet detail throughout and have a rounded toe. Sound too cutesy? The four-inch heel says otherwise. At this sort of height, I doubt I could walk down the street without falling, but I have a few fashionista girlfriends who could pull this look off perfectly.

It’s fall, so the streets are full of sexy ladies dressed in all kinds of sexy boots. Manolo Blahnik, one of the deities of shoes, has realized our need for boots that truly kill and has come out with a cutout suede knee-high boot that almost made me faint when I saw it. Is there anything more sexy than this? These boots are made of buttery-soft coal-black suede with an approximately three-inch heel and an absolutely beautiful cut-out pattern that laces all the way up the back of the boot. The look is absolutely stunning, especially when paired with a flowing skirt or a pair of skinny jeans. The best thing about them is that their soft suede top and zip-up leg that allows just about anyone to wear these. Seriously, why would you buy any other boot when you can have these ones?

Okay, who brought back the Little House on the Prairie style? I’m normally not one to complain about shoes, but please – you could have pulled these Oxfords straight from the 1800s. I don’t know whose idea it was to affix a heel onto old-fashioned boots, but the look is not sexy. Surprisingly, these shoes are actually in style, and the old sturdy Oxford has been given a garish makeover by designers looking to attract the conservative crowd. I suppose that it might make someone stuck in business-suit hell happy to wear a heel, but honestly, I could find a thousand sexy black pumps that are understated, yet elegant. This is just a style nightmare – and it disappoints me even more when I find that Yves Saint Laurent is responsible for this. I have a lot of respect for this designer, but buddy, you missed the mark here.

I’ll admit it – I can be a little lazy, especially when it comes to my shoes. There are days that I get up in the morning and am running late, or can’t fathom trying to walk twenty minutes to work on three-inch heels. That’s why I love designers who make sexy slides. After all, some outfits just need a simple shoe, and one that’s colored a pinky-peach makes my whole day.

Remember when you were a kid and your absolute most favorite shoes ever were your shiny Mary Janes? You were only allowed to wear them on special occasions, but that didn’t stop you from going to the closet to slip them on during dress-up games or even just to wear around the house. Now, Chloe’s tapped in on that love of this special shoe and given us girls our own grown-up version of the patent leather Mary Jane. Instead of shiny black, however, they’re an equally-shiny reddish-brown, which is apparently called “Nero”. They have the signature double buckled straps and a flat heel – these could literally be my Mary Janes brought back to life in a size seven! The great thing about these shoes, however, is that you can wear them with anything – work clothes, skinny jeans, kilts, knee-length skirts, even a business suit. You don’t have to wait until Sunday morning to put these babies on!

Remember when you were a kid and you wore those slip-on running shoes everywhere? I personally loved mine – easy on, easy off, and I was good to go. Now that I’m a grown-up girl, I still love slip-on shoes, and Juicy Couture’s made one of my old favorites, this time in a designer-chic style. The Juicy Couture Kylee Printed Sneaker is the ultimate in casual deck shoe, covered in Kelly green canvas with a tan, white, black and yellow map print to send a girl round the world. It has brown leather trim, a rounded toe, terry lining, and gored insets on the sides. The best thing about this shoe is that for a designer offering, it’s relatively cheap - $75.00 at NeimanMarcus.com.

With their slightly padded soles, these shoes are perfect for running around the city or kicking back with some girlfriends.

There’s literally nothing more eye-catching than a red shoe, and a well-designed red pump can make a whole outfit just pop. When I go shoe-shopping, I’ve got to say, I’m attracted to three things: one, any sort of red leather, patent leather, suede or fabric; two, a slingback heel (because I tend to have a little trouble with heels slipping off my feet sometimes), and three: a pointed toe. This Anne Klein New York shoe has all three of my shoe-buying criteria, and a three-inch heel, too. Actually, the minute I saw this beautiful pump, I fell in love with it.

With the plethora of beautiful shoes out there, it’s easy to get caught up in the loveliness that is the world of pumps, slingbacks and ballerina flats. However, with today’s society getting on their feet, designer sneakers are starting to come more and more into being. Take Hogan’s Olympia sneaker, for example. This is one incredibly beautiful shoe, and it actually has an athletic function. I mean, this shoe actually makes me want to run, and I don’t really do anything more than walk down city streets.

The more I see of Isabella Fiore’s work, the more I find that I absolutely love her style. She combines beautiful designs with embroidery, fabric and ornamentation, and whenever I see her designs, I feel like I’d be absolutely unique whenever I wear them. Case in point: her embroidered Mary Jane pumps. I already love the Mary Jane style; I love it even more when I see how Fiore’s combined it with silvery embroidery and an ornate golden buckle enclosure.

It’s very rare that I will like a pump with a stacked “wooden” heel, but Ferragamo’s latest fall offering has me considering changing my mind. As a rule, tacking on a wood or wood-resembling heel makes the whole shoe look like the designer gave up trying to make it look pretty. “It’s the new deconstructed style!” Sorry, guys; if you expect me to pay over $300 for a shoe, it had better be absolutely magnificent. Luckily, this one is. It’s got a beautiful shining patent leather covering with a tan Napa leather buckled strap over the vamp. As well, the rounded toe and platform toe gives the whole shoe a bit of a playful look, even though the 3.2 inch heel insists that this shoe is all business. I personally like the contrasting tan and black and could see myself wearing this on a business trip or with a sexy skirt. A Ferragamo shoe pretty much demands an excellent outfit to match. If you want to pop, this is the shoe to wear.

You don’t have to be an avid rider to look fashionable in these Chloe Black leather knee high boots - yehaw!

A sturdy yet sophisticated 30mm heel and the silver buckle fastening ankle strap makes these boots your best when it comes to a fashionable and versatile fall boot. They will pair with just about any outfit - tuck your skinny jeans or leggings into these boots and pair them with a military style jacket and chunky scarf, or wear them with a comfy knit sweater in a rusty orange for fall. They would also look nice with a tweet jacket and skirt with matching brown tights or a trendy knee-length kilt. I think the key here is wearing these with textured fabrics.

These fun and cute red-and-white gingham check canvas wedges are anything but country bumpkin!

Pair them with capris, a denim mini or short shorts, your favorite pair of jeans or solid summer dress and you have a winner at any outing.

A comfortable wedge heel design, even though these fashionable gingham dressed sandals sport a 40 mm platform heel, they offer a solid espadrille covered wedge heel, so you’re feet are always on solid ground, which makes them comfortable walking shoes as well. And that’s what I like - stylish yet comfortable.

I don’t have to tell you how men absolutely drool over a piece of dark leather furniture - a couch, arm chair or leather desk chair. Well ladies it’s your turn to absolutely drool over dark leather - when you see these Celine Brogue Detail Pumps.

I stopped dead in my tracks…my eyes were held by the image of these dark beauties for what seemed like minutes. And this coming from the girl who vetoed the brown calfskin arm chair that my boyfriend begged me to put in our loft - our sleek urban loft! But suddenly I sympathize with his love of leather.

Read the rest of this entry »

The signature Michael Kors chain link pump is about as classy as classy gets.

A rich coffee leather covers the entire shoe, with a provocative open side with gold-tone links and logo plate inset.

The modern yet sophisticated pointed toe and 3 ¾ inch stacked heel makes these the perfect shoes for office or art gallery. I’m honestly not really a fan of the pointed toe, or what I like to call “nose-pickers”. They’re always uncomfortable. Come on, feet are never that narrow. However these classy Kors pumps might have me stuffing my toes into that narrow shoe yet!

Vanilla gets a whole new meaning with these manmade leather ‘Belinda’ slide sandals from Michael Kors.

My feet feel tingly and comfortable just looking at them. That manmade outsole with a cute 3-inch cut-out donut heel is slightly 70’s hippy child meets practical modern woman. It not only looks super comfortable, but opens these shoes up for wearing to almost any age! You’re not going to fall down and break a hip in these slides, plus the man made sole means no dreadful blisters and lots of airy breathing room for your feet. See – practical comfort meets modern style!

Imagine supple black suede against daring scarlet red!

Daring is exactly what these Brain Atwood cutout sandals are! The perfect mix of rich soft black suede and saucy patent black leather, the cutout toes of these Atwood sandals show just enough foot action. The saucy peek-a-boo toe just adds to these shoes that are already oozing with plenty of sex appeal.

It’s what the Olympians should be wearing – if the Olympics took place in Beverly Hills, California!

The Hogan Olympia sneakers are Olympic gold meets functional life. I can totally see myself racing from yoga class to the local health food store in these natural suede running shoes.

Available in svelte chocolate brown or midnight black, these ankle booties by Bettye Muller are all sex appeal and no nonsense.

The first word that came to mind when I spotted these booties on the Neiman Marcus online store was classy! With their soft suede interior, chunky bow of the same material tucked along the side, and their silken golden interior there’s not denying these boots have a whole lotta class – which says a lot about the person wearing them.

If your idea of heaven is Champaign and lace, then these champagne-hued and lace sling-backs from Rene Caovilla will be your true vision of heaven on earth!

Upon catching sight of these awe-inspiring sling-backs, I had to literally wipe a little bit of drool from my bottom lip. No I’m not ashamed. Can you honestly blame me? It’s the attention to detail – minute detail – that makes these sling-backs truly a vision to behold. Champaign in color with delicate lace covering the top of the pointed toes, and intricate metallic silver beadwork running up the sides, with metallic silver beading in a criss-cross pattern – even the metallic silver and gold leather trim – it’s pure perfection.

Metallic silver, these shining gladiator thong sandals are made for Grecian royalty.

Sure they’re made in Italy – available in metallic silver (as shown via the link below) or black faux leather for a little less glorious rapture – you’ll feel as if you have the winged sandals of Hermes, the flying messenger of the Greek gods and goddesses, on your feet.

Give your feet the attention they deserve in these proud-as-a-peacock black leather beauties from Isabella Fiore.

The Peacock Loreen wedge from Isabella Fiore will give your tootsies a whole lotta attitude! Sheathed in polished patent leather, which is so unbelievably hot right now by the way, these wedge-style sandals boast multi-colored embroidery, along the arches of your feet and on the wedge, that strut just the perfect amount of vibrant red, blue, yellow and white feather pattern - for you foot fetishists out there. They also feature a back angle strap with an antique brass buckle. The strap is just thin enough to flatter, lengthen and slim the ankle. However the crowing glory of these wedges are the cute peep toes - perfect for showing off that oh-so-perfect pedicure – and the flattering black patent bow - that simply screams to be front and center on the dance floor.

What’s black and blue and red all over? These cute as a button sassy polka dot pumps from Betsey Johnson, the Queen of kitschy fun!

A cute throwback to the 1950s, I can just see the woman wearing these knotted bow sandals sipping pink lemonade with a cherry, and bouncing down Hollywood Boulevard in a flouncey red dress to match!

The Belle of this ballet suddenly took front and center stage! That is if she were wearing these metallic sliver Belle ballerina slip-ons, by Sigerson Morrison.

Who needs a spotlight with these eye-candy slip-ons? These classic ballerina slippers are just the perfect mix of precious Swan Lake with a little zany Ziggy Stardust edge! Covered in grid-pattern metallic silver leather, with a smooth decorative strap and button accent in contrasting black, these versatile flats will dress up any humdrum outfit.

I can just see Gwen Stefani strutting the stage with a fun little kilt and these classic penny loafer – with a twist!

In her L.A.M.B. clothing label, Gwen takes the classic penny loafer to new heights with a super-tall platform wedge heel of 4 ¾ inches. These skyscapper loafers will add some serious height and attitude to your daily attire.

If you thought Dorothy was lucky clicking her red glitter Mary-Jane’s together in The Wizard of Oz, try these Betsey Johnson back glittery Merri style Mary-Janes on for size. These ain’t no wicked which hand-me-downs either!

The Merri style Mary-Janes are completely embellished with black glitter that is sure to have you wishing you were anywhere but home. No, these heels demand to be front and center on the dance floor.

What’s red patent leather with a smoking bow, and hot, hot, hot? If sexy had a shoe these Lalita slides from Betsey Johnson would be it!

Betsey Johnson is known for her daring designs! Well these Lalita slides could very well be the most daring shoes to hit any feet this side of the western hemisphere.

These Cesare Paciotti classic black satin evening sandals aren’t meant for a wilting wall flower.

Covered in luxurious black satin, with a sexy 3 ¾ slim stiletto heel and a delicate ankle strap with thin gold buckle clasps, these Paciotti evening sandals will make you the eye candy of the ball.

What drew me to these sandals were by far the bows. Sure they seem a little oversized and droopy, but I think it adds to their sexy uniqueness. The way they’re knotted in a haphazard manner only adds to their mystery and allure. Can you imagine just how sexy a red vixen pedicure would look peeking out from underneath – va-voom!

Pretty in soft pink doesn’t do these delicate Nanette Lepore pink and chocolate patent leather platform sandals even half the justice they deserve.

The adorably cute platforms are made from 100% soft calf leather, which moulds to your feet and hugs them softly. Leather outside and in – Lepore’s platforms are lined in the same quality leather craftsmanship inside – as they are out!

Slip your feet into these soft and lavish Marc Jacobs knee-high cincher boots! You’re feet and calves will be wrapped up in soft chocolate brown calf leather – right up to your knees.

The truly unique feature of these soft calf boots is certainly the cinched collar. The matching drawstring collar is pulled as tight as you like via matching soft calf skin laces in the same rich coffee hue. Cinch them loosely and wear them as shrug boots, or cinch them tightly – all the way up to the knee for a bagged look.

Cage style pumps are all the rage this season. That’s why when the catwalks were strutted this upon pre-summer models had their feet covered in what looked like woven basket shoes. It’s not as uncomfortable as it sounds believe me. This cage-design is entirely cut out so that it shows the majority of skin peaking though on the foot. I was instantly drawn to them this season for their airy disposition. In my opinion the more skin the better when it comes to feet!

Tap into your inner Helen of Troy in these gorgeous gladiator-style sandals that are fit for the goddesses.

With their hidden back zip up closures for easy on and off action, you will love the look and feel of these Grecian beauties. Rich dark brown patent leather covers the foot with contrasting red stitching and trim. Plus multi buckles hold the straps in place and contrast the rich brown of the sandal with tasteful braised antique gold.

These sexy and fun slides scream the attitude that fans of the clothing label DSquared have come to love. This wood bright yellow leather and brown suede shoe has a DSquared monogrammed strap across the foot of the sandal, with contrasting red stitching that spell the label’s name right cross the top of the foot.

The monogram label is obviously the forefront of this shoe’s design, but the extra little details aren’t ignored either – for instance the brown suede is contrasted nicely by simple white stitching. While the base of the shoe is a bright banana yellow – this calls to mind a festive Caribbean or Latin flare. It kind of calls to mind the fun, flirty style of Jennifer Lopez earlier on in her career, who wore similar fun designs with jean shorts, designer jeans and fun flirty skirts to show off her fantastic gams.

Christian Lacroix outdoes himself with these stylish pointy toe pumps – that are so geometric, I’m not sure if they are more haute couture shoe or works of art.

For me, the most striking element of these shoes is the black, white and red geometric pattern that covers their entirety. The complexity of the pattern isn’t busy – not something that will make you dizzy if you look down at your feet when you walk. No, the complexity is that of streamlined beauty and preciseness, as if these shoes were inspiration from Op Art, or optical art, of who’s most famous master was the late Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely (1908-1997).

Now these are the type of boots that demand attention from everyone! Why, because just how many thigh high boots are this damned sophisticated?

Sheathed in blue dark blue velour, these super sexy thigh highs hug the leg – all the way up! The clingy velour design gives your legs a slender and shapely look under skirts or barred for the world to see with shorts or a mini skirt.