Recently in Shoes Category

I was wandering around Bloomingdale's on Saturday... one of my favorite passtimes. It makes a perfect afteroon activity to walk down 3rd Ave. and window shop along the way down to Bloomingdale's. (Gracious Home, Sephora, Banana, Club Monaco, L'Occitiane, True Religion, etc. etc.)  

At Bloomingdale's I saw these gorgeous shoes at the Louis Vuitton boutique...

Slingback in Monogram Idylle Canvas, $675

They look incredibly well made. I wanted to try them on but I thought better of it, a bit dangerous perhaps.  Also, there wasn't a salesperson in site.  Oddly, the shoe area there never seems to be staffed, as if they don't expect anyone to actually want to buy shoes.  Their shoes are very expensive, and frankly often quite ugly. A basic ballerina flat was $535, so that makes these seem to be a relatively good value...

At the Chanel counter I picked up one of their last bottles in stock of the Particuliere nail polish. Apparently they had just got the shipment in and it was already nearly sold out! I also got two colors of the new Rouge Coco lipstick. The colors were very nice and the formula is great, I got Muse and Perle.

Oh, I also finally tried the 40 Carrots frozen yogurt. I ordered a "small" and was given a quite huge serving, it cost $4.90.  I don't know who could eat that much, I ate about half of it.  I got the Caribbean Coffee flavor.  It was quite good!

I think I've found my first pair of shoes for the new decade!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Hidden Platform Pumps, $350 at shopbop.com. Bloomingdales and Zappos Couture have the same shoe but in patent leather, I'm not a fan of patent...

Shopbop lists the heels as 3.75" with a 0.5" hidden platform... but Zappos lists them as 4.25" with the platform and Bloomingdales lists them as 4.5" with the platform. It's funny that it so difficult to get it right.  My best guess is that the heel is 4.25" which includes the extra height from the 0.5" hidden platform.... which is PERFECT.  I find 4.5" just a bit too high, fine really, but you have to be super careful walking - twisting your ankle would really suck!

I have another pair of pretty classic Marc by Marc Jacobs pumps that are a few years old now, I got them in Fall of 06 in my neighborhood at the Shoe Box (77th and 3rd Ave). They have a classic round toe, chunkier 4" heel.  I've kind of worn them to death, what a successful purchase that was...  And those were made in Italy.  This new pair just says "imported" so I doubt they were made in Italy. 

Anyway... I really want these.  They look very versatile and kind of cute like a ballet flat with a great heel. $350 is certainly a lot less than Gucci shoes; but still, I think the average person would say that it's a good bit to spend on shoes. It ends up being worth it though if you really love them and wear them for years. The problem is that you really don't know until later if you will "really love them" or not.

My very first pair of Gucci shoes were a beautiful pair of black pumps with slightly squared off toes, silver horsebits and perfect 4 inch heels.  Oh my goodness I loved these!  At the time I was working at Paine Webber Investment banking as an admin, one of the younger bankers I worked with wore Gucci shoes... and I was so impressed and sort of in awe of her style (being fresh from, lets admit it, not very fashionable Vermont)... I had to get my own even though I certainly didn't have a banker's salary!  I would still wear these shoes today if I hadn't had the misfortune of getting them soaked one day when I had to run cross town (for an interview no less), and of course it was pouring rain, and of course there were no cabs... The shoes were never the same, the leather got completely soaked and it ruined the shape.  TOTAL TRAGEDY.  I still have them somewhere, I just can't get rid of them; but I don't wear them.  Happilly there have been many horsebits since...

These from Fall 2005 have a giant half horsebit on each toe. 

These from Fall 2006 are a variation tied with a little kiltie tassel bow.

These from Fall 2007, are one of my favorite pairs of shoes.  They have a 4.5" heel and the very classic style of horsebit.

Oddly, the last two Falls I have not bought Gucci shoes. Usually when I go to the store there is more than one pair that I just LOVE and call to me, and I have to pick one... but the last two Falls I haven't felt that way about any.  And I'm definitely practical enough not to buy a pair of shoes that expensive if I don't absolutely love them...  Hopefully Fall 2010 will have my next pair!

Here's the horsebit history from Gucci's website:

The horsebit was first written into the house vocabulary in the Fifties, used on heavy tan leather saddle-stitched handbags. Since then, the horsebit has been both miniaturized and maximized as hardware; luxuriously schemed into embossed or burned-out surfaces on leather suede and velvet; turned into repeat patterns printed on silk and sculpted into the components of precious jewelry.

The horsebit played a crucial role in marking out the Gucci loafer as a time-traversing design classic. The snaffle was introduced as a decoration on the soft and comfortable brown or black leather Gucci men's moccasins in 1953. They graced the feet of Clark Gable, John Wayne and Fred Astaire, and when women's versions appeared in 1968, became the choice of sophisticated women looking for a luxurious kind of comfort. The shoes became favorite everyday wear for elegant women, such as Lauren Bacall.

In new times, Frida Giannini looks at the horsebit with fresh eyes. She might take the prints of interlocking, squared-off bits, of the highly fashionable red and blue Gucci pattern used for shoulder bags, shoes and silk blouses in 1969-1970, transform them in and project them, in mini-form, onto flowing dresses or blown up to exaggerated scale on travel-totes. With new style, a new feminine touch, that counts as the current installment in the long-running serial of Gucci design.

"For months now, consumers have been hunkering down in an economic storm, buying only what they need to survive, like groceries, diapers, medicine -- and shoes.

Shoes?

The American public, it would seem, cannot carry on without new shoes. Boots, booties, sneakers, pumps -- for the last few months they have all been selling well as the broader economy struggles toward recovery."

Excerpt from A Not-So-Guilty Pleasure by Stephanie Rosenbloom, New York Times

I saw the black version of these shoes in Self magazine of all places.  (for some reason they do a few pages of fashion, which seems a bit out of place in a health/fitness magazine...) But anyway, I loved the shoes.  The pyramid studs are very on-trend.

Rafe Carine $275

They're leather and also have a leather sole.  4" heel and aprox. 1/2" platform.  I don't like them as much in this ruby color, but it's a dark red at least which I think is more versatile than bright red.

I am wondering though, why they are so expensive?  They are made in China, and since when did Rafe become some great brand? I'd expect these to be under $200.

This is a horrible day to arrive at, but I'm going to have to buy some flat shoes that are not sneakers.  After so many years of wearing 4 inch+ heels for 10 hours or so a day, my feet now prefer to walk to and from work in flats (HORRORS, how embarrassing).  Even more embarrassing however is the fact that these flat shoes have been over the last year or so, Converse sneakers (yup, the ones preferred by 20 something hipsters in skinny jeans).

Granted, some days I do wear skinny jeans; but on other days I have to admit they look quite ridiculous with what I'm wearing.  I was trying to convince myself that it was okay, with the anonymity of the city, and since it was only back and forth to work.... But after merciless commentary at my office I realize I should get something flat and comfortable and slightly more attractive.

An obvious choice is the ubiquitous Tory Burch flat.

I am fairly certain that almost every girl on the Upper East Side has some variation of the Reva flat.  Personally, I would never get them with garish gold insignia on the toe. The black version above is less obnoxious. These are $195 at Bergdorf.  I think that's a bit excessive considering I am trying to replace a $42 sneaker and these are meant to be primarily utilitarian.  I would NEVER wear them for fashion, I just don't believe in flats, plain and simple.

The only other shoe I can think of was this ballet flat with a Chanel-esque black leather camellia flower on the toe that I saw at the Shoe Box, they were an obscure Italian brand called Prego - - and were $300!  Crazy.  At least those would be more original...

Wow, 2010 already, it's going to take a while to get used to that.  I just sounds weird.  Anyway, Gucci's 2010 cruise collection is available now.  Here are some of my wish list items.

'Croisette' Evening Bag with Bamboo Detail and Metal Beads, $730 (pre-order) It's made with black pebbled leather, nickel hardware and a detachable metal strap so you can also use it as a clutch. Oh, I just LOVE this.  I am such a sucker for their pieces with bamboo!  I also like the metal strap.

Heart Crest Earrings with the Gucci Knight, $385. In aged sterling silver, 1.9" long.  There is also a pendant on a 27.6" chain in the same style for $560.  I wouldn't get both though, it's not good to be too matchy-matchy.  Choose one or the other.

'Icon Bit' Mid Heel T-Strap Platform Sandals with horsebit detail, $675. In brown leather with nickel hardware and a 3.4" heel.  3.4" is a bit low, but it's good to give your feet a break once in a while...

'Bamboo Icon' High Heel Platform Sandals with Bamboo Detail, $625.  In yellow leather with nickel hardware and 4.1" heel.  I'm pretty color averse, but hey, it's cruise collection... Shoes or handbags are a great way to add color.  These would be fun just to be different!  Like a few seasons back I bought a pair of their red shoes because they were the ones I liked, and they didn't come in black... they've been great!  I wore them yesterday in fact.

Now, these, I do NOT like.  They scream fashion victim, you'd expect some cheesy faux celebrity like Audrina Partridge to turn up in these. 'Clemence' High Heel Open-Toe Platform Sandals, $990. In white leather with back zip closure and 4.1" heel.

Cheers. Happy weekend.  If you're lucky... perhaps dashing into Gucci.... ?

I was looking around at Ann Taylor over the weekend, the one near Crate & Barrel on Madison Ave...  I was checking out the shoes and one of the sales ladies commented how nice they were this season, I agreed and said they were very Christian Louboutin-esque in their shapes... she didn't seem to appreciate that... as if Ann Taylor is too good to copy CL? (what a moron)

Anyway it's impossible not to see the similarities especially between AT's "perfect pump" and CL's "simple pump".

Ann Taylor Perfect Pump ($155), 3-1/3" heel

Christian Louboutin Simple 85 Pump ($520), 3-1/2" heel

Also with the platform versions:

Ann Taylor Perfect Platform Pump ($175), 4-1/4" heel.

Christian Louboutin New Simple Pump ($720), 5" heel. (sold out in black at net-a-porter)

Ann Taylor seems to be working on shaking the dust off their rather staid image.  They advertised heavily in all of the September issues and got some decent editoral coverage as well.  I always saw Ann Taylor as work wear for your Mom, very classic not trendy, rather boring...  But this Fall's collection is a bit different.  They have a new designer, Lisa Axelson, previously of Club Monaco and Gap/BR.  She was brought on board last Fall. [quote] "I'm thrilled to have the incredible opportunity to restore a chic, fashionable point of view to Ann Taylor," said Axelson. "I hope to deliver covetable pieces that are modern and sophisticated and make our clients feel fabulous," she added.

This dress was featured in their September marketing:

Silk Tiered Strapless Dress, $240

The shoes, Perfect Platform Pump, $175

It's SOOOO hard to find inexpensive shoes that are styled nicely... you know, it seems like something is always off, design-wise...  Well these BR suede hidden platform pumps aren't perfect, but they aren't bad either.  And for $120, how can one complain (that much anyway)?

'Gaby' Suede Round-Toe Pump

They come in wild berry (red), T moro (brown, shown above) and black.  The stacked heel is 4" with a 3/5" hidden platform.  Suede with leather lining and synthetic sole.

Not bad, right?  But here's what I'd change to make it perfect:

1. can the suede.  suede is actually quite horrible, get caught in the rain and you're done. leather just looks better, and wears better

2. not loving the shape of the round toe, should be slightly more round

3. the vamp is cut a bit too high.  should be slightly lower more like the classic Louboutin pump

4. sole. sorry, but I prefer leather soles

5. no... actually I think that's it.

So.... how much do you think all that stuff would raise the price by? #s 2 and 3 are design issues and should cost nothing if they had just done it right to begin with, but #s 1 and 4 would def. add to the cost of the shoe.  BR has to keep a certain price point... grumble, grumble.

But I think these are worth trying on anyway.  They may look much nicer in person!

Neiman's Last Call Sale online has some AMAZING bargains!

Manolo Blahnik Studded Sandal, regular $865, sale $389

Prada Jeweled Sandal, regular $620, sale $279

Valentino Braided Sandal, regular $645, sale $290

Theory Buckle Sandal, regular $375, sale $169

There's a lot more too: Gucci, YSL, Louboutin, Fendi, Dolce... etc. etc.  Sizes are pretty limited though so hurry!

Hayden Panettiere was on Letterman last night looking fantastic in a sleek Caroline Seikaly black lace dress.  She certainly looks older than a teenager... (she's 19)!  This is a fairly dramatic style change for her, maybe on purpose... since she's getting older and doesn't want to be thought of forever as the cute little cheerleader...?

Who is Caroline Seikaly, anyway, right?  I'd never even heard of her before.  She's a Parisian designer with offices at 93 Ave. Henri Martin in the 16th (funny, that address is just steps away from where I lived when I studied in Paris during college).  Oddly, her website hasn't been updated since the Winter 2008 collection.  She did just show her 2010 Resort Collection here in New York at the Cooper Square Hotel on June 9th.  Hayden's dress was featured in that show...

Hayden is also wearing Stuart Weitzman's Tijuana Sandal ($365 at zappos)

I've been eyeing this shoe for months now... and now it's on sale!  Hmmm, tempting.

LAMB Tammy original $374, sale $296.

$296 is still a lot though.  They have it in black and brown... this shoe looks really good in both colors.

Oh my goodness, I am so in love with this bag. Why, oh why, oh why does it have to be $3,100?  That is just stratospheric, even for Gucci.

New Jackie Shoulder Bag (Large)  (18.9 x 15.4 x 2.4")

Just look at these beautiful bamboo detailed tassels:

Well, they do have it on Gucci.com in a medium size (13.4 x 11 x 1.7") which is at least somewhat more reasonable at $2350.

 I am also loving these: Hollywood High-Heel Open Toe Pump, in black Guccissima leather with a light gold horsebit.  4-1/10" inch heel (perfect!) and $550, which is reasonable.  The only problem is that Neiman's only has these in white in my size (yuck).  And they don't sell the exact same shoe right now at Gucci.com... they have a snakeskin version.

Some pre-fall Christian Louboutin items have arrived at Neiman Marcus. Wow, it's May (not even Summer) and we're talking about Fall already... crazy.  But fashion's always looking ahead!

Among them, 2 super high pumps with 5-1/2 inch heels. 2 bags and 2 boots.  The black boots are the same we've seen before with a round toe, now being offering with a squared toe. The leopard boots I think are a bit much.  I like the leopard bag, but boots NO!

For the last few years I haven't been the biggest fan of Prada's shoe designs.  But I'm finding that this is changing.  I already posted in back in Feb. about some of their Spring shoes that I really like.  Now, check these out:

Prada Multistrap Sandals, $620. Gorgeous, super high 4 1/2 inch heels with 1 inch platform, strappy design with a side zip. And $620 isn't that bad...

And this jeweled slingback is quite stunning. Prada Jeweled Patent Pumps, $890. 4 1/4 inch heel.

What an incredibly elegant shoe!

I tried on a different color of these shoes yesterday at the Shoe Box on the Upper East Side.  (I love that store, one can get in a lot of trouble there!)  They had them in the patent leathers, which I am not crazy about.  Although the beige patent is kind of nice for the fact a very light color leather can get dirty and the patent protects it.

The shoe in question is the Stuart Weitzman Daphne Open Toe Pump.  It is also made in regular leather.  I found them at endless.com in both black and a metallic beige.  They're $345.  They are leather, with leather soles, made in Spain.  The qualtiy is so-so.  I think the LAMB shoes made in Brazil appear to be much more well made than these... but then LAMB shoes tend to be a little bit more expensive.

They are calling this color (above) "Beige Supple Kid" to me it looks more gold.  Maybe it looks differnet in person.  The beige in the patent leather than I tried on was very nude tone, it matched my skin.  These are a very similar style to the Weitzman style I posted about a while back, the ones Angelina Jolie had worn.  Those are sold out, but this is a nice option.  She wore the beige patent...  see post. 

I was taking a look at the Miss Trish of Capri Collection for Target.  Have to say I'm not loving it. Three of the styles are wedges, and I just don't like those... and most of the flat styles just don't appeal to me.

I think the best style is the Lion Sandals, $29.99.

That doesn't look like a Lion to me...?

Clearly, the quality is nothing even close to the original Miss Trish sandals. They're made with faux leather uppers and bonded leather soles, and made in China.

I wonder what happened to the real Miss Trish?  I can't seem to find her quality sandals online anywhere right now.  It seems that Zappos normally has them, but when you go to their Miss Trish page, they say they are "currently out".

I tried these on at Bloomingdale's this weekend.  They are soooo gorgeous.  They come in black and brown, but Bloomingdales 59th Street is only carrying brown.  (lucky for me because I prob. would have had to buy them if they had black)

L.A.M.B. "Tammy", $374.

These are made in Brazil.  I know I've said before that I prefer my shoes to be made in Italy. But these are really well made.  I inspected them closely. The factory that makes these is clearly excellent.  Take a look at the nice all leather sole...

It's cool how they embossed the leather with that pattern and it's got a little metal L.A.M.B. plate on the bottom.

I also tried on these (L.A.M.B. Tamika Slingback), but the style is just a little to out there for me.  I love the super high squarish heel though.

Maybe I should be more daring.  Sometimes things that you thought were weird/ugly or pushing it somehow end up being your favorite.

Here's a classic pump that's very affordable!  Calvin Klein Sarika Platform Pump, $97.95.  Good grief, I don't know when the last time I bought shoes for under $100 was! (that wasn't a flip flop!)

I love the classic round toe and high heel that has just the right amount of chunkiness. 4-1/2 inch heels with about a 3/4 inch platform.  The fishskin texture is a bit weird though.  I think I'd like them better if they were just normal leather.

This label seems to be a good choice for nice styling at very cheap prices.  I haven't seen them in person though, I wonder how the quality is.  If they seem really cheap, then I just couldn't buy them...

Gucci's Spring/Summer Shoe Collection is featuring a lot of really high clunky heels.  With all the models that have fallen on the runway lately, I'm wondering if maybe this is getting a bit ridiculous.  I shocked to hear myself say this... because I'm a 4-inch heel girl and it used to be hard to find high enough heels, and I hated that. That's not a problem any more! But really, 5-inch heels?  I don't know...

I think Gucci is mis-quoting the heel heights, it's as if they are not including the platform in the height.  For example, the suede wedges shown above are quoted as having a 3.4" inch heel, which is obviously ridiculous. That heel is much higher.

Anyway, none of the shoes in this collection are calling out to me.  Lucky me, I just saved a lot of money!

Okay, here's a very reasonable shoe to follow the beautiful but ridiculously expesnive Jimmy Choo. 

J. Crew Cate Leather High-Heel Slingbacks, $198, on sale right now for $150

The models are wearing these throughout the March catalog. (the March catalog is great btw, I want like 1 of everything!) They look especially good with shorter pants like capris. They're a beautiful tumbled Italian leather and are made in Italy.  They come in blush, black, deep brown, light chartreuse and dusk.  The heel is only 3 1/2 inches though.  It would be perfect if it was 4.

Wow, what an elegant shoe!  Jimmy Choo Proud Elaphe Pumps, $860. The heel is just such a thing of beauty!  120mm, that's about 4.7 inches.

The London based label Preen is doing a line for Topshop. Here's a nice strappy sandal. All leather, $160.  That's a pretty good price for a shoe with a leather sole. Although it may seem expensive for Topshop.

Speaking of Topshop, they will finally be opening their first US store this Spring. (It was supposed to have opened last Fall but has been delayed. It will be in Soho at Broadway and Broome.

Take a looks at this super cute platform sandal from Calvin Klein. It has a gorgeous stacked heel and cool buckle look... and only $130.  It has a 3/4" platform and 4-1/4" heel.

As a measure of personal responsibilty during the recession, I have given up $500+ shoes.  So I'll have to make do.  But with options like this, I can't feel too bad for myself!

I'm not sure what the deal is with this particular Calvin Klein label.  Clearly, it's made by a licensee, like his other cheap labels. I'm surprised he would allow them to use the name Calvin Klein, just like that though.  Calvin Klein Collection shoes are made in Italy and have leather soles etc.  Someone not so clued in could be confused...

There was a nice article in March Vogue about Mulberry and their new creative director, Emma Hill.  It mentions "her vision for Mulberry is to play up its English heritage, viewing it with a current relevance, not misty-eyed nostalgia."

I love the Mitzy Hobo, $695. It has a nice slouchy shape in a high quality pebbled leather.

I think these boots are a good example of "current relevance", they look sort of English horsey, but cool at the same time. Buckle Boot, $895.

Prada has some great shoes for their Spring 2009 collection.  I love these Crisscross Platform Sandals. Although they may be a bit dangerous, the platform is huge! They're $990 though, yikes!

These Platform Slingbacks were featured in a spread in March Vogue, worn with the amazing Prada python print dress.  They're also steeply priced at $690.

I like the topstitching detail on these Knotted Sandals, $590.

Here's the python dress, by the way.  From the Spring 2009 Ready to Wear collection. It's $2,580!

Oooh, I so want these beautiful Dolce & Gabbana pumps but I have put myself on a shoe ban. Obama said we should implement personal responsibilty, right?  (I don't "need" these after all.)

Details: Olive green slightly grained leather, round toe, with D&G horsebit and 4-1/4 inch stacked heel.  Cool gold footbed and leopard lining. Made in Italy. Regular price $695, sale price $419.

Such a good deal too.  And they have my size.  Boo hoo hoo!!! 

Angelina Jolie has these fabulous peep toe pumps in a nude tone and has been photographed wearing them several times in the last few months.  The nude color seems to be sold out though (big surprise). Stylists say that nude color shoes are great for giving youself a longer, slimmer line, to make your legs look longer - Angelina certainly doesn't have to worry about that.  She looks great in any color shoes!

But they're still available in black and a very nice red shade (fire quasar) at zappos.com. $285 and $298 respectively. Patent leather, 4 inch heel, made in Spain.

If anyone is lucky enough to be going to the Caribbean this Winter, here are some great leather sandals from J. Crew's cruise collection.

Satin Rosette Metallic Capri Sandals, made in Italy, $78.

How perfect to wear with a little cotton dress for a casual beachside dinner.

And here's where I'd like to bring my sandals:

Jumby Bay, Antigua

Cap Juluca, Anguilla

La Samanna, St. Martin (French side)

Eden Rock, St. Barths

Unfortunately, I'm not going this year...

Christian Louboutin has a new version of his simple pump that is even more fabulous (and more expensive).  New Simple Pumps, $790.

They have a 5" heel and 1/2 inch platform. Made in Italy, as usual.

I LOVE these, what an elegant heel!  But really, $790 is a bit much during a recession!

I hate to say this, but I totally LOVE the shoes Lauren Conrad is wearing in this recent photo.  I say 'hate' because I'm no fan: of her, her fashion line or that stupid show.  But I do think she looks pretty cute here with the Chanel bag, the awesome shoes and the silly bee-like sweater worn as a dress.

I've searched all over and I can't figure out who makes them.  No red sole so they're not Louboutin.

Here's the closest I could find:

Dolce Vita "Molly" at Dillards for $150.  The toe on these isn't quite as round, but they do have a good high heel - 4.5" with a hidden platform.

Aldo "Fristac" at Aldo.com for $250.  The description doesn't say how high the heel is (that is so annoying) and who in their right mind would pay $250 for Aldo shoes?  These aren't nearly as cool as Lauren's either.

Last, L.A.M.B. "Finsbury" at shopbop, on sale for $280, regular $400.  These are quite a bit different in detail, but I think come closest in overall coolness level to Lauren's. 

If anyone recognizes Lauren's shoes I would so LOVE TO KNOW what they are, please leave a comment!

Gucci's cruise collection for '09 has been out for a few weeks now.  In shoes they're showing a lot of faux tortoise, gold hardware, chunky wedges and platforms.

Here's a classic style that they've updated with the tortoise horsebit, the "Hollywood" 4.1 inch high heel open-toe patent leather pump. $595.

In handbags they're showing fringe, heart shaped logo crests, patent tortoise and updates of classic shapes and the hysteria style (and others) from fall and other past collections.

Here's the "Hysteria" Medium Hobo in tortoise patent leather with Gucci crest detail. $1,360.

Here's the "Irina" Evening Bag in metalic leather with the heart shaped logo crest. $695.

They're also showing a few designs with cartoon-like detailing that reminds me of Ed Hardy.

And some classic monogram totes with quirky dog embroideries.

Nine West has shamelessly taken a page from Christian Louboutin's design book with this platform peep-toe pump ('Raven' Boutique 9 by Nine West, $145), shown first, which looks very similar to the iconic Louboutin Very Privé Slingback style (version shown-Glitter Patent Slingback, $760), shown second below.

The styling of the slingback itself is different: the cut and also Nine West uses a small metal buckle whereas Louboutin uses elastic. And of course, no red sole on the Nine West.

I guess it's great to have "the look for less" option available to people who don't want to or can't spend $760 for shoes. But this also illustrates the divisive topic of intellectual property rights for design. It just doesn't seem right to financially reward companies who knock-off.  But then again it's hard to say that two designers couldn't have both had the same idea.

I also tried on some Tory Burch shoes at Bloomingdale's yesterday.  These big clunky lug sole pumps, $295.  I find the gold around the heel to be a bit garish but they looked so comfortable I tried them on anyway.  They are very comfortable, but they just didn't do it for me.

I also tried on a shoe very similar to this one below, but it had a sling back and peep toe, otherwise it was the same style. I didn't like the sling back. So this version, the "James" pump, $310 is better. I love the classic heel and round toe.  Again, I'm not crazy about the gold on the heel, but I could live with it.

There's also a new version of the Reva ballet flat, $235 that I really like.  A croco embossed leather with her signature logo medallion in leather instead of the normal gold or silver. Since it's such a large medallion I think it's a bit more tasteful not in a bright metal.

Like the LAMB shoes I saw, these were made in Brazil. I find that disappoiting. I very much prefer to wear shoes made in Italy, ONLY! I know the dollar is weak and that makes production there very expensive, but they just pass it on to us at retail anyway... I just think these are perhaps overpriced for being made in Brazil. At least with shoes made in Italy, you know you're paying a lot for the fancy brand, but you ALSO know that you are getting an incredibly well crafted shoe, nearly like art. That's why I don't mind paying so much for Gucci shoes. Even J. Crew makes many of their shoes there, so I cant' believe that Italy has become so expensive that the likes of Tory Burch and LAMB have been priced out. I think they're just pocketing the extra profit from having lower COGS. Anyway, sorry for that little rant, it's obvioulsy one of my pet peeves...

Walking through the frenzy that existed today at Bloomingdale's 2nd floor shoe salon, no one would ever guess that we'd just been through an historically bad and shocking week on Wall St. The scene was a mess: totally crowded, shoes everywhere (on the floor, mixed up, out of order), no place to sit, no mirror space to look.... annoying 15 year olds with their Moms buying them $400 shoes... etc. etc. It was really quite a debacle.

Anyway, I endured to try on some cool L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani shoes.  They were these killer super high pumps with a Vivienne Westwood kind of feel. L.A.M.B. Women's "Fen" Leather Platform Pumps, $395

I was very tempted, but I was disappointed that the line is made in Brazil. And, for the price I didn't think the leather was as fine as it should have been. I'm thinking about it. The other problem with these is that at a 5"+ heel, they will make my pants too short since all my pants are hemmed for 4" heels.

Here are couple more of the designs:

L.A.M.B. Women's "Finsbury" Leather Platform Pumps, $400

L.A.M.B. Women's "Rosebury" Leather Platform Ankle Boots, $520

Neiman Marcus has a great selection of classic Christian Louboutin pumps right now including the iconic "Very Prive" style in satin, patent and regular leather.

I particularly love these three styles:
Platform Pump with 5" heel in black nappa leather (pre-order) $700

Slingback Pump with 4 7/10" heel in black leather $770

Very Prive Platform Pump with peep toe and 4 7/10" heel in black leather $770

You can get free shipping until 11:59 pm July 6 with code JULYNM.

I can't recall this ever happening before, but I got an email yesterday announcing additional markdowns on their sale!  WOOHOO!  I guess the recession is even slowing down Gucci customers.  Anyway, it's a great opportunity to swoop in for some bargains.

For example, just what EVERYONE needs is these G shape ice cube trays (set of 2), normally $100, now only $39.

A great bamboo key ring, normally $160, now only $59.

In shoes, they were showing a lot of patent leather for Spring/Summer - I'm not a fan. But if you are, a lot of those styles are on sale. But check these out... "Pelham" high heel platform sandal with 3.7" heel in brown leather with light gold hardware, normally $495, now only $199!!!!

You can even find some great bargains in ready-to-wear fashion like these black tab waist pants in cotton/elastene. Normally $675, now only $269! Wow, that's amazing.

Hurry before they run out! Gucci.com.

The Michael label by Michael Kors makes some very reasonably priced and cute shoes.  Check out this one, the "Molly" Platform.  $133 at zappos.com

I like that it's got the slingback so it doesn't fall off your foot. I have a similar Anne Klein pair (without the slingback) that are just so hard to keep on my feet. I also like that they are leather (upper and footbed) but have a rubber sole. I'm not a stickler for comfort, but rubber soles are so much easier to walk in when it's a platform shoe and also are more durable. And in a shoe this price, it's not like you're going to keep them forever anyway, so having a leather sole that you can replace is not that important. It says the heel is 3 3/4", that's great.  I just love how it's so easy to find proper high heels these days (I mean 3 3/4 and 4"), it used to be a lot more difficult. 

This Spring Giuseppe Zanotti has come out with some crazy looking cut-out wedges in various styles.  Hideous or Fabulous?  I'm going to have to say hideous.  Although I would wear them, I think they would look great for part of a mod Halloween costume.

Cutout Turquoise Satin Wedge - available at the Giuseppe Zanotti boutique 806 Madison Ave., NY - $675

Cutout Leather Sandal Wedge - available at Zappos.com Couture - $754

Cutout Leather Sandal Wedge with Zipper Detail - available at Net-a-porter.com - $695

I posted a couple of weeks ago (see Feb. 26th entry) about high heeled gladiator sandals for Spring.  I found another good pair, so I had to put them up. They have a 4 1/2 inch heel and are $268.  I've found Coach shoes to be very well made and a good value... just not in the same league as Gucci, etc.  You cannot buy a real Gucci shoes for $268 anymore, well maybe flip flops.  That's because Gucci shoes are hand made in Italy and Coach shoes are not. 

This is totally geeky, but I love these shoes.  Most of the time (as I've mentioned before) I am in 4" heels, but when the occasion calls for walking around on cobblestone streets etc. these are perfect in a geek chic sort of way.  It's funny too because I had them in junior high school, but I had the high tops.  I don't like the high tops anymore though.  And, I found a picture of my Dad in the 60s wearing the oxfords in off-white.  Who would imagine we'd end up wearing the same shoes?  You need to get the black ones dusty when they are brand new, so the white part doesn't look so super white.  They're only $42!  And if you buy them at zappos.com you get free shipping and free returns (if you order the wrong size). 

We're seeing a lot of the gladiator style high heel sandals for Spring this year.  With platform or without, many with wood heels.  They're also showing the gladiator flats, but personally, I don't like those.  I'm a heel girl (always).  The high heel gladiator is a pretty versatile look - wear with skinny jeans, pencil skirts, tunic dresses, shorts etc.  Here are some options from drool-worthy Chloe and YSL to quotidian Nine West.

Chloe Platform $920 

Yves Saint Laurent "Tribute" $760 

Tod's "Plateau" $595  

Michael Kors "Granger" $164 (on sale) 

Daniblack "Nance" $140 

Nine West "Gaulla" $89 

The Nine West shoe is a Rachel Zoe "pick" on piperlime.com. I'm not sure that' a selling point though. I suspect her association with a Gap, Inc. company has more to do with a fat check than her actually liking most of the shoes. (Okay, maybe that's too cynical?)

If you're like me, then you believe that a perfectly designed shoe is like art. I would definitely classify Christian Louboutin's simple 100 mm pumps as this type of shoe.  Sorry I don't have some better pictures, with other angles.  It looks much better in person. 100 mm is just over 4 inches, the leather is super fine and soft, the shoes are incredibly light (of course as with any decent shoe the soles, lining and outer are all leather, this makes them really light), the round toes are the perfect round - rounded oval, and of course the distinctive red soles. Wow!

Isn't that just beautiful, in a classic style-icon sort of way?  If they put shoes in museums, these would have to be there. Louboutin's platforms are more popular, but I don't think they have the simple perfection of these.  They make the exact same shoe with an 85 mm heel, but to me the aesthetic is slightly off with the lower heel. 100 mm is perfection.

Louboutin shoes have been around since the early 90s, but it's really just in the last few years that they've become the ne plus ultra of shoes.  It used to be Manolo and Jimmy Choo, but now I'd say it's certainly Louboutin.  It doesn't seem like celebrities even wear any other shoe (okay, I'm exaggerating).

Here's an old picture of Nicole Ritchie in a similar pair of his pumps.  I think she looks seriously great, don't you? 

Louboutins can be hard to find depending on where you live.  New York actually has 2 stores, Madison Ave. and Horatio Street.  How lucky are New Yorkers?  You can also get them at Bergdorf, Saks, Neiman Marcus, etc. I think Saks has the best online selection.

The July fashion magazines are out!  I love this because they start previewing Fall.  Fall is my favorite season for fashion, I think it's because I used to get such a thrill out of "back to school" shopping with my Mom.  Clearly I am not in school anymore, but the season is still my favorite.  I always treat myself to at least one pair of special shoes.

I've found a candidate: see ad below from the July issue of either Vogue or Bazaar.  (I forgot which one I tore this page out of.)  I called Furla's Fifth Avenue store and these are not in yet, but should be in by the end of July/early August.

The magazines are showing a lot platforms for Fall, and these are particularly cool because they have a bit of a retro vibe and the heel looks like it must be at least 4" high (I hope so!).  Anyway, I hope they are fabulous in person as they look...

Cheerio and Happy 4th of July weekend!

Imagine my delight when I received a hand addressed invitation last week from Gucci to shop their Spring/Summer sale before it opens to the general public!  This is very dangerous for a Guccaholic.

Let me take you on my imaginary shopping spree at the Fifth Avenue, New York store where I usually shop.  (they also have a shop on Madison Avenue in Manhattan)

I would start on the third floor because I always go straight for the shoes. 

With restraint I have selected just two pairs.   First, the amazing crocodile platform sandals with a super high heel in a gorgeous chocolate brown...

And second, black 3.7 inch mules with the classic Gucci red and green web and light gold horsebit.  I have a similar pair with a silver horsebit, but I think it is good to have both to coordinate with your jewelry (white gold or platinum vs. yellow gold).

Next, I would go back downstairs to the street level to bags and wallets.  What I have been really wanting lately is a new black bag because my current black Gucci bag is starting to show its age.  I like the giant hobo with the giant horsebit because you can fit a ton of stuff in it and it has a cool slouchy look.

Next in bags, I absolutely adore the Bamboo print that they are using this year.  I am not sure if it is a vintage print that they brought back or it is a new one - either way it is fabulous.  I am bamboo crazy anyway.  I love (and have a couple of) their shoes with the bamboo detail.  I also love Tiffany's Bamboo collection in sterling silver, but they discontinued it.  :-(   Sorry, I was getting off track there.

This is the classic "Bouvier Bag" that they did this season in a ton of different leathers/fabrics/combinations.

Last of all, I would check out wallets.  The Spring/Summer wallet collection is somewhat limited, so I've picked out a unique one.   They brought back their vintage "Pigna" print, which looks to me like a pineapple.  It looks great with brown... so this would be a wonderful wallet to go with any brown bag.  It is totally unique and eye-catching.

After wallets, I'd be done! 

Wow, that was fun.  In reality, I will go and maybe buy one thing.  But I will REALLY try not to if I don't really need it because I realize that I have a shopping problem......

Happy shopping to my fellow shopaholics.