ShoeBlog

Jennifer Lopez Sings About Her Louboutins

r5bales — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:18:59 +0000

Jennifer Lopez has released a new single titled Louboutins. It is nothing different. Jennifer’s music is beginning to sound like the same song with different words inserted. I can pretty much predict what the music video will be: Jennifer in couture dresses and about 20 different styles of platform Louboutins.

I wonder what happened to her J Lo shoe line. She sure isn’t singing about them. Another celebrity shoe line bites the dust.

Here are a few photos of Jennifer in her Louboutins. I started to name each shoe, but lost patience.

I must admit I am much more intrigued with Marc Anthony than with Jennifer. He has a ton of talent.

Authentic Shops:

Designer Shoes at Zappos.com

Vivre.com

Happy Birthday Calvin Klein

r5bales — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:10:04 +0000

Calvin Klein was born November 19, 1942, in the Bronx, New York. He was raised in the borough’s Mosholu Parkway section a middle-class Jewish community of first and second-generation immigrants. In 1968 Klein launched his own clothing company that was inspired by the style of New York’s urban youth. We can’t forget the uproar caused by his jeans ad with a 15 year old Brooke Shields.

Here are some Calvin Klein Shoes for fun.

Mackenzi $88 at Zappos

Cristy $138 at Zappos

From Calvin Klein Collection Zahra $670 at Endless

Passementerie Shoes

galligator — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:52:39 +0000

I first saw passementerie-embellished footwear on a pair of boots several years ago while browsing through one of those old paper Spiegel catalogs that used to arrive in my mailbox on a near-daily basis. Back when finding a catalog item on back-order was a normal course of events with mail-order houses and not an internet emergency requiring the thwarted buyer to immediately write a scathing site review; my, how expectations have changed. This was also before I knew how much other women were willing to spend on things like shoes and fashion and the then-$60 price-tag on the boots in question still fell firmly into my personal idea of ‘too-spendy’ to consider actually purchasing. Since then, I have seen passementerie-bedecked shoes arrive in stores at rare, irregular, and unpredictable intervals that easily defy my own, limited, ability to predict.

Anyway, on to the now - and Christian Louboutin’s recent forays into passementerie…which, since they have been out for more than five seconds, are pretty much sold out everywhere.

Oh well. If you, unlike me, are unable to resist the appeal of these sumptuously-styled pumps, now’s the time to grab the style….because Louboutin’s popularity makes anything he touches golden and therefore likely to be copied by other, less creative (or expensive) footwear brands.

Case in point:

Martinez Valero ‘Olivia’ passementerie pump. $107.19 - 160.00 at Nordstrom, Heels.com, Endless.com, Amazon.com and Myglassslipper.com - just for starters.

The ivory or white pairs are simply ideal for matching to a bridal gown. I am surprised that this isn’t more of a bridal-shoe staple.

So, if you like the passementerie style, you may not have another chance at purchasing anything like this for some time…the braided ribbon detail really doesn’t come along and visit all that often here in shoe-land.

Authentic Shops:

Designer Shoes at Zappos.com

Vivre.com

Inspired by Marc Jacobs: Lace-up openwork boots

galligator — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:37:30 +0000

Some of you may remember that back during the Spring 2009 runway shows I developed a bit of a crush on these Marc by Marc Jacobs openwork granny boots. Something about them just clicked for me.

Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘693556′ lace-up sandal $384.97 at Amazon, $412.46 $549.95 at Endless.

Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘693185′ lace-up bootie $197.98-$495 at Amazon & Endless (depending on size/color combo)

Now, I have theoretically had time to gain some little bit of emotional distance from these shoes. After all, the Spring 2009 MBMJ runway show was over a year ago. Alas, granny-boot lover that I am, these have not lost any of their hold on me. Unfortunately, finding a way to actually purchase a pair of these will involve the moon and stars coming into the correct alignment along with positive shopping signs and portents evidencing themselves in my favor ….. or perhaps just continued careful budgeting, having good luck hold out on issues like car and home maintenance expenses, and a hoping that a size 7 1/2 will remain in stock until I can honestly say ‘this is the pay period it can happen’.

However, if my budget remains tight enough that the MBMJ’s remain an impractical splurge, I will keep the following shoes in mind as acceptable, affordable alternatives.

First we have these hardcore knock-offs from Type Z:

Type Z ‘Ritchie’ pump $81.50 $95 at Zappos.

No challenge figuring out where the inspiration for these came from…….

There are also some less literal (copied) interpretations of the openwork style that are also very cute. And, if they go on super-sale, they could become near-irresistible.

These ones are my favorite of the bunch…they are seriously vying to knock my MBMJ crush down to a number two slot. How fickle is my shoe love now?

Linea Paolo ‘Vie’ $86.90 $129.95 at Nordstrom.

I am totally digging on these and they are on equal crush footing for me on a strictly visual basis. They do have the MBMJ’s totally whipped on price, though, to this involuntary penny-pincher.

(If you like these but are not on a budget like me, you might also like these Cynthia Vincent ‘Maddox‘ sandals over at Endless.)

Other contenders for my attention are styles by Stuart Weitzman, Pour La Victoire, Dolce Vita, Type Z, and Elizabeth & James. But, I’m still liking the Nordies and original MBMJ’s the best … so, I will probably not be bookmarking these others.

Anyway, I suppose I will just have watch the sales - and also my budget…nothing new there.

Happy Belated Birthday Roberto Cavalli

r5bales — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:23:45 +0000

November 15 was Roberto Cavalli’s 69th birthday. So here is wishing him a late happy birthday.

MPS077NPC086 $1364 at Zappos

Grey pump MPS108 PC014 $984 at Zappos

Studded boots MPS084 PZ032 $1594 at Zappos

I think it is refreshing to see this line named with an alpha-numerical code and not with a silly name like thisissilly. Who names shoes anyways? If I were in charge of a shoe names department, they would be called “cute boots with studs” or “dorky looking gladiator sandals.” I think you all know why I am not in charge of naming shoes.

Authentic Shops:

Zappos.com

Vivre.com

This Week in Shoes

galligator — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:58:01 +0000

- The New York Times interviews up-and-coming fashion designer Christian Siriano.

- Marcus Jordan’s loyalty to Dad’s shoe brand causes University of Central Florida to lose it’s Adidas sponsorship (LA Times).

- In more positive Adidas news, Adidas has announced a plan to make €1 trainers in an effort to make affordable shoes available to those worldwide who would otherwise be without footwear (UK. Telegraph)

- Collections are ongoing through November 23rd for Samaritan’s Purse: “Operation Christmas Child“; a UK-based charity that collects Christmas gifts packed in shoe boxes to be shipped to children worldwide. Packages can be tracked online to their destination. Dropoff locations (By postal code) are available here.

- Jimmy Choo line goes on sale at select H&M retailers with some locations passing out wristbands in an effort to head off fights or violence. Shoes are already appearing at markup on online auction sites such as ebay - a predictable sign of the times. More here. (Market Watch, The Telegraph, NY Daily News & Shanghaist)

- It’s official, both the NY Times and Chicago Tribune are writing about this fall’s continuing women’s footwear trending toward ‘extreme shoes’; super high heels and statement shoes are still going strong.

- Minnesota-based shoe brand ‘Red Wings Shoes’ will be laying off 200 employees at Kentucky and Minnesota locations due to the continued economic downturn that continues to affect their blue-collar customer base (Kansas City Star).

- Popsugar has a chance to win a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes….all you have to do is be willing to sign up for shopstyle email alerts to be entered.

All Dressed Up: Harajuku Lovers ‘Dobson’

galligator — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:39:16 +0000

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but shoes are this girl’s real love. And, while I love ribbons, lace, and flowers on my shoes, today I am crushing on a pair of tuxedo pumps from Harajuku lovers.

Harajuku Lovers ‘Dobson’ $94 at Zappos.com

Do these have spunk and attitude?

Yes.

Are they fun and flirty?

Again, yes.

Do these beg to be center stage of your outfit?

No question.

Do I know exactly which little black dress I would pair with these?

Of course.

Now, if only I had a convenient occasion to wear that little black dress…..

Authentic Shops:

Designer Shoes at Zappos.com

Vivre.com

Steven Madden LTD to Manufacture Olsenboye

r5bales — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:33:44 +0000

I have written about Steven Madden and it’s past licensing agreements. Steven Madden continues to expand, with a spike in third-quarter earnings, a new licensing agreement and an optimistic full-year outlook. The firm last week announced a licensing deal to manufacture footwear for Olsenboye, a new line created by Dualstar Entertainment Group, the management firm of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, that will be available exclusively at select JCPenney stores this holiday. A full launch in 600 doors is set for spring.

Currently there are three styles of Olsenboye on sale at JCP.

Sofia On sale at JC Penny.com $35

Kaylee $30.00 at JCP

Hailey $60.00 at JCP

While these styles are nothing creative or outstanding however, they are competitively priced and meeting the needs of a range of incomes. (I just read my earlier post, and realized I said the exact same thing.) I have Monopoly money on Steven Madden and it is up 10 points since July.

Steve Madden’s SOLE SEARCH

r5bales — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:22:20 +0000

I was reading some financial reports and came across an article that describes a shoe design contest SOLE SEARCH sponsored by Zappos, Steven Madden and Brickfish. Since I am a techno-dork I don’t understand Brickfish, but I do understand Zappos and Steven Madden.

You are able to create a shoe from a template in the program, or upload a design of your own making. Three lucky consumers, one selected from each of the entering categories, will be given the opportunity to pitch his or her shoe design to Steve Madden in NYC. Steve Madden will then select one of the three designs to be produced and sold online at Zappos.com/Steve-Madden. The contest ends December 29. Some of the entries so far:

The next one is by far my favorite. Very clever.

Hurry to the site and show us your dream shoe.

Alexander McQueen’s Runway Shoes

r5bales — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:37 +0000

Alexander McQueen created quite a buzz with his statement shoes this fall. I never really thought we would see them anywhere on the red carpet. I was wrong. Thursday was the launch party of the NARS 15x15 Project. A book project of 15 portraits of celebrities to celebrate of 15 years of NARS. In attendance were the Alexander McQueen shoes, oh yeah, and Daphne Guiness. The party had an ecclectic group of creative people.

I think she and Lady Gaga are probably the only two people in the world who could wear them with a straight face. Incidentally, Lady Gaga wears a couple of McQueen runway shoes in her latest music video Bad Romance. Here are the shoes she wears.

There were more, but I lost patience after a while. I don’t …get… lady Gaga, but this video looks like a high fashion show. Here is the video.

While I am at it, I included an old George Michael music video just for fun.

Ya gotta love Thierry Mugler.

Authentic Shops:

Designer Shoes at Zappos.com

Vivre.com