Shoe Snob

Lanvin Peach & Beige Suede Heels: Just Peachy

2012-05-22T13:47:26Z

These peachy l suede and textured lovely leather pumps are a great buy for summer. Lanvin makes these fierce stilettos soft with the creamy colors and simplistic cuts yet adds a hint of danger with the adjustable metal strap at the ankle. I love shoes in lighter colors for summer because not only do they make me feel tanner, they bring an element of fun to outfits. I would pair these with something like this fantastic dress by Aiko for a fancy affair then on a more casual night I’d throw on a pair of 3.1 Phillip Lim cropped pants and a Tory Burch top and be on my colorful way. These are sweet yet sexy, chic but not overdone and are great options for those looking for a little boost this summer while still being as cool as a cucumber.

Pick them up at Ssense for $1150.

Rick Owen’s Women’s Scarpa Sandals: On the Fringe

2012-05-24T11:31:52Z

These are way out there, good for a bold move when trying to outdo them all, but it’s quite an investment for the one time thrill. Now that is it on sale, the move is still bold, just not as pricey. You can get away with wearing these a couple of times per social circle. So amazing it’s maddening!! At LN-CC for $755 (was $1887).

J.Crew Cece Colorblock Ballet Flats: Comfortable Colorblocking

2012-05-22T13:47:09Z

Well we all know I’m a huge fan of colorblocked anything. I love contrast and I love color so obviously, the shoe fits. These J.Crew colorblocked pumps are a great display of colorblocked comfort. The classic ballet flat takes a turn for the trendy in these awesome color combos. They are soft, perfect leather so they will be a walk in the park to wear and with these fantastic shades, they can be worn to work, play and everything in-between! I’d slip the black babies on for a day in the office with a pair of Rag & Bone cropped pants and an A.L.C. top for a season-appropriate yet professional look. I’d throw on the purple orange combo’s with a summer perfect DVF dress for a day out and about for a comfortable but cool outfit. These flats are easy to wear, are easy on the eyes and are budget friendly. What’s not to like? J.Crew for $148.

Camilla Skovgaard Aqua Leather Sandal Wedges: Oh, You Pretty Things

2012-05-23T02:52:33Z

Do edgy and pretty shoes sound like an oxy moron to you? I never thought a pair could contain both qualities in equal measure, but Camilla Skovgaard – who is known for using opposing elements, like “fluidity and severity,” and having an appeal towards the “intelligent fashionista” – proves the combination is anything but impossible.

Her uncommon way with the wedge sandal gains new life in brightly colored form. A beautiful shade of aqua takes the “edge” off strong lines and tough geometry. The shape and straps read hard and avant-garde, but that swimming-pool blue is a simply a brilliantly pretty hue. This is my kind of funky – palatable and appealing. Intelligent design, indeed! On Ssense for $600.

Pedro Garcia Zelda Crystal-Embellished Sandals: Glamdles

2012-05-22T13:42:53Z

Want to glam it up this summer? Check out these crystal-embellished sandals by Pedro Garcia. Flat sandals don’t get much more chic than this. With a glittery disc and braided satin straps on a leather sole, these little guys are luxury to the max. The great thing about a fancy flat is that it can go from day to night. So for a travel day you can hope on the plane in these with a Shoshanna romper and an Alice + Olivia blazer, then land, ditch the blazer and have a night on the town. If you’re looking to class up your summer comfort wear and like a little bling, these are for you.

Net-a-Porter for $620.

Valentino Ruffled Leather Motorcycle Boots: Love is a Battlefield

2012-05-23T02:52:15Z

Three words: Pretty. Freaking. Amazing. I’m not much of a combat-boot girl, but Valentino isn’t much of a combat-boot kind of fashion house. Leave it to the connoisseurs of delicate lace and Lolita bows to change mind. Not to mention irresistible ruffles!

The delightfully jarring juxtaposition of ruffles on a combat boot gives the hard-edge, stomp-in-and-kick-butt style a girlie touch, which allows for versatile wear. And while side-zippers sometimes just look lazy on lace-up boots, this one doesn’t just alleviate the annoyance of yanking and tying, it actually adds another visual element of true refinement. Who knew the ballerina and the biker would make such a cute couple? At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,295.

Marc Jacobs Tan & Black T-Strap Heels: Tempting Textured T’s

2012-05-22T13:42:42Z

These textured leather heels have just the right amount of color on an architecturally interesting silhouette. The T-straps combined with the chunky heel and woven textile platform make these interesting to the eye, yet aren’t not too busy to cause trouble pairing them with outfits. They have a 1” platform with a 4.75” heel and strap you in on the front and around the ankle. These would be perfect to wear with this ADDISON sheer overlay dress I’ve had my eye on for the next event I have which will cause me to go shopping (which could be any normal Saturday night). They would also look great with a pair of Citizen jeans and a tank by Burning Torch for a polished yet comfortable night out. These shoes are sexy while staying understated with the use of textiles and color. Pick them up at Ssense for $895.

Balenciaga Multi-Strap Stud Arena Espadrille: Textile Towers

2012-05-22T13:47:44Z

These multi-strap studs are a tall drink of espadrille and lambskin. The Balenciaga towering wedges have textiles and studs that will add an edge to any outfit. The leather is soft and fabulous and comes in a light clay color that can be worn with a pair of J Brand pencil leg jeans and a Joie top but still has the height and the shape that can be worn with a Madewell colorblack dress for a summer date on the town. The espadrille gives these a summer vibe and a hint of softness with the toughness of the style. Wedges are usually easier to work with as far as dressing them up or down and these are no exception. Pick up the Balenciaga bad boys at Neiman Marcus for $935.

Rachel Zoe Collection Giveaway: The Sharon

2012-05-22T13:42:18Z

Architectural heels come and go, but the cork wedge will be a summer staple for all eternity! Few know how to make a consistent classic feel revived like Rachel Zoe. Maybe it’s the stylist in her, maybe it’s just her glamorous way with basics. Either way, the Sharon platform is destined to be your new BFF. At least until Labor Day!

A smooth wave of lightweight, platformed cork makes for an easy pitch, despite the perfect 5.5” of height, and rich dark brown straps wrap around the foot in a most flattering way. Wear these sandals with neons, nudes, primary brights, and bold patterns alike.

To Enter to win, all you have to do is:

1. LIKE the Rachel Zoe Collection on Facebook.

2. Tell us in the comment section (of this post) where you would wear these vivacious platforms.

This is the sort of sandal you won’t want to take off. I see myself wearing the Sharon day and night while on vacation, whether I’m lounging in the shade by the beach in Miami or hitting the cobbled streets of Florence for a shopping spree. The winning snob will be selected at random. Good luck!

The Sharon is available at Neiman Marcus for $355.

Chloe Wedge in Caramel: Tall, tan and handsome.

2012-05-21T22:59:49Z

I like my wedges exactly like this; Tall, nude and simple. The Chloe wedges are an easy sell for me with the soft leather straps and 5″ wedge with a1.5″ platform and just a hint of studding on the back strap. Wood is a great look for any season and I especially love it on this shoe to being a laid back vibe to this basic yet beautiful wedge. If you’re looking to lengthen your legs this season, these are just the ticket. Wear them with a Nicholas mini for a Saturday night out for a super leggy lean look then pair them with some GOLDSIGN skinny jeans and a Monrow tank for a daytime fashion forward outfit.

These are a great buy for day or night. Pick them up at Elyse Walker for $595.

Top 5 Six-Inches and Beyond: It’s High Time

2012-05-21T04:26:58Z

1. Christian Louboutin Crisscross Platform d’Orsay: Coming in at a quarter over 6″, this vixenish platform reaches new heights of in-your-face sexiness.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,395.

2. Giuseppe Zanotti Bow-Detail Platform Sandal: With a platform as voluptuous as the heel is tall and reed-thin, this is a bowed sandal that would make Minnie Mouse blush.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $895.

3. Charlotte Olympia Leopard-Print Platform Pump: Charlotte’s trademark island platform is a welcome sidekick to a teetering heel. The fact that this one is rustic rope makes this leopard all the more charming.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $895.

4. Giuseppe Zanotti Peep-Toe Platform: Cartoonish proportions make this jaw-dropping pump an outrageous statement-maker that will have them doing triple takes.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $795.

5. Christian Louboutin Lady Daf Tartan Mary Jane: I’m loving the exaggerated new look of the Mary Jane. This one, with Scottish flair, has personality to spare.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,075.

Christian Louboutin Sababa Slide: Loub’s New Groove

2012-05-18T01:51:30Z

Christian, is that you?! While the undeniable sense of chic spells Louboutin, there is nary a red sole or Betty Boop curve in sight! And I’m loving every second of it. A chunky heel with wide white straps: this sounds like a most perfunctory orthopedic shoe, but on the contrary. In Monsieur Louboutin’s capable hands, such characteristics are as sleek and sexy as shoes come.

It’s also refreshing to see a boldly different direction from the designer. We know he’s capable of making pretty much anything and everything look hot on a woman’s foot, but he tends to stick to his femmed-out guns. With a flattened heel and crisp straps (reminiscent of the Guggenheim Museum!), this nod to mod is funky and architectural. And I’m ready to wear these right now; I save sharp stilettos for evenings when my required walking merely involves getting in and out of a car or cab to a single location where I perch on my seat with my shoes in full display. At Barneys New York for $895.

Chloe Tribal Crochet Sandal: Join the Tribe

2012-05-18T10:10:18Z

Chloé Tribal Crochet T-Strap Sandal at Bergdorf Goodman for $845.

Hunter Festival Stud-Strapped Wellington Boots: Studs in the Mud

2012-05-18T01:53:35Z

Just when you thought you had seen every incarnation of the Wellie, out comes the coolest rendition on the rubber boot I’ve seen yet. I’m sure Hunter didn’t expect their old-school British galoshes to become It-girl staples at the famed Glastonbury Festival (and many others soon after), but the Kate Moss effect knows no bounds. Her decision to sport hers with itty-bitty shorts and a low-slung studded belt several years ago sprung a trend into action that has yet to fully cease.

Now Hunter has caught on and one-upped us with a proper take on the “festival” boot: black rubber booties with pyramid stud-effect straps, for hard-rocker pizzazz that will stand out come rain, shine, dirt, or mud. While the knee-high versions, adorned with bright gold studs, though fun, are a little too tacky-posh to be true staples, the lower, gunmetal ankle-boots are a surefire way to make you smile when the weather has everyone else down – whether you’re bouncing around to live music-festival tunes or just puddle-hopping around the neighborhood. On Net-a-Porter for $240.

Top 5 Super Slippers: Slip and Slide

2012-05-16T02:43:00Z

No one will deny footwear gets much more comfortable than a pair of slippers, save your Nike trainers. But only now are they rapidly becoming a wardrobe staple for the constantly polished and consistently en vogue. Whether you’re embarking on a long-haul flight or traipsing around after grabbing brunch, you’re “off” moments are sure to be turned on with the right pair.

1. Alexander McQueen Leopard-Print Calf-Hair Loafers: I worship McQueen’s unique way with spotty prints on their bags. Wildcat calf-hair makes for a similar effect on a sleek slipper.
On Net-a-Porter for $895.

2. Surface to Air Burgundy Blade Slippers: Snaky texture and rich berry hues come together for a pair of slippers that will make your look.
On Ssense for $365.

3. Jimmy Choo Wheel Zebra-Print Calf-Hair Loafers: Pair graphic zebra with one of summer’s hot neons, like cool turquoise or piercing pink, and you’ll have a day look to die for.
On Net-a-Porter for $495.

4. Topshop Vectra3 Studded Slippers: A studded pair is refined when it comes in cool nude. For this price, you could just wear them around the house and still get your money’s worth.
At Topshop for $56.

5. Charlotte Olympia Charlotte’s Wed Velvet Slipper-Style Loafers: With a tiny golden spider making a surprise appearance on your left shoe, these lush loafers have quirky charm to spare.
On MyTheresa for $798.

Rachel Zoe Collection Giveaway: The Parton

2012-05-25T00:49:49Z

CONGRATS TO ALYSE K. OF WASHINGTON, DC! Winner of the PARTON shoes!

The Parton sandal may have a lot of elements going on – snakeskin-texture, a variety of straps, a stacked-wood platform – but it’s as smooth as can be. So smooth, I can see this sandal going anywhere you want it to and blending right in. Think of the Parton as the laidback version of the Bonnie – a chunkier heel means more opportunity for wear, especially in the daytime.
It also means a higher level of comfort. I love a heel you can actually wear without your soles aching after ten minutes, and even though this heel will give you nearly 6” of added height, the layered platform means you certainly won’t feel it. And in graduated shades of brown, it’s as neutral as they come. Brown is the black of summer shoes, and this could easily be your ultimate summer sandal.

To Enter to win, all you have to do is:

1. LIKE the Rachel Zoe Collection on Facebook.

2. Tell us in the comment section (of this post) where you would wear these summer-tastic sandals.

The versatile Parton makes a great day-to-night shoe. I would wear them out to a festive lunch with friends, with a brightly print sundress and chain-strapped clutch. Then I’d segue them into evening cocktail hour, ideally at a casual-cool outdoor patio on a hot summer night. The winning snob will be selected at random. Good luck!

The Parton is available at Neiman Marcus for $325.

Diane von Furstenberg Zia Metallic Cork Sandal: Gold Goodness

2012-05-15T03:59:59Z

Gold is one of my favorite looks for warm weather. It looks great with a tan, gives a hint of color but is metallic and trendy and can be dressed up for a wedding or down for drinks. These DVF gold goodies are right up my alley. They have wide leather straps so not to pinch and pull with elastic on the ankle for comfort. They slip on, have a delicious cork bottom that is always a great look for summer and they are 5″ high with a covered heel and platform; The perfect boost for a good time. I’d pair these pumps with a fantastic green BCBG one shoulder dress for a dress up event then pair them with a simple findersKEEPERS playsuit the next day for brunch. These shoes are a great buy not only because they are cute and fun to wear but they also are budget friendly. Pick them up at Neiman Marcus for $298.

Top 5 Denim Shoes: Kick the Blues Away

2012-05-14T05:31:44Z

I am so happy to see denim shoes making a comeback. There was the lone Bottega pair I spotted a while back, which was totally worth drooling over, and now there’s a flourish of great options.
I had a favorite pair years ago that I wore out just like I would my most prized pair of jeans. Hey, there’s something about denim. Now I can have multiples, just like my beloved jeans! You know it’s no good to wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row; they wear out faster and you really need to let them air out, not to mention give your feet a rest. These are my justifications. You will have to make up your own!

1. Giuseppe Zanotti Cork Cutout Wedge Sandals: We’ve seen the flirtiness of Giuseppe’s shapely split cork, and we’ve seen the charm of his leopard trim. Now that denim is in the mix, this wedge is a no-brainer.
On Shopbop for $750.

2. Alexandre Birman Denim/Rope Flat Sandal: I loved this urban-nautical sandal when it first came out, and I love it even more now that it’s on sale.
At Neiman Marcus for $264 (From $395).

3. Sergio Rossi Metallic-Wedge Colorblock Sandal: What do you get when you put three of the most neutral elements together? Dark denim, tan leather, and silver metallic combine for a power trio that goes with just about anything.
At Neiman Marcus for $695.

4. Rupert Sanderson Denim and Laminated-Gold Pumps: The same way that dressing up jeans can be an ingenious move, girly peep-toes look fab in a more masculine fabric.
On Luisa via Roma for $899.

5. Sergio Rossi Cachet Denim Platform: There is something so elegant about the contrast stitching, bold platform, keyhole-style peep-toe, and metallic heel – but luckily, not so elegant you can’t rock these during the day.
At Neiman Marcus for $695.

Top 5 Finessed Flatforms: A New Angle

2012-05-14T12:33:07Z

Here’s the thing about the new flatforms: unlike the last spring’s straight styles, they are not perfectly flat. You still get the gist of totally flat chunkiness, but the new editions have some curve to the soles. Looks like designers realized that a completely flat heel makes us fall over! These five offer an intelligent balance of easy height and mixed materials:

1. Lanvin Printed Python Platform: Only Lanvin can pull off the rusticity of hard leather, along with quirky hardware, with the elegance of python. These flatforms will get worn to death. At Barneys New York for $855 .

2. Pour La Victoire Noelle Suede Flatform Sandals: This frugal pair packs a big wedge of color. Lush green suede pairs nicely against bold black straps. On Shopbop for $250.

3. Stuart Weitzman Lanyard Platform Sandal: With nearly 4” of woven sweetness, these textural T-straps are a little outdoorsy. Mix them up with loads of gleaming gold jewels. At Bergdorf Goodman for $385.

4. Rag & Bone Cutout Platform Sandal: Denim, whether it’s inky-dark or a bleached-out blue, will blend nicely with these slightly distressed peek-a-boo booties. At Barneys New York for $495.

5. Alice + Olivia Terry Suede Platform Sandal: Just barely making the flatform cut, these shapely sandals have chunk to spare. Luckily, it comes in the form of soft gold weave and evening-ready black suede. At Bergdorf Goodman for $345.

Tory Burch Chelsea Leather Bow Logo Ballet Flats: Simply Pretty

2012-05-14T05:32:33Z

These basic little bows are made of burnished leather with sweet grosgrain ribbon trim complete with a subtle emblem to top them off. Flats are essential in a working girl’s wardrobe and nude is my go-to color for them when the weather warms up. These are perfect for those “I’m just going to wear black pants and a flowy top because I’m too tired to think about anything but a giant coffee” days. Slip them on with your trusty pair of Paige skinnies and an Equipment blouse and you are good to go all day in comfort. They would also be clutch for those day events you have that require something fancier than sandals but not heel- appropriate. When those affairs come along, pair them with a DKNY button up dress for a laid back-posh look.

These are simple, sweet comfortable and versatile. I’d say these are everything my mother always hoped I would be buying someday. Happy Mother’s day Mom! See, I was listening all those years! Sak’s for $178