The spring boot is an elusive thing. As soon as the end of March hits, we can’t wait to shed our chunky, heavy clunkers (as exciting as they seemed back in September!) and reveal our refreshed pedicures. But it’s also too soon to jump right into a pair of sandals – we have all summer for that. The key is finding a boot that shows you’re acknowledging the new season – think light colors, flesh reveals, and dipped silhouettes. These five fit the bill, letting you blossom without stripping down to sandals quite yet.
1) Christian Louboutin Belle Zeppa 100 Suede Ankle Boots: Cut so low and sexy, this wedge-bootie almost fits like a round-toe pump – but much more en vogue, especially for cropped pants and trouser shorts, so you can show off your ankles.
On Net-a-Porter for $995.
2) Giuseppe Zanotti Alien Ankle Bootie: Downtown to uptown, this chic peep-toe has your bases covered. An elegant cut means ladylike appeal, while bold buckles introduce some funk.
At Barneys New York for $930.
3) Isabel Marant Dicker Suede Ankle Boots: Isabel’s renegade – and almost ubiquitous – hit of Fall 2011 now makes a reappearance just in time for balmy temperatures. The wear-with-everything Dicker boot looks springtime-fresh in moss-green suede.
On Net-a-Porter for $580.
4) Givenchy Elastic Cage Bootie: Some might argue this is an avant-garde take on a pump and the elements of sandal straps are undeniable, but that’s what makes this elastic-cord bootie so spring-perfect. The fact that it’s white only drives the spring-positive point home.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $750.
5) Giambattisti Valli Python Laced Low Boots: This is the sensual pinnacle of the spring boot. Blush-nude exotic: check. Loads of warm weather-ready cutouts: check. Flirtatious laces to accent your sundress: check. This is the boot to wear on the first evening of springtime.
Available for pre-order on Luisa via Roma for $1,456 (for arrival by February 29th).
6) Oscar de la Renta Mauritania Bootie:
At Oscar de la Renta for $1,795.
Why not turn your feet into dumplings? I’m guessing the thought hadn’t occurred to you until now. As tasty as that might sound, it is actually – hello! – in very poor taste. As far as boudoir shoes go, which is the only venue where I can imagine these Viktor & Rolf can go, I much prefer the “classic” marabou mules. And besides, your guy will be so distracted laughing his ass off at you if you wore these oddly gathered sandals that all ambiance for romance will be long gone.
Sure, the colors are as sweet as candy. But the silhouette? They have absolutely no shape or definition. Nothing but fabric wrapped around your foot and crimped with a grosgrain hair ribbon (there’s leather hidden beneath the fuss to keep your foot in). It kind of looks like a hair scrunchie. Which, by the way, someone needs to tell Hillary Clinton to STOP wearing, pronto. Not good on a ponytail and even worse on your feet!
Available for pre-order on Luisa Via Roma for $1,029 (expect delivery of your fashion don’t by March 31st).
There is nothing easier than wearing sneakers, but don’t be so lazy that you schlep around in the same kicks you work out in. I am guilty (like, right now) of wearing my exercise sneakers all day long on days I work out, so I definitely don’t want to be so sporty during my off-gym days. But I’m still a sucker for ease – like on weekends or when I’m picking the kids and going to the farmer’s market (yes, my life is super-exciting). These Ash Virgin sneakers are perfect, with as much comfort as cool to go the distance.
Anne Hathaway has been jetting all over the place, from LAX Airport to dog-walking in Brooklyn, in her four-buckle trainers. Actually make that five – I love the multiple details, especially that extra buckle curving around the heel. Wear this Converse-inspired leather look with with jeans and a blazer and you can pretty much get anywhere (in LA, at least). Ash Virgin 4-Buckle Sneaker on ShopBop for $175. Also available at Ash Soho: 44 Mercer Street in New York , 646-422-7098. For other colors (even though this gray is the best), they are on sale for $92.50 at Madison LA. I got the “Seal” which is a dark brown.
Pair with: Or go for sporty-street with the PVC-trimmed Sless biker vest. Out of Karl Lagerfeld’s new collection of his own, pale pink feminizes a boyish vibe.
On Net-a-Porter for $540.
It never ceases to amaze me how a certain kind of shoe can prance from stripper and Playmate territory right into the realm of snob-worthy chic. A tweak here, an aesthetic adjustment there, and next thing you know, what once was tacky is now de rigueur for cat-walkers, not streetwalkers! Like the Lucite heel: it’s fresh, classy, and so much fun! The latest crystal-clear heels are so modern and made-over, you can wear them day or night, out of the office and yes, into the club.
1) Marc Jacobs Transparent Mary Jane Heel: The suggestively see-through effect of PVC and a Lucite heel is so naughty, but the prim and proper silhouette is as sweet as pie. A modest 2” heel has never looked more daring.
On La Garçonne for $675.
2) Stuart Weitzman Embellished Metallic Snake-Print Leather Sandals: The pageant queen of flat sandals. Metallic snake-embossed leather is even flashier paired with rhinestone embellishments, but it’s the low heel that puts these over the edge – in a good way.
At Saks Fifth Avenue for $325.
3) Vena Cava x Tenoversix Kat Lucite Heel: A smart little pump with a really witty heel. The chic-ness comes courtesy of the stubby, chunky shape, which allows you to fully appreciate the texture of the Lucite (and notice the visible screws!).
At Tenoversix for $172-$206 (currently available in red and black).
4) Prada Satin Peep-Toe Lucite-Heel Pumps: The trend just went classic, thanks to Prada’s enduring satin silhouette that feels just a touch retro – and imbues a hint of sexy irony.
On Bluefly for $503.99 (from $720).
5) Dries Van Noten Python-Patch Sandals: It doesn’t get better than this! A must-have blend of sunset-hued skin, tortoiseshell straps, and, the transparent cherry on top, an orange heel that glows like it’s lit from within.
Available in-store at Gimme Shoes only. Call 415-800-8992 for inquiries.
Photo Credit: Style.com / Tommy Ton
When showing up at the airport, people seem to either go sweatsuit-casual or too dressed up. Rarely do you see girls strike the right balance of comfort and chic. But Miranda Kerr is, indeed, a rare case. Showing up at LAX Airport on January 24th, she was the epitome of cool street style in her off-duty-model staples of Balenciaga quilted leather biker jacket and Alexander Wang Diego bucket bag. But it was her Barbara Bui ankle boots that took her jet-setting look from ordinary to extraordinary.
As recently proven by Jessica Alba, Barbara is the go-to designer for killer footwear you won’t see on stylish feet everywhere you turn. These pointy, buckled wedges, out of Bui’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection, are hyper-edgy with just enough polish to keep up the class.
A more casual (and arguably more comfortable) option are Bui’s pony-hair booties. They’ve got the buckled appeal of Miranda’s boots, with a lug-sole that will keep you from slipping as you dash to your gate. At Forward by Elyse Walker for $575 (from $1,150).
Boats may be the inspiration right about now, but it’s more specifically about rope and stripes. Whether it’s a sailor’s knot, a riff on white and navy blue (the seafarer’s color medley of choice), or a naturally nautical blocking of colors, it’s evident that even if we’re far more comfortable on dry land, our feet will be suggesting otherwise this spring.
1) Alexandre Birman Denim and Rope Flat Sandal: Rope and denim makes for a solid surf-and-turf combination that’s an ideal casual summertime flat. At Neiman Marcus for $395.
2) Sergio Rossi Opanca Sandal: Who would have thought this much industrial rope could look so chic? Rossi’s knots are actually feather-soft and set on an elegant nude foundation, these are more fit for land. At Barneys New York.
3) Stuart Weitzman Alex Espadrille Wedge Sandals: Weaves of ropes and straw make for your quintessential summer wedge on what is probably the most comfortable wedge there is. This style is a classic that makes an annual comback. Exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue for $365.
4) Christian Louboutin Melides Linen and Cork Wedge Sandals: The sailor girl has just gone uptown. A seaside take on the Mary Jane, Louboutin makes girlish buckles and a classic color combo look fresh as can be. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $695.
5) Brian Atwood April Suede Espadrille Wedge Sandals: Nautical get naughty with these curvy, swerving cutout wedges. Big, bold stripes are suited for the high seas, but the rest of these shoes say night on the town. On Net-a-Porter for $710.
Decadence is in the air for spring, and this time, flamboyant flats are taking center stage. It’s not just about bright and bold colors – animal prints abound on strap-happy sandals you can wear all day. Everywhere I turn, I’m finding flats with a dose with of exotic intrigue, a trend I can really stand up to (pun intended).
Wear a pair to liven up a casual outfit or coordinate them with your more outgoing ensembles. Either way, wild things like these are bound to get a lot of wear. With options galore, there’s no reason to miss out on getting in touch with your animal instincts – even Frugal Snobs will approve of these picks.
1) Marni Animal-Print Calf-Hair Sandals: Marni does offbeat so effortlessly. In Dalmatian-spotty calf-hair, these chunky, buckled straps look fresh and fun. On Net-a-Porter for $400.
2) Alexandre Birman Python and Leather Sandals: This isn’t your run-of-the-mill flip-flop. No, when a flatteringly elegant thong is outfitted in orange python, you’ve got yourself a pair of sizzling sandals. On Net-a-Porter for $495.
3) Chie Mihara Wilona Snake-Print Leather Sandals: Strong neutrals come together with ease, thanks to a fluid collection of skinny straps. Wear these with other natural tones for smooth, organic look. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $370.
4) Manolo Blahnik Susa Sandal: This of Manolo’s take as the luxe lovechild of Alexandre’s thong and Chie Mihara’s sandal. Sweet snakeskin like this has the best of both worlds. At Barneys New York for $795.
5) Cocobelle Luna Snakeskin Sandals: Painlessly priced, snake-stamped leather has all the appeal of pricier versions and comes with none of the guilt! Pale gray faux python looks great with a sweep of an asymmetrical strap. On ShopBop for $110.
Something is in the air. Mark my words: this spring, you will witness the rise of the minimalist pump, the very simply divine sandal. If decadence-loving, platform-mad Giuseppe Zanotti is hopping on the bandwagon, one that is in favor of skinny ankle straps and a basically bare foot, then you know it’s no joke.
The best part of a trend like this is the fact it’s not really a trend at all. With such a slender nude sandal, you can’t really go wrong, no matter which way the high-heel pendulum swings. Much like Brian Atwood’s Grace shoe, a nude pump with a whole lot of pizzazz in the back, Giuseppe’s take gives the appearance that you’re wearing next to nothing. Until you get a glimpse of the powerful heel adornment. In this case it’s a shiny plaque of futuristic silver metal to get your heart racing. At Barneys New York for $695.
Pair with: Bring pop to a nude look with Proenza Schouler’s brand-new evening bag in lipstick-red. Out of their Pre-Fall collection and in both leather and irresistible iguana, this is pure modern glam. Proenza Schouler Chain Wallets, $785-$1,925.
In the hands of Miuccia, a high-heeled sandal is never just a high-heeled sandal. Overflowing with imagination, she sees her shoes, no matter how scant the straps, as pieces with plenty of room to play. This snakeskin creation had me at hello. Fantastical and gorgeous, the sharp and swerving shape wraps around your foot like few sandals do, and the outcome is sheer delight.
The two-piece, swirled band at the front seduces the eye instantaneously – one glimpse, and I was entranced. The earthy texture of this python brings in an antiquated look, the right complement to the ornately decorative curves. Metallic gold trim seals the deal: this is old-world beauty at its most fanciful. Transitioning from summer to fall, from brights to black, a rare level of versatility and an easy price make these a must-buy. Available for pre-order at Barneys New York for $795 (expect delivery in March).
Pair with: The slick piping invites more precious metals. Pamela Love’s jewelry-inspired bag, in antiqued brass or burnished silver, looks at-once old and new, hard and soft. Pamela Love Brass or Silver Purse, $931 (from $3,000).
The key to shopping the winter sales now – when it’s so late in the season that, forget Resort, everyone is already stocking Spring – is to capitalize on the deep discounts with year-round wear-ability. Shoes that might have been released for Fall/Winter but will tread seamlessly into the warm season – or are actually much more appropriate for bare legs! Here are my top picks of the multi-seasonal shoes on sale at Luisa via Roma:
1) Diego Dolcini Suede Asymmetric Pointy Pumps ($460, from $657): When suede comes in hot pink, rather than wintry chestnut or black, it screams spring. This sharp silhouette is right on-trend for the season and the gunmetal heel makes it stand out.
2) Calvin Klein Collection Cut-Out Leather Wedges ($475, from $950): Does it get anymore functional than a clean and minimal, bright-white wedge with an easy-peasy pitch? Nope. Especially when we’re talking half-off.
3) Edmundo Castillo Snakeskin and Leather d’Orsay Sandal ($393, from $786): Spectacularly feminine and oh-so wearable, sweet straps make a statement in blue python and the look gets punctuation by a strong jet-black heel.
4) Burak Uyan Karung Ankle-Strap Sandals, $720 (from $1,440): Lush purple platforms are fit for a style queen. In karung and topped with cylinder heel, these are conversation-worthy. Wear them with everything from black tights to thigh-skimming whites.
5) Nicholas Kirkwood Lizard Lace-Up Sandals, $850 (from $1,214): Whether you wear them much or not, every snob needs a pair of crazy, statement-maker sandals in her shoe closet. Pale pink lizard put together like a work of sculptural art? Too divine to pass up.
