A few weeks ago I went to an event at the Fenton/Fallon store and immediately upon entering my eyes caught wind of to these absurdly fabulous shoes from Ruthie Davis ($1,395)! I mean how could they not draw your attention?? In addition to jewelery, the Fenton/Fallon boutique in NYC stocks a carefully curated selection of clothes and shoes and you can take these booties as an indication that it’s quite an awesome selection! I thought my Gucci Babouska booties (from 2008) were hot, but these totally take the cake!

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A big, hearty congrats to my friend Brian Atwood! Jones Apparel Group Inc., the fashion conglomerate with stakes in brands like Stuart Weitzman, Robert Rodriguez and Rachel Roy, has signed Atwood to a licensing deal to–get this–where it will manufacture, market and distribute a contemporary brand called B Brian Atwood. Hoping to capitalize on Atwood’s sexy designs coveted by a who’s who of Hollywood A-listers from Victoria Beckham to Cameron Diaz, the line will debut in Fall 2011 with shoes priced from $200 to $500, while bags, jewelry, sunglasses and even sportswear are in development stages.

“We are both partners in this and want to see it grow on a grand scale,” Atwood told WWD. “We don’t ever call it diffusion because it is really a counterpart to the main line. It was something I felt that we needed as part of our brand. We love what we do and if we can give any part of Brian Atwood to a larger audience, that is what really excited me.”

Atwood, the former Bally creative director who was Versace’s chief accessories designer before founding his namesake shoe label in 2001, will be available at better department stores and upscale specialty stores. According to WWD, the collection will focus on a “tight, urban-oriented assortment of shoes with a stronger presence of flats and midheels than is usual for the Brian Atwood line.”

All I can say is: I cannot wait to preview this collection next spring! Stay tuned for updates!

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The photograph on NAP of these Lace-covered pumps ($645) from Stella McCartney makes it look like the heels are only 3-inches or so, but they’re actually the perfect 4.5-inch-going-out-high-heel (at least for me!). It’s not that I can’t walk in 5-inch-plus, I just don’t want to! I’m nearly 5’6″ and there’s nothing I hate more than feeling like I’m towering over half the men in a room.

Ever since McCartney wore that gorgeous lace jumper to the Met Ball in 2009 (which subsequently inspired a number of pieces in her 2010 Resort collection), I’ve associated her with this kind of black lace (even though I keep thinking there’s something Valentino-esque about these particular shoes). There’s such a light, delicate feel to these pumps – great for fall!

What do you think about McCartney’s lace pumps?

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Brian Atwood knows about sexy probably because he is the sexiest man alive. I am not exaggerating or being subjective – it is simple fact. And these laced up pumps are nothing if they are not meant to evoke hotness and sex. A nun could wear these and be hot (or is that sacrilegious to say that?). I love his simple basic hidden platform that everyone who is anyone on the red carpet is wearing (also thanks to BFF Rachel Zoe) and you can bet your engagement ring on the fact that these will be the most photographed on the step and repeat. The love that the shoe is a subtle purple-grey to offset the obvious bomb shell look, with this hue you can actually go demure and lady-like, which would make you even more desirable At Net-a-Porter for $1050.

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It’s nice to see that, for its sophomore effort, Converse went in a darker direction in its collaboration with Missoni for Converse Chuck Taylor All Star shoes. The updated versions of the classic shoe feature black and white space dyed knits (in horizontal stripes and iconic zigzag) covering the sides and toecap, finished off with soft sheep leather in “Missoni Brick Red” on the split tongue, heel pull tab and partially lined collar–all new updates for fall. Fun fact: due to the unique space dyed technique used this season, each shoe is one of a kind as the knits are carefully spun to vary from piece to piece. Available in two high-top versions just hitting stores now, it’s almost too hard to choose just one pair!

$200, available at Missoni boutiques (New York and Beverly Hills), Aloha Rag (New York), Canvas (Malibu) & Jeffrey’s (New York and Atlanta)

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A fabulous wardrobe staple to own, this Pierre Hardy x Gap Design Editions peep-toe wedge fits the bill in all the right areas–and in particularly in price. A mix of that tough girl, city vibe coupled with refinement–check out that gorgeous wedge heel–it’s guaranteed to be a fail safe this fall. Available in just black when it hits stores in October, I like the subtle juxtaposition between the monochromatic suede and leather in front; it adds a nice dimension to an otherwise simple shoe. The laces allow some of the foot to remain visible while the peep toe acts like the period of a sentence, finishing it all off with a feminine touch.

$195, available at select Gap stores nationwide, www.gap.com

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I first noticed 80%20 shoes when shopping the sale section at Intermix a few weeks ago. They had a few pairs of sandals marked down to only $50-something and I couldn’t decide whether they were snob or slob. I ended-up deciding that I have too many shoes to buy something – no matter the price – that has me questioning its level of “slob-ness”! Aside from the color they looked exactly like the Molly Classic Canvas Open Toe Hidden Wedge ($166) pictured above. I think the top part with the belting is chic, but there’s something awkward about the exposed foot in the front, no?

What do you think about these wedges (they look like flats, but they have a 3-inch hidden heel)? Snob or Slob?

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If ever there was a shoe that perfectly encapsulated this fall’s return to a pure and minimal aesthetic, it would be this Donna Karan satin strap sandal. While most would translate minimal to be free of straps, weaves and breaks in line, I have two words: think again. The intricately woven tubular black satin straps on this sandal, with its micro-piping in black soft patent leather, re both at ease and aesthetically calming. I admire this shoe for its seemingly, at first, complicated design–but upon closer examination, it’s just a beautifully designed work of art. The heel height may go against fall’s return of the slingback, but any fashion-forward woman knows trends are meant to be broken.

$895, available at Donna Karan Collection stores, www.donnakaran.com

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When it comes to luxury shoes, it’s hard to beat the price of the Camilla Skovgaard Saw Plateau Leather Pumps ($500). Simple, yet eye-catching thanks to the designer’s signature rubber saw plateau, the pumps are utterly sexy with their 5-inch heel, and the sand color will transition well from summer to fall. I’ve always found the ankle bone to be very sexy, so I love pants that hit just around that area (plus they allow you to show-off your shoes!). These would go great with a pair of ankle-length black cigarette pants, but the real value in these shoes in my opinion is that for $500 you’re getting a shoe that is out-there enough to be interesting, but not so outrageous that you’d feel awkward about wearing them on a regular basis – like say these!

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I love that we no longer have to hide our platforms on our shoes, I mean the hidden platform styles are actually not so hidden so we were never really fooling anyone but ourselves!  So, love it or leave it, platforms are front and center this season!  The new exposed platform pump looked awkward to me when I first saw them but when you slip them on, they feel perfectly balanced.  I tried a few pairs including YSL, but found the Elizabeth and James version the most suited for my foot.  Elizabeth and James shoes are surprisingly well made and reasonably priced, try them on for size the next time you’re at Barneys Co-op!

Elizabeth and James Haircalf Platform Pumps for $395

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These black suede pumps have a 5-inch heel and are finished with shimmering crystal bows. Who do you think designed them? Jump for the answer, price, and where to buy!

Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal Bow-Embellished Suede Pumps ($995)

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I am not known to buy sensible shoes but these are really out there, even for me!  I love Mongolian fur jackets, nothing shouts glamour puss more than a good fluffy mongolian but how is this going to work?  When I put my shoes on will the fur get stuck behind my heel?  And what about the itch factor?  They are so crazy that I think I love them!  If this was 2004 and I was buying everything in sight just for the sake of owning them and looking at them, I’d buy them.  But alas, it’s 2010 and I now buy only what I absolutely will wear so I’ll have to pass but really, outrageously fun, no?

Lanvin Python and Mongolian Pumps for $1,990

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Who says fashion has to be practical all the time? With that in mind, I present these Proenza Schouler wedge sandals–for fall. You’re thinking, “sandals for fall?” Well, with the upper top completely covered in fur, yes! These aren’t for swashbuckling about in the snow or sleet of NYC, mind you; rather, they’re for the quick run from the car into the venue of whatever A-list soiree you’re attending. Guaranteed to make a statement, these shoes are going to be much photographed, not to mention ogled, no matter where you go. Just one recommendation before considering buying/wearing these: please be tall.

$1,075, available at Kirna Zabête, 96 Greene St. NYC, 212-941-9656

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Is this droolworthy or what? Ladies, get your pair before they sell out! Bergdorf’s has just gotten in this grey satin Nicholas Kirkwood pump with–get this–PEARL platform. I don’t know about you, but I’m a guy and even I want to own a pair of these beauties (they can’t be beat at under $1,000). Yes, they’re fragile–so wear them with caution and not in precipitation–but they’re terribly chic and head-turning. They’ll also perfectly complement pencil skirts or evening gowns. The row of dark pearls lining the base of the heel isn’t exactly subtle, but it’s a simple touch of femininity in an unexpected way that’s guaranteed to turn heads. One note of caution: do not–I repeat, do not–even think about stomping in these shoes!

$995, available at Bergdorf Goodman, 212-872-2750

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Talk about a fabulous deconstructed boot! Giuseppe Zanotti’s been whipping up some great foot candy since partnering with Thakoon on his shoe collection. This wedge boot with lace up flap for fall is no exception. The wooden heel wedge boot, at 4.75 inches (there’s a hidden platform), features beautiful fur-lined side flaps that wrap around the front and can be laced closed. A tapered toe creates an overall soft look while the corded, cotton laces have contrast suede tips & lace through silver grommets. And because it’s meant to be worn in the winter, the heel is lined in rubber.

$1,125, available at www.lagarconne.com

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You can not enter a nice home in Asia without taking off your shoes and donning a pair of slippers. We are very slipper oriented and do not allow our guests to go barefoot or wear their shoes inside the house (indoor slippers keep the floors and your feet clean).  I fought this growing up and would defiantly go barefoot to the chagrin of my grandmother.  But now that I am all grown up with a home of my own, I am the slipper nazi!  No one enters my home without taking their damn shoes off!  I keep a variety of slippers on hand and am obsessed with buying them– I have them separated into male/female/children categories so there is something for everyone.  I’ve even trained my boy to say “No SHOES in the house” when his little friends visit (he loves shouting this to adults, too).  One of the styles I picked up in Chinatown recently looks EXACTLY like the Bottega Veneta woven slippers above, except they cost $10 (very expensive in the slipper world so I only bought 4 pairs).  I didn’t even find them that cute, I just bought them because they looked like something my dad or father-in-law would wear, in other words, old man-ish.  Now that I know they cost $420 at Bottega, I’m going to scoop up a few more.  But anyone who’d pay this much for slippers need their head examined!

Bottega Veneta Woven Leather Slippers for $420

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These dark gray, Western-style booties are made of textured leather and have two looped pull straps on their sides. Who do you think designed them? Jump for the answer, price, and where to buy!

The Textured Leather Booties are from Marc by Marc Jacobs and retail for $521.

Did you get it right? Will you be buying into the Western shoe trend this fall?

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If I could wear any Louboutin boot, this would be it! Don’t you just love the wrap of flannel around the leather bootie? Gorgeous! It has an equestrian vibe to them and reminds me of the heavy flannel wraps that horse trainers place on horses in between races. It’s also such an unusual way to wear a boot; the heel is about five inches with a 1 ½” leather-covered platform. And when you want the versatility of just a classic Louboutin boot, just remove the leather-trimmed wool cover and presto chango! You have a new boot! A must have for fall!

$1,395, available at Christian Louboutin boutiques

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Following up on the success of their Mason pumps the Olsen girls have come-out with the

Elizabeth and James E-Mason2 Pumps. Priced at $395, these shoes look a lot pricier than they are and come in a variety of materials and colors (textured leather, snakeskin, calf hair). I can’t decide which ones I want! I have the original Masons in pink and while I love them, I’ve only worn them twice because they’re so loud and bright. I’m thinking the black calf hair ones on the top right are the way to go.

What do you think about the Mason Pumps part deux?

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Folks, meet my new must-have shoe for fall. It’s like “When Harry Met Sally,” except in this case it’s “When Pac Boots Met Wingtips.” Love! I’ll be wearing these with my Levi’s jeans tucked in and a tweed blazer. I’m not normally a fan of tough soles like these, but I like the juxtaposition of the more casual bottom with the dressy main body. You can dress these up with a suit or dress down with jeans or khakis for a simplified chic look. You can also show off really cute socks in these boots. Made by Brunello Cucinelli, who has no peer when it comes to fine classic Italian sportswear (the company also produces Michael Bastian’s wares), these boots will last a lifetime. And then some. Sold!

$950, available at Brunello Cucinelli (379 Bleecker St., NYC, 212-627-9202)

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