Easy, breezy, and with just enough of a nautical touch to hint at seaside fun, here’s the perfect sandal for casual dressing. The effect of natural leather with braided raffia is calming, like swinging on a hammock. It also comes in dark mahogany, which is too masculine and harsh for such a warm-weather look. (Stella McCartney’s designs tend to flourish under light neutrals.) It’s hard to come by a casual flat sandal that isn’t sloppy, so jump on this before summer hits or you’ll be left schlepping in flip-flops. Reserve Havianas for the beach and backyard (or to get a pedicure), please! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $360.

Pair with: Don’t try too hard to dress up this sandal. Choose the Vanessa Bruno Athé silk crepe de Chine short in fuchsia with a hint of braiding that picks up the out-to-sea vibe. On Net-a-Porter for $330.

The post Stella McCartney Faux Leather Flat Sandals: Take It Easy appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Proenza Schouler mixes up leather details for an earthy and eclectic wedge. But not in a granola way! Braiding and top stitching are conventional on their own but here they come together for a confusion that pleases the senses. Natural orange and rustic brown leather with a hemp-like fabric evoke images of the summer and beachside. A nice offset to the label’s Spring 2011 acid-bright chiffon frocks, but in the same vein as their cord bracelets, made from rope-climbing gear. It’s sportiness with hard-edged style, perfect for a seaside bonfire – wear with a stark white dress for maximum impact.! At Barneys New York for $750.

Pair with: Alexander McQueen’s gauzy off-the-shoulder dress in white silk chiffon is a breath of fresh air. Belt it for a gypsy feel, let it hang loose for unabashed flowiness. On Net-a-Porter for $3,195.

The post Proenza Schouler Platform Wedge: Mixed Materials appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Can’t find the happy medium between winter boots and spring sandals? Stop your search here! J. Line’s handmade cowhide open-toe booties fit the bill (inspired by Black Swan). The curves of this sexy shoe remind me of a low-cut dress – revealing just enough to make admirers curious. A delicate strap binding the peek-a-boo opening adds to its allure, leaving much of your foot open with a precariously sensual finesse. With a rounded toe that is sleek, not at all bulbous, a tapered heel, and a platform, this shoe has it all. I especially love the dark navy and cream contrast. The color combo – the design – the whole look – is perfect for that early spring touch. Retail price: $160. To order, e-mail: gjm.jline@gmail.com or J. Line designer (and my good friend) Jay JaeKal here.

Pair with: It just doesn’t feel like spring without a few flowers – or a bag-full! The Valentino floral-appliqué bag coordinates with your cream straps. Take your new pairing out to a fancy girls’ lunch.

The post J. Line by Jay Jaekal Black Swan Shoes: She’s Come Undone appeared first on Shoe Snob.

These are high-maintenance shoes if there ever was a pair. No, they’re not hard to put on – pull a simple back zip and your foot is encased. It’s because they are visually complicated and require careful contemplation when it comes to what to wear with them and where to go in them. To call them “multi-strap” is almost an understatement. White, mid-calf, and cage-like, these are no by no means your “toss-on-with-whatever-and-go” sandals. Alaïa should have stuck a mini-handbook in the shoebox with a few rules: Keep your skirt short and not too complex, so it doesn’t fight with the shoes. (No cutouts, straps, and, God forbid, no fringe.) Don’t do too much walking – or standing. And definitely no third dirty martini! Once you’ve committed to the code and you’ve found the perfect dress – and a reliable chauffeur – these Alaïas are crazy-hot. At Net-a-Porter for $2,195.

Pair with: These heels are attention whores – and that’s why I love them – so pick a shy dress. The “Bennings” twill shift dress by The Row, in solid pale pink, is the demure answer. On Net-a-Porter for $1,350

The post Alaïa Multi-Strap Leather Sandals: Tread Carefully appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Prada‘s woven sandal screams schizophrenia! Remember when you were a kid on Christmas morning and you wanted to play with every game you got all at once? Here is the shoe equivalent. It is a smorgasbord of checkers, hopscotch, jump rope, and so much more, all compounded into a single shoe. Whew. It’s exhausting. I would have loved it in a single color or two even – just not the entire spectrum of the rainbow, even coyly sneaking in yellow and orange on the heel. Remember “Roy G. Biv”? (You know, that old mnemonic device for the rainbow colors? Red, orange, yellow, green…) Well, here he is in full bloom. This is a picnic basket gone wild. Maybe I could tolerate it if it came with wine and a cheese plate! At Neiman Marcus for $895.

The post Prada Woven Banded T-Strap Sandal: Way Over the Rainbow appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Some may argue that stylist Tabitha Simmons has yet to earn the right to charge four figures for a pair of shoes. I tend to agree, as I like to leave the pricier shoes to the true cobblers. While the lizard pumps are just, well, sparkly lizard pumps (although I do like the “Dixie’s” extreme rounded toe and bar detail), the double-strapped peep-toe lizard concoction might change their minds – it certainly changed mine. The highly textural “Dasha” is a lizard sandal, with the substantiality of a shoe, thanks to a chunky heel that looks like its made for strutting – or dancing – and a plethora of straps to keep your foot – and eye – engaged. Perforated leather, criss-crossing, a pair of buckles, sling-back, and peep-toe – so many elements come together for a harmoniously perfect shoe. “Dasha” double-strapped peep-toe for $1,795 ($2,000 at Tabitha Simmons), “Demi” high-heel tango pump for $950, and “Dixie” ghille pump for $1,490.

Pair with: A heel with such intricacy demands a bag on the opposite end of the spectrum. The “P Lock” shoulder bag by Jil Sander is prim without being proper.

At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,425.

The post Tabitha Simmons “Dasha” Sandal: A New Level of Lizard appeared first on Shoe Snob.

I am now accepting applications for future husbands because I have decided, due to the magnificence of these shoes, I must get married immediately. How dreamy are these pumps? Brian Atwood‘s done it again. He went directly into my head and pulled out a floral sparkly satin fairytale sandal that is the stuff dreams are made of. Well Brian, get out of my dreams, and get into my closet.

Swarovski crystals glisten on the heel while the corsage sprinkled with tiny pearl detail on the ankle adds a soft femininity that would make any bride, or any girl for that matter feel like Kate Middleton. These shoes have been hand-signed by Brian himself and they are exclusively at Net-a-Porter for $3,440.

I wouldn’t wait for the perfect man to come along before scooping these up, ladies. Shoes like these don’t stay single for long. Besides, there are a few other occasions you might be able to wear these to and not look like a lunatic that’s trying too hard, such as a summertime black tie affair. Slip these babies on with a stunner like this or this and you’re in business. Some may even be able to pull these off with something a bit shorter and more playful like this. Still, these scream wedding to me, so for you brides out there, I couldn’t help but look around, and nearly fell off my chair and choked on my double double with splenda when I saw this wedding dress. Then I stumbled across another one and obviously started to imagine myself sashaying down the isle (looking super-duper skinny and tan) in this Valentino beauty. Clearly, I have gotten carried away and am frightening people around me while I hum “here comes the bride” but you get the picture. These shoes are dreamy regardless of where you sparkle in them.

The post Brian Atwood Exclusive at Net-A-Porter: A Dream Come True appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Craving a shoe with silk ribbons and lotus flowers? Donna Karan has the answer. Even if you’re not, you might change your mind upon eyeing this strong yet delicate high-heeled platform. What could have potentially been a disaster in less experienced hands – images of ill-conceived arts and craft projects come to mind – is instead a perfect balance. It is difficult when dealing with so many opposing and equally strong design elements to find harmony; this shoe is not only harmonious, it’s beautiful. Conveying so much at just a glance (references to the classic strappy sandal, origami, and woven baskets are made), this shoe is so captivating it almost elicits an emotional response. I call it shoe poetry. At Donna Karan for $1,290.

Pair with: Only a luxe and unadorned bag will do. If this shoe is a prose poem, then the Valextra “Tammy,” in white with a rose-gold frame, is a masterfully written haiku. At Barneys New York for $2,860.

The post Donna Karan Silk with Lotus Embroidery Platform Ankle Wrap Strappy Sandal: A True Romantic appeared first on Shoe Snob.

I’ll just take the entire Fendi spring shoe collection, please! Their recent shoes have been showing me sexiness personified, especially this stacked stiletto in a nude that’s gorgeous for spring and a style that transitions to evening just as fluidly. “Stamped anaconda” might sound like a compromise (only the best for my shoe snobs!), but you won’t be blowing your entire shoe budget on one pair, so in fact it’s a major plus. Besides, this trend-specific creation is not exactly headed towards the “timeless” section of your closet. It will, however, go into the “hot stuff” category. The cut-out ankle-strap with little buckle is so sizzling, especially because you’re going to need to keep your skirt short, short, short! Or else it will look like you have stumpy legs, and that is not hot, hot, hot. With a touch of S&M, this is, by all means, a “Don’t F with me” look yet still demure and ladylike – and that, in essence, is a true modern woman! At Neiman Marcus for $860.

Pair with: When your legs are on display, be certain your mini-dress conserves some flesh – we’ve got to leave something to the imagination! Camilla and Marc’s flirty little “Equinox-printed” dress isn’t too sex bomb (puffed sleeves, no cleavage) and shows a lot of leg. On Net-a-Porter for $690.

The post Fendi Anaconda-Embossed Cuff Sandal: You Sexy Thing appeared first on Shoe Snob.

What delightful shoes from Dries van Noten! This gleaming nugget out of my footwear fantasies delivers a potent shot of whimsy. Floral print, hologram leather, and sparkling sequins make for a strikingly harmonious shoe – who knew? While the sequins mimic a flower pattern, the iridescent leather dresses up the embroidered wedge, making it appropriate for day and night. Light-catching and avant-garde, no matter where you stroll you will feel garden chic. There are so many things I want to wear with this right now, especially a pair of jeans and a crisp white shirt. And if I wasn’t wearing it, I’d make sure it’s displayed well in my shoe closet – nothing like a good piece of closet art! This uplifting acquisition, so hypnotizing I can hardly take my eyes off it, deserves to be the center of attention, even if it’s displayed on a shelf. At Bergdorf Goodman for $920. In stores only.

Pair with: With so many materials already at play, don’t add too many more elements. Keep things simple with Equipment’s “Brett” washed silk shirt in white. If you don’t have one already, it will fast become a wardrobe staple. On Net-a-Porter for $190.

The post Dries Van Noten Iridescent Leather Embroidered Demi-Wedge Sandal: Gems and the Holograms appeared first on Shoe Snob.

I am l-o-v-i-n-g these wedge/cuff/sandal bootie combo’s lately. The mix of ankle boot combined with the summery softness of the sandal is the perfect look for spring as we ease out of hibernation. When I wear things that are unique and cutting edge like this, they make me feel different… cooler even. Like I am just a tiny bit more on top of my game then people not wearing said cool shoes, or like I just played hooky from work to go see the new Harry Potter movie….. (That has happened). These wedges are fun, carefree and will definitely grab some attention.

The covered wedge heel stands 5 inches tall and zips on the side so you can easily jump in and out of these little guys as needed. I wouldn’t necessarily wear “boots” like these on a fancy night out. I would rock these on day dates with a shirt dress and a cute belt, or perhaps with some cuffed boyfriend jeans and a lacey top. These are edgy but can easily take a sweet turn when paired with the right outfit. Try them out at Net-a-Porter for $1505.

The post Rick Owens Open-Toe Wedge Leather Ankle Boots: Too Cool for School appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Mega-magnified scales make this pump look more like it’s emblazed with dinosaur scales than snake-embossed nubuck. You’ll never hear me complain about exotic, even faux exotic, but this scale is so disproportionately huge its perturbing. What a shame: exotic stilettos with multiple ankle straps should be, on all accounts, amazing and hot with a capital “H.” That steel heel is quite treacherous, so steer clear of cracks in the sidewalk; there’s nothing sadder than a scraped-up stiletto. Fortunately, multiple ankle straps save the day. It’s too bad nothing can save the T-rex scales. On Shopbop for $650.

Pair with: Take it down a notch with Malene Birger’s crepe linen-blend blazer. Clean and cream with built-in vest detailing, the pairing is perfect for cocktail hour.

On Net-a-Porter for $630.

The post Giuseppe Zanotti Stamped Ankle-Strap Pumps: Jurassic Pump appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Have you overdosed on clunky platforms and wedges? Die-hard stiletto fans – I know lots of you are still out there – will adore Diane von Furstenberg‘s new shoe collection. This 5″ heel has the foxy look of a stiletto, but there’s also a discreet platform for comfort. (Doctor Mary, our in-house chiropractor, insists on some degree of platform when wearing heels!) Too-many-to-count straps enhance the foot and spell sex appeal; the back zipper and closed heel keeps it current. Well-priced and heavy on style, strappy gold metallic will be a neutral for you this season. So take a break from the earth-shattering heavy heel, and don’t save this shoe for weddings or galas: go a more a more unlikely route and rock it with an old pair of jeans. On Ssense for $350.

Pair with: Black and gold accessories look hot together. Oscar de la Renta’s black beaded tassel earrings will stand out. The masses won’t know whether to look at your ears or your feet! On Net-a-Porter for $375.

The post Diane Von Furstenberg “Envy” Strappy Heels: The Heel Has It appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Sometimes you crave a shoe that doesn’t yell but whispers. This subdued Fendi sandal is just the thing for daytime glamour; a tall wooden heel adds instant architecture to any outfit. I love this 5″ wood wedge, as the grain looks fresh and natural. Raw-like wood is feeling super-current to me this spring, and this is uncomplicated enough to let it have the spotlight. This sleek take on the classic fisherman style is gorgeous and walkable. Need I say more? At Saks Fifth Avenue for $770.

Pair with: These could be styled a multitude of ways; the possibilities are endless. Take the liberty of carrying a statement-making bag, like Nancy Gonzalez’s python raffia tote in pale multi-colors, like a summer afternoon rainbow! On Net-a-Porter for $2,600.

The post Fendi T-Strap Wedge Sandals: Fit to a T appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Let me start by saying, I cannot get enough of these pumps. The black and off-white print on canvas sitting on a 5 inch heel is summers answer to leopard print (yawn) and it is fan-friggen-tastic.

At first glance these look a little crazy but paired with a LBD or a white mini, these would be the perfect hint of print to spice up your outfit. The heel may be my favorite part. The subtle snake effect adds and extra pop to an already popping pump and really hits it out of the park.

Spring/Summer is not a time to play it safe and practical, but a time to come out of your fashion shell and into some fun/crazy/your mother would kill you shoes. Pumps like this should be able to tell a story at the end of the day/night. They should take you places like a VIP party that you snuck into and met Lance Bass, or should carry you to that wedding you thought you’d have a terrible time at but you ended up leading the conga line and making out with a groomsman (or the brides uncle, you can’t be too sure). Shed the winter boring blues and slip into something not because it’s sensible, and you could wear them to many other places, including work possibly so to justify the purchase….. But simply because you feel like L.I.V.I.N. a little. Remember those days? Where you bought things just because you wanted to? I thought so. Pick them up at $595 at Net-a-Porter.

The post Carven Striped Canvas Pumps: Oh, Come On…Live A Little. appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Shoes for under $50 that aren’t Payless? Actually cute and wearable, too? Sounds like something out of shoe mythology, but thanks to the ladies behind must-read fashion site Who What Wear, the option is very real. The W3 by Who What Wear collection is veritable assortment of all the shoes that should be in a snob’s closet (or anyone’s, for that matter): the black stiletto ankle boot, platform-front nude pump, tan wedge ankle-strap sandal, snake-effect peep-toe pump, classic black peep-toe pump (very Louboutin), and finally, black glitter pump, just for kicks. Daily shoes for everyone that won’t cost a pretty penny – perfect for all you girls with champagne taste who happen to be on a beer budget.

We all know money can’t buy style, but in this case, very little money can buy you a high dose of style. On JustFab for $39.95.

The post Frugal Snob: W3 by Who What Wear Collection: Frugal Snobs Need Shoe Love, Too appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Say what you will about her acting chops, but Jennifer Aniston sure looks damn good in nude/blush tones–and, more often that not, I’m talking about her choice of gorgeous footwear. This week, at a party in Mexico City to launch her eponymous fragrance, Aniston paired a sparkly Valentino cocktail dress with a pair of nubuck suede stiletto sandals by Tabitha Simmons. A relatively young label, Simmons brings a lot of fashion cred to the table. The well-known stylist, whose roster of clients has included everyone from Alexander McQueen to Dolce & Gabbana, is also a Vogue contributing editor and married to famed fashion photographer Craig McDean. As someone who consistently graces the world’s best-dressed lists, Simmons knows a thing or two about what looks good from head to toe.

Aniston’s “Dana” heel measures in at 4.5 inches, but features a comfortable platform in front to help alleviate some of that height. What I love about this shoe is that it’s a statement piece; Simmons takes a classic T-strap heel and adds her own unique touches, including the double ankle strap that ties in back to leave just a glimpse of the heel. It’s at once both terribly sexy and secure on the foot–two qualities any leading lady can certainly appreciate. $1085, available at Neiman Marcus.

The post Jennifer Aniston in Tabitha Simmons appeared first on Shoe Snob.

With braids and straps galore, this is a lot of sandal. The khaki-colored mix of textures (pebbled and smooth) and layered leather is an attention-grabber but I’m still trying to figure out what’s going on with all those straps. Wang has done a lot of open-toe boot and sandal-boot fusions; this is a more traditional direction for him, but that’s not to say this is a traditional sandal. While the look is somewhat military-inspired – a fading trend that I never care for in the first place – it’s not so blatant that I can’t see past it. With a slim wedge to add just enough height, this is a way better alternative to gladiator sandals, a style I got over back in 1986 when I was fifteen. (Go ahead, do the math. I’m finally okay with my age! And just think, the designer himself was a mere toddler!) With his, indeed, youthful, on-the-pulse eye, Wang is the master of infusing sporty designs with loads of edginess – a rare dichotomy – and these sandals are a prime example. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $495.

Pair with: Sandals with this much presence can handle the blast of turquoise, Columbian mochilla print, and generous size of Proenza Schouler’s much-coveted P.S.1 shoulder bag. At Barneys New York for $1,825.

The post Alexander Wang Braided-Strap Mini-Wedge Sandals: Strap In and Buckle Up appeared first on Shoe Snob.

I experimented with my first pair of open-toe booties two years ago. They were Givenchy and I wore them so often the sole had to be re-done, twice. So what if Rich (a.k.a. our tech nerd and Kelly’s husband) told me they were ugly– what does he know, anyway?! The trend has since caught on with the mainstream, along with the rise of the bootie-sandal (a la Alexander Wang Spring 2010).

While the thought of sweaty feet is still enough for me to say “no, thanks” to boots in the summer, some of the styles are tempting – and others are no good, even on the coldest fall days. The key is choosing a boot that’s not too heavy and won’t weigh down light summer clothing. Unless you’re going for unapologetic contrast or a grungy “I wear my Doc Martens with everything” look, but that’s another story!

I love the lace and leather laser-cut lace versions best. Look for perforated elements, pale colors, and a sense of sheerness. All these looks would be great with cropped flared jeans or a flowy dress. The beauty of a boot is instant “I can do anything” attitude (and ankle security), and thanks to the peep-toe boot you can gradually ease your feet into all-out sandal territory without wasting your new pedicure. Just remember this shoe snob advice: baking soda will keep summer feet fresh.

Clockwise from left:

Casadei Laser-Cut Calfskin Bootie Boots on LuisaviaRoma for $1155.60.

Camilla Skovgaard Kid Cage Boots on LuisaviaRoma for $727.50.

Camilla Skovgaard Open-Toe Saw Booties on Ssense for $590.

Ginavito Ross Ecru Open-Toe Ankle Boots on Montaigne Market for $708.

Giuseppe Zanotti Laser-Cut Open-Toe Low Boots on LuisaviaRoma for $1,391.

Chrissie Morris Lizard Lace Ankle Boots on LuisaviaRoma for $1,520.

Dolce & Gabbana Macrame Lace Ankle Boots on LuisaviaRoma for $848.20.

The post Spring TrendAlert! Warm Weather Booties: Hot Weather, Cool Feet appeared first on Shoe Snob.

An everyday shoe for the shrinking violet. Okay, clearly I kid. You almost can’t even wear bottoms with this shoe – would you really want to detract from the fabulous plumage? An explosion of shirred organza decorates half way up your calf. You’d better have a long set of legs for this one, not to mention confidence. Without the right attitude, there’s the possibility of looking like you were attacked by a couple of black crows. I would worry about the feather-effect organza shredding off over time, but this is an occasion shoe if I’ve ever seen one. Looking closely, there is delicate sandal detail and the wedge has a cool cut-out and flawless seams along the sides. But, seriously, who is noticing the nuances here? On Net-a-Porter for $2,240.

Pair with: Nothing says “look at me” like a pair of leather shorts (except this shoe). Alexander Wang’s are high-waisted and cut diagonally to lengthen the leg. I’ll take all the help I can get! On Net-a-Porter for $550.

The post Rick Owens Organza-Trimmed Leather Wedge Sandals: Fluff Your Feathers, Strut Your Stuff appeared first on Shoe Snob.