Fashion is cyclical: what goes up goes down, what’s pointy goes round and back again. After several seasons of showing off our toe cleavage, it feels like we’re ready to pull them back in, via the more sophisticated and yes, more restrictive pointy toe. The rounded and square shapes have reigned for years, but the pointed toe is pointed in the right direction this season. The style has never looked better!

From wedge to stiletto to even the kitten heel, the spired silhouette has a sleek, sexy appeal that its blocky predecessors lacked. Sling-back styles, courtesy of Edmundo Castillo and Jil Sander, maintain old-school refinement; they’re so demurely conservative they almost seem rebellious. Sensual lasercut details on Proenza Schouler’s pump will appeal to the lady-gone-wild, as will the architectural shape of Theyskens’ Theory cross-strapped wedge: strappy sex appeal and the freshness of a pointy wedge in one.

You might expect a pointy shoe adorned in pyramid studs to look too aggressive, but Balmainand Valentino prove that sharp on sharp looks…sharp!

Jean Michel Cazabat goes for a squiggly zebra-print wedge – a funky take on the pump, while Nine West keeps their shape and print traditional.

Afraid of the severity of a true point? Rock & Republic is the roundest sharp toe you’ll find.

I love the super-original Valentino and Theyskens’ Theory versions best. Which points strike your fancy?

Edmundo Castillo Suede Sling Back Kitten Heels On ShopBop for $595.

Jil Sander Ivory Leather Slingback On Zappos for $525.

Proenza Schouler Lasercut Pump At Barneys New York $695.

Balmain High Heel Pump with Silver Studded Counter On ShopBopfor $850.

Valentino Studded Ankle-Wrap Pump At Bergdorf Goodman for $895.

Jean Michel Cazabat Pony Hair Pointed-Toe Wedge At Neiman Marcus for $275.

Nine West “Barbe” Pump At Nine West for $79.

Rock & Republic “Loretta Chain” Platform On Zappos for $295.

Theyskens’ Theory Cross Strap Wedge At Barneys New York for $465.

The post Trend Alert: Point Taken! appeared first on Shoe Snob.

As far as on-trend and well-priced footwear is concerned, Elizabeth and James has been turning it out lately. These easy, earthy, and downright essential sandals are a prime example. Double criss-cross straps, in rustic brown and pebble-gray lizard-stamped leather, equal a shoe that covers all of your bases, whether you want to emphasize darker hues or pale neutrals in your ensemble. A sexy cut makes them fierce, while eye-catching stitching and a distressed heel lightens the mood. Whether you aim to dress down a sharp, fitted dress or take your hot summer shorts into hot summer nights territory, these sandals will make it happen. On

ShopBop for $350.

Pair with: Or go the route of the romper! Haute Hippie’s fluid silk jumpsuit can go dressed up, down, and all around, just like your shoes. Haute Hippie Long Sleeve Romper, $465.

The post Elizabeth and James “Eden” Crisscross Platform Sandals: Double Your Straps, Double Your Options appeared first on Shoe Snob.

I must be dreaming. A perfect black staple of a shoe does not have to be boring if it’s made with stingray! Only exotic could make something so essential feel so exciting. With a cut that flatters and a heel that makes you a whopping 5.5″ taller (thank god for that hidden platform), this is a definite must in everyone’s closet. In fact, this totally versatile and multi-seasonal Giuseppe Zanotti sling-back peep-toe will cover about 90% of your heeled needs.

So much is being done with stingray these days to make it supple. It used to be perfectly stiff and only used on flat bags and box clutches. To have it molded on a curvaceous shoe such as this is really incredible. Equally incredible is the price – you would except to see a sticker in the thousands for such a remarkable exotic, so the cost seems eerily low. Wait, was there a recent shoe price conference, like OPEC, at which they decided to just lower shoe prices across the board? Whoever is responsible, I am in love with her! (Surely, she must be a woman!). Well heeled has never been so cheap! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $595.

(Update: I just got pinched, these are NOT stingray, it is stingray textured linen. Disappointing but mystery solved!).

Pair with: The possibilities are endless, but something else you won’t want to take off? Finn‘s delicate diamond knot “Love” ring – no woman should be without at least a little diamond twinkle on her digits. At Barneys New York for $3,200.

The post Giuseppe Zanotti Stingray Slingback Pumps: Stingrays Are a Girl’s Best Friend appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Am I totally jaded or am I right in thinking that the price for these Givenchy sandals was marked wrong? $390? It seems like a bargain basement sale price, but no! This is actually the full price. Made of all leather, with a wedge and double ankle straps with an easy Velcro closure (I suppose no hardware might keep the price down), this is my kind of shoe. They’re carefree, versatile, practical, and sexy. The wide straps are classic, yet evoke a smidge of bondage appeal. A big “thank you!” to the generous front platform; combined with the comfy 3″ incline, it makes this almost-sky-scraping 4½” totally walkable. Okay, they don’t quite turn me into a WNBA contender, but that kind of height certainly makes me look like I have legs for miles. And I’m not going to complain about that. And the price? I’m still perplexed, but they’re already in my shopping bag! At Barneys New York for $390.

Pair with: A crocodile and leather hobo is as discreetly chic as can be and with a big, slouchy size, it’s equally practical. In the accessory department, your summer black basics have just been covered! Gucci “Greenwich” Leather and Python Shoulder Bag, $2,200.

The post Givenchy Wide Strap Wedge: Sticker-Shocked and Strap Happy appeared first on Shoe Snob.

The water snake is what a shoe snob would call the poor man’s python, but I love it! A kooky hybrid, the common North American reptile lives like a fish and has scales that resemble lizard. They make look threatening, but water snakes aren’t lethal in any way – and neither are these Fendi platforms. I gave them a trial run around the store and they are not nearly as painful as they appear. A solid and substantial platform takes the edge off and while I could do without the tacky logo, even a luxury label’s got to have branding tactics. In bright fuchsia or yellow – I’m leaning towards the fuchsia, as it’s packing more of an offbeat punch – you’ll hardly even notice the logo action. The fish-like snake scales soften the shades and invite you to wear these with everything, even a red or orange dress. At Barneys New York for $1,110.

Pair with: Don’t hide from your predators! Stand out in a lipstick-red leather dress, wearable as a result of a girlish cut – maximum skins equal maximum impact. On Net-a-Porter for $695.

The post Fendi Watersnake Pump: “F” Marks the Spot appeared first on Shoe Snob.

We can spot it on the bags from a mile away, but Bottega Veneta‘s iconic intrecciato on the wedge of a platform? And magnified over studs in a gorgeous shade of putty-gray, to boot! With a 1.5″ incline to the sole of these surprisingly sleek flatforms, these are more comfortable than actual flats. I walk everywhere in Asia each summer and my shoes usually turn a shade of cement gray not unlike this (I also usually end up with aching soles, but that’s a lesser issue). I am designating these wedge sandals as my new walking shoes – and I won’t even have to worry about them getting dirty! On Net-a-Porter for $840.

Pair with: Stella McCartney’s light sage-green canvas bucket bag might not last far past the summer, but in the meantime, appreciate the roomy size and light weight on long days traipsing around town. On Net-a-Porter for $1,395.

The post Bottega Veneta Studded Leather Wedge Sandals: I’ll Be On Easy Street appeared first on Shoe Snob.

The ingredients of delicate toe straps, a thick, no-messing-around snap ankle strap, and a chunky heel all make for major hotness. There’s a bit of feminine and a lot of tough chick – which is how we all like to think of ourselves, right? Givenchy‘s platform has intelligence without a hint of sobriety. Top-notch stitching that draws your eye in, the chicest toe thong I’ve ever seen, and a sole that will make it easy for you to hold your ground, literally and figuratively. With unusual angularity and this will give you that extra-confident strut no matter what room you’re entering. (Plus, you get the height of a five-incher with a nice 2″ knocked off, thanks to that liberal platform.) And with versatile style and a sturdy foundation, you will be taking that strut often. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,170.

Pair with: Keep it in the family with Givenchy’s “Pexi” bag – a little leopard goes a long way – and requires confidence. Perfect for shoes that make you hold your head high and keep you moving for miles. Givenchy “Pexi” Evening Bag, $1,985.

The post Givenchy Strappy Platform Sandal: Walk Tall, Stand Strong appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Alice + Olivia are one of my fav’s. Their looks always seem to marry femininity with strength and style and these booties are no exception. The satin covered in sparkly princess looking beads stacked on a high heel with a chunky platform is the perfect example that girls can be strong and pretty at the same time. They can also be taller than you… with better calf muscle definition.

These shoes make me want to put on a pretty dress and go drink champagne on a rooftop somewhere, yet also make me want to put on a pair of sexy leggings and a lacy top and go sneak into a VIP section of an exclusive club and sneak pictures with the camera I’ve hidden in my bra (don’t act like you’ve never done that before, we ALL have).

Any who, though these shoes may make a statement, they can easily be translated into many languages of style.

Saks Fifth Avenue for $345.00

The post Alice + Olivia Lesley Open-Toe Beaded Ankle Boots: Warrior Princess appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Officially into sandal season, there’s currently no better way to update your shoe wardrobe than with a pair of T-straps! I used to think “Jazzercise” when I saw a T-strap, but times – and shoes – have changed. You know, the ones in nude or black with a “sensible” and “comfy” heel. I don’t know about you, but “sensible” and “comfy” are the last words that come to mind when I’m shoe shopping. Bring on the illogical, impractical, irrational! The new crop of T-straps may not always be comfortable, but you’ll look smashing. What’s a bit of pain for the price of beauty?

Whether you take your heels studded, beaded, glittered, sueded, or sky-high, there’s a style for you. Sergio Rossi‘s metallic-trimmed and braided T-strap sandals are retro-glitzy enough to cure a case of Saturday night fever, while Elizabeth and James‘ snake-embossed leather wedges offer more day-worthy walkability. Go strong and shapely with Alexander McQueen‘s buckled and studded version – the high-heeled motorcycle boot of the T-strap sandal. Miu Miu‘s playful glitter heels in silver or black will sparkle under late-night skies, and Valentino proves that kitten heels can be fierce and T-straps unrecognizable with a hearty helping of leopard, studs and straps – bondage goes uptown. Dancing queens, subtler types, tough chicks, night-crawlers, and refined bad girls: your tootsies might ache, but your style is taken care of, right down to a T.

Sergio Rossi T-Strap Platform Sandals. On ShopBop for $795.

Elizabeth and James “Hazel” T-Strap Sandals. On ShopBop for $295.

Alexander McQueen Studded Leather T-Strap Sandal. At Neiman Marcus for $915.

Miu Miu Glitter T-Strap Peep-Toe Sandal. At Neiman Marcus for $640.

Valentino Studded Calf-Hair Kitten-Heel Sandals. On Net-a-Porter for $1,075.

The post The New T-Straps: Fit to Be T-Strapped appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Calling all you fashion plates with a bit of Lady Gaga in you! Like something snatched from a Rococo palace or a Matthew Barney exhibit, these look like an infinite amount of things besides a shoe – an hors d’oeuvres tray, centerpiece, antique sculpture, grandma’s vase, fairy’s wardrobe. While the sole is as ornate as can be, the rest of the shoe is actually pretty basic. Your problem won’t be what to wear them with, but how often (no one can argue they’re unremarkable!). Revel in the delightfully dreamy heel, a piece of art that won’t only wow, but also perplex. Standing on something surreal and light as air, these Alexander McQueens will have you looking like the priceless piece of art you truly are – a perfect spring piece. On Net-a-Porter for $3,495.

Pair with: A fantastical patchwork-print dress in a sharp button-front style by Erdem is the simultaneous out-of-this-world and easy-to-wear piece you need. At Barneys New York for $895.

The post Alexander McQueen Sculpted Resin and Leather Sandals: Good Romance appeared first on Shoe Snob.

These are fantastic. The black leather and cotton-raffia shell pumped on a 5 inch heel with a pointed toe is an interesting twist to an edgy spring heel. My favorite part of this shoe is the ankle cuff. There is something = sexy about a shoe wrapping around the ankle and the Isabel Marant Gava Cotton-Raffia and Leather Pumps nail the va-va-voom factor.

These mix laid back summer texture with a hint of city style resulting in a pump that could be paired with anything from that sexy black cut-out swim suit that you finally went for this year and a cover-up (of course) to a gussied-up Saturday night LBD and a saucy clutch.

These will take you from the pool to the party with little effort. Pick them up at Net-a-Porter for $820.

The post Isabel Marant Gava Cotton-Raffia And Leather Pumps: When Opposites Attract appeared first on Shoe Snob.

My puppy is quite small and the vet suggested I put a bell on him, after I stepped on him and shut the door on his tail (he’s okay, thankfully!) because I didn’t see or hear him behind me. My son loved the idea, and he promptly asked me to wear a bell as well because he says he can never find me in the house.

I’m not too keen about wearing a bell around my neck, but these sandals are perfect to wear as house slippers (in public, they could really irk a few folks). And at karaoke, I’ll be prepared with my own instrument! About as whimsical as a flat shoe gets, Bernardo’s leather sandals are adorned with jingling bronze-bead bells all around the ankle – and one on each toe. All I need is a vintage Pucci maxi dress to complete this festive, bohemian look. For once, my son and I will be equally thrilled about one of my shoe purchases. On Net-a-Porter for $295.

Pair with: Bells will make enough of an impact on the senses, so keep things light with a pale floral silk-chiffon dress. By Malene Birger’s is a soft, ethereal maxi dress – easy on the eyes and body. On Net-a-Porter for $795.

The post Bernardo “Jingle Bells” Bead-Embellished Leather Sandals: Saved by the Bells appeared first on Shoe Snob.

A simple pump in sumptuous python should always reside in your closet. That is, when it’s not on your foot, where you will probably find it often. What turns a could-be trite pump to an object of desire lies in the details. The vaguely pointed toe is a nice variation to the rounded toe we’ve been seeing too much of lately (Yves Saint Laurent and Brian Atwood, I’m talking to you). I’m not into wicked-witch points either, so this is my perfect medium. It has a coyly hidden 1″ platform, so the shoe stays streamlined and lets the yummy skin stand out on its own -and it makes this is an easy incline at only 3 ¾”. Heel-addicts know an inch goes a long way after a long day. In blue, Alexandre Birman‘s is as striking as it is versatile. Classic and elegant, yet wild and exciting – there’s so much you can do with this. So go ahead, and take my python pump challenge! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $550.

Pair with: Lighten these dark-ocean pumps up for warmer days with the Valextra “Caju Capri” clutch in a surprising sandy pink color. Pebbled leather with python is a wise texture play. At Barneys New York for $1,690.

The post Alexandre Birman Python Platform Pumps: The Platitude-Free Platform Pump appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Update: Turns out someone at Neiman Marcus thought these were Alaias and displayed them on the Alaia table. I was so enthralled by the white python sculpted masterpiece I didn’t even look inside!

While you gasp and try to catch your breath, I’ll tell you about this perfectly crafted piece of wearable art. White. Python. McQueen. Need I say more?

While it is indisputably breathtaking, a bootie with piercing white python with dazzling cut-outs and a lacquered-up heel feels like a breath of fresh air. No McQueen creation would be complete without the element of sex, would it? Brass nailheads along the edge frame the shoe and also give delicate snakeskin the touch of tough-girl edge it deserves.

I would not wear a body-con mini-dress with these – too typical, too sexy. And these too atypical and sexy enough for five bandage dresses. Go for something loosely structured or unexpected – like a school boy blazer! At Neiman Marcus for $2,150.

Pair with: A few school uniform-, menswear-, and even military-inspired jackets include:

Joseph “Emanuelle” Double-Breasted Twill Jacket On Net-a-Porter for $850.

Alexander McQueen Sleeveless Stretch Cotton-Twill Jacket On Net-a-Porter for $1,275.

Smythe One Button Blazer On ShopBop for $595.

The post Alexander McQueen Cut-Out Python Booties: Buckle Up and Hear Them Say “Ahh!” appeared first on Shoe Snob.

I know what you’re thinking and the answer is yes. I will wake up extra early to wrap and buckle these on my feet. And it will be worth it! With a million buckles (eight on each shoe to be exact), these Derek Lam sandals are not for the sartorially sluggish. No cheat zippers on the inside, which I actually appreciate; these show your dedication to a serious sandal.

The good news is the plethora of buckles ensures the criss-crossing will look right and stay up, as opposed to sloughing down your legs and pooling at your ankles. These are strictly those with well-endowed calves; they go 13″ up your leg and should not hit your knees, if so, return!

I want to wear these all summer long, so my fingertips better limber up and prepare to get their buckle on. Cut-offs, sundress, or mini, they’ll look great with anything short. Just beware of crazy tan lines, so slather on the sunscreen! On ShopBop for $890.

Pair with: Vena Cava’s high-waisted “De Palma” shorts in cotton gauze have a geometric print that is quietly reminiscent of the straps on your killer flat sandals. At Barneys New York for $295.

The post Derek Lam “Hanae” CrissCross Flat Sandals: Buckle Up! appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Yellow just makes me happy! And what’s more uplifting than a pair of perky yellow shoes? But my quest for the perfect pair of sunny shoes has proved a little cloudy. A yellow that’s not too mellow -a little canary, a little lemon – is actually very difficult to find. Manolos are too mustard and Lanvin sadly lackluster. While both are great styles, they don’t quite hit the mark.

Though Balenciaga‘s T-straps are eye-catching, they fail to pack a total punch. I finally struck gold when I found a pair by Jerome C. Rousseau, who launched his label in 2008: the perfect yellow ostrich sling-back platforms. Leave it to a designer who was inspired to make shoes watching Dee-Lite on MTV as a teenager – this is my generation! They are so gorge with gray skinny jeans and a bright blue bag; this look has thoroughly cheered me up.

Yellow might be on the sweet side but it’s not for the timid. After all, it was the Emperor of China’s official color. Commoners were forbidden to wear yellow for thousands of years! Can you imagine? So appreciate your freedom to indulge in yellow. Go all the way or don’t go there at all! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking acid or neon, but a true, bright yellow – it’s the only shade that will truly brighten your day. At Forty Five Ten for $595. Call 214-559-4510 and get you some sunshine!

The post Jerome C. Rousseau Yellow Ostrich Platform Singbacks: Yellow Fever appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Let me start by saying the detail on these heels is exquisite, and I never use that word so you know it has to be good. The heel is woven leather, the toe is woven cotton, and the Italian suede is hugged by grosgrain ribbon and braided straw edging. These shoes are over the top luxury and at $1,500; you get what you pay for. At first I absolutely hated the ribbon at the toe. I thought, with a simple leather top and front, these would be so much more wearable, and that they reminded me of sneakers (and we all know what I think of sneaker pumps). However, in taking a closer peek at the Dior Tahiti ribbon pumps I realized the ribbon at the toe led my eye up the pump, then wound around the woven detail and up to the ribbon ties. It flows, it’s over the top, and worn with the right dress, could be just….dreamy. What do you guys think of the extreme ribbon Dior pumps? Slob or snob?

Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,500

The post Dior Tahiti Ribbon Pumps: Dream Snob or Sneaker Slob? appeared first on Shoe Snob.

From a distance, this looks like your ordinary hot, sexy stiletto. But look closely and notice the contemporary twist of chain-mail all along the front strap and heel. One would trust Ralph Lauren of all designers to make a shoe you would expect to turn out S&M look totally demure and elegant, with dainty criss-cross ankle straps pairing it down for a more delicate touch. The delicacy goes right down to the strap – there’s leather lining that chain, so you won’t look or feel like you’re being tortured in the dungeon.

Not that it’s anywhere near drab either. There’s a fun streak in here, especially via the amazing heel detail, with alternately sized links creating the appearance of stripes. So strap these on and sear it with a ladylike dress or equally tempting, with leather and seriously hardwared accessories. On Net-a-Porter for $895.

Pair with: Oscar de la Renta does bouclé-tweed like no one else. This dreamy dress has sheer paneling for the edge you need to match your stiletto. On Net-a-Porter for $1,790.

The post Ralph Lauren Collection “Damita” Chain-Embellished Sandals: Causing a Chain Reaction appeared first on Shoe Snob.

This shoe might as well have my name all over it. I will never tire of python and will be a fan of platform wedges til the day I die. Unfortunately, what I will tire of is the weight of these Yves Saint Laurent beauties. My only reservation was the extreme delicacy of the straps. They look great juxtaposed with the thick wedge, but when I tried them on, my feet felt like there were lifting cement blocks with strings. That doesn’t mean give up on them. I call this an entrance and exit shoe. Anything in between must involve reclining, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially when you have such a statement shoe to sit back and admire. With snakeskin dyed in contrasting shades of military olives and cool orange, the “Baobab” encourages you to get trendy. Heavy on looks, heavy on the heels – no one ever said style’s not a sacrifice. On Net-a-Porter for $1,995.

Pair with: A light bag with the appearance of some weight and the feel of soft leather. Givenchy’s trendy black version keeps it cool with graduated brass hardware on a classic clutch shape. Givenchy “Bahia” Clutch, $1,305.

The post Yves Saint Laurent “Baobab” Python Wedge Sandals: A Weighty Issue appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Oh. My. Gawd. What is the best part of the weather getting warmer? Colors come out of hiding and start to creep into your closet and I certainly hope these find their way into mine. The Lanvin Horseshoe-Heel Patent-Leather Pumps are simply fantastic; perfectly stacked on a one inch platform combined with a 5 inch horseshoe heel with gold detail. These neon rose heels will almost guarantee you a skip to the front line at the club, with a few bottles thrown in as well. Normally I would say that this bright of a color in patent leather with such a high heel could border on cheap/tacky, but these pull it off by keeping the shape simple and the heel thicker. Wear these with simple, and I mean simple outfits.

Like a cute black jumpsuit and nude clutch or jeans and a white tank with a fun hair accessory. Let the shoes do the talking, because holy moly, they are loud.

Net-a-Porter for $1,075

The post Lanvin Horseshoe-Heel Patent-Leather Pumps: Pink Girl Walking appeared first on Shoe Snob.