The “Tempesta” bootie rounds out the week – and final day – of B Brian Atwood’s tempting pre-sale releases. Last but certainly not least, this ankle boot has spunk and spirit to spare. Atwood said he wanted his lower-priced line to be full of movement. As in, picture a girl dashing down the street with her fanciful shoes moving in a glamorous blur. Enter the fringe. It’s refreshing to see layers of fringe and oversized tassels in a design that’s not trying to be refined. It’s actually not trying to do anything. This rubber-soled, metal-plated, lace-up boot is straightforward fun. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $450.

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Haven’t gotten enough B Brian Atwood? Keep ‘em coming! Snap up the latest release now, the downtown-chic “Edeline,” (a name that means “noble”) and keep them on reserve until the first day of fall, when the first leaves have fallen but it’s still warm enough to sport bare legs. Stretchy wine-colored suede conforms to the foot for a sleek look that’s not too structured; the soft lines are complimented by the hard edges of the exposed metal heel. A tabbed zipper keeps them casual, but at 5” these are pumped up enough for a night out with the girls.At Saks Fifth Avenue for $450.
Which B Brian Atwood is your favorite style so far?

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What do you get when you combine the kooky leopard colors of the “Pangea” pump and the no-nonsense height of the “Falcon”? Meet the rousing “Paradis,” an outgoing shakeup of colorful calf hair and a whole lot of boot. I’d be lying if I said this was something for the shy – it takes a specific girl to wear these boots. One who is not afraid of attention. Or color or leopard, for that matter. At under $1000, this is a rare opportunity for the girl who’s got a strong sense of self and an even stronger sense of style. Wear these wisely, preferably with all-black and minimalist silver jewels. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $995.

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A leopard mega-wedge topped with suede – this sounds similar to another pair of Giuseppe Zanotti heels I recently found myself lusting over. Now meet the flipside of the same wild coin. As a more practical, more casual bootie, they have a completely differently feel, though both possess the strong pull of animal magnetism. And whoa! At 6”, these would make me six feet tall.

This is a fall staple that has all the bases fully loaded, including the gift of height and at under a grand, even the price is not bad. A pony-skin, leopard-print heel and peek-a-boo toe make bring on the sex appeal – and make them the greatest boots for pants ever; a split wedge and python-embossed leather python make these stand out from the endless pack of ankle boots; and a clean black upper keeps them wearable, as in a few days a week. On Luisa Via Roma for $995.

Pair with: Vamp it up with a pristine red pedicure. While leopard and red can be a tacky combination where ensembles are concerned, this booties have just a splash of spots and NARS’ “Dovima” polish will balance out the pizazz from heel to toe. At Barneys New York for $17.

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Only current It-girl Isabel Marant could deem a pair chunky Velcro high-tops cool. And hordes of girls are sure to follow her lead. These suede kicks, in blue and cream or black textured leather, are definitely something for the young – dare I say use the word? – hipster set.

Fashion-forward tomboys should rejoice the sneaker trend and beanpole models are sure to eat these up, but wear these with caution. This is a foot (and ankle) engulfing high-top with a lot going on. You need to conceive a look that’s subtle and streamlined. Or you at least need to know how to really rock a pair of cut-off jeans shorts. While I can’t get into the Velcro, you have to appreciate a super-casual sneaker that’s been designed with real girls in mind: a concealed 2” wedge heel is hidden inside. Because even at your sportiest and sloppiest, you still want legs that are prepared to allure! On Net-A-Porter for $725.

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Attention all New York snobs! Saks Fifth Avenue is having a very special trunk show in honor of the line at their NYC store on August 18th and 19th. Snap up one of the first 75 pairs and receive shoes with a distinctive B Brian Atwood stamp and a shoebox signed by Brian himself. More details to follow!

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Meet early fall’s total essential shoe. Pedro Garcia has the chunky wedge down pat: this much coverage on the foot gives it a clog-like sensibility, while a slingback heel and peep-toe balance it out, keeping it multi-seasonal. You can’t beat pale gray for versatility; this shade has an oatmeal tint that speaks of September. And this color on a canvas-covered wedge reminds me of a cozy sweater. A cork footbed spices things up and offers a nice cushion (think Birkenstocks without an ounce of bohemian). Paired with suede, the “Trisha” is one a homey, comfy shoe.

I’ll admit I’m not in love with the Velcro closure. Sure, it’s convenient, but nobody’s that lazy! No matter how discreet, I find it cheap and cheesy. While I wish it had a buckle, for this price, I can’t complain too much. And it certainly won’t stop me from wearing these on the regular – it fits right into my wardrobe, and even if it didn’t, everything about this wedge is just inviting you to wear it on a daily basis. On Ssense for $440.

Pair with: Transitional wedges welcome a lightweight scarf, like Dianora Salviati’s oversized tie-dye, a sheer modal-cashmere blend of jade, gray, and coral.

Exclusively at Intermix for $335.

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If you didn’t expect Rachel to release at least one black over-the-knee boot with the rest of her Fall 2011 collection, then you don’t know Zoe! Fans will recall her super-high, zipper-back boot collaboration with pal Brian Atwood seasons back. Now that she has taken designing into her own hands, she didn’t waste any time releasing a suede boot in the same vein of in-your-face sexy.

A nearly 6” heel is relieved by two tiers of platform, with a softly oval toe – the outcome is a foot with a sensual “S” shape. But who’s even looking when you have soft suede clinging all the way up to your thigh?! Golden studs, evocative of military jacket buttons, pipe the back, giving the boot the punctuation and strong edge it demands. At Neiman Marcus for $695.

Pair with: Anything tight and severe and you’ll be looking like you belong in a dominatrix’s dungeon. Or at least out kicking somebody’s butt. An easy, sashed wool-blend bouclé jacket by Diane von Furstenberg is just the thing. On Net-a-Porter for $585.

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Day three of the unveiling of Brian Atwood’s bridge line. The “Pestica” pump! He’s definitely playing with a rounder, nubbier toe and thicker heel in much of this collection, suggesting a girl who isn’t afraid to pound the pavement – a not-so-dainty high-heel queen. By giving this intrinsically classic pump a chunky 5” stacked heel (and wisely, a covered front platform to save your foot) and covering it in inky calf hair, this is the perfect shoe to add drama to your workday and classic edge into the night. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $450.

The post Introducing B Brian Atwood “Pestica” Pump: Black Magic appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Is it the eye-popping color that’s tugging at my heartstrings (and purse strings)? Or the perfection of the gorgeous foot-molding curves? It has to be both elements, the sassy flash of hot color and the sexiness of such organic angles on a towering heel, working in perfect harmony. A union such as this turns a fall necessity – we all need a new ankle boot each year – into a fall obsession. “Want” and “need” rarely meet in the middle like this, so really how can boots like these be ignored?

Just imagine Alexander McQueen’s boots peeking out from your pant legs; it would be a sight as exhilarating as flashing forbidden skin. And if you’re going punchy petunia pink, you’d better go all the way. Monochrome, including the zipper pull, with a concealed zipper on the inner side ensures nothing destroys the minimalist shape, required to keep such a bright, loud shoe chic. A preternatural color on a natural shape: the exotic has just met the everyday. On Net-a-Porter for $1,075.

Pair with: Since you should keep the rest clean, this is the ideal opportunity to bring out a simple black clutch. Balenciaga’s new leather tube, with no more adornment than a smart cylinder lock, is the bag shoes like these beg for. Balenciaga Tube Clutch, $865.

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This is certainly a unique take on the color block trend. The Giambattista Valli Cutout Sides & Cap-Toe Satin Pumps give you classic lines with bold color and cut out additions. These bright and bold heels give you a boost of sex appeal with the peep show on the sides. The pink will draw the eyes and the extra skin will keep them there. Though these “come hither” elements to the shoe are attention getters, there is a subtly to them as well with the classic closed black toe. These would be great to wear on the days where you have to quickly transition from work to play. Play these up with a Robert Rodriguez dress and breeze from office to outing with no change necessary. Or pull on some Kaelen straight leg pants and a Joie white blouse and look professional by day but still fun come the evening.

Pick these up at Neiman Marcus for $720 and start peeping.

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So much ruched leather is bound to make an instant impression. I’ll just ask: how do we feel about legwarmer-inspired booties? Or are they more reminiscent of scrunchie socks, circa 1991? Somehow this isn’t necessarily a bad thing! Yes, this shoe has crinkles up the wazoo, but with supple leather on a well-built wedge, it works.

Never shy about standing out, Maison Martin Margiela has always been creative when it comes to footwear – remember the hoof-toe ankle boots? Now they prove they are quite generous with their leather. Happily, they also know when to stop – tight seams and a minimal back balance it out, and a high wedge is flattering. I actually think a layered shoe with hidden platform like this is a great option for petite girls – you get volume and height without traditional chunk, which can sometimes weigh you down. While they don’t promise to keep your legs warm, these booties are likely to keep things interesting! At Neiman Marcus for $1,115.

Pair with: Two word: sleek and angular. No scrunched shirtsleeves or slouchy leather pants, or else you’ll look like something someone tried to ball up and throw away. Choose a quirky and fitted fall jacket, like MSGM’s hooded houndstooth, with leather hook closure. On Luisa Via Roma for $915.

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Introducing day two of B. Brian Atwood’s tempting teasers! The “Pangea” pump, in stormy sunset shades of natural orange, purple, plumy red, and black, is all you need to take an all-black ensemble from snooze to sensational. An angular square heel, in partially covered metal, and rather modest pump shape – at least for Atwood, that is – ensure the wild leopard spots are fun and fresh, not tacky.

Pre-order the pumps at Saks Fifth Avenue today, and receive them before you know it in mid-August, just in time for your fall transition. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $450.

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These ought to give you some incentive to get dressed for work in the morning! We’ve all heard of the power suit. Now meet the power shoe. You could also call it a softer interpretation of the men’s shoe trend, oxford or otherwise, one that’s a whole lot easier to digest (versus, say, the Fendi “Chameleon,” which is admittedly weirder):

With a variety of styles at play, Nicholas Kirkwood has concocted two shoes that are more feminine than masculine, yet stronger than they are pretty. Without the baby tassels, his moccasin-inspired pump is just a cool shoe with a wink to the less-fair sex. The cleaner, black peep-toe platform hints at the loafer, without being so literal. Both sit on about a 5” heel and layered platform, which amounts to a look that’s chunky and still sexy and sleek.

We’re not emulating the opposite sex here (so passé); we are turning the menswear-inspired look on its head. Shoes like these make me feel like kicking some corporate ass, but luckily, I don’t work in that cutthroat environment. For my ambitious girlfriends!

Leather Moccasin-Inspired Platform Pumps at Saks Fifth Avenue for $995.

Leather Peep-Toe Loafer Platform Pumps at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,150.

Pair with: Let them know you’re not one to be trifled with when you wear Antonio Berardi’s stretch-wool pencil skirt. A razored (and waist-shrinking) high cut is super-sharp. On Net-a-Porter for $950.

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A dream come true for Frugal Snobs with a fondness for the brutally luxe, just in time for fall shoe shopping: B. Brian Atwood’s new gently-priced B. line, hitting stores in mid-August. The fact that Brian understands money is not indicative of good taste makes me love him even more. He went with a slightly bohemian vibe for the line of about 40 styles, one that expresses three opposing yet equally chic aesthetics: Upper East Side posh, downtown cool, and Parisian sophistication. Think touches of fringe, shake-ups of multi-tone leopard prints, and splashes of glitter and flash, all on the pumped-up Atwood silhouettes we know and adore. The intriguing “Liese” heel, in metallic silver is as sexy as it is unique. These are shoes you’re welcome to rock any night of the week you want, not so precious (and pricey) they should be reserved for ritzy affairs and the red carpet. Designed for the lively girl with a worldly sensibility, they are a little disco, a lot wearable – and hugely affordable! At Saks Fifth Avenuefor $350.

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Now that’s a tall, curvy drink of leather. The Walter Steiger curved heel pumps will help you add that extra 5 feet you’ve been looking for and will also give you a work out as you try not to face plant while strutting around in these blue bombshells. I love the exaggerated look these have. They are sexy and loud but don’t overdo it by being patent or having buckles or bows. The color and the shape speak for themselves and make this a simple yet statement making shoe. From the first moment I saw these I knew I would pair them with yellow. This color and texture would go swimmingly with a little strapless number by Parker and a royal blue sequined suede clutch by Matthew Williamson.

Pick these daring darlings up at Barneys for $750 and start walking (or falling) tall.

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One word: OBSESSED! Shoes this fabulous, seen on Zoe Saldana at the “Captain America: The First Avenger” premiere in Hollywood, make me want to jump up and down and squeal like a little kid. Brian Atwood has set a new bar with this triple-layer threat. A perforated pump punctuated by strips of patent leather. Two studly platforms – one silver, one gold, both luscious – with spikes as pointy as the dagger-like heel they sit upon. Each layer of this shadowy-dark jade pump is more delectable than the last! If the “Pois” shoes weren’t so close to being weaponry, I’d be tempted to try to eat them.

Zoe’s pick of a matching jacket and shorts look from Balmain’s 2012 Resort collection is a great option to show off these shoes – the less covering the leg, the faster your eye goes down to the pumps. And how could you not be drawn to these things? I can’t even take my eyes off them. It’s a shame I have a hard time with pumps, as they tend to slip off my ankles (and yes, I have tried everything). But Brian Atwood’s pair are worth buying just to drool at each morning in my closet!

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Majorly hot shoes for the modern chick. Nobody has been doing it the way Giuseppe Zanotti has lately. Banging out one after another, I can’t wait to see what the man is going to come up with next. Although I’m satisfied for the moment, thanks to this wildly flirtatious platform sandal.

A cutout wedge has the edge of a regular one, but splitting it in two gives it another dimension – that of an unusual heel – that draws the focus downward. It almost has a bodacious cartoonish quality, in a way that’s sexy, not silly. And covering the wedge in leopard-print pony hair is way decadent. It sets the entire focus on the heel, with the suede upper being the background – an unexpected little surprise for the eyes. There’s also that python trim snaking around the sole, only for those who get up-close and personal. What did I say about decadent? Straps cut in a flattering fashion – the ankle strap seals the deal – making this a totally perfect good-time shoe. At Barneys New York for $930.

Pair with: A crepe and tulle dress by Red Valentino, with a drop skirt and sheer paneling, sets you up to be the life of the party. Even if you’re feeling mellow, your wedges will do the talking. On Luisa Via Roma for $649.

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Deep into summer and somehow still looking for your edgy new flat? (I know the feeling. With so many thrilling heels before our eyes it’s hard to get excited about putting flats on our feet.) Looks like the wait was worth it. Here’s your chance to score: a streetwise sandal for a measly price only late July could bring.

Proenza Schouler’s airy cutout shoe, comfortable in leather and elastic, is the flat that’s not really a flat. A tiny, subtle wedge will give you height – and a reason to stand up straight. If you’re foot is too arched for flat-flats, like mine, this mini-wedge sandal is your cure for the summertime blues. With shapely lines, keen rivets, and a front leather tie for a stroke of softness – as well as Proenza’s inimitable streak of cool, these are a godsend to all of us flat sandal-shopping procrastinators. And at 75% off (that’s serious bargain basement pricing), you have no excuse now! On Elyse Walker for $223.75 (from $895).

Pair with: A day bag this cool comes around as often as haute and hot sandals for this price – not very! Emm Kuo’s python messenger bag has a pulled-together formal quality that suits a mini-wedge. Emm Kuo Structured Python Messenger, $1,398.

The post Proenza Schouler Black Leather and Elastic Sandal: Fit to be Tied appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Knee-high leather boots with a curved toe. Lug sole. Tonal gray suede underlayer. Slightly chunky heel to give you just enough height. Made in Italy. And sold at Barneys! You’re eyes are not deceiving you. There are, indeed, two different boots here – and for two very different prices! But who could tell? Even the snobbiest of snobs might have a hard time here. If these boots were people, they would be twins who look exactly alike but insist they’re fraternal.

Snobs, take close inspection – after you do a double take or two – and harness all your designer-discerning capabilities. Which cozy winter boot costs a pretty penny and which ones are the steal at nearly half the price?

A) Somebody has inherently expensive taste! These comfy everyday boots cost over a cool grand. Designed by the long-standing house of Walter Steiger (founded in 1932) means you’d be wearing the covetable original – even if nobody knows but you. Walter Steiger Back Zip Kneeboot. At Barneys New York for $1,095.

B) Barneys New York designers must be in cahoots with their buyers because this is a total copycat shoe. Perhaps the Frugal Snob wins here – what’s the point in paying double when they look pretty much exactly the same? This is a great opportunity to smarten up and catch a bargain. Co-Op Barneys New York Layered Knee Boot At Barneys New York for $595.

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