It takes a lot of foot to pull off these powerful sandals or else Alexandre Birman’s sandals, strapped and buckled to excess, will overwhelm your daintiness. Lucky for me, that’s not a problem! Maybe that’s why I love these mixed-skin platforms so much. They are designed for a woman of stature (that’s how I like to refer to my size), while scrawny wisps of girls would be engulfed by such a serious shoe.

Birman is never one to shy away from a daring heel, and even I was a little thrown by this one. I hadn’t realized python and suede are best friends, but now that I see them teamed together, I totally notice the chemistry between the creamy-soft skin and ombré scales. The toe begins delicately – a receded platform makes for a lighter look and that python portion is essentially a dorsay, although you wouldn’t recognize it at first look. All the boundless straps, plus series of buckles, change the game entirely. Credit the brilliant topstitching where the suede and python meet for unification. Bold and brash and beautiful, this is a total man-eater shoe. Strap them on and take a bite! On Net-a-Porter for $695.

Pair with: A breezy fall kimono dress will play down the sexy factor. Chado Ralph Rucci’s wool jersey, with knotted trim and perfect pleating, is a fitting counterpart. At Neiman Marcus, $5,600.

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This is my favorite formal shoe for the new season so far. The adorable Miu Miu velvet bow boot is scrumptious. The cut out shape is perfection and the velvet makes these peep toes warm and snuggly for colder weather. They have a back zip so you don’t have to tie yourself in and out if you don’t want to. Have a fancy party or fall wedding to attend to? Pair these with this amazing special issue dress by sass & bide. Or for date night, lace these up with a Ralph Lauren cashmere skirt with an Antonio Berardi bodysuit underneath. These ladylike leather platform pumps will have you sitting pretty in whatever you wear with them.

Pick them up at Barney’s for $750.

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“Functional luxury.” That’s what it’s all about come rainy, slushy, icky weather and that’s also what Aquatalia’s founder, Marvin Krasnow is all about. Uniting stylish shoes, classic Milanese craftsmanship, and weatherproof boots, there is now officially no need to resort to galoshes in rainy (or snowy or icy) weather! Great rubber treads on the bottoms of all their shoes make for no-slip grip even on the most frozen of streets.

All of their suede and leathers go through an elaborate weatherproofing process (skins are treated with a sealant while being tanned, then each seam and stitch gets a liquid sealant, followed by sealant tape) – so they are also salt and stain resistant. But remember “weatherproof” does not mean totally “waterproof.” As in, you can’t dunk the boot under water, but why would you want to do that when your all-weather boots look this good?

For fall, Aquatalia has released their Equestrian collection, utilizing elastic panels to stretch to fit calves of all shapes and sizes. Riding boots like the Unicorn ($475) (with an elastic band running the back for comfort and a series of straps for style) and the Orchid ($495) (sleek with light motorcycle-inspired stitching at the heel) will blend right in with your fall wardrobe. The woven stretch-elastic on the Undy boot ($575) looks supremely comfortable, and does a good job with texture. But for me, it’s a toss-up between the Snap ($495) – antiqued calfskin with a bold back zip has a fabulous red stripe reminiscent of Golden Goose’s rugged-cool boots – and the Sunshine ($675), a chic over-the-knee boot with a series of rocker-chic zippers piping the back.

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Here is what you have been waiting for. Drumroll, please: the most badass shoe of the season. It’s none other than McQueen, as if you needed to ask. Combining all the right elements that make any shoe snob see stars, where shall I begin? It has a rail-thin stiletto, moderate platform with a tough-girl lug sole, peep-toe countered by rugged yet futuristic seams, cutouts galore to show off your sexy feet, a band of hardware because any desirable shoe needs some jewelry of it’s own, and bondage-inspired buckles to top it all off. If that sounds like too, too much, just look again: this not only pleases the eyes, it is the one and only shoe you need in order to update your wardrobe this season.

I have a friend who splurges on one insanely fabulous shoe each season and wears it with everything. Thanks to Alexander McQueen, I’m kind of liking her logic! This, ladies, would be that very shoe. Ask not what you’re wearing, but what you’re shoe can do for you! In this case, it doesn’t matter what dress you slid into – this shoe will pull it all together for you! Call 212-872-8940 or e-mail Eddie Curtis to order!

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There’s nothing I love more than a Rick Owens wedge… except for maybe a Rick Owens wedge that’s stuck on a pair of gray suede thigh high fabulous boots. These are perfection. The wedge is four inches with a one inch platform making you tall enough to look skinnier but short enough to wear to work and not want to die at the end of the day. These are edgy, yet classy with their simplicity and cut. I would wear these with everything, including my bathing suit around the house. However, in public I would wear them with a super skinny pair of J Brand Jeans and a Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater. For a night out I would strut in these and a knit dress by Isabel Marant. These boots are not only chic, sexy and eye-catching, but they will also keep you warm and snug as a bug in a rug when the cold weather rolls in. Pick them up at Net-a-Porter for $2,690.

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Industrial sex kitten. Lanvin cultivated this hard-sensual look for their Spring 2011 collection, with sandals standing on nail-like heels out of the hardware store and fitted leather straps juxtaposed against utilitarian metals. Commenting on that show back in February, Alber Elbaz said, “I only want to make women feel gorgeous, comfortable, and beautiful.”

Obviously, Elbaz isn’t changing his tune anytime soon – why would he? Isn’t that what we all want, all the time?! – and the industrial sex kitten vein is continuing through fall. These severely angled sandals are here to prove it (well, maybe except for the comfortable part). Why not go with the can’t-miss look of hearty straps and a painfully cool heel? The leather band across the toe is decorated in hardware that resembles door hinges, but it’s actually pretty understated compared to that stiletto cutout heel. The negative space creates the illusion of a wedge, and the uncompromising structure gives the stiletto some much-needed stability.

Gold makes for a glamorous evening shoe, but the style is as versatile as they come. Anyway, why shouldn’t your evening shoe be tough-as-nails? Simply describing these platforms as hot is like saying Chris Hemsworth has a nice body: an audacious understatement. At Barneys New York for $1,590.

Pair with: I’m sticking with Lanvin for this one. This dusty-rose pleated silk-gazar mini dress will bring some soft to the hard shoes and more importantly, really show them off. Normally, overly fluffed and feminine sleeves would be too much, but heels this mean can handle it. On Net-a-Porter for $3,640.

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These statement booties are tough and edgy while still being feminine. The motorcycle-inspired nude calfskin heels will make your legs look longer if worn with something like a pair of Alice + Olivia cuffed leather shorts combined with a Patterson J. Kincaid blouse. For a more relaxed look, try them on with some red Rag & Bone jeans and a Phillip Lim tunic. The lace up look is always a great look when the weather starts to turn. Add in the crocodile-embossed straps and these tough booties will let you walk the walk with sensible sex appeal. A round toe and stacked heel make this a great bootie for many occasions. Lace yourself in and go for a ride.

Neiman Marcus for $1,400.

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I love how the House of Harlow combines retro fab with modern twists into all of their designs including these platform sweeties. The 1960 Nelly Kilty Platform booties play on the lace up style that is always popular this time of year. They have an exposed zip back and gold toned accent on the front which is eye catching and fantastic. My favorite part, of course, is the fringe on the top. It’s subtle, yet noticeable and adds an element of fun to the bootie look that can sometimes be boring. Pair these with a perfectly green Parker dress for a dinner with friends. For a daytime look, throw some Victoria Beckham boyfriend jeans on with a DVF top for a laid back but polished look. These booties are versatile and easy to wear. Pick them up at ShopBop for $525.

The post House of Harlow 1960 Nelly Kilty Platform Booties: Gold Rush appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Wrap it up and go! Thanks to LD Tuttle’s take on the wrapped and ruched boot, mummifying your has never been so glamorous! I’ve seen a lot of draped ankle boots done wrong – the creases and curves of leather creating an odd, sloppy effect – but not these! Which is surprising, since these have a whole lot going on: the all-over wrapping in distressed plum (a big color for fall, as Tina recently pointed out), carved wooden heel, the contrasting platform. But it all works so harmoniously that the result is a versatile boot not only made for walking (and stomping the pavement when need be), it’s made for a shoe snob.

Go two ways with the plumy boot: use the shoe as your spotlight accessory, as it adds a panache of color to an otherwise drab fall palette (deep wine looks divine with browns, grays, and, of course, black), or play it up as a neutral. I would love to see LD Tuttle’s boot with mustard corduroy pants for a real pop. However you choose to work it, mark my words: you will be keeping this at the front of your closet for quick everyday access. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $730.

Pair with: Mustard corduroy jeans just like these! Mother is the It-denim brand this season, and their skinny, soft pants in the perfect color prove it. On Net-a-Porter for $195.

The post LD Tuttle Draped Stretch Leather Ankle Boots: It’s a Wrap appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Haircalf can be a great texture for colder weather. These B Brian Atwood Petisca Platform pumps are a great twist on a classic style. The round-toe platforms have a leather sole and are actually very dark green/multi in color. These are 5+ in heel height so you will be walking tall. Sometimes the best shoes are the simplest. Pumps like these are easy to wear regardless of occasion, classy and always a hit. Slip on something with a print with these like this sleeveless dress by Obakki and you have yourself a Friday night outfit. For a sweet little Saturday night out on the town climb into these shoes while wearing a playsuit by Sandro and a wool-crepe jacket by The Row.

These will take you from day to night and from work to play. Pick them up at ShopBop for $450.

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I can’t stand buying shoes for work. There, I said it. Can you blame me? It’s tough to find shoes that are comfortable enough for me to sprint from one side of my building to the other during the occasional (every day) timely emergency and it’s also hard to find comfort in my prettiest shoes. Tory Burch has solved this problem for my Fall shoe wardrobe, and not a minute too soon. The Tory Burch Sophie wedge pumps are soft pebbled leather with a 3.5″ wedge heel making these adorable, but wearable. The signature medallion adds a little bling and they come in black and brown, making this the most perfect, versatile work shoe and can even be worn after hours. These will obviously go great with anything from a DVF silk-jersey wrap dress to some Alice + Olivia skinny pants, a Joie top and a Hakaan blazer. These shoes will get you through your 9-5 with ease, style and comfort. Did I mention they won’t break your bank either? Win, win, win. ShopBop for $295.

The post Tory Burch Sophie Wedge Pumps: Wonderful Work Wedge appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Oh, Miuccia! Wonders never cease to jump forth and blossom from her incredible mind. For Prada‘s Spring/Summer 2012 collection, she wrestled with imagining a true union between aggressive and sweet; for the outcome, she revved her creative engines, and set the tone with a garage-themed set. A slick palette for sugary pastels, deep no-nonsense colors, and lines enforcing the idea of 220-mph action. The patent-leather shoes, made up of color-coded flowing shapes were punctuated with superhero-chic wings and delicate toy-like rockets, both about to take flight. At the toes cartoonish bows and opulent jewels, if anything, but such adornments were countered with wild flames spiraling from the backs of the heels. Fit for both Judy Jetson and Sandra Dee, or maybe a modern-day conglomerate of the two, Miuccia’s new mood is thoroughly futuristic yet feels retro at the same time. The piercing heels and sweeping curves of these greased-lightning high heels had true beauty to them, especially in the lightly pointed toes, lush skins, and flattering cutouts. Humor, strength, and a need for speed infused into the sweet and the tough: a combination that most designers aspire to, one that Miuccia Prada always hits brilliantly.

Photo Credit: Vogue

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High heels get all the glory. You are unlikely to find a snob squealing over a ballet flat the way she would over a six-inch Louboutin. They tend not to have the same effect. Rather than suggesting glamorous nights and passionate dates, the flat has a habit of connoting more perfunctory affairs. Not these! I’ve found a hot handful of flats that will have you thinking twice about strapping on your stilettos. Or even your more comfortable platform wedges (I’ve been wearing my Pedro Garcias to death). Here are some anti-heel shoes that are positioned to give your height-givers a run for their money.

1) Adidas Originals Jeremy Scott Wings Ballerina Flats: These might not have height, but they are sure to take flight. A ridiculously simple ballet flat, complete with no-slip rubber sole, gets an original Nike-approved makeover, taking these conversation pieces from drab to desirable. On Luisa Via Roma for $173.

2) Manolo Blahnik Pepe Sandal: Two leather straps and a band of elastic have never looked dressier. This uncomplicated flat sandal is more formal than the rest, the result of clean lines, a minimalist approach, and shiny, high-quality leather. At Barneys New York for $645.

3) Lanvin Jeweled Flower Sandal: Dazzle your feet with a sandal that’s evening gown appropriate (if you’ve got the height, that is). A tulle-trimmed cluster of jewels plus a flirty tassel detail and a low, chunky heel add up to glamour that you can actually walk in. At Barneys New York for $895.

4) Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal-Embellished Satin Ballerina Flats: Call it the “Black Swan” effect. Pale pink ballerina flats look demure, but with a crystal-coated toe and T-strap, these Mary Janes are suited for nights on the town. The addition of an ankle strap increases the appeal. On Net-A-Porter for $650.

5) J.Crew Iris Snakeskin Flat Sandals: As if I don’t love J.Crew already, these snakeskin sandals are cool enough to stand up to any heel. Two tones of skin, gray-tinged nude and deep, dark brown, make for an inspiring transitional shoe. On Net-a-Porter for $350.

The post Top 5 Not-Your-Everyday Flats: High Style, Low to the Ground appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Necessity comes first. Fancy rain boots are the thing this season and after the crazy rain we’ve been experiencing coast-to-coast, it’s no wonder they’re a must-have! Louis Vuitton has a fetish-inspired rendition with a platform and 4” stacked rubber heel, Dolce & Gabbana coated their rubber boots in a lace print, and Missoni for Target’s are loud, proud, and oh-so-inexpensive. But I’m feeling more practical at the moment.

These rubber riding boots from Givenchy are much better-suited for facing torrential rain than Louis’ mega-heels and much chicer than a kooky, playful print. Actually, with impeccable seams, they are so refined they hardly resemble something designed for splashing in puddles. The little harness details put them over the edge – you could actually wear them even when the sun is shining! At Barneys New York for $250.

Pair with: An unconventionally draped trench coat will play up the sleekness of the boots. Asymmetrical and smartly priced, F&MME’s techno trench is right-on. On Luisa Via Roma for $463.

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It’s that time of year again girls. Pack away your flip flops and strappy summer sandals and start thinking about boots. One style in particular is always a classic one to revert back to: the classic flat tall leather boot. A favorite of mine for this look are the Ballin 20mm Deerskin over the knee numbers. Though this look seems edgy to some, I love it because not only does it make my legs look longer, but it keeps me warmer and adds a certain polish to my look. Black or brown leather are the most user-friendly giving you the most wear and versatility for the season. This staple for fall and winter looks great with any trend Fall has to throw at you. Pull on some Free People cable knit leggings and a Madewell striped sweater and grab some hot cocoa. Or wear these classic boots to work with a Halston Heritage ¾ sleeve dress.

Pick this particular pair up for $1073 @ Luisa Via Roma

The post Ballin 20mm Deerskin Over The Knee Boots: It’s That Time Of Year Again appeared first on Shoe Snob.

No, I don’t mean start pounding cider and donuts and put on your own winter coat to start hibernating for the season. Even though somehow I always manage to gain around 5 pounds from September to February (give or take a few). Now, normally the words “bulk” and “chunk” aren’t appealing, yet with the Marni Leather Platform pumps, the chunky heel is sweet as can be. The bold look would look great with a Roland Mouret wool-blend dress for a day at the office. For weekend wear, pair them with some J Brand jeans and an Etoile Isabel Marant checked shirt. The burgundy leather of these just begs for Fall weather and the chunky heel gives it a fresh look.

Pick them up at Net-A-Porter for $650.

The post Marni Leather platform pumps: Bulk up for Fall appeared first on Shoe Snob.

I shudder when I see Uggs worn out of the ski lodge (especially with skirts – ick!). This shockingly solid new Ugg collection, however, will make me eat my words. Sleek! High-heeled! Snob-friendly! Are you as shocked as I am?

Let’s start with the Cavalieri boots($995), equestrian-inspired with polished motorcycle edge – I have to have these! With a detachable shaft, revealing a cute Chelsea boot underneath, these are a two-for-one winter staple. Lined in shearling, they give you warmth when you need it and convert to a great bootie to wear under jeans when you don’t.

My next favorite is the Giorgina bootie($650). In slick black or leopard Italian calf-hair, it looks more like something you’d find at Barneys Co-Op than the Ugg store. But what I really appreciate is that it’s an all-around basic you can wear trudging through the snow, guilt- and slip-free (note the traction on the soles!).

The dramatic Vittoria($1,195), with hand-dyed Toscana shearling will look best on the Giseles of the world – it takes a long, lean leg to balance out all that long fur-like wool – but if you’re petite with skinny legs, I say go for it!

You can tell a lot of thought was put into this collection: finally, the Donata boots may be folded two different lengths (a slight cuff or a full cozy look) or kept knee-high. Choose between bomber jacket-finished Spanish Merino ($1,195) or dip-dyed-denim Toscana sheepskin($1,095). I’ll never look at Uggs the same way again. But still, keep your classics reserved to the slopes!

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Haider Ackerman has an eye for romance and a lot of hype surrounding his name, for good reason. Lagerfeld loves him, and it’s easy to see why his dark, draped, and deliciously disjointed clothes appeal to Karl – and to any woman with an appreciation for the asymmetrical. His deliberately twisted and off-kilter fall clothes are full of it, shoes included. This ankle boot says all you need to know about Ackerman, and it’s a great way to add a little asymmetrical interest to the much-needed winter boot.

The crisscross lacing, snaking all the way around the shoe in one fluent motion, with a zipper to keep it company, catches the eye without causing frustrating complications when coordinating your outfit. Blended with well-positioned seams, the equation is complete, and the rounded toe adds another twist while keeping your feet comfortable. The corset-like lace is for looks only, proving it’s practical, and reminding you there is no need to be boring when you’re on the hunt for your seasonal utilitarian boot. At Barneys New York for $1,880.

Pair with: Place a spell of black magic on your accessories and wear these with Bottega Veneta’s lace-effect leather bag, an intricate two-in-one convertible that will get as much mileage as your boots. Bottega Veneta Urban Lace Two-in-One Leather Bag, $4,100.

The post Haider Ackerman Asymmetrical Ankle Boot: Black Math appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Dolce & Gabbana has presented us with a wet-weather conundrum. I love the idea of jazzing up typical rain boots, a sure way to improve a dreary day, but I don’t think I can bring myself to justify shelling out over $300 for a pair of 100% rubber galoshes. Even Chanel’s boots are only $250 and they have a flower appliqué and slight heel! But the lace effect Dolce has delivered is pretty rad – and right on-trend. Opposed to a cheaper version, this intricate lace actually looks real. If I were to break down and buy them, I would go for the nude-and-black pair, so much more sophisticated than immature hot pink, which cheapens the fabric effect. The deep-gray and flesh-tone combination is – dare I say? – a little sexy. For clunky rubber boots, that’s no easy feat. Regardless, I’ll be sticking with my affordable Wellies for the time being. At least until I plan a move to Seattle. On Luisa Via Roma for $316.

Pair with: Want to really be singin’ in the rain? You might as well go all-out luxurious and wear your lacey boots with Alexander McQueen’s jet-black umbrella. Look closely: the handle is a spiked silver skull, a badass idea only McQueen could conceive. On Net-a-Porter for $565.

The post Dolce & Gabbana Rubber Lace Boots: I’ll Have to Take a Rain Check appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Leather shoes heavy with studs, fraught with hardware, and laden with jewels be gone! Christopher Bailey is ushering in a new era at Burberry Prorsum for Spring 2012, and he’s taken a hands-on approach. Who needs jewels when rich, deeply saturated colors and piled wooden beads satisfy the need for opulence?

Chunky wedges lose their heft and lighten up, thanks to the use of raffia over leather. Some strappy raffia-coated platforms, in shades of deep peacock-teal and poppy-red, were given a festive anklet effect, thanks to the tossed-on styling of multi-colored beads. Rich brown peep-toe booties strike the right balance between rustic utilitarianism and exotic high-glamour – which is just what Burberry was going for with a collection inspired by army wives stationed in the Far East, women who have decided to get a little tribal and a lot crafty with their classic trench coats and crocheted sweaters. The “off” spring hues and folksy touches brought to mind Proenza Schouler’s hand-touched looks – Burberry ought to give them a nod for this ethnic-inspired collection.

Photo Credit: Vogue

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