Jason Wu has a way of bringing out the lady in his fans. At the CFDA/Vogue fashion fund dinner recently, girl-about-town Harley Viera-Newton showed off her polished, elegant side. Who knew it would suit her so flawlessly?

The young DJ, sometime bass player, and NYU grad (she’s the daughter of a record-exec and former model) is usually known for her long, messy hair and penchant for eclectic vintage. Donning a peplumed skirt, modest top, and pale pink clutch, all from Jason’s Spring 2012 collection, she’s suggesting some reinvention. What makes the look work on the budding style star? It’s all about the shoes. The cut is demure and classic, but the wide, open lacing adds youthful edge without uprooting the rest of the look. Perfection!

While odds are you can’t your hands on the Spring loot just yet, the Billie shoe ($795) evokes a similar look for the Fall season. Snake-print leather, sleek yet racy cutouts, and touches of lacing make this pair an instant classic.

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Flat combat-inspired boots for nearly two grand? I think I’ll pass. Comfy Balmain boots for 50%-off? Hell, yes! It’s the most wonderful time of the year – for shopping that is. While I have gift-giving to others on the mind (well, for the most part), you can never feel guilty about such a practical purchase. Especially when you’re getting a real steal.

The chunky lace-up boot has been given a refined rocker makeover that I can actually see myself in. Gold hardware, pin-thin laces, a tapered shape: these elements change the connotation of the biker shoe, while hook-and-eye closure gives a nod to romantic boots of the Belle Epoque. But they wouldn’t be special – and they certainly wouldn’t be Balmain – without their own buckled belt. Let it hang loose for a slouchy touch of cool.

Jump on these fast – sizes are moving quickly! On Ssense for $938 (from $1,875).

Pair with: Oversized and cape-like, Vivienne Westwood Red Label’s wool-blend coat is as chic as it is cozy. Play with the draped funnel collar, and keep it sleek and tight everywhere else. On Net-a-Porter for $686 (from $980).

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Sometimes a classic shape in some different colors is all you need to spice things up. The Chiara Ferragni 130MM suede pumps are tall, two toned and the perfect shoe for any holiday occasion. Pull on the dark brown with some Current/Elliot jeans and a Madewell sweater for a cozy night at a friend’s house. Hop into the pink for a night out with an Alice + Olivia dress for a sexy yet season appropriate look. The light brown would be great with some Vince Denim black pants, a Theyskens’ Theory button down and a vest by Velvet for a seasonal day outfit. These pumps can be dressed up or down for day or night. Pick them up at Luisa Via Roma for $517.

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If I had no just spent way too much money on tall brown boots for this season, I would put these on my list of must-buy’s immediately. With a soft camel coloring and eye-catching metal detail on the back, these boots are an amazing investment piece for this year. The Chloé Tucson leather and metal boots can be worn so many times in so many ways it’s hard to pick one or two to list. I would love to pair these with an Etoile Isabel Marant sweater dress for dinner and drinks with friends. These of course would look great with some colored jeans that are uber trendy right now like these by J Brand and a blouse by Sonia By Sonia Rykiel. These boots will take you right through the season and are light enough to wear all the way into spring. Certainly an investment piece at $1,095, these are totally worth it. Pick them up at Net-a-Porter.

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It wasn’t so long ago that we had to wait until after Christmas for the sales. No more! Now we don’t even have time to get impatient, as we can take advantage of great deals a month before the holiday. Especially exciting are these wearable knee-high boots that don’t compromise style in the least. And they are on sale just in time as the weather is starting to turn. These are all classics that will hold up until next season, so go ahead and buy a few!

1) Hunter Wedge Rubber Rain Boots, $122 (from $175): Hunter boots might be everywhere, but they’ve successfully enhanced their image with this one. And this wedge will enhance your height. This rubber Wellie comes in the classic riding style, sporting a buckled strap. The wedge gives a little extra height – and keeps you out of puddles. And since you want the basic black anyways, it’s the one that’s on sale!

2) Kors Michael Kors Enola Snake-Embossed Leather Knee-High Boots, $416.50 (from $595): This snake-embossed leather boot has a retro-chunky stacked heel and round toe. Simple, classic, and chic.

3) Cole Haan Air Whitley Leather and Suede Knee-High Boots: $243.60 (from $348): We all know we could use a flat walking boot, and it doesn’t get more comfortable than Cole Haan Air, infused with sneaker technology. The suede complements the leather upper, and two buckled straps wrap the shaft.

4) Elie Tahari Marsha Suede Harness Knee-High Boots: $348.60 (from $498): On the topic of suede, the Marsha Suede Harness Knee-High Boot by Elie Tahari in warm clay has a 4” covered heel and a wrap-around ankle harness. The upper comes in stretch suede for that perfect fit.

5) B Brian Atwood Venada Leather Belted Knee-High Boots, $367.50 (from $525): A real steal for the softest nubuck leather. The buckle hardware and stacked wedge (that offers up 5” to your stature) give this beige boot a cool look and comfy feel.

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Colorblocking has been taking the world by storm lately. From the runways to the morning news anchors (shout out to my girl Ann Curry who always nails it) it’s hard to miss the trend these days. During the holidays, this look can be played many ways; Reds and golds, greens and purples, you name it, you can colorblock it. However, if you’re looking for a more classic take on the look, the Stella McCartney Colorblock d’Orsay Pump is your ticket. The two-tone patent proper pump can be paired with some bright Rachel Roy slim pants and a Beyond Vintage blouse for a chic work look or can be buckled on with a 291 dress for a night out. These shoes class up any look and can be found at Neiman Marcus for $785.

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I’ve had the Acne boots in my cart for weeks, with my foot “condition”, comfy wedgy boots are all I can wear right now. And the YSL wedges below, I think I can handle these graphic mod babies! I would love to get the Giuseppe Zanotti booties but the stiletto heel on it is painful for me to even look at. I’ll have to admire it on other people– so you go right ahead!
Shop the Net-a-Porter.com end of season sale here!

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Visciously spiked motorcycle gloves, light-up yo-yos, and lollipops shaped like pastel bow ties. No, we’re definitely not at the North Pole anymore. Welcome to Gaga’s Workshop, a kooky collaboration with Barneys New York. While the spiky, flaming press-on nails are as sinful as talons come, this wicked high-heel is a viable purchase. I don’t have to tell you I love a good stiletto! Even if it isn’t going on my foot. Leave it to the woman who seemingly sleeps in her monster platforms (I was surprised to see photo’s of Gaga barefoot while surfing!) – finally a stocking I’ll be proud to hang over my mantle.

Designed after a boot worn by the one and only Gaga – as if you couldn’t tell! Yes, this glossy, laced-up boot is slim (if the silhouette weren’t so shapely, this stocking would fall flat) and it doesn’t stretch, but diamonds don’t require much space. My fireplace just got a whole lot fiercer. I’ll be spreading the glamour and getting this for all my girlfriends this year.

And don’t forget, 25% of all the sales from Gaga’s Workshop creations will go to her Born This Way Foundation – because the Lady is about good vibes for all. At Barneys New York for $65.

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The fuzzy winter boot: a thing of beauty or a thing of blech, and very rarely in between. As much as Uggs have been trying inch their way into the realm of fashionable shoes, I’m sorry, the failure is epic. Maybe because they are coming at the cozy shoe from the wrong angle. You don’t try to take something frumpy and make it appealing; you take a seriously sexy shoe and take it from there. That’s why you need someone with the stiletto-loving sensibility of Giuseppe Zanotti to hold the reigns; only a designer who is all about hot can take furry shearling and make it as stunning as it is toasty.

It’s not hard to define the magic touch: the allure is in the wrap-around strap, the measured amount of shearling peeking out around the edges – enough to make a purposeful statement, not so much it looks like you’ve stuck stuffed animals in your boots – and, needless to say, the curvy spiked stiletto, which really drives the point home. Which is, of course, that you’ll never compromise style, whatever the elements throw at you.

Simultaneously, practicality isn’t compromised – the buckle is adjustable, so if you’re layering up and need to cram your boot around socks, tights, or narrow jeans, you have the room. I’m assuming “Eco Fur” means faux shearling, but in this case, I’m fine with it. Zanotti’s got the look, and that’s what matters. On Luisa Via Roma for $1,195.

Pair with: That’s enough shearling (faux or real) for one ensemble. Carven’s tweed clutch, trimmed in lovely hardware and a touch of pony hair, says winter without shouting it. Just enough nub for your fuzz. Carven Tweed Shoulder Bag, $600.

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And I couldn’t be happier. At least about finding these boots, that is. I’ve been in something of a galoshes conundrum for some time now: I refuse to wear Hunters like everyone else (we can blame – or thank – Kate Moss for that), but I just can’t bear to pull the trigger on pricy designer rubber boots (and I’ve seen them all, from Givenchy to Dolce & Gabbana). It doesn’t rain enough in LA to warrant a even somewhat of a commitment purchase.

Now these would have come in handy in all my months of searching. Barneys‘ private label boots are IT. Done! I’m ordering them this instant…If only I could decide on the color. Both are equally nondescript and in keeping with the classic spirit of the rain boot – a shoe so functional it’s actually kind of cool – while the flourish of lacing jazzes them up. Green is outdoorsy, traditional, a no-brainer. But those lilac laces are enticing! They inject a whole new feel to the concept of galoshes, without going all-out girly. Playful and packed full of style, lavender-on-black might be the way to go (I don’t want to act like they’re real shoes; I want fun, fun, fun!).

Either way, for this price, you can’t go wrong. As excited as I am to have found my favorite foul-weather boots, I’m still not looking forward to more rain. At Barneys New York for $100.

Pair with: I’m not too interested in stone-cold serious umbrellas, either. Marc by Marc Jacobs’ mini-automatic comes in gray python print with a splash of neon on the handle.
At Saks Fifth Avenue for $58.

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Think of this as your warm-up to the countrywide shop-til-you-drop fever that’s set to hit early Friday morning. I spend every Thanksgiving in Los Angeles with family and friends. Over the years, it’s become a ritual to wake up the day after and head straight over to Elyse Walker, the chicest boutique on the Left Coast. While that’s happening in a few days no matter how spent I am (it’s tradition!), let’s not forget that retailers start their annual “Black Friday” sales early.

Shoes from the fab shop are 30%-off at the moment. By Friday, I expect them to be buy one, get one free. The problem is waiting; the odds of your size being available are dwindling, especially once the chaos strikes. I say it’s not worth the chance. Take the 30%-50%-off now and run! Would you really want to miss out my on-sale favorites? Like Giuseppe Zanotti’s glamorous-time shoes. I can’t decide what’s more electrifying about his d’orsay platform – the shocking heel or the jolt of fuchsia. And these party booties, in tall pink suede, will be on trend through spring. Pierre Hardy wedges (only lightly color-blocked, thankfully) and Giambattista Valli eyelet booties? It’s a toss-up for more timeless. As for Jimmy Choo, no California girl worth her platforms should go without the Folly snakeskin sandals, in forever-neutral shades of honey and charcoal.

Giuseppe Zanotti Satin D’Orsay Platforms, $486.50 (from $695).

Giuseppe Zanotti Exclusive Pink Party Platform Booties, $525 (from $750).

Pierre Hardy Platform Two-Tone Suede Wedges, $441 (from $630).

Jimmy Choo Folly Snakeskin and Suede Wedges, $556 (from $795).

Giambattista Valli Posh Black Eyelet Booties, $609 (from $1,015).

The post Elyse Walker Sale: Giuseppe and Jimmy and Valli, Oh My! appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Only yesterday, Alexander Wang got me on  slashed bootie kick. Now it’s in full swing. If you’re over the cage shoe, you’re safe here: strappy is clearly not cagey. Essentially, this is a sandal – infinite straps reveal coy slivers of skin, but it’s got the multi-seasonal wear of a bootie, thanks to the full-coverage silhouette. From tights to dresses and down to jeans (either slinky-skinny to let them shine or full-legged so they peek out seductively), these bad-ass babies are right up my alley. You can be sure, I will rock these until they fall apart. At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,150.

Pair with: Don’t shy away – highlight this starry sky of studs with a gold hardware-trimmed clutch. KOTUR plus J.Crew equals timeless chic for an accessible price. The Union and Colony clutches come in easy snakeskin that will carry you through the seasons. KOTUR x J.Crew Union and Colony Clutches, $425.

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With gifts on the mind, everyone deserves something totally frivolous right about now. Will a pair of shoes so devil-may-care they verge on downright (stylishly) silly do the trick? I say yes! Fabulous shoes are the snob equivalent of toys and candy, so you might as well let yourself be wooed by a pair that looks like both!

Taking it a step beyond color-blocking, Giuseppe Zanotti’s gigantic platforms (that’s 6.5” to be exact) are building blocks of fun. Three flavors of treats (bubblegum, lemonade, and as many kids call it, blue!) come in the form of bold straps and a shapely cut-out wedge. Touches of black leather punctuate, and the chunky white buckle only adds to the sense of play. Platforms like these are for days you’re in the mood to be checked out (I’m guessing girls will appreciate these more than the boys) and you know you’ll respond with a knowing wink, when you’re prepared to channel Malibu Barbie and the B-52’s, circa 1989’s “Loveshack.” On Net-a-Porter for $695.

Pair with: Bring some winter white along for the ride. Altuzarra’s take on eyelet is as fresh as this bleached-out shade. Overly long sleeves, a cropped polo hem, and lacing along the side-slits make for a top that pops. At Bergdorf Goodman for $957.

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So what if all the branches have shed their leaves and the only flowers blooming are delivered in swish bouquets? All the more reason to showcase blossoms rising right out of your feet! Floral is a timeless print when it comes to pretty dresses, but it looks downright avant-garde on a voluminous shoe. Unexpected and oh so fresh, the only watering these petals need is a sprinkling of your style savvy. Rock a vibrant springtime bouquet in December – I dare you!

1) Giuseppe Zanotti Floral-Print Platform Sandal: The satin peep-toe slingback, complete with knotted toe, exudes fifties femininity. In a floral print, this femme fatale can’t get any more in touch with her flirtatious side. At Bergdorf Goodman for $750.

2) Jimmy Choo Leather and Suede Floral Wedge Sandals: Funky, offbeat, and a little seventies-retro, pink and orange injects humor into an already jovial pattern. Braided suede laces designed to climb up the leg makes these platforms resort all the way. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $795.

3) Jil Sander Floral-Print Ankle Boots: These are for the girl who goes all out when it comes to trends. Nothing in-between here! Wear these abstract daisy-print booties (the front zip infuses modernity) with black tights and a wildly simple dress. On My Theresa for $1,129.

4) Givenchy XCL Pansy-Print Satin Pump: Think Garden of Good and Evil. Yellow-splashed pansies add optimism, while the enveloping silhouette of this pump is far from ordinary and the point’s faceted metal tip, along with ankle-adorning bangle, show off your bad-girl side. At Bergdorf Goodman for $740.

5) Nicholas Kirkwood Floral-Print Satin Pump: Who says flowers need to be all softness and light? Nicholas Kirkwood puts a unique spin on everything he does, roses included. Rising out of satin darkness, these buds have a mysterious, almost ominous feel that’s ideal for heating up winter nights. At Neiman Marcus for $795.

The post Top 5 Floral-Print Shoes: Out of Season and Right on Time appeared first on Shoe Snob.

From the Jaime creeper to unzipped, laced-up Freja, Alexander Wang is relentless is finding galvanic ways of reinventing the high-heeled ankle boot. This season, he streamlines the funk, recognizing that suede and patent leather is always a chic combination.

Cage booties? So last season! This super-strappy style may read like a sexed-up cage, but on the contrary. It still oozes sex appeal, but the weave-effect Andi has too much coverage to be considered cut out. Try it on and you’ll realize it’s a refreshing slashed-leather look going on. A splash of shine is initiated via the “tongue” – it weaves through the center, and glossy leather wraps around the ankle leading to a stylishly utilitarian tab. In any other color, these would lack their magic; olive equals a subtle touch of color (this one isn’t too military, either) yet it’s essentially a neutral.

Less hefty and far less massive than a typical chunky bootie, who knew Wang would be the go-to guy for boots to suit your dresses? On Net-a-Porter for $645.

Pair with: This pale olive hue looks lovely with brown, which tends to me a vexing color to compliment. 3.1 Phillip Lim’s taupe take, in his now-classic draped toga style lends silky ease to a structured shoe. On Net-a-Porter for $550.

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You already know as well as Tina and I do along with any shoe snob worth her salt, that Miu Miu has full-fledged glitter fever. It’s only logical that Topshop (as famous for their highly…shall we say?…designer-inspired pieces as they are for surprising originals) would hop on the sparkle train and throw some glimmering confetti of their own around.

The pleasing twist? Topshop’s variation isn’t a vivacious party bootie or a strappy evening shoe. These are kick-around, beat up-and-go boots (guilt-free at this price!) that you can wear with your most worn-in of sweaters and distressed of jeans.

They are similar to Barneys Co-Op’s ankle boots, but if you ask me, way better. While Barneys made the body of the boot a too-perfect suede and sprinkled the glitter over the back, Topshop nailed it by offering a washed and worn leather. Best of all, that glitter heel makes for a scintillating little bombshell every time you take a step.

Distressed brown looks offbeat with bright gold – think rockabilly chic. But it’s the navy blue complimented by a confection of New Year’s Eve-worthy glitter that’s the one to watch. At TopShop for $160.

Pair with: Get in a good high-low mix while you highlight the seams of the boot. Unttld’s Shoreditch jacket is made of ultra-soft nubuck, with boldly minimal details: asymmetrical drape, geometric seams, and an open, billowing front. On Ssense for $1,750.

The post Topshop Amber Glitter Heel Boots: A Little Spring in Your Step appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Riccardo Tisci has taken multimedia to a new level. This isn’t your average floral shoe. Let’s be real: this isn’t your average shoe at all. Only Givenchy could make pointy-toed patent leather and a delicate 3.5” heel look utterly killer. It’s starts (or rather, finishes) with a twist on your typical perky, sunny flower pattern – set on sleek satin, these leafy indigo pansies are dark and mysterious. This graphic pattern, used throughout their Fall 2011 collection, is somehow so unexpected – and the surprises don’t quit.

The uptown-girl heel and glossed femme-fatale front each get their own dose of trademark Givenchy industrialism via gleaming slivers of metal. What would be a dainty toe gets the tiniest diamond-shaped cap of hardware. But what puts these pumps into the must-have realm for me is the ankle “strap” – it’s like a bangle for your wrist, just a hundred times sexier! A thin metal ring really has no functionality (and it demands particularly skinny ankles), but if the shoe fits, you’ll be the talk of the town. On Ssense for $820.

Pair with: Let your shoes make the statement and your dress show your girlish side – all those sharp edges could use some softness. Victoria Beckham’s deep-purple, silk-gazaar dress has a twisted neckline and voluminous skirt. On Net-a-Porter for $3,120.

The post Givenchy Final Print Heels: All the News that’s Fit to Print appeared first on Shoe Snob.

What’s up with the scuffed shoe trend? I’m all for a little wear and tear, but these boots don’t look good. Call me old-fashioned, but when I buy new shoes (especially those in the triple-digit price range), I want them to resemble new shoes.

Maybe I’m just not cool enough to “get” the subversive irony. I know what Golden Goose, Maison Martin Margiela, and Henry cuir are all trying to go for – a rough-around-the-edges vibe that speaks of an “I don’t give a damn” attitude. But if you genuinely want to project the image you’ve worn your shoes down to the creased sole, go to a thrift store and save $1,000 bucks.

Golden Goose is known for their luxury-level-priced cowboy, riding, and moto boots that look like they got left on the train tracks for a few weeks too long. The Charlye ($1,295) has deeply aged calf leather with a beaten-up buckle touch to match. Even worse: Martin Margiela’s booties ($1,075). When a product description reads “beige water stain markings,” you can bet I’m not adding it to my cart! Wear these pebbled leather numbers and make everyone think you just trekked through horse manure. While Henry cuir’s saddle bags are rugged delights, this boot ($1,005) isn’t pleasing anyone. Seriously, what’s going on with that leather?

The post Badly Worn Boots: I’m Finding This Distressing appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Now that I’m feeling perky about classic pumps again, Manolo Blahnik is edging onto my radar at a higher frequency. And he will become a permanent fixture in my daily search for snob-worthy shoes if he keeps up this level of dreamy glamour!

Like a slipper out of Swan Lake or an offbeat fairy tale – as a matter of fact, these are the very shoes to be worn by Bella Swan in “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1” for her vampire wedding – these glittering appliqués look like crystalline snowflakes. Originally designed for the film in collaboration with Carolina Herrera, it’s no surprise these fellow arbiters of classic, refined polish came up with a pump that exudes timeless, ladylike sparkle.
In white satin, the Swan shoe looks fit for a snow-princess bride; in black, I’m seeing an elegant New Year’s Eve affair; in rosy pink (of course, my personal favorite), they exude the kind of frivolously elegant party-time fun I’m craving this time of year. At Neiman Marcus for $1,295.

Pair with: The little duckling really has become the beautiful swan in this ostrich bolero by Givenchy. With beaded floral embellishments, this burst of winter white is as decadent as it gets. At Bergdorf Goodman for $3,950.

The post Manolo Blahnik Swan Embellished Satin Pump: Singing My Swan Song appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Metallic gold shoes are so appealing – and what’s not to love about Christian Louboutin’s ever sexed up take on the classic pump? These spiked platforms have been, yes, pumped up to the max. But such a bold shape in an even less inhibited hue can get trite and even cheesy with the wrong dress. Shimmering solid-gold heels with an itsy-bitsy black dress? You can’t get more typical when it comes to cocktail attire!

While the talon-like fingernails, heart-shaped Lolita glasses, and oversized bow might be too much for some, Lady Gaga has done the color gold well by unexpectedly pairing it with lemon-chiffon. It’s surprising that the similar shades could look so chic together, but the duo succeeds in evoking shades of the midday sun. The frock’s ladylike cut also brings elegance to what could be a very raunchy shoe.

Take a cue from the pop star and evoke a ray of sunshine. Mix and match these glowing stunners to evoke the look.

Giuseppe Zanotti Metallic Double-Platform Pump At Neiman Marcus for $695.

Christian Louboutin Very Prive Pump. At Barneys New York for $795.

Roland Mouret O’Hara Dress. At Neiman Marcuss for $1,860.

Valentino Plissé Lace Dress. On Net-a-Porter for $3,490.

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