You haven’t even busted out your swim gear yet and summer shoes are already on sale! Not like you’re not already eager for the fun-in-the-sun season – stocking up on these now will no doubt get you feeling more impatient. Here, my picks of the season’s best. Some of these sandals, platforms, and pumps aren’t even on sale and they already have such good value:

1) Ash Distressed Calf Hair Pump: For the evening, calf-hair is sublime. In light, distressed taupe, this pump is casual enough for cool summer nights. Wear it with washed-out jeans for a real warm-weather look. At Bergdorf Goodman for $206 (from $275).

2) MICHAEL Michael Kors Ariana Ostrich-Effect Leather Wedge Sandals: These cork wedges already seem like they’re at a sale price! The fact that they’re in the season’s hottest shade of orange makes them a must. On Net-a-Porter for $150.

3) Elizabeth and James T-Strap Lizard-Embossed Leather Wedge Sandals: A covered platform with the effect of luxe lizard offers invigorating texture and a sense of dressiness. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $117.99 (from $295).

4) Boutique 9 Piraya Metallic Leather T-Strap Sandals: Even if you’re bored with color-blocking, these strappy flats are subtle enough. Metallic can go the distance into the night with a cute little dress. And the price is so good you can just toss ‘em if the trend gets on your nerves later in the season. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $79.

5) MICHAEL Michael Kors Braided Strappy Sandals: I had to throw in another Kors because these are an incredible $59! With a pair of nude, braided strappy sandals, your vacation is covered. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $59 (from $150).

The post Top 5 Best Values for Summer: The Fairest of the Season appeared first on Shoe Snob.

How do we feel about the current cutout trend? Unlike those on sexy mini-dresses, shoes’ latest cutouts are on the artsy side. It has a very homegrown DIY and crafty vibe to it, no? I’m all about a good craft project, so I personally love it. But I can see how it can take some getting used to. Once your eyes adjust to the hand-touched spirals and zigzags, think about pairing these down-home shoes with something paradoxically glamorous.

1) Etro Suede-Appliquéd Wedge Sandals: It looks like Picasso got his hands on these easy-pitch platforms. Wacky lines like these make for plenty of verve. On Net-a-Porter for $810.

2) Christian Louboutin Miramar Suede and Patent Wedge Pump: Fun and quirky, a cork heel all dressed up with cutouts completely changes the look of this casual shoe. At Neiman Marcus for $995.

3) Marni Cutout Suede Platform Wedges: Gold on black suede brings evening allure to a playful pattern. Folksy just got a little Rococo. On Net-a-Porter for $795.

4) Brian Atwood Claudia Embroidered Suede Pumps: This opulent embroidery is more bespoke than DIY, but colorfully embellished cutouts still have a satisfying hands-on effect. On Net-a-Porter for $2,115.

5) Christian Louboutin Loubi Zeppa Crisscross Wedge: Meet the wacky side of the heel master. Show off your snob spirit with the varsity-meets-circus patches on these 20-year-anniversary platforms. At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,095.

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These dainty looking pumps are not only fun, they are functional with straps you can wear two different ways. Two options, one shoe, what more could a girl ask for? The B Brian Atwood Convertible Strappy Pumps give you the option of wearing crisscrossed or around the ankle or as two separate straps (pictured on the gold). This allows you to play it up if you would like something a little fancy for a night out with the cross affect or keep it straight and simple for a day in the office. I would wear these straight laced with a Helmut Lang dress and a Theory blazer to work then ditch the blazer for a DSQUARED2 motorcycle jacket and cross the straps for a night out. These shoes are versatile, sensible and easy to pull off with many different looks. Pick them up at Neiman Marcus for $375.

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These shoes are right up my ally. I love the simplistic approach to the colorblock trend these take. It’s not over the top, but noticeable and chic. The black with clay and white detail are understatedly stunning while the red could stop traffic, especially with the patent leather toe. Though they are high, you could get away with wearing them to work with the right outfits. With the clay, I’d pair them with something like this DKNY dress allowing the clay color to help elongate the leg yet match the black toe with the top. With the red, I’d wear some Alice + Olivia pants and an Otis & Maclain button up shirt to let the color of the shoes be the center point of the outfit. These soft suede show stoppers are a great buy for those of us who like to wear fun shoes day and night without looking crazy. They are a classic style with a trendy twist. Pick them up at Neiman Marcus for $795.

The post Yves Saint Laurent Tribtoo Cap-Toe Pump: Classical Colorblock appeared first on Shoe Snob.

The spring boot is an elusive thing. As soon as the end of March hits, we can’t wait to shed our chunky, heavy clunkers (as exciting as they seemed back in September!) and reveal our refreshed pedicures. But it’s also too soon to jump right into a pair of sandals – we have all summer for that. The key is finding a boot that shows you’re acknowledging the new season – think light colors, flesh reveals, and dipped silhouettes. These five fit the bill, letting you blossom without stripping down to sandals quite yet.

1) Christian Louboutin Belle Zeppa 100 Suede Ankle Boots: Cut so low and sexy, this wedge-bootie almost fits like a round-toe pump – but much more en vogue, especially for cropped pants and trouser shorts, so you can show off your ankles.
On Net-a-Porter for $995.

2) Giuseppe Zanotti Alien Ankle Bootie: Downtown to uptown, this chic peep-toe has your bases covered. An elegant cut means ladylike appeal, while bold buckles introduce some funk.
At Barneys New York for $930.

3) Isabel Marant Dicker Suede Ankle Boots: Isabel’s renegade – and almost ubiquitous –  hit of Fall 2011 now makes a reappearance just in time for balmy temperatures. The wear-with-everything Dicker boot looks springtime-fresh in moss-green suede.
On Net-a-Porter for $580.

4) Givenchy Elastic Cage Bootie: Some might argue this is an avant-garde take on a pump and the elements of sandal straps are undeniable, but that’s what makes this elastic-cord bootie so spring-perfect. The fact that it’s white only drives the spring-positive point home.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $750.

5) Giambattisti Valli Python Laced Low Boots: This is the sensual pinnacle of the spring boot. Blush-nude exotic: check. Loads of warm weather-ready cutouts: check. Flirtatious laces to accent your sundress: check. This is the boot to wear on the first evening of springtime.
Available for pre-order on Luisa via Roma for $1,456 (for arrival by February 29^th).

6) Oscar de la Renta Mauritania Bootie: My favorite booties of the season! A sexy and edgy take on the classic lace up bootie– it is the one you should not spring forward without.
At Oscar de la Renta for $1,795.

The post Top 5 Spring Boots: Boots in Bloom appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Why not turn your feet into dumplings? I’m guessing the thought hadn’t occurred to you until now. As tasty as that might sound, it is actually – hello! – in very poor taste. As far as boudoir shoes go, which is the only venue where I can imagine these Viktor & Rolf can go, I much prefer the “classic” marabou mules. And besides, your guy will be so distracted laughing his ass off at you if you wore these oddly gathered sandals that all ambiance for romance will be long gone.

Sure, the colors are as sweet as candy. But the silhouette? They have absolutely no shape or definition. Nothing but fabric wrapped around your foot and crimped with a grosgrain hair ribbon (there’s leather hidden beneath the fuss to keep your foot in). It kind of looks like a hair scrunchie. Which, by the way, someone needs to tell Hillary Clinton to STOP wearing, pronto. Not good on a ponytail and even worse on your feet!

Available for pre-order on Luisa Via Roma for $1,029 (expect delivery of your fashion don’t by March 31st).

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There is nothing easier than wearing sneakers, but don’t be so lazy that you schlep around in the same kicks you work out in. I am guilty (like, right now) of wearing my exercise sneakers all day long on days I work out, so I definitely don’t want to be so sporty during my off-gym days. But I’m still a sucker for ease – like on weekends or when I’m picking the kids and going to the farmer’s market (yes, my life is super-exciting). These Ash Virgin sneakers are perfect, with as much comfort as cool to go the distance.

Anne Hathaway has been jetting all over the place, from LAX Airport to dog-walking in Brooklyn, in her four-buckle trainers. Actually make that five – I love the multiple details, especially that extra buckle curving around the heel. Wear this Converse-inspired leather look with with jeans and a blazer and you can pretty much get anywhere (in LA, at least). Ash Virgin 4-Buckle Sneaker on ShopBop for $175. Also available at Ash Soho: 44 Mercer Street in New York , 646-422-7098. For other colors (even though this gray is the best), they are on sale for $92.50 at Madison LA. I got the “Seal” which is a dark brown.

Pair with: Or go for sporty-street with the PVC-trimmed Sless biker vest. Out of Karl Lagerfeld’s new collection of his own, pale pink feminizes a boyish vibe.
On Net-a-Porter for $540.

The post Anne Hathaway Gets Her Kicks: Rise from the Ash appeared first on Shoe Snob.

It never ceases to amaze me how a certain kind of shoe can prance from stripper and Playmate territory right into the realm of snob-worthy chic. A tweak here, an aesthetic adjustment there, and next thing you know, what once was tacky is now de rigueur for cat-walkers, not streetwalkers! Like the Lucite heel: it’s fresh, classy, and so much fun! The latest crystal-clear heels are so modern and made-over, you can wear them day or night, out of the office and yes, into the club. 

1) Marc Jacobs Transparent Mary Jane Heel: The suggestively see-through effect of PVC and a Lucite heel is so naughty, but the prim and proper silhouette is as sweet as pie. A modest 2” heel has never looked more daring.
On La Garçonne for $675.

2) Stuart Weitzman Embellished Metallic Snake-Print Leather Sandals: The pageant queen of flat sandals. Metallic snake-embossed leather is even flashier paired with rhinestone embellishments, but it’s the low heel that puts these over the edge – in a good way.
At Saks Fifth Avenue for $325.

3) Vena Cava x Tenoversix Kat Lucite Heel: A smart little pump with a really witty heel. The chic-ness comes courtesy of the stubby, chunky shape, which allows you to fully appreciate the texture of the Lucite (and notice the visible screws!).
At Tenoversix for $172-$206 (currently available in red and black).

4) Prada Satin Peep-Toe Lucite-Heel Pumps: The trend just went classic, thanks to Prada’s enduring satin silhouette that feels just a touch retro – and imbues a hint of sexy irony.
On Bluefly for $503.99 (from $720).

5) Dries Van Noten Python-Patch Sandals: It doesn’t get better than this! A must-have blend of sunset-hued skin, tortoiseshell straps, and, the transparent cherry on top, an orange heel that glows like it’s lit from within.
Available in-store at Gimme Shoes only. Call 415-800-8992 for inquiries.

Photo Credit: Style.com / Tommy Ton

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When showing up at the airport, people seem to either go sweatsuit-casual or too dressed up. Rarely do you see girls strike the right balance of comfort and chic. But Miranda Kerr is, indeed, a rare case. Showing up at LAX Airport on January 24^th, she was the epitome of cool street style in her off-duty-model staples of Balenciaga quilted leather biker jacket and Alexander Wang Diego bucket bag. But it was her Barbara Bui ankle boots that took her jet-setting look from ordinary to extraordinary.

As recently proven by Jessica Alba, Barbara is the go-to designer for killer footwear you won’t see on stylish feet everywhere you turn. These pointy, buckled wedges, out of Bui’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection, are hyper-edgy with just enough polish to keep up the class.

A more casual (and arguably more comfortable) option are Bui’s pony-hair booties. They’ve got the buckled appeal of Miranda’s boots, with a lug-sole that will keep you from slipping as you dash to your gate. At Forward by Elyse Walker for $575 (from $1,150).

The post Miranda Kerr in Barbara Bui: Fly Girl appeared first on Shoe Snob.

1) Alexandre Birman Denim and Rope Flat Sandal: Rope and denim makes for a solid surf-and-turf combination that’s an ideal casual summertime flat. At Neiman Marcus for $395.

2) Sergio Rossi Opanca Sandal: Who would have thought this much industrial rope could look so chic? Rossi’s knots are actually feather-soft and set on an elegant nude foundation, these are more fit for land. At Barneys New York.

3) Stuart Weitzman Alex Espadrille Wedge Sandals: Weaves of ropes and straw make for your quintessential summer wedge on what is probably the most comfortable wedge there is. This style is a classic that makes an annual comback. Exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue for $365.

4) Christian Louboutin Melides Linen and Cork Wedge Sandals: The sailor girl has just gone uptown. A seaside take on the Mary Jane, Louboutin makes girlish buckles and a classic color combo look fresh as can be. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $695.

5) Brian Atwood April Suede Espadrille Wedge Sandals: Nautical get naughty with these curvy, swerving cutout wedges. Big, bold stripes are suited for the high seas, but the rest of these shoes say night on the town. On Net-a-Porter for $710.

The post Top 5 Nautical Numbers: Anchors Away appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Decadence is in the air for spring, and this time, flamboyant flats are taking center stage. It’s not just about bright and bold colors – animal prints abound on strap-happy sandals you can wear all day. Everywhere I turn, I’m finding flats with a dose with of exotic intrigue, a trend I can really stand up to (pun intended).

Wear a pair to liven up a casual outfit or coordinate them with your more outgoing ensembles. Either way, wild things like these are bound to get a lot of wear. With options galore, there’s no reason to miss out on getting in touch with your animal instincts – even Frugal Snobs will approve of these picks.

1) Marni Animal-Print Calf-Hair Sandals: Marni does offbeat so effortlessly. In Dalmatian-spotty calf-hair, these chunky, buckled straps look fresh and fun. On Net-a-Porter for $400.

2) Alexandre Birman Python and Leather Sandals: This isn’t your run-of-the-mill flip-flop. No, when a flatteringly elegant thong is outfitted in orange python, you’ve got yourself a pair of sizzling sandals. On Net-a-Porter for $495.

3) Chie Mihara Wilona Snake-Print Leather Sandals: Strong neutrals come together with ease, thanks to a fluid collection of skinny straps. Wear these with other natural tones for smooth, organic look. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $370.

4) Manolo Blahnik Susa Sandal: This of Manolo’s take as the luxe lovechild of Alexandre’s thong and Chie Mihara’s sandal. Sweet snakeskin like this has the best of both worlds. At Barneys New York for $795.

5) Cocobelle Luna Snakeskin Sandals: Painlessly priced, snake-stamped leather has all the appeal of pricier versions and comes with none of the guilt! Pale gray faux python looks great with a sweep of an asymmetrical strap. On ShopBop for $110.

The post Top 5 Animal-Print Sandals: Flat-Out Amazing appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Something is in the air. Mark my words: this spring, you will witness the rise of the minimalist pump, the very simply divine sandal. If decadence-loving, platform-mad Giuseppe Zanotti is hopping on the bandwagon, one that is in favor of skinny ankle straps and a basically bare foot, then you know it’s no joke.

The best part of a trend like this is the fact it’s not really a trend at all. With such a slender nude sandal, you can’t really go wrong, no matter which way the high-heel pendulum swings. Much like Brian Atwood’s Grace shoe, a nude pump with a whole lot of pizzazz in the back, Giuseppe’s take gives the appearance that you’re wearing next to nothing. Until you get a glimpse of the powerful heel adornment. In this case it’s a shiny plaque of futuristic silver metal to get your heart racing. At Barneys New York for $695.

Pair with: Bring pop to a nude look with Proenza Schouler’s brand-new evening bag in lipstick-red. Out of their Pre-Fall collection and in both leather and irresistible iguana, this is pure modern glam. Proenza Schouler Chain Wallets, $785-$1,925.

The post Giuseppe Zanotti Metal Back Sandal: Futuristic Flesh appeared first on Shoe Snob.

In the hands of Miuccia, a high-heeled sandal is never just a high-heeled sandal. Overflowing with imagination, she sees her shoes, no matter how scant the straps, as pieces with plenty of room to play. This snakeskin creation had me at hello. Fantastical and gorgeous, the sharp and swerving shape wraps around your foot like few sandals do, and the outcome is sheer delight.

The two-piece, swirled band at the front seduces the eye instantaneously – one glimpse, and I was entranced. The earthy texture of this python brings in an antiquated look, the right complement to the ornately decorative curves. Metallic gold trim seals the deal: this is old-world beauty at its most fanciful. Transitioning from summer to fall, from brights to black, a rare level of versatility and an easy price make these a must-buy. Available for pre-order at Barneys New York for $795 (expect delivery in March).

Pair with: The slick piping invites more precious metals. Pamela Love’s jewelry-inspired bag, in antiqued brass or burnished silver, looks at-once old and new, hard and soft. Pamela Love Brass or Silver Purse, $931 (from $3,000).

The post Miu Miu Two-Piece Sandal: Too Fabulous appeared first on Shoe Snob.

The key to shopping the winter sales now – when it’s so late in the season that, forget Resort, everyone is already stocking Spring – is to capitalize on the deep discounts with year-round wear-ability. Shoes that might have been released for Fall/Winter but will tread seamlessly into the warm season – or are actually much more appropriate for bare legs! Here are my top picks of the multi-seasonal shoes on sale at Luisa via Roma:

1) Diego Dolcini Suede Asymmetric Pointy Pumps ($460, from $657): When suede comes in hot pink, rather than wintry chestnut or black, it screams spring. This sharp silhouette is right on-trend for the season and the gunmetal heel makes it stand out.

2) Calvin Klein Collection Cut-Out Leather Wedges ($475, from $950): Does it get anymore functional than a clean and minimal, bright-white wedge with an easy-peasy pitch? Nope. Especially when we’re talking half-off.

3) Edmundo Castillo Snakeskin and Leather d’Orsay Sandal ($393, from $786): Spectacularly feminine and oh-so wearable, sweet straps make a statement in blue python and the look gets punctuation by a strong jet-black heel.

4) Burak Uyan Karung Ankle-Strap Sandals, $720 (from $1,440): Lush purple platforms are fit for a style queen. In karung and topped with cylinder heel, these are conversation-worthy. Wear them with everything from black tights to thigh-skimming whites.

5) Nicholas Kirkwood Lizard Lace-Up Sandals, $850 (from $1,214): Whether you wear them much or not, every snob needs a pair of crazy, statement-maker sandals in her shoe closet. Pale pink lizard put together like a work of sculptural art? Too divine to pass up.

The post Top 5 On Sale at Luisa via Roma: Priced to Please and Built to Last appeared first on Shoe Snob.

I’m totally dating myself, but I had a Swatch with this same Keith Haring print! It was all black with white graphics and red hands. Yes, it was all over the place in the eighties, but what was missing was a killer pair of pumps!

Leave it Nicholas Kirkwood, whose inspiring and sometimes full-on outlandish designs show a clear appreciation for all kinds of visual art. I love these pumps for the bold graphic prints, which are on-trend right now, but this actually exudes a retro look for me. Maybe because I was around the first time Haring unleashed his energetic, vivid figures on the world. But this time around, the collaboration of two great artists make for a powerful wearable art for the new century. A stiletto pump with sculpted platform is the perfect canvas for the bold artwork. At Browns Fashion for $843.

Pair with: It wouldn’t be a throwback to the eighties without a little excess. Givenchy’s new Antigona tote comes in jaw-dropping silver metallic for full neutral impact. Available for pre-order at Barneys New York for $1,600 (expect delivery in April).

The post Nicholas Kirkwood Keith Haring-Print Leather Stilettos: Pop Shop appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Who says flat sandals have to be all earth mother or hippie chick? With electrifying splashes of DayGlo, a new breed of sandal is making a statement this spring, one that’s, in fact, not exactly new. These neon sandals are totally rad – and totally eighties. Wear them with super-tight, high-waisted jeans (fellow color enthusiast Christopher Kane’s latest will inspire fluorescent fever) and a pair of jet-black Ray Ban Warefarers for full retro satire. Just leave the scrunchie in the decade where it belongs!

1) McQ Alexander McQueen Zip Neon Thong Sandals: Hot pink and black is a classic eighties combo. These keep it classy with just a hint of wild color. On ShopBop for $415.

2) Jil Sander Tubular Sandals: Count on a minimalist designer to have a savvy way with lime-green, a hue that can easily go awry. The slight straps make it look thoroughly modern. On ShopBop for $550.

3) Stella McCartney Faux Patent-Leather and Cork Sandals: Juicy, high-shine watermelon gets a needed naturalistic edge thanks to an easy cork sole, and the classic buckle style makes for fifties meets eighties vintage flair. On Net-a-Porter for $410.

4) Tory Burch Aine Patent-Leather Thongs: Tory blends scorching neon patent-leather with her sense of Hamptons-ready prep by adding a weave of hemp-effect woven straw. On My Theresa for $315.

5) Dsquared2 Rubber Chain Flats: These hot orange sandals are like sophisticated jellies for adults. Combining a vague gladiator style, dressed-up chain detailing, and splash-able rubber, these are strictly for fun in the sun. On Luisa Via Roma for $218.

The post Top 5 Strappy Neon Flats: Totally Tubular appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Sometimes Jessica Alba is your everyday, relaxed mom (albeit with an exceptional figure), and sometimes she absolutely floors us with her sartorial prowess! She was obviously on a bold and experimental kick on January 17^th in New York City – and she did it with finesse! Her floral Connelly pants, out of Erdem’s Resort 2012 collection, and snappy ombré coat by Doo.Ri (out of Pre-Fall 2012) made a major impact together. Whiler her Spring 2012 Christian Dior tote did its part to neutralize all that color, it was her Barbara Bui ankle-strap sandals that really got my heart racing.

Fresh for Spring 2012, these two-tone sandals boast a light-hearted color pairing and a wickedly cool silhouette. A double-stitched strap of aqua brings your focus to the front of the shoe, but it’s the extra-thick white ankle cuff that really makes a statement. Sporty with unapologetic blocks of color: Bui is on time for spring and Jessica is ahead of the curve.

The post Jessica Alba in Barbara Bui: She Passes with Flying Colors appeared first on Shoe Snob.

I love Pierre Hardy’s extravagant canvas wedges, with all their curvy, layered, stripy goodness, let’s be real: they are more for looks than they are for real life. When it comes to comfort and price, Kate Spade wins the battle of the rainbow stripe. Leave it to her (that’s right, you heard me!) to present us with a painless frugal option – yes, these wedges are more cuteness than edge, but they’re also a lot more wearable.

Rather than going for sensational all-over color, the strappy yet simplistic nude top allows for a lot more versatility, but the hypnotically colorful platform is super-fun. This is an espadrille with an advantage on the competition – jute has never looked so festive, though there’s nothing circus-y about them. With the Lindsey, you’re at liberty to pile on the color, or even better, get wild with a big, bold print.
At Neiman Marcus for $275.

Pair with: Be prepared for fun in the sun with a boldly accentuated straw tote, one of my favorite spring staples. The ones by Lanvin ($1,190), Jimmy Choo ($895), and Valentino ($3,745) all have fabulous flair.

The post Kate Spade Lindsey Striped Espadrille: Earn Your Stripes appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Unpredictable and uncommon, it’s all about the blue shoe for spring. Actually, it seems like the entire color palette for Miu Miu is blue this season. There isn’t a cooler color than blue – and now we’re seeing it in every shade from turquoise to sapphire, Carolina to Prussian, in textures spanning the gamut from super-sparkly to rich matte. I, for one, couldn’t be any happier – my favorite color is finally taking center stage!

1) Miu Miu Python-Effect Leather Pumps: Four inches of snake-like blue on a pointy silhouette – this shoe is as “now” as it gets. Wear these sleek pumps with a contrasting color for maximum impact.
On Net-a-Porter for $580.

2) Christian Louboutin J-Lissimo 100 Spiked Metallic Leather Sandals: Louboutin’s take on shimmery sea-blue aqua is at once hard and soft. Spikes evoke edge, but perfect placement and clear PVC lightens the load.
On Net-a-Porter for $795.

3) Jimmy Choo Crushed Metallic Sandal: Blue does not get more electric than this. These crackling strips of metallic burn with cold heat and exude high-octane, glam-rock fire.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $995.

4) Giuseppe Zanotti Two-Tone Swirl Sandal: Layers and layers of plush cobalt straps – yum! A splash of aqua adds dynamism to these soft suede sandals, which suggest modern-art inspiration.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,150.

5) Nicholas Kirkwood Satin Sandals: This blossom won’t fade into the foliage. A jolt of sapphire satin is Nicholas’ classical base for a voluptuous flower in full bloom.
Inquire at Nicholas Kirkwood for retailers.

The post Top 5 Blue Shoes: Get the Blues for Spring appeared first on Shoe Snob.

I’ve never been one for an excessively embellished heel – it makes the ankles look thick. But stiletto wizard Brian Atwood has figured out how to make the over-the-top heel both sexy and chic. He sees that it’s about balance – or lace thereof, rather. Keeping the front of the shoe nude and bare is genius.

Just look at Rachel McAdams, strolling around London on January 18^th. At a glance, it looks as if she’s wearing next to nothing, save the painfully suggestive black ankle strap.
While the perfectly pointed (it has a hint of almond shape, so it’s not too severe) flesh-toned toe elongates her legs, the back of her stiletto is accentuated with voluminous pizzazz. Tiers of ruched and ruffled black leather inject a kick of humor and take the well-heeled Grace pump from classic to conversation-launching.

You might not be able to get your hands on Rachel’s pumps just yet, but you can go a totally different yet equally big-statement route with Atwood’s wild, raffia-heeled Mojito sandal. Aptly named (you ought to be drinking one while you wear them), they envelop the back of your foot in an explosion of texture and hue. A minimal front keeps it from being too, too much.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,452.

Photo credit: Zimbio

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