Not everyone at the MET Gala dressed for the punk theme. Those who did, did it well, though. While Michelle Dockery slipped out of her leather jacket before hitting the carpet, her Fall 2013 Gianvito Rossis ensured that she kept her cool. The Lady of Downton Abbey went wild with black python Edgiles (to be available at Gianvito Rossi). I love the blue pair, but on a punk rock night, I can see why she went dark. See what the other celebs wore…

Rooney Mara accessorized her gorgeous lacy Givenchy gown with the house’s white shark tooth sandals. Available on Farfetch in black for $850.

It’s no surprise that Jennifer Lawrence arrived to the Gala in Dior (although I don’t know if I would call the look punk), but these Brian Atwood Shina platform sandals were a great surprise. She coordinated her gown’s sequined florals with the shoe’s flowery appliqués. Unfortunately, Atwoods are never comfortable. As pretty as they are, I won’t be picking these up for myself. Available at Brian Atwood for $2,495.

Jennifer’s Hunger Games costar Elizabeth Banks came to play in a bold gold Atelier Versace chainmail jacket. Her daring leather fringed shoes? Oh, just some custom Brian Atwood “Elizabeth” sandals. It looks like the odds really are ever in her favor.

I couldn’t leave out SJP. Between her Philip Treacy mohawk headdress and these custom Christian Louboutin Monica boots, she definitely took the event’s theme to heart. She made sure to flash the red velvet tartan boots (and her knickers!) all night long.

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Move over, sequins! There’s a new trend in town – mirror embellishments. Why simply shine when you could reflect? Just remember to save those mini skirts for another day, especially when you’re wearing Andreia Chaves’ “Invisible” shoe (at Sole Struck for $3,995). You’ll have a hard time checking your makeup in the geometric facets of these mirror balls, but this is art! Function has no place in this fun house.

Marni Black Leather Mirror and Wood Sculpted Platform Sandals: Who needs a hall of mirrors when you have a heel of mirrors? On Ssense for $1,075.

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Coachella may be over, but the photos of festival-going celebs will live on forever. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is up to you! Vote for your favorite in the poll at the end of the post. One thing is certain – the stars went dressed down, which is exactly what you should do for a day in the desert. Walking around in a crowded meadow in stilettos? That’s the ticket to a day of hell, and considering what you had to pay to attend Coachella, you want it to be the time of your life. Alessandra Ambrosio went in Isabel Marant’s studded Caleen boots (at Barneys New York for $890). The cowboy-inspired style is perfect for taking a beating while still looking good, so high marks to the model! Check out some other looks after the jump.

Katy Perry’s Dolce & Gabbana outfit and vintage Lulu Guinness bag are pretty outlandish, but then again, this is the same California Gurl who wore a bra that shot whipped cream – short of Lady Gaga, anything goes for this pop star. She at least knew to go easy with the shoes, so these white wedges were just right.

Kristen Stewart has been known to wear Converse (on Zappos for $55) with ball gowns, so does this really surprise anyone?

Ouch. I appreciate that Vanessa Hudgens is trying to get in the hippie festival mood, but the ‘60s are over. The mix of the crazy curly hair, a rosette headband, and a barely there white playsuit are just too much. One thing that is right? Those brown gladiator sandals.

Rita Ora is the face of Superga this spring, so it makes sense to see her repping the brand. Honestly, I’d wear Supergas (on Shopbop for $65) to Coachella even if they weren’t paying me! They’re classic comfort.

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Say what you want about 50 Shades of Grey – it made a huge splash last summer and with the movie coming out in the next few years, the hype won’t be dying down anytime soon. S&M has always had an underground appeal, but it seems that people are taking it to the streets with the fiercest shoes we’ve seen yet. In these spiked Christian Louboutin sandals (exclusively at Neiman Marcus for $3,995), you’ve essentially already got the chains, so all you need is a whip! Do you have a safe word ready?

Alexander McQueen 150MM Patent Plexiglass Open Toe Wedges: McQueen’s honeycomb style takes a decidedly un-sweet turn on these black wedges. They’re patently perfect for bringing out your inner subservient geisha. On Luisa via Roma for $4,245.

Haider Ackerman Woven Platform Ankle Boot: These kinky boots will keep even the wildest in line. It’s easier to dominate from atop a platform, after all. At Barneys New York for $2,375.

Paul Andrew Strap Back Heels: Just as you mix pain with pleasure, so you should find the balance between sexy and classy. It looks like newcomer Paul Andrew has already mastered the art. On Shopbop for $1,095.

Christian Louboutin Charleze: Christian Louboutin understands the desires of Christian Grey quite well. It takes a Snob to know one, I guess! At Barneys New York for $1,195.

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Dior definitely amped up the voltage on these trendy black and white boots. With its electric gold hardware buckles and all-around moto straps, this pair could cause a power outage. They have two faces, though. From the front, you’re thinking they’re high-shine leather boots that are ready to ride, but the back tells a different story. With an ecru cotton canvas panel, these hardcore boots have suddenly gone high-class (you definitely wouldn’t want to take these out dirt biking). But let’s be honest – we weren’t going to buy moto boots to jump on a bike and ride away, so in this case I take fashion over function. Wear the design like a prepster with skinnies tucked in and a casual oxford on top. On Farfetch for $1,206.29.

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Mesh is used in a lot of athletic shoes because of its ability to aerate, but the fabric isn’t just functional – it has a sexy side, too. And with spring almost here, I’d say it’s high time we start showing a little skin. So dip your toes into the mesh waters – the sporty material can be surprisingly ladylike, especially when the weave is tight (the looser it is, the more it looks like it belongs on a jersey). Here are netted shoes sure to net you style points:

Reed Krakoff Leather and Mesh Ankle Boots: Let your feet enjoy the spring breeze in these sheer shoes. You can even push back that pedicure appointment another day thanks to the pointed cap-toe. On NET-A-PORTER for $725.

Walter Steiger Mesh & Suede Bow-Heeled Bootie: Back in the Victorian Era, showing your ankles could incite a full-fledged scandal. Fortunately, we’ve left those prudish times behind, but the flash of an ankle is still just as sexy. At Neiman Marcus for $1,295.

B Brian Atwood Linscott Mesh-Inset Bootie: This whirly, white design would look gorgeous on a bride, but you don’t have to be walking down the aisle to walk in these booties. At Neiman Marcus for $450.

Dolce & Gabbana Mesh Detail Sandal Pump: We don’t normally associate mesh with romantic ruching, but Dolce & Gabbana can make anything frilly and feminine. On Farfetch for $620.05.

Aperlai Amourette Sandal: Everyone has a cross to bear in life, but these are crosses that you’ll love to bare. The elongating power of the nude pump is only a bonus. On Farfetch for $591.93 ( from $845.04).

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…that transparent PVC should have a much bigger space in our closets. Think about it – clear matching everything. I don’t know why we don’t see more of it! I guess the challenge in fashion is to make sure it doesn’t look cheap, but these pieces are more than up for that test. Whether you want to go full monty (I’m looking at you, MM6) or subtle with strips, these PVC accessories have you covered – well, sort of.

MM6 Maison Martin Margiela PVC Ankle Boot: These clear cut boots would look great with a pair of skinnies. It’s spring – why hide those perfectly manicured feet? At Neiman Marcus for $455.

Valentino Naked Rockstud Lucite Wedge Sandals: The secret to keeping plexi shoes from looking like stripper shoes? A wedge! The more sensible style gets a jolt with fun PVC. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,095.

Gianvito Rossi Suede and PVC Pump: The appeal of this pump comes in its contrasting textures – similar to Louboutin’s ubiquitous Un Bouts, they’re rich, red suede cut up with slick PVC. On NET-A-PORTER for $625.

Valentino Small Lock PVC Shoulder Bag: Some women are afraid of rocking transparent bags because they want to keep their personal essentials private. But look at it this way – this is another excuse to buy cute pouches! Pre-order on Luisa via Roma for $1,854.

Lanvin Women’s Studded Waist Belt: If you want to go to the dark side, this wide, black-tinged belt can take you there. Plus, with all of the heavy brass hardware, you can cut back on bracelets and other jewels. At LN-CC for $815.

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Rita Ora laced up some Alexander Wang Jill boots to wear to the Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2013 show during Paris Fashion Week. Combined with the bright red Chanel leather coat, Rita pulled off the couture-rock star style with ease. These downtown-chic rubber-soled boots have all the buckles, laces and edge a girl could ask for. The cut-out sides give you a peep of skin and the white bottom make these stand out in the crowd of hum-dum lace-up ankle boots. These would look great with anything from a pair of leather leggings and a silk top to a sweet black skirt and feminine lace button-up.

If you’re looking for something a little different in your boot wardrobe, check these out. Net-A-Porter for $825.

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We’ve been seeing a lot of cowboy boots around lately, and depending on my mood, I’m either excited about this or disgusted but no matter what the fact remains – I don’t live in Texas, so where could I wear them? But I’ve sought out a solution to my geographic fashion challenge. Five solutions, actually – these boots give you the cowboy feel without going the whole hog (except for maybe the Lanvins, but hey – true cowboys don’t always fit the mold):

Étoile Isabel Marant Dicker: When I think of these boots, I can’t help but picture Katie Holmes. She’s been photographed in them a million times, proof of just how comfortable and versatile they are. At Barneys New York $600.

Chloé Susanna Studded Leather Boots: Even on half buckled moto/half cowboy boots, Chloé brings feminine ballerina pink and decorative stud detailing. The combination makes them magically perfect for both a weekend on the ranch and a day in the trenches during Fashion Week. On NET-A-PORTER for $1,345.

Acne Alma Brushed-Leather Ankle Boots: The forward-pressed heel gives this shoe an intriguing silhouette, but the creamy brushed leather is what makes me want to get in the saddle. On NET-A-PORTER for $530.

Christian Louboutin Chelita 85 Metal-Detailed Leather Boots: These are for all of the urban cowgirls who need to sprint from borough to borough, all the while giving off a tough chick vibe. On NET-A-PORTER for $1,795.

Lanvin High-Heel Cowboy Boot: Okay, so these are outright cowboy boots (if cowboys wore heels, that is), but if you know me, you know I’m happy to give Lanvin ample leeway. At Neiman Marcus $3,200.

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For Spring 2013, Ash Footwear is trying to start a new trend: models as stylists. Their first ever U.S. campaign was put together by cover girl Erin Wasson (who also acts and designs on the side – no big deal). Models are no longer mere mannequins, standing pretty in front of the camera. They’re taking control behind the scenes, too, which makes perfect sense because who better than them to know what looks good? When models like Erin have strong points of view and style to boot, they can really develop a storyline and get meaningful shots. She even infused her down-home Texas roots into the cowgirl boot-heavy campaign, bringing along pup Bono and even her pickup truck (how hot is it that a supermodel drives a pickup truck??). The final product will be rolled out in Vogue’s March issue, but here’s a sneak peak at the video campaign below. Check out all of the kicks at Ash Footwear.

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Jessica Alba was punk-pretty while out and about in Los Angeles recently wearing a pair of Rebecca Minkoff Bethany Suede and Python-Print leather ankle boots and a studded Simone By Katie Nehra Spike Moto Cropped leather jacket. These buttery beauties are soft suede with a snake-print panel with a 3″ stacked heel. Ankle boots like this are perfect for work to weekend as they can go from Saturday lunch casual to gussied up meeting chic in a snap.

Pick these versatile little booties up at Saks Fifth Avenue for (sale!) $140.

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“Polifonia” is Italian for polyphony, a musical piece consisting of several harmonized melodies. How ironic. There is nothing harmonized about these shoes. If this is Fendi‘s idea of doing something exciting, I want off the ride now. Bring back the box totes and box toe heels, please! After all, boring is better than disastrous. The attempt at futuristic, architectural design is a total fail. With its goosebump texture (how appropriate) color-blocked top, the ankle boot ($1,295) is a cross between the Sydney Opera House and an armadillo. As if that weren’t enough, let’s talk about the awkward ankle strap, the cause of what I feel is this shoe’s identity crisis (bootie? pump?). And what’s with the rubber spikes on the heels – they look like fallen pieces from a Rubik’s Cubes. The sandal ($1,100) is slightly less offensive, but only when standing next to the atrocity that is her boot sister. The crazy silver heel is completely at odds with what could be an okay sandal. While trying very hard to be edgy and cool, the shape is ultimately sensible and dumpy. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

The post Fendi Polifonia Ankle-Boots and Sandals: Fendi’s Dim Future appeared first on Shoe Snob.

Selena Gomez looked like a hippie-chic cowgirl recently, while grabbing some Starbucks with friends in a pair of Jeffery Campbell Frontier Stitch ankle boots while wearing a cozy snowflake sweater and toting a Dolce & Gabbana Miss Escape Classic leather tote. Embellished cowboy ankle boots have been huge this season and I don’t see them going away anytime soon. These wild western-style stitched lovelies have elastic on both sides so you can slide in and stay in tight.

These boots will be tight fitting when you first get them, but after breaking them in a bit- will fit like a glove. Pick them up at Free People for (sale!) $169.

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Kourtney went to see Monsters Inc 3D over the holiday with her adorable son Mason in some equally adorable Valentino ruffled boots. Well, maybe not equally because Mason is abnormally cute, but nonetheless, these boots are fantastic. The ruffles add a touch of femininity to these otherwise edgy-rough and tumble boots, making them a shade softer. These are a great alternative for those wanting tall boots that are ladylike, but don’t want to bother with a high heel.

Paired with black jeans and a bomber leather jacket like Kourt, these ruffled riders look chic and trendy, yet with a sweet twist. Plus, I bet they would make me feel like my legs were skinnier. Boots with larger shafts always seem to do that for me. Bonus! Neiman Marcus for $627.

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You can always count on Ms.Palermo to nail her city-chic style, and her recent outing in NYC was no exception. Olivia pulled on a fabulous pair of Stuart Weitzman 50/50 back-stretch knee boots and hit the streets of NYC looking casual-chic. These kidskin suede boots have fantastic stretch on the back to ensure the snuggest fit. On a chilly day, these are idea to pull on with a pair of Paige skinny jeans like Olivia was spotted sporting, and a nice cozy sweater. They only have an inch high heel, so they are perfect for a full day of shopping around the city and won’t give you calf cramps by noon.

These are a must for winter and will get you through till spring in simplistic style. Bergdorf Goodman for $595. 

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I’m planning a trip to Florence, and since shoes are the hardest things to pack, I’m already strategizing a game plan (sounds silly until you have even one bad experience – you don’t want to end up suffering in silence or complaining the ears off your travel companions). You need the right shoe for every occasion but you also must consider comfort, packability, and site-seeing ready – it’s a lot to consider! Here are my travel essentials:

Jimmy Choo Frosting Suede Slingbacks: Nothing beats Choo wedges when it comes to comfort. I have this exact pair in plenty of iterations (snake, suede, espadrilles), but for travel this nude offers the ultimate in versatility – suede means no blisters and the gold trim will still get you to cocktail parties with pizzazz. On Net-a-Porter for $775.

Play Comme de Garçons for Converse: I can tell you that wedges are comfortable, and for a shoe with some height, they are. But nothing beats a sneaker! At J. Crew for $100.

Lanvin Wedge Ankle Boot: Tried and true, these are like sneakers in boot form. Wear them with any pant and if done right, even with dresses. I really love these – they won’t wow the crowd, but you won’t care when you’re having a good time, instead of cringing with every step. At Barneys New York for $850.

Bloch Two-Tone Canvas Ballet Flats: You need a pair of the ever-ubiquitous ballet flats in your bag at all times. These are small enough to fit in your mid-size clutch for when the party reveling gets out of hand (last year in Florence I fell on the cobblestone street and woke up with a swollen ankle, so I’ll be getting these as insurance). On Net-a-Porter for $130.

Tabitha Simmons Flossie Printed Silk Sandal: I really don’t believe in packing more than 4 pairs of shoes, but since you’ll be wearing one your feet and the ballet flats are like nothing at all, I can consider a 5th pair! If you’re planning on doing something festive where you’re going, you’ll need some fun, flirty shoes. These are done in multiple hues, ensuring that they’ll go with whatever you pick up shopping. At Bergdorf Goodman for $547 (from $1,095).

The post Good Travelers: Walk On appeared first on Shoe Snob.

It can be scary to be the new kid on the block, so let’s show these new Net-a-Porter shoes some love by welcoming them into our closets. From casual white brogues to metallic high heels, there are fresh and versatile styles to fulfill all of our needs. Here’s the roundup of the shoes you just have to dig your heels into:

Valentino Crystal-Studded Suede Loafers ($895): This has been the year of the smoking slipper, and it’s best to go out with a bang! Sparkling silver is perfect for everyday on-the-go or to lend some shine to a holiday party outfit.

Nicholas Kirkwood Elaphe, Metallic and Patent Leather Sandals ($825): Hands down, the best part of this shoe is the unique elaphe snake heel, but the gold-trimmed ankle strap is fantastic for adding some sex appeal.

Isabel Marant The Bekket Leather and Suede Sneakers ($640): With wedge sneakers, less is more (with the color, not the height!). Isabel’s Bekkets use texture to keep things interesting, mixing leather and suede.

Alexander Wang Ingrid Croc-Effect Leather Brogues ($595): I love these shoes – relaxed enough to wear with shorts, but nice enough to pair with a skirt (it would be a great ‘50s throwback look, updated with a subtle croc-effect).

Burberry Rubber and Twill Wellington Boots ($425): It doesn’t get very snowy in Texas, so I tend to stick to rain boots. Burberry wellies are a favorite, and the belt on this pair gives them a nice contrast with gold metal hardware.

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Solange Knowles performed on Jimmy Kimmel recently to sing the extremely catchy- “Losing You” track off her new album, and wore some fantastically funky Miu Miu snake-effect boots. These retro beauties are 5.5 inches of burgundy suede and turquoise /black snack-effect leather that give you a perfectly groovy getup. My favorite part of these is the big black bow. It adds just the right amount of  simplistic femininity to these bold beauties that makes them less intimidating and more wearable for those of us not performing on a late night talk show, but should be because we are phenomenal dancers.

You have to hand it to those Knowles sisters- they can sing, they can dance, and by God, they can dress. Pick these up (on sale!)  at Net-A-Porter for $537.

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Most days, when I’m standing in my closet, sifting through racks of clothes, hoping my clothing rod doesn’t break (again) and kill me, I wonder to myself, what would Beckham do? A style icon, designer, and of course, a Beckham, I look to VB to guide me down an ultra chic path toward fashion enlightenment. In a case of running to the airport with your entire family, Victoria would, of course, be polished and on point with sultry suede Giuseppe Zanotti platform knee boots and a Jil Sander satin color-block dress.

What did I wear to the airport last week you ask? Skinny jeans and an itchy sweater that I later dumped a full cup of peppermint coffee on…awesome.  I guess I’ll keep saying my travel-fabulous prayers. Boot it like Beckham and pick these burgundy beauties up at Neiman Marcus for $1250. 

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