These Casadei wedges are the tallest shoes I’ve seen in a while at nearly 6.5 inches (160MM to be exact!). Doesn’t that kind of height put them under the category of stilts?? The wedge itself is an intriguing mix of woods ranging from pale to cherry that’s topped with a tonal leather sandal. Chic, right? While walking in tall shoes is something I’ve mastered, I’m no circus performer. The pitch doesn’t even look forgiving. Aesthetically, I like these – it’s just that in practice, a terrible tragedy seems inevitable. Falling on your face is never cute. Save these for the Cirque du Soleil performers. Available on Luisa via Roma for $995.
If you’ve you ever come home from a sun-soaked vacation only to have friends tell you that you don’t really look that tan, I can’t say I can relate. Kidding, but not really, I am naturally dark so for me I can always use a flash of gold highlights. For those who need to work for it, there is nothing like gold tones to really show off your fresh dewy glow! Next to bright colors and florals, metallics are most definitely summer essentials. Layer on a mix of metals and then step into equally reflective footwear. The price of gold may be up, but the price of these sandals is down!
Badgley Mischka Afton III: Instead of diving headfirst into the gold rush, a raffia wedge like this can give you just a hint of shimmer. On Zappos for $235.
Diane von Furstenberg Daphne Flat Sandals: If you prefer rose to yellow gold, DVF’s sleek sandals will suit your fancy. Flats like these will make you shine bright without overpowering your outfit. On Shopbop for $198.
Rebecca Minkoff Bettina Flat Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff has a similar pair for Snobs who think thong sandals are uncomfortable. On Shopbop for $132 (from $165).
Loeffler Randall Starla Star-Embellished Metallic Leather Sandals: Gold stars orbit around your ankles for added sparkle and shine. The enviable embellishments easily could have looked kitsch, but Loeffler Randall kept them sophisticated with just a light dusting of whimsy. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $175.
Jean-Michel Cazabat Metallic Wooster: Looking for a new cork wedge? The mix of metallics on this tricolor pair is on trend and on budget. At Barneys New York for $225.
Shoes? Snob. Outfit? Definite slob. This is exactly how even the chicest of accessories can fall prey to a tragic outfit. Lately Miley Cyrus’ wardrobe seems to consist of sky-high shorts and equally high heels, which just doesn’t work when they’re running shorts. These Saint Laurent Paloma sandals deserve so much more than a sideways red cap and a “Sex Drugs & Rap” emblazoned t-shirt! The seductively striped combo of black suede and silver lame calls for a gorgeous gown or at least a more sophisticated pair of shorts. I can’t even look at this photo for more than a few seconds at a time. I know “she’s just being Miley,” but everyone can use the help of a stylist now and again. We get it – you’re not a Disney princess anymore. There’s no need to throw away good taste with your tiara. Available at Barneys New York for $995.
These KTZ shoes perfectly exemplify how even the most creative ideas can end up crashing and burning. Kudos for originality – there are not many intricate wedge sneakers out there, but as you can see, there’s a reason for that. The functional nature of running shoes makes the ornamentation of these wooden wedges look incredibly out of place. Where would you wear these? And what with? I’m much more likely to go for the sandal version ($750), yet that was also poorly executed. Since the focus is on elaborate details, the design of the actual leather sandals on top should be tighter and more precise. The same goes for the sneakers. They look like orthopedic shoes were dropped on top of fancy rollerblades, except they don’t roll – at least not with me! Pre-order on Luisa via Roma in black or white for $948.
Who said women couldn’t wear bow ties?? Certainly not Gianvito Rossi. With Sergio for a father, you could basically say that the man was born to design shoes, and these are some of his best yet. He started working at the side of his famous dad at age 17 and has never slowed down. With these new sandals, Gianvito takes the delicate ankle strap to even daintier heights with a crisp black bow. Women love bows – in our hair, on our clothes, and tied around our ankles. They’re whimsical, girly touches, but he ensures that they’re also sophisticated and mature. The white leather and black satin complement each other perfectly with the back of the shoe arching intriguingly above the fray. Pants would suffocate this style – save these for your pretty summer dresses! Available exclusively at Barneys New York for $775.
This style is a little confusing to me. The awkward mix of masculine and feminine seems incongruous, but I guess that’s the appeal. I would stick with ladylike pairings to add a sense of delicacy to these chunky heels. While they’re seen most often in the office, try to have fun with them when you’re off the clock. If you decide to jump in feet first into this trend, here are my top picks to keep you ahead of the curve.
Bottega Veneta Leather Platform Pumps: With these hefty platforms, you’ll grow another six inches in seconds. Wear with a pencil skirt for a cheeky play on secretarial style. On NET-A-PORTER for $950.
Alexander McQueen Suede and Perspex Pumps: Don’t dig your heels in with these on – you’ll want them the gold metallic-dipped perspex to be seen. On NET-A-PORTER for $1,795.
Gucci Straw and Studded Leather Loafer Pumps: Gucci should’ve just stuck with the horsebit hardware rather than overwhelming the already unusual style with a barrage of silver studs. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $795.
Fendi Flappers Lizard-Print Leather Loafer Pumps: If you’re tired of your boring work shoes, give your look some new life with colorblocked lizard print. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $795.
Carven x Robert Clergerie Buckled Loafer Pump: Those large buckles and cleat-like soles don’t help to underplay the masculine vibe, making this the hardest pair to pull off. Dare you try? Pre-order at Barneys New York for $1,025.
