February 2008 Archives

It's hard to believe that in just four years, designer Tory Burch grew her business from a tiny operation out of an Upper East Side apartment to a a wildly successful contemporary line, boasting six freestanding boutiques as well as a booming wholesale business. Her "Reva" line of balet flats have grown ever popular the last two years and as such, we chose these cute black pair as our shoes of the day. We love how the clear side detailing permits either a dressy or casual look.

You can find these Tory Burch Reva Balet Flats at Downtowngal Shoes for $139.99 (Retail $225).

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All pointers are hinting that this is the first season in which accessories aren't just key; they are the key. We aren't going to argue...after seeing this Spring's shoe intro's from every designer on the planet, who could disagree.

Jimmy Choo's, Tamara Mellon had this to say about the trend in accessory dominance, "When we started, there was no hardware on accessories. There wasn't even much color. But look what's happened to fashion in the last decade; it's become so much more casual. The average woman's default item is jeans. How does she set herself apart? By having the incredible statement of bags and shoes. She might buy one pretty dress that's well within her comfort zone, but then she can push it by wearing it with a heavy shoe to make it look modern." The latest techniques mean an exotic skin can be so soft that a future heirloom made from crocodile doesn't have to be stiff and formal; it can be a hobo-style sack. "So in that sense, yes" says Mellon, "crocodile is the new cashmere."

As Rachel Zoe writes in her manual, Style A to Zoe, "Accessories are everything. To me, they're more important than the clothes....Accessories are the antidote to the blahs...Slip into a pair of supersexy red patent stilettos and tell me otherwise."

So, buckle up your knee-high gladiators and grab your bigger-than-a-bread-box Baguette---extras are effectively excessive!

Story courtesy of Lisa Armstrong; Fashion Editor of Times in London

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With moderate temps returning to our parts', we fell in love with these cute Kate Spade Sandals. We are especially fond of the red, white, and blue straps across the top and sides of the shoe as well as the little red leather bow near the front. We decided these shoes will inspire a new swimsuit purchase with our new "ready-for-Spring" figures!

Listed at $99.99, they are a steal compared to the normal retail price of $199.00.

You can find them over at Downtowngal Shoes

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While certain footwear designs are embraced by the market, others simply remain a creative expression for designers, existing as a moment-in-time example of experimentation.

"I've been playing around with the idea of [heel-less shoes] since the 1970's, and I always find it intriguing," said designer Manolo Blahnik. "It's not something that I do thinking of sales, it's actually quite the opposite - it offers me the chance to move away from what people expect from me."

Blahnik has created several heel-less shoes, including the Bhutan (pictured above) from his spring '06 collection, which is currently on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the Costume Institute exhibit.

"The fact that you don't really see that many people walking around the streets in heel-less shoes proves that [while] many might connect to them, they are not exactly rushing out to buy them," said Blahnik. "But when we did Arunium [another heel-less shoe] a few years ago, it sold quite well in Europe, though some [customers] were buying them as objects."

So, what do you think? Is this the year that the heel-less shoe becomes more than just a "dustable" and is actually worn? Several designers like Marc Jacobs have launched a slew of heel-less designs this Spring awaiting the "pent-up-demand" for such designs. I guess time will tell!

Story courtesy of Clair Windsor andFootwear News

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Ok, we love CL's and the Spring trend of adding Cork to sandals and wedges and everything in-between. It was no coincidence that today's picks were once again donning a lovely cork heel in a wonderful peep-toe (they are making a comeback dontcha-know!) style. You can find these Christian Louboutin Brown Suede Ptatform Peep Toe's at Downtowngal Shoes for $449.99 (Retail $599).

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In NBC's new drama "Lipstick Jungle", we have all been waiting to see the designer references we loved on Sex and The City. Although not as blatant, the show does offer nice references to fashion and design as seen from a working woman's (executive) perspective. According to a recent article in Footwear News, Christian Louboutin has made it on the set via Brook Shields, who plays movie studio exec Wendy Healy.

Word has it that Shields is sporting the Louboutin's from her personal stash after declining the show's stylists on-set suggestions and recommendations. Leven Rambin, an actress on the show, commented that Shields denied the stylists designer choice for her "purple velvet Louboutins she just purchased earlier that day at Barneys."

Images courtesy of NBC.com

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Jimmy Choo opened its first store in South Africa on Feb. 1 in the historical Victoria and Alfred Waterfront shopping complex in Capetown. The interior of the shop, conceptualized by Jimmy Choo President Tamara Mellon, was inspired by a 1940's boudoir and spans nearly 265 square feet, showcasing shoes and bags.

For those of you stateside wanting an exotic locale to shop for your favorite Jimmy Choo selections from the latest Spring's styles, then book your flight now!

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As Spring draws every closer, puddle splashing in these cute "Swellie" Rain Boots by Lilly Pulitzer is something we can't wait to do. With removable Pink Fleece Liners and a Lilly-esque Elephant Pattern, these little gems are as functional as they are fashionable. Listed at $79.00, they are a steal compared to the normal retail price of $140.00.

You can find them over at Downtowngal Shoes

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As we covered last week, Cork, Fishet, and Feathers have made their way into this year's Spring Shoe Collections. As if that wasn't enough, designers have focused on the much neglected heel by adding exotic detailing with museum like amenities. We were a little taken back by this focus as (in seasons past) most of the embellishments and details have usually been found on the top of the shoe.

One theory is that designers felt the rest of the shoe was neglected because this season--the most innovative designs have been found on the heels. Case in point: (pic ref #1)The detailed heel on these Dior Metallic Calfskin Platform Slingbacks is literally a work of art.

An ideal pick for spring is the Prada Floral Heeled Peep Toe (pic ref #2). The charming flower heel is such a wonderful touch and really makes this otherwise simple pump something special.

And last, but not least, we love these Miu Miu Satin T-Strap Jeweled Sandals (pic ref #3). The metallic heel is adorned with stones that have a distinct Art Deco feel.

These new embellished heels probably aren't the best choice for a long stroll in the park, but they are certain to be a prized addition to your collection. They're also proof that a fashionable exit, with the back of your heel flashing as you leave, is just as important as a grand entrance.

(Via Neiman Marcus.)

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Manolo Blahnik revelas he doesn't understand the vogue for clumpy shoe shapes. As purveyor of some of the finest footwear the world has ever seen, Manolo Blahnik reveals he is less than impressed with the recent vogue for clumpy shoe shapes and chunky heels. 'They don't even look like shoes,' the designer says. 'It's like talking in Chinese. I don't understand them at all. The past few years have been aesthetic hell for me. Even Daphne Guinness has made herself look ridiculous in monstrous shoes. It's because designers have forgotten about the importance of the harmony of extremes.' And the modern media doesn't fare much better, in his opinion. 'I'm totally confused, more...

(Via Vogue.)

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Last week we wrote about Cork showing-up in the latest Spring designers from Louboutin to Manolo Blahnik. It was no coincidence that Today's picks were in our favorite color **and** accented with a lovely cork heel. You can find these Prada Platform Wedge Sandals at Downtowngal Shoes for $169.99 (Retail $499).

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The luxury designer labels, hit by the credit crisis, want us to keep spending, and while we seem to have reached saturation point with the number of bags on offer, footwear was, until last year, relatively untapped.

Not any more. We are now bombarded with images from the catwalk of multi-coloured platforms and wedges in weird and wonderful shapes, fashioned out of ever more exotic skins. Barely a week has gone by when there hasn't been a new shoe trend the gladiator, the caged platform, the shoe boot to swoon over in the pages of Grazia magazine.

WOMEN have begun to learn, for the first time, the names of shoe 'couturiers', such as British designer Nicholas Kirkwood, French maestro Christian Louboutin and American favourite of the stars, Brian Atwood. According to Holli Rogers, head of retail at Net-a- Porter, which sells labels only at the top end of the market: 'We have seen an incredible increase in sales of footwear. Women are spending more to attain better design and craftsmanship Bottega Veneta is a great arbiter of this.

(Via Daily Me.)

Looking for a nice elegant sandal for a night on the town? We spotted these Michael Kors Watch Chain Sandals recently unveiled as part of his Spring Collection. We love the unique watch detailing that is sure to spice-up any dress or skirt.

(Via Nieman Marcus Insite.)

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Ok, since I live with two dogs, I really don't have anyone to impress this Valentines Day, but **if** I did---you would find me wearing these. With fluffy feathers on the toe, these red suede heels from Kate Spade are perfect for my imaginary Valentines Evening!

(Via Downtowngal Shoes.)

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Have you seen the latest spring shoes? There are so many whimsical touches that it's just so fun to shop. Take this Manolo Blahnik Feather-Trim d'Orsay pump, for instance. I can just see myself wearing it with my LBD (little black dress). The turquoise feather adds just the right amount of sass.

I'm also loving the bad-girl edge that the Christian Louboutin Fishnet Platform Pump lends me. It's still oh-so-proper with just a whisper of sexiness.

And then there's the Christian Louboutin Patent Wedge with its cork heel...more

(Via Nieman Marcus Insite.)

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Who can go wrong with a sexy leather pump? especially a Christian Louboutin pump. In the words of Stacy London from What Not to Wear, Christian Louboutin shoes are ‘sex on a stiletto.’ Stacy, you couldn’t have said it any better. More...

(Via All Women's Talk.)

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As a designer, Tod's has always been a favorite. From the old "J.P Tods" days to the modern day Tod's, their quality + functionality within the iconic loafers and flats, will forever draw our attention. For those itching to ditch the grey's, black's and brown's of winter, take a look at these "days of Spring" colors.

You can find the complete collection at Downtowngal Shoes

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In years past, the Prada "Sport" line (identified by the red Prada stripe) has been thrown under the bus for sub-par quality as compared to the "regular" Prada line. Interestingly enough the only difference was the styling and **not** the actual quality...consumers made the presumption that because the "Sport" line was less dressy - it was not as well made. With the new name of "Linea Rossa", Prada is looking to upgrade the perception of the old "Sport" line, by producing more stylistic/formal designs.

These black patent Slingbacks from the new Spring '08 Collection, certainly prove to us that Prada is trying to change the image of the Sport Collection to something a great deal more.

What do you think?

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For those wanting the ultimate in Midwest Couture, check out Josephine on North Wells Street in the heart of Chicago's "Old Town". From fabulous Chloe to Stella McCartney, the little shop is truly a gem for the high-end designer shoe shopper. We were impressed with the wide selection of new styles and the variety of sizes available. Most shoes are priced in-line with other retail shops and similar boutiques..but we loved, loved, loved the "Last Call" section with last year's closeouts at 40-60 percent off!

If you are in Chicago, you must stop by, or check out their online store here.

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We really, really, really want Summer to arrive. I don't care what Punksatony Phil said, I can't wait to throw my socks away until next fall. With that being said, we had summer on our minds when we chose this weeks fave's. Check out these new "fish" flats from Jimmy Choo at FootCandy.com

image courtesy of Foot Candy

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For those of you living in Dallas and near the Neiman Marcus Downtown, stop by tomorrow (Feb 9th) and enjoy the last day of their trunk show. On display are the very latest spring shoes, from sassy red sandals and pink polka-dot slingbacks to cute white pumps and animal-print heels. A little birdie told us that if you're shopping online you'll get a free book featuring some of Mr. Blahnik's favorite sketches with a $650 Blahnik purchase; it's online only, though.

image courtesy of insite.neimanmarcus.com

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Ok, If you have tuned-in the last few weeks we have posted a great deal about Christian Louboutin. Why? (no, not because Oprah recently "endorsed" the designer on her show) Quite simply because his designs are here to stay. They capture the true, simple essence of our modern world without being, well, too Modern... And for those that have a pair--you know they fit like they should fit...even for a day on your feet. Take a look at the write-up from Running With Heels about the designer's recent visit to NYC.

As for these lovely pair of Raspberry Pumps from Downtowngal Shoes, well, we know what we want for Valentines Day!

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Before Sex and the City, few shoppers knew Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks were luxury shoes.

Amy Hale was one of them.

Now, she says Jimmy Choo is as familiar as the popular and reasonably priced Nine West shoe brand.

'I probably would have never picked up a Jimmy Choo before the show,' said Hale, a systems analyst at HP and a die-hard Sex and the City fan.

Like many viewers, Hale watched the show for its outrageous fashions as much as for its story line. So with Lipstick Jungle, the new series by Sex and the City creator and best-selling author Candace Bushnell, Hale is eager to see how much fashion will play a part of the show.

Lipstick Jungle, which debuts tonight on NBC, chronicles the lives of three high-powered New York women. Brooke Shields plays movie executive, wife and mother Wendy Healy; Kim Raver is Nico Reilly, an unhappily married fashion magazine executive; and Lindsay Price is the free-spirited and single fashion designer Victory Ford.

While the clothes on Sex and the City were playful and ripe for parties, Lipstick Jungle's fashions are chic and sophisticated -- suited for working women.

'The fashion is definitely a part of the show,' said Bushnell on a conference call with Shields. 'We tried to keep the clothes real and elegant. They are about cut and shape and are the type of fashions that women who have careers wear.'

Shields concurred. 'It's undeniably a high-fashion show, ...read more

(By: JOY SEWING, Houston Chronicle.)

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Jazz-up any outfit with these Christian Louboutin Platform Wedge Peep Toes. Listed at $429.00 they are the lowest price that we have seen for this style.

Check them out at Downtowngal Shoes

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There are so many fashion blogs, and so little consensus around which are the most influential or the most interesting. A successful blog is more personal than an online shopping center or another style magazine it reflects the character, taste, style and quirks of its creator. What follows is a sampling of sites that offer a pointed take that goes beyond what to buy and where to buy it.

Fashion Is Spinach (fashionisspinach.com) is authored by Ms. Spinach, aka Betsy Lowther, a freelance writer and editor. Her witty, photo-filled site featuring idiosyncratic clothing and design obsessions (a recent post sang the praises of Marshmallow Fluff packaging) was selected by Chanel in 2007 as one of the most influential fashion blogs in the world.

The Sartorialist (thesartorialist.blogspot.com) stalks New York City's well-dressed. Each day he posts photos of people seen on the street who simply incarnate elegance. His real name is Scott Schulman, and he's a onetime showroom owner previously employed by Valentino. His popular site attracts a mix of insiders and know- nothings, and the comments are as fun as the photos are envy- inducing.

Daddy Likey (daddylikey.blogspot.com) was started in 2006 by the irrepressible 'Winona' and doles out sage advice on such dilemmas as which outer layer might be safely paired with a long, sleeveless dress or which warm boots might serve as Ugg alternatives. 'I felt like fashion blogs were going the way of fashion magazines and selling women short,' she wrote in a recent entry. 'So I decided to start my own.'

I Am Fashion (iamfashion.blogspot.com) is the creation of two contributors, 'Barneys Girl,' who pegs herself as a 'Ditzaholic based in Chicago,' and 'Harrods Girl,' a self-described 'fashionholic based in London during school term and in Hong Kong other times.' Their goal: to translate runway and celebrity trends for a more youthful audience."

(Via Dailyme.com.)

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Watch out Sex and the City fans, the upcoming movie has found a place at New York Fashion Week, among the tents at Bryant Park. Title sponsors, Mercedes-Benz, are offering fashion week visitors the chance to immerse themselves in one of the most anticipated films of this year…

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(Via All Women's Talk.)

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With a staff member due later this month, we at Shoeflair are on the lookout for fashion friendly baby gifts. For those that have had children, Diaper Bags are the ultimate in functionality and usefulness. Over the years, diaper bag design has sharpened a bit--more modeling current fashion textile trends...thank god!

A great example is this Kate Spade Nylon Leopard Print Bag with included changing pad and Stroller Strap. Listing at $149.99 (Original Retail Price: $225) via Downtowngal Shoes.

You can check out their entire Diaper Bag selection here

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As women we all love shoes. You may not be a Carrie, from Sex in the City, shoe fanatic but wearing the right shoes can make you feel dainty and feminine or powerful and diva like. The only problem with most shoes today is the comfort level. It seems like shoe fashion designers do not believe that we can be trendy and comfortable at the same time.

Well, we may not be able to change the designers but there is a simple thing that you can do to feel more comfortable - wear the right socks or stockings.

Hue socks have come up with several designs that you can use with even your most upscale foot wear.

I like their peek a boo liner which allows you to have a sheer layer of protection on your feet even if you are wearing open toe shoes. And the hue tip toe is great if you are wearing a shoe that is closed in front but open in the back.

Yes we all want to look good but you also have to protect your feet. I mean what is the point in wearing sexy shoes on a date if you are afraid to take them off because your feet are bearing the marks of fashion? Sorry but bunions are not beautiful.

This is a quick, inexpensive way of being able to wear the shoes that you love without having to take two tylenol and a foot bath as soon as you get home.

(Via stillagirl.com.)

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With so many trends on the horizon for spring, it’s lucky for you that you can either jump on the gladiator sandal bandwagon or forgo it altogether. You’ve certainly got options. We’ve heard mixed emotions from you fashionistas out there, and it’s a love, hate relationship. I for one happen to like the new twist on an old Roman look, but have seen a fair share of styles not worthy of a second glance. The first time these strappy creations came into existence was ages ago. Today they’ve evolved into silhouettes such as flats, heels of varying heights, and wedges in all shapes and sizes. Designs are as intricate as they are simple, and plentiful too. Some are bejeweled and metallic, while others are patent or plain. To read the full story on Running With Heals, click here.

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Ok, we are suckers for anything retro...it's like taking the best of the old and adding a bit of "the new" to make something completely irresistible. Consequently, when we found these Emilio Pucci Retro Print Heels, we instantly fell in love. Perfect in a pair of jeans or a skirt, they are infinitely functional for any occasion.

Check them out at Downtowngal Shoes

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Over the years, iVillage has changed a bit forcing us to drift in-and-out, but they just released a new site that is of interest to all shoe junkies alike. Check out Steals & Deals for expert shopping tips and irresistible insider bargains brought to you by the iVillage Beauty & Style team.

Tune-in daily for buzz-worthy buys that offer the best bang for your buck.

Happy shopping!

(Via FashionJunkie.com.)

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Ever wondered who's going to be the next Christian Louboutin or Manolo Blahnik? Who's shoes will we covet in a few year's time? Well, Footwear News and Nine West are about to find out, with the first ever “Shoe Star” contest whereby students will compete in a series of challenges that will culminate in the naming of the next rising star in shoe design. The winner will receive a coveted spot on the Nine West Design Team, which includes a one year full-time job at the company as an assistant designer, as well as a feature story in the footwear industry’s leading publication, FN.

The first of six challenges will be the Sketch Challenge on February 6th. Each contestant will submit sketches of one evening shoe, one sandal OR flat, one fantasy/wild card shoe, one sneaker, one boot and an essay describing the inspiration for the design. The Guest Celebrity Judge for this challenge will be famed footwear designer Giuseppe Zanotti. To find out more about the contestants, visit Footwear News for more information.

(Via All Women's Talk.)

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Yellow is really popular right now. But if you can’t bring yourself to wear a bold yellow dress, maybe you should add a splash of color to your wardrobe with a pair of yellow shoes instead. The Chloe Round Toe Moccasin Pump is a fabulous looking yellow shoe that isn’t too bright. These shoes offer simple style with some interesting touches, including the strip accross the vamp and other stitching around the edges of the shoe.

(Via [Technorati] Tag results for shoe-fashion.)

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While perusing the new Spring footwear collections, one in particular has really caught our attention for its innovative designs that are both beautiful and wearable, and a truly awesome color palette. It belongs to Chloé, a label We have liked over the years, especially for their purses, but one that I also don’t ever remember as blowing me away. This season’s collection has managed to do so and we have literally been studying the shoes for the past few days. It brings a chic mix of shoes from sophisticated platform sandals that any woman who embraces sky-high heels could wear confidently, to contemporary sandals featuring extra-wide bands in hot pinks and turquoise blues with a hint of the avant-garde.

One of the things Chloé has achieved in this new assortment of shoes is the embodiment of a number of trends for Spring in just a few styles. The contemporary, architectural shapes of the criss-cross sandals boast patent leathers in bright, tropical colors. Sculpted wooden heels on platform wedge sandals lend an organic and slightly tribal feel while a strip of Lucite down the back is both unusual and ultramodern. Wedges with deep V cutouts create the season’s favorite heel shapes.

Admittedly Chloé price tags are high…ok really high, so if you’re on a budget--you’ll have to admire them from afar! Still, it’s worth taking some cues from the collection for when you start your Spring shoe shopping. If you can find a style that has so expertly and effortlessly blended the topmost trends, snap it up immediately.

(Via Running With Heels™.)

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Usually our "Deal of The Week" features a wonderful pair of shoes, however this weeks deal was too hard to pass-up. Downtowngal Shoes is offering these New Tod's Pony Hair Cuff Bracelet's for $99.99! Compared to the original price of $295.00, we think they more than qualify as a deal. Get 'em while they last: via Downtowngal Shoes.

(Via Shoeflyer | Shoes, Trends & Reviews.)