I saw the white satin version of Christian Louboutin’s ‘Cosmolip’ first, and thought, “Pretty, but obviously waaaay too bridal to be of much use to the likes of me.” Then I saw the lip-print version (which presumably gave them their name), and my thoughts were more along the lines of “Now THAT’S more like it: Mediterranean holiday, silk dress, bit of a tan… OK, maybe not that last bit, because skin as pale as mine was not designed to tan, but still: perfect summer holiday shoe!”
That basically sums these up for me, and if you’re not convinced, or you just think the print’s a little too busy (I did too at first), just go and look at that bow again, and I defy you not to love them!
Speaking of Louboutins I love, here’s our old friend Hot Chick, this time in a bright pink patent:
I’d buy these in black rather than pink (assuming I was going to buy them at all, that is): I absolutely love the shape, but I think this particular colour is straying just a little too close to ‘Barbie’ territory for me. It’s still an beautiful shoe, though, and one of my very favourite Christian Louboutin designs. I saw someone trying these on in one of the Louboutin boutiques in Las Vegas last September, and they were even more amazing in real life than they look in photos, which is really saying something, considering how show-stopping they are in every picture I’ve seen of them. If you love the colour but are worried about the heel height, however, you can also buy the classic ‘So Kate’ in the same hot pink colour: no, they’re not exactly low either, but they’ll definitely be easier to walk in than Hot Chick, and you never know – they might just surprise you.
Shoes designed to look like bunnies: this is exactly the kind of thing I was talking about a few weeks ago, when I said I used to associate Office with the kind of quirky, unusual shoes you can’t really imagine finding in many other places on the high street. Can you imagine finding bunny heels at Boden, for instance? Or Dorothy Perkins? Probably not: and I mean absolutely no offence to those brands when I say that, because I love them both, but these shoes did put a smile on my face when I first spotted them. Well, how can you NOT smile at those little ears?
The nice thing about these shoes, however, is the fact that, although they fall firmly into the “novelty” category, they’re not so OTT that they’d make you feel like you were in fancy dress. I’m not usually a big fan of novelty shoes (I absolutely hate most of Irregular Choice’s designs for instance: and again, no offence to either the brand or the people who love it – it’s just not my kind of style), but these won’t actually LOOK like bunny shoes until you turn around – and even then, passers-by would have to be paying much closer attention than people generally pay to footwear – so they’ll be almost like your own personal little joke.
The colour of these shoes is also very versatile, although if you’d rather they stood out more, they also come in black – and at a price of just £55, if you can’t make your mind up, it’s not too much of a stretch to imagine buying them both. Or not for me, anyway, although I’m probably not the best example here, as I do have a bit of a habit of buying the shoes I love in more than one colour: or sometimes even buying more than one pair of the SAME colour. Yeah, on second thoughts, don’t be like me, folks: I’m sure you’ll be able to choose your favourite!
Someone via Twitter suggested that I write this post and I just loved the idea! There are so many beautiful shoes out there that I love and that I may have bought if I didn’t have the option to design my own. Here are some of my favorites…I may be biased (my company designs and manufactures Badgley Mischka shoes) but in my opinion, Badgley Mischka has some of the most beautiful bridal and special occasion shoes. If you look up “Wedding shoes” some of the most popoular ones come from Badgley Mischka. These first two shoes are great examples of beautiful bridal shoes. The rhinestone one is perfectly detailed- not too much glitz, but just enough. The second is more delicate and understated, but still makes a statement. Its a classic.
These two shoes are stunning! The Valentinos are basically my dream shoe, but they are no longer in production and I haven’t been able to find them anywhere. In my opinion they should just keep making them season after season since it doesn’t really get much better than that. ;)
The second bow shoe is by Giuseppe Zanotti and is a little less traditional- but that’s what I love about it! It’s flirty and sparkly and oh-so-pretty. Also no longer available, but lovely none the less.I love the simplicity of the Jimmy Choo. It’s similar to the Badgley shoe I love, but a little more understated. The Miu Miu crystal heel is so dreamy! And paired with a glittery upper… its girly perfection!
I bought these Loubs a while ago, knowing that they weren’t right for my wedding day (I want to wear an open toe style) but that I’d make them work for my bridal shower. They’re SO beautiful I can hardly handle it. I’ve been dying to wear them ever since I brought them home with me!
And then I remembered these shoes… These super limited, super sparkly, semi-famous shoes.
I designed these shoes with Adrienne Maloof as a special limited edition gift for magazine editors and some of her celebrity friends. Of course I grabbed myself a pair, but unfortunately they ran a bit large and they are too big for me. Unfortunate for me- lucky for you! If you’re a size 9 or 9 1/2 bride looking for her dream shoes that is.
They’re doing no good sitting here in my closet, shining and glimmering and begging to be worn, so I’d like to do a giveaway!! Just leave a comment with your name, wedding date, and why you want to win and I’ll pick a winner on Friday, March 20th! Please let your bride friends know too- I’d love these to go to a happy home :)
For an extra chance to win, check my latest Instagram post! #theshoegirlgiveaway
We spotted stripes everywhere at the Resort collections, and it doesn’t look like they are going anywhere any time soon. The fun is no longer just for the girls, with this huge trend also popping up in the menswear collections.
Appearing in a variety of guises from French riviera blue and red stripes at Topman and Marc Jacobs, to the more kooky neon styles at Opening Ceremony and Moschino, stripes have proven they are suitable for almost every occasion.
Play by day in multi-coloured and clashing striped hooded tracksuits and bomber jackets then dress up for night with a striped gradient jacket as seen at Jonathan Saunders.
There is no limit to the number of stripes either, with some designers opting for one individual piece paired with basics, while others went all out and layered strips on stripes, particularly with the shirt and scarf combination. Contrary to the fashion rules that were drilled into us as children, the trick here is to clash with thick and thin stripes and contrasting colours.
Khaki, mustards, lemon, acid green and classic powder reds and blues ruled the runways, adding a masculine and earthy spin on the season’s stripes. From cool to chic casual, the menswear collections have given us plenty of reasons to stripe up this season.
Mr Runway took over the MSFW Hub, with excellent style both on and off the catwalk. The styles ranged from casual to super smart, proving that fine fit and tailoring have a place no matter what the occasion.
1. Colour Contrast Trend
Colour was a big hit of the collections, with the suits in scarlet red, midnight blue, marble grey, mustard and khaki. The important message here was contrast, with the most striking look coming from Aquila’s pairing of navy and red, which made the ensemble interesting and bold.
Aquila, Aquila, MJ Bale
2. Single Colour Trend
Perhaps taking even more risk than colour contrast is wearing one colour from head to toe. While it may have been drummed into us as a big fashion no-no, when done correctly it can be even more striking than a brightly coloured look. So don’t be afraid to wear a single-colour look – just choose pieces in different tones (like lighter coloured pants and a darker jacket) and mix print with plain
Jack London, Autonomy, Ben Sherman
3. Statement Digital Prints Trend
Another dominant trend from the runway was the statement digital prints. We’ve seen it a lot in the women’s collections, but it was a welcome addition for the men. Instead of spending hours working out which tie goes with which shirt, add quirk to your style with a clashing shirt and tie. Follow a similar rule to colour here, by choosing contrasting colours for an eye-catching effect or matching tonally. MJ Bale did it very well here, creating a look that was stylish and fresh.
Article, MJ bake, Article
4. Floral Trend
Florals for men? It may be a little more groundbreaking than Meryl let on. Floral prints were everywhere on the Mr Runway, particularly at Autonomy with a graphic flowery print shirt the perfect addition to a block colour suit. If you’re not feeling quite so brave, try the barely visible dark black and inky blue floral print of Aquila, to ease you in slowly.
Dangerfield, Autonomy, Godwin Charli
The Mr Runway also demonstrated the sartorial power of thoughtful details. Brogues with no socks add a summery touch, pocket squares are non-negotiable and a fun way to express personality while matching your shirt to your backpack is also encouraged. And just for fun – Hawaiian shirts are certainly making their way back from Dad territory, with Autonomy and Dangerfield proving the outlandish prints can be done with taste and style.
Velvet is hardly a new trend, but this season, designers gave the rich fabric a nice little update (mostly via color) on the New York runways. At Monse, Oscar de la Renta alums Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia sent down a beautifully draped, pink velvet dress, while M. Martin designers Jennifer Noyes and Alex Gilbert gave their velvet a metallic sheen via an olive green jumpsuit. But for those who prefer classic black, Adam Selman, Derek Lam and LaQuan Smith sent down appealing versions of the black velvet dress for fall 2016.
A look from the Rodarte fall 2016 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
Without a doubt, the most popular topic of discussion among both designers and attendees at New York Fashion Week is the "see now, buy now" conundrum: Should the collections be geared primarily toward consumers and instantly shoppable once they debut on the runway? This has predictably led to many shows that are heavy on salability and lacking in memorability. Thankfully, we can always count on Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte to provide some magic, and their darkly romantic fall show transported us into a fairyland for a few much-needed moments on Tuesday afternoon.
The runway, littered with pink, red and white neon lights, doubled as a gravel garden, with flowers in complementing shades scattered about. As the models emerged, many wore fresh blooms in their hair (and in some cases, as delicate earrings, upper-arm bracelets or necklaces) further feeding into the woodland nymph vibe. Though elements of the collection felt heavy — lots of patchworked, ruffled leather, multicolored goat fur coats, belt-like chokers and elbow-length gloves — the eveningwear peppered throughout was positively dreamy.
A number of lace dresses were hand-beaded with intricate floral and geometric patterns that sparkled under the lights, while others were adorned with Rodarte's signature ruffles or rose petal appliqués. A pair of them, one black and one white, were styled with veils, and the models wearing them stood still on display while the rest of the collection walked. The color palette consisted of mostly neutral tones with some dusty pink and burgundy mixed in, and each girl sported a dark berry lip, lending even the most ethereal looks a bit of witchy toughness.
The finale gowns that closed the show were, in my opinion, the loveliest of the bunch, and I'm hoping that they'll make a red carpet appearance before awards season closes — perhaps on Kirsten Dunst or Jennifer Jason Leigh, who were both seated in the front row.
A look from A.P.C.'s fall 2016 collection. Photo: A.P.C.
For the first time ever, French brand A.P.C. eschewed Paris Fashion Week for a presentation in New York. As a bit of an A.P.C. obsessive who had fantasized about experiencing one of these presentations, during which models come onto a stage in groups while the ever-quotable Jean Touitou talks attendees through the collection, it was an exciting moment.
The decision to show in New York made sense from a commercial perspective. A.P.C. has had a retail presence in the city since opening up on Mercer Street in 1993, and it's opened a number of stores both here and in Los Angeles since. The show also coincided with the launch of a collaboration with New York-based activewear brand Outdoor Voices, in which A.P.C. is also an investor.
The result was just what we expected back when the partnership was announced: activewear for people who don't really like activewear. It looks like stuff you could actually work out in (though the jumpsuits are something I'd have to try on to determine this), and the pieces are a chill, not-annoying alternative to the ubiquitous athleisure trend. A.P.C. founder Jean Touitou insisted on styling the activewear looks with elements of regular daywear, like a khaki trench and leather boots or oxfords. It worked.
10 Images
As for the A.P.C. fall collection, it was unsurprisingly all about wardrobe pillars like merino sweaters, trench coats, versatile jumpsuits, substantial midi-length skirts and cropped jeans to pair with '70s-inspired boots or socks with sandals. Aside from the lack of diversity in his casting, I had no complaints.
After hearing his thoughts on white socks ("sexy"), revolutionary fashion (this is not that) and why he insisted on styling the Outdoor Voices pieces with leather shoes ("I'm a bit sick of the look of yoga pants and sneakers. I think it's, like, too much."), I got a few minutes face-to-face with Touitou to discuss why Outdoor Voices was a good fit for a collab, the key difference between American and French style, and how few fucks he gives about the fashion calendar — particularly the "see now, buy now" concept.
So what brings you to New York? You mentioned during the presentation it had to do with the Outdoor Voices collaboration.
It's more convenient for holidays.
Oh, it is?
When you show in Paris you can't take the holidays with the kids...but that's almost a joke.
Only almost?
Only almost, but it's partly the truth. No, I did it because it's new energy, working with Outdoor Voices, and I think it's good to show in New York.
What was it like working with activewear?
I always have this in me. In the beginning, there was a lot of sleepwear in A.P.C., which I stopped, and then I discovered these guys. Since they were teenagers they were A.P.C. fans, and I go in their studio and I see all the colors I work with [at A.P.C.] so it was very natural. And if you want to do something sporty, you better work with the people who have the expertise to do so. There's nothing worse than couture people trying to do a jean, for example. Jeans should be done by people who know how to do jeans; sports items should be done by people who know about it.
What do you think separates New York style from Paris style?
I think the main point is New York women, they have a checklist and it's too perfect, whereas I love when the French, they have something uneven. Here, it's like, 'Nails? Check. Best shoes? Check. The bag that nobody has yet? Check.' It's not natural.
In New York, a lot of the industry is preoccupied with whether the fashion calendar makes sense, and some designers are switching their shows to present, say, spring in February. What do...
Whatever they're doing I don't care. It doesn't matter really. I mean, what's the big idea with this thing? They have no idea what to talk about.
[See now buy now] is a trick for press. The big houses, they are totally disorganized, they don't know how to take risk, they are too big. It will happen one season, two seasons, they will have a lot of leftover stock and then they will switch to another idea. I swear. Believe me.
Browse the A.P.C. fall collection below and the Outdoor Voices collab above.
To commemorate 100 years since the birth of Thomas J. Bata, a very special shoe called “The One” has been created in a limited quantity.
At the age of four, Thomas J. Bata received at Christmas from his father Tomáš , a miniature shoemaker’s bench with a set of cobbler’s tools: a small gift with a great significance that would soon pave the way and inspire this extraordinary “shoemaker to the world“.
The One is a tribute to this very man, honoring his values and wish of bringing affordable quality into people’s lives. Developed in Italy, this limited edition shoe is a rendition of Mr. Bata’s favorite style – the classic black brogue. Both elegant and subtle, The One represents perfectly Mr. Bata’s character, as a talented entrepreneur but also a man of the people.
Made with the finest quality leather, each piece is individually numbered, from 1 to 1200. This brogue has been specially designed with a Derby broke wing tip with a slightly wider fitting and elevated toe. The upper is made of premium calf leather brushed off by hand, first with “carnauba” wax to close the leather grain and make it water resistant and then brushed off with shining cream.
Bata Shoes CEO Mr. Jack Clemons presents a pair of The One to Nairobi County’s County Executive in charge of Trade, Industrialization, Co-operative Development & Tourism Ms. Anna Othoro during the opening of Bata MBK
A highlight is undoubtedly Thomas J. Bata’s signature engraved into the Goodyear welted sole. The welt process, or double stitch by hand, is one of the most complicated and, at the same time, one of the most fascinating methods of shoe construction. The upper and the raised insole lip are sewn to the welt, which, in turn, is stitched to the sole. The advantages of Goodyear welt shoes are many: long lasting product life, comfortable fit, flexibility, water-repellent, easy to maintain and repair.
Another special feature is also the heel. Built in multi leather layers and fixed with nails, the rear quarter has inserted rubber to reduce walking noise. Moreover, with each pair of shoes, a personalized T.J.B. box and the following accessories have been developed:
• Cedar wood last (to maintain shoe shape and absorb humidity), brass top with T.J.B. signature
• Personalized black shoe polish natural wax
• Personalized cleaning brush (short hair)
• Personalized polishing brush (long hair)
• Metal shoe horn with leather string and T.J.B. signature
• Spare pair of cotton wax laces
• Presentation booklet in the box pocket
“The One” is not available for retail sale as it has been produced to be given as a company gift to directors and other notables. In line with Bata’s vision, this project truly honors tradition and heritage with the understanding of the importance of maintaining quality even in today’s fast changing world.
- See more at: http://blog.batakenya.com/page/2/#sthash.lzQEErxl.dpuf
It is raining in Limuru! Raining hard in the last two weeks. Bet it is also raining where you are. The streets, the grass, the pavements are wet, and our shoes are undergoing a war of sorts-keeping your feet comfortable and warm, while withstanding the elements being thrown at them.
But, are you returning the favour? Are we taking care of our shoes as they do, our feet? Or, at the end of the season, will we see leather shoes like this:
Leather footwear can manage tens of thousands of flexes. A persistently wet and dried shoe will only last a fraction of these uses.
Leather is nothing but animal skin which is made up of fat and proteins can only retain a set amount of moisture after being cured and tanned. The fibers that criss-cross each other in the hide, give leather its unique strength, but are also very susceptible to drying out and cracking if not treated with care.
Water can and will destroy the suppleness of your shoe’s leather. Water warps the shape of the shoe in an undesirable way. And water cracks your shoes.
Here are some tips on keeping your leather in tip-top condition in this weather:
Never wear your new shoes in the rain until they have been worn about 3 or 4 times. They need to be broken in slowly, rather than taken straight into the war front
If your shoes do get wet, put newspaper. Let them dry at room temperature for at least 48 hours before you wear them again. Wick off the water right away or use a dry rag or towel if available to wipe off the water. Pull the moisture from the inside of the shoe. This can be done with newspaper or a small dry towel. The key is to draw the moisture out, so every hour or so replace the moist paper with dry paper. Depending on the extent of the soaking, this could take from two hours to two days.Wet sole leather will wear out twice as quickly as dry sole leather.
If you are walking through wet surfaces, it is really important you treat your leather with care immediately you reach your destination. A simple, brisk wipe off will suffice.
If you live in salty areas like Mombasa, have you noticed your leather shoes get a whitish stain? That’s salt, and it is hard to remove. Wiping your shoes off immediately you get inside will prevent this.
Despite what you might think, leaving your shoes next to a heat source only makes the problem worse. Let them dry slowly at room temperature. If you heat them you will cause the moisture to leave too quickly and greatly increase the chance of the leather cracking. Cracked leather cannot be repaired.
Wipe down your leather shoes after walking through the slush!
Polish your shoes regularly. Polish them with plenty of polish and allow them to sit with the polish on as long as possible. Ideally let the polish stay on overnight. Make sure you get plenty of polish into the welt and the crack between the upper and the sole.
Conditioning and polishing the leather will help keep your shoes in tip-top shape and ready for whatever you throw at it. Think of it like moisturizing your skin after showering. If you don’t moisturize, you dry out, skin gets rough and cracked, etc. Your leather shoes work the same way.
Rainy Weather bonus
Wear good shoes – Be sure your shoes/boots are not only suitable for what you are doing, but also for the conditions you will or could encounter. Choose styles which are warm, breathable, and are waterproof.
Layer appropriately – Don’t assume that wearing extra socks will keep your feet warmer. Layering socks can be too much of a good thing, especially if you tend to have sweaty feet. Over layering your socks can cause your feet to overheat and sweat, which means you now have a wet sock, which can actually end up making your feet colder..and smellier.
- See more at: http://blog.batakenya.com/page/2/#sthash.lzQEErxl.dpuf
