FINAL TOUCH: COGNAC APPRECIATION

When it comes to fashion, the world’s most refined spirit is equally as posh.

Ah, cognac – the drink and the colour both seem to be imbued with a sense of refinement and quality.  You don’t just wear (or drink) cognac; you take the time to appreciate it. And these days we’ve been seeing so much cognac on the runways that we can’t not have an opinion on it (our opinion: YES OF COURSE). We’re loving it paired with black, white, and grey: it’s a combo that sprinkles a little bit of magic fashion fairy dust over everything it touches, making it just that much better. Seriously – we love the way this colour combo can elevate a very straightforward look. A midi-length striped dress paired with a cognac colored coat (both of which hit at a modern, mid-calf point in the leg) feels smart without being too done up. Add a black fringe bag, which has a taste of that 1970’s atmosphere we’ve been vibing on for a while now, and you straight up start looking like you’re a fashion mover and shaker. But when you bust out your cognac ankle boots with the black triangular panel and the mirrored heels? You’re like an editor caught in a street style snap sesh. Oh this? You says, casually, as the photographer’s assistant asks you where you got each piece of clothing in your outfit and then records it in his notepad for publication later. Nice chatting, you say, but I really must run to the show 

FINAL TOUCH: BLAMMO, BLUCHERS

Broken-in jeans have a new best friend.

An effortless wardrobe that requires little to no forethought. That’s the dream, isn’t it? Grab and go. Alas, not always practical. When you have a serious work thing, a wedding, a hot date, let’s be real––you’re going to be spending a little extra time getting ready, and getting that look just right. But for normal, quote unquote, life, who wants to agonize, or give excessive consideration, to what clothes they’re going to wear?

That’s why we have broken-in jeans, and jean jackets. A few comfortable, favorite tees. A sweater, or hoodie to throw on at a moment’s notice. These wardrobe workhorses look good, make us feel good, and just get it done. We’re willing to bet you’ve got one pair of jeans that you wear a lot more than any other. So, with that, allow us to suggest an appropriate boot.

It’s a rugged little riff on a Derby, or a Blucher, as some prefer to call it. In dark brown, this leather number doesn’t look too shabby with those jeans you can’t bear to part with. It’s wool-lined, for warmth and comfort, and the rubber sole and cemented bottom means they can stomp around with the best of ‘em. There’s no quit in these boots. Just like those jeans you always reach for.

FINAL TOUCH: ON POINT

Can we just take a minute to talk pants lengths? Most of us can agree that until kind of recently we were wearing our pant hems pretty long. And then a few seasons ago we collectively started to see things differently. Palazzo pants, cropped pants, ankle length hems: it’s part of a straight up fashion movement and as shoe lovers – ok, obsessives – we’re all over it! Coverage where you need it and skin where you don’t, plus an excuse to show off our amazing footwear? Don’t mind if we do.

There’s just one tiny thing about a shortened pant leg: it can potentially give the impression of a shorter leg. Of course, there’s an incredibly easy solve for this. First, a monochromatic look can help to balance that out. And second? Why, a heel of course! We love the idea of having a slightly surprising color at the foot – something that still works within your spectrum, but that brings with it a rich, sophisticated feel. For instance, doing an all-over orange look? Try something in camel. Wearing cognac hues? Do a Bordeaux in suede. Paired with a series of neutral tones, a Bordeaux is a warm welcome, like a glass of red wine by a crackling fire in the South of France. Except that while you’re watching the fire, everyone else will be watching you.

FINAL TOUCH: ICE BREAKER

Stylish combat boots are a cold weather must-have.

Everyday style. We see these words a lot, but what, when put together, do they signify? What is everyday style? Sure, it’s how you choose to dress on a so-called average day, of course, whatever that is, when no special events, or galas are on the old planner. (If black-tie is commonplace for you, forgive us in advance.) But everyday style is also a state of mind. A vibe you give off, a mood. Your best baseline fashion statement, in other words.

Naturally, this changes from season to season. And now that winter’s around the corner, we’ve got boots on the brain as a go-to exemplar of everyday style. Miltary-style combat boots, to be specific. Here’s a footwear prototype that gets the job done–wool-lined, keeps you warm, covers the ankles, repels the elements–and looks astonishingly cool with jeans, sweaters, leather jackets, flannel shirts, and other paragons of Americana-inspired casual wear.

Leather combat boots can pull double duty when your everyday look veers to the dressier side of the wardrobe, too. Bonus! Chunky vests, heavy fall jackets, winter puffers–you can stomp around in a variety of styles here. Layer up, these boots just love that, and storm the day. You’re well-equipped for it now.

The Designer Wedding Shoes I DIDN’T Choose… And A Giveaway!

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

Good luck!!!

Stepping Into Spring

Spring has officially sprung! Don’t believe me, ask my allergies. I’m sneezing up a storm over here! But with the small negatives come tons of positives- warm weather, longer days, shorter skirts… and fun floral shoes!! Between sneezes I rounded up some of my all time favorite shoes that remind me of my favorite time of year. Hope you like them!

These Sophia Webster shoes are the newest of my perfectly Spring-y shoes. The butterfly detailing on the back is so amazingly dreamy. I also love the oil slick patient leather on the toe piece. Perfect perfect perfect! I love the floral print on these Givenchy sandals. Feminine and edgy in perfect harmony. The gold shark tooth closure is a real bas-ass touch.Ah Vivienne Westwood! Always timeless and flawless. I’m obsessed with these lace up floral booties! Great for a night out in Spring time.I miss my Cece L’amour line and being to design cute fun shoes like these floral wedges. Of course I’m biased but I absolutely adore these, even years later. These Etro sandals are pretty awsome. I found them in Florence a few years ago and just loved all the detail going on. The bold striped heel is a perfect contrast to the delicate floral printed upper. And who doesn’t love a good pom pom??Again, I’m biased- but these Betsey Johnson shoes I designed in my last collection for her are one of my all time faves. I love the classic Betsey floral print and the sky high heel. Sexy in the girliest of ways!

My Custom Made Wedding Shoes!

My beautiful and gifted friend, Lucia Roman offered to design me some wedding shoes and I’m not an idiot so of course I said yes! Lucia is our L.A.M.B. designer and is responsible for the designs of some of my favorite shoes in our companies history! She’s crazy talented so I knew I was in good hands…She sketched up several options and we picked the four that we liked best. Those four were made into prototypes and then the winner was made for me to wear on my wedding day! This beautiful pearl encrusted bootie was perfect in every way.Thank you so much Lucia!!! I love them and am happy that they will forever be a part of the memory of the best day of my life!!!