If the Shoe Fits, Buy It

Who says that women have to corner the market when it comes to shoes? True, it is typically the women who have closets and rooms dedicated to shoes. However, it is not that uncommon for a man to have his fair share of footwear. Men shouldn’t let a guy who has one pair of shoes that he thinks goes with everything dictate what men’s shoes should look like. Contrary to popular belief, that pair of Converse you’ve been wearing for way too long is not stylish, or any other redeeming adjective you can think of; in fact, it’s the opposite. It gives off the perception that you don’t care what you look like.

But there's no need to worry, because there are various alternatives. If you’re dead set on shoes like Converse, try to diversify. A pair of classic Chuck Taylors go well with casual jeans and T-shirt, but that look can get reductive. Try a pair of Tom's cordones. They have a similar look, but there’s a bit of a difference. Plus, buying Tom's supports a good cause, and who doesn’t want to feel warm and fuzzy when they are buying shoes?

So, the moral of this story is: Buy more shoes. Tons of them. We promise that you won’t hate yourself for it. Just step out of that comfort zone and try something new. Start small with Tom's, and then if you’re feeling especially daring, move up to wingtips. Heck, even Nike sells unconventional shoes you can try. If you branch out, then you will not regret it. You, too, can have a room dedicated to shoes.


Text Jarrod Wadsworth
Image Toms

Agyness Deyn Teams Up With Dr. Martens Footwear

After starring in two of the British brand’s campaigns, model Agyness Deyn will collaborate with Dr. Martens for a 2012 limited edition collection. Deyn, who's known for her androgynous appeal, bought her first pair of Docs in her early teen years. This is not Deyn’s first collaboration, as she has also designed a line of shirts for Uniqlo. 


“This brand is a great fit for me, as it stands for strong character and being able to shape your own personal identity,” she told WWD. 


Dr. Martens have maintained their appeal since they became a staple of nineties fashion. We’re excited to see what kinds of designs Agyness Deyn will launch with the brand. The line is supposed to launch in time for fall 2012, and it will be available worldwide.


Text Emily Thomas
Sources and Images WWD, Huffington Post

New International Shoe Site

Calling all shoe lovers: Wouldn't it be great to get access to international brands from all around the world on one site? Well, dreams do come true! A brand new website called Shoescribe.com has just launched. 

The site has many cool, unique features. My personal favorite is "Ask Suzie," who is the resident shoe guru. This feature allows you to ask her anything, and then she will help solve your shoe-related problems. Another great aspect of the site is that the shoes range from sneakers to pumps, so there is something for everyone. There is an option to become a VIP member, as well, but it means that you will pay an annual fee to use this site. Benefits of becoming a member include tips on how to keep shoes in top condition, a gift on your birthday, and unlimited free shipping. 

In the future, there will be plenty of celebrity guest editors and access to video content. For the span of the site's launch, Oscar-nominated designer Arianne Phillips will be the guest editor. Make sure to check out Shoescribe for the latest in spring 2012 footwear! 

Text Caitlin Beck

Image herworldplus.com

Keds Shoes Start March With Strong Buzz

Keds and Pro-Keds have both been busy over the past week, releasing a few things that their fans and consumers can look forward to.

Last month, Keds announced a limited spring 2012 capsule collection of its Champion shoe, produced in collaboration with Madewell. Featuring multicolored stripes and polka dots, the design of the shoes were inspired by art-deco elements from the Madewell spring 2012 collection.

Also, in late February, Pro-Keds released its spring lookbook in a more visual form. The video is extremely simple, as it follows two friends who take a trip through New York City. Set to a slow-paced hip hop beat with almost no dialogue, the video effectively showcases the spring launch.

Finally, in the spirit of saving the best for last, Keds has released its fall 2012 lookbook on the heels of its collaboration with Opening Ceremony last season. Varsity cardigans and crewnecks, lightweight trenches, cropped print pants, and sixties-inspired dresses make up the collection.

With such a powerful showing in February, Keds  is off to a steady start as we enter the first full week of March. Feel free to check out the Pro-Keds video lookbook after the jump.

Tri-Tone Heels

Let's step fashionably into the new spring season with a pair of tri-tone shoes that will surely become your new wardrobe essential! Whether they are available in bold, bright colors or a mixture of sophisticated neutrals, this trending footwear is bound to make heads turn. These heels bring a certain kind of twist to the well-known trend called color blocking that we all know and love. So, take this new fashion accessory out for a walk and rock the multi-colored footwear we are all obsessing over for the spring 2012 season. 

For those of you who don't mind breaking the bank, try the Samos Patent-Detailed Leather Sandals by Jimmy Choo that cost $875. These tri-tone sandals offer a sophisticated yet fun touch to any outfit with their contrasting textures and slight hint of retro glamour. Giuseppe Zanotti also offers a pair of fabulous Color Block Patent-Leather Sandals that costs $695. These stacked heels feature hyper-bright hues and luxurious patent leather material that are sure to make the finishing touch on a more monochrome ensemble. 

But don't worry, my money-savvy fashionistas. There's a plethora of less-expensive alternatives to choose from. Try on a pair of Brendle Sandals by Aldo that cost only $60 and feature fun, multi-color leather flat sandals with a cute ankle strap. Zara also offers a pair of sexy Wide Strap Sandals that costs a reasonable $100. These strappy heels are bound to add a bit of sex appeal to any outfit in need of a little vamping.

So, step out of your comfort zone this spring season and experiment with a pair of bold, sexy, and undeniably playful tri-tone heels!

Text Jasmine Song

Source and Image Who What Wear

Colorful, Bow-Tied Sling Backs

Take a peek at these ballerina bow-tied sling backs from Carven. They have to be the most romantic, stylish, and comfortable shoes that have been spotted all season. They have a very girlish yet earthy appeal. Are you smitten yet? If not, take a double look and check out the kitten heel which is about one half of an inch high. We are busy and always on the go, but we want to be stylish and comfortable, as well. These sling backs are perfect for both, and they also come in other colors, like neon yellow and electric blue.

What to wear with them? We thought you would never ask! Try skinny-legged denim in a light wash with a blazer over a simple white tee, or a knee-length dress with ruffles. However the garments are mixed and matched, make sure the shoes are easily visible. As the saying goes, “One's not fully dressed without accessories.”

Text Kalyn Huff
Image Style.com

The Flat Out Truth

It’s no doubt that heels are the most chic, feminine shoes to wear. But the truth is, they aren’t always comfortable, or worse, good for your feet. That’s why flats get runner up when it comes to best shoes.  A fun pair of shiny flats can make a girl as happy as a pair of new heels, and flats are so much more comfortable. So treat your feet to a day off with a fabulous pair of shoes.

Here are some of our favorite picks:

Tory Burch – classic and cute

Coach – polished and sophisticated

Kate Spade – fun and colorful

There are so many fun styles, it’s hard to pick which ones to wear. That’s why these shoes are perfect for day or night. You can look chic and stay comfortable at work or play. Plus, the winter months are the best time of year for this look. 

Heels are always a necessity, but it’s good to give your feet a rest every once in awhile, so do it in style with a cute pair of flats. Flats are a great way to switch it up and have fun with color, sparkle, and pattern. 

Text Sera Michael

Source Tory Burch

Rachel Roy Steps Out as a Show Designer

Famous designer Rachel Roy is set to release her first shoe line this August. The designer, who worked with Manolo Blahnik last fashion week, has styled her collection with Blahnik in mind. The line is said to be fun and colorful, with a mixture of fabrics, such as wool and suede that include neon colors and animal prints. The designer calls her collection "classic with a twist" and "sexy and strong."

Roy wanted to make this collection at an affordable price. Flats will start at about $195, heels will range from $225 to $325, and boots will be about $500. The designer said that shoes are one of the categories she's wanted to do, but she wanted to wait until she felt she could really do it right. We will all be anxiously waiting for the next couple of months to pass, until the collection is released! 

Text Caitlin Beck

Image Dr Jays

Wild Pliés Down the Runway

Just as eye-catching as their high-heeled counterparts, ballerina flats are back in style for the spring season with an assortment of wild prints and bold colors! Think you've seen enough unusually striking patterns and designs this season? Well, think again, because this dazzling trend is not leaving the runways anytime soon. Renowned fashion designers are adding a little twist to this once subtle-yet-playful trending accessory, incorporating eye-popping color arrangements and prints that will be sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone trying to sneak a peek of your fabulous footwear. 

Roger Vivier offers a breathtaking cotton-silk ballerina flat that costs $595 and features a colorful leopard-print design, his signature buckle, and skid-proof rubber soles. These stunning flats are not only comfortable because of their luxe fabric, but they are also wearable. So, forget about those sky-high heels, and give your feet a rest. Pair these gorgeous shoes with any outfit that's in need of a pop of color, and prepare yourself for spring 2012. 

Text Jasmine Song

Source and Image InStyle

That '70s Shoe

Let's take a moment to appreciate height and heft, because seriously stacked platforms are back! Swap out your warm winter boots for a pair of sky-high, chunky platforms, and prepare yourself for the 2012 spring season. These seventies-inspired shoes were quite popular back in the fall of 2011, especially among some of the most fashion-forward women who have walked the red carpet, like Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Beckinsale, just to name a few. Now, renowned designers by the likes of Kenneth Cole, Mulberry, Nina Ricci, Michael Kors, and Charles David are bringing this trend into the limelight with vibrant colors, eclectic patterns, and thick platform heels that are tall enough to make Lady Gaga proud.

Available in a chic assortment of designs, this trending footwear can be dressed up with your sexiest LBD or dressed down with a pair of your favorite jeans. Bold, versatile, and undeniably groovy, this fashion staple can suit almost anyone's personal style and is an absolute must-have for the fast approaching spring season.

Text Jasmine Song

Image and Source WWD

'Tis the Season to Wear White

White shoes in the winter? Of course! When people think of "winter white," they often think of white clothes, but not necessarily white accessories. White has been added to the color palette for winter garments in the past few years, and now that tons of people have accepted this trend, whatever apprehension you've had about it can be eliminated.

"No white after Labor Day" has become a statement of the past, so if you haven't thought of adding white to your wardrobe, feel free to start and wear it with pride. These 5-inch white leather heels by TopShop are a perfect example of why you should wear winter white. They're classy and sexy, plus they're only $124, so buy a pair for each of your trendy friends this holiday. After all, 'tis the season to wear white — winter white, that is.

Text Kia Chenelle and Christy Greene
Image and Source TopShop

Pump Up the Volume

Widely popular in the nineties, neon was a hip indicator of street style that everyone went wild for. Making a comeback in 2012, it leaves the street in favor of the high-fashion highway, better known as the runway. Neon’s revival is spearheaded from the ground up, as punchy pumps are visible in various spring collections. Since many designers opted for highlighted hues for next season, we think you should, too. 

Check out some of our favorites after the jump…

Sunday Spotlight: Sperry Top-Siders

In 1935, Paul Sperry revolutionized the boating world when he invented the first boat shoe, the Authentic Original Sperry Top-Sider. Now, nearly 80 years later, the well-respected footwear brand continues to cater to serious sailors for life on the water. For those that prefer life on land, Sperry has them covered, too. While maintaining firm roots in the world of boating, the brand also takes a dip into the world of fashion.

Sperry is a master at balancing a strong “Passion for the Sea” and expertise in producing high performance products, with an enduring sense of style. The brand has come a long way since 1935 by adding such a deep and diverse product line. From leopard print to sparkling booties, Sperry experiments with different materials and silhouettes to offer a wide range of fashionable footwear. A versatile brand, Sperry's evolved in appeal to the contemporary, style-conscious audience, while continuing to satisfy their classic, aquatic-loving customer.

Explore the chic collection at Sperry online, and view some trendy favorites after the jump...

Rebecca Minkoff's Fall Footwear

At this point, if you don’t know who Rebecca Minkoff is, chances are the rock you’ve been hiding under is severely out of date. If, however, you have not been tucked beneath a primordial fossil, then you already know how swoon-inducing this independent accessories designer’s handbag collection truly is. But seriously, how many handbags can a girl buy in one season before a 12-step program is required? Slightly more excusable is an overdose on shoes, as everyone knows it takes more than one pair to revamp each season’s basics. 

Rebecca Minkoff’s pre-curated selection of shoes hits the mark for every to-die-for staple, and they're just as swoon-worthy as her bags. From suede loafers and metal-heeled black pumps, to low-heeled booties and gray cutout ankle boots, you’ll find every essential shoe you've ever needed, and then some. The best part: You can amass your shoe artillery in one place and skip the hunt – which will save plenty of time for coming up with the perfect excuse to buy that second bag.

Text Tienlyn Jacobson
Image and Source Rebecca Minkoff

Shoe Hype: CLAE Ellington

There's a big buzz around the CLAE Ellington shoe. Why, you ask? Two words: simplicity and style.

If you’re a minimalist and believe that less is more, this may be the shoe for you. The suede, charcoal gray Ellington straddles the line between casual shoe and sneaker. CLAE has brought us a sophisticated shoe that will look great with a crisp pair of denim and a pressed pair of trousers. The most intriguing feature is the (brilliant) ruby rubber soles that set the shoe apart and provide substantive style. Dress shoe detailing, street savoir-faire, and affordable pricing ($105) make this shoe a must have in any man’s closet. Available here.

Text Brandon Wood

Source: CLAE

Feminine Oxfords for Fall

Exotic heels aren't the only shoes that ladies are slipping their feet into this fall – style mavens are upping the fashion ante and sporting old-fashioned oxfords. 

The traditionally solid-colored, laced-up men’s dress shoe, with a perforated pattern on the toe known as a "wingtip," has adopted a feminine appeal with bright colors, designs, and patterns.

Oxfords are the perfect complement to any outfit, as long as there is the right counterbalance of its masculine influence with a feminine silhouette or detail. Women are embracing this menswear classic, pairing them with anything from loose-fitting boyfriend jeans to cut-off shorts and dresses.

Oxfords are this year’s alternative to ballet flats – a comfortable addition to your fall shoe wardrobe that can be purchased at any price point.

Text Tiffany Frasier
Source: Style.com

Pretty (and Not-So-Pretty) Feet at Paris Fashion Week

At Paris Fashion Week, the shows not only introduced next-season clothes, but also to-die-for shoes. Most designs fit into one of two groups: fearless and wild, or dull and wearable — with a few (including Marc Jacobs and Chanel) that combined fearless with wearable. For example, Comme des Garcons presented plain white boots that looked awfully similar to rain boots, while Versace chose to showcase transparent heels with a shocking height of at least six inches.

Dries van Noten's show included plain, strapped heels, while Chanel's stylish booties were much more chic and appealing. Prada added to the rush with race car–inspired high heels, and Dolce & Gabbana contributed to the over-the-top category with black netting over strapped heels. Jean Paul Gaultier took the cake with tattoo-inspired, heel-in-the-air creations. This design looks impossible to balance on, let alone walk in — but it would be an incredible showstopper if you could!

What were your favorite shoes during Paris Fashion Week? Did you prefer the dull and functional, or the completely out-of-this-world designs? We prefer the latter ... life's too short to wear boring shoes.

Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of Style.com

Time to Grow Up Hello Kitty Lovers!

Can't get enough of that sickingly, adorable cartoon feline? Well, if you're well over the age of 8 but can't let go of a twisted, little childhood obsession there is no need to fret! This past month, Hello Kitty debuted a sneak-peek of their entirely grown-up and cutsey line of shoes in collaboration with Twenty10 Footwear. Rainboots, flats, sandals, and pumps makeup the much anticipated collection along with funky kicks for the more athletic San Rio groupie. Of course, there is no shortage whimsical patterns, colors, and sparkles to sweeten up even the most sour of sour-pusses out there! Meow!

Pretty Pumps: Sparkle in Stilettos

From glitter to floral to chains and leather, it seems like anyone can find a shoe that suits their fancy now. But, it is the style of shoe that is creating some attention.

Summer is usually known for espadrilles and sandals, but the popular shoe this summer seemed to be the pump, and designers were pulling out all the stops for their consumer. Whether is be a Roger Vivier shoe that costs almost $3,000 that is encrusted is diamonds or a Casadei shoe with an antique feel, the pump is in charge of this season.

The thing is, the pump is such a classic that it can be done in a multitude of ways. You can dress it up with a ball gown for some fancy dinner, or they are completely appropriate for work with a nice suit. With such a classic piece, the consumer has such a wide variety to choose from. There is likely to be a shoe that fits their style perfectly. With the cold weather approaching, the predominance of the pump will only continue to grow.

Text Dalton Brasington
Source(s): Roger Vivier & Casadei

Peter Lippmann Gives An Art History Lesson: Christian Louboutin Fall 2011 Lookbook

At this point, it’s pretty much inarguable that a beautiful shoe can be considered a true work of art. Architecturally inspired arcs, impeccable craftsmanship and luxuriant materials can take designing shoes from a mere trade to a level of superior artistry. Shoes possess the ability to be transformative – the exquisite pedestal upon which a woman stands - and in the same instance become something of an icon to be admired and idolized in their own right.

When photographer Peter Lippmann and Christian Louboutin reunited for the Louboutin F/W ’11 lookbook, it was clear that high art was on the brain. Louboutin shoes and evening bags share the spotlight with (or rather, outshine) female subjects in highly stylized photos that read more like Flemish paintings than photographs.

The signature red soles work their way into iconic art pieces in recreated works such as onto the lap of James Abbot McNeill Whistler’s “Whistler’s Mother” and in the fruit plate of “Saint Dorothy” by Francisco De Zurbaran. The candle of Georges de la Tour’s “Magdalene and the Flame” is moved atop the books to make way for the fur covered Puck boot and the frame is drawn back to reveal the Gold Spiked Platform Shoe and Catalina Sequined Clutch delicately balanced on the knees of “Elizabeth of Austria” by Francois Clouet.

Perhaps the most curious thing about this collage of old and new is how cohesively they blend together. This is obviously due in part to the talent of Lippmann, but one has the feeling it also says something about the timelessness of a shoe that is truly a work of art.

Text Tienlyn Jacobson
Source(s): Peter Lippmann, Christian Louboutin