Post #4: Wedges...Need I Say More?

Simplie title, right? I couldn't think of any clever play on words for this week's post but these stylish shoes speak for themselves. The Spring and Summer months give women the opportunity to pull shoes out of their closets that aren’t so appropriate other times of the year. Warmer months evoke thoughts of sandals but another very popular style of shoe for the season is the wedge. They can be feminine, fun, and funky and can be worn with almost any style. In this post I wanted to highlight wedges that were a little different than the ordinary in color, texture, pattern or any other design detail.

My interest in this style spawned from a personal desire of mine. I saw this first wedge and fell in love with it from one of my favorite designers, Lela Rose. Wedge #1 is called the Bolivar Wedge from Payless and it retails for $49.99. The contrasting teal shoe and black patterned wedge offer a perfect pop of color to pair with a flirty skirt or sun dress.

Wedge #2 comes from Piperlime and is called the Mia Limited Edition Seville Wedge which retails for $199. It is a leather platform wedge with a wooden outer sole in a khaki color. This style would go perfectly with a cuffed pair of denim jeans to showcase the wrapped detail of the shoe.

Wedge #3 comes from Net-A-Porter.com and is, in my opinion, the most interesting wedge. This Raphael Young red suede pump is paired with a black and marble resin wedge heel and retails for $845. This style would compliment a night out on the town perfectly if paired with a simple black romper or jumpsuit. This would allow the bright red of the wedge to steal the show.

 

We can take cues from our favorite celebrities and observe how they incorporate wedges into their daily fashion. 

 

The wedge shoe appears to be an enduring trend that that gives a nod to the past and embraces the future with new innovative styles, colors, and textiles and it's always exciting to see what's next. As a side note, when going for an open toe wedge be sure to add a popping colors to your nails for the little extra flair. 

Enjoy!

- Sanura A. WIlliams

Post #3: In the NUDE

Nude is the new “barely there” color for Spring 2011!! It’s the perfect color for your shoes to be paired with your favorite dresses and outfits. While black is classy and timeless, nude is easy and chic that can help mix up your wardrobe. It can be worn as a contrast color, a light pop of color or even help elongate your legs for a leaner and slimmer look! Ladies, who doesn’t want to have an endless and slimmer leg?! All of our favorite designers such as Christian Louboution, Steve Madden and Brian Atwood are showing nude heels, platforms, wedges and pumps that are all beyond gorge! Celebrities are already dressing nude heels up and down for parties or errands! The fashionista Kim Kardashian stated “Nude pumps are a year round must have for me, not only do they elongate my legs, but they literally go with everything from a pretty floral dress to my fave military inspired looks”.

So… Lets all get in the Nude! J 

<3 Jenna

 

Weather your looking to buy a classic, staple, nude heel  for an investment piece or if you’re  a woman on a budget…theres a shoe for you!

Christian Louboution : Madame Butterfly Platform Pump
Sky high shoes that have girly and flirty bow ties, to add design and fun! And of course  they have the sexy signature red bottom :)
$1,195.00 Available at Saksfifthavenue.com

Jimmy Choo: PatsyThese patent wedge sandals are the perfect summer accessory adorned with Jimmy Choo hardware. $585.00 Available at jimmychoo.com

Brian Atwood : Drama Patent Leather Pump
This classic and timeless pump will look great with every outfit! Pair with black skinny jeans or your favorite cocktail dress.
On Sale Now! For $235.00 (orig $498.36)
Available at BrianAtwood.com

Steve Madden : Bevv- B These heels are the definition of a sexy shoe. The platform and height added together are the perfect mixer for a fabulous heel! Wear the BEVV heels with sheer tights and your favorite cocktail dress and be the belle of the ball!$99.95 Available at Nordstrom


Jessica Simpson : Stelana Sandal
Buckle Down with these glamorous and chic Jessica Simpson shoes.
$69.95 Available at Macy's

AmiClubWear
These peep toe wooden heels have extreme detail, faux suede and are simply to die for! At this price who can resist but love em?!
$28.99 AMIClubwear.com

Post #2: Kill-her Heels!

Who doesn't love a fierce pair of heels that scream DON'T MESS WITH ME! Fashion can never get enough of pieces with embellishments, embellishments, and even more embellishments but here is a trend with serious heavy duty metal. Guns, brass knuckles, and spikes... who would have thought these weapons could become fashion statements?! Our innovative designers today are having fun creating gorgeous heels that can make the phrase "Looks can kill" almost literal. Of course we are all lovers not fighters so feast your eyes on these amazing shoes that will kill any girl with jealousy ;)

With the value of the metal and the workmanship it takes to create these shoes, you can guess they are not cheap. Here are a couple styles that are each very unique yet almost fall within the same price range.

Louis Goldin for Topshop $300

Dsquared $1,100

                          

Ruthie Davis $1,395

Christian Louboutin $1,995

You don't have to be a rocker chick to rock heels with studs, spikes, and leather. Celebrities have found a way to mix them into their wardrobe to create a "pretty punk" outfit. Whether it's about wearing spiked heels with fun flirty dresses during the day or even a cocktail dress at night, this trend has definitely become a bold fashion statement. 

 

Versatility is what fashion is all about so never be afraid to mix up your style and bring out your wild side!

- Christina Ocampo

Post #1: These boots are made for walking...

     Fashion takes it's inspiration from all facets of life and the latest trend in woman's shoe apparel pays homage to our men and women in service. Designers have managed to take the military combat boot, a seemingly unattractive style, and make it feminine, fun, and fashionable. This post will highlight three combat boot styles, by three different designers, with prices that will appeal to the price conscious shopper, the middle man, and the customer to whom money is no object.

Boot #1 called Wanted Trance is sold by Piperlime and priced at $49.99.This is a lace up military boot that comes mid-calf with a 1-inch heel and decorative buckle details on the side.

Boot #2 called Lucky Brand Blossom is sold on Zappos and priced at $151. This is another lace up military boot with a 1-inch heel that extends a little further up the leg than Boot #1 from Piperlime.

Boot #3 called Joplin Buckled Military Boot by notable designer Michael Kors is sold at  Bloomingdale's and priced at $425 but currently on sale for $276.50. This leather boot with buckle details has a 3-inch stacked heel and extends to mid calf.

 

Some may be hesitant to approach this trend out of fear of appearing too masculine, but it is fairly easy to find a nice balance between masculine and feminine by pairing any of the above styles with your favorite sundress or skirt as seen below:

Or you can take it a step further and add another garment reflective of the military trend as the celebrities below did:

 

One of the best things about fashion is that there's really no right or wrong so whatever you do, just be sure to make the style your own ;-)

-Sanura A. Williams