Spring Trend: Python

Spring is finally here!  Things are slowly blooming, leaves are slowly unfurling, and I just got my first sunburn of the season.  That was fast.

With a new season comes new trends, and one hot tip for the spring is python.  Snake is everywhere right now!  And there are so many ways to embrace it.  How about a simple, all-python flat?

Mossimo has you covered with their Ona Flat.  This classic round-toe flat actually has a quarter-inch heel, but you won’t even notice.  There’s elastic around the back so it hugs your foot, and the graying neutral will match anything in your wardrobe.  Also available in camo or some kind of stripey tribal, ranging from $6 to $13—but you can get the snake print for $10 at Target.

Let’s spice it up a bit now:

Ooh, shiny.  The Cape by Bellini is a smoking flat in metallic gold with a mirror-shiny cap toe.  The heel is three-quarter-inches high—just tall enough to put a little spring in your step!  I adore these in just about every way: classic and fun, and did I mention shiny?  Also available in black with gold or silver and gray; your choice for $55 from ShoeMall.

Looking for something a little more laid-back?

The Angelfish by Sperry Top-Sider is their classic boat shoe in a bright, nautical blue with touches of blue python on the sides and on the tongue.  Also available in wine or a very nice light pink, so you have your work cut out for you deciding which one to get!  Then again, they’re on sale for $70, so you could pick two…

Surely you didn’t think I was going to do a post entirely of flats, did you?  If you’re heading to work, perhaps go for just a hint of python:

The Leighton by MICHAEL Michael Kors is deceptively simple at first glance, but then you see the quiet python print across the toe.  The heel is wrapped in a similar fabric (four inches of it), but the body and half-inch platform are suede.  Also available in a nude suede with metallic gold python, but those are $92 to the black’s $85.  (Find them both at Zappos.)

And in case you want to throw caution to the wind:

The Clements by Faith are made of rainbow python!  Purple!  Green!  Pink!  Yellow!  Talk about spring—these are a flower garden for your feet.  The heel is a reasonable three inches; the toe is pointed; the vamp is cut in a wavy pattern as you approach the ankle.  You have to admit they’re fun!  And they can be yours for $85 from ASOS.

Feeling snake-bit yet?  Then jump on this trend!  It’s oh-so-versatile and oh-so-fun.

Shakespeare @ 450

This April, William Shakespeare turns 450 years old.  (Or he would, I guess, if he was still alive.)  This is a big birthday for a big playwright, and the Free Library is celebrating properly with a year’s worth of events.  Movies, crafts, reading groups, Shakespearean insults, live performances… there’s so much to do!  To honor the bard, I present shoes inspired by some of his most enduring ladies.

Juliet: lovesick teen defying her family’s feud in Romeo and Juliet.

The (what else?) Juliet by Breckelles is a simple round-toe ballet flat (helpful for escaping!) covered in rhinestones (helpful for balls!).  Also available in a very sunny yellow, but only if you’re a 6 or 6.5.  Yours for $24 from Amazon.

Cleopatra: queen of Egypt, lover of Antony, and, er, snake handler in Antony and Cleopatra. 

The Fuell is a gold sandal fit for a queen, made out of faux snakeskin.  (Take that, asps!)  The snake covers the toe straps, T strap, ankle straps (two!), and 5.5-inch heel—the 1.5-inch platform is covered in a more subtle light gold snake.  Also available in all black; your choice for $110 from Steve Madden.

Viola: shipwreck survivor, page, and cross-dresser in Twelfth Night.

So they might still guess you’re a woman in these, but the Delancy by Sperry Top Sider is definitely menswear-inspired!  This classic oxford is made of tan leather with panels of gold glitter—simple and special at the same time.  Also available in solid tan, rose, or light green, or zebra!  And the zebra has touches of red, which are really cool.  Find them at 6pm for $22.  (Down from $110!  $110!  Go buy these!)

And my favorite, Lady Macbeth: schemer, sleepwalker, and wife of Macbeth.

I hate to tell you, Lady Macbeth: these spots aren’t coming out.  This round-toe pump has a four-inch heel, half-inch hidden platform, and round toe.  They would be downright adorable, if it wasn’t for the blood!  Also available as blood-on-white; find them at Costumes4Less for $37.

Whoever your favorite is, I bet they’ll make an appearance at the Free Library this year.  Happy birthday, Bill Shakespeare!

Curse of Tutankhamun

Imagine: you’ve uncovered a great treasure that no one’s seen for thousands of years.  Fame and success follow.  But then, one by one, the members of your team begin to die…

Such was the case after the unearthing of King Tut’s tomb in 1922.  (…or not really.  But it’s fun to think about.)  As Halloween nears, the Penn Museum is using the story as a jumping-off point for its Young Friends Halloween Event, The Curse of Tutankhamun.  This Thursday, head over to UPenn to hear the curator of the Egyptian section discuss the curse and enjoy drinks from a cash bar.

In the “spirit” (ha ha!  Halloween joke!) of the event, here are some shoes inspired by ancient Egyptian footwear.

The Carlisle by Sperry Top-Sider is a bit of a departure from their usual line of boat shoes.  It does have a little gold sailboat on the strap up the front of the foot, though!  And the shiny gold is fit for a pharaoh indeed.  Also available in silver; your choice from Nordstrom for $93.

The Suttle by Steve Madden has a nice touch around the heel, with the basket-weaving.  (Ancient basket-weaving!)  It also has a sizeable buckle—very nice.  Also, it’s on super-sale!  From $60 down to $24, on DSW.  (It’s also available in a blush-and-silver combo, but I’m not sure if I’m into it or not.)

The Change of Pace by Seychelles almost reminds me of the ankh shape.  This is a rose gold, but there’s also a black version, with the little strap clips in gold.  It’s very sleek!  Find them at Zappos for $57.

Ooh, crocodile!  The Gigi by Sam Edelman is embossed metallic leather in a crocodile print.  How do I know it’s croc, and not alligator?  Crocodiles live in Egypt’s Nile River, of course!  (Alligators only live in the US and China.  Fun fact.)  Also available in silver; find them at Dillard’s for $65.

So walk like an Egyptian over to UPenn this Thursday—just be sure to only leave with a drink, and not a curse!

Fall Trend: Plaid

Perhaps the biggest trend this fall is plaid.  Not exactly surprising, given how tied it is to the image of academia and with school starting anew in the fall, but the print is popping up in anything-but-stuffy places!

I love the Flutter by VivienneWestwood.  I love everything about it.  I love the colors in the plaid, I love the curves in the cut of the foot opening and in the leather at the toe, I love the punch detailing.  It has a 4.75-inch heel and a 1.5-inch platform, and can be yours for $485 on Zappos.

The Anarchic Combat Boot by T.U.K. goes the other direction, with a bright red plaid textile on a classic combat boot.  (For a Scottish army?)  The sole is about an inch high all around, and the shaft is just about five inches tall... this is a statement boot if ever I saw one!  Find them at Nordstrom for $78.

The Bluefish Boat Shoe by Sperry Top Sider is so lovely-- mellow by stylish at the same time.  It says, "I'm just kicking back, but I'm far too fabulous to wear just anything on my day off."  The pink leather upper is set off nicely by the jewel tones in the plaid around the back-- emerald and indigo and raspberry and gold.  (...and red and yellow and green and brown and blue.)  Yours for $75 from DSW.

Ooh, sexy!  The Aldenore is school-girl-pinup to the max, with its 5.5 inch heel-- a super skinny heel!  (A 1.75-inch platform helps with the walking.)  Also available in a black/nude lace and a black and white snakeskin, but I'm really digging the plaid.  Your choice for $45 from Call it Spring.

How fun are these?  The Tickle Me Pink by Naughty Monkey is a plaid party!  The upper is a cheery red and blue (so is the pretty rose at the peep toe), and the five-inch heel and 1.25-inch platform are gold glitter!  Aaah, the sparkles!  Also available in a red and black plaid with black sparkles, which is equally as fun, and since they're on sale for $30 from 6pm, why not get a pair of each?

So consider this your plaid primer for the season.  More fall trends to come!

Sales this weekend:

Bakers: 30% off all dress shoes

Bus Stop Boutique: Bus Stop Boutique is part of Philly Mag Shops this Sunday from 12-4 PM at the Crane Arts Building (tickets are $25)

Lord & Taylor: 20% off regular and sale with code SHOP

Macy's: Fall spectacular sale

Payless: Fall fashion sale-- up to 30% off

Anchors Aweigh!

You guys already know I love nautical for summer.  There is just something about summer that makes me feel like I should be out on a sailboat, eating cheese and drinking wine.  But since I don’t really enjoy being out on sailboats, I’ll just get my seafaring touch from my shoes.  And anchors, especially, seem to be everywhere right now!

The Angelfish by Sperry Top-Sider is so jaunty!  White leather, red lacing, white anchors on blue… fabulous.  But what’s kind of amazing is that it comes in 31 other color options!  Thirty-one!  That may be a record.  So pick your poison—all 32 are $90 from Zappos.

So many anchors!  The Tropez by Charles Phillip Shanghai is just covered in tiny anchors, facing every which way.  Plus it’s in the super-trendy smoking slipper shape, so you’re killing two birds with one stone!  Find them at Neiman Marcus for $60.

I heart anchors indeed!  The Anchor by J. Renee is a navy and white (or black and white) striped flat, trimmed with blue, and with an embroidered heart and anchor over the peep toe.  And check out the red stripes on the insole!  Nice touch.  Yours for $47 from 6pm.

The Anchor by Taylor Swift for Keds has some of the more whimsical anchors on this post, plus red-rimmed blue stars!  And I’m kind of digging those rawhide laces, though I’m not sure how well they’d stay tied!  Find them at Nordstrom for $50.

How about a wedge to finish the day?

How do I love thee, Nautical Smile Wedges by Miss L Fire?  Let me count the ways: I love your woven three-inch wedge.  I love the blue and white trim around the foot and around the bottom of the wedge.  I love the blue ropes and red buckle at the ankle.  I love the kitschy anchor on the peep toe.  And, finally, I love that they say “Hello Sailor” on the sides!  Love, love, love.  Yours from $125 from ModCloth.

Anchors aweigh!

Sales this weekend:
Bakers: Sale ends tonight! 10% off one pair, 20% off two pairs, 30% off three pairs
Lord & Taylor: An extra 15% off regular and sale; an extra 25% off clearance with code FIRSTLOOK
Steve Madden: Half off all clearance shoes, plus fall sneak peek (up to 30% off)

Fall Trend: Oxblood

Everyone survive Sandy okay?  Hooray!  Let’s celebrate with one of fall’s most sophisticated trends: oxblood.  No, not the real thing; the color!  It’s a dark, almost purplish red that is quintessentially fall but also striking for the holiday season, and it’s popping up everywhere—like on booties:

 Love!  The Kimora is a sleek lace-up bootie (look at all those eyelets!) with a slender four-inch heel and a non-slip grooved sole.  Don’t you just love the curve up the back by the heel?  So sexy.  Also available in a buff color; find them at Doc Martens for $105.

...on pumps:

How I love women’s shoes inspired by men’s shoes!  The Tally Loafer by Impo is an oxblood patent leather penny loafer on a 3.25-inch heel (which is also wrapped in patent leather! usually it’s a stack heel).  Also available in a steely gray or a warm brown; yours for $40 from DSW.

...on flats:

This bejeweled beauty is the Emma by Sperry Top Sider.  It has a suede upper just covered in studs (in like three colors), and if you don’t like the oxblood (ahem, “berry”), it also comes in gray, black, and a tealish-navy.  Find them at Macy’s for $109.

…on wedges:

The Leggy is a simple patent leather slingback wedge, with a five-inch heel and one-inch platform under its peep toe.  The oxblood color sure looks sleek in patent leather, doesn’t it?  Though it’s also available in black, dark grey, and a sort of purplish-gray they’re calling “wine”—your choice from Nine West for $70.

…on boots:

Love!  The Amelia by Miz Mooz is a striking knee-high boot with buttons all the way up its 15-inch shaft—eleven, to be precise!  It has a shapely 2.5-inch heel, 14.75-inch leg circumference, and zipper closure up the inside.  Also available in olive, gold, brown, and black; your choice for $220 from Zappos.

It’s everywhere!  So go out (working streetlights permitting) and pick up a pair of oxblood something for yourself.

Sales this weekend:
Aerosoles: Fall boot sale: save up to 35% and free shipping on any boot order
Bakers: Everything on sale, up to half off
Lord & Taylor: Take 40% off boots
Macy's: Take 15% off and free shipping with code ELECT
Payless: Buy one, get one half off

Singin' in the Rain

Ugh, the weather has just been so bad this week, hasn’t it? Especially when the rest of the summer has been so nice. Ah, well—if it’s going to rain, you might as well make the best of it in a pair of these!

  These’ll brighten up a cloudy day, no problem. The Pelican Floral Rain Boot by Sperry Top-Sider has a micro-fleece lining in the inside to keep your feet warm and comfy, 16 inches of calf circumference with an elastic side panel for some extra space, and a special sole for wet and dry traction—they look like a Tiffany window. Find them at DSW for $60.

Okay, I’m in love with these:

  The Patty by Kate Spade New York remind me of a Victorian lady’s riding boots. They have a 2.25-inch heel, 7-inch shaft, 13.25-inch circumference, and a grosgrain ribbon around the top, and come in cream and black (shown), all black, and a sort of animal print. Find them at Zappos for $125.

These striking boots were brought to my attention by my lovely future sister-in-law!

  The Champery by Hunter are 18 inches tall, with a 15-inch calf opening, 3.5-inch wedge, and 1.5 inch platform. Also available in black; full sizes only, so if you’re a half size order down! Pick them up at Bloomingdales for $175.

But really, you can’t go wrong at Target for rain boots. I had about a hundred to choose from before I picked these: The Paisley Rainboots by Adi Designs are about 12 inches tall, with a 13-inch circumference, and delicate paisley print. Yours for $33 from Target.

Now prepare to be amazed:

 
They may look like regular rainboots, but don’t be fooled: the Shuella actually wrap around whatever shoes you’re already wearing to protect them from puddles! How great would these be to leave in your office in their little pouch in case of a sudden downpour? They come in yellow, black, pink, light green, spring blue, and taupe for $49—though the yellow and pink are on sale for $40! Find them at Shuella.com.

And an umbrella, to round us off: Now if this doesn’t make your rainy day better, I don’t know what will! Pumps, slingbacks, peep toes, strappy sandals—this umbrella’s got them all. Get yours from eBags for $24.


Sales this weekend: 
Aerosoles: 20% off all items $34.99 and under
Call it Spring: 30% off all sale and clearance shoes on their website
Payless: BOGO! Now through September 6
Lord & Taylor: 15% off storewide; 25% off clearance
Saks Fifth Avenue: Free B Brian Atwood bangle with any B Brian Atwood shoe purchase

Father's Day

Dads give us so much: their shirts for art smocks in kindergarten, the keys to the car when we’re learning to drive, unlimited patience, helpful advice, and probably more than a few corny jokes, if your dad’s anything like mine. (Hi Dad!) These are just a few of the reasons why dads are awesome. Their sense of style may not always make that list (socks and sandals? don’t you dare, mister!), but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a style tip or two from Dad this summer. Like... boat shoes: The Montauk by Sperry Top-Sider is hand-sewn leather with a removable insole. It has a non-marking sole and something called “Wave-Siping” to give you good traction whether you’re on land or sea. Be sure to get a half-size smaller—they run big. They’re also available in a navy and white combo and in platinum, and you can find them at Nordstrom for about $90.

Or... penny loafers:
The Night by Boutique 9 is not your daddy’s penny loafer, that’s for sure! It has a stacked four-inch heel and a three-quarter-inch hidden platform, a leather upper and cushioned leather insole—but I just love all the zigzag work on the leather. And they would be pretty cute if you stuck some shiny pennies in the front. Available in dark brown (shown), cognac, and green from Zappo's for $180.

Or... oxfords: The Jazzibel by Not Rated has an upper of faux leather (look at the punch outs! the stitching! I’m swooning a bit here) and fabric (white with tiny black polka dots), with a rubber sole, ruffle-cut tongue, and wide ribbon-esque laces. They also come in brown faux leather, but instead of polka dots on the fabric it’s a red and yellow rose floral print. Awesome. Yours for $35 from Endless.

Or... kilties:
Love, love, love! The Avra by Samanta is made of leather with a leather sole, metallic heel, and look at the kiltie/gold chain feature on the toe! Oh, and it’s fuchsia reptile print. (Don’t like the pink? It also comes in black, caramel, off-white, and nude.) You can find them on Amazon for $175 ($70 for the nude).

Sure, dad may ask you, “Do you really need another pair of shoes?” but he might take it as a compliment if you brought home one of these pairs and said you were inspired by him!

Sales this weekend: 
Macy’s: The Great Sandal Sale: 15% off one pair, 20% off two, 30% off three or more (code NEWSHOES)
Payless: Buy one, get one half off now through 6/27
Lord & Taylor: 20% off regular, sale, and clearance using code SUMMER