Steeping Out – Bizzarre Shoes
As a fashion blogger, I like to surf around the web and visit different sites to see whats out there, and let me tell you, what’s out there is a lot. During my hunting trips through the forest of fashion content available online, nothing has perplexed and intrigued me more than odd shoes. Remember this piece I did called “Artistic Footwear” when the blog first started? I realized that I haven’t focused on shoes in a while so behold, dear reader, my end of year round-up of the most breathtaking, jaw dropping, and craziest shoes I could find around the web.
Iris Schieferstein’s stuffed dove shoes
German artist Iris Schieferstein has managed to horrify and mesmerize audiences with these sandals made out of real doves. The artist has used animals as raw materials in her art work for years, and gives a whole new meaning to taxidermy.
Aphrodite Project GPS Alert Platform Shoes
The slogan of these platforms is “Helping sex workers protect themselves.” The shoes have an alarm clock that will ring to ward off potential attackers, built-in GPS, and an area to store away keys, money, and other items.
Finn Stone’s LEG-GO Stilettos
Designed for last year’s Affordable Art Fair in London, these completely wearable pumps will run you about $2,600 in debt. Currently the stilettos aren’t available for commercial purposes, but rumor has it that if you contact the artist directly, he is willing to create a custom one for you.
14DS Clowny Boots
Get Custom-Made Shoes this Summer
Post submitted by Jolevette
Love to show off you personality through shoes? Always dreamed of having something custom-made just for you? Well now you can. For a limited time, you can stop by Henri Bendel, located on the infamous Fifth Avenue in New York City, and have a sandal made-to-order just for you.
Custom made sandals
My shoe size is between an 8 1/2 and 9, and sometimes it’s hard to find a shoe that fits, especially a sandal. Sometimes I find that sandals are made to narrow so toes go over, or the slipper can be too big; but, not anymore! Until July 16th, the cobblers of Tuccia Di Capri, a shoe company that molds sandals for any type of feet, will be available at Henri Bendel’s to hand-make sandals to order. There are a variety of gorgeous styles to choose from. I felt like I was in shoe paradise!
First, the shoemaker measured my feet with a sole and measuring tape to ensure my foot fit perfectly on the sandal. This also helps them make sure the straps would not be too loose or tight. Next, I got to pick a shoe from an amazing selection of designs. After that, I just sat back and relaxed. If they do not have anything you like, they can make additions.
I decided to pick the Tuvo sandal style with a gorgeous white leaf belt, that had crystals sounding at the top of the foot. This design is special and screams…BLING BLING! What makes this style so unique is that the only other person with a similar pair is The Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Nene Leakes. Who doesn’t want to share something with a celebrity?
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes also owns a pair of these!
The art of cobbling is an old, time-honored craft that comes straight from the shores of Italy and now, to your foot! The cobblers take their time to handcraft your shoe, and if you are willing to wait, they will make it right in front of you! The end result is a perfectly fitted, designed-for-you sandal. Now, you are ready to rock any sandy shore or party this summer with style.
Tuccia Di Capri is based in Miami, FL. Learn more about them here»
Essential Summer Shoes for Every Woman – 2012
Every woman needs to have a go to perennial summer essential shoe collection. This is the time of year when our cute toes get to peek out at the sun after months of being forced into sensible winter boots. In the summer months you get to show off your sexy pedicures without the ubiquitous flip-flop anywhere in sight.
There are five must have types of shows for Summer 2012 –
1- CLASSIC – Light colored ballet flats: for everything from swingy short skirts to skinny leg jeans
2- ELEGANT – Nude colored pumps: can be worn with business suits as well as cocktail dresses
3- TRENDY – Fun colored wedges: shorts, maxi dresses, short dresses…the possibilities are limitless
4- SEXY – Black high heel boots with a spring twist: do I even need to give examples of what you can wear such boots with? Black high heel boots are the epitome of must have shoes.
5- WILD – Bright colored f**k-me stilettos: to be saved for a night out when you want to leave your mark on everyone you meet.
The ballet flat is basic shoe but does not need to be dowdy. This blush-tone style, in a pale pink hue, lends sweetness to any outfit while the metal cap-toe gives you an edge.
Ballerina Metal Cap-Toe flats, $50 at Zara
Nude colored pumps can be worn either day or night and add a bit of elegance to any type of outfit. Try this one with a comfortable cushioned platform can go directly from the office to a party.
Steve Madden Women’s Beasst Pump, $62.99 – $89.95
A standout wedge shoe can make any outfit pop. Buckles around the ankles are preferable to sling backs and remember to get a platform wedges for extra height.
Fergie Women’s Pacifica Sandal, $99.95
Black heeled boots are a staple in any closet, a must have and can dress up any plain skirt or dress. For a black boot with a “spring twist” get a boot with peek toes or a cutout at the foot that is not clunky.
Chinese Laundry Women’s Jubilee Open-Toe Bootie, $71.20
Every woman deserves a hot looking stiletto, in a bright spring color, for those nights when she’d like to let her freak flag fly high. For added attention get an extra sexy pair with low-cut vamp for ample toe cleavage, an architectural heel and a peep toe.
Ruthie Davis Women’s Punkie Peep-Toe Pump, $1,298.00
Post submitted by Ramola Poonai.
Can you spot the more expensive shoe?
When you buy shoes, do you pay for the designer name brand or the fashionable style? If you see shoes by high-end designers that you covet, but can’t afford the designer price tag, it’s very easy find similar styles that look just as good, but won’t break your bank account. Take a look at some of the shoes below. Can you spot the expensive designer footwear from the cheaper version?
On the left: Dior ‘Miss Dior’ Platform Pump ($660)
On the right: Arturo Chiang Orina Pumps ($69.99)
On the left: Luichiny Women’s Fanta See Platform Pump ($69.95)
On the right: Vince Camuto ‘Missie’ Pump ($118.95)
On the left: Kate Spade Gwen Open-Toe Pump Neutral Snake ($334.00)
On the right: Calvin Klein Women’s Kail Platform Open-Toe Pump ($70.99)
On the left: Jimmy Choo Vibe Glitter-Coated Leather Peep Toe Pumps ($795.00)
On the right: Rampage Gracee Pump ($49.00)
Ring in the New Year with New Shoes
If you’re still looking for the perfect pair of glittery footwear to ring in the New Year with, then look no further. I’ve scoured the World Wide Web to bring you my favorite sparkling creations, sure to out rival the shine of the most decked out Christmas tree. After all, shoes can change a girl’s life at midnight… just ask Cinderella.
BP. 'Magikal' Pump ($89.95)
Poetic Licence Perfectly Lovely Bootie ($29.94)
Nina Women's Evan Pump ($87.99)
Nine West Cress pumps ($99.00)
Dress Like it’s your Birthday…Everyday
When I think of birthdays, I envision multi-colored confetti sprinkled all over a room, so why not feature that kind of inspiration in your wardrobe. There should always be at least one item in your closet that screams, “Party over here!”. Add at least one glittery, muti-cored staple piece to your collection, and Happy Birthday!
Iron Fist Twinkle Toes Platform Shoes - Multi-Colored Sequin, $50
Rare Multi Sequin Mini Skirt, $70.08Iron Fist Twinkle Toes Platform Shoes - Multi-Colored Sequin, $50
Sterling Silver Multi Color Necklace/Earring Set, $22.99
White Strapless Confetti Dress, $110
A peep toe beauty – Sexiest shoe of the year
Every year, Footwear News, a division of Women’s wear Daily, has a vote to choose the sexiest shoe of the year. The winner for 2011 is far superior to last year’s winner, Christian Louboutini Maralena Stilettos, in style, design and price. While the 2010 winner was priced at $2,445, this year’s sexiest shoes cost a mere $695. Over 35,000 votes were cast online in the contest this time around. For you shoe fetish, below are the top three runners-up, followed by the winner.
Feast your eyes…
Third place in the sexist shoes vote — Chrissie Morris ($1365)
Second runner up — Prada ($1200)
First runner up —Jimmy Choo ($2095)
Winner of the sexiest shoes —Valentino ($695)
Post submitted by Ramola Poonai
Designer Shoe/Bag Contest! Win your favorite style!
Shop It To Me, a free, online personal shopping website, is hosting an amazing giveaway this week. One lucky winner will score the dream bag or shoes of her choice by signing up on the website and selecting the designer item she wants the most. The exciting options to choose from include a Marc Jacobs bag, Rebecca Minkoff bag, Christian Louboutin shoes, or Jimmy Choo shoes.
To enter, visit the website, select the designer style you like most, and invite friends to join Shop It To Me. For each friend who signs up, you’ll receive an additional entry!
For one more entry, follow @ShopItToMe on Twitter and tweet: Want a chance to win <>? Just follow @ShopItToMe and RT: http://bit.ly/qaUaz9
Full details are available here»
Good luck!
End of Summer Hottest Trend – Leopard Print
Miranda Kerr poses at the David Jones Spring/Summer fashion preview on Burke Street on August 10, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (August 9, 2011 - Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images AsiaPac)
I absolutely adore this season’s latest trend fixation – leopard print. It’s become the new black, or neutral, that you can wear just about anything with. It’s hard to walk into any fashion store and not find pieces with solid black spots peppered against a golden hue, mimicking the look of a leopard’s coat. Leopard print does have a sexy allure to it, and you can unleash your inner wild side with small pieces, or adorn yourself with a full-printed jumpsuit. Here are some of my faves:
Wear sexy leopard pumps to dress-up a netural-colored outfit. - Leopard Print Satin Pumps ($59.00-$66.00)
If you choose to wear a full leopard print outfit, wear solid shoes. The key to this trend is to not go too overboard. - Kardashian Kollection Women's Jersey Wrap Top Jumper
A short leopard mini is the perfect choice for a night out on the town with your girls, or with that special someone. - Alfani Dress, Short Sleeve Animal Print Front Zip Orig. ($49.99)
You can even add leopard print into your professional attire. - Leopard print blazer (26.50).
Smaill leopard-print accessories are a good way to quietly rock this trend. - Betsy Johnson Skinny Leopard Strap Square Face Watch ($125.00)
Item Must-Have: Sparkle Sneakers
I am not an impulse buyer by any means, but the other day when I was walking by Bakers shoe store in midtown Manhattan, glittering multi-colored sneaker stopped me in my tracks, and I had no choice but to enter the store and ask to try on a pair of the sparkly footwear. Usually I would never buy sneakers that were impractical or childish, but impractical and childish these are not. Memorizing, captivating and fun are the adjectives I would use to describe these chicly decorated H by Halston Baillee sneakers. These sneakers added instant glamour to my usual black pants and shirt attire, and are available in three styles: White/Glitter or Black/Glitter & Man Made or Black Multi/Glitter & Suede.
I chose the multi glitter suede style, after seeing how each step I took glistened in the light, and for $29.99, it’s quite a steal! Head to Bakers and get yourself a pair before they’re sold out»
I could not stop staring at my feet as I walked.
Bling, Bling!
Love the shine!
(Photos taken by Jolevette)
Rock the Red Pump
Every 9 minutes, someone is infected with HIV.
March 10th is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD). It’s a nationwide initiative, recognized by the U.S. very year, in order “to raise awareness about the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on women & girls.” The Red Pump Project™ is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 that not only raises awareness on this day, but urges women to take action, encourages HIV testing, raises funds and tries to open dialogue about sexual and reproductive health. This year, marks the third annual Rock the Red Pump™ campaign, which uses a red shoe to represent the courage of women infected with HIV/AIDS. Today’s post is inspired by, you guessed it, fashionable red pumps! See below for some fierce and fabulous red pumps.
This blog signed up to be a part of the 2011 Red Pump Rockers. Please visit The Red Pump project to how you can get involved»
Enzo Angiolini 'Sully' Platform Pump $88.95
Second Glance Fashions Women's Red Satin Women's Red Heart Pumps $39
NYLA Bristoll Platform High Heels $49.99
Caparros Object Pump $59.95
Walk like a Celebrity…if you can afford to
Celebrities wear the most fabulous shoes. Just because your name doesn’t appear in headlights, that doesn’t mean you can wear the same footwear as your favorites stars. Here’s what the celebs are wearing and where you can buy the exact same shoes.
Audrina Partridge arrived at a hotel in Sydney wearing Tory Burch “Reva” Ballet Flats, which you can buy for $195 at Bloomindales.
(March 24, 2009 - Photo by Photo Agency)
Bella Thorne accessorized her hot pink cocktail dress with Kate Spade New York Charm Heel at the Justin Bieber movie premier. You can buy the shoes online at zappos.com for $325.
(February 8, 2011 - Photo by Bauer Griffin)
Hayden Panettiere wore black mesh and patent Aileen ankle booties with red lining by Charles Jourdan at Chateau Marmont on Feb. 23rd. You can buy them for yourself at Amazon.com for $154.45.
(February 23, 2011 - Photo by PacificCoastNews.com)
Jennifer Lopez stunned in these metal stud embellished Gucci Sigourney sandals. You can buy these right off their website in 3 different colors: honey color python ($1250); light tobacco leather($795), and military green suede ($795), which J-Lo is wearing in the picture below.
(November 19, 2010 - Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images North America)
Brave the rainbow color palette
(L)- Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Fashion Show as part of Cibeles Fashion Week A/W 2011 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images Europe); (R)- Pam Hogg Show at London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2011 (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images Europe).
When the sun shines on droplets of water, a colorful rainbow appears in the sky revealing a beautiful spectrum of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Although the sun has not been shining enough lately due to the harsh winter weather, there’s no reason why we can’t add the colors of the rainbow to our wardrobe. This winter, you can be the drop of water the sun needs to create its vibrant assortment of color!
BCBGeneration Violet Clutch ($36.00)
Brian Atwood Maniac Mix ($1195)
Rainbow-Stripe Elastic Mini Skirt ($59.49)
French Connection wimbledon dress ($39.99)
Josey's 2 Inch Multicolor Crystal Rainbow Design Black Hoop Earrings ($37)
Speechless Rainbow Paisley Pick Up-Style Strapless Dress ($71.40)
Glam up your feet with Glitter shoes for less
Gianmarco Lorenzi Gregory Shoes ($2795)
I can’t seem to get over the sparkly Gianmarco Lorenzi Gregory Shoes Adrienne Maloof wore on the season finale of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (pictured left), which aired on Bravo on Thursday, January 20th. I also can’t get over the $2,795 price tag. For those of you who are in love with the shoes just as much as I am, here are some more affordable options that have just as much sparkle, but don’t cost as much money.
Joan & David "Flipp" Platform Pumps ($154.00)
Enzo Angiolini 'Smiles' Platform Pump ($94.95)
Wear the a similar style by Zanotti for much less - Giuseppe Zanotti Women's I06150 Glitter Pump ($492.72)
Queens pumps from Carlos by Carlos Santana ($89.00)
Look below at the pumps on the left by Steve Madden , which will run you $130. Check out a similar version from Sears (right), which only cost $30!
Steve Madden's Caryssa pump ($103; zappos.com)
SM New York Women's Roberts - Gold Glitter ($29.99; sears.com)
Artistic Footwear
Shoes have come a long way since its primary purpose of protecting feet from injury. Nowadays, the shoes you wear are a fashion statement, and designers are taking it one step further (pun intended) by creating shoes that are not only functional, but edgy architectural works of art made to be shunned, admired and if your daring, worn. Here are some unique footwear designs are visually bold, unconventional and creative works of art.
-
- Elephant dung heels by INSA
-
- Candyland Shoes by House of Gasoline Glamour
-
- Alberto Guardiani’s Lipstick Heel
-
- Kobi Levi. Chewing gum 2009.
-
- Andre Perugia fish shoe, 1931
-
- Jean-Charles de Castelbajac leopard heel
Go Hiking in Stilettos….Seriously
Sandal manufacturer Teva has teamed up with Grey Ant clothing company to make one of this year’s most brilliant, yet bizarre fashion finds….a 4-inch stacked stiletto so comfortable it can be worn in the great outdoors. The website the shoes can be bought on boasts that the pumps are the “most comfortable, performance high heel(s) on the planet,” while showcasing pictures of women wearing the shoes while hiking, climbing and performing various outdoor activities. Yet, at the very bottom of the product description it reads: “Not recommended for actual hiking, gardening, mountain climbing, or Phish concerts.” So, I suppose the pictures are just a marketing ploy to garner interest, but the pumps may still be a viable option if you are looking for comfortable heels that apparently feel like sneakers. The stilettos, which are best paired with socks, are available in Natural and Black and cost $330.
