Louboutins S/S 2011 Lookbook by Khuong Nguyen: Not Just Shoes Anymore

The Spring/Summer 2011 Louboutin lookbook by Khuong Nguyen shows the shoes, not on feet, but strapped to rockets, carried by umbrellas and pulled by balloon animals. It has a Murakami/Alice in Wonderland feel — literally and figuratively putting Christian Louboutins in another dimension. Somehow, our Jeffrey Campbells don’t seem as exciting. Hmmm.  

[via Trendland]

LUST HAVE: Becca Moon Grey Heller Boot

We love these Becca Moon boots! Distressed grey suede, a stacked wooden heel and snappy button detail make this the boot we’ll wear deep into spring.

Available at OAK, $576.

Lace-Up SHOE Extravaganza: Guiseppe Zanotti for Christopher Kane

The Fall 2010 shoe collection collab between Guiseppe Zanotti and Christopher Kane resulted in shoes not for the faint of heart. Spiky heels, fierce lace-up cut-outs and a variety of booties, whether with lacing up the ankles or an open toe–will satisfy the inner dominatrix in any girl.

Tall Lace Booties

Laced Booties

Laced Peep-toe Booties

Available at Shopbop.com.

FALL WANT: All Saints Amarante Boots

I wish fall would hurry it up and get here already! I’m dying to wear slouchy cropped pants with boots, leggings with boots, pretty much anything with boots. I know there are those brave fashionista souls who soldier on during the summer in boots paired with cute skirts and dresses. However, my feet refuse to be stuck in the sweaty, closed-in jail that anything other than open-toe sandals seem.

These Amarante boots from UK based retailer  All Saints (marked down to a reasonable $125) capture the military influence perfectly–sturdy heels, lace-up detailing and a burnished, distressed leather. I can see them with a floral dress and a fleece motorcycle jacket or a high-waisted mini-skirt and over-the-knee socks.

These boots are meant to be versatile and carry you through fall and winter–fashionably–without looking like you’re trying too hard.

COOL COLLAB ALERT: JOSS STONE x Nine West Vintage America Shoe Collection

Joss Stone, one of our favorite free-spirited songstresses, has teamed up with Nine West to create a limited-edition collection for their Vintage America Collection. Predictably bohemian, outdoorsy and feminine, the two models feature either taupe or black suede, faux shearling trim and braid (on the over-the-knee boot) or studs (on the bootie).

Osojoss Bootie

Stone Boot

Available in-store and online 9/21.

The Most Wearable Fashion-Forward Fall Trends

Fall is just around the corner, and when the leaves fall, the fashion changes from summer flirty to fall chic. No need to overhaul your closet, though. From over-the-knee boots to velvet leggings and updated cargos, adding a few key pieces to your fall wardrobe is all you need to punch it up!

TREND: VELVET

Velvet comes around every so often, but nothing looks fresher than touches of velvet on jackets or updated velvet leggings peeking out from under a tunic and boots.

MARC by Marc Jacobs Fitted Oxford Jacket

This fitted oxford jacket from MARC by Marc Jacobs has velvet accents at the collar, waist and wrists–upping the sophistication level sky-high! Available at Neiman Marcus.

Velvet leggings present a new take on the tight pants that have dominated the pants market for the past few years. Wear with over-the-knee boots, a longer tunic and motorcycle-inspired jacket.

Bop Basics Velvet Leggings

These Bop Basic velvet leggings have a rich sheen and long length, perfect for fall! Available at Shopbop.com.

TREND: OVER THE KNEE BOOTS

When over the knee boots exploded on the the fashion scene last fall, some women worried that the look would be a little too “Maid Marian at the Renaissance Fair.” Luckily, their surprising versatility has spurred their comeback this fall! The key is to keep the rest of the outfit low-key and to keep the heels on the lower side, otherwise professional women will look like a different kind of “professional” if you know what we mean.

Steve Madden Overrpas Over the Knee Boot

The sleek suede and low heel of the Steve Madden Overrpass boot is perfect for pairing with dark skinny jeans and an oversized patchwork sweater. Available at Nordstrom.

Modern Vintage Carina Over the Knee Buckle Boot

These Modern Vintage Carina boots come with edgy buckle detailing and mid-heel height. Available at Singer22.com.

TREND: SKINNY CARGO PANTS

Cargo pants are no longer the bastion of comfort-loving soccer moms. Updated with a skinny silhouette and hardware details, fall’s cargo pants pair perfectly with gladiators or tucked into ankle boots. Military inspiration never looked so fashionable!

J BRAND Houlihan Zip Cargo Pants

These J BRAND Houlihan zip cargo pants have achieved cult-like status due to a flattering ankle length, zipper detailing and the perfect amount of stretch. Available at Revolveclothing.com.

Clogging the Streets: The NEW Clogs

The wedge has reigned as the king of spring and summer shoes for the last half-decade or so, but when time came for me to get a new pair, I felt strangely ill–kind of like when watching too many episodes of Jersey-themed “reality” shows.  Luckily, clogs have reasserted their place among shoes as as a legitimate alternative to wedges or high-heeled sandals ever since they showed up at the Chanel Spring/Summer 2010 fashion show last year. Thanks, Karl! This doesn’t mean you have to emulate Karl Lagerfeld’s version or traditional Dutch clogs, though. Everyone from Jeffrey Campbell to Lanvin has jumped on the clog bandwagon with versions that run that gamut from more traditional close-toe clogs to open-toe sleeker versions.

Here are our picks for the cutest clogs of the season.

DV Dolce Vita “Jezebal” clog combines a cute peeptoe with a stacked heel and oodles of style:

Photo: Bloomingdales.com

The Charli platform clog from Jeffrey Campbell more closely emulates the Chanel S/S  2010 clogs and features a convertible strap that can be worn along the front or as a slingback. Wear with pushed down socks and a floral dress.

Photo: Freepeople.com

Sam Edelman’s Flair clog marries the standard clog silhouette with rough-and-tumble burnished chain accents.

Photo: Piperlime.com

When fall rolls around, these clog booties from Opening Ceremony combine style and comfort perfectly.

Photo: Shopbop.com

More Plastic Shoes: Kartell and Moschino Bow Wow Flats

Following in the footsteps (har) of Melissa plastic shoes, plastic furniture design house Kartell teamed up with Moschino to create the adorable Bow Wow flat for Spring/Summer 2011. Eye-catching and colorful, the interwoven flats with the signature Moschino bow are made of nontoxic thermoplastic and are 100% recyclable! How fashionable.

[via Design Milk]

Star Spangled Fashion: Show Your Stars and Stripes

Fourth of July calls for fireworks,  barbecues and, of course, patriotic fashion. It’s the one day you can wear stars, stripes and three colors without looking silly. Well, you might still look silly, but everyone will have so many Pabst Blue Ribbons in them, you could wear a Ghana flag and no one would notice.

Here are a few picks to show your patriotism. USA!

This chemise from Old Navy is supposed to be for sleeping, but I say it’s for fashionably holding a beer.

Stars and Stripes Racerback Chemise

This bikini from Tilly is a cute take on stars and stripes, using pink and black while incorporating stars and stripes.

This cute finger-painted tee from Yes Style replaces stars with hearts to show your love of country (and love of your country’s soccer team. Meow!).

Flag Print T-shirt

I don’t quite know what to make of these Giuseppe Zanotti open-toe booties from Zappos. They’re either hideous or brilliant. There’s just so much going on. Stars! Eagles! Rhinestones! I have a headache just looking at them. I’m erring on the side of hideous, but to each her own.

Blow Your Vuvuzelas–Check Out Havaianas World Cup Flip-Flops

Show support for your favorite soccer team with Havaianas limited edition World Cup flip-flops, representing 17 teams–USA, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Argentina, Spain, The Netherlands, Australia, England, Paraguay, France, Japan, Italy, Portugal, Nigeria and Cameroon.

Photo: Havaianas.com

At $24, these colorful sandals are the perfect way to show some nationalistic pride! They’re only being sold until July 11, but will most likely sell out before then. Score them online (haha) at Havaianas or Barneys, but hurry, because supplies are running low. GOOOOAAAAALLLLL!!!

Channeling Liberace: Why are Sequined Shoes Making a Comeback?

With slight alarm, I’ve been noticing sequins popping up on women’s shoes for summer and pre-fall–from Converse kicks to Miu Miu platforms. What accounts for this need for bling on one’s footwear? Is it a longing for the simpler times of Liberace or have we nothing else left to bedazzle? I, for one, will be skipping the sequins and keeping them where they belong–on pasties.

For the comfort-loving professional, I present: Sam Edelman Kat Sequined Oxfords!

Photo: Bloomingdales.com

For the hip-hop sequin lover, check out these Converse All Star Sequins in rainbow colors!

Photo: Piperlime.com

For the glam diva who needs her shoes to make an entrance before she does, how about Miu Miu Glittered Criss-Cross Pump? (I know glitter and sequins aren’t the same, but they are relatives.)

Photo: Bergdorfgoodman.com

Just for kicks (haha!), check out shoes from Liberace’s actual shoe collection from the Liberace Museum in, where else, Vegas.

Here’s his red sequined sneaker, circa 1966.

Photo: Shoeblog.com

And, his beaded pink loafers, circa 1967.

Photo: Shoeblog.com