Monday, June 25, 2007

Trend Watch: Jelly

Jellies are back, just in time for vacation season. The classics shapes of the 70s /80s are still around with some updating plus new mixes of textures and adornments. Some are fun, some practical, some just plain gorgeous. I've always loved them. They're all grown up. Be sure to read the latest Tips For Fabulous Feet for how to wear flip flops. And now the picks.




Kors by Michael Kors-Jupiter has a nice take on this classic Boho style. He totally made it futuristic using the jelly trend. And the bejeweled toe ring is just magpie enough. Very grown up and fun. Sundresses, short suits, and those boho graphic skirts would rock these shoes. $84.99@Shoes.com









On the more affordable side Michael Michael Kors-Joe Jelly has just as much style and simplicity as his Kors label. I love these and the turquoise is so me. They come in many colors. For $44.99 @ Shoes.com, I would get a few pairs.










I found these when I was scanning for deals. Penny Loves Kenny-Jellybean might be a take on the the Street-Chic slipper that's been so popular for the last few years. Maybe a more appropriate take on it. (I never understood house-slipper culture). $37.95 @Zappos.com








Leave it to Bestey (theme music here). Some how Ms. Johnson makes overdone fabulous. This is Josephine II. If this is #2 I wonder what the 1st incarnation was like. Somehow she took this shape and made it her own. The the cutouts, Multi-colored jewelling and (maybe the best part) the gold heart-shaped buckle. I want it. She never lets you forget your sense of humor and fun. If you agree, $80.00 @Zappos.





Kenzo has my heart with this one. The 273850 (sounds like a high-end car) is so sexy. I love a thong sandal. They took this jelly concept and mixed it with an espadrille wedge. So that makes it look, um... Comtempofuturemodernretrolistic or something? I'm making this up as I go. I do love it. $164.99 @ Shoes.com

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Tips For Fabulous Feet: Foot Health On Vacation

Salutations Shoejunkies! I know a lot of you are going on vacation. If your like me, vacation is a time to look as fantastic as possible. Fantastic means the highest sexiest shoes as possible without breaking the bank. But are we breaking our feet?

I recently read an article in the Temple Times at Temple University, of which I'll share with you. I don't know if I will do everything on the list, but it was enlightening. I know what I am doing to my feet and can take steps to combat foot pain and fatigue on vacation and during the daily grind.

Presonally, I'm going to tailor this list for my needs. There are many products at shops like
PainReliever.com, and other sources, that can aid in strengthening foot muscles and give added flexibility. So when you are doing the damage, at least you know how to combat it. Who wants to wear "sensible shoes" all the time unless they absolutely have to? I don't. But I also want to wear fantastic shoes forever. This will help. Hope it helps you. Let me know of anything you guys have read. Tootles...

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Steven by Steve Madden-Laisha

Hey Shoejunkies! Steve by Steve Madden does it for me. Laisha rocks. I got this shoe about a month ago. It's so fun to wear. The studs and braiding give a versatile edge. Apart from the obvious yum factor, the heel is wider in the back sleek on the side view. I walked all day, downtown, in the rain and they were stable. There's more cushion in the toe pad than usual. I did add a gel pad to it. Not just for comfort but to help with sliding. They work with capris, 50's skirts (for added vampiness) and jeans. Day or evening (in those awesome frocks). On sale $102.56 @Zappos. Woo hoo!!!

Monday, June 18, 2007

Trend Watch: Lucite

Lucite (or what Chris Rock warmly calls "Clear heels"), once the domain of the sex industry, is being thrust back into the mainstream. They had a "foothold" in the 70s with disco and the hedonistic lifestyle that 'escorted' it. But some how it fell out of favor with those "respectable" types during the Reagan years (uh huh... while they were wife swapping in the 'Burbs') I digress. They're not just for stripping anymore. They're being produced in all kinds of new ways. Chunky, sleek an futuristic, just brimming with femininity.







These little kitten heels by J. Renee´ are adorable. Called Dice, for obvious reasons. They have the right mix of casual edge for daytime wear. Cork sole with gold accents give this shoe some meow without going too over-the-top. Just magpie enough. $98.95@Zappos








Kenneth Cole Unlisted adds Clear View to the list. This is what I would call conservative stripper chic. The smoke color lend interest. While the clear upper give the ever popular floating arched foot illusion which drives em mad... $39.99 @Shoes.com











You can't talk about sex appeal without Betsey Johnson. The trends always come back to her. Why? Because ultra femme, attention getting gear is always classic. And the mix of fabrics and textures in Sailor make it totally retro-futuristic. Like to dance? have I got the shoe for you $175.00 on Sale! @Zappos.









Another awesome brand in my book Carlos By Carlos Santana. He hit it out the park with Chisel. Guess it's that spicy Latino soul (or sole). He's gone from the mainstream for a while, comes back, writes more hits, and designs this sick line of shoes with his wife. One of the break out brands. $99.95 @Zappos










Okay, Everyone has a shoe brand now. I guess we can thank China. Playboy is an obvious choice for this trend. It's a staple in the genre and Bianca comes Vegas ready. With it's bejeweled details and sparlked black. Remember, what happens in Bianca stays in Bianca. $54.00 @ Shoes.com.










This is it/What/ Luchini Falling from the sky. Remember that song by Camp Lo from the 90s? If this brand fell from the sky I'd have my umbrella-ella-ella turned upside down. Luchini is another brand to watch. It's new to me. Every time they come up, they have such cool details. Take the Maggie. It's got the floating foot illusion, with the reptile pattern in bone. Yum. Simplicity and sexy for $69.99 @Shoes.com












I gotta include the original. The one and only. Guaranteed for fun. For Adults only. Any other warnings I can give? This is the ultimate lover crazed shoe. Dancers like it because it works on the stage. You'll like it because it works in the bedroom. You gotta tart it up sometimes and not just on ya lovers birthday. Ellie-Vanity has you covered for $34.99 @Shoes.com.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Trend Watch : Animal Prints

Hey Shoejunkies! I don't believe I have seen more animal prints since the golden age of film. Back then it was a sign of wealth and prosperity. Fast forward to environmentally correct now. It's more a sign of edginess (which I love). Summer always brings out exotic influences and this season is no exception. They keep coming up in different ways, metallic, colors, and even in sneakers. WOW! I have a few picks for you. But keep on the lookout for yourself...




Try this on on for size. CARLOS BY CARLOS SANTANA's Pursuit in leopard. The woven wedge give an earthy look but the leopard strappiness is all vamp. Hello sundress, frock and don't forget about the crop pants. Very breezy with just the right amount of va-va-voom
. $89.99 @Shoes.com












How yummy is is this? Looks like Dr. Scholl's Original went through an update.
Meet the new and improved Heaven in brown giraffe. I love the giraffe print. Rare compared to other animal prints so when I see it, I grab it. Perfect for taking in the sites on vacation or walking during festival season. Remember, Dr. Scholl's is the original leg shaper shoe. There are imitators but only one originator. $49.99 @Shoes.com










MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS
does it again with Dylan snakeskin in fatigue green? I love it. Pair with cargo shorts and feminine top. Neutral enough to wear anywhere, but dressy enough for clubbing, weddings, cocktail parties, etc... $118.99 @Shoes.com
















Naughty Monkey
gets in the game with Jungle Fever in zebra print on pony. It's sexy, playful, and edgy. It's 40s and 50s trends. It's monochrome and men's tailoring trends as well. Ahhh flexibility. $69.99 @Shoes.com












Tiger print on pony and gold. Love this combo in Femme from LAUNDRY by SHELLI SEGAL. First, tiger print is rare compared to the leopard and zebra counterparts but just as hip. Second, the gold leather detail and buckle rock. The 2 are together are neutral glam. So they can dress up your casual looks and work for dressy. on sale $101.99 @Shoes.com








Shoejunkies this is the Christy by Punkrose. Christy meet the Shoejunkies. How cute are these sneakers in leopard? They're so fun. Bike ride anyone? Sightseeing? No? How 'bout putting a cute face on the mundane task of running errands? You may not feel glamorous. At least your feet will be cute. $39.99 @Shoes.com










Steven by Steve Madden
does it again with NV1's modern take on the classic leopard peep toe pump. This is how I picture leopard print styling. Vampy. This style still and will always turns heads. It would look awesome with the Spring/Summer Armani-esque styles. With the flowing chiffon trousers and neutral fitted jackets add a sun hat and you're ready.
$127.99 on sale @Shoes.com

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Trend Watch : Tortoise Shell

Hey shoejunkies. Enjoying the summer weather? Looks like a lot of us are. Especially as Nu Boho evolves into the exotic patterns and animal prints of Modern Africa. Which brings me to the subject, tortoise shell. Last time it was en vogue, Jimmy Carter was president and it was in eye glass frames and gentle touch razors, not shoes. Thanks to plastic technology, it is in shoes. So pull out the safari jacket or jewel-tone dresses and skirts. I'm just scratching the surface here.Check these styles.







This the dream shoe 573988 by Givenchy. Less practical then the other choices but such eye candy. You got to love a chunky wedge. Especially when they're so unique. Add the vinyl tortoise shell upper.Yum... Strappy and sexy, but the $583.99 trust fund sticker shock wakes me right up. But that's not to stop you. @Zappos Couture.











Alternatively, you can still sport it with this sexy functional wedge. Nine West -Tobago. The tortoise shell is the wedge. I ogle it everyday. More understated, it can work with more outfits. Jeans, slacks, shorts you name it. And the price? $39.99 on sale @Ninewest.
Much Better!








And if your like me and want something a bit less extreme, a little more fem. Check out Steve Madden - Blaye. Oh you gotta love the simplicity. Very subtle, with a touch of tortoise shell in the thong. These are a go anywhere sandal. Our favorite ex-con does it again. $55.95 @Zappos.